Sandra Lou Markus, William L. Shaffer, David Russell Studebaker, Julie A. Matthys Kinman, Clayton Wayne Lock, Deborah Ann Horton, Nancy Jo Courts, Gregory Nickels, Patrick Wayne Guthrie

Sandra Lou Markus

Sandra Lou Markus was greeted by her dearest loved ones as she made her journey home on May 23, 2026, at age 84.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 17, 1941, to Ray & Emma Sutton, she was one of five siblings, with closeness they shared in raising families, traveling, and much laughter.

She married her greatest love Stanley Markus on August 19, 1961, sharing 64 years together in Kokomo, Indiana. Stanley devotedly cared for her throughout her life, as Sandy was a three-time cancer survivor who never lost her light.

She was cherished by many who lovingly called her Memir.

“Meme” treasured every child, nurturing generations with compassion and leaving a legacy of love through her daycare of more than 30 years.

Sandy loved singing, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, cooking and baking, slot machines, and a good cup of coffee. She never went without makeup, hair spray, and her signature fragrance, showing up for everyone, at any moment’s notice.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 64 years Stanley Markus; her children Tim Markus and wife Chris and Chris Markus and wife Tina; grandchildren Allysha Conwell and partner Jason, Allayna Parker, Reid Markus, Ella Markus, and Morgan Markus; great-grandson Noah Leonard; six bonus step-grandchildren Caitlin (Justin) Tyminski, Andrew (Josie) Granfield and their son Rylan, Holly, Hannah, Laurel, and Ben Granfield; her sister Edna Dehaven, niece Denise, nephew Dana, and great niece Stacie McNeal and their beautiful family, along with many other nieces and nephews.

She leaves behind dear lifelong friends, including Doris Mudroney, Shirley & Larry Nix, the ladies of the Bridge Club, Marie Scott, and the families she lovingly helped shape and raise through the years.

She was predeceased by her parents Ray and Emma Sutton, brothers Roy, Bud (Marilou), and Steve, her beloved daughter Jennifer Lynn Markus, and niece Mary Sims, along with many aunts and cousins. She will be reunited with the many furry pets she loved and cared for so deeply.

Memir leaves behind the secret family recipe for “Potecia” and the best chocolate chip cookies, but above all, family and friends who cherish her spirit forever.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, on May 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society or plant a tree to honor her legacy.

William L. “Billy” Shaffer

William L. “Billy” Shaffer, 41, Kokomo, passed away at 4:31 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at his home. William was born in Kokomo on September 25, 1984, the son of William E. and Angela R. (DeLano) Shaffer.

Billy was a machinist, CNC, and a former member of the electrical apprenticeship program for IBEW. He enjoyed installing audio systems in cars, cooking, and baking. He was very involved with his girlfriend’s children. He was a loving and caring person with a big heart and was held in high regard.

Billy is survived by his parents William and Angela; longtime partner Ashley Wiman and her children Cashis and Joslin Roland; grandmother Beatrice Irene Shaffer; sisters Jessica (Jason) Garling and Penny (Jacob) DeWeese; brother Jabian (Jaelyn) Shaffer; several aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews Destiny Sutherland, Haley Sutherland, Aiden Sutherland, Cody Dunn, and Chloe Dunn; and four great nieces.

He was preceded in death by sister Patricia Lynn DeLano; grandparents Marguerite (William) Ross, James (Evelyn) DeLano, and Robert Shaffer; uncles Robert Shaffer Jr., James DeLano, Manuel Garcia, and Frank Hawk; and aunt Rebecca Chavez.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A funeral service celebrating William’s life will be at 12 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Seth Alford officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help assist the family with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

David “Dave” Russell Studebaker

David “Dave” Russell Studebaker, 67, of Bringhurst, passed away at 6:00 a.m., Sunday, May 24, 2026, at his home. He was born on February 1, 1959, in Peru, IN, the son of Jim and Dorothy Radar (Ashlock) Studebaker. On September 9, 1984, he married Kelly Griffin in Flora, IN, and she survives.

Dave worked at multiple roofing companies, Co-Op in Flora, and single tree trucking at Indiana Packers. He enjoyed being outdoors, where he would hunt mushrooms and ride ATVs and four-wheelers. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Along with his wife Kelly, Dave is survived by his children April (Chad Gipson) Cook, Jenny (Wesley) Garst, and Alex (Hannah Hawkins) Studebaker; grandchildren Katarina, Hayden, Hailey, Fletcher, Lillian, Oliver, Evelyn, and Christopher; sister Brenda; brothers Bruce and Mark; and his beloved cat Millie.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service celebrating Dave’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville. A burial in St. Paul Cemetery in Forest, IN, will follow. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be made at www.stoutandson.com.

Julie A. Matthys Kinman

Julie A. Matthys Kinman, born September 4, 1953, in Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on May 16, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family and friends. She lived a life marked by generosity, hard work, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Julie attended Benton Central High School and carried the values of perseverance and responsibility with her throughout her life. She worked as a CNA, where she took great care of her patients with patience, compassion, and dignity. Her care extended beyond her work, as she often looked after friends and family with the same tenderness and commitment that defined her professional life. She was the kind of person who gave of herself freely, and many found comfort in her presence and in her steady, caring nature.

To know Julie was to love her. She had a heart of gold and was known for being funny, generous, and loving. She worked hard all her life and loved her family deeply. She made many lifelong friends along the way, and her kindness helped build lasting bonds that will be remembered for years to come. Her sense of humor brought laughter to those around her, and her ability to brighten a room will remain one of the many things her loved ones cherish most about her.

Julie enjoyed reading and watching television, finding comfort and enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. She was a giver in every sense of the word, always thinking of others before herself and offering help wherever it was needed. Her life was a reflection of selflessness and care, and her family and friends will forever remember the joy she brought into their lives.

She is survived by her children Russell Kinman, Krystal and Junior Douglas, and Jessica Kinman; her grandchildren Natasha Sanders, Dondrieus Yancey, John Yancey Jr., Alizabeth Cunningham Whittaker, and Thomas Whittaker; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Jennifer Fletcher, and her niece Gretchen Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Matthys and Mary K. Fletcher; her son Travis Kinman; her stepfather Boyd Fletcher; and her brother, known affectionately as Chicken John Matthys.

Julie’s family was the center of her world, and she treasured each of them deeply. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unwavering, and she took great pride in the family she helped nurture. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her best, and her influence will continue through the many lives she touched with her compassion, humor, and strength.

Though her passing leaves a deep void, Julie’s life stands as a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness, family, and a loving heart. She will be remembered with great affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she will be missed greatly by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be held for family and close friends on June 6 at 3:00 p.m. at 1910 E, 600 N. West Lafayette, IN 47906.

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

Clayton Wayne Lock

Clayton Wayne Lock, 74, passed away peacefully with a smile in the presence of his girls on May 24, 2026. He was born on March 28, 1952.

Clayton was a graduate of Kokomo High School as well as a lifelong resident of Kokomo.

He proudly served in the United States Army and later worked in manufacturing for many years, as well as hod carrying (masonry) work that reflected dedication to do what needed to be done with detail orientation.

Clayton enjoyed Budweiser beer and fishing most of his life. He was also a humble artist with exceptional abilities in drawing. He especially appreciated the view from his penthouse apartment. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Clayton was known as a kind man who was content in solitude.

Clayton is survived by his daughters Misty (Rick) Davis and Mitasha (Matt) Owens; two brothers Dennis and Michael Lock; his grandsons Shaun, Seth, Jacob, Riley, Joshua, and Jackson; his great-grandchildren Rosalie and Jameson; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Everett and Lois June Lock and his brother Ronald Gene Lock.

Clayton faced a short journey with cancer. His comfort was maintained by the Paradigm Hospice Team. His family would also like to thank the Oncology/Hematology teams at Indianapolis VA, Dr. Durk, and the radiation oncology team of Ascension of Kokomo for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.

Deborah Ann Horton

Deborah Ann Horton, 73, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away May 23, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1952, in Muncie, Indiana, the daughter of John and Suzanne (Stibbins) DuPouy.

She loved learning all of the different ways to prepare food. She also enjoyed collecting and shopping for antiques. Debby was also an avid gardener.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Thomas Horton and Melissa Horton Bogue; grandchildren Brynlee Bogue and Matthew Bogue; siblings Cindy Richardson of Port Orange, FL, Mark (Ruth) DuPouy of Kokomo, IN, and Wendy (Patrick) Cattuna of De Leon Springs, FL.

Debby was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband Dennis Horton; and son-in-law Darrin Bogue.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Calvary Baptist Church at a later date. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Nancy Jo Courts

Nancy Jo Courts, 88, Kokomo, passed away at 5:45 a.m. on May 23, 2026, at her home. She was born May 26, 1937, in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of the late Everett & Dorothy (Drabenstott) Bressler. She was married to Lewis Hodson, who preceded her in death on September 22, 1979. She then married John Courts on June 6, 1980, who also preceded her in death on March 11, 2011.

Nancy was a 1955 graduate of Kokomo High School. She worked for Haworth High School in the cafeteria for 15 years. Nancy loved hosting family gatherings at her home where she would make the food from scratch. She was well-known for her chicken and noodles and her fudge. She also loved to quilt, go to the lake, and go to the Moose Lodge in Kokomo that she was a member of.

Nancy is survived by her children John (Marsha Whitehead) Hodson, Michael Hodson, and Michelle (William) Pratt; daughter-in-law Carolyn Hodson; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sister Jaqueline Quinn; along with several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Lewis Hodson and John Courts; son David Hodson; sister Pat Poulen; and daughter-in-law Christie Hodson.

In keeping with Nancy’s wishes, no services are planned. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Gregory Nickels

Gregory Nickels, 53, of Donegal, PA, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as a result of an automobile accident. Greg was born April 4, 1973, in Kokomo, IN, to Patricia Hurst and his bonus Dad Richard and the late Morris J. Nickels.

Greg was a graduate of Northwestern High School and attended Cumberland College and IUK. Greg was a D.J. most of his adult life, playing in Las Vegas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. His passion was music and sports. He played golf often and attended many baseball games with friends and family, covering most of the baseball stadiums across the U.S. He shared the love of Jesus with many and knew the word of God well.

Greg is survived by his loving family: his mother Patricia Hurst and his bonus Dad Richard Hurst; his siblings Tonya Huffer (Richard), Niki Jackson, David Nickels, Jenny Moore Holt (Scott), and Crystal Hurst; his nephews Kyle Vandervort and R.J. Huffer; his nieces Kiersten Dornan (Andrew), Lily and Mattie Huffer, Kayla Vandervort, Rose and Gabby House, Katelynn Boling (Sam), and Megan Morris; and his eight great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his uncle Mickey East (Tina); his aunts Madelyne McDaniel, Elenor Geary, and Rosie Nickels; and by numerous extended family and friends. In addition to his father, Greg was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Bettie East, Beulah Allen, and Morris W. Nickels.

All services will be held in Kokomo, IN. To offer an online condolence please visit our website at www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com

Patrick Wayne “Pat” Guthrie

Patrick Wayne “Pat” Guthrie, 47, Peru, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born December 8, 1978, in Winamac, the son of the late Wayne Thomas & Burma Doris (Whitt) Guthrie.

Pat had a profound love of Jesus and enjoyed reading the Bible. He had a great sense of humor and loved family gatherings and reading books about the law. Pat loved animals, especially dogs. He helped feed a resident cat named Mittens and fed the birds. He also found solace in listening to rap music, especially the words of Tupac Shakur.

Pat is survived by his siblings Christine Sowers, Mary Beamish, and David Guthrie; niece and nephews Michael Beamish, Matthew Guthrie, Elizabeth Anne Guthrie, Jimmy Guthrie, and Shawn Guthrie; and great nephews Shawn Guthrie Jr., Parker Chen, and Auggie Palmquist.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; brother Daniel Guthrie; and nephew William Drake Beamish.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.