Obituaries, March 28, 2026

Written on 03/28/2026


Robert “Bob” Edwin Cedars, Earl Henry Sickbert Jr., Elizabeth A. Morphew, Dale V. Ellis, Carol Ann Hornback, Edward George Matson, Martha (LeMay) Moor Link, Jesus Fuentes

Robert “Bob” Edwin Cedars

Robert “Bob” Edwin Cedars, 82, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Waterford Place in Kokomo, Indiana.

He was born November 25, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Robert E.V. and Ruth (Peele) Cedars.

On February 21, 1965, he married Karen (Clark) Cedars, who survives. In July 1992, he married Linda (Bennett) Cedars, who preceded him in death in 2015.

Bob is survived by his son Todd (Kristen) Cedars of Rockville, Maryland, and Tracy Rogers of Kokomo, Indiana; three grandchildren Gavin Thatcher, Ethan Thatcher, and Jack Cedars; five great-grandchildren; and his sister Martha Wagoner of Noblesville, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Linda.

Bob graduated from Kokomo High School in 1962. Upon graduation he went to work in the automotive industry with Delco Electronics, spending the next 35+ years in various jobs, rounding out his career as a skilled tradesman, specializing in machine maintenance as an oiler.

Bob enjoyed both bowling and golf, spending his winters pursuing that perfect 300 and his summers on the links, chasing the elusive hole-in-one. In the last decade of his life, he took an interest in foreign travel, spending time in England and Cambodia.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.



Earl Henry Sickbert Jr.

Earl Henry Sickbert Jr., 61 years old, of Kokomo, IN, passed away 6:23 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on August 18, 1964, the son of Earl Henry Sickbert Sr. and Joyce Ann (Frew) Fewell. On October 21, 1997, he married Barbara Jean (Ferguson), and she survives.

Earl was a 1983 graduate of Haworth High School. He held several places of employment, starting with Home Depot as a kitchen cabinet designer. Next, he worked at Clark’s Refining and Marketing as a manager and the assistant manager of Woody’s Convenience Store. He most recently worked at Miami County Correctional Facility as a Corrections Officer. Earl loved music of all genres, but especially Rock ‘n’ Roll. He adored dogs and operated a kennel for pit bulls named Pit Beach Kennels. He was an avid outdoorsman and liked fishing and camping. Some of his favorite hobbies were shooting and collecting guns. He was a licensed gun distributor at one time. He was strong-willed and competitive while playing Euchre or Bingo. He had a soft spot for his grandchildren and loved the time he spent with them.

In addition to his wife Barb, Earl is survived by his children Dirk (Jessica) Clark, Earl Sickbert III, Ernest Smith, Amanda (Travis) Donson, Candace (Anthony) Livesay, and Dalton Tinklenburg–Sickbert; sisters Tammy (Charles) Davis and Penny (Kevin) Sickbert; grandchildren Lillianna, Brandin, Naomi, Jackson, Gabriella, Lillian, Jared, Maddi, Noah, Mykell, and Brooklyn; and mother-in-law Jennie Ferguson.

He was preceded in death by his father Earl Sickbert; mother Joyce Fewell; stepmother Elizabeth Sickbert, father-in-law William Ferguson Jr.; sister Tammy Ely; nephew Myk Dewitt; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Earl’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Calvin Peck officiating. Contributions may be made out to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory to assist with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Elizabeth A. Morphew

Elizabeth A. Morphew (Montel) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 in North Manchester, Indiana, at the age of 95. Born in Silver Lake, Indiana, on December 2, 1930, to Frank and Mary (Burger) Montel, she married Noble D. Morphew on June 1, 1952, in Walloon Lake, Michigan, and he preceded her in death along with infant son Ryan Douglas. Also preceding her in death are siblings Beulah Morphew, Edward Montel, Ernest Montel, Marjorie Morgan, Walter Montel, Charles Montel, and Mary Maxine Montel.

She is lovingly remembered by children Tim Morphew (Beth Sollenberger), Joe Morphew (Cheryl), John Morphew (Sharon), and Nancy Gwin (Marv), nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her sister Ruth Creighton and brother Frank Montel, Jr. (Sondra).

Elizabeth graduated from Petoskey High School in Michigan in 1949. She held many positions in Howard County government as well as the City of Kokomo. She retired as a data clerk from the City’s Controller’s Office in 1998. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, needlepoint, reading, puzzles, and board games. She was very active in her church and served in various roles at the Kokomo Church of the Brethren.

We are grateful to the nurses and staff at Timbercrest and Heart to Heart Hospice for the loving care they provided.

There will be a time of visitation for Elizabeth on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastor Mark Stahl will be officiating. Burial will follow to Albright Cemetery.



Dale V. Ellis

Dale V. Ellis, age 89, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife and son. He left behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and deep connection to his community, family, and friends. Born and raised in Kokomo, he was a proud Hoosier who carried the values of humility, kindness, and resilience throughout his life. He was a member of the Army Reserve, and held positions at Crescent Dairy and Kokomo Opalescent Glass prior to dedicating his career to Delco, where his strong work ethic and commitment earned him the respect of his colleagues and friends.

A devoted lifelong member of his church, Faith United Methodist, he found purpose in his faith and community, always offering a warm smile and a helping hand. Known for his outgoing spirit and genuine interest in others, he built lasting relationships wherever he went. After his retirement in 1985, he was active with Meals on Wheels and Kokomo Noon Lions Club. He also served many roles in his church, including Treasurer and Sunday school teacher. He loved bowling and bowled for more than 60 years, participating in many leagues.

Above all, he cherished his family and friends, who will remember him for his ornery laughter, generosity, and unwavering love. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Barbara Ellis (Gray); son Timothy Ellis; granddaughters Autumn Marie (Sok), Brooke Huffman (Nicholas), and Caylee Kline (Shane); and great-grandchildren Brynne, Jack, and Jonah, and his two precious foster great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Jolanda K. Ellis, who sadly passed away January 4, 2022.

He was one of seven siblings, and is survived by his sister Barbara McCombs (James), Dvona Forrest (Jerry), Max Ellis (Carolyn), and Daniel Ellis (Christie). He is preceded in death by siblings Myra Snodgrass (Dave) and Eugene Bud Ellis (Colleen).

His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Kent Kessler will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.



Carol Ann Hornback

Carol Ann Hornback, 82, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:07 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in her home, surrounded by family. She was born on August 25, 1943, the daughter of Robert and Mary Jane (Rossman) Ritchey. On August 30, 1986, she married Leonard A. Hornback in Beulah Land Church in Tipton County, and he survives.

Carol was a 1961 graduate of Burlington High School. She enjoyed working in the yard and spending time with the love of her life for more than 40 years, Leonard. Carol was a master in the kitchen; she loved cooking and baking. She enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends. She would make enormous spreads of fantastic food. From breakfast to dessert, she could whip anything up from memory. Her chocolate cake and her cheesecakes were legendary and often requested.

Along with her husband of 40 years, Leonard, she is survived by her children Monica Fausett, Michelle (Scott) Calhoun, and her son, baby boy Monte (Melissa) Conwell; grandchildren Thomas Fausett, Brad Fausett, Brandon Fausett, Tiffany Rayl, Sarah (Rodney) Deckard, Holly Ann (Darion) Tyler, Chelsea Foster, Tristan (David) Stevens, Lucy Calhoun, and Kennedy Calhoun; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mary Jane Ritchey; brother Robert “Butch” Ritchey; sisters Patricia Crecelius and Brenda Heaton.

A funeral service celebrating Carol’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Lori Melton officiating. Burial in Albright Cemetery will follow. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. at the funeral home until the time of the service. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Edward George Matson

Edward George Matson, 79, Kokomo, passed away at 9:21 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home. He was born September 21, 1946, in Gary, the son of Harry and Luella (Railing) Matson. He married Judy (Tate) Garner, and she survives.

Edward graduated from Culver High School in 1964 and from Indiana Barber School in 1965. He enlisted in the Indiana National Guard. He worked as a barber full-time until 1971. He then went to work for Chrysler while working part-time as a barber. He retired in 2001. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, fishing, and bowling. He loved spending time with his family most of all. He was a member of the Eagles and the Moose.

Along with his wife Judy C. Matson, he is survived by his children Lisa Johnson, Christina Matson, Cara Trine, Tim Garner, and Amy Garner; grandchildren Brandon (Julie) Garner, Heather (Kevin) Wright, Ashley (Zack) Crabtree, Jamie Yohn, Joshua (Meahgan) Sickles, Breann (Lance) McKinney, Jessica Bishop, Samantha (Brandon) Sherwood, Kayla Garner, and Lewis Matson-Morse; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Korous; and nephews Michael Korous, Mark Korous, and Matthew Korous.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Matson and Luella Matson Johnson; stepfather Gunnar Johnson; and brother John.

A funeral service celebrating Edward’s life will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, at heart.org. Messages of condolences may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Martha (LeMay) Moor Link

Our mom, Martha (LeMay) Moor Link, met St. Peter at the Pearly Gates on March 26 and probably kicked him in the shin. She wasn’t expecting to be on his list until she at least turned 100, and she fell 15 months short.

Part Mother Teresa, part pit bull, Mom outlived two husbands, raised three kids, taught close to 1,000 Kokomo first graders, and had friends from four different generations.

Born in Knightstown, Indiana, on July 9, 1927, she was a year behind her high school sweetheart Bill Moor, whom she cheered on as he played varsity basketball in the gym later made famous in the movie “Hoosiers.” He may have been 6-foot-3 and she 5-foot-1, but they stood on equal ground in their marriage.

When Dad went off to Oklahoma A&M and then into the Navy during the end of World War II, she spent two years at Butler, living in the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

They married back in Knightstown on July 20, 1947, and Mom put her education on hold. In 1949, she took care of Dad when he was bed-ridden with tuberculosis, and gave birth to their first child Bill Jr. Tough year, tough gal.

Carol came along two years later in 1951, and then Gary in 1954. By then, Dad had graduated from Purdue, and they lived in Crawfordsville and Galesburg, Illinois, before settling in Kokomo in 1960. Mom returned to Butler, making that round trip to Indianapolis three days a week while the family mainly ate pizza, burgers, and frozen dinners on those days.

An honor roll student, she received her degree in elementary education and started teaching at Wallace School in 1962, She also served as “the hostess with the mostest” at the family’s cottage on Lake Shafer and occasionally pitched in with the kids at Dad’s side venture, the Burger Chef on the U.S. 31 bypass.

Mom was sometimes called Mighty Martha because she was the one the kids feared most when they misbehaved. Even though she was little more than half the size of Dad, never did she have to utter, “Wait ’til your father gets home.”

Dad died in 1969 after a three-year battle with cancer, and Mom was left with two college kids and another one in high school. She kept the family together even though she often felt obliged to use the mantra, “God knows I tried.” She instilled a positive attitude in all three of us and sometimes pushed us to the point that we swear we had her handprint on the middle of our backs.

In 1974, she married her principal at Wallace, Jack Link, and they celebrated 40 years together. She moved on to Pettit Park Elementary, making lifelong friends with her fellow teachers. She retired at the age of 68.

Often weighing under 110 pounds, Mom still had impressive biceps from going to the gym regularly and working hard throughout her life. She was still walking 5,000 steps a day at the age of 95.

She liked a tidy house, teaching bridge, going to church, doing yoga, and staying in touch with her friends. She was famous for her Chex mix and tapioca pudding. Her happy places were the cottage on Lake Shafer and anywhere where her grandkids were.

She also was a great believer in “You’re only happy as you want to be,” and that’s how she lived her long and impressive life.

Mom is survived by her three children Bill (Margaret) Moor Jr. of South Bend, Carol Bledsoe of Scottsburg, and Gary (Malinda) Moor of Dallas, Texas, along with nine grandchildren Steve (Tammy) Moor of Evansville, Jennifer (Jason) Stabnik of Granger, Tom Moor off Noblesville, Todd (Ashley) Bledsoe of Jeffersonville, Ryan (Erin) Bledsoe of Zionsville, Hailey (Rob) Wichmanowski of Western Springs, Illinois, Drew (Shelby) Moor of Denver, Will Moor of Boston, Leigh Moor of Dallas, and 19 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her GG.

She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Clara LeMay, her older brother Gerald, her sister Margaret, her son-in-law Phil Bledsoe and her grandson Jeremy Bledsoe. She is survived by her younger brother Larry and his wife Nancy.

We would like to thank Hospice’s Guardian Angels, especially Kathy Vibbert; Mom’s helpful neighbor Phil Bouslog; her longtime teaching buddies Jo Dwyer and Glenda Mann; her recent companion Maggie Bowman; and her oldest friend Ann McGee. All of us in our family would also like to thank Mom’s only daughter Carol for giving up a year of her life to take care of Mom.

A funeral service celebrating Martha’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 6, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Mom requested that any donations could be made to the Kokomo Center School Corporation or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Jesus Fuentes

Jesus Fuentes, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away on March 25, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 62. Born on February 15, 1964, in the vibrant city of Havana, Cuba, Jesus was the cherished son of the late Jesus Fuentes and Evangelina Valdes. His life was a testament to love, laughter, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Jesus spent his formative years in Miami, Florida, where he graduated from Miami Coral Park High School with the class of 1982. A man of intelligence and humor, he was known for his quick wit and loving nature. His passion for learning and his keen mind were evident in his love for chess, a game he enjoyed playing throughout his life. Jesus found joy in the simple pleasures, often spending his younger years sitting under a tree, contemplating life and its many wonders.

Professionally, Jesus dedicated many years to Yum! Brands, where he worked as an Area Coach. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire those around him made him a respected and admired figure within the company. Jesus’s work ethic and leadership skills were matched only by his kindness and generosity, qualities that endeared him to colleagues and friends alike.

A devout Christian, Jesus’s faith was a guiding force in his life. He found strength and solace in his beliefs, which provided him with a foundation of hope and compassion. His faith was reflected in his actions, as he consistently demonstrated love and kindness to everyone he encountered.

Jesus was a father to his two children Isabella Fuentes (partner Kennedy Barnes) and Alejandro Fuentes (Leslie), who were the pride and joy of his life. He cherished the moments spent with them, whether it was cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Notre Dame football teams or sharing his love for chess. We remember him as a loving father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest.

In addition to his children, Jesus is survived by his siblings Dulce Palacio (Ignacio), Evangelina Badell (Rolando), and Juan Fuentes (Patricia). His family was a source of great joy and comfort to him, and he treasured the close bonds they shared. Jesus’s legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on through his family, who will carry his memory in their hearts.

Though preceded in death by his parents, Jesus’s spirit and the values they instilled in him will endure. His life was a testament to the power of love, laughter, and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we remember Jesus Fuentes, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to family and faith. His memory will forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved him.

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

Donald “Don” Jerome Moyer

Donald “Don” Jerome Moyer, 69, Greentown, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home. He was born September 3, 1957, in Grayling, MI, the son of the late Donald J. Moyer Sr. and Patricia H. Myers. On May 9, 1999, he married Pamela Enos in Penn Yan, New York, and she survives.

Don was a graduate of Northwestern High School. He worked for Acra-Line in quality control for more than 20 years. Don enjoyed golfing and antique cars.

In addition to his wife Pamela, Don is survived by his brother-in-law Steve (Marilyn) Enos and sister-in-law Cindy (Gary) Bradley, along with several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Harold and Emogene Enos; and brothers Scott Moyer and Daryl Moyer.

Burial will take place at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home.