Mitchell Lee Herr, Eldern Burton, Franz Joseph Federspill, Christina L. Ripperger, Glen M. Cupp, Dolan Dexter Bartels, William Raymond Armfield, Byron Richard Smith, Othello Bach-Grant

Mitchell Lee Herr

Mitchell Lee Herr, 64, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 14, 2026. He was born October 31, 1961, to the late Leonard and Judy Herr.

He played basketball at Kokomo High School and at the College of the Sequoias in California. He later graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, pairing natural intelligence with a steady work ethic that served him throughout his life.

Mitch worked as a supervising engineer for Chrysler, a role that suited his sharp mind and practical approach. Yet, even with professional responsibilities, Mitch never lost the easy, good-natured spirit that made him who he was—someone who could get things done while still finding reasons to laugh, and making sure others did, too.

Mitch married Kelly Goodnight, and together they raised two sons. Mitch was a great husband and provider, a loving father, and as his boys grew older and had children of their own, he became a loving grandfather. “Pops” was his favorite name. He never missed a game for any of his kids or grandsons, and that kind of devotion said everything about him: family wasn’t merely important to Mitch; it was the center of his world.

He enjoyed walking with his dogs Skeeter and Daisy. He truly loved all of his dogs that he had over the years. He found peace in fishing, satisfaction in gardening and cooking, and happiness in being outdoors. He played basketball in the city league for many years and at Foster Park with his friends and brothers. And in a driveway, with a ball and his grandson Declan, Pops could turn an ordinary moment into something lasting. He also coached his sons and grandsons.

Mitch’s legacy is one of laughter and love: funny and goofy, caring and intelligent, always ready to make someone smile and always ready to show up. Those who knew Mitch will miss his voice, his kindness, and the steady assurance that he was in your corner.

He is survived by his loving wife Kelly Herr; sons Cory Herr and Drake Herr; grandsons Declan Herr, Bauer Herr, and Arlo Herr; brothers Mike Herr and Mark (Kim) Herr; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mitch is preceded in death by his father-in-law Dan Goodnight.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on July 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Eldern Burton

Eldern Burton, 70, of Bunker Hill, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 11, 1955, in Breathitt County, Kentucky, to Robin Burton and Lizzie (Gabbard) Cripe. On October 15, 1977, Eldern married Robin (Summers) Burton, and she survives. He was employed as a Supervisor at Park 100 Foods in Kokomo, Indiana. Eldern loved golfing, playing cards with friends and family, and working in his yard.

He is survived by his wife Robin and their children Rachael Nice of Peru, Indiana, and Tom (Mishala) Burton of Greentown, Indiana. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Aaron Nice, Kaitlyn Nice, Makenzie Burton, and Declan Burton; and sisters Sara (Frank) Cummins of Moore’s Hill, Indiana, Donna (David) Deeter of Kokomo, Indiana, Kay (Randy) Martin of Walton, Indiana, Debbie (Jack) Gates of Lincoln, Indiana, and Delores Leffert of Milan, Indiana.

Eldern was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charles Edward Burton, George Burton, Cletus Burton, and John Burton; and sisters Shirley Knopf and Leola Helton.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home, 136 South Elm Street, Bunker Hill, Indiana 46914.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 3356, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Franz Joseph Federspill

Franz Joseph Federspill, age 80, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Born on February 4, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, he was the son of George Federspill and Ruth Anderson Federspill. Franz lived a life marked by kindness, humility, and service to others, and he will be remembered by all who knew him as a friendly, selfless, and caring man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady presence and generous spirit touched many lives throughout the years.

Franz graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1964 and later attended marketing classes through Ivy Tech. He began a long and honorable work career with General Motors, where he served for more than 30 years as a security guard. He also dedicated over 20 years of service to Community Howard Regional Hospital, where he worked as a Security Guard and in Valet Services. His commitment and professionalism were recognized when he received Employee of the Month for the entire hospital, an honor made especially meaningful among more than 1,400 employees.

A proud and faithful Christian, Franz was also a cradle Catholic and carried his faith with him throughout his life. He was a man of discipline and strength, and he served as a Drill Instructor in the Army Reserves. His life reflected a deep sense of duty, respect, and perseverance, qualities that remained evident in both his work and his relationships.

Franz had many interests that brought him joy and kept him active. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, school activities, and softball games. Physical fitness was important to him, and he was passionate about biking and running. He rode his bike from state to state and participated in mini marathons and 5Ks with determination and pride. In his younger years, he played on Kokomo’s first little league city tournament championship team, the Steelers, sponsored by the steel mill, and he was proud to have made the Kokomo basketball team under Coach Joe Platt. These accomplishments remained special memories throughout his life.

He is survived by his son Michael Federspill and his wife Amanda; his daughter Stacy Osswald and her husband Chris; his stepson Tom Melton and his wife Tami; and his grandchildren Mia, Ava, and Owen Federspill, Thomas Melton, Jared Melton, and Landon and Hudson Osswald. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth Anderson Federspill, his beloved wife Sondra Federspill, who passed away in 2019, and his sister Charlotte Federspill.

Franz’s family and friends will remember him for the way he lived his life with quiet strength, loyalty, and compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, faith, and dedication to family that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

There will be a graveside service Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, officiated by retired Pastor Brad Swain and Military Honors presented by the Kokomo VFW post 1152 and the United States Army.

Christina L. “Christy” Ripperger

Christina L. “Christy” Ripperger, went home to be with her Lord July 15, 2026. She was born August 27, 1948, to John and Virginia Butcher (the most loving parents in the whole world)!

My dad was so full of fun, and my mother always overflowed with the love of Jesus! Yes, my parents were the best ever, and I will thank the Lord and bear witness in Heaven that my parents helped me live for Jesus, showed me by their very example how to follow Jesus closely, and I will forever thank them both for Loving Jesus first and leading me as a child and an adult in the wonderful ways of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My life venture started out in Bloomington, Indiana, where my mother seated my sister Julie and me next to her every single Sunday at the non-instrumental Church of Christ located on the avenue in Bloomington. Later, we moved to Kokomo, Indiana, where my whole family, including my daddy and now my two younger brothers, Joe and Danny, were born and attended the Church of Christ, with minister Kenny Washburn leading the flock.

I had the fun and joy of being my daddy’s cashier at his Western Auto store in downtown Kokomo, located right on the square, and learned early in life about carburetors, fuel pumps, and windshield wipers for our 1966 cars.

I graduated in 1966 from Kokomo High School and had the tremendous joy and honor of being the class Homecoming Queen, then attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri. Oh, God has been so good to me!

I am so grateful for the privilege that God gave me to serve him at Crisis Pregnancy Center (later called Life Centers) for 20 years to defend the unborn. I witnessed time after time God’s indescribable love for every single life. I am also so grateful for the continued open door that God gave me to serve Him in Ukraine to defend life and to encourage the family of God through Mission to Ukraine, International Revival Ministries, and to witness God’s favor upon His people through House of Bread and their 35 soup kitchens in Ukraine.

I can never thank Him enough for His mercy, His grace, and His amazing love. I am so thankful for my daughter Cherise, my son Anthony, my beautiful daughter-in-law Hollee, and my precious grandchildren Hannah Claire and her husband Connor, Maddee Grace, and Jac-man!

I am more than grateful for my husband Gary B. Ripperger, who is my knight in shining armor and my partner in all things!

I am so thankful, so grateful, for my precious family, my heritage, and the legacy that all rests in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She is preceded in death by her father John E. Butcher.

Survivors include her husband of 39 years Gary B. Ripperger, children Cherise Candlish and Anthony (Hollee) Candlish, grandchildren Hannah Claire (Connor) Rytz, Maddee Grace Candlish, and Jac Candlish, and one great-grandson on the way, siblings Julie (Brian) Hufford, Joe (Debbie) Butcher, and Dan (Teresa) Butcher, and mother Virginia C. Butcher.

Visitation will be held Wednesday July 22, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday July 23, 2026, at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 E. 91st St., Indianapolis, at 12 p.m., with visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Life Centers of Indianapolis, 9511 Angola Ct., Ste 215, Indianapolis, IN 46268, or Mission to Ukraine, 1900 Pleasant St. #1214, Noblesville, IN 46061.

Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Glen M. “Mitchell” Cupp

Glen M. “Mitchell” Cupp, 32, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at home. Mitchell, or Mitch, as most people called him, was born on April 21, 1994, in Kokomo, to Rodney Cupp and Glenda S. (Fecher) Reeher.

Born with Down Syndrome, Mitch led a simple life, but his family and those who knew him know how much he enjoyed life. He graduated from Kokomo High School and worked at Bona Vista, doing assembly work while waiting for the best part of his day: lunch time.

Mitch loved to swim and camp. He especially enjoyed Mickey Mouse and Elmo. Watching DVDs such as Home Alone and Pippi Longstocking also made him happy. His favorite foods were pizza, spaghetti, chicken nuggets, and chicken fried rice. He had a special dog which he called HoHo.

He is survived by his mother and father, both of Kokomo; five brothers Joseph Welch and wife Stephanie of Kokomo, Rickey Allen Welch and wife Danielle of Frankfort, Steven Ewing of Kokomo, Joshua Ewing and wife Amy of Peru, and Randy Neibarger and wife Amber of Kokomo. Nieces and nephews include Katherine Welch, Fayth Myers, Logan Welch, Kamrie Petterson, Jasmine Ewing, Gabrielle Ewing, Natalie Ewing, Kylee Ewing, Rosaline Ewing, Connor Tucker, and Hailey Tucker.

A graveside funeral service for Mitchell will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton, with burial to follow. Steve Brown will preside over the service.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home has been chosen to help Mitchell’s family at this most difficult time. Online condolences may be left on his obituary page at www.young.nichols.com.

Donations to help pay for the funeral expenses would be appreciated by the family and they can be paid directly to the funeral home.

Dolan Dexter Bartels

Dolan Dexter Bartels, 66 years old, of Frankfort, passed away 8:15 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital - 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, on February 23, 1960, the son of the late Elvin and Gladys (Zuber) Bartels. On October 10, 1981, he married Lori Jean Zingler in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and she survives.

Dolan was a 1978 graduate of Belle Fourche High School. He achieved a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1985. His first employment was with Boeing Aerospace from 1985 to 1991. At Boeing he developed technical manuals for the United States Air Force and Navy communications systems. Next, Dolan worked at Donaldson Company Inc. for 30 years until his retirement in 2021. He started as an electrical engineer, supporting the production lines in Cresco, IA. He moved into the engineering manager role in Frankfort, IN, before becoming the Plant Manager of the Dixon, IL, plant. He completed his career as the plant manager and lastly as the special projects manager to oversee the expansion of the Frankfort operations.

Dolan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his time on the lakes in Canada, the Missouri River, and anywhere he could find a good catch. Dolan loved the outdoors and spent countless hours hiking, walking nature trails, and chasing pictures of beautiful sunsets. As a child, the Black Hills of South Dakota were his playground, and he knew every inch of the landscape. Dolan was a man of strong Christian faith. While living in Delphi, IN, he served as trustee at Delphi Methodist Church. He was a member and served as a youth leader while at Dixon First United Methodist Church in Dixon, IL. Recently, he was attending Burlington Church of Christ.

Dolan’s biggest wish in life was to marry a wonderful woman and have children. He had recently talked about how he had achieved his goals and received more out of life than he expected. Dolan cherished time with his family playing games, gathering during holidays and celebrations, and following grandchildren at their events. Dolan will be remembered for his jokes, his smile, his listening ear, and for being the guy anyone could call when they needed a rescue.

In addition to his wife Lori, Dolan is survived by his children Danielle Majors, Clinton (Lluvia) Bartels; grandchildren Luke Baker, Ryan “Max” Bartels, and James Bartels; siblings Georgia Vail of California, Donald (Valerie) Vail of Wyoming, and Delvin (Elizabeth DeTample) Bartels of South Dakota; sisters-in-law Sherry Vail of Wyoming, and Julie (Jim Lang) Madsen; father and mother-in-law Ronald and Sondra Zingler of South Dakota; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Marva Bartels and Dennis Vail; son-in-law David Benjamin Majors; and grandson Alexander Thomas Majors.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Burlington Church of Christ, 312 S. Michigan St., Burlington, IN 46915. A memorial service celebrating Dolan’s life will begin 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the church, with Pastor Dave Osborne officiating.

Contributions may be made in Dolan’s memory to the Burlington Church of Christ or to the Ark Christian Ministries in Converse, IN. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

William Raymond “Ray” Armfield

William Raymond “Ray” Armfield, 87, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Waterford Place in Kokomo. He was born on September 11, 1938, the son of Bernard Armfield and Tilley (Mischner) Hannah.

Ray was a graduate of Kokomo High School. He enlisted into the Air Force as an airman. Ray was self-employed in doing motorcycle repairs. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. Ray was also a member of a motorcycle club.

Ray is survived by his wife Krayon Jones; caretaker and companion Valerie Floyd; and cousins Kelly Armfield and Gerald Armfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mark Graham.

Hasler & Stout Funeral Homes have been entrusted with cremation.

Byron Richard “Rick” Smith

Byron Richard “Rick” Smith, born in Kokomo, Indiana, July 4, 1955, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. He lived with his wife Bennie Watson Smith in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, after building a life together in California. He was a graduate of Haworth (Kokomo) High School, Class of 1973.

Rick’s faith in Jesus Christ deepened with each passing day, giving him strength and faith in tomorrow. He found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends—sharing laughter, stories, and moments that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

During his school years, Rick was a proud member of the Haworth track team, helping secure medals in both the long jump and relay. After graduation, you might have found him hiking the Appalachian Trail, joining a pick-up game of basketball, or simply taking in the sunset in a new town—always finding beauty in the world around him.

As the years went by, Rick continued to delight in life’s simple pleasures: a quiet day of fishing, a hearty laugh at the Three Stooges, the steady rhythm of a passing train, and the comfort of one of his favorite pipes. He had an incredible memory for sports and music trivia, often amazing friends old and new with his recall. Rick’s easy smile and genuine kindness made him quick to form friendships, and he will be remembered for the warmth, humor, and joy he brought to every life he touched.

Rick leaves behind a loving family, starting with his devoted wife Bennie Watson Smith; two sons Byron “Joshua” and Benjamin “Jared” Smith; and two-daughter in-laws Katie (Joshua) Smith and Shadae (Jared) Smith. He was a proud grandfather to Byron Wyatt Smith, who brought endless joy to his “Pappy.”

Rick is also survived by his loving sisters Starla Mooney and Pam Stoesser and his brothers-in-law Steve Mooney, Eddie Watson, and Terry Watson. He was deeply grateful to be “Uncle Rick” or “Uncle Byron” to his many cherished nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by Byron Leroy Smith (father), Paula Camp Smith (mother), and Mary Cline Smith (stepmother). Rick always said his father was his hero and how blessed he was to have two wonderful mothers in his life. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Boyce Watson and Dorothy “Old Goat” Watson.

Per his request, he will be laid to rest during a private gravesite gathering.

Othello Bach-Grant

Othello Bach-Grant, 85, of Kokomo passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Kokomo Place in Kokomo.

She was born on March 6, 1941, in Tipton, Oklahoma, to the late Russell James and Bernice James.

Othello had many talents through her years. She wrote numerous novels, children’s, and spiritual books. She also had an autobiography. Othello was an extraordinary painter and wrote several plays. She was also a reverend to Christian Church (disciples) in Hobbs, Indiana.

Survivors include her sons Bryan Peters (Thelma Luckey Peters) and Don Mark Peters (Heather); her nephew Charles Russell James, whom she raised; niece Joanne James; brother Gordon James (Yolly); sister Virginia James; nephew Jesse James; several grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. A special thank you to Tina Skaggs, her caretaker.

Othello was preceded in death by her husband Donald Grant, brothers Don, Mason, and Thurmond James, and sister Jeanette Ambrose.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kokomo Urban Outreach (UP program).

Her online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru.