Brenda Lois Bucher, Melissa D. Pickering, Shirley Ann St Michel, Delbert Wayne Luecke

Brenda Lois Bucher

Brenda Lois Bucher, 68, Peru, Indiana, and formerly of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away at 11:04 A.M., Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on June 30, 1957, at the Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California, the daughter of Gene Leonard and Velma Inez (Nelson) Smith. On February 14, 1997, in Rochester, Indiana, she married Donald Joe Bucher. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2004.

Brenda lived in Florida from 2009 until returning to Indiana in August of 2025. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Visiting Nurses in South Bend, Indiana, and in Florida. She also worked for various orchards including Doud, County Line, and Tate’s. She enjoyed making soap and wine, loved being in nature and bird watching, and loved to travel. She loved being with her family, becoming the matriarch of her family after the passing of her parents.

Survivors include her children Stephen W. (Kristina) Suter of Bloomingdale, Georgia, and Cassandra (Steven) Howell of Peru, Indiana; grandchildren Holly Brown of Peru, Indiana, and Kylei Brown of Peru, Indiana; great-grandchild Avery Hudson of Peru, Indiana; siblings Debra Stephenson of Dothan, Alabama, Gene Smith Jr. of Kokomo, Indiana, and Gayla (Mitchell) Mullin of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and twin sister Linda Preston.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Burial will be in the Rankin Cemetery, Bunker Hill, Indiana. Friends may visit from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Harvesting Capabilities, 231 N. Grant Peru, Indiana, 46970. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcclainfh.com

Melissa D. Pickering

Melissa D. Pickering, age 55, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at IU Health Tipton Hospital.

Melissa was born on January 10, 1970, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of the late Sonny and Sharon Garretson. She was a 1988 graduate of high school and spent her working years as an auditor in Tipton County, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

On August 24, 1991, she was united in marriage to Wayne L. Pickering Jr., who survives. Together they built a life centered on family and love.

Melissa found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She loved being outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature, finding peace in its beauty.

She is survived by her husband Wayne L. Pickering Jr. of Tipton; her daughters Nicole (Kodi) Stillson and Cali (Conner Morris) Pickering; and her cherished grandchildren Oliver, Brock, and Ty Stillson.

She was preceded in death by her parents,

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Gundrum Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service.

Gundrum Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley Ann St Michel

Shirley Ann St Michel, 75, of Galveston, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on November 2, 1950, in St. Louis, MO, to John Wright and Imogene (Rood) Maggy. She married Donald A. St. Michel on August 28, 1985, in Kokomo, IN, and he survives.

Shirley retired from Delco Electronics in Kokomo after many years of dedicated service. She was a true pet lover, especially her dogs, of which she had several small Poodles and Maltese mixes. She enjoyed traveling around the United States, fishing, and hunting with her husband Don.

Surviving family members include her husband Don St. Michel of Galveston; her children Laura (Rink) Wyant of Kempton, Brenda (Shane) Bales of Castaic, CA, Jeff (Sheri) St. Michel of Sharpsville, and Diana St. Michel (Mike Killlian) of Phoenix, AZ. Surviving grandchildren include Courtlyn (Adam) Wray, Alex (Madeline) Winter, Jacob, Bryanna, Alese, Jared, Hannah, Rebecca, and Daniel. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Rev. Fr. Pierre Akoka officiating.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com​

Delbert Wayne Luecke

Delbert Wayne Luecke, a cherished resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on June 19, 1938, Delbert was known for his compassionate, hard-working, and thoughtful nature. He was a man who excelled at everything he did and never knew a stranger, always maintaining a literal open door policy and watching out for everyone around him.

Throughout his career, Delbert owned and operated his own restaurants, a testament to his dedication and hard work. Delbert found great joy in numerous hobbies and interests such as making wooden Jesus boxes, fishing with his son, bowling, playing darts, shooting pool, gardening, and caring for his pets.

Delbert was an involved community member, previously associated with the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and a member of the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 28. His legacy of love and care is remembered by his many family members and friends.

Delbert was preceded in death by his loving wife Bonnie Luecke, his father Delbert Luecke, his mother Doris Luecke, his brother Woodrow Luecke, his sister-in-law Ruth Luecke, and his grandson Daniel Holmes. He is survived by his son Wayne Luecke (Maria), daughter Treva Holmes (Dwayne), grandchildren Luke Luecke, James Luecke, Christina Holmes, Dwayne Holmes II, and Nicole Holmes, and a host of great-grandchildren, including Ty Daniel Holmes, Micayla Williams, Locke Holmes, Cassandra Holmes, Link Edwards, Zelda Edwards, Isabell Edwards, and Damian Edwards. He also leaves behind his sister Pam Bartnick (Wes), many beloved nieces and nephews, special friend Trudy, and cherished neighbors and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DAV Chapter 28, Apt. A, 862 Harvest Dr., Kokomo, IN 46901.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.