Katie Pondexter Butler, Murlene F. Maze, Johnny “Ponce” Ernest Radford Sr., Kennedy Mae Blake, Travis Matthew Butcher

Katie Pondexter Butler

Katie Pondexter Butler, 89, Kokomo, passed away on September 28, 2025, at North Woods Village in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on January 3, 1936, in Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Charlie & Rosie McFarland.

Katie spent many years dedicated to her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, where she was cherished by both colleagues and patients for her compassion and diligence.

Katie was a vibrant and fun-loving individual in her youth and maintained her zest for life through her various hobbies. She was an avid bowler, participating in local leagues, and had a passion for flower arranging and crocheting afghans. Katie also enjoyed collecting antique dishes and caring for her beloved pet, Bandit. She was a faithful attendee of the Missionary Baptist Church in Burlington, where she found great solace and community.

Katie’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her daughter Marsha (Ron) Ridenour; grandchildren Jeremy (Nicole) Ridenour, Kristy Carr, Heather Butler, and Travis Butler; great-grandchildren Bradley Carr, Trey Ridenour, Aiden Speerhas, and Gunnar Ridenour; sister Ruby Wilson; and special friends Janet Overton and family.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents; her son and daughter-in-law Allen (Becky) Butler; and six brothers.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northwoods Village for the annual Alzheimer’s Foundation walk. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Murlene F. Maze

Murlene F. Maze, lovingly known to many as “Little Murl” and “Grandma,” passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana, surrounded by loved ones. She was 90 years old.

Born on June 9, 1935, in Arkansas, Murlene was the daughter of Truman L. and Grace M. (Bowman) Ashlock.

Murlene worked for K-Mart for many years before retiring. She was deeply devoted to her family and cherished her pets. Her warmth, strength, and love touched the lives of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Maze, and her children Teresa Maze-Guge, Donna Moore, Randy Maze, Brenda Rutherford, and James Maze.

Murlene is survived by her niece Patty and her husband Jeff Moore of Argos, Indiana; her nephew Clifton Ashlock and his wife Arletta of Anderson, Indiana; and her grandchildren Shaun and Angela Guge of Largo, Florida, Danny Rutherford of Kokomo, Indiana, Angie and her husband Richard Hannaway of Marion, Indiana, and Christina Rutherford and her fiancé Ernest of Hudson, Florida.

She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren Emily, Kayla, Danny, Natalie, Riley, Camden, Xavier, Courtney, Alan, Kelly, Shyanne, Caleb, Derick, and Nikki, along with many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, numerous great-great-grandchildren, and her dog Booty.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Galveston Cemetery, with Clifton Ashlock officiating. In accordance with Murlene’s wishes, no visitation is planned.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. For more information, please visit www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Johnny “Ponce” Ernest Radford Sr.

Johnny “Ponce” Ernest Radford Sr., 83, Kokomo, passed away at 9:57 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born October 23, 1941, in Hull, Alabama, the son of the late Lonnie and Maggie (Vickery) Radford. On November 6, 1968, he married Dolores E. (Smith) Radford in Jackson, Michigan, and she survives.

Johnny was a 1960 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan. He received his associate engineering degree from Purdue at Indiana University Kokomo. Johnny served in the United States Air Force from June of 1960 until March of 1965, earning the rank of Senior Airman (E-4). He loved competing in golf leagues and various bowling leagues in his younger years. Johnny enjoyed camping and traveling, where he would photograph birds and wildflowers. In addition, Johnny was a history buff as he enjoyed researching his ancestry.

In addition to his wife Dolores, Johnny is survived by his children Johnny E. (Athena) Radford; stepchildren Terry (Colleen) Coolbaugh, Guy (Tami) Coolbaugh, Debbra L. Odle, and Cara (Bruce) McKellar; 18 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

Johhny was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents John & Viola (Miller) Radford and Henry & Minne Belle Vickery; stepchildren Gary Dean Coolbaugh and Shari Jean Coolbaugh; siblings Vera Nell (Radford) Turner, Charles Radford, and James Radford; nieces Marty Turner and Brenda Smith; and great-grandchildren Kamryn Kennedy and Kaelynn Coolbaugh.

A funeral service celebrating Johnny’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Ryan Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. Friends may visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers or the Wounded Warrior Project in Johnny’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Kennedy Mae Blake

It is with heavy hearts that we gather to celebrate the life of Kennedy Mae Blake. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on February 24, 2000, and she passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025. Kennedy was a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. Though she lost her battle with addiction, she will never be defined by it. Kennedy was so much more. Her laughter, her love, and her kind heart touched everyone she met.

Kennedy devoted her life to her family and friends, always making time for those she loved. She had a special place in her heart for children, especially her twin nieces Jordyn Coleman and Londyn Coleman, who brought her endless joy. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she cherished.

Kennedy leaves behind her loving siblings Genesis Blake and Jaden Blake; her nieces Jordyn Coleman and Londyn Coleman; her nephew Ivorsyn Scruggs; her mother Jessica Kressley; and her stepfather Jeremy Coy, all of whom adored her deeply. She also leaves countless friends who were blessed to know her light and love.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Sallie Madine Kressley.

Though her time with us was far too short, the love Kennedy gave, the memories she created, and the laughter she shared will never be forgotten. May we honor her life by remembering the joy she brought to our lives and the love she shared so freely.

Rest in peace, sweet Kennedy Blake. Your spirit, love, and light will remain with us forever.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Travis Matthew Butcher

Travis Matthew Butcher, born January 29, 1978, to Gary and Karen (Dixson) Butcher and the oldest of a set of twins passed away on September 17, 2025.

Travis never had a music lesson yet could sit down at a keyboard and compose a beautiful song. He also mastered the harmonica, sometimes playing along with a song or just making awesome music on his own. Travis also had artistic abilities and could draw anything from just his memory. Several of his drawings are hanging in the homes of his family.

He had extensive knowledge for working on vehicles. He would say, “Don’t take that to a mechanic. I can fix that,” and then he did. Travis had a knack for creating quirky inventions and was also full of random knowledge. His family would often think “Where did he come up with that?”

Travis was so proud when his daughter Zaleigh told him she was joining the girls’ wrestling team. He took pride in working with her and showing her different moves he had learned in his days of wrestling. He coached his daughter Khinley in softball and would say “Watch her hit that ball. No one will catch her. She runs as fast as lightning.” He was working with his son Kadin, teaching him how to pace himself while running cross country. Travis and Kadin’s best times were their midnight swims in their pool where they would laugh and joke. In his daughter Zaleigh’s words, “My dad had the most beautiful blue eyes.”

Travis had a special love for the holidays and with great excitement would decorate every room in his home. Travis had a love for vintage, with the ‘70s era being his favorite, which often inspired his home decor. He was an avid Colts and Cubs fan. During a game, he would often call his parents in excitement to discuss the plays going on. His greatest love was spending time outside, especially during autumn and winter seasons. Travis would spend hours in the woods walking paths he created. Travis was in his glory when he was interacting with nature. He could often be found just sitting on his porch soaking in the beauty God created. Travis loved tending to his vegetable garden and was proud of the food he processed for his family.

Travis was a 1996 graduate of Lewis Cass High School where he excelled at wrestling. His name remains to this day on the wall of fame with records that have yet to be beaten. Travis served four years in the U.S. Army. He was a journeyman pipe fitter with the UA Local 440.

Travis accepted our Lord Jesus Christ into his life and was saved by being immersed in the waters of baptism. He studied the Bible and could quote scripture word for word from the Bible. His belief in our Lord brought Travis to work with youth as a youth leader, bringing young hearts to accept Jesus.

He is survived by his parents, wife Tasha, daughters Zaleigh and Khinley, son Kadin Butcher, twin brother Terry Butcher (Sherry), sister Amanda Gebhardt (Wallace II), close cousins Bryan, Chad and Chris Dixson, who were like his brothers, uncles Terry Dixson and John Butcher, who were great influences in his life, special uncle Jack Butcher, special aunt Joanie Howard, nieces and nephews Justin, Jordan, and Alivia Butcher and Josephine and Wallace Gebhardt III.

Travis had many great accomplishments in his life, and that’s how he will be remembered by his family and all who loved him.

Any donations will help cover the future stability of Travis’ family as they continue to navigate through their lives.

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