Lisa Marie Hensley, Troy Dean Norris, Rickey Jean Miller, Hannah Marie Edwards, James Kunkle, Charles “Jeffery” Shanks, Jama Lyn Hensley
Lisa Marie Hensley
Lisa Marie Hensley, 63, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on December 19, 1961, in San Luis Obispo, California, to the late Clifford Wood and the late Annie “Blondie” Sweares. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather Kenneth Sweares.
On December 2, 2000, Lisa married the love of her life Randy Hensley, and together they shared nearly 25 years of devotion, laughter, and family. They were just weeks away from celebrating that milestone.
Lisa’s heart was forever shaped by the loss of her beloved eldest son Jason Hughes on November 18, 1996. She carried his memory with her every day, and we find peace knowing Lisa and Jason are now reunited in Heaven. She is survived by her son Brandon Hughes of Kokomo and her daughter Ashley Hensley (Robert Norton) of Kokomo, who will forever cherish the love and lessons she poured into them.
She is also survived by her brothers Ronnie Barber of Florida and Kenneth Sweares Jr. of Kentucky; and her sisters Sherry Sweares of Peru, Indiana, Glenda Jernigan of Florida, Joyce Wood of Florida, and Kelly Wood Bradham of Georgia. She was preceded in death by her sisters Brenda Barnard, Lucinda Brundage, Christina Sweares, Lenora Blair, and Wanda Lundy.
Of all her blessings on earth, her grandchildren were the joy of her soul: Jarrett Hughes, Jadon Lee, Trella Hughes, and Brandon Hughes Jr. Mamaw loved them fiercely, proudly, and without limits. She supported them in every way she could, cheering them on, bragging on them, and wrapping them in unconditional love. Being a stay-at-home “Mamaw” was one of her greatest sources of pride, purpose, and joy
Lisa was a member of Reach Church in Kokomo, where she and her family were recently baptized this past October. Being baptized, and seeing her loved ones baptized beside her, was one of the most meaningful moments of her life. Her faith carried her, especially in her final year.
Those who knew Lisa will remember her for her grace, her deep compassion, and her ability to feel the hurt of others as if it were her own. She walked through life with a tender heart and a strength that inspired everyone around her. She had a distinctive, unforgettable laugh, one that filled rooms, lifted spirits, and will be deeply missed in the silence she leaves behind.
To her nieces and nephews, of which there are many, she was lovingly and proudly known as “Pretty Aunt Lisa.” She embraced that title with humor and joy, and every child who crossed her path felt special and loved.
When asked what song she wanted played at her service, Lisa chose “When You Run Out of Tears,” a reminder of her faith, her strength, and her belief that pain ends where Heaven begins.
Lisa fought her illness with dignity, courage, and unwavering faith. Even in her hardest days, she loved her family with a fierce and gentle devotion that never wavered. Today she walks the streets of gold, hand in hand with her son Jason and the family members who went before her, whole and at peace.
Her legacy is pure love, enduring, and unforgettable.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 411 N. Grant St., Peru, IN 46970. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home to offset funeral expenses. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Troy Dean Norris
Troy Dean Norris, 59, Mexico, Indiana, passed away at 1:32 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis.
Born March 3, 1966, in Howard County, Indiana, he was the son of Harrold E. “Bud” Norris, Jr. and Marcia E. (Kline) Norris. On September 10, 1994, at the Mexico Baptist Church, he was married to Tina Marie (Townsend) Norris, and she survives.
He graduated from North Miami High School in 1984. He had worked at Dana Corporation and Kroger in Wabash and Peru. He enjoyed camping (especially at Gun Lake), bowling, listening to Willie Nelson, watching the Chicago Bears, riding/selling/trading golf carts, and cooking for hog roasts-Makin’ Bacon.
Survivors include his wife Tina Norris of Mexico; three children Sara B. Norris of Kokomo, Breanna L. Townsend of Peru, and Levi J. (Ashley) Norris of Bunker Hill; father Bud Norris of Mexico; nine grandchildren Juli, Kahlee, Madilyn, Shelbi, Keyara, Keedan, Skyler, Emberlyn, and Desmond; one brother Toby (Julie) Norris of Rochester; father and mother-in-law Shelby Townsend and Mary Ellen Campbell of Peru; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved fur-babies Chowder (his Pomeranian) and his cat (the one-eyed) Jack.
He was preceded in death by his mother Marcia; and grandparents Herbert and Josephine Kline, and Harrold Sr. and Maragaret Norris.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with Pastor Charles Cole officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.
Visitation will be held from 1-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to IU Health Foundation for the benefit of liver and kidney transplant services.
McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
Rickey Jean Miller
Rickey Jean Miller, 78, Kokomo, passed away with her family by her side on Monday, November 17, 2025, at her home. She was born December 1, 1946, in Griffithville, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Richard H. Whaley and Kathryn Jean Hale. On December 7, 1963, she married Robert “Bob” Miller in Kokomo, and he survives.
Rickey was a 1964 graduate of Kokomo High School. Her three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren were her No. 1 priority, as she loved attending all of their school and sporting events. At 13 years old, she was a Miami County Spelling Bee champion and went on to win ninth in the state. She also enjoyed her card club, being a hairdresser, attending church, and traveling.
In addition to her husband Bob of 62 years, Rickey is survived by her three daughters Rhonda (Terry) Hart, Renee (Mike) Westbrook, and Regina (David) Clem; grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Ingle, Jordan (Savannah) Ingle, Ciara (Jack) Alford, Hunter Hart, Wesley (Ariel) Plantenga, Logan Sheeks, Makenzee Westbrook, Brittani (Brandon) Case, Ashley (Chris) Willis, and Austin (Kassidy) Clem; great-grandchildren Olive Ingle, Dahlia Ingle, Evie Alford, Rhett Alford, Ivy Plantenga, Sylvia Plantenga, Daxtin Sheeks, Luna Sheeks, Cooper Weasner, Brahm Weasner, Bellamy Weasner, Isla Willis, Mya Case, Tegan Case, Kaydence Case, and Anniston Clem; sister Sherry Richey; brother Bill (Vickie) Whaley; along with several nieces and nephews.
Rickey was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Kathryn Whaley.
A funeral service celebrating Rickey’s life will take place at 12 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the start of the service on Monday at the funeral home.
Hannah Marie Edwards
Hannah Marie Edwards, born on May 25, 1932, passed away on November 15, 2025, at the age of 93 in Lake Placid, Florida, with her family by her side.
A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, located at 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana, 46902. The service is scheduled for November 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
James Kunkle
James Kunkle, 79, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at Hickory Creek in Peru, Indiana. He was born on September 18, 1946, in Tipton, Indiana, where he spent his early years and attended Tipton High School.
James was known for his quiet demeanor and gentle presence. He lived a simple, quiet life, carrying himself with calmness and humility. Those who knew him will remember his soft-spoken nature and the steady kindness he offered to those around him.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve James family in their time of need.
Charles “Jeffery” Shanks
Charles “Jeffery” Shanks, 77, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on November 6, 2025. He was born on November 19, 1947, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Charles L Shanks and Mary T (Sweeney) Shanks.
Jeff graduated from Western High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea. He served 35 years in the Baltimore County Police Department, rising to the rank of Sergeant. Jeff was an avid reader and golfer. He was a Mason and a member of the VFW.
Left to cherish his memory is his son Jeffery “Bryan” and wife Mandy Shanks, and grandchildren Connor Patrick, Sophie Elizabeth and Gabriel Michael Shanks; sisters Charla Michner, Mary Theresa “Terri” and husband Rick Gollhofer, and Catherine Anne “Casey” Sparks, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and longtime friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers John Michael, Patrick Paul, and Joseph Ernest Shanks, as well his beloved niece Laura LaRayne Shanks.
Services will follow at a later date to accommodate family travel.
Jama Lyn Hensley
Jama Lyn Hensley, 66, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away November 15, 2025. She was born on October 22, 1959, in Anchorage, Alaska, the daughter of James D. Hensley and Joyce (Honeycutt) Hensley.
Jama lived a life deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and love for the Lord. She cherished her deep friendship with our cousin Karen (Johnny) Plemons, and as a family, we are forever grateful for the sisterly bond they shared.
She is survived by her father James; brothers Tony (Terry) Hensley and Eric (Tracy) Hensley; sisters Sheila (Kenny) Winter and Shari (Richard) Woody; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her mother Joyce (Honeycutt) Hensley and brother Stephen Michael Hensley
All services will remain private.

