Danny Lee Baitz, Clifford Doyle Blunt, Sr., Robert Calvin, Nancy L. Waid, Mary Jane Toepfer, John T. Strahlem, Jennifer S. Ostler, Deborah Anne Armstrong, Mary C. Reynolds

Danny Lee Baitz

Danny Lee Baitz was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 14, 2026, following an illness. Danny was born on August 30, 1964, to his parents Eugene (Bud) and Phyllis Gunning Baitz. He was the baby brother of three older siblings and was treasured by his family. Dan was a graduate of the Tipton High School Class of 1983 and was very proud to be a Blue Devil! He always wore a smile and was a friend to all he met.

After high school, Dan began working for Janus Developmental Services, where he faithfully served for many years at their workshop. His favorite role was when Janus sent him to work for several years at the canteen in the lower level of the Hamilton County Judicial Center. He loved waiting on customers and bringing a spot of joy to people’s days. In 2000, he was honored by Janus as Client of the Year.

Outside of work, Dan competed in bowling through Special Olympics of Indiana and also enjoyed attending summer camp for many years. Dan grew up on the family farm and loved spending time with his dad and his brother Denny, riding in the tractor and combine, or joining Denny in the grain truck for trips to the elevator in Ekin during harvest, until the family’s retirement from farming. He dearly loved the animals on the farm throughout the years: dogs (Abby, Callie, and Phoebe); cats (Puff and Casey); and even Mr. Rooster!

Dan was a lover of music; his favorite artists ranged from Elvis to The Beatles to Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood and many more. He even visited Graceland with his parents as a young man, a treasured memory for him. He was also an avid sports fan, cheering on the Colts, Purdue, and IU, depending on who was winning at the time! For many years, Dan had a “steel trap” memory. He knew the birthdays and anniversaries of many extended family members by heart! If you needed to know a date, he was the person to ask. He deeply valued relationships in his life, both friends and family.

Surviving him are his brother and sister-in-law David and Tammy Baitz; niece Leslie (Chris) Robinson; nephew Andy (Andrea) Baitz; great nieces and nephews Brittney (David), Olivia, Grant, Tanner, Patton, and Rylynn; aunt Phyllis Baitz; close family friends Perry and Kathy Williams; and many beloved cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Bud and Phyllis; his brother Denny; and his sister Linda.

The family wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the care teams at Riverwalk Village, Riverview Hospital, and Paradigm Health for taking excellent care of Dan.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 19, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home in Cicero, Indiana, with a funeral service held at 2:00 p.m.

Clifford Doyle Blunt, Sr.

Clifford Doyle Blunt, Sr., 82, Russiaville, passed away at 6:17 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo in Kokomo. He was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, on Sunday, October 31, 1943, to Jess and Della (Mooneyhan) Blunt. On June 28, 1964, he married Mary K. Southgate, and she preceded him in death.

Clifford attended Eastern High School, after which he worked as a mold machine operator at Delphi Delco. He was an active member of Beulah Land Church for many years and especially enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and canning. He earned his pilot’s license, enjoyed flying his Cessna 150, and also took great pride in maintaining his beautiful yard.

Survivors include his son Christopher (Rochelle) Blunt of Swayzee; daughter Shannon Heath of Russiaville; grandchildren Josh, Amanda, Clifford III, Kylie (Adam), Olivia, Jessica (Colton), and Thomas (Hailey); great-grandchildren Emberlynn, Mackenzie, Adeline, Silas, and Brynlee; brother-in-law Ronnie Nall, Sr.; sister-in-law Patty Southgate; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat Holly.

Along with his wife Mary, he was preceded in death by his son Clifford D. Blunt, Jr.; sisters Betty Nall, Bonnie Davis; brother Jimmy Blunt; and parents Jess and Della Blunt.

A graveside service to celebrate Clifford’s life will begin at 12:00 noon on Mon., October 19, 2026, with Bruce Hawkins officiating at Marion IOOF Cemetery 2225 S. Lincoln Blvd., Marion, IN.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.

Robert “Bob” Calvin

Robert “Bob” Calvin, 92, of Atlanta, died Saturday, October 17, 2026, at I.U. North Hospital in Carmel. He was born in Tipton County on April 19, 1934, to Ray and Anita Pauline (Rode) Calvin. He married Anna Marie Clark on August 30, 1956. She preceded him in death on February 12, 2020, after spending more than 53 years of marriage together.

Bob was a hard worker. He retired from Delco in Kokomo after many years of employment, performing several operations on the line and attending to the facilities. He enjoyed the rural setting of Tipton County, where he planted and harvested his crops. He was a member of the Mid America Threshing Club, where he spent many memorable hours at the fairgrounds during the club’s event. Bob was a Purdue fan, always supporting the Boilermaker teams. Bob and Anna attended West Street Christian Church before her passing.

Survivors include his sons Lyle and wife Julie of Tipton, Dan and wife Karla of Flora, and Jeff and wife Allison of Atlanta. Grandchildren include Luke (Jennifer) Calvin, Chantel (Brock) Rule, Bryce Calvin, and Brock Calvin. Bob was blessed with four great-grandchildren Dakota Riley, Evan Calvin, Emmett Calvin, and Benjamin Calvin. Bob is also survived by his brother Paul Richard Calvin.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Anna, a grandson Jake, and his sister Lynda Trimble.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Pastor Shan Sheridan presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mid America Threshing Association, 108 Nansue Drive, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or the Tipton County Jake Calvin Memorial Canine Fund through the Tipton County Foundation, 1020 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Online condolences may be made at www.young-nichols.com.

Nancy L. (Patton) Waid

Nancy L. (Patton) Waid, 87, of New Whiteland, IN, and formerly of Franklin, IN, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

She was born September 28, 1939, in Beech Grove, IN, to Deverle L. Patton and Louise T. (Randall) Patton. Nancy married Jerry Waid, who she knew since high school, in 1986 in Auburn, IN. He preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis, IN.

Nancy had been an advertising agent and real estate broker.

She was a lifelong avid reader, loved doing word search puzzles, painting, music, and played the organ and accordion. She was a 1967 Indiana champion in Women’s Archery.

Nancy was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was devoted to God and Jesus Christ.

Survivors include her children Debra Turner (Mark) of Kokomo, IN, Terresa Fraze (Jan) of Avilla, IN, Jennifer Lamantia (Mike) of Sunbury, OH, and Richard Dodd (Cassie) of Franklin, IN; her stepchildren Jerilynn Waid of Rushville, IN, and Jimmy Waid (Vickie) of Strongsville, OH; her grandchildren Krista Hughes, Josh Groh, Cory Griffiths, Jesicah Whan, Jake Whan, Brittni Bragg, Korttni Dodd, Alexa Miller, Sophie Miller Reed Turner, and Chelsea Turner; her great-grandchildren Kayla, Karlee, Kelli, Grace, Allie, Katie, Alyssa, Tatum, Abigail, Addie, Alaya, Avi, Kete, Zara, and Vega; her great-great-grandchildren Leo and Kinsley; a brother Dennis Patton (Sandy); a niece Lori Forrester (Tom); a nephew David Patton (Janelle); and a special family friend Alan Oman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Pastor Bruce Bendinger will conduct a service on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN 46131 and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/nancywaid.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 1 p.m. until service time at the mortuary.

Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, IN.

Nancy was an animal lover. That being said, memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Johnson County, 3827 North Graham Road, Franklin, IN 46131 or at www.hsjc.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

Mary Jane Toepfer

Mary Jane Toepfer, 93, of Wabash, Indiana, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at home. She was born on February 16, 1933, in Peru, Indiana, to John and Esther (Laramore) Wylie.

Mary Jane was a 1951 graduate of Peru High School. She continued her education at Ball State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1954 and later completing her master’s degree. On January 9, 1954, she married Orion Toepfer in Peru, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and devotion.

Mary Jane dedicated her career to education as an elementary school teacher at W.C. Mills Elementary School in Wabash, where she inspired countless students before retiring after 24 years of service. She was attended the Wabash First United Methodist Church and participated in the Margaret Wilson Circle of the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Round Table, the Wabash County Retired Teachers Association, and the Indiana State Teachers Association.

Above all, Mary Jane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. Selfless, compassionate, and generous, she touched the lives of many with her kindness and unwavering devotion. Her pure heart, giving spirit, and endless love for those she cherished will be remembered always.

She is survived by her husband Orion Toepfer of Wabash; son Jeffrey (Leslie) Toepfer of Milford, Michigan, and their children Mathew Toepfer of Milford and Nicholas Toepfer of Grayling, Michigan; son Bruce (Beth) Toepfer of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and their children Aaron Toepfer of Winston-Salem and Brittany (Jason) Hall of the Netherlands; daughter-in-law Cheryl Toepfer of Oakland City, Indiana, and her children Rachel Toepfer of Laos, Abby (Corban) Doyle of Oakland City, Steven (Harlee Ray) Toepfer of Huntingburg, Indiana, and Joseph Toepfer of Oakland City; daughter Linda Abney of Kokomo, Indiana, and her children Gabriel Abney of South Bend, Indiana, Aidan Abney of Monroe, Wisconsin, and Christian Abney of New Haven, Connecticut; daughter Janice (Phil) Harris of Columbia City, Indiana; two great-grandchildren Evangeline Toepfer and Margo Doyle; and two expected great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Brian Toepfer, brother John Wylie, and her sister Betty Chittum.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Wabash First United Methodist Church, 110 N. Cass Street, Wabash, with Pastor Laura Helm and Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Peru, Indiana. Friends may call 9:30-11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

Preferred memorial is the charity of the donor’s choice.

The memorial guest book for Mary Jane may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

John T. Strahlem

John T. Strahlem, age 79, Logansport, passed away at 7:35 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Parkview Logansport Hospital.

Born March 19, 1947, in Logansport, he was the son of Harry Dale and Florence Jane Corcoran Strahlem.

On December 22, 1973, he was married to Jean Thorington, who survives.

John was retired from General Motors in Kokomo.

His memberships include the American Legion Post 60, VFW Post 3790, Moose Lodge #323 and Logansport Elks #66. He was also a member of the UAW.

John was a member of the Tipton Masonic Lodge and the Logansport Shrine Club.

John liked sitting on his deck. He enjoyed his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John was a member of the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War. He was in the 101st Airborne Ranger.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, is a daughter Lori Barkas of Logansport; sister Jane Patch of Logansport; six grandchildren Justin Strahlem, Amber (Greg) Moolenaar, Alex (Megan) Appollonio, Jenna Burkhart, Tyler Strahlem, and Carrie Strahlem.

Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren, Aspen, Sydney, Ryland, Keira, Carson, Maggie, Hallee, Lucas, Emalynn, Kaia; brother-in-law Steve Harvey, sister-in-law Jill Strahlem; a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sons Thomas Strahlem and Donald Gaddis; sister Dottie Harvey; brothers Bill Strahlem and Dave Strahlem; and sister-in-law Joan Strahlem;

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, at Kroeger Funeral Home.

Full military honors by uniformed members of the United States Army and Cass County Honor Guard will be accorded at 6:00 p.m. Friday, following visitation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to his grandson’s ongoing fight against cancer in care of Kroeger Funeral Home. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Jennifer S. Ostler

Jennifer S. Ostler, known lovingly to many as Jenni, passed away on October 15, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 55.

Jenni was born on February 22, 1971, in Joliet, Illinois, and she lived a life marked by compassion, devotion, and quiet strength. She was a graduate of Tri-Central and carried the values of hard work and family throughout her life. Those who knew her will remember her as a loving, selfless, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to others.

Jenni worked for Burger King and later devoted much of her time to caring for her grandchildren, a role she embraced with deep love and joy. Her family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest happiness in being with the people she loved most. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or simply be there for someone in need. Her generous spirit touched many lives, and her kindness will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Jenni cherished time spent with her grandchildren, and they were among the brightest lights in her life. She loved playing BINGO at Silver Birch, coloring, and collecting ducks from the claw machine, simple pleasures that brought her joy and reflected her playful heart. She also loved her cat, Luna, and found comfort in the companionship and affection that pets so often bring. Above all else, she treasured quality time with her family, creating memories that will be held close for years to come.

Jenni is survived by her mother; Roger and Mary Ann Martin; her fiancé Robbie Wysong; her son Andru Sams; her son-in-law Sydne Walker; her sisters Michelle and Kenny Waitt, Stephine and Andy Minor, Marcy and Robbie Bales, and Sandy and Marty Wilkinson; her grandchildren Austin Ray Sams, Lana Ester Marie Walker, Destiny Hester, James Hester, and Kayla Sams; and Danielle Prather, a sister-in-law. She was also preceded in death by her children Ashli Jo Walker and Austin Daniel Sams. Her family was the foundation of her life, and her love for them was unwavering.

Jenni’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her faith, her kindness, and her selfless nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be remembered not only for the love she gave so freely, but also for the strength she showed through life’s many seasons. Though her passing leaves a deep void, her legacy of love and generosity will continue through her family and all whose lives she touched.

May Jenni be remembered with tenderness and gratitude for a life lived with love, devotion, and grace.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. at City of Firsts Cremation, 132 W. Morgan St. Kokomo, IN 46901.

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

Deborah Anne (Gedig) Armstrong

Deborah Anne (Gedig) Armstrong, 76, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at her home. She was born in Indianapolis on August 1, 1950, to Paul and Lucille (LeMay) Gedig. On June 7, 1970, she married her beloved husband Tedd Armstrong in Kokomo, Indiana, and he survives.

Deborah graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1968 and went on to earn her Associate Degree in X-Ray Technology from St. Joseph Hospital, passing her boards on her first attempt. She worked in this profession for nine years.

She then transitioned to Kokomo Police Department as an Executive Secretary.

Following that she worked for Purdue Howard County Agricultural Extension Service as an Executive Secretary and a Master Gardener. Later, she worked directly for Purdue, introducing computer systems to other Indiana County Extension Services. She retired in 1997 after 28 years of service.

Outside of her career, Deborah enjoyed shopping, reading classics, watching old movies, especially John Wayne films, and deeply loved her dogs.

Deborah is survived by her loving husband Tedd Armstrong; siblings Bill Gedig (Florida), Judith Bradburn (Kokomo), Beth (Terry) Donovan (Brookston), and nephew Don Martin (Kokomo).

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister Barbra Roberston.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Mary C. Reynolds

Mary C. Reynolds, 63, of Marion, Indiana, passed away on October 15, 2026, in the same community where she was born on October 12, 1963, surrounded by the many memories and lasting connections she built throughout her life.

Mary was the daughter of the late Richard W. Mullen and Elizabeth L. Shelton. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and strength to those around her. She is survived by her husband Tom Reynolds, whom she married on May 12, 1995; her children Samantha R. Willis and Alexandria Reynolds; her grandchildren Keira Suzanne Rice and Lincoln Allen Rennaker; her bonus daughter Jennifer Rohrer; and her son Fox. She was also deeply loved by her extended family and cherished the many bonds she shared with those closest to her.

Mary was preceded in death by her sisters Tina Adkins, Susan Adkins, and Rebecca Mullen; her brothers Sam Mullen and Ronald Mullen; and her brother-in-law Mike Rohrer. Her family was an important part of her life, and she treasured the time spent with them through the years. She carried both love and loyalty in abundance, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Eastbrook High School, Class of 1982, Mary carried herself with determination and a strong sense of purpose. She was known for her work as an amazing hostess at Bob Evans, where her friendly nature, welcoming spirit, and ability to make others feel comfortable left a lasting impression on coworkers and guests alike. Her work reflected the same care and kindness she offered in every area of her life.

Mary was a woman who lived with heart and authenticity. She loved gardening and enjoyed growing flowers, finding peace and happiness in the simple beauty of caring for the world around her. She also enjoyed going to races with her husband and family and was a huge Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan. She embraced life as it came, going with the flow and meeting each day with humor, strength, and grace. Those who knew her best will remember her as funny, wise, and passionate, qualities that made her both memorable and deeply loved.

Above all else, Mary loved her children and grandchildren dearly. Her family was the center of her world, and she took great joy in their lives, accomplishments, and time spent together. Her love was steady and unconditional, and her legacy will be carried forward by the generations who were blessed to know her affection and guidance.

Mary C. Reynolds will be remembered for her kind heart, her quick wit, and the genuine way she connected with others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories that will continue to comfort her family and friends in the days ahead. Though she is no longer with them in body, her spirit remains present in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

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