Geneva Mae Shelley, Melvin Dean Price, Robert Cecil Small Jr., Robert Eugene Rhodes, Chellsea BreAnn Morris, Ryan Nicholas Harrison, Gary Dean Stipe III, Robert J. Kinley, Cindy L. Howard
Geneva Mae (Vickers) Shelley
Geneva Mae (Vickers) Shelley, 94 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 6:58 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at her home in Kokomo. She was born in Mummie, KY, on May 24, 1932, the daughter of the late Chester and Martha (Messer) Vickers. On June 6, 1953, she married O.D. Shelley, and he survives.
Geneva was a 1952 graduate of Tyner High School in Tyner, Kentucky. She retired from General Motors after 15 years of service in production. Geneva was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great-grandma. She touched the lives of many nieces, nephews and friends. She was a staple and the longest tenured member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. She was a sports enthusiast and especially liked watching the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. She admired flowers and liked tending to her garden. Geneva was a skilled cook and baker at church and at home. Her favorite past times were fishing, quilting, sewing, and attending her grandchildren’s events.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Penny (Tim) Meadows and Linda (Rodney) Sprinkles; son-in-law Roger Shine; grandchildren Justin (Donna) Smith, Modesta Smith, James Shine, David (Mahasin) Shine, Noah Shine, Ethan Shine, Brittany (Matt) Schmeltzer, Katelyn (David) Rathbun, Jodi (Logan) Colwell, and Jessica Sprinkles; great-grandchildren Troy Smith, Olivia Smith, Owen Smith, Oriana Smith, Aidan Shine, Raven Shine, Elijah Rathbun, Riley Rathbun, and Lainey Mae Colwell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters Diane Smith and Pam Shine; siblings Mollie (Kenneth) Kelley, Harmie Vickers, Drucilla McQueen, Homer (Janice) Vickers, and Herman Vickers; and three great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Geneva’s life will begin 3 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Rumph officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made in Geneva’s memory to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Melvin Dean Price
Melvin Dean Price, age 80, entered his heavenly home on July 13, 2026, after an extended hospital stay. His friends knew him as “Mel,” but the names he was most proud of were “Honey,” Dad, and Grandpa Price.
Mel was born on July 1, 1946, in Young America, Indiana, to Harold and Guyneth Price and was the youngest of their four children.
He was a graduate of South Caston High School. Following graduation, he proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for six years. After his military service, Mel joined his father on the family farm, where he worked until 1985. Many in the community came to know him during his 29 years at Mike Anderson Pontiac in Logansport, where he remained until his retirement in the summer of 2014.
Mel married Linda Sue Fissel on August 5, 1967. They had three children: Jennifer, Bradley, and Debra. They lived most of their lives in Twelve Mile, Indiana, moving to the Converse area in the summer of 2022 to be closer to family.
Mel was passionate about sharing the Good News of God’s saving grace found in the Scriptures he dearly loved. He faithfully served as a Gideon and distributed thousands of Bibles throughout his lifetime, including 19 New Testaments that he gave to nurses, health care workers, and visitors during his final hospitalization.
Mel loved camping with the Camping Club, spending time outdoors with his family, and traveling the country with Linda. Together, they recently completed their goal of visiting all 50 states. He also enjoyed playing cards with his Card Club and treasured the friendships formed through the years.
Mel loved attending any choral performances, plays, and sporting events involving his children and grandchildren. An avid sports fan, he could often be found at local high school games. He especially loved Big Ten basketball, every Purdue sport, and of course, his beloved Chicago Cubs. In honor of his recent 80th birthday, his family celebrated with a Cubs-themed party during his stay in a rehabilitation facility.
Preceding him in death were his parents. He is survived by siblings Jane and Ron Schroeder of Warsaw, Indiana, Fred and Kathi Price of Northville, Michigan, and Allen and Carol Price of Half Moon Bay, California; his beloved wife of 58 years Linda Price; and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jen and Garth Shinn of Portland, Oregon, and their children Kinsley Shinn and Keaton and Kate Shinn and their children Ada and Lorraine; Brad and Deanna Price of Kokomo, Indiana, and their children Hannah Price and Caleb and Alysa Price and their children Jonah and Kaya; Bethany and Lucas Blair; Debbie and Joel Martin of Converse, Indiana, and their children Jace and Kendall Martin and their children Pearson and Palmer and Braelyn Martin; Shaye and Jose Nieves and their children Luka and Anaiah; Marlie and Caleb Newhouse and their children Regan and Elma; and Finley Martin.
Mel was loved and respected by all who knew him, but his greatest legacy is the example he set as a godly husband, father, and grandfather to his family. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are comforted knowing that he has heard the words he longed to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in memory of Melvin Price.
Until we meet again, we rejoice that he is healed, whole, and home with his Savior.
Arrangements for Mel have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church, 517 Church Street, Sweetser, Indiana 46952. A funeral service will take place at Liberty Baptist on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Private burial will be at Metea Cemetery.
Robert “Bobby” Cecil Small Jr.
Robert “Bobby” Cecil Small Jr., of Kokomo, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at his home. He was born on December 19, 1967, the son of Robert Cecil Small Sr. and Pauline Frances Fletcher.
Bobby retired from Chrysler. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a SEAL during the Persian Gulf War. He enjoyed motorcycles, sand rails, and barbecuing. Bobby was a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother who loved his family deeply and never hesitated to help those around him. He will be dearly missed.
Bobby leaves to cherish his memory his mother Pauline Frances Fletcher; his children Chanelle Small, Deven Richardson, Trevor Small, and Arika Riser; his grandchildren Maisie, Charlie, Lilly, Aurora, Ameeria, Ariah, Aurora, and Roman; his siblings Angela Small, Denise Perry, Crystal Small, and Bryson Small; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Cecil Small Sr., and his grandparents Emma Lee Samelton and Rosie Bennett.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Fountain of Life Worship Center, 611 E. Jackson St., Kokomo, with Bishop Charles E. Glenn officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Point Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Saturday.
Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Robert “Bob” “Dusty” Eugene Rhodes
Robert “Bob” “Dusty” Eugene Rhodes, 91, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:23 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at his home. He was born April 16, 1935, in Marston, Missouri, to Elmer and Eunice (Williams) Rhodes. On June 29, 1972, he married Karen Kay (Puterbaugh) Stock Rhodes, at Parr United Methodist Church in Kokomo, and she survives.
Bob graduated from Kokomo High School in 1953. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1963 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1965, attaining the rank of SP4. Bob began his career at Delco as a machine repairman. During a temporary layoff, he worked for Cuneo Press before returning to Delco, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, he attended Ivy Tech Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in heating and cooling and went on to own and operate Bob’s A/C Service for nine years. Bob enjoyed working on cars, boating, and especially fishing, where he preferred the simple pleasure of catch-and-release. He and Karen shared a love of RV travel and camping, making memories everywhere from nearby Mississinewa to destinations as far away as Las Vegas. He was a former member of the Eagles, a 50-year member of Parr United Methodist Church, a current member of Hillsdale Community Church, and a member of Naphtali Lodge #389 in Center for 50 years where he was recently honored with his 50-year membership pin.
In addition to his wife Karen Rhodes, survivors include his children Debra K. Andrew and her husband Richard, David Lee Rhodes, Diana Lynn Hill, Deborah K. (Stock) Stansell and her husband John, and Susan (Stock) Taylor; grandchildren Jennifer (Adams) Eller and her husband Josiah, Courtney Stansell, Paige Stansell, Kristopher Rhodes, and Jeremiah Martin; great-grandchildren Christian Wentzel, Roman Rhodes, Luke Rhodes, and Anthony Martin; and his beloved dog Cash.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Daniel Eugene Rhodes.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Hillsdale Community Church, 4893 E. 100 N., Kokomo, with Pastor Kent Kessler officiating. The services will begin with a Masonic Service and military honors performed by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Instead of sending flowers, please consider contributing to the American Cancer Society or Hillsdale Community Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo has been entrusted with arrangements.
Chellsea BreAnn Morris
Chellsea BreAnn Morris, 33, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at her home. She was born in Kokomo, Indiana on May 31, 1993, the daughter of Richard Gerald Morris Jr. and Loretta Lynn Barnett.
Chellsea was known for her infectious personality and impacted countless lives with her smile. She loved listening to music, horseback riding, and going to fairs. Chellsea was a people person and loved socializing and dancing. She loved getting together with her family and loved Jesus.
Chellsea is survived by her father and stepmother Richard and Patricia Morris; sisters Faith (Donald) Ingram, Nikita Sunday, and Sharlaina Barnett; brothers Neil (Jessica) Sunday, Justin Free, and Timren Davis; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Carpenter’s House, 37 County Road 550 North, Kokomo, with Pastor Kenny Cockrell officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.
Ryan “Rippie” Nicholas Harrison
Ryan “Rippie” Nicholas Harrison, 42, of Clarks Hill, IN, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
He was born on July 7, 1984, in Kokomo to Dale and Deborah (Morris) Wolford. Ryan graduated from Caston High School in 2002.
On May 24, 2005, he married Amber Redilla in Peru, Indiana.
Ryan worked at Subaru for the past 19 years.
He was an active member of River City Church, where he recently founded the 12 Steps to Freedom Life Group and was attending the International School of Ministry (ISOM) to become a pastor. Ryan led a Bible study at Glasswater Creek with his wife.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. Ryan loved hanging out with friends and family while cooking, grilling, or playing Saturday night cards. He also loved coaching his daughters’ softball teams.
Surviving are his wife Amber Harrison of Clarks Hill; his children Paige Harrison of Mattoon, IL, and Maddison Harrison and Abigail Harrison, both of Clarks Hill; his parents Dale and Deborah Wolford of Kokomo; and his siblings Brandie Bird of Kokomo, Ernie (Shelly) Harrison of Rochester, and Robert Harrison of Kokomo. Also surviving are his niece and nephew Makena Harrison and Emmett Harrison, both of Rochester. Ryan was looking forward to becoming a grandpa in January.
He was preceded in death by his brothers William Morris & Jeffery Harrison; his father and mother-in-law Jim & Terrie Harding; his grandfather-in-law Larry Hall; and his best friend Ian Raderstorf.
A Service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. at River City Church in Lafayette officiated by Pastor Robby Bradford. Burial will follow at Clarks Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church.
You may leave condolences and memories of Ryan online at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com
Gary Dean Stipe III
Gary Dean Stipe III, 53, Kokomo, passed away at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his home. He was born in Richmond, CA, on February 10, 1973, the son of Gary Dean Stipe Sr. and Judy A. (Smith) Porter. On January 8, 2001, in Klamath Falls, OR, he married Shenandoah Stipe, and she survives.
Gary graduated from Richmond High School in 1991. He was the co-owner and bather at All God’s Creatures for the last 15 years. He loved fishing, hiking, mushroom hunting, creek wading, and yard work. He was a true outdoorsman. He was an usher at Fresh Start Ministries, where he found Jesus and freedom from addiction. Gary was first to show up and quick to be helpful to others. After he became clean and sober, he was a regular to help show others the way out.
Along with his wife Shenandoah, Gary is survived by his mother Judy (Douglas) Porter; children Tanner Stipe, Onalee (Kyle) Trippett-Wall, Justin (Brooklyn) Williams, and Tessa (Keyshon) Rowe; grandchildren Chace, Colten, Phoenix, Braxton, Alana, Greyson, Amara, Ah’Zainiah, Lincoln, Ziovanni, and Zayja; sisters Shawna (Roger) Einsling and Jana (Shannon) Champoux; step-siblings Missy (Jim) Mace, Brian (Rachel) Porter, Ron Helser, Scott (Susie) Helser, Cindy Rose, and Sherilyn Cooper; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Gary Stipe Sr.; nephew Chace Warnock; and cousins and grandparents.
A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Fresh Start Ministries, 801 W. Mulberry St, Kokomo, with Pastors Chad Collins and Justin Markley officiating. Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to funeral home to help assist the family with final expenses. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Robert J. “Bob” Kinley
Robert J. “Bob” Kinley, age 89, of La Fontaine, Indiana, passed away on July 11, 2026. He was born on April 18, 1937, in Peru, Indiana, and lived a long, full life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a love of building, restoring, and creating with his hands.
Bob was the beloved husband of Loretta Ann Kinley and the son of the late Harry and Eliza Jane Kinley. He was also preceded in death by his son Mitchell Kinley and his sister Phyllis Jacobson. He is survived by his daughters Linda (Mike) Reynolds, Vicki Ervin, Jerri Kinley, Holly Tiger, and Bobby (Dan) Schul, along with 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his memory with love and gratitude.
A graduate of Marion High School, Bob went on to earn his journeyman’s card as a tool and die maker, a profession that reflected his skill, discipline, and remarkable attention to detail. He took pride in honest work and was known for being dependable, capable, and resourceful. Throughout his life, he brought those qualities into everything he did, whether he was working with tools, repairing motors, or lending a hand to someone in need.
Bob was a man who could always be found in the garage working on something. He had a natural gift for fixing, restoring, and improving, and he approached every project with patience and determination. He especially enjoyed working on motors, and he had a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in bringing old machines back to life. His hands were rarely still, and his mind was always focused on the next idea, the next repair, or the next challenge to solve.
He was also an avid Harley-Davidson rider and found great joy in the open road. Riding was more than a pastime for Bob. It was a source of freedom, adventure, and peace. He also loved restoring hot rod cars, combining his mechanical skill with his appreciation for classic style and performance. These interests reflected the kind of man he was. He was handy, creative, and wise, with a practical mind and an inventive spirit that made him stand out to everyone who knew him.
In addition to his work and hobbies, Bob was an avid book reader who appreciated the quiet enjoyment of a good story and the knowledge found within the pages of a book. His curiosity and thoughtful nature were evident in many parts of his life. He valued learning, observation, and experience, and he often shared his wisdom in simple but meaningful ways. Those who knew him best will remember not only what he could build or repair, but also the steady presence and good judgment he brought to every situation.
Bob’s life was one of dedication, resilience, and love. He was proud of his family and deeply connected to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the projects he completed, the memories he created, and the family he cherished. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his mechanical talent, his love of the garage, and the quiet strength that guided him through life.
He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly and will miss his presence, his guidance, and his unmistakable way of making things work. Though his passing leaves a deep void, his memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Bob Kinley will be remembered with love, respect, and gratitude for a life well lived.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Cindy L. Howard
Cindy L. Howard, 57 of Kokomo passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, 2026, at home.
Born on January 25, 1969, in Logansport, she was the daughter of Charles and Patricia (Gunter) Howard.
She is survived by her mother Patricia and one sister Lori.
Cindy was preceded in death by her father Charles and sister Lisa Weaver.
She will be laid to rest next to her sister at Kistler Cemetery in Royal Center.
Cindy’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.