Obituaries, October 22, 2026

Written on 10/22/2026
Patrick Munsey


Gloria Dawn Drach, Winifred Rochelle Miller, Gloria Jean Ridenour, Dana Sue Glaze, Alan Tunmer, Dave Kitchell, Rachel Elizabeth Kelley, Charles T. Winston Pitner, Stanley Oliver Cobb

Gloria Dawn Drach

Gloria Dawn Drach, 91, of Winamac, IN, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at her home in the presence of her family. She was born on October 18, 1935, in Logansport, IN, to the late William and Wanda (Larrison) Gardner. Gloria was raised in Logansport and attended Logansport High School. On November 29, 1952, she married Donald Clinton “Doc” Drach in Burnettsville, IN. Doc and Gloria enjoyed many years of camping at the Tippecanoe River State Park. They celebrated 69 years of marriage prior to Doc’s passing on December 15, 2021.

Gloria retired from Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, where she worked as a respiratory therapist for 30 years. She was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church, Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Red Hat Society, all of Winamac. Gloria served as a campground host at Tippecanoe River State Park for many years. In recent years, she enjoyed golf cart rides around town with her son Doug. Gloria enjoyed crocheting and gifting what she made to her family and others. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother who always put others first. More than anything, she loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by son Donald R. (wife Cindy) Drach of Davenport, IA; daughter Deborah D. Drach of Rochester, IN; son Douglas William Drach of Winamac, IN; daughter Dixie D. (husband Michael, Jr.) Weldon of Kewanna, IN; 15 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister Patricia Sue Bailey of San Antonio, TX; sister-in-law Carole Gardner of Kokomo, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents William and Wanda (Larrison) Gardner, husband Donald Clinton “Doc” Drach, three infant grandsons, great-grandsons Joshua Kilgore and Samuel Myers, brother Michael Gardner, and sister Bonnie Majors.

Visitation will be from 2-6 PM EDT Friday, October 23, 2026, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Cremation will take place at Frain Crematory following visitation. Services will be held at 10 AM EDT Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Winamac, with Pastor Jamie Mitchell officiating. Burial will take place at Star City West Cemetery following services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Online Tributes may offered at www.frainmortuary.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.



Winifred “Winnie” Rochelle Miller

Winifred “Winnie” Rochelle Miller, 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2026. Born on July 18, 1939, in Cool Good, Kentucky, Winnie will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew her.

From her earlier years, Winnie’s steady presence and quiet grace were evident, including her connection to Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority. Throughout her life, she carried herself with a softness of spirit that made others feel at ease.

Winnie loved her family and found particular joy in time spent together, especially vacations to the Smoky Mountains. Her devotion as a mother was a defining part of her life, and she will long be remembered as a great mom whose calm, easygoing nature brought comfort and steadiness to those around her.

Winnie’s days were brightened by simple pleasures and the things she genuinely enjoyed: reading, crafts, watching racing with her son, cruising to nowhere in particular, and going out to eat.

She also gave her time in service to others, volunteering for the MDA Telethon, and she was a member of Victory Baptist Church. These commitments reflected a life lived with care for community and a faithful, consistent heart.

She is survived by her sons Jesse Samuel Miller (Rita), Ralph Eugene Miller, and Thomas “Ed” Miller; granddaughter Dawn Riggs (Brody); great-grandchildren Cooper, Maddyson, and Maycee Rigg; and brother Cass Smith.

She is preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Walbrecht and her siblings Dave Hollers, Tom Walbrecht, Bill Smith, and Jackie Pierce.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, on October 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 2174.



Gloria Jean Ridenour

Gloria Jean Ridenour, née Creason, passed away on October 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, due to complications from breast cancer. She was born on June 11, 1956, in Kokomo, Indiana.

Gloria graduated from Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana, in 1975. She was, above all, a loving wife and mother who gave her family everything she had. She loved Jesus and adored her family, especially her grandchildren. Her days were brightened by flowers, thrift stores, antiques, and flea markets, and she took special joy in cooking her family’s favorite meals. Gloria was a friend to many and was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and warmly remembered for her generous heart, her devotion to those she loved, and the care she poured into her home and family.

On July 24, 1976, she married John Ridenour, and together they shared more than 50 years of marriage. In addition to her loving husband, Gloria is survived by her daughter Kara Beth Curry and Kara Beth’s husband Bruce Curry; her son Johnathon Niles Ridenour; and her beloved grandchildren Alec, Brittany, Griffin, Johnathon Jr., Autumn, Wyatt, and Oliver, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She is also survived by her sister-in law Mary Lott and Mary’s husband Tom Lott; her aunt Charlotte VanSickle of Florida; uncle Robert and aunt Cheryl Parks of Kokomo; uncle Let Creason of Kokomo; her nieces Kathy Samuels, Emily Wogerman, Alaina Lott Hutcheson, and Alasha Koziel; her nephews Tommy Lott and Charles Creason; and extended family and friends who will continue to cherish her memory.

Gloria was preceded in death by her father Lowell Creason; her mother Barbara Creason; her father-in-law John O. Ridenour; her mother-in-law Josephine Ridenour; her brother Greg Creason; her niece Tessa Creason; and her sister-in-law Patricia McDaniel.

Visitation will be held on October 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Spring Hill Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5239 Main St., Spring Hill, Tennessee 37174. A memorial service will follow there from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Gloria Jean Ridenour’s life was marked by faith, love, and deep devotion to her family. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.



Dana Sue (Lambert) Glaze

Dana Sue (Lambert) Glaze, 59, passed away on September 28, 2026. Born in Tipton, Indiana, to Connie (Netherton) Shaw and David Lambert, she grew up in the nearby town of Atlanta, where she attended Hamilton Heights schools.

Dana spent much of her life in Tipton, where she raised her family and worked for many years as a waitress at local favorites, including Pizza Shack and Faye’s Northside Cafe. Her strong work ethic and years of service made her a familiar face in the community.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — days spent at the beach, the beauty of nature, and time shared with her sisters. She enjoyed a good game of Yahtzee, Phase 10, or Skip-Bo, and Christmas always held a special place in her heart. With a love for sweet treats, especially Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme, she also firmly believed that no meal was complete without fried potatoes.

Dana was preceded in death by her parents Connie (Netherton) Shaw and David Lambert.

She is survived by her husband Donald Glaze Jr.; her children Tasha Glaze, Joshua Coonce, Amber Coonce, and Tara Glaze; her stepfather Roger Shaw; seven grandchildren; two sisters; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Dana on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following at Atlanta Wesleyan Church, 320 Walnut Street, Atlanta, Indiana.

May she now find the peace that was sometimes difficult to find in life.



Alan Tunmer

Alan Tunmer, 75, of Tipton, leaves behind a lasting legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and coach. Through decades of teaching and coaching, Alan helped young people recognize their potential, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams.

Alan was born on June 30, 1951, in Bloomington, Indiana, to Howard Tunmer and Mary Margaret “Marge” (Hash) Tunmer. A 1969 graduate of Tipton High School, he continued his education at the University of South Alabama, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1973 and his Master of Arts degree in 1975.

On August 15, 1971, Alan married Toni Kay Lewis in Tipton. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage.

Alan began his teaching and coaching career at Chickasaw Academy, a small private school in Mobile, Alabama, during the 1974–1975 school year, where he taught and coached multiple sports. He returned to Indiana and taught at Tipton Middle School from 1975 to 1977 before joining Taylor High School, where he continued teaching until his retirement in 2011.

Throughout his career, Alan’s dedication extended well beyond the classroom. At Taylor, he coached girls’ basketball and girls’ track. A highlight of his coaching career came in 1983, when he helped lead Taylor’s girls’ basketball team to sectional and regional championships and a trip to the semi-state. The team’s memorable season earned recognition from USA Today and remained a treasured part of his coaching legacy.

From 1976 to 1981, Alan was director of the Tipton Summer Recreation program, including the Tipton Babe Ruth League. From 1989 to 1994, he returned to his hometown to coach at Tipton, including both boys’ and girls’ basketball, while continuing his teaching career at Taylor High School. He balanced those responsibilities with a deep commitment to the students and athletes who counted on him.

Alan spent countless summers coaching basketball camps and helping young athletes improve. He was especially passionate about helping students pursue higher education and earn athletic scholarships, opening doors for those who hoped to compete at the next level. He believed in hard work, perseverance, and the importance of putting in the extra effort. For Alan, coaching was also an opportunity to teach lessons about character, discipline, and life.

Away from teaching and coaching, Alan loved the game of golf, visiting dog and horse tracks, and watching sports. An avid Indianapolis Colts fan, he held season tickets for many years and enjoyed sharing game days with family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Toni Tunmer; his son Ryan Tunmer and Ryan’s significant other Jessica Ripberger; his grandchildren Xavier Tunmer, Bianca Tunmer, and Logan Reeves; his sister Jane Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind generations of former students, athletes, colleagues, and friends whose lives were shaped by his guidance and encouragement.

Alan was welcomed into Heaven by his son Benjamin “Ben” Tunmer and his parents Howard and Mary Margaret “Marge” Tunmer.

Alan’s family will receive friends for a celebration of his life on October 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Green House / The Love Bug Café, 222 S. Independence Street, Tipton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made toward a scholarship being established in Alan’s memory to support a female athlete from each of Taylor and Tipton high schools through the Tipton County Foundation at 1020 W. Jefferson St. Tipton, IN 46072 or at www.tiptoncf.org. This lasting tribute will continue his legacy of encouraging young athletes and helping them pursue their dreams.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Alan’s family in their time of need.



Dave Kitchell

Dave Kitchell, 78, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Kokomo. For four decades he chronicled the triumphs of his hometown’s athletes, and for a lifetime he gave his time, energy, and heart to his country, his community, and above all, his family.

Dave was born January 3, 1948, in Kokomo, to William and Winifred (Moser) Kitchell. His love of newspapers began early, when he delivered the Kokomo Tribune as a paperboy. It grew while he was still in high school, when he wrote part-time for the Tribune’s sports department. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1966, where he wrestled all four years, and went on to attend Indiana University, working at the Bloomington Courier-Tribune while a student.

The greatest love of Dave’s life was his wife Linda (Whittaker) Kitchell. They married on December 20, 1969, in Kokomo, and for nearly 57 years she was his partner, his best friend, and the center of his world. Everything he built, from his career to his family to his years of service, he built alongside her, and he never stopped counting himself the luckiest man in Kokomo for it. Dave answered his country’s call, serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968 to 1975.

After a stint at the Peru Tribune, Dave returned to the Kokomo Tribune, where he spent 40 years, including 30 as Sports Editor from 1980 until his retirement in 2010. His stories and columns filled the scrapbooks of a generation of Kokomo-area athletes, preserving some of the proudest moments of their lives. His work earned wide recognition, including Indiana Sportswriter of the Year and Hoosier State Press Association Sports Columnist of the Year honors, multiple writing awards from the Associated Press, and a national writing award from Thomson Newspapers for his coverage of the 1996 Olympic Games. He served as president of the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association and was a charter member, past president, and 2013 inductee of the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame.

Dave’s devotion to Kokomo extended well beyond the press box. He served as a member and president of the Kokomo Family YMCA Board of Directors. He was also a longtime member and board president of the Kokomo Humane Society, where he helped lead the effort that raised $2 million to build a new shelter. He coached countless youth through church league, YMCA, and Kokomo Babe Ruth teams, passing on the lessons of teamwork and sportsmanship he valued so deeply. He was a fixture on the YMCA racquetball courts for more than 30 years and later took up pickleball with the same enthusiasm. Long after retirement, he remained a devoted supporter of the Kokomo Wildkats and Indiana Hoosiers.

Nothing brought Dave more joy than his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Linda; his son Ryan (Molly) Kitchell and grandchildren Quentin, Max, Sam, and Lucy of Zionsville; his daughter Ashley Kitchell Dascoli (Joe) and grandchildren Katy, Charlotte, and Norah of Carmel; and his brother Richard (LouAnn) Kitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Winifred Kitchell; his brother William Kitchell; and his sister Carolyn Kitchell McClure.

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation will take place. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following, officiated by Pastor Dick Sanburn, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Lincoln Road Chapel, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society or to the Community Foundation of Howard County for the Dave Kitchell Scholarship Fund, which supports Kokomo High School graduates pursuing journalism. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Rachel Elizabeth Kelley

Rachel Elizabeth Kelley, 42, of Indianapolis, passed away at home on Saturday, October 17, 2026. She was born in Indianapolis on July 23, 1984, to Michael D. Kelley and Victoria (Dewey) Goeke. Rachel had worked in the restaurant industry as a server. She was very outgoing and loved working with other people.

Rachel was a graduate of North Central High School in the Class of 2002. She then attended Indiana University and graduated from Indiana State. Rachel was a Colts fan, rarely missing watching a game. She loved dogs and elephants as well as doing many types of crafts. She most enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her parents and her siblings Aaron C. Kelley and wife Michelle of West Lafayette, Shaun M. Kelley of St. Louis, and Josh Groves of Indianapolis. Her nieces and nephews are Spencer James, Corinna S. and Brooke Kelley, and Hannah and Charlotte Kelley. She was preceded in death by her brother Gabriel Groves.

Keeping things in line with Rachel’s wishes there will be no formal services. In memory of Rachel, please do an act of kindness for someone else. You may also make a donation to your local Humane Society in her honor.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the Kelley family at this difficult time. Please leave condolences for them on Rachel’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.



Charles T. Winston Pitner

Charles T. Winston Pitner, 72, Kokomo, passed away at 7:04 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 at his home. He was born December 1, 1953, in Dalton, GA, to Otha and Stella (Law) Pitner.

Charles proudly worked construction as a carpenter for Dick Rayl & Associates for many years. He was a simple, hardworking father and grandfather who loved his family fiercely. Firm in his beliefs, you always knew where you stood with him.

He is survived by his daughters Heather (Anthony) Hutchens and Shannon (Adam) Castle; grandchildren Corey Jaworski, Tiffany Alexander, Steven Jaworski, Phoenix Oakes, Brooklyn Oakes, Lacy Raborn, Faith Candito, Destiny McCullough, and Peyton Hancock; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings Brenda Moore, Otha Pitner Jr, Don Pitner, and Barbara Branch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Heidi Oakes; and siblings Esther Roberts, Richard Pitner, Dorothy Bliss, Gladys, Hannah, Betty Marshall, Jean Strickland, Jim Pitner, and Judy Goforth.

A private visitation will take place at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Stanley Oliver Cobb

Stanley Oliver Cobb, 72, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on October 18, 2026. He was born on May 20, 1954, in Kokomo, Indiana, and lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and devotion to the people he loved.

Stanley was the son of the late Oliver and Mary Cobb. He grew up in Kokomo and graduated from Kokomo High School before continuing his education at Indiana State University and Jones University. He carried the values of discipline, perseverance, and curiosity throughout his life, and those qualities shaped the many paths he followed.

After high school, Stanley joined the United Marines, beginning a career of service that reflected his strong sense of duty and commitment to others. He later worked as an inspector for F15 fighter jets, a role that required precision, responsibility, and pride in doing important work well. Stanley also served as an engineer for Chrysler and later worked for Indiana Correctional Facility, where his skills and steady work ethic were deeply valued. He was a man who took pride in his work and understood the importance of showing up with integrity and doing his best each day.

Stanley was also a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he found fellowship and shared purpose. He valued connection, friendship, and the bonds formed through service and association. Those who knew him appreciated his warm spirit and the way he could bring humor and lightness into a room. He was faith-filled, funny, and generous, and those traits left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family was at the center of Stanley’s life. He married Lori Cobb in 2008, and together they shared years of love, companionship, and devotion. He was a loving father to Stanley Jr., Lance, Hailey, Sidney, Matthew, Daniel, and Joshua he took great pride in his children and the lives they built. He was also a cherished grandfather to Makay, Kelis, McKenzie, and Brilla, and a proud great-grandfather to two great-grandsons. Stanley is also survived by his sisters, Jackie Orndorff and Patricia Thomas, and his nephew, John Orndorff. His family will remember him for his steady presence, his laughter, and the kindness he extended so freely.

Stanley had many interests that reflected his curious and engaged nature. He liked football and enjoyed following the game with enthusiasm. He was an avid reader who appreciated learning and staying informed. He was a news junky who always kept up with the latest events, and he had a deep love of history that informed the way he saw the world. He also loved good food and had a special appreciation for airplanes, which suited both his professional background and his lifelong interest in things that flew.

Stanley Oliver Cobb passed away in Peru, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of service, family devotion, and quiet strength. He will be remembered for his faith, his humor, his generosity, and the many ways he made life better for those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, extended family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

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