Obituaries, April 9, 2026

Written on 04/09/2026


Sharon Ruthanna Erickson, Vicky Lynn Tracey, Thressa “Tessie” Rose Young, Odella Faye Rich, Denise Ellen Servais, Diana Lynn Coomer, Mary Margaret “Margie” Dezelan, Robert “Bob” Gilbert

Sharon Ruthanna Erickson

Sharon Ruthanna Erickson, 84, of Bunker Hill, passed away at 3:08 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home. She was born on October 17, 1941, in Lebanon, IN, the daughter of Paul Wilson Carpenter and Ruth Josephine (Moore) O’Kon. On October 13, 2013, she married Everett Erickson in Lebanon, IN, and he survives.

Sharon graduated from Lebanon High School and worked in sales at Godby Home Furnishing and Richard Bennett Furniture. Sharon had also worked at the Koala Center of Lebanon, IN and at Hendricks County Hospital in Danville, IN. She was a member of Lebanon Church of the Nazarene and attended Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo. She enjoyed decorating, designing, baking, and making floral arrangements.

Along with her husband Everett, she is survived by her sons David (Linda) McKane and Jon (Tonya) McPheron; stepsons John Erickson and Charlie Erickson; daughters Kimberly McKane, Carol (Troy) Powell, and Michelle Miller; stepdaughter Cynthia Erickson-Hyatt; grandchildren Brent (Kimberly) McKane, Amanda Smith, Joshua (Karen) McKane, Jack (Tamara) McKane, Jessica McKane, Cara Powell, Emily (Victor) Ash, Emma Grace McPheron, Nickolas (Jasmin) Weaver, Christian (Chloe) Knight, Gage Miller, and Raquelle Miller; step-grandchildren Katie Erickson, Jessica Erickson, Derek (Schrader) Erickson, Dayton Erickson, and Makensie Erickson; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Josephine (Moore) O’Kon; father Paul Carpenter; sister Joyce D. Carpenter; stepbrother Michael O’Kon; brother-in-law John D. Erickson; sons-in-law Chad Miller and Jimmy Crumpton; and step-grandson Dakota Erickson.

A funeral service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. Burial will follow in Moore Cemetery in Sheridan, IN. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lebanon Church of the Nazarene, Bible Baptist Church of Kokomo, or to the charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.



Vicky Lynn Tracey

Vicky Lynn Tracey, 72, of Kokomo, Indiana, went to be with our Heavenly Father at 5:02 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was born April 14, 1953, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Jimmie Harold Mace and Stella Pauline (Barlow) Mace. Vicky will be remembered as a patient, devoted, kind-hearted, and thoughtful woman, known for her bright smile, her best hugs, and a presence that was never boring to talk to.

Vicky graduated from Haworth High School in 1971 in Kokomo. She worked at Roosevelt School and Bon Air School in Kokomo, where she served emotionally handicapped students. She also worked at Cuneo Press and Young Distributors, both in Kokomo.

After marrying Mark Tracey, Vicky moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where they lived for two years and where she worked for Dumont Distributors. The couple later returned to Kokomo, and Vicky worked at Haynes International until she went on disability in the late 1990s.

Vicky loved to camp, loved the outdoors, and loved the water, whether an ocean, lake, river, or any place that brought the calm and wonder she cherished. Mark, Mitch, and Vicky camped through most of her adult life with family and the best of friends. She also loved to cook. She treasured family time and enjoyed playing cards and board games with those she loved. She even tried her hand at sewing and crocheting, hoping to be as accomplished as her sister-in-law Belinda.

Vicky’s love for her family was steady and unmistakable. She said “I love you” often and made sure everyone heard it, and she carried that love in the simplest, most meaningful ways, like holding her son’s hands, something she loved to do. Her legacy is one of warmth, sincerity, and the gentle strength of a woman who made others feel seen, safe, and loved.

Vicky is survived by her husband Mark Tracey; her son Mitchell “Mitch” Tracey (Christina “Stina” Tracey); her grandson Mace Tracey; her brother Barney Mace (Belinda Mace); her sister Crickett Keller; her brother-in-law Scott Tracey (Carol Tracey); her sister-in-law Donna Lovelace (John Lovelace); her nieces Kim Fuller (Brian Fuller), Kara Lovegrove (Ryan Murphy), Vanessa Smith (Matt Smith), Allison Stout (Aden Stout), Jessica Richards (Bill Richards), Jennifer Maple (Ryan Maple), Cara Ann Gilmore (Barry Gilmore), Emily Mace (Mike Mace), Susanna (Mace) Bemetz (Josh Bemetz), and Amy Greenroyd (Sean Greenroyd); her nephews Zach Keller (Christi Keller) and Austin Lovelace (Ashley Lovelace); and her aunts Sissy Young and Marge Mace.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jimmie Harold Mace and Stella (Barlow) Mace; her mother-in-law Vera Tracey; her father-in-law Wayne Tracey; her brother-in-law Wayne Keller; and her niece Amanda Bruno.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46901, with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

Vicky will be laid to rest at Shiloh Cemetery, 575 W. 100 N. (Hwy 22), Kokomo immediately following the funeral service.



Thressa “Tessie” Rose Young

Thressa “Tessie” Rose Young, age 76, of Jeffersonville, KY, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Tessie was born in Hazel Green, KY, on April 2, 1950, to the late Albert and Ruby Patrick Rose. Tessie retired from Chrysler after working there for 30 years. Two of Tessie’s passions in life were gardening and quilting, where she grew beautiful flowers and made even more beautiful quilts for her family and friends.

Tessie is survived by her son Mike (Penny) Rose of Davenport, Florida; her partner Harry Bowen of Jeffersonville, KY; three stepdaughters: Tina Shrock of Indiana, Robin Rose of Indiana, and Kelly Ramsey of Indiana; five sisters Cleo Crase of Carlisle, Ohio; Mary Ann Fraley of Mt. Sterling, Judy Hillard of Georgetown, Fern Bridges of Stamping Ground, and Vicki Miller of Georgetown; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Tessie was preceded in death by her husband John Young; one sister Genelle McKeehan; and five brothers: Justice Rose, Jimmy Rose, Gene Rose, Bobby Rose, and Danny Rose.

Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until time of service at 7:00 p.m. Officiated by Chaplin Dan Connell.

Tessie will be buried in Russiaville, Indiana.

Services entrusted to the care of Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals, 1002 Woodford Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353



Odella Faye Rich

Odella F. (Ridings) Rich, 90, of Orlando, FL, passed away on April 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her daughters. She was born in Kensett, AR, on January 2, 1936, to the late Arnold Odel and Ethel (Lucas) Ridings. Odella married Louis Rich on September 15, 1956.

Odella graduated from Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN. She worked as an Executive Secretary for the Postmaster and retired from the Postal Service.

Odella was a member of Focal Point Church, Orlando, FL. She loved her pastors and her church family. Her happy spot was attending church. Her greatest legacy is showing Christ’s love to all she encountered. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, and played her accordion in church for years. She was a mentor and encourager to all who had the privilege to meet her and know her. Odella loved angels and has now earned her wings and crown in Heaven.

Odella is preceded in death by her loving husband Louis, and her mother Ethel (Lucas) Ridings.

Survivors include her two daughters Trina Rich and Christi (Rich) Richardson; her grandson Brandon Richardson; and her son-in-law Richard Richardson.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at Focal Point Church, 12890 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL, on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will be prior to the Celebration of Life service from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Burial for Odella will take place in Moss, TN, on April 16, 2026. Graveside Services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Macedonia Cemetery with Trina Rich and Christi Rich Richardson officiating.



Denise Ellen Servais

Denise Ellen Servais, 86, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:24 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 14, 1939, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Norbert and Beatrice (Flock) Downey. On October 8, 1960, she married Gerald E. Servais in La Crosse, WI, and he survives.

Denise was a 1957 graduate of Aquinas High School in Wisconsin and attended Viterbo College in Wisconsin. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Denise volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital for 23 years. She was an avid reader and bridge player. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and sewing.

Along with her husband Gerald, she is survived by her children Laura (Christopher) Suter, Joan (Jeff) Wilberg, Jerry (Michelle) Servais, Patty (Tim) Zingraf, and Carol (Matt) Van Auwelaer; grandchildren Erin (Stu) Ryan, Matt Wilberg, Drew (Jacqueline) Servais, Rachel Servais, Page Zingraf, Abbie (Sam) Knecht, and Sarah Van Auwelaer; great-grandchildren Brooke Ryan, Trevor Ryan, Mason Ryan, Claire Ryan, Carter Servais, Lily Servais, and Grace Knecht; and siblings Marion Downey, Jane Bacha, Michael (Anna) Downey, and Kathryn Perez.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents and adopted sister Jacqueline.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington Street, with Fr. Peter Vanderkolk the celebrant. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Literacy Coalition, 901 S. Courtland Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Message of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Diana Lynn Coomer

Diana Lynn Coomer, 67, was born on August 30, 1958, and passed away on April 6, 2026. Diana was humorous and resilient to the core — truly a character in the best possible way — and she loved her family with a steady, unmistakable devotion.

Over the years, Diana made her mark as a Bingo Hall Runner, a role that fit her perfectly: quick-witted, sharp-eyed, and always ready with a comment that could make a whole room laugh. She also enjoyed gambling, playing the lottery, and scratch-offs, never missing a chance to try her luck, and always making the fun last longer than the ticket did.

Diana was preceded in death by her father Hubert Paul; her mother Wanda Clark; her sister Helen Paul; and her brothers David Paul and Randy Paul.

She is survived by her daughters Wanda Evans (Mark) and Lynn Burgess (Darrell); her sons Jason Paul and Mark Paul; her brothers Greg Paul (Lorrie) and Hubert Paul (Debbie); her soulmate Ken Coomer; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46901, on April 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m.



Mary Margaret “Margie” Dezelan

Mary Margaret “Margie” Dezelan, 90, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. She was born on March 8, 1936, to Norris and Marie (Shover) Cutshaw in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Margie was a 1954 graduate of St. Agnes Academy. She was a member of the Danville Illinois Jaycees, where she was named Woman of the Year. She was also a member of Psi lota Xi Sorority. She was in real estate sales for more than 30 years as a multi-million-dollar producer in Kokomo, Indiana, where she co-owned the RE/MAX Realty One office before retiring in 1995.

Margie enjoyed her weekends and early retirement years at her lake home at Lake Manitou, Rochester, Indiana. In later years, Margie enjoyed her summers in Indiana and her winters at Pelican Lake in Naples, Florida, and eventually The Villages. Margie was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Spirit Parish at Geist in Fishers, Indiana, and St. Vincent de Paul in Wildwood, Florida. She loved being with her family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, playing golf, casinos, euchre, bridge, book club, craft shows, decorating, and spending time with her many friends. She was an avid sports fan, watching college basketball and football, as well as the NFL. She also enjoyed watching the stock market.

She is survived by her children Denise Sejalon, David (Laney) Dezelan, Debra Dezelan, Daniel (Karen) Dezelan, and Mary (Karl) Vandivier; brothers Don Cutshaw and Norris (Pegge) Cutshaw; uncle William R. Shover; grandchildren Cody Dezelan (Lindsey Williams), Tucker (Olivia) Dezelan, Anna Dezelan, Danielle (Mike) Hammel, Katie (Bryce) Holm, Megan Dezelan, Michael Dezelan, Cory (Michelle) Vandivier, Kevin (Sarah) Vandivier, and Connor Vandivier; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Margie was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Richard “Dick” Dezelan, to whom she was married for more than 54 years.

Services will be held at Holy Spirit Parish at Geist Catholic Church, 10350 Glaser Way, in Fishers, Indiana, on April 16, from 9:30-10:50 a.m., with a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Margie will be laid to rest next to Richard at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dezelan Trust at Cathedral High School, in memory of Margie Dezelan, 5225 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com



Robert “Bob” Gilbert

A much-loved husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend left us for his eternal home on March 25, 2026.

Robert “Bob” Gilbert was born on March 31, 1963, to Kenny Gilbert and Linda Persinger in Kokomo, Indiana. He attended school in Kokomo and finished school in Ohio. After finishing school, Bob welcomed two children into the world, Robert Jr. and Cody. He loved his kids unconditionally, and they were always his first concern.

Bob worked in construction after school and retired from the field in 2019. Bob enjoyed camping, fishing, and loved to work in his spare time improving the home he shared with his wife Pamela (Bounds) Gilbert, whom he married in 2011. He and Pam lived in Greentown, where they gardened together, rode Bob’s Harley, and spent free time with friends and family gathered for good music and Bob’s talent on the grill. Bob was also an avid animal lover, raised many dogs, and was cool with cats.

Bob is survived by his wife Pam, son Cody, his mother Linda, sister Cleda, two brothers Walt Gilbert and Bill Persinger, stepdaughters Jessica (Joshua) Martin and Stephanie (Aaron) Kane, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant son Robert Jr.; father Kenny; brother Tommy, and one infant grandchild. Bob will be missed by all, but we know he is in pain no longer and his body is no longer an obstacle to him.

No formal services will be held, but a gathering of family and friends at his home will be held in Bob’s memory, as he wished and in Bob’s style.