Jean Ann Johnson, Rosalea “Rosie” Kay (Farris) Kenworthy, Everett “Butch” Horner III, Alice Louise Martin, Leo Gene Watson, MD, Norman Lawrence Karis
Jean Ann Johnson
Jean Ann Johnson, 82, Kokomo, passed away at 9:39 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on January 11, 1944, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Raymond and Eleanora (Morris) Phillips. On March 23, 1963, she married Benjamin Huston Johnson, who preceded her in death on November 18, 2016.
Jean was a hairdresser for 40 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Kokomo and of Compassionate Friends. Jean enjoyed painting and gardening.
Jean is survived by her children David R. (Gina) Johnson and Debra J. Johnson; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Benjamin, Jean was preceded in death by her parents and son Robert M. Johnson.
A funeral service celebrating Jean’s life will take place at 12 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Paul Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Rosalea “Rosie” Kay (Farris) Kenworthy
Rosalea “Rosie” Kay (Farris) Kenworthy, 76, was born on January 2, 1950, in Hobbs, New Mexico, and went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2026. She was the daughter of Burl Litton and Kathleen (Rioth) Farris. On October 19, 1974, she was united in marriage to Merrell Kenworthy at Faith United Methodist Church. Rosie and Merrell were members of Faith Presbyterian Church and more recently First Friends Meeting.
Rosalea graduated from Kokomo High School in 1968. Rosie got a B.A. degree in art from Indiana Central College in 1972 and started teaching art classes at Taylor Jr. High. Rosie got an M.A. in art at Indiana Central University, now The University of Indianapolis, in 1977. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years. She then worked at Microchips Day Care Center, Bona Vista Day Care, and City of Kokomo Day Care.
After retiring from teaching, she spent most of her spare time scrapbooking and making greeting cards. Her cards were handmade and individualized for each recipient. She also gave hundreds of cards to her friends and family to send to their friends and family. She considered card making as her personal ministry to the community. Her cards were appreciated by everyone who got one. Rosie taught Sunday School classes for years at both Faith Presbyterian and First Friends. She developed craft projects for Vacation Bible School at both churches as well as with the Girl Scouts. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Merrell; brother Edward M. (Marti) Farris; children David Kenworthy, Melody Waggoner, Michelle (Jeremy) Kennedy, and Jonathan (Gina) Mangruem-Kenworthy; grandchildren William Kenworthy, Alexander Kenworthy, Aren (Andrew) Waggoner, Vivian Waggoner, Amelie Waggoner, Aiden Kennedy, Conner Kennedy, Braxon (Breanna) Kennedy, and Katilin Kennedy; and step-grandchild Journey Hile.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents Burl and Kathleen Farris.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Paradigm Health for their support.
A funeral service celebrating Rosie’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Michael Carson officiating. Burial in Albright Cemetery will be at 10 a.m., Monday, February 16, 2026. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 p.m. until the time of the service Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Rosie requested that donations be made to First Friends. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Everett “Butch” Horner III
Everett “Butch” Horner III, a man of remarkable skill and creativity, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Peru, Indiana. Born on October 7, 1943, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Everett Horner II and Naomi “Blue Eyes” Clark, Butch was a man whose intelligence and handiness knew no bounds. His life was a testament to the love of family, the value of hard work, and the pursuit of personal passions.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School, Butch furthered his education at the Westville Educational Center, where he honed his expertise in Electrics and Electronics. His professional journey as a talented welder and machine operator at Haynes International spanned many years, where his colleagues respected him for both his skill and his integrity.
Butch’s ingenuity was not confined to his work; his interests expanded to customizing cars and motorcycles, a hobby that brought him immense joy and satisfaction. Those who knew him could attest to the fact that he was not only handy but also deeply intelligent and creative, often finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
As much as he loved working with his hands, Butch’s greatest pride lay in his role as a beloved father and grandfather. He was a family man at heart, and in his later years, he found solace and strength in his faith and his loved ones. His children Everett (Lisa) Horner IV, Charles (Mary) Pebley, Renee (Larry) Enigk, and Angie (Larco) Horner were the lights of his life, and his love for them was immeasurable.
Butch’s legacy will continue through his cherished sister Zelma Kinney and his loving grandchildren Jeremy Conaway, Ryan Horner, Ashley Yard, Alston Horner, Dustin Horner, Charles Pebley Jr., Codi Pebley, Pastor Cory Pebley, Janelle Rhodes, Danielle Barnard, and Gabrielle Larco. His great-grandchildren Kenlie, Caelyn, Noah, Gatlen, Arie, Kylee Jean, Kirk Lynn, Tristan, Trenton, Neveah, Ian, Tyler Ridge, Raelynn, Timmy, Greyson, Mila, Beckett, Hazel, and Georgia will grow up hearing stories of their great-grandfather’s remarkable life and character.
Butch was preceded in death by his brothers Jack and J.D. Horner, who he now joins in eternal rest. His was a life well-lived, filled with the fruits of his labors and the warmth of his relationships. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will surely miss his presence, his laughter, and his unwavering dedication to those he loved.
Everett “Butch” Horner III’s memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness and spirit. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we celebrate the indelible mark he has left on this world. Rest in peace, Butch, your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Alice Louise Martin
Alice Louise Martin, 79, of Peru, Indiana, passed on February 6, 2026, at her home. She was born on October 24, 1946, in the Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of George Richard and Ruth Bertha (Selm) Stout.
Alice attended Kokomo schools and was a very devoted wife, mother, and children’s rights advocate. She was also a very loving sister. She also enjoyed baking, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. She was a member and deacon at Oakdale Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Robert Martin of Peru, Rhonda (Herman) Butzin of Peru, Kristie (Tom) Bowman of Kokomo, and Angela (Dennis) Conway; daughter-in-law Caryl Martin; grandchildren Kyle (Michelle) Myers, Anthany (Hailey) Martin, Brendan Martin, Elysabeth Martin, Kelsey (Jon) Rodriguez, Gabriel Butzin, and Isaiah Butzin; great-grandchildren Logan (Isabella Jenkins) Myers, Seth Myers, Erik Myers, and Oliver Martin; great-great granddaughter Blakely Myers; siblings Tommy (the late Totsie) Stout, Bobby (the late Sandy) Stout, Freddy (Sylvia) Stout, Judy (Dave) Cummins, Kathleen (Jim) Morgan, and Dave Stout.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 60 years Roger; son Dane Martin; granddaughter Autumn Louise Martin; great-granddaughter Aubrey Rodriguez; and sister Ruthie (George) Shine.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elara Caring Hospice and Lindsay Lewellen for the compassionate care that Alice received.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Leo Gene Watson, MD
Leo Gene Watson, MD, age 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Leo shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his childhood sweetheart and best friend Emily Ruth Joy Watson. A man of deep Christian conviction, Leo lived his life guided by his faith and was a proud, longtime member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed hosting his Bible study group at the lake for several summers.
Born and raised in Greenville, Illinois, Leo graduated from Greenville High School in 1957 and from Greenville College in 1960 with degrees in Chemistry and Pre-Medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1964 and went on to complete an internship and residency in the surgical specialty of ophthalmology.
Following his training, Leo served as an officer in the United States Navy, working at the Navy Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. During his two years of service, he cared for service members injured during the Vietnam War and received a special commendation from his commanding officer for his work.
In 1970, he founded Eye Physicians Inc. in Kokomo, Indiana. Leo practiced medicine until 2005 and was widely known for his thoughtful, personal approach to patient care. One of his most meaningful traditions was calling every surgical patient on the weekend following their procedure—simply to check in and see how they were doing.
Despite his dedication to medicine, Leo always made time for what mattered most—his family. Throughout his career, Wednesday afternoons were reserved for Emily, often spent shopping or seeing a movie, followed by a beloved date-night dinner. The two also enjoyed traveling together, especially to their favorite destination, Caneel Bay in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Summers were spent at Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, where Leo cherished time with his grandchildren. He delighted in being “Grandpa” and lived by one of his favorite rules: “Kids are king!”
Leo is survived by his beloved wife Emily Ruth Joy Watson; three children and their families: Leo “Skip” Watson Jr. (Mary Watson) and their children Leo III, Bobby, and Tony; Peter Frank Watson (Christi Watson) and their children Charlie, Annie, and Katie; and Susan Joy Watson Wilson (Doug Wilson) and their children Sarah Wilson Singer (Graham Singer), Emily Wilson, and Thomas Wilson. He was especially proud to welcome his first great-grandchild Amelia Singer.
A private family service will be held at a later date in Culver, Indiana.
Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (8445 Keystone Crossing #135, Indianapolis, IN 46240) or the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kokomo.
Norman Lawrence Karis
Norman Lawrence Karis, 82 years old, formerly of Clarksburg, WV, passed away Thursday February 5, 2026, at his home in Kokomo, IN. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on June 1, 1943, the son of the late Samuel “Sam” and Margaret (Lachapelle) Karis.
Norman was a graduate of Victory High School in Clarksburg, WV. He received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from West Viriginia University. Norman proudly served our country in the United States Army earning the rank of Sergeant until he was Honorably Discharged. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his military service, Norman worked at the Trinity House in Marion as an addictions counselor for a year and a half. Next, he worked as a behavioral technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo and an independent confidential consultant in Kokomo for nine years. He was employed by Miami Correctional Facility in September of 1999 as a Substance Abuse Counselor 4. He worked with offenders in that position until October 2000 when he was promoted to an Administrative Assistant. During his years at Miami Correctional Facility, Norman received a Super Star Award and a Star award. These awards are given to staff members that go above and beyond their normal duties.
Norman can be credited with sprucing up the Miami Correctional Facility during his time there. One of his hobbies was gardening, so he assisted with the offender gardens in planning vegetables they would grow. He even helped start a pumpkin patch at minimum housing one year. He became known as “the gardening guy” in a monthly column where he contributed gardening tips to the staff in the facility newsletter titled the “Miami Flyer.” Norman’s other hobbies were building model airplanes and target shooting with guns.
He is survived by his sister Margaret “Peggy” Karis; sister-in-law Nancy Karis; and a few nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James “Jimmy” Karis.
Norman will be laid to rest in Grafton National Cemetery in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Cremation has been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory in Kokomo, IN. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.