Norma Jean (Welcher) Whitehead, James Patrick “Pat” Kiley, Diana M. Powell
Norma Jean (Welcher) Whitehead
Norma Jean (Welcher) Whitehead, 95 years old, formerly of Tipton, passed away 5:01 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Century Villa Healthcare and Rehab in Greentown. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on February 27, 1930, the daughter of the late Jesse and Florence (Garver) Welcher. On April 21, 1946, she married Robert Henry Whitehead, and he preceded her in death on May 27, 2005.
Norma attended Sharpsville School systems growing up. She retired from Tri-Central and Windfall School Corps. after 30 years of service in the cafeteria. Norma was a feisty lady who was ultra protective of her family. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Rock Prairie Church in Tipton where she played the piano and organ. Norma was a talented quartet singer, featured on TV and radio. She was an incredible cook. She was best known for her homemade noodles she made by demand. She was even nicknamed the “Noodle Lady.” She prioritized her relationship with Jesus Christ and her entire family.
She is survived by her children Shirley (Jim) Miller, Robert (Vicki) Whitehead Jr., Roger (Lisa) Whitehead, and Barb (Lee) Flick; son-in-law Steve Duncan; siblings Pat Fiscus, Christina Bogue, Karen Buck, Nina Smith; numerous grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a few great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Sandy and Jim Hunter and Ronnie and Sherry Miller.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Linda Duncan, siblings Kenny Welcher and Sue Harlow, granddaughter Tammy Duncan, and grandson Joey Whitehead.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Rock Prairie Church, 421 Ash St., Tipton, IN 46072. A funeral service celebrating Norma’s life will begin 2 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at the church, with Pastor Kevin Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to Rock Prairie Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
James Patrick “Pat” Kiley
James Patrick “Pat” Kiley, 58, passed away at 5:00 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Majestic Care of Sheridan. He was born on July 27, 1967, the son of the late John L. Kiley Jr. and Suzanne (Hipskind) Southern.
Pat was a 1985 graduate of Kokomo High School and attended Purdue University to study computer science. He was an excellent swimmer and was part of the Kokomo High School swim team and participated in state finals for backstroke during his junior and senior years. Pat had a natural athleticism and was also good at golf, basketball, and running. He enjoyed computers and gadgets but especially anything to do with sports. He had an excellent memory for sports names, statistics, trivia, and funny movie quotes. He also enjoyed music and had a good rock ‘n’ roll collection, was always a lucky winner at Bingo, and had a great sense of humor. Pat was also honored to be his nephew Matthew Martine’s godfather.
He is survived by his siblings Kim Fleer, Monica (Tony) Cicalo, Erin (Dan) Baker, Kathleen (Lou) Martine, Tim Kiley, and Mike (Angie) Kiley.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington Street, Kokomo, with Fr. Christopher Shocklee and Fr. Tim Hipskind, SJ, the celebrants. Burial will take place in Kokomo Memorial Park following the mass. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. to the time of the service on Friday at the church. Pat suffered from schizophrenia, and therefore we request memorial contributions be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com
Diana M. Powell
Diana M. Powell, a beacon of kindness and generosity, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, in Rochester, Indiana, at the age of 50. Born on April 7, 1975, in Cleveland, Ohio, Diana's warmth and friendliness touched the lives of everyone she met.
Diana's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her mother, the late Sandra Everett, instilled in her a nurturing spirit that defined her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Diana's love story with her beloved husband Robert Powell, whom she married on August 10, 2009, was one of mutual respect and unwavering support. Together, they created a home filled with laughter and care.
A proud mother, Diana is survived by her children Brayden Everett, Jeffery Everett, Dillon Lewis, Chris Powell, and Leon Powell. Her legacy lives on through them and her cherished grandchildren. Her role as a stay-at-home mom was one she embraced wholeheartedly, ensuring that her family always felt the comfort of a happy home. Diana's brothers Sherman Taylor and Brandon Everett remember her as a pillar of strength and a source of boundless affection in their family.
Diana's interests were a reflection of her love for home and the simple joys in life. She was an avid watcher of Law and Order SVU on TV, finding solace and entertainment in the stories that unfolded. Yet, her true passion was in the art of homemaking, where she found immense satisfaction in creating a nurturing environment for her family and friends.
Her friends and family will forever remember Diana as the epitome of kindness, friendliness, and generosity. She had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel special and valued, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As we bid farewell to Diana M. Powell, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and love. Her spirit, characterized by a gentle grace and a compassionate heart, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been part of her journey. Diana's legacy of kindness will remain a guiding light for her family, a reminder of the beauty and strength inherent in a life dedicated to the happiness of others.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com