Evelyn Faye Shifflett, Adrian Veda (Blair) Burger, Lu Ann Smith, Kenneth Edward Mulkey, Janith Clare (Lindley) Baird, Pamela D. Lusher, Michelle Ann Ennis, Helen A. Smith, Lester F. Prifogle
Evelyn Faye Shifflett
Evelyn Faye Shifflett, age 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away January 24, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born to Melvin & Dovie Blazor in Springfield, Missouri, on September 28, 1939. Evelyn married the love of her life, George, on November 28, 1956. He preceded her in death March 13, 2023.
She was a health care worker at Howard Community Hospital, Windsor Estates, and Century Villa as a CNA. She also worked in the cafeteria at Bon Air School. She enjoyed camping, motorcycle riding, and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She went to all the sporting events and school programs: anything the kids were involved in!
Evelyn lived her life for others, always placing her family at the center of everything she did. Her fun spirit and caring heart filled every room. She was a true matriarch whose legacy of love will live on through the countless memories she made with her family.
Surviving to cherish those memories include two children Wanda Hunt and Kathy (Phil) Reel; sister Patsy Ginst; grandchildren Ryan (Megan) Reel, Randy (Annita) Reel, Dustan (Julie) Hunt, Kaleigh Hunt, and Eli Shifflett; and great-grandchildren Brandon, Kaiden, Jackson, Madelyn, Owen, Kenny, and Olivia.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved spouse George Shifflett; parents Melvin & Dovie Blazor; sister Earlene Goings; brother Jimmy Blazor; and son Kenny Shifflett.
A visitation will be held on January 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, United States.
The funeral service will follow on January 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the same location. Evelyn will be laid to rest immediately following her funeral service at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, Indiana.
Adrian Veda (Blair) Burger
Adrian Veda (Blair) Burger, 91, of Kokomo, IN, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. She was born on December 29, 1934, to Myrtle Edith (Watkins) Blair and William F. Cooley in Clinton, Arkansas. She was the youngest of eight children.
Adrian spent her early years proving that childhood in the Arkansas mountains was equal parts adventure and survival training. Between falling into fireplaces, getting thrown from rocking chairs, cracking her head on wagon wheels, choking on freshly picked cotton, perilously crossing swinging bridges, smoking rabbit tobacco, and nearly being taken out by not one but two vindictive roosters, it’s a miracle she made it to third grade. Her older siblings did their best to keep her alive, though their babysitting techniques were creative.
Adrian’s childhood philosophy was simple: never make the same mistake twice. (Making NEW mistakes, however, was fair game.) She cut up her mother’s best dress to make doll clothes—once. She called her mother a liar—once. She picked green apples thinking her mom would be thrilled—once. She learned fast, but she sure kept things interesting.
She remembered her childhood adventures as some of the best times of her life.
At 17, Adrian left Arkansas for Kokomo, Indiana, where she worked at Crume’s Drive-In and met Ernest Arnett. They married in 1953 and had five daughters: Cynthia Marie Arnett, Debra Ann (Ed) Graber, Joni Lynn (Bill) Aaron, Carole Jeanne (Art) Hwang, and Jennifer Lynde (Scott) Julian.
In 1980, Adrian married Noel Robert Burger, the love of her life. Together they traveled the world, burned a path from Indiana to Florida (where they eventually retired), and created a life full of adventure and love. Adrian worked for Delco Electronics for more than 20 years. True to form, she didn’t really retire—she managed a hotel and worked part-time at Walmart because sitting still was never her style. She was powered by Folgers coffee and chocolate, possibly in equal measure.
Adrian was a straight shooter who loved honest conversation, thoughtful discussion, and yes, an occasional gossip session. She was a great mother to her children and became a best friend and great sounding board to them as adults. You could always count on her to tell you the truth, even when it wasn’t easy to hear.
Adrian is survived by her five daughters and their families; nine grandchildren Nicole Graber, Danielle Graber, Cullen (Kamy) Graber, Clint (Kristin)Aaron, Kristin Aaron, Matthew DiDonato, Adrienne Hwang, Alexandra Hwang, and Olivia Julian; 17 great-grandchildren Bryar Iliff, Braden Iliff, Gabriel Williams, Brielle Williams, Hadlee Graber, Kaiah Graber, Kallen Graber, Rhinehart Aaron, Fletcher Aaron, Wyatt Aaron, Kalia Homan, Malakai Homan, Wesley Bradley, Obadiah Bradley, Bo Bradley, Parker Bradley, and Nash Bradley; and countless people whose lives she touched in her 91 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Noel, her parents, her seven siblings, her granddaughter Andrea Williams, and every rooster who ever dared to cross her path.
Let’s all raise a cup of coffee (two creamers, no sugar) in honor of Adrian today. She lived a full life, survived more childhood mishaps than seems possible, loved deeply, and never made the same mistake twice.
A visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902 on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Entombment will take place at Ever Rest Memorial Park, 8315 Logansport Road, Logansport, IN 46947 on January 30, 2026, immediately following the funeral service.
Lu Ann Smith
Lu Ann Smith, 71, of Kokomo, passed away at her home at 6:16 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was born April 17, 1954, in Bedford, Indiana, to William and Winnie (Ira) Quackenbush. On May 1, 2005, she married Buford Earl Smith, Jr., at Christian Life Fellowship in Greentown, and he survives.
Lu Ann attended Kokomo High School and had worked as a waitress at several different restaurants, her most enjoyable being at Cracker Barrel. She loved nature, especially feeding the birds, gardening, and animals. She also liked collecting glass and had a large display in her home. She loved children and had become the lady at church who always had candy to pass out, and she loved southern and bluegrass gospel music. Lu Ann was a member of Christian Life Fellowship in Greentown. She was physically born in 1954 but was born again in 2004 and dearly loved the Lord and her church.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her sons Chad (Sheila) Stone, Craig (Teresa) Stone, and Zeke (Hope) Stone; grandchildren Steven, Joe, Milo, Carlos, Trish, Coleman, and Averie; sister Melissa Hill; brother-in-law Victor Torivo; special nieces Nicole and Annie; special great-nephew and niece Phoenix Chance and Myvaiah Rain; and several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents William Quackenbush and Winnie Hill; son Curtis Stone; and sisters Connie Torivo and Linda Zoll.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Christian Life Fellowship, 1009 Holiday Dr., Greentown, with Pastors Gary Hoover and Logan Sparling officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday at the church. Contributions may be made in Lu Ann’s memory to Christian Life Fellowship. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Kenneth “Ken” Edward Mulkey
Kenneth “Ken” Edward Mulkey, 66, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on January 24, 2026. He was born on June 18, 1959, in Harlan, Kentucky, the son of Arlie “Joe” David Mulkey and Pauline “Polly” Ruth (Cothern) Mulkey.
Ken was a 1977 graduate of Haworth High School, where he was a standout athlete. He served as the starting second baseman on the Post 6 1976 state championship team. Following graduation, he accepted a baseball scholarship to the University of Evansville.
A lifelong sports fan, Ken was a loyal supporter of the Indianapolis Colts, the Cincinnati Reds, and Jeff Gordon, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on his teams. He valued time spent with family and friends and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Ken enjoyed staying connected with his former softball teammates and loved hosting friends for poker nights. Known for his incredible kindness, he made everyone feel welcome.
Above all else, Ken cherished his wife, his children, and his grandson. He also found great comfort and companionship in his beloved dogs Max and Millie and his cat Harry.
He is survived by his wife Lora Burke-Mulkey; his children Brooke (Mulkey) Hopkins and her husband Nicholas Hopkins of Russiaville, Indiana, Breanne (Mulkey) Gingerich and her husband Justin Gingerich of Chicago, Illinois, and Nathan Mulkey of Kokomo, Indiana; his stepdaughter Emily Burke of Kokomo, Indiana; and his siblings John Mulkey and his wife Dee of St. Johns, Florida, and Anita (Mulkey) Taylor of Tipton, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Polly Mulkey; his daughter Heidi Mulkey; his grandson Mason Hopkins; and the many pets he loved over the years.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Memories may be shared with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Janith “Jan” Clare (Lindley) Baird
Janith “Jan” Clare (Lindley) Baird, 83, of Kokomo, passed away 1:42 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, at St. Vincent 86th Street Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 22, 1942, the daughter of the late Herman and Beulah (Carow) Lindley. Her life companion is Davey Mendez. They shared more than 30 years together, and he survives.
Jan was a 1960 graduate of Western High School. She formerly worked at Delco Electronics and at the Howard County Sherriff’s Department for three years as a matron. Her career was spent serving the City of Kokomo as clerk, secretary, foreman, lab technician, officer manager, and inventory. She retired after 38 years of service. Jan will be remembered for being the most caring and generous lady. She was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. Her favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, baking, and sewing. She was very creative and often wrote poetry and short stories. Jan was the best caretaker of her family and everybody she crossed paths with.
In addition to her companion Davey, Jan is survived by her daughter Dawn Scircle; grandson Michael (Ashley) Scircle; great-grandson Emmett Scircle; bonus children Judy Bowlin, Daniel Mendez; bonus grandchildren AJ Bowlin, Zack Bowlin, David Bowlin; several nieces and nephews; a large extended family of her significant other’s who she considered as her own family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Frances Lindley, Thomas Lindley, Carol (James) Bowlin; and grandchildren Nick Bowlin, Tevan Mendez.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, the celebrant. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to the Veterans Association of America, Inc. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Pamela D. Lusher
Pamela D. Lusher, 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Kokomo. She was born on June 30, 1949, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Jacob Henry “Hank” Powell and Carolee Marcea Goodier.
Pamela was the mother of Todd (Karen) Johnson, Tamatha (Steven) Huston, and Tony (Renea) Johnson.
She was a grandmother to eight grandchildren: Joshua (Sarah) Johnson, Zachary Johnson, RJ Pruett, Shelby (Lucas) Rica, Gabrielle (Shannon) Murray, Seth (Jordyn) Johnson, Nikki (Jayce) Ellis, and Kelli Huston.
She was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren: Summer Johnson, Wyatt Johnson, Colston Earlywine, Jonah Johnson, Devin Johnson, Alonnah Johnson, Everly Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Lorelai Reca, Olivia Murray, and Jameson Ellis.
Pamela is also survived by her twin sister Penny Taylor.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob Henry “Hank” Powell and Carolee Marcea Goodier and her brother Rick Powell.
A celebration of Pamela’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Fresh Start Ministries located at 801 W. Mulberry Street, Kokomo, Indiana, with Pastor Chadwick Collins officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Pamela’s life was deeply rooted in family, and her legacy lives on through the many generations she leaves behind. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with cremation.
Michelle Ann Ennis
Michelle Ann Ennis was born on July 15, 1960, in Kokomo, Indiana, (United States) and passed away on January 25, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, (United States) and is under the care of Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center.
Visitation will be held on February 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church, 610 W. Alto Road Kokomo, IN. Funeral Service will be held on February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Victory Baptist Church, 610 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, IN.
Helen A. Smith
Helen A. Smith, 93, of Tipton, was born in Sheridan on November 19, 1932. She passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her parents were Basil & Geneva (Spear) Swarm.
She graduated from Westfield High School in 1950. Helen had a lengthy career in the insurance industry and had worked at Gulf Insurance, Monroe Guarantee Insurance Company and General Accident Insurance, retiring in 1999. She had attended Hortonville United Methodist Church and the First Presbyterian Church in Tipton. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and was an avid reader.
Helen was an only child, so a large family is something she always wanted. We all got together on Christmas Eve, which she enjoyed immensely.
Survivors include her three children David Smith and wife Rita, Denny Smith and wife Jody of Tipton, and Debbie Kappus of Tipton. Her grandchildren are Angie Blake, Jason Smith, Zach Smith, Erika Henderson, Abbie Smith, Sheila Westerhof, Samantha Kappus King, Stephanie Boyd, Shelby Kappus, and Steve Kappus II. She was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren Brody Blake, Stetson Blake, Harley Blake, Levi Kappus, Matilda Stout, Jack Stout, Gracie Heaton, Lillie Heaton, Wilson Heaton, Silas Henderson, Ava Westerhof, Ella Westerhof, and Colton Smith. Helen had three great-great-grandchildren Coraleigh Blake, McKaul Blake, and Dawson Radford Blake.
Funeral services for Helen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Knapp presiding. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Hamilton County. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Online condolences for Helen’s family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or East Union Christian Church, 1711 E. 296th Street, Atlanta, Indiana, 46031.
Lester F. Prifogle
Lester F. Prifogle, 95, of Greenwood, passed away at home Monday, January 26, 2026. Lester was born in Tipton on December 8, 1930, and had lived for many years in Fort Wayne before moving closer to family in Greenwood. His parents were William F. & Zella A. (Wynn) Prifogle.
We lost a great man on January 26. He didn’t climb mountains or cross any seas, but as a good friend of his said, “he was a true gentleman who was a hardworking man with a beautiful soul.” Known for sharing stories about his years on the farm, time spent in the army, and Indiana University sports, never imagining he would live to see IU win the CFP Championship. He never knew a stranger and never forgot a name.
Survivors include his daughters Julia Wellman of Naples, Florida, Diona Dunn (James Turbaugh) of Greenwood, and Diana Clark, also of Greenwood. He is also survived by five grandchildren Kate Wellman, and Jonathan, Michael, Daniel, and Benjamin Clark; one sister Mary Alice (Prifogle) Morrill; and six great-grandchildren Cole, Henry, William, Victoria, Catherine, and Gwendolyn. Lester had 12 nieces and nephews who affectionately called him “Uncle Killer.”
He was preceded in death by one son-in-law Steven Clark as well as his siblings Maxine (Prifogle) Gaugler and husband Elbert, Margaret “Charlene” (Prifogle) Henry and husband Ed, and Donald W. “Pete” Prifogle and wife Clarabelle.
Lester had desired no services once he passed away, and his family is honoring his wish. He will be buried in Fairview Cemetery next to his parents. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Prifogle family in their time of need. Online condolences may be left on Lester’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lester’s honor should be made to the Indiana University Foundation, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46206.