Judith May Guerre, Jerry Wayne Tolerson, Harry Wayne Rakestraw, Helen Louise Morgan, Brod Silence, Sarah Kathryn Gittings, Stephen Carroll Schlegel, Franklin E. Hines Jr., Victoria L. Whaley

Judith May “Judi” Guerre

Judith May “Judi” Guerre, 83, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:45 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the comfort of her family. She was born on March 23, 1943, in Howard County, Indiana, the daughter of Earl F. and Alberta R. (Beatty) Glassburn. On February 8, 1961, she married William “Bill” J. Guerre at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and he survives.

Judi devoted her life to her family and took great pride in keeping a tidy and welcoming home. She enjoyed running, walking, and traveling, and was affectionately known by those who loved her as “Junk Food Judi.” She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

In addition to her husband Bill, Judi is survived by her children Shelly Davis, Bill (Victoria) Guerre II, and C.J. (Lacey) Guerre; grandchildren Billy, Abby, Anna, and Maggie; great-grandchildren Francisco, Isla, and Lilly; and siblings Wesley Glassburn, Gary Glassburn, and Janet Bale.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Christopher; and siblings Linda, Amelia, Jill, Jackie, and Gail.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Rd S. 200 W., Kokomo, IN, where the Rosary will be recited at 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at the church, with Rev. Fr. Shocklee as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com

Jerry Wayne Tolerson

Jerry Wayne Tolerson was born on October 2, 1947, passed away on September 4, 2026, and is under the care of Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center.

A committal service will be held on September 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN.

Harry Wayne Rakestraw

Harry Wayne Rakestraw died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 6, 2026. He was born February 9, 1940, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of George & Rose (Chism) Rakestraw.

He graduated in 1958 from Northwestern High School, where he joined the Navy for four years. On April 4, 1965, in Tipton County, IN, he married the love of his life Carol (Barnes). Together, they raised three children. Harry coached both baseball and softball for many years. The love and patience he had for his family was immense. After 30+ years at Delco Electronics in Kokomo, IN, he and Carol retired and moved to Central Lake, MI, in 1995.

Harry enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching college sports (especially Bobby Knight), NASCAR (especially Dale Earnhardt Sr.), fixing things, being outdoors, and helping his neighbors out when he was able. He took great pride in everything he did.

Surviving Harry are children Shawn Rakestraw of Kokomo, IN, and Michelle (Bob) Weesner of Mancelona, MI; brother Ernie (Marge) Rakestraw of Kokomo, IN; sister Roxie Carpenter of Central Lake, MI; granddaughters Samantha Parrish of Michigantown, IN, and Savannah Rakestraw of Kokomo, IN, great-granddaughters Paisley Jean and Ava Jolee Parrish; great-grandson Waylon Lucas Parrish; brother-in-law Lloyd Barnes of Tipton, IN; along with many other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Harry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years Carol, infant daughter Monica Lynn, son Harry W. Rakestraw Jr., his parents George & Rose Rakestraw, stepmother Eva (Keller) Rakestraw, and brothers-in-law Jack Carpenter and William “Denny” Barnes.

A visitation will take place at Mortensen Funeral Homes in Central Lake on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. Interment will take place in his home state of Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Munson Hospice or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

Helen Louise Morgan

Helen Louise Morgan, 102, of Galveston, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, September 6, 2026, at her home. She was born February 11, 1924, in Logansport, Indiana, to Oliver and Ethel (Kline) Carey. She married Eber G. Morgan on September 25, 1949, at the Otterbein E.U.B. Church near Walton. Eber preceded her in death April 24, 2025, at the age of 103.

Helen Louise enjoyed stamp collecting, her flowers, and special newsletters to her family every month since 1991. She enjoyed making lap blankets for those who were in nursing homes and baby and children’s blankets for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. She had a very caring and giving spirit and sent many cards to anybody that needed prayer or had a birthday, anniversary, or just anybody she loved dearly. She also packed crosses for Cross America, sending the plan of salvation and a cross to people all over the country. In her early years, she worked at the county extension office and truly loved her job while working there.

Surviving family include her children Eber II (Sally) Morgan, Denise E. (Marvin) Pringer, Douglas (Maryann) Morgan, Eric (Denise A.) Morgan, Marsha Morgan, Kirk Morgan, and Melissa (Mark) Hoffmann. Surviving grandchildren include Kelsey, Travis and wife Caroline, Matthew and wife Jali, Andrew (fiancée Desiree), Jonathan and wife Ashton, Tyler and wife Katie, Lindsey, Alisha and boyfriend Kody Henson, Sabrina and husband Matthew, Nathanial, Jason, Ben and wife Nikki, Gretchen and husband John, Luke, Jessica and husband Kevin, and Alexander and wife Ayaka. She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter Nadine, sister Margaret and her husband Russell Noel, and nephews Jodie Noel and Thomas Noel.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Upper Deer Creek Church, with funeral services immediately after visitation at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Mark Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Galveston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Upper Deer Creek Church, 5019 E. County Road 1400 S. Galveston, IN. 46932 in Helen Louise’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Morgan family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Brod Silence

Brod Silence was 70 years old when he passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Kokomo. He was a resident of rural Kokomo and had grown up in Tipton County. Brod was born in Tipton on April 3, 1956, to Joseph C. and Luanne (Scott) Silence.

Brod was a truck driver for most of his life, working for JB Hunt until his retirement in 2024. He had also worked for Wiese in Kokomo and was a farmer. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. Brod had attended Prairie and Tri-Central high schools before graduating from Tipton High School with the Class of 1975. He received a degree in Electronics from ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis.

He was a huge fan of IU Athletics. Brod had a deep love for farming and enjoyed the time spent working the land. He was proud of his grandson Bennett and attended many of his baseball games and wrestling meets.

Survivors include his son Clay Silence and wife Beth of Kokomo; sisters Jody Smith and husband Denny of Tipton and Shelly McWhirt and husband Rusty of Frankfort; one grandson Bennett Silence and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, all whom loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by one sister Stacey Howerton.

Funeral services for Brod will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Sims presiding. Burial will follow in Kempton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Silence family at this time. Online condolences for Brod’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church, 3530 N. 1000 West, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or the Kempton Christian Church, 202 W. Washington Street, Kempton, Indiana, 46049.

Sarah Kathryn Gittings

Sarah Kathryn Gittings, 44, Kokomo, passed away at 6:13 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026. She was born January 31, 1982, in San Diego, California, the daughter of Debra Johnson.

Sarah was a 2000 graduate of Taylor High School. She then furthered her education by earning an associate’s degree in medical sciences from Ivy Tech Community College. She had been a member of First Baptist Church. Sarah was an avid reader and especially loved reading and studying her Bible. She was a very outgoing person and dearly loved fashion. She cherished her family and friends with all her heart. Sarah loved to take walks with Preston and their dog Sadie, traveling and going to the ocean.

Sarah is survived by her mother Debra Johnson; son Preston Gittings; sister Ashley Mills; and nieces Ayden Mills and Layla Mayfield.

Sarah was preceded in death by her grandparents Ben and Jean Johnson and her uncle Robert Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Paul Martin officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1-3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.

Stephen “Steve” Carroll Schlegel

Stephen “Steve” Carroll Schlegel, 78, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of service, love, and memories that will be cherished by many.

Steve was born October 24, 1947, in Muncie, Indiana, to Arthur “Jim” and Barbara Taylor Schlegel. He was a proud 1965 graduate of Daleville High School. Following graduation, Steve worked for a time in the family business, Schlegel Plumbing and Heating, before finding his true calling in law enforcement, serving and protecting others.

On September 17, 1971, Steve joined the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, beginning a nearly 30-year career in law enforcement. He served as a patrolman and then spent eight years assigned to the Prosecutor’s Office before retiring from the department as a homicide detective.

Steve wore his badge with pride, but those who knew him best understood that his greatest strength came from the love he had for his family. He believed in protecting others, standing up for what was right, and being there when people needed help. Whether responding to a call, investigating a crime, or helping a family through a difficult time, Steve served with courage, compassion, and dedication.

His commitment to protecting others did not end when he retired from law enforcement. Steve’s next adventure brought together his love of animals and his desire to protect. He became the Security and Operations Director at Hoosier Park Racing in Anderson, Indiana, where he continued doing what came naturally to him—looking out for others and keeping people safe.

Steve also proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Daleville Community for 15 years. Steve enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, tinkering with his Bolens tractor, and spending time with family.

If you asked Steve what he loved most in life, his answer would have been easy: his kids and grandkids. Steve was incredibly proud of his children and considered them among his greatest accomplishments. He raised his family in Daleville, where he and his wife Barbara lived until the fall of 2002. They then relocated in Northern Indiana, and he continued as a private investigator for an insurance firm. In March 2021, they relocated to Bloomington, Indiana.

Steve was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. To his family, he was someone they could always count on. His love for his family was unwavering, and the memories he created with them will be treasured.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Barbara Markum Schlegel. They had six children: Shelli Douglas (Jeffrey) of Kenefic, Oklahoma; Brad Schlegel (Susan) of Bloomington, Indiana; Susan Johnson of Bloomington, Indiana; Amy Hale (Lance) of Middletown, Indiana; Holly Remley (Jonathan) of Kokomo, Indiana; and Jerremy Monroe (Jessica) of Anderson, Indiana. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-Ggandchildren; one brother; and a special cousin, Phyllis Stevenson. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Barbara Schlegel; his brother Randy Schlegel; his grandchildren USAF Staff Sgt. Halex Hale and Tessa Schlegel; and his first wife who passed away in March of 1981, Sharon Carson Schlegel.

He will be forever loved, forever missed, and remembered.

Franklin E. Hines Jr.

Franklin E. Hines Jr., affectionately known as Frankie, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Wabash, Indiana, at the age of 42.

Frankie was born on December 15, 1983, in Wabash, Indiana, to the late Franklin Hines Sr. and Sherry Hines. He spent his life rooted in the community he called home, and he carried with him the values of family, loyalty, and hard work throughout every season of his life.

Frankie was a graduate of Wabash High School, Class of 2001. Following his school years, he began a long career at Tyson in the Ham Chop department, where he worked faithfully for 18 years. His dedication, consistency, and strong work ethic were evident to those who knew him, and he took pride in being dependable and committed to the people and responsibilities in his life.

On October 27, 2012, Frankie married the love of his life Chrissy Hines. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family. Their marriage was a source of strength and joy, and the bond they shared was deeply meaningful. Frankie was a devoted husband who treasured the life he and Chrissy created together.

Frankie was a proud father to Little Frankie Hines III and Jaden Lake. He loved his children dearly and found great joy in being part of their lives. Family meant everything to him, and he embraced his role with love, humor, and heart. He was also a cherished son, brother, uncle, and family member whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Chrissy Hines; his children Little Frankie Hines III and Jaden Lake; his sister Missy Bowlin and her husband Butch; his brother Jonny Hines and his wife Tiffani; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, including Dylan Hines, Rellan Hines, Faith Hines, Shawna White, Chelsea Litton, and Jessica Burgess. He was preceded in death by his parents Franklin Hines Sr. and Sherry Hines; his sister Amanda Hines; and his nephew Milo Ball.

Frankie was known for his funny, loving, and interesting personality. He had a way of making people smile and could brighten a room with his humor and easygoing spirit. He was the kind of person who made ordinary moments memorable, and those around him will remember the warmth he brought into their lives.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life meaningful to him. Frankie loved playing his XBox and spending time enjoying games of all kinds. He liked playing cards and board games, and he especially enjoyed being around the people he loved while sharing those moments. He was also known as the family picture taker, always ready to capture memories that could be treasured for years to come. In many ways, he was a collector of life’s treasures, holding close the moments, people, and experiences that mattered most to him. He was also affectionately known as the midnight texter, a reminder of his habit of staying connected with the people he cared about.

Above all else, Frankie loved his family. That love guided his life and shaped the way he treated others. He will be remembered for his devotion, his humor, his tenderness, and the many ways he showed up for the people in his life. Though his time here was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Franklin E. Hines Jr. leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family devotion. His memory will continue to live on in the stories shared, the photos he captured, and the lives he touched along the way.

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

Victoria L. Whaley

Victoria L. Whaley, known lovingly by many as Vic, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 71. Born on October 8, 1954, in Anderson, Indiana, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family, kindness toward others, and a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Vic was the daughter of Warren and Alma Stiner, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Western High School and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and care throughout her life. These qualities were evident in the way she treated others and in the many roles she fulfilled with grace and dedication.

On October 1, 1979, she married the love of her life Bill Whaley, and together they built a family rooted in love and lasting memories. Their marriage was a partnership filled with devotion, support, and shared joy through the years. Vic was a proud and loving mother to Shane Whaley, Michelle Griffin, and Josh Whaley and his wife Robyn. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son Jason Whaley, whose memory remained forever in her heart.

Family was the center of Vic’s world, and she cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted grandmother to Alex Griffin, Mari Whaley, Eastin Whaley, Hudson Whaley, and Camden Whaley, and she found great happiness in following their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. Her love for them was constant and unconditional, and she took great pride in being part of their lives in every way she could.

Vic is also survived by her sisters Susan LaRosa and Carolyn Brigham, who shared in many memories and a lifetime of family bonds. The love and connection she shared with her sisters remained an important part of her life, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew the warmth of her companionship.

Throughout her working years, Vic served many families and customers in the community through her work in customer service at numerous grocery stores in the area. She was known for her friendly nature, dependable spirit, and willingness to help others. Her work reflected the same thoughtful and selfless character that guided her personal life, and she made a lasting impression on both coworkers and customers alike.

Vic found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. She loved cooking and baking, and she often expressed her care for others through the meals and treats she prepared. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and generosity, where her talents were shared with family and friends. She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing, hobbies that reflected her patience, creativity, and attention to detail. These pastimes brought her peace and satisfaction, and they were among the many ways she expressed her love and care.

Those who knew Vic will remember her as a loving, selfless, and thoughtful woman. She had a gentle spirit and a heart that always seemed to put others first. Her kindness was genuine, her presence comforting, and her love unwavering. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, compassion, and family devotion that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Vic’s life was a beautiful example of what it means to love deeply and live with purpose. She will be remembered not only for the roles she held as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, but also for the way she carried herself with dignity and warmth. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her, and her family will forever cherish the love and lessons she shared.

A life so full of love and care leaves behind memories that cannot be measured. Victoria L. Whaley will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

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