Jesse R. Miller, Craig Alan Wilson, Marietta Harrold, Viola Marie (Bunch) Guffey, Mike Van Winkle
Jesse R. Miller
Jesse R. Miller, 95, Kokomo, passed away at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at North Woods Commons in Kokomo. He was born March 16, 1931, in Martinsville, Indiana. On December 2, 1977, in Kokomo, he married Eleanor (Bunch) Miller, who preceded him in death on May 8, 2017.
Jesse served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the Kokomo VFW, American Legion, Moose, Elks, and the Eagles. He enjoyed working on his house, which was his first love. He also enjoyed making stained glass, gardening, and tending to his flowers.
Jesse is survived by his sister; a niece and nephew; seven stepchildren; two adopted boys; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents; wife Eleanor; three brothers; and two sisters.
The family would like to give a special thank you to North Woods Commons, Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, and Community Howard Regional Health Kokomo, for their care and compassion while caring for Jesse.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Shiloh Cemetery, 575W 100N (Hwy 22), Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. The family would like everyone to wear red, white, and blue apparel for service. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Craig Alan Wilson
Craig Alan Wilson, 66, Kokomo, passed away at 5:29 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born on March 7, 1960, in Kokomo, the son of the late Calvin Wilson and Treva (Ellison) Smith.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School in the class of 1979, Craig went on to build a successful career as an electrician with Chrysler Corporation. After years of dedicated service, he retired in 2008.
Craig was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in watching movies and television shows, with Sanford & Son holding a special place as his favorite. He cherished the companionship of his beloved cat Sugar, who brought him comfort and happiness. Craig also enjoyed spending time with his best friend Greg Lawson; together they embarked on Facebook runs and worked on antenna jobs.
An active member of the community, Craig was involved in several organizations that reflected his values and hobbies. He was a member of UAW Local #1166 and participated in the Ham Radio Club and group 147240. He took pride in their regular check-ins from Monday through Thursday at 8 p.m., fostering connections with fellow enthusiasts. Additionally, Craig was a member of First Congregational Church, where he found spiritual fulfillment and fellowship.
Craig is survived by his son Andrew Wilson; sister Kristina (Eddie) Denato; nieces Stephanie Denato and Samantha (Matthew) Griffith; eight great-nieces and nephews; and his best friend Greg Lawson.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents; niece Jennyfer Ruble and her infant son Leo; and grandmother Viola Hendrix.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at South Union Cemetery, 00 NS and 1050 W, Kokomo, with Pastor Kylan Dubbels officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Marietta Harrold
Marietta Harrold, a beloved teacher, avid crafter, and devoted friend to many, was born in Kokomo, Indiana, to Jack and Bonnie Eads. She was the youngest of three, having two older brothers. The family lived on Taylor Street during her childhood, later moving to Stonybrook when she was in high school. She had fond memories of both homes. After graduation from Kokomo High School, she attended Ball State University to study French, Spanish, and Education. She received Bachelors and Masters degrees.
On June 12, 1971, she married the love of her life William Harrold. They had the most wonderful dog Rex, a huge white German Shepherd. They had many adventures together. In 1974, Audrey came along, followed in 1978 by Andrew.
Marietta taught high school for more than 30 years. She started at Western School Co. before having children. After spending time with her young children, she went back to teaching at Tri-Central High School for a few years. She returned to Western High School and taught for around 30 years, before retiring in 2011.
Marietta, also known as Mme (Mimi), loved teaching. It was one of her greatest joys. She loved opening her students’ eyes and minds to different languages and cultures. She touched the lives of thousands of students over the years, whether they were in her class or not. She sponsored several clubs, teams, and events. She took great joy in cooking for many events as well, often roping Audrey in to assist. She also led many groups of students on trips to Europe over the course of her career.
After she retired, she took many trips to see her grandchildren when they lived out of state. She enjoyed her many trips to casinos with Bill and Andy. Marietta did this when she was not busy sewing or participating in craft fairs. She loved to create things.
Marietta’s last decade was fraught with health issues. She eventually moved to Bloomington, Indiana, to make it easier for Audrey to help her when needed. She was always quick to try and make doctors and health care providers laugh. She loved Audrey’s funny file of memes, which she had almost memorized. She would always tell the healthcare team, “This is not our first rodeo.” She remained fiercely independent until the very end.
Marietta was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Bonnie Eads; her brothers David Eads and Louis Eads; and her beloved husband Bill.
Marietta is survived by her son Andrew Harrold; her daughter Audrey (Carl) James; her grandchildren Xander, Pierre, and Tristan James; and her sisters in love Pat Eads and Jill Woodward Moss.
There will be a funeral service for Marietta on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, at 7 p.m. Friends may visit from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Marietta will be cremated following the service.
Viola Marie (Bunch) Guffey
Viola Marie (Bunch) Guffey, 79, of Sharpsville, passed away 10:55 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 15, 1946, the daughter of the late Forrest and Goldie (McGuire) Bunch. On October 12, 1979, she married James “Jim” Guffey, and he survives.
Viola was a 1966 graduate of Eastern High School. She retired from Chrysler Corp. after 29½ years as a drill operator. She proudly and humbly served our country in the United States Army and earned the rank of E-5. Viola received a national defense service medal and good conduct medal. She was a member of the Eastern Star Greentown Chapter #195, UAW #685, and the Eagles Auxiliary from 1967 through 2018. She was a faithful member of Beulah Land Baptist Church in Sharpsville, and she held a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Viola was a tough, hard-working, yet very sweet and caring lady. She was ultra protective of her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite family vacations were spent in Oklahoma or South Dakota.
In addition to her husband Jim, Viola is survived by her children James (Laurel) Guffey Jr., Bendi (Neal) Grawcock, Polly (Stacey) Dewalt, and Quincy (Sheila) Guffey; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Ike Bunch, Louis Bunch, Robert Bunch, Donald Bunch, David Bunch, and Leo Bunch; and sisters Verna May Henson, Barbara Bowen, and Eleanor J. Miller.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Viola’s life will begin 10:30 a.m. with the Order of the Eastern Star, Greentown Chapter #195, Thursday June 4, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor Dan Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Kokomo. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Viola’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Mike Van Winkle
Crossing the finish line after a long, winding race, Mike Van Winkle is now cruising around heaven in his 1957 Corvette. James Michael Van Winkle passed on May 19, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after fighting Parkinson’s Disease for many years.
Mike came into this world on June 23, 1940, in Grant County, Indiana. Born to his parents James Van Winkle and Margaret Ann Mathewson Van Winkle David, Mike was the beloved big brother of Rebecca Van Winkle Evans (Alexandria, VA). After his 1958 graduation from Madison Heights High School, Anderson, Indiana, Mike cruised down to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville to become a life-long Volunteer. Mike met his future wife Demaris Ann Marshall Van Winkle (Fort Wayne, IN), while classmates in a political science class called Propaganda and Psychological Warfare. We all still laugh about this fun fact, and celebrate they almost made it to their 62nd wedding anniversary, which would have been on June 20, 2026.
Mike and Dee’s favorite and greatest accomplishment together was the family they grew and loved with all their hearts. Mike’s three beloved daughters Michelle Van Winkle Steward (Kokomo, IN), Kelly Van Winkle Schimmele (Fort Wayne, IN), and Marianne Van Winkle (Indianapolis, IN) are joined in grief and celebration by sons-in-law Jeff Steward and Grant Schimmele; grandchildren Sarah Steward Rojas, Emma Steward, Reese Schimmele, and Cameron Schimmele; grandson-in-law Matt Rojas; great-grandsons Levi Rojas, Braylen Steward, and Noah Rojas; many beloved nieces and nephews; and the entire Van Winkle clan.
Mike and Dee raised their family in Kokomo and Rochester, IN. He traveled up and down Highway 31 every day in the summers, commuting between his long-time job at Delco Electronics and his treasured Lake Manitou A-frame cottage. Countless church retreats, friends, and family members joined Mike in lake and boating fun, including his legendary dry-land waterskiing lessons. Mike and Dee often opened their hearts and home to their daughters’ friends. Their devotion to family connection was evident in their annual family trips to Miami, Florida, where Dee’s family resided.
Mike and Dee were long-time members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kokomo, and the FaHoCha Sunday School class. Mike was known widely as the “Pickle Man” for leading the FaHoCha Class’s annual Sechler’s Pickles sale, raising funds for kids going to camp and missionaries around the world. He was also known as an avid car and racing fan, owning multiple sports cars in his lifetime and traveling to many races as a fan and sometimes as a reporter. Mike was a proud member of the Delco Electronics Corvette Club and the Porsche Club of America.
Later in life, Mike loved spending winters in Florida, watching his races on TV, family meals and game nights, being a part of the First Christian Church, Rochester congregation, and fighting Parkinson’s Disease while participating in multiple Rock Steady Boxing groups. Mike wanted everyone he met to know about the amazing care and benefits he experienced with Rock Steady Boxing.
Mike will be missed for the smile that was hard to earn, as the disorganized efficiency expert, as the Papa that was very proud of his grandkids and great-grandkids, as the Dad who loved his girls, as the brother who could only be called Michael Doodle by his sister, and as the husband that built a loving, loud, sometimes crazy, and close family with his wife. Mike Van Winkle, the checkered flag is yours. You may now take your victory lap in heaven.
There will be a celebration of life for Mike on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo; friends may visit with Mike’s family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place immediately after the service at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.