Mary B. Balog, Richard Stewart, Barbara Jean Cassell, Juanita Margie Brantley, M. Louise (Hopkins) Lamb, James Edward Pearcy, Ellen Marie (Roper) Hinton, Linda Rinehart

Mary B. Balog

Mary B. Balog, 80, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at 8:36 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 23, 1945, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Adam R. & Gloryellen (Kibler) Trump. On July 10, 1965, she married George Balog, who survives.

A proud graduate of Northwestern High School in 1964 and the House of James Beauty School, Mary pursued her passions with dedication and skill. Her artistic talents shone brightly through her oil paintings, flower arrangements, cake decorating, and other creative endeavors. She had a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms and found joy in birds and flowers. Mary was also an avid reader who enjoyed word searches and spider solitaire.

Mary’s life was defined by her love for others. She had a nurturing spirit and took great care of those around her. Her cooking brought people together, creating cherished memories for family and friends alike. Known for her great sense of humor and loving nature, she brought laughter and warmth to everyone she met. She was a devoted member of One Church in Kokomo and an associate member of Marcell Community Church in Minnesota under Pastor Matt LaTourelle. Her love for Jesus guided her actions and provided comfort throughout her life.

Along with her husband George, Mary is also survived by her children Mary Ann (Dennis) Fuller and Charles “Charlie” Balog; daughter-in-law Jennifer Lee Balog; grandchildren Taylor (Lauren) Balog, Brittny (Matt) Western, Ryan (Cassidy) Balog, and Emily Fuller; great-grandchildren Russell Balog, Trevor Balog, and Violet Balog; sister-in-law Estella Geyer; nieces and nephews Jamie (James) Roberts, Clayton (Emily) Scott, Marcy (Andy) Coil, Janice (John Frehse) Becker, Ron (Julie) Geyer, and John Geyer; great-nieces and nephews Caleb Coil, Jason (Tammy) Geyer, John J. Geyer and significant other Victoria and family, and Ava Roberts, Kelby Roberts, and Noah Roberts.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her son Frank Russel Balog; siblings Jane Ann Trump, Ellen Isaac, Carolyn Sue Trump, Evelyn Scott, and James Trump; mother- and father-in-law Frank and Nellie E. Balog; brother-in-law Ronald Geyer; as well as grandparents Walter and Mary Bethany Kibler and Adam W. and Alice C. Trump.

A funeral service will be held at Noon Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington Street, Kokomo, with Dr. Gary Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Community Howard Regional Health Foundation in Kokomo. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Richard Stewart

Richard Stewart, 76, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning March 1, 2026, at his home. Richard was born March 14, 1949, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Hurbert and Adeline (Crick) Stewart. He lived a full life marked by unwavering patriotism, hard work, and a profound love for the outdoors and the simple pleasures in life.

At a young age, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, where he developed a deep sense of duty and patriotism that he carried with him throughout his life. Following his honorable discharge, he built a career in construction and readily performed any task there assigned to perfection.

Richard was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, rooting them on through thick and thin. He found great pleasure in classic country music, often taking to the dance floor to do a bit of his own boot scootin’. Above all, he was a true hunter in every sense of the word; pursuing game in the woods, foraging for mushrooms, or searching for arrowheads. Being outdoors and close to nature gave him a sense of peace and fulfillment.

He leaves behind his daughter Jessica, who gave him two grandchildren, his siblings Sharon, Sandra and Les, and his special lady Charlotte Jackson, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Richard is welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents and his siblings Mary, Virginia, Patricia, Phillis, Connie, Floyd, Pete, Howard, Larry, Don, Ronnie, and Donnie.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at Marion National Cemetery on Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made in Richard’s honor to American Legion Post #46 at 129 N. Independence St, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

The staff of Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Richard’s loved ones in their hour of need. Online condolences may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Barbara Jean Cassell

Barbara Jean Cassell, 86, Rainbow City, AL, passed away at 11:40 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2026, at Life Care of East Ridge. She was born on November 14, 1939, in Chattanooga, TN, to the late Paul A. and Ione B. (Coker) Bonner. She married Jerry Burns in Indiana on August 10, 1974, and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2014.

Bobbie graduated from Kirkland Vocational School in 1959. She wore many hats. She retired from Delco Electronics of GM after 35 years of service, was a waitress and travel agent, but she was known best as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Bobbie was a world traveler; she visited Europe on several occasions and vacationed all over the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. She especially enjoyed going on cruises. The last four years of her life she traveled to Disney World on three different occasions. She insisted on riding every ride her family rode. She was the life of the party because people would just watch in amazement as this elderly woman would fearlessly get on ride after ride. Bobbie was a member of the Local UAW 292, the Red Hat Society, and of a community church in each of her living locations. She was an active supporter of Christian missions in Romania, yearly donations to organizations that support veterans, animals, Native Americans and numerous other groups. She passionately loved her dogs. She had many friends, but two special people she called “her heroes” were Kathy Smith and Connie Grove. Her “partner in crime” was Davina Bonner. Lastly, she loved her granddaughter, who was the apple of her eye, Elizabeth Burns. She spent the last five years of her life with her niece and nephew in Alabama, who were primary caregivers until her death. Thank you, Aunt Bobbie, for all the memories. You will be missed!

Bobbie is survived by her son Gary (Lori) Burns; children Sherri (Steve) Martin and Debra Presley; granddaughter Elizabeth (James) Burns; great-grandchildren Zoey Burns, Harper Burns, and Ian Burns; brother David (Linda) Bonner; nieces and nephews Davina Bonner, Lloyd (Amy) Pratt, Melanie (Dewayne) Tullis, Georgina Sparks, and Fran (Shawn) Hicks; great niece Maddie Hicks; along with many other nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sisters Annetta Hoskins, Sylvia Pratt, Pauletta Condra, and Judy Gibson; infant brother Luke Bonner; and sons Marty Cassell, Mike Cassell, and Jerry Burns Jr.

A funeral service celebrating Bobbie’s life will take place at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Lloyd Pratt officiating. Burial to follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Juanita Margie Brantley

Juanita Margie Brantley, 95 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at her home. She was born in Union County, Tennessee, on May 31, 1930, the daughter of the late Milton and Sarah (Ellison) Brantley. On January 11, 1947, she married Jesse William Brantley, and he preceded her in death on May 2, 1990.

Juanita formerly worked at Ray’s Drive Inn, Cuneo Press, and she retired from Millbank. Her life was centered around her faith in Jesus, her family, and her church. She shared her faith any chance she could and often asked others, “Do you know Jesus?” Juanita prioritized time spent with her family and was the best caretaker for them. She was a staple and 52-year member of Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church in Russiaville. She loved her church family dearly and was heavily involved in their ladies’ club, funeral committee, and she enjoyed delivering sunshine baskets with fellow ladies of the church to bring cheer. Many of her church family know her by the nickname Cupcake. She was a hard-working, productive, and devoted woman. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, canning, and quilting. She often sewed items, made soup, and baked pies.

Juanita is survived by her children Roger (Shirley) Brantley, Shirley Rinehart, Peggy (Jeff) Tober, and Reginna (Jim) Haworth; grandchildren Tracey (Mike) Conyers, Adam (Shannon) Rinehart, Tammy (Scott) Droscha, Haley Rinehart, Lauren (Richard) Monk, Alyssa (Matt) Cogdill, Ryan (Olivia) Tober, and Jessica (Andrew) Richardson; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, and one sister.

Juanita’s family requests for any family and friends to wear Juanita’s favorite color red at the church on Friday.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Nashville Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Juanita’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Friday at the church with Pastor Josh Cupp and her grandson Chaplain Adam Rinehart officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Contributions may be made in Juanita’s memory to Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

M. Louise (Hopkins) Lamb

M. Louise (Hopkins) Lamb, 88, of Greentown, passed away at 2:15 a.m., February 28, 2026, at Community Howard Hospital. She was born to Ray and Elsie (Ledbetter) Hopkins on July 30, 1937, in West Plains, Missouri. Louise lived a full life and told many great stories traveling and working out West when she was young.

Louise was in high school when she met her future husband Ray. They married on May 27, 1956, at New Salem Friends Church after graduating from Eastern High School.

Ray and Louise started farming by milking Registered Holsteins for years. Louise would help run seed bags to the fields in spring, drive grain trucks to the elevators in the fall and make and deliver meals to family workers in the fields. She grew a large garden and taught her children to can and preserve the harvest to enjoy in the winter.

She worked off the farm at Bergstrom’s Tax Service, secretary at Howard County Extension Service, and Lazarus/Macys. She served on the Farm Bureau Board, Howard County Woman’s Leader and taught Sunday School for years at New Salem Friends Church.

Louise is survived by her children Donald (Liz) Lamb, MaryAnne (Jim) Tobin, and Barb (Mark) Jackson; grandchildren Leah (Andy) Roller, Mandy (Todd) Smith, Brittany (Chris) Hagerty, and Kevin (Amy) Jackson; great-grandchildren Brody Roller, Cami Roller, Terry Smith, Henley Hagerty, Casey Jackson, and Miles Jackson; sister-in-law Kay (Larry) Hopkins McDowell; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, in-laws, two brothers, one brother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown, with Pastor Ann Carter officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA, www.shrinerschildrens.org. Messages of condolence may be made at www.hasler-stout.com.

James Edward Pearcy

On August 2, 1955, James Edward Pearcy started his life of adventure in Kokomo, Indiana.

He was the second born to William Joseph Pearcy and Betty JoAnn Rodkey. He made it his mission to endlessly torment and tease his older sister Pamela Jo Pearcy. His childhood was the picture of the American Dream in the 1950s, and Kokomo was a wonderful place to grow up. Home life was filled with grandparents and relatives visiting on holidays and family vacations which revolved around fishing and camping. Lifelong friendships were formed while riding bicycles and hanging out at the bowling alley. At the age of 12, Jim played the drums for a band at the Indiana Jubilee, which was broadcast to the local radio and television stations on Saturday morning.

His next adventure began in 1972 when he joined the Army. He was assigned to the AntiTank Combat Support Platoon in Glenhausen, Germany, where he served as a Tow Gunner Missile Operator for two years. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Marksmen Rifle Bar and a special honor for rescuing a fellow service man from drowning.

In 1976, he moved to Oklahoma and married Debra Richards, becoming a stepfather to Allen Gene Richards. In February of 1982, Jim and Debra welcomed their son and named him Brian Allen. By December of 1984, Jim and Debra divorced. Jim had custody of Brian, and they moved to Gainesville, Texas, where Jim opened a satellite office for Northwest Transformer Repair Company.

In September of 1987, he met Angela Schanuel, and in December they began their 38-year marriage together. In July of 1989, they formed M&P Manufacturing, which stood for Ma & Pa, a company which would grow to supply electrical connectors to companies around the globe.

On June 13, 1998, they welcomed their only child Alicia Renee. By this time, years of hard work had paid off, and Jim was able to take many camping, fishing, hunting, and motorcycle trips with friends and family. Each and every trip came with hilarious stories of mishaps, mostly caused by Jim, which have now become treasured memories.

But if a book was written about the life of Jim Pearcy, it wouldn’t be about all the fun he had. It would be about the untold number of miracles he received from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And it would also tell of no matter how difficult life became due to the numerous health problems that plagued him, Jim never complained or became bitter, or turned his back on God. He had faith that God would see him through every trial. He was a rock to all who knew him, steadfast and never wavered. If he told you he was going to do something, you knew it was going to happen. He was the smartest, strongest, most hard-working, and interesting person, most of us will ever be blessed to know.

On March 1, 2026, he started his next adventure-fishing in heaven with all those who have gone before him. No doubt right now he is teaching someone the proper way to bait a hook.

He is survived by his wife Angela, son Brian, daughter Alicia, son-in-law Elijah Bloomer, the leading lady of his life granddaughter Adalee Jo Bloomer, his sister Pamela Jo Sirilo, and nephews Aarron and Tony Sirilo.

The family would like to express gratitude for the exceptional care given by his dialysis team: Lesa, Corrie, Deedee, Jody, and Dr. Metapalli. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to “The Dragonfly Home, PO Box 94613, OKC, OK.”

A funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.

Ellen Marie (Roper) Hinton

Ellen Marie (Roper) Hinton, 87, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She was born on February 10, 1939, in Guntown, Mississippi, to her parents Vernon Roper and Evergreen Roper Barker. Ellen married the love of her life Bill Hinton on February 10, 1955. The two were incredibly grateful to enjoy 62 years of marriage before Bill passed away in 2017.

Ellen dedicated 30 years to Delco Electronics before retiring. She took great pride in her work and the relationships she built throughout those years. Family was the center of Ellen’s world. She loved camping trips and beach days spent with those she cherished most. She was a wonderful example to her children, teaching them through her actions what it meant to live with optimism and a joyful spirit. Ellen truly loved being a mother, and nothing brought her greater joy than when she became a grandmother. Her grandchildren were among her greatest blessings.

Her husband meant the world to her. Their love story was one admired by many. It was built on devotion, respect, and a daily commitment to make one another a priority. Whether it was stopping at Cone Palace for their daily Coke or driving to Kokomo Reservoir to watch the sunset hand-in-hand, they treasured the simple moments they shared together.

Ellen was easy going, warm, and simply fun to be around. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a calmness that put others at ease. You could always count on her to notice your shoes and probably compliment you on them. Ellen will be remembered for her loving heart, her positivity, and the beautiful example she set for her family.

Those left to carry on Ellen’s legacy of love are her children Kathy Stevenson, Debra Carmer, Kelly Hendershot (Jim), and Tim Hinton (Sherri); grandchildren Ryan Cage (Lauren), Jessica Butler, Brit Prifogle, Cody Hinton, Jake Hendershot (Ashleigh), and Aaron Carmer (Brandie); great-grandchildren Cameron Butler, Noah Butler, and Olivia Hendershot; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Billy Wayne Hinton; parents Vernon Roper and Evergreen Roper Barker; son Billy Chris Hinton; and sons-in-law Gary Stevenson and Thomas Carmer.

A graveside service celebrating Ellen’s life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 4:30 PM at Sharpsville Cemetery, with Pastor Adam Rinehart officiating.

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

Linda Rinehart

Linda Rinehart, 76, of Logansport, Indiana, passed away Monday evening, March 2, 2026, at Hickory Creek in Peru following an extended illness.

She was born October 26, 1949, in Douglas, Michigan, the daughter of Lonnie and Betty Lou (Vernard) Hall.

Linda worked at National Friction for 16 years and later found joy in serving others through her work at Peak Community Services.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Jesus was her Lord and Savior, and her family rejoices in knowing she has been welcomed into her Heavenly Home, free from suffering and pain.

Linda enjoyed word search puzzles and embroidery, and she found comfort in classical music, especially the works of Beethoven. The little girl in her never outgrew her love of cartoons; Scooby-Doo could always bring a smile to her face.

Surviving are two children Sarah Conn of Logansport and Steven Conn of Peru; two sisters Laura Hobbs of Lucerne and Becky Jackson and her husband avid of Lucerne; and two brothers Steven Hall and his wife Brenda of Greentown and Lonnie Alan Hall and his wife of Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Mike Hobbs.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, no public services are planned. She would want you to smile more, listen to music that brings you peace, and cherish your health and your family-for tomorrow is never promised.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fisher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services.