Samuel Edward “Skip” Benge, Craig William Dilts, Joseph Wayne “Joe” McGraw, Diana Lynn Parton, Sandra J. Newton

Samuel Edward “Skip” Benge

Samuel Edward “Skip” Benge, 89, Kokomo, Indiana, and formerly of Deedsville, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Vincent Heart Hospital, Indianapolis

Born September 25, 1936, in Perrysburg, Indiana, he was the son of Samuel Birch and Eileen Bertha (Cassel) Benge. His first marriage was on August 10, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, Indiana, to Katrina Sue Schmidt Benge, and she preceded him in death on November 18, 2018.

Together, Skip and Katrina had four children: Daryl (Kim) Benge, Greenfield; Darlene (Rob) Graber, Peru; Karen (Larry “Bug”) Mullins, Denver; and Diann DeVivo, Indianapolis; seven grandchildren Luke Benge, Leslie Bardonner, Kelsey Graber Kendra Peters, and Kyle and Gabrielle DeVivo, and Grace Nightingale; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

His second marriage was on February 22, 2022, at the Kokomo Seventh Day Adventist Church, to Diana (Deitz) Beeler Benge, and she survives along with her two children Shaun (Erik) Henderson-Vigil of Fulton and Melody Jo (Jim) Johnson of Indianapolis; and grandchildren Alex Hoover and Joseph Hoover.

In addition to his first wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, William K. Benge.

Skip graduated from Deedsville High School in 1954. He went on to join the United States Air Force and was a 32-year veteran of the United Parcel Service, where he retired driving the northern Miami County route. For many years he was on the North Miami Football Chain Gang and was proud to be on the sidelines for the 1993 state championship team. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Indiana Hoosiers fan and loved being an usher for Notre Dame football games. He enjoyed model trains, coon hunting, and spending time fishing in Minnesota and Michigan. He loved working in his garden, traveling, and his dogs.

Skip was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Peru, and had recently been a member of the Kokomo Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Peru, with Pastor Josua P. Dub officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Friday, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.

Memorial contributions can be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery fund.

Craig William Dilts

Craig William Dilts left this world at home on 11/13/2025 at 12:44 p.m. He was surrounded by his relatives and friends.

Craig was born in Los Angeles, CA, on March 22, 1958, to Nick Dilts and Sue (Dilts) Earnest.

He was the former owner of Dilts Floor Covering. After moving to Marion, IN, he attended Marion Community Schools, getting his high school diploma with the U.S. Army. Along with floor covering, he also played bass guitar with a group called “12 Toed Joe.” After retirement, he became proficient in woodworking and made everything from intricate jewelry boxes and guitars to outdoor furniture. Craig was known for his great sense of humor. He was a wonderful son, brother, companion, father, and friend.

He is survived by his companion of over 30 years Sherry Fite, sons Tyler (Maranda) Dilts and Ian Dilts, his mother Sue Earnest, sisters Keri Dilts of Marion and Nikki Dilts of AZ. He is also survived by his stepsons Zach (Chelsea) Knipp and Joshua (Jessi) Fite and stepdaughter Amanda (Joshua) Mizelle of N. Carolina, grandchildren Shiloh Knipp and Sara Knipp, and good friend Charlie Sampson. He is also survived and mourned by his very protective and loving dog George. Craig was preceded in death by his father Nick Dilts, stepfather George Earnest, grandparents Kenneth Craig, Jean Craig, and Lawrence and Roseanna Beck.

Craig will be cremated and will be honored with a Remembrance of Life at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, 5909 S. Jay St., Marion, on December 6 at 2:00 p.m.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Joseph Wayne “Joe” McGraw

Joseph Wayne “Joe” McGraw, 51, of Sharpsville, passed away peacefully at 5:55 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on September 4, 1974, in Kokomo, to Steven Kent and Patricia Ann (Bradway) McGraw.

Joe graduated from Tri-Central High School in 1993. He went on to build a 31–year career at the Kokomo Chrysler Casting Plant, where he was respected for his reliability, work ethic, and determination. His roots on the family farm shaped much of who he was: steady, capable, honest, and at home with hard work. Joe loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting, shooting, and working around the farm and visiting with the people he cared about most.

Above all, Joe was devoted to his son Jared, who was the center of his world and will carry on the family farming legacy. He loved his family and friends deeply and had a gift for storytelling that drew people in and made them feel connected. Those who knew him will remember his bright blue eyes, quick wit, strength of his character, his loyalty, and the easy way he could make others feel welcome.

He is survived by his son Jared McGraw of Marion; mother Patricia Parker of Kokomo; siblings Wesley McGraw of Sharpsville, and Alicia (McGraw) Peifer and her husband Jonathan of Clarksville, Tennessee; nieces and nephews Michael Peifer, Alexandra Peifer, and Remington Peifer, all of Clarksville; uncle Ray Bradway, Jr., and his wife Jerelyn of Kokomo; honorary uncle Keith Percival of Kokomo; aunts Donna Vawter of Kokomo, Sue (Bradway) Knapp of Antwerp, Ohio, and Sandra (Bradway) Young of Ft. Wayne; as well as many cousins and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; father Steven McGraw; aunt Janet (McGraw) Percival; and cousin Allison Percival.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes, a private family burial will take place in Sharpsville Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Diana Lynn Parton

Diana Lynn Parton, 66, of Tipton, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, November 17, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1959, in Tipton to her parents Robert Edward Parton and Ina Jean (Morris) Parton. Diane attended Tipton High School and was in the class of 1978.

Diane lived her life with a quiet strength, and she uplifted everyone around her. She had such a devoted love for her family that never wavered. She always showed up with encouragement, guidance, or simply the comfort of her presence. Diane was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her warmth and wisdom shaped many hearts through the years.

She was truly the glue of her family and held people together through every season of life. She celebrated joys, supported through hardships, and led by example when it came to loving well. Diane believed deeply in doing things the right way; a value she lived out every day through kindness, integrity, and her willingness to help others. She was strong in her faith and deeply loved her church family, Church of Christ in Tipton.

Diane had an unbreakable spirit. She always took life on with courage and grace. Her impact on others was far greater than what she realized or ever gave herself credit for. She will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her!

Those left to carry on Diane’s legacy of love are her children Stacy Reeves (Chad), Jessica Ahern (Karl), Jeremy Hill, Taylor Carter (Matt), and Olivia Fulk (Brock); grandchildren Bryant Reeves, Jordan Reeves (Kenna), Jordyn Arthur, Nicholas Arthur, and another grandbaby on the way. Diana is also survived by a great-grandson Bryson Reeves; siblings Kim Rood (Tony), Phil Parton, and Chris Parton; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Bob & Jean Parton, and her brothers DeWayne Parton and Bruce Parton.

A service will be held at a later date and will be updated here when known. Memorial donations in Diane’s honor may be made to Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses. Contributions can be submitted using the online donation link located at both the top and bottom of her obituary page.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Parton family in their time of need.

Sandra J. Newton

Sandra J. Newton, 76, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:05 a.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Aperion Care in Kokomo. She was born on June 1, 1949, in Missouri, the daughter of Harvey E. and Mary E. (Wayman) Talley. On October 9, 2010, she married Everett E. Newton, and he survives.

Sandra enjoyed playing pool and virtual bowling at the Red Dog. She also loved coloring.

Along with her husband Everett, she is survived by her son John Hall, sisters Donna L. Hartman and Doris K. Nichols, aunts Patty (Jeff) Kohel and Mary (Harry) VanNess, uncle James Clark, and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Mary Talley and her husband’s parents Everette and Glenda Newton.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes-Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo. Burial followed at Crown Point Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.