Obituaries, October 13, 2024

Written on 10/13/2024


Michael Alan Nelson

Michael Alan Nelson passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born on March 10, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, to late Billy Joe Nelson and Beverly (Fettig) Ramseyer. He married the love of his life, Debbie (Chapin) Nelson on June 17, 2013, in Peru, Indiana, and she survives.

Michael graduated from Kokomo High School in 1975 and went on to earn his associate's degree from Nashville Auto Diesel College. He worked for many body shops, including Olson Paint & Body and Speedway Body Shop. Michael also drove a semi-truck for many years. He loved both modified racing and sprint racing. Michael also enjoyed riding his Harley and working in his garage, where he built his modified racing cars.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Nelson; two daughters, Jennifer (Brad) Reed and Lora (Frank) Dillman; five sons, Michael (Melissa) Nelson, Mark (Rita) Nelson, Jeff Nelson, Austin (Kelsey) Nelson, and Zach (Kiley) Nelson; two stepsons, Mike Sallee and Jason Sallee; 22 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Pat Nelson and Adam Nelson; sister, Joan (Tom) Bolka; sister-in-law, Alice (Chris) Uttinger; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death are his parents, Beverly "Dutch" Ramseyer and B.J. Nelson; his brother, Aaron Nelson; and his grandson, Thomas Nelson.

A memorial gathering for Michael will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Main Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Parkinson's Foundation, envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.



Juanita Florence (Robinson) Kelley

Juanita Florence (Robinson) Kelley, age 85, of Tipton, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, with her loving husband at her side. She was born on December 15, 1938, to her parents, Harry Robinson and Lavella (Wheately) Robinson. Juanita married the love of her life, Michael D. Kelley on August 10, 1957, and they recently celebrated 67 years together.

Juanita (Nita) was a 1956 graduate of Tipton High School and attended Indiana University Kokomo to study nursing. She was a 30-year retiree from General Motors in Kokomo. Nita had a contagious smile, never met a stranger, had a witty sense of humor, and cared deeply about family and God. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, fishing, watching football, and always ready for a road trip. You could often find Nita working crosswords or puzzles. Her family will forever rave about her dressing and her homemade chicken and noodles. Juanita loved so many things about life; but none compared to the joy of being a mother of four beautiful children and grandmother of many.

Nita was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipton. She has left a beautiful example of love, life, family and faith for all future generations to follow. Juanita will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those left to carry on Nita’s legacy of love are her husband, Michael Kelley; children, Linda (Denis) Thomas, Mary Jane (Mike) Plowman, Nora (Fred) Otto, David (Melissa) Kelley; grandchildren, Jacob Thomas, Kristen Sahlberg, Meagan Chariton, Katy Hickman, Todd Rooyakkers, Erik Rooyakkers, Nathen Whisler, Tyler Whisler, Samantha Brink, Garrett Womack, Brittainy Kelley, Craig Kelley, Alexander Kelley, Anna Kelley, Sarah Kelley, 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Bill (Joyce) Robinson, Mike Robinson, Roberta (Gilbert) Phelps, Dorothy Chapel, Debbie (Bruce) Farrar, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Juanita was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Harry and Lavella Robinson, her grandson Derek Kelley, siblings, James Robinson, Helen (Dick) Snyder, Patricia (Kenny) Hale; brother-in-law, Mike Chapel; and sister-in-law, Jane Robinson.

A rosary service will be held in honor of Nita on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. In Tipton. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kelley family in their time of need.



Dennis E. Ege

Dennis E. Ege, 82, Walton, formerly of Bunker Hill, passed away at 3:27 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Blair Ridge in Peru. He was born August 26, 1942, in Manistee, Michigan to Charles M. and Verna (Tritten) Ege.

Denny retired in 1992 from Haynes International as a welder with 30 years of service. He enjoyed classic cars, attending car shows, fishing, woodworking and watching old westerns. He served on the Pipe Creek Vol. Fire Dept. in Bunker Hill for decades and retired as Fire Chief. He was also a long-standing member of the Peru Maennerchor.

Surviving family includes two daughters, Teresa (Scott) Beckley of Logansport, Cheryl (Mike) Ross of Buford, GA, and one daughter-in-law, Michelle Ege of Peru.

Denny is also survived by five grandchildren, Cole Beckley, Janae (Isaiah) Carter, Emily (Chad) Babbs, Alicia Ross, Brady Ross and also blessed with four great grandchildren.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Lou (Engel), son, Darren Ege, sister “Rennie” Ege and brother, Kenneth Ege.

A private family service to be held at a later date.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.