Johnnie (Margaret) Tryon, Raymie James Smith, John Thomas Retz, Steve Sharpe, Gwen M. Wisler-Smith, Jill Ann Edgar

Johnnie (Margaret) Tryon

Johnnie (Margaret) Tryon, 79, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She was born in Missouri on May 2, 1947, to the late Guy and Mary (Schonberger) Hinton. On June 10, 1965, in Lansing, Illinois, Johnnie married Thomas Tryon, and together they raised two children.

Johnnie enjoyed camping, taking road trips, and especially caring for and riding horses. During her years in Winamac, Indiana, she took great pride in having a barn and pasture for her beloved horse Joey. Caring for Joey brought her joy, comfort, and a deep sense of peace. To Johnnie, Joey wasn’t just a horse, he was a true companion. She will be remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

Johnnie is survived by her children Guy (Linda) Tryon of Kokomo, IN, and Cynthia (Mike) Mitsch of Culver, IN; three granddaughters Amanda, Jennifer (Buddy) Mattingly, and Kimberly (Bobby) Cooper; six great-grandchildren Bentley, Nathan, Theresa, Anthony, Natalie, and Nora; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, and her two sisters Martha “Sissy” and Mary Lou.

Johnnie cherished her daily phone calls with her niece Debbie and her great-niece Crystal. She especially loved spending time “up north” with Debbie, Crystal, Ray, and Ray-Ray; moments that brought her laughter, comfort, and connection. Her family will forever remember her warmth, her strength, and the love she shared so freely.

Per Johnnie’s wishes, she will be cremated and placed at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. There will be no services.

Raymie James Smith

Raymie James Smith, age 57, passed away on May 11, 2026. He was born on November 11, 1968, in Peru, Indiana, and lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a warm spirit that touched the hearts of many.

Raymie graduated from Maconaquah High School and carried the values of determination and responsibility with him throughout his life. He worked in construction, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature. He also served in the Army National Guard as a cook, a role that reflected both his willingness to serve and his natural talent for preparing good meals for others. His time in service was a meaningful part of his life, and he carried that sense of duty with quiet pride.

Those who knew Raymie will remember him as a great chef and someone who truly enjoyed sharing his gifts with others. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, and his cooking was one of the many ways he showed care and affection. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing and deer hunting, with his dad and brother and going camping with his family. These times were among his most cherished, and they created memories that will be treasured by his loved ones for years to come.

Raymie was a funny, thoughtful, and adventurous man whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone around him. He had a way of bringing laughter into a room and making others feel at ease. His thoughtful nature was evident in the way he cared for his family and friends, and his adventurous spirit gave life a sense of energy and movement. He embraced the moments that mattered most and approached life with a sincerity that will not be forgotten.

Family was central to Raymie’s life. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald Smith and Geda Garling. He is survived by his five children Brandon Stuber, Samantha (Rich) Sprague, Greg Smith, Jeff Closser, and Karigan (Kyle) Closser, who were a source of great pride and joy in his life. He also leaves behind his sister Tana (Butch) Sons; his brother Donald (Stephanie) Smith; and Kim (Steve Meier) Allen. He is also survived by several grandchildren, who brought him happiness and added another beautiful generation to his family legacy. In addition, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him with love and affection.

Raymie’s life was one of steady presence, meaningful work, and deep family connection. He will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his adventurous heart, and the many ways he made life brighter for those around him. Though his passing leaves a deep void, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A traditional obituary often speaks not only of a life ended, but of a life well lived, and Raymie James Smith’s story is one of strength, service, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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

John Thomas Retz

John Thomas Retz, 80, of Windfall, entered this world on May 16, 1945, in Mier, Indiana. His parents were Ira & Naomi (Monroe) Retz. John was never a fan of being late and left this world precisely at the intended time on Monday, May 11, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family. John married Janice Long on November 16, 1990, and they shared more than 35 years together.

John proudly served in the U.S. Army.

John retired after many years of service at Red Gold and held several other jobs throughout his life, including working as a farm hand. He attended Oak Hill High School. John loved playing BINGO and being outside, where he could often be found doing yard work.

Survivors include his wife Janice of Windfall; one daughter Holly Retz and her wife Sarah of Columbus, Ohio, and one stepson Joshua Herron and his wife Tracey of Tipton. Also surviving are two grandchildren Riley and Gabrielle Herron and one great-granddaughter Raven Herron.

John was preceded in death by his brother Dan Retz (survived by wife Sandy); his sister Dixie (Retz) Long and husband Bob; and a grandson Konner Kakasuleff.

No services are planned. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Retz family in their time of need. Condolences for John’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Please make memorial donations in John’s honor to the Humane Society of Tipton County, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Steve Sharpe

Steve Sharpe, age 73, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Born on January 6, 1953, in Nashville, Tennessee, Steve was the son of John “Doug” and Vernice Sharpe. Steve lived a life full of music, curiosity, faith, and meaningful conversation. A gifted guitar player who taught himself how to play by listening to Chet Atkins, he spent time traveling on the road with country music artist Tanya Tucker, sharing his love of music wherever life took him. He also had a deep passion for computers and dedicated many years of his life to computer programming.

Steve was known for his deep relationship with Christ and his love of discussing spirituality and life’s deeper meanings. He had a thoughtful spirit, a sharp mind, and a way of connecting with others through honest conversation and compassion.

He is survived by his loving mother Vernice Sharpe; his sister Wanda (Steve) Sullivan of Bon Aqua, Tennessee; his sons Steve (Michelle) Sharp of Lafayette, Indiana, and Doug (Crystal) Sharp of Russiaville, Indiana; and his cherished grandchildren Ireland, Envie, Noah, Nica, and Colin Sharp.

He is also survived by his nieces Tammy (Melissa) Cullen and Clarisa (Kevin) Davis; his nephew Cody (Christina) Sullivan; daughter in love Dianna Vogas; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his father John Douglas Sharpe; his sister Darleen Sharpe; and his brother Johnny Sharpe.

A small private family service will be held, and a celebration of Steve’s life will be arranged at a later date.

Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.

In Perfect Harmony

(Steve Sharpe- 2024)

I Desire to die His Perfect Death,

If it be His Will;

However, with Desire I desire to live to do His Perfect Will,

If it be His Will;

And the Comforter has come,

That I may Embrace,

In Perfect Harmony,

Till I see His Perfect Face.

(Capitalization is key to understanding this writing. The capitalized words within the sentence refer directly to the Spirit of God Himself, while the same words, uncapitalized, refer to the natural human being. Also, this dichotomy is revealed in the context of this writing as it relates to what Jesus Christ said to His disciples at The Last Supper, “With Desire I’ve desired to eat this supper with you.”)

Gwen M. Wisler-Smith

Gwen M. Wisler-Smith, 79, of Tipton died early Thursday morning May 7, 2026, at the Waters of Tipton. She was born in Anderson, Indiana, on September 22, 1946, to James E. and Viola R. (Lewis) Smith. Gwen married William R. Smith on September 21, 1987, and he preceded her in death on January 6, 2014, after spending more than 26 years together.

Gwen was retired from the hustle of the banking world, where she enjoyed seeing and visiting with the patrons on a daily basis. She spent a lot of quality time creating numerous items as she crafted as a hobby.

She is survived by a stepdaughter Tamela R. Watson and a sister-in-law Judy M. Phillipe.

A family graveside service will be conducted at a later date with her burial at Fairview Cemetery.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Gwen’s family with arrangements. Please leave messages of condolence for her family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Jill Ann Edgar

Jill Ann Edgar, 78, passed away, May 5, 2026, at her home.

Jill was born March 19, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana, to Clarence Shirley and Mildred “Mickey” (Langdon) Kinder.

She grew up in Tipton and was a Pendleton resident since 1969.

Jill was a 1966 graduate of Tipton High School and a member of Brightpoint Church in Markleville. She enjoyed crafting, animals, nature, and traveling.

Jill was co-owner of Laco Electronics in Pendleton for several years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son Spencer Curtis “Rez” Click.

Survivors include her husband John D. Edgar; and her cousin Carol Dunkin.

A private graveside service and burial will take place later in Normanda Cemetery, Tipton County.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic, 1505 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201 or Madison County Humane Society, 2219 Crystal St., Anderson, IN 46012.

Arrangements entrusted to Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, 211 E. State St., Pendleton, Indiana.