Marla Lynn Miller Dennis, Nickolas Cole Maynard, Terry Tony Collins, Ronald W. Myers, Michael A. Fernung

Marla Lynn Miller Dennis

Marla Lynn Miller Dennis, 54, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Indiana University Health - University Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born on July 3, 1972, in Tucson, Arizona, the daughter of Robert L. and Mary Ruth (Brant) Miller. On September 13, 1997, she married JR Dennis. in Nashville, Tennessee, and he survives.

Marla was a 1991 graduate of Flowing Wells High School in Tucson and studied business management and accounting at the University of Arizona.

She served for nine years as chief administrator of the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. Her previous work included positions with the Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and Ameriprise Financial with Gene Kostrewa.

A talented vocalist, Marla was a member of the Choraleers and also was a gifted flutist. In her youth, she was active in band and choir. She was a fantastic cook, very artistic, business-minded, and exceptionally organized. Those who knew her will remember her as a true firecracker.

In addition to her husband JR Dennis, Marla is survived by her mother Mary Ruth Miller; son Ryan Scott (Shayna) Bell; granddaughter Elaina Bell; brothers Roger (Deborah) Keck and Timothy (Roxie) Miller; sister Darla (Brent) Sullivan; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Robert L. Miller, and her daughter Preslie Lynn Dennis.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Abundant Life Church, Life Center, 1025 E, Co Rd 400 South, Kokomo, with Pastor Charlie Riley officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery in Kokomo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund.

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Nickolas Cole Maynard

Nickolas Cole Maynard, 34, passed away on September 17, 2026. He was born December 21, 1991, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Jerry and Julia Maynard.

Nick graduated from Northwestern High School in 2010 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from IU. Nick was working as a histotechnologist for the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Dementia Lab at Indiana University School of Medicine. In a field that depends on precision and patience, he brought a calm presence and a considerate approach, offering his time and attention in ways that mattered.

Outside of work, Nick enjoyed gaming. Those who knew him will remember a man who was quiet, kind, and funny. He was someone that everyone got along with.

Nick is survived by his parents Julia and Jerry Maynard; uncle Terry Maynard; aunts Susan Holman and Sandi Maynard; and cousins Jason Maynard, Amanda McCormack, Matthew Maynard, Andrea McKoon, and Kasey Catt.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Lee and Ella Maynard and maternal grandparents Gerald and Linda Swaidner.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, on September 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Health, PO Box 49104, Baltimore, Maryland 21297.

Terry Tony Collins

Terry Tony Collins, 88, of Walton, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, Friday evening, September 18, 2026, at 5:50 p.m. He was born August 3, 1938, in Clay County, Indiana to Anthony (Tony) Wayne and Pauline Louise (Emmert) Collins. He married Janet Elaine Powell on December 21, 1957, and she survives.

Terry was a proud Cory Apple Boy during his high school years, playing both basketball and trumpet in the band. He was one of the few who played the first half of the ball game and then his trumpet at halftime before finishing the game. Intending to be a truck driver after graduation, Terry competed in the Teenage Rodeo Derby where he won at the school, county, and finally state level, where he received a scholarship to the college of his choice. Therefore, Terry attended and graduated from Indiana State University in 1960 in music education and received his master’s degree in 1965.

He served as the Band Director at Lewis Cass Jr/Sr High School for 22 years, retiring in 1993. During his tenure at Lewis Cass, he was proud to lead the Marching Kings to several state championships and went on many band trips. Before teaching at Lewis Cass, he served in the music departments in Knox, Indiana, for eight years and Wheatfield, Indiana, for three years, where he had to stoke the wood-burning stove and was accompanied by his beloved wife Janet, who played the piano for his classes. He was the President of N.I.S.B.O.V.A. (now I.S.S.M.A.) and was a member of Phi Beta Mu Gamma, where he was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Terry also enjoyed working in the auto business for 30 years, starting in 1964 at the Ford dealership in Knox. In 1970, he moved his family to Walton, where he taught during the day and landscaped Walton Woods in the evenings, summers, and weekends. In true Terry Collins fashion, while teaching, he took the entrepreneurial leap in 1977, starting his own auto sales business, named Collins Tip Top Motor Sales. After closing the dealership in 1986, he worked at Shepherds in Peru, where he was part owner, and at Shepherds Rochester until his retirement from automotive sales in 1995.

Following in his parents’ footsteps, in 1991, he took on a new venture and designed an executive golf course that would become Walton’s Little Mountain golf course. He enjoyed serving the public, through many holiday golf tournaments and hosting the Lewis Cass golf team for 22 years. This was until running a golf course was a little more than a 74-year-old man wanted to handle. However, a true salesman at heart, he continued buying and selling golf carts through his, yet again, new entrepreneurial venture, named Walton’s Little Mountain Golf Cart Sales, right up to this year. Terry was a member of the Young America Lions Club, Kiwanis of Rochester, and the Walton United Methodist Church.

Surviving family include his wife Janet of 68 years, and his children Scot Alan Collins of Mountain View, Missouri, and Stacey Ann Donato of Logansport. He is also survived by six grandchildren Alicia Shannon (Robertson), A.J. Donato, John Collins, Jared Ludlow, Jordan Collins, and Sarah Ludlow. He is survived by four great-grandchildren Victor and Claire Shannon, Josephine Ludlow, and Lennie Donato. He is survived by one brother Casey Collins of Cory, Indiana. Terry is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at United in Faith Church, 515 S. Maple St. Galveston, Indiana. Funeral services will take place immediately following at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor John Landis officiating. Burial will follow in the Walton IOOF Cemetery in Walton, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be given to the Walton United Methodist Church in Terry’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Collins family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Ronald W. Myers

Ronald W. Myers, known to family and friends as Ron, passed away on September 19, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 84.

Ron was born on April 27, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Harry Wayne and Faye Newport Myers. He grew up with a strong sense of family, responsibility, and determination that would guide him throughout his life. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around him.

Ron graduated from Western High School in 1960 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. His time in service reflected the quiet strength, discipline, and dedication that those who knew him would recognize throughout his life. After completing his military service, he began a long and hardworking career with Chrysler, where he worked in health and safety for 16 years and was a tool and die maker until his retirement in 2000. Ron was respected for his skill, his reliability, and his ability to fix just about anything. There was nothing he could not do when it came to working on a car, and he took great pride in being handy and capable in every way.

On May 25, 1985, Ron married the love of his life, Bekka G. Myers. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on love, devotion, and shared memories. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and family. Ron cherished his wife deeply and treasured the life they built together.

Ron was a devoted father to Deb (Roy) Phipps, Kinet (Billy) Trine, Joni Reed Cable, and Eric Myers. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son Sam Rosenbaum. He is survived by his brother Roger (Rita) Myers and brother-in-law David (Kim) Prater. He was preceded in death by his brother Jimmy Myers and his sister Judy Myers. Ron also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren, including Neal (Monica) Thompson, Bekka (Andrew) Jones, Kayla (Brant) Byrd, Matthew Cowan, and Douglas (Kaylee) Rosenbaum. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren Clayton Stephens, Jake Seals, Jackson Byrd, Hayden Thompson, Holden Stephens, Addison Martin, Karsyn Byrd, Eli Cowan, Ember Cowan, Gage Thompson, Hunter Rosenbaum, and Leah Rosenbaum, as well as his great-great-grandchild Gracelynnd Stephens.

Ron was especially proud of the close bond he shared with his grandchildren. He loved being with them and teaching them many things, and they held a special place in his heart. His family knew him as a man who was loving, friendly, and always ready to help. He enjoyed hunting wild game and especially appreciated the food it provided. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, where his easygoing nature and good humor were always welcome. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his 1960 Fury Super Sport, which had been customized to his liking and was featured in hot rod magazines. He took great pride in that car and in the craftsmanship and care it represented.

Ron will be remembered not only for his many skills and accomplishments, but also for the way he lived his life. He was dependable, kind, and hardworking. He had a generous spirit and a practical way of helping others that reflected his character. His family and friends will remember him as a man who could always be counted on, a man who loved deeply, and a man whose presence made life better for those around him.

He is also survived by many special friends who were an important part of his life, including Larry Johnson, Walter Wessendorf, Tom Sparkman, John Russeau, Bobby Steele, Greg Padden, Chad Smith, John Martino, and John Parson. Their friendship meant much to him and added richness to the many years he shared with those he cared about.

Ronald W. Myers leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and devotion. His life was marked by hard work, loyalty, and a deep commitment to the people he loved. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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

Michael A. Fernung

Michael A. Fernung, age 72, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo after a long and courageous battle with illness. Born on June 26, 1954, in Elwood, he was the son of Carl and Rosella (Frazee) Fernung, Jr. Mike’s life was a celebration of music, learning, and kindness. A 1972 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, he was an accomplished musician who performed across Europe with the Groove Band. He nurtured his love for music and education at Ball State University, earning his master’s degree in music education.

A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood, Mike dedicated his career to guiding and inspiring others. He generously shared his musical gifts as a music teacher, sign language and Autistic tutor, and library aide, touching the lives of countless students. Known for his remarkable ability to play many instruments, Mike’s enthusiasm and joy for music were infectious.

He also supported students at Ball State University as a note keeper and was recognized for his volunteer work at the Anderson library. Mike’s warmth, cheerful spirit, and dedication to helping others created a legacy of happiness and inspiration. He will be remembered for the joy he brought to every classroom, stage, and friendship, and for the lasting impact he made in both music and education.

Michael is survived by his twin sister Margaret (Ken) Wardwell of New Albany; brother David (Linda) Fernung of Kokomo; brother-in-law Donald Etchison of Greentown; sister-in-law Kathy Fernung of Tipton; and several nieces and nephews.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; four siblings Lester Fernung, Robert “Bob” Fernung, Charles “Chuck” Fernung, and Arlene Etchison; two sisters-in-law Marlene Fernung and Jodi Fernung; two nephews Greg Etchison and Doug Fernung; and great-niece Hannah Fernung.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.