Donna Lynn Vandergriff Garber, Alistair Edward Deardorff, Hope Justice Jones, Jeffrey Lynn Hulin, Rose Marie Little, Steven Dale Kistler, Saundra Sue Applegate, Stephanie Ellen Love
Donna Lynn Vandergriff Garber
On October 18, 2026, Donna Lynn Vandergriff Garber, 61, left behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love.
Born on March 15, 1965, Donna grew up in Greentown, Indiana, and graduated from Eastern High School in 1983. She spent many years of her life in Lakeland, Florida, before returning to Indiana, where she spent her final days in Noblesville.
Donna was a woman of remarkable kindness, compassion, and selflessness. A dedicated Registered Nurse (RN), she devoted much of her life to caring for others. Nursing was more than a profession for Donna; it was a reflection of the person she was. Her caring nature extended far beyond her work, touching the lives of family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of bringing laughter and warmth to those around her.
From a young age, Donna had a passion for cheerleading. She was a dedicated cheerleader in her younger years and later became a cheerleading coach, sharing her enthusiasm and encouragement with others. Donna also had a deep love for animals, showing them the same kindness and compassion she so freely gave to those around her. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Indianapolis 500 and all things IndyCar racing, a passion that brought her great joy.
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved mother Mary Maltsburger; her grandmother Mary Wright; and her uncle Bob Wright.
She is survived by her daughter Caitlyn Michener, who was the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. The bond they shared was one of unwavering love, and being Caitlyn’s mother was a role Donna cherished above all else. She is also survived by her son-in-law Jayson Michener; her father Don Vandergriff; her brother Bill Vandergriff and his wife Tina; her stepfather Larry Maltsburger; her stepbrother Brian Maltsburger; and stepsisters Towana (Andrew) Smith and Monica (Scott) Ensley.
She also leaves behind her nieces Megan Locker, Melanie Nutter, Sarah Deisch, Laura Brock, and Vanessa Smith, along with their husbands and children; her cousins Kelly Miller, Ann Hammond, and Stephanie Taylor, along with their husbands and children; and her aunt Becky Wright.
Donna also leaves behind her honorary daughters Justina Bryant, Kylee Rothell, and Mary Dalzell.
Donna will be remembered for her generous heart, her laughter, and the love she shared so freely. Her kindness and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Visitation will take place at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Alistair Edward Deardorff
Alistair Edward Deardorff was born in Lafayette, IN, on September 29, 2026, and went to be with Jesus on October 17, 2026. He was born to Cadon Deardorff and Allyson White. Alistair will be remembered for his bright blue eyes, squishy cheeks, and having the softest little cry.
He is survived by his siblings Cordelia Deardorff and Tyse Deardorff; grandparents Doug and Jen Deardorff, Rachel and Char-Michael Williams, and Israel and Sareah White; aunts and uncles Bailey and Brenan Klinedinst, Levi and Ribka White, Grace and Logan O’Dell, Macaiah and Vivie White, Jayden White, and Tarkeysha Hillman; great-grandparents Connie and Terrell Myers, Randy Parks, Linwood and Patricia Sprouse, Bobbie Deardorff and Wayne Clark, and Beverly Canard; great-great-grandpa John Deardorff; and countless cousins, great-aunts, and great-uncles.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Michael Deardorff, Jim Canard, and Edward White.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Hope Justice Jones
Hope Justice Jones was born November 4, 2005, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul Jones Sr. and Barbara (Ricks) Jones. She was lovingly raised by Tyrone and Karla Hogan, who nurtured and shaped the woman she became.
Hope accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Second Baptist Church. Hope was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana, where she attended Western High School, having graduated on May 31, 2024.
Hope entered into the workforce. She was a hard worker who kept at least two jobs at a time. Throughout her life, she made many friends. She loved to sing, dance, and spend time with her family. She lit up every room she walked into with her smile.
Hope departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on October 11, 2026.
She is survived by her parents Tyrone and Karla Hogan of Kokomo and Barbara (Ricks) Jones of Marion; grandfather Rev. Lloyd Majors of Marion; her siblings whom she loved dearly Paula Jones of Kokomo, Toriahnnla (Nick) Cardwell of Marion, Delora (Jason) Scaggs of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Tiyona Smith, Chanell Smith, and Akela Smith of Marion; brothers Raymond Carter of Indianapolis, Paul E. Jones Jr. of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and Anthony Smith Franko and Derron Smith, both of Marion; very special cousin Kahra Speed; special friend Micah Hunter; godmother Evonne Lane; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Hope is preceded in death by her father Paul Jones, Sr.; grandparents Robert (Ethel) Jones Sr., Janice Majors, Roslee Smith, and Helen Rice; brother Paul Smith; sister Precious Jones; uncle Rev. Robert Jones Jr.; aunt Deloris Hutchinson, and Carmen (Selph) Monteiro.
Although she has entered her eternal life, her love and memory will forever remain.
Family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Greater Second Baptist Church, 705 West 26th Street, Marion, IN 46953.
Immediately following the visitation, a celebration for Hope’s life will start at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Benny L. Powell Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com
Jeffrey Lynn Hulin
Jeffrey Lynn Hulin, 69, beloved husband of Linda Kay (Huck) Hulin, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the early morning as the sun came up.
Born in Rochester, MN, Jeff was the son of the late Lloyd E. and Mary E. (Rice) Hulin. In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his father-in-law Lawrence J. Huck.
Jeff was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud papa whose life was marked by his faith, warmth, quick sarcasm and love for others. He enjoyed chocolate, working, golfing, camping, traveling, British detective shows, reading his Bible, and above all, spending cherished time with his kids and grandkids. He had a gift for connecting with people and enjoyed a good conversation with anyone he met. When asked how he was feeling, his familiar response was always, “I’m great!” Those simple words reflected his cheerful spirit and the positive outlook he carried with him, especially through his cancer journey. He never complained, and he felt his cancer was a ministry and tool to encourage those around him. Jeff’s love for his family, his faith in the Lord, and his genuine care for others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Jeff’s many years in retail management left behind a legacy of meaningful relationships, treasured memories, and clean stores. He often said his last job with Cason at Trailer Source was his favorite of all time, particularly because Cason was his best boss. In addition, he was so proud of his four kids’ entrepreneurial successes.
He is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 47 years, and his four children Ben Hulin (Christa) of Salt Lake City, UT, Whitney Leeper (Jared) of Oak Grove, MO, Cason Hulin (Karen) of Greenville, SC, and Tanner Hulin (Danielle) of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by his 10 amazing grandkids Everett, Parker, Calvin, Joanna, Mikaela, Michelle, Olive, Sylvie, Brooks, and Scottie. Other family members include his brothers Rick Hulin (Pam) of Tipton, IN, and Dave Hulin, his mother-in-law Carole Huck of High Point, NC, brothers-in-law Shawn (Kristy) Huck of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Scott (Roxy) Huck of Cedarville, OH, and sister-in-law Janet (Rob) Powell of High Point, NC. He also enjoyed his relationships with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Our family wants to express our deepest gratitude to the many healthcare professionals and staff who cared for Jeff at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital, and Interim Hospice Care. Particular thanks goes to Dr. Britt Boleman, Dr. Patrick Kuhlman, Dr. Charles Opalak, Dr. David Plankenhorn, Dr. Jeff Derbas, Dr. Alicia Solsrud, Dr. Tyler Brown, Chris Campbell, Taylor Pendleton OT, Katie Cantley PT, Natasha Cannonie, Kimberly Hill, Rhyan Carpio, and Jennifer Kuria. There are more, so many more, who touched our hearts forever.
Because we’ve been touched by the tender care offered to Jeff by medical personnel and therapists, in lieu of flowers, an educational scholarship for a rising Student Nurse Anesthetist is being created in Jeff’s honor. To receive notifications about how you can contribute, please email jeffscholarshipfund@gmail.com with your name and details will be sent to you shortly.
Jeff will be deeply missed by his family and friends who will forever cherish his loving heart, joyful spirit, steadfast faith, quippy jokes, and the many memories they shared with him. Though he will be greatly missed here on earth, his family finds great comfort in the promise of eternal life and the surety found in Scripture that we will see him again in the Lord’s presence.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Grace Church in Travelers Rest, 999 Geer Highway, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. A private burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
On Saturday, the family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
Rose Marie Little
Rose Marie Little, 95, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Born in Crestline, Ohio, on November 8, 1930, to Paul & Elsie Whisler, she married Charles Little in 1953 until his passing in 1990. They were married for 37 years and had four children together. She dedicated her life to family and friends and was known for being a “classy lady” with an amazing smile who loved to laugh. She brightened the lives of others with her “Rose Marie-isms,” tell-tale hand gestures, and by just being the sweet person that she was. She lived in Palm Bay, Florida, for 30+ years after retirement, enjoying the warm climate and the multiple friends she made there. She enriched the lives of many and will be missed and remembered always.
Rose Marie is survived by her son Greg (Alice) Little of Plymouth, Ohio; her daughters Sharon Carter (Bryan Hettinghouse) of Kokomo, Indiana, and Janet (Scott) Whitlock of Noblesville, Indiana; grandchildren Summer (Justin) Langston; Thomas (Jennifer) Crail; Victoria (Kyle) Bernard; Nicholas (Amanda) Crail; great-grandchildren Fox, Bear, Violet, and Coltin; brother George Whisler; sister Susan (Richard) Kirkendall; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Little; son Kevin Little; brothers Carl, Lawrence, and Howard Whisler.
Friends may call Tuesday, October 27, from 10:00-11:30 a.m., with a service immediately following at Sunset Memory Gardens, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Rose Maire’s favorite charity.
Steven Dale Kistler
Steven Dale Kistler, 75, of Noblesville, entered the presence of the Lord on September 27, 2026, following a bus accident in Bergen, Norway, while on vacation with his wife Cindy and dear friends Rick and Gayle Fair. He was born in Logansport, Indiana, and raised in Royal Center, on September 4, 1951, the son of the late Robert and Joan (Wilson) Kistler. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Crow) Kistler and his three sons and two bonus daughters Matthew (Jennifer) Kistler of Noblesville, Ind., Jason (Laura) Kistler of Fishers, Ind., and Jeffrey Kistler of Indianapolis, Ind. His six grandchildren Anna, Molly, Kate, Hudson, Eleanor, and William, were his heart’s delight. He was quite certain that his grands were the smartest, most beautiful, and most handsome kids in the world, and they all loved their Papaw dearly.
Steve was always a devoted family man and is survived by his brother Jay (Sandy) Kistler of Flora, Ind., and sister Janet (Greg) Goltry of Royal Center, Ind.; mother-in-law Anna Crow of Kokomo, Ind., and her companion Terry Biddle, and sister-in-law Christina (Jerry) Dicken of Kokomo, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steven was a 1969 graduate and senior class president of Pioneer High School in Royal Center, Ind. Steve knew his life’s calling was to be a doctor. He made a vow to God that if he was able to complete medical school, he would be the best doctor he could possibly be, and that proved true many times through the years with his patients, family, and friends. Steve graduated from Indiana University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Scholastics Honorary, and Alpha Epsilon Delta, National Premed Honorary. He was a 1976 graduate of the Indiana School of Medicine. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., in 1977 and his Emergency Medicine Residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind., from 1977 to 1979. Upon completion of his residency, Steve was one of the first board-certified emergency physicians in Indiana. From 1979 through 1980, he was the Associate Director at Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department in Dayton, Ohio, and the Assistant Clinical Director in the Department of Community Medicine’s section of Emergency Medicine at Wright State University School of Medicine. He never minded a home phone consultation for family or friends who affectionately called him “Doc.”
In 1980, he met the love of his life Cynthia Annette Crow, and thanks to his good friend Dr. Larry Corbett, got a job at St. Francis Hospital and moved back to Indianapolis. Steve and Cindy were married on November 28, 1981, at Chapel Rock Christian Church in Indianapolis, and they were baptized together at the same church in 1982. Steve spent the remainder of his career with the Emergency Physicians of Indianapolis at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, Mooresville, and Indianapolis. He held the office of Chief Financial Officer until his retirement due to hearing loss in 2006, something he battled for the rest of his life. He and Cindy traveled to all 50 states and more than 50 countries during their 44-year marriage.
Steve was passionate about serving others and sharing his faith in Jesus while on medical mission trips around the world. Steve and Cindy organized and led many trips to Haiti and Honduras with Lifeline Christian Mission for the students at Heritage Christian School, where Steve worked in the free medical clinic, and he also laid a few bricks, painted, and helped build homes and schools. He was able to serve in Chile, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Ecuador, and Turkmenistan. Preaching about Jesus on the streets of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, was a highlight in his life.
Steve loved playing Euchre each fall in Ft. Morgan, Ala., with Brent Johnson, Jack Watson, and his brother Jay. He enjoyed four-wheeling with his brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Tina Dicken and traveling with Jay, Sandy, Janet, and Greg. Anywhere they were, there were lots of laughs, usually directed at Steve! In retirement, Steve also enjoyed reconnecting with his colleagues from St. Francis and always loved a good laugh with his “brother from another mother” Bob Shellman and his wife Mary.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Harvest Church, 14550 River Road, Carmel, Indiana, 46033. A celebration of life service will follow starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lifeline Christian Mission.
Saundra Sue Applegate
Saundra Sue Applegate, 86, formerly of Peru, passed away at 4:20 a.m. on October 16, 2026, in Kokomo, IN. Sandy was born in Logansport, IN, on May 15, 1940. She was one of seven children born to the late Raymond Applegate and Ersa Elshire Applegate. The last of her siblings and their spouses, she was lovingly called home to the Lord on her mother’s birthday.
She is survived by her daughter Karen S. Miller and husband Jason of Greentown, IN; a granddaughter Morgan L. Bourland and husband Elijah of Evansville, IN; a grandson Drew Stevenson of Peru, IN; a great-granddaughter Charlotte Bourland; and four generations of nieces and nephews.
Sandy was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many. She was the heart of her family, a true matriarch. She was a source of comfort, a steady hand to hold, and a loving presence that made life a little brighter for everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her home was full of love, compassion and warmth, the true essence of who she was; a place your heart could truly rest. She enjoyed music and dancing, fellowship, and she cherished the time spent with her family, laughing and creating memories that we will hold in our hearts always.
As a homemaker and caregiver, she was a truly selfless woman who had a way of putting others before herself. Giving came naturally to her. Whether it was her time, her love, a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply being there when someone needed her most, she gave without hesitation and loved without condition. She shared her loving spirit, warmth, and gentle laughter with so many. She didn’t need recognition or praise for the things she did. Her greatest joy was knowing the people she loved were taken care of.
She leaves behind a legacy defined not by what she had, but by what she gave; where love was spoken not only in words but in selfless acts of daily kindness and compassion. The love she gave will live on through generations. She will be a forever light that continues to shine within us.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Bernadine (David) Fisher, Imogene (John) Arwood, Pattie McGuire, and Bonnie (Elmer) Glenn, and by her brothers Jackie (Georgia) Applegate and Larry (Laura) Applegate. As a sister, she was part of a bond seasoned with joy, sorrow, memories, and loyalty that time cannot erase.
Cremation has been entrusted to City of Firsts Cremation of Kokomo, IN. A graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru, IN, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
Saundra may no longer be by our side, but her love will never leave us.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Stephanie Ellen Love
Stephanie Ellen Love, 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on October 16, 2026. Born on May 4, 1947, Stephanie’s life was marked by steady devotion to her work, her faith, and her family.
Over the years, Stephanie built a strong working life defined by reliability and skill. She retired from Wabash National, where she worked as a decaler. Earlier in her career, she did wire welding at Delco, plastic injection and molding at Hewitts, and assisted with TV cameras for KI productions.
In November of 1994, Stephanie married Gerald Love, beginning a chapter grounded in commitment and shared life.
Stephanie also made room for the things that brought her joy: camping, art, and motorcycle riding. Whether in quiet creativity or open-road freedom, these interests reflected a spirit that appreciated both beauty and adventure.
Her faith remained an important part of her life and community. She was previously a member of Foursquare Church and Family Worship Center and was a current member of White Horse Christian Center of West Lafayette.
She is survived by her husband Gerald, son Roman Boyd of Kokomo, and siblings Dan Ellis (Colleen) of New York and Laura Stroud (Gene) of Frankfort.
Stephanie is preceded in death by her parents David A. Holtsclaw and Margaret (Ellis) Holtsclaw and her brother David A. Holtsclaw II (Joy).
A visitation for Stephanie will be held on October 30, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St. Kokomo, IN 46902, from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. An additional visitation will take place on October 31, 2026, from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a service immediately following at 12:00 PM. Stephanie will be laid to rest at Crown Point Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Dementia Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

