Jack Helton, Cheryl Ann Ennis, Kina Rena Callahan, Kenneth “Kenny” Kail Sr.

Jack Helton

Jack Helton, 81, of Kokomo, passed away at 12:12 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness.

Born May 4, 1945, in Kokomo, Indiana, Jack was the son of the late James and Maxine (Pasley) Helton. On Jan. 25, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart Nancy Korba in Kokomo. They shared 62 years of marriage, and she survives. Jack was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Kokomo.

Jack graduated from Western High School in 1963. An outstanding athlete, he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He worked for Delco Electronics for 35 years, retiring in 1998, and was a proud member of UAW Local 292.

Jack’s love of sports and devotion to his community were central to his life. A steadfast supporter of Western Schools, he co-founded the Russiaville Girls Pixie League in the late 1970s and coached for many years. He later became Western’s first sanctioned IHSAA softball coach. Jack also served as a local basketball referee and, after retirement, drove a bus for Western Schools, safely transporting student-athletes to events.

A longtime member of the Monday Night Union Bowling League, Jack was also an avid golfer. He enjoyed playing cards, shooting pool, camping with friends and family, and welcoming loved ones to gather around his swimming pool, often with a cigar in hand. He and Nancy shared a lifelong love of dachshunds and raised many over the years. Above all, Jack cherished his family and rarely missed an opportunity to attend the sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife Nancy, Jack is survived by his daughters Robin (Helton) Wilson and husband Alan, and Kelly (Helton) Hardin and husband Rich of Westfield; siblings Becky (Bob) Ritchie, Darrel (Vickie) Helton, Vickie (Doug) Miller of Tennessee, and Debbie Clippard of Florida; grandchildren Devin (Kylie) Moyers, Derek (Makayla) Moyers, Holly (Sam) Zike, Evan (Abbey) Hardin, Adam (Kristie) Hardin, Rachel (Ryan) Herdegen, and Drew (Lauren) Wilson; and great-grandchildren Ashton Imlay, Averie Moyers, Cohen and Booker Moyers, Zoey Zike, Harper, and Addison Hardin, Isabelle and Elliott Herdegen, and Violet and Lilah Wilson.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the funeral home, with Paul Sutherland officiating. Friends may visit one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Russiaville Cemetery in Russiaville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s honor to the Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E. Hoffer St., Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence can be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Cheryl Ann Ennis

Cheryl Ann Ennis, 78, originally from Kokomo, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, surrounded by family. Born September 26, 1947, in Kokomo, Indiana, Cheryl was the daughter of Sue and Harvey Phillips. She lived in Walton, Indiana, and will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew her.

From her early years, Cheryl carried a steady devotion to the people and places that shaped her. She attended Sharpsville Prairie school and later helped plan her 50th class reunion—an act that reflected the care she took in honoring shared history and keeping connections close.

A hard-working presence throughout her life, Cheryl spent most of her working years on the production line at Chrysler. Her constancy, dedication, and pride in showing up day after day were hallmarks of a life built on commitment and quiet strength.

Cheryl found joy in the simple and the special alike. She enjoyed cake decorating, loved fishing at her lake house, and treasured walks on the beach at her condo in Florida. She also delighted in trips to the casino to play the slot machines, and she especially valued family gatherings and traveling with her girls’ group. A beloved fan of Elvis, she collected Coca-Cola items and Ashton Drake baby dolls—keepsakes that reflected her warmth, her interests, and the comfort she found in the things she loved.

Above all, Cheryl will be remembered for her great love for friends and family—a kind-hearted spirit, cherished and beloved, whose devotion was felt in countless everyday ways.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband Tony Ennis; her mother Lorenna Sue Phillips; her father Harvey Phillips; her sister Vicki Phillips; her brothers Dennis Phillips and Tommy Phillips; her aunt Sadie Barlow; and her beloved fur babies Donnie and Marie.

She is survived by her daughters Shelly Wolf (Greg Wolf), Valerie Hood (Bobby Hood), and Angie Huskey (Dwayne Huskey); her grandchildren Darik Wolf, Carra Wolf, Cody Vaught, Austin Huskey, Adam Huskey, Alayna Huskey, and Beth Vaught; her brothers Harvey Phillips, Jr. (Ann Phillips) and Steve Phillips (Annie Phillips); and her sister Stephanie Majors.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, on September 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the time of the funeral service, officiated by Cheryl’s grandson Austin Huskey. Cheryl will be laid to rest next to her beloved Tony immediately after the funeral service at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, where Austin will conduct a brief committal service.

Kina Rena Callahan

Kina Rena Callahan, age 62, of Marion, Indiana, passed away on September 23, 2026, in Marion, Indiana. She was born on September 4, 1964, in Marion, Indiana, to Nyoka (Lowe) Durieux and Norman Lowe.

Kina lived a life marked by love, hard work, and devotion to her family. Those who knew her will remember her as funny, nerdy, and loving, with a warm spirit and a personality that could brighten any room.

Kina graduated from Marion High School with the class of 1983 and later attended Indiana Wesleyan University. She was proud of her education and carried herself with the same determination and steady work ethic in every part of her life. She spent 17 years working as a meat cutter at Marsh and Meijer, a job she truly loved. She also enjoyed woodworking and worked for ACS, building cabinets, where she valued both the work and the people around her. She deeply appreciated her work family at ACS and the friendships she formed there.

Kina found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved gardening and especially enjoyed growing peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. She started everything she grew from seeds and took great pride in watching her plants flourish. She was always eager to talk about gardening and would educate anyone who would listen. Her home reflected her personality and care, as she kept it immaculate and loved to label and organize everything. She also enjoyed riding her motorcycle, and she had amazing cake decorating skills that showed her creativity and attention to detail. She was also obsessed with Christmas lights, which stayed up all year long, inside and outside, and were affectionately called her “party lights.”

Most of all, Kina loved spending time with her grandchildren. They were one of the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment with them. A recent trip to Florida with her children and grandchildren was a special highlight and a memory her family will always hold close. Her love for her family was constant and unwavering, and she found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by those she loved.

Kina is survived by her parents Nyoka Durieux and Norman Lowe; her daughter Cayce Stewart (Charles Sr.); her sons Gary Cook Jr., (Sarah Sollars), and Jeremy Cook (Brittney); her grandchildren Lexi, Gary III (baby Gary), Haydon, Noriah, Mason, Sophia, Charles Jr. (CJ), Celina, Marcellus, Rhyett, Rhaelynn, and Autumn; and her brothers Norman II, Brian and Jeff Lowe; and sister Bobbi Dick.

Kina and her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Marion General Hospital, Lutheran Hospital, Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice.

Kina’s special plea to everyone is to PLEASE listen to your body, and if you notice a change in your bowels, please advocate for yourself and get a colonoscopy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cancer Services of Grant County.

Per Kina’s wishes there will be no formal funeral services, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Kenneth “Kenny” Kail Sr.

Kenneth “Kenny” Kail Sr., 55, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on September 21, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was born on July 20, 1971, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Rose and Paul Kail.

Kenny lived a life marked by kindness, hard work, and devotion to the people he loved. He was a friendly, intelligent, and courageous man who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His selfless nature touched many lives, and he was known by family and friends as someone who could be counted on in times of need. Whether he was sharing a conversation, offering help, or simply being present, Kenny made those around him feel valued and cared for.

He graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1989 and later attended Northwestern Business College in Lima, Ohio. Kenny spent many years working as a mechanic and a plumber, where his skills, determination, and strong work ethic earned the respect of those who knew him. He also worked for several years as a manager in the kitchen at Half Moon, where he contributed his time and effort with the same dependable spirit that guided his life in every role he held.

Kenny had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. He enjoyed cheering for the Miami Dolphins, fishing, and going to the casino with his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and family, and those moments brought him great happiness. Music was also an important part of his life, and he loved listening to all types of music. His presence at family gatherings and everyday moments alike will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew him.

He was spiritual in his beliefs and carried that sense of faith and reflection throughout his life. Kenny’s warmth, humor, and steady presence left a lasting impression on those around him. He will be remembered not only for the work he did, but also for the way he lived, with loyalty, generosity, and a heart for others.

Kenny is survived by his father Paul Kail, and Jane; his sons KJ Kail and Braxton Kail (Samantha); his daughters Brittney Garcia and her husband Carlos, and Brianne Bitner; and his grandchildren Oaklynn, Wrenlee, Lilly, Journey, Zayne, Aubrie, Aiden, Lindan, Emma, and Kaiden. He is also survived by his brother Jim Chorrushi and Wanda; his longtime friend and the mother of his children Stacy Ward and Rubean; and several extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his brother Tony Chorrushi, his nephew Gary Chorrushi, and his great-nephew Naithan Roark.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the nurses, patient navigator at the St. Vincent Cancer Center and Compassus Hospice; Mirra Weir, Mamie Richmond, and Allison.

Kenny’s life was one of love, service, and enduring connection. Though his passing leaves a deep void, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family and friends will remember him for his strength, his kindness, and the many ways he made life brighter for others.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the coming days.

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