Deborah Elizabeth Rayls, Ricky Todd Carpenter, Penny Sue Johnson, John Michael Wright, Don Howard Berry, Thomas Wayne Morrow

Deborah Elizabeth Rayls

Deborah Elizabeth Rayls, 70, of Flora, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 6:15 a.m. after a courageous battle with cancer. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Debbie was born on October 30, 1955, to Darvel Harner and Shirley (Smith) McCartney. She met her husband Thomas Elsworth Rayls in 1970 at a skating rink in Kokomo. Debbie and Tom went on to have three daughters Darvenia, Beth, and Cynthia.

In her early career, Debbie worked as a dedicated and compassionate nurse’s aide at a nursing home. Later in life, she focused on children’s ministry, caretaking for her grandchildren, and spending time with family. She had a passion for serving and teaching children through Sunday School ministry, Good News Clubs in schools, and supporting her husband’s bus ministry. She had a deep love for God and for others, often making personal sacrifices to be a blessing to others. She would always make sure both their physical and spiritual needs were met, often feeding kids that she served who didn’t have enough to eat.

In her spare time, Debbie enjoyed fishing, playing (cheating at) Euchre and other games, taking family trips to Michigan, and spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Debbie had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, a warm hug, and a listening ear. Her stubbornness could only be outweighed by her fierce loyalty, deep love, and unfathomably forgiving heart. She would often be heard narrating her chores through improvised songs and making silly jokes with her loved ones.

Debbie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife and navigator to her loving husband Tom. They would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on March 30. Tom and Debbie never met a stranger and would often make friends with people they encountered wherever they went.

Debbie was a deep well of knowledge on all matters regarding the family tree and family happenings, and she always valued spending time with both immediate and extended family as often as possible. She will be dearly missed by her family and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley McCartney (William McCartney); her father Darvel Harner; her brothers Edwin Harner and Charles Harner; her sister-in-law Judy Daugherty (Kevin Daugherty); and her brothers-in-law Ralph Rayls (Pam Rayls), Larry Mohler, and Jim Davenport.

She is survived by her husband Thomas Rayls; her daughters Darvenia Smith (David Smith), Beth Rayls, and Cynthia Rodman (Nicholas Rodman); her grandchildren Alec Smith, Alessandra Chou (Brayden Chou), Alannah Smith, Rebekah Rodman, Eliana Rodman, Maya Rodman, and Joshua Rodman; her sister Janet Wooten (Tim Wooten); her sisters-in-law Theresa Mohler, Joni Davenport, Sharon Loshnowsky (Mardie Loshnowsky), Carolyn Maxwell (Lowell Maxwell), Marie Rayls (wife of the late Ralph Rayls), and Michelle Harner; her brother Allen Harner; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she adored.

A funeral service will be Friday, April 3, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, at 1:00 PM, with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be held at Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, immediately following the funeral.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Salter, Dr. Buszek and the rest of her oncology team at Community MD Anderson Cancer Center – Kokomo for their dedicated care of Debbie through her battle with cancer. We would also like to thank the staff at Community Hospital North and the Palliative Care Team for their kind and compassionate care in her final days.

Ricky Todd Carpenter

Ricky Todd Carpenter, 64, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away March 27, 2026. He was born on October 11, 1961, in Frankfort, Germany, the son of Lester Carpenter and Billie Sue (Bailey) Carpenter.

He attended Taylor High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. He loved golf, bowling, and playing softball. He also loved the Cincinnati Reds.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Derrik Ailor, Tony Carpenter, Bradley Carpenter, Adam Carpenter, Payden Carpenter, and Preston Carpenter; grandchildren Charlie, Betsy, and Lyra; brothers Greg Carpenter and Troy (Tammy) Carpenter; sister Sonja (Ed) Stollings.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Penny Sue Johnson

Penny Sue Johnson, 66, of Kokomo, passed away on March 30, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. at Wellbrooke of Kokomo Health Care.

Penny was born on December 18, 1959, into the home of Jack and Starr (Peel) Jarrett in Kokomo, Indiana. She graduated from Haworth High School and devoted her life to working in the health care field.

Penny was also a devoted dog lover. It didn’t matter if they were big, small, cute, or scruffy, she loved them all with her whole heart. She also had a special fondness for playing BINGO, a pastime that brought her joy, laughter, and many cherished moments of time spent with friends and family.

Penny was the wife of Carl T. “Cookie” Johnson, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her are parents Jack and Starr (Peel) Jarrett and her in-laws Oley and Barb Johnson.

She is survived by her sister Stacey Webb (Tony); brothers Dave Jarrett (Darla) and Larry Jarrett; Gaby Marks who was just like a daughter to her and Carl; cousins Chrissy, Lisa, Debbie, and Kathy; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Penny will be held at a later date in Kokomo.

John Michael Wright

John Michael Wright, born April 29, 1971, in Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on March 28, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana.

John lived a life marked by hard work, a quick wit, and a spirited personality that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was known as a handy man who could be counted on to get the job done, and he carried himself with a sense of humor that brought comfort and laughter to family and friends alike. His presence was steady and genuine, and he will be remembered with love by all who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

He was born to Sherry Russell-Lewis and Richard Lewis, and family remained an important part of his life throughout the years. John is survived by his daughter Sherry Wright and her husband Clayton Eudy, as well as his grandson Isaiah Eudy, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle Steve and Kathy Russell, and his cousins James and Lisa Russell, Kimberly and Jeffrey Achors, and Dustina and Christopher Lear, along with several nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Anthony Wright.

John worked for Don and John Handy Man, O and R, and Tops Welding. Through his work, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to take on whatever task was needed. He was respected for being dependable and capable, and he took pride in being someone others could rely on. His contributions in the workplace reflected the same practical, no-nonsense character that defined so much of his life.

In his free time, John found peace and happiness outdoors. He loved to fish and camp, and he especially enjoyed being in nature near the water. Some of his favorite places included Rochester Lake and Stockdale Mill Dam, where he spent many hours fishing and enjoying the quiet beauty of the outdoors. He also liked riding motorcycles, a pastime that suited his love of freedom and adventure. These simple pleasures brought him great contentment and created memories that will be treasured by those who shared them with him.

John will be remembered as a man who was handy, funny, and free-spirited. He had a way of making people feel at ease, and his personality could brighten a room or lighten a difficult moment. His life was one of family, work, and the enjoyment of the natural world around him. Though his passing leaves a deep void, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A life so deeply rooted in love, loyalty, and everyday kindness leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured. John Michael Wright will be missed dearly and remembered always for the man he was and the many ways he touched the lives of others.

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

Don Howard Berry

Don Howard Berry, 95 years old, passed away in his home of 30-plus years in Hiawassee, Georgia, on Saturday, March 28.

Don was born on the family farm just outside Forest, Indiana, on January 27, 1931, to Ophir John Berry and Waneta Brammell Berry.

From a young age he developed a strong work ethic, helping with farm chores and working fields alongside his older brother Max and younger brother Rex. All his life, he could repair nearly anything and maintained a fiercely independent, farm-raised spirit.

Don graduated from Forest High School alongside just 13 other seniors in 1949. He played on the basketball team there, sang in musicals, and learned to play the trombone. His lifetime love of music began in high school. The family attended (and his brother Rex still attends) West Point Christian Church near Russiaville, IN.

In 1953, Don graduated from Purdue University with a B.S in Agricultural Economics. There, he played in the band and later sang tenor in the Varsity Glee Club. He joined the Navy shortly after and while assigned to the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, met his best friend and love of his life Ann Brewer. Their shared faith and passion for music drew them together. After a whirlwind romance, this Yankee traveled to Waycross, GA, and somehow gained the blessing of Ann’s family. They married in Waycross in 1955 while he was on leave.

Don served for two years as the supply officer aboard a destroyer escort during the Korean War. After discharge, he took his bride north to Ann Arbor, MI, where he earned his MBA at the University of Michigan in the spring of 1957. Shortly after beginning his career in Purchasing at Proctor & Gamble in Cincinnati, OH, the couple had their first child Nancy Lynn Berry in late 1957. David Don Berry came three years later. They then moved to Indianapolis for a short time and on to Elkhart, IN, where Don enjoyed a successful 18-year career at Miles Laboratories. Their third child James Carlton Berry was born there in 1970.

In Elkhart, Don served as a church deacon and elder, as well as chairing several significant committees at Central Christian Church where he and Ann sang in the choir and made close, forever friendships. The family lived in various homes around Elkhart County and then moved to a small town in western Massachusetts in early 1984. Jim finished high school there, and Don finished his professional career after seven years with Tambrands. They were then free to move wherever they wished, and Don agreed to finally return Ann to her home state by retiring in Hiawassee in the North Georgia mountains, a summer family retreat for many years prior and a spot closer to the Brewer family.

Ann and Don lived happily there on the lake for more than 30 years, opening their home as often as possible to family and friends while serving a church and the community with passion and competence. He was a lover of nature, a prolific photographer, and later in life, an amateur genealogist. His lifelong thirst for knowledge led Don to attend classes through the Institute for Continuing Learning at Young Harris College. He also volunteered his time with civic activities and helped get Hamilton Gardens off the ground. He got himself “off the ground” when he learned to fly an ultralight!

When Ann was diagnosed with Lewey Body Dementia, Don cared for her with amazing loyalty and compassion for more than 12 years. His servant heart set a beautiful example to follow. With assistance from time to time, Don lived largely alone following Ann’s death in 2015 and took care of himself to within just a few weeks of succumbing to congestive heart failure.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Ann Brewer Berry, his son James Berry, his brother Max Berry, sister-in-law Betty Orr Berry, brother-in-law Rev. Donald C. Brewer, and sister-in-law Nancy Smith Brewer. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Berry Woods of Fayetteville, GA, (Alan Woods), son David Berry of Alpharetta, GA, (Melissa Hudson Berry), grandsons Cory Woods, Kenny Woods, Jonathan Berry (Lauren Maelyn Berry), Andrew Berry, and Michael Berry, brother Rex Berry and his wife Virginia Berry of Kokomo, IN, and brother-in-law Joel H. Brewer, esq. (Ginger Webb) of Roxboro, NC. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews who all loved their Uncle Don, or Uncle Berry as some called him.

We will miss our rock; our loving father, brother, grandad, uncle, and friend as he is whisked away on the winds of heaven over Lake Chatuge.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers or meals, please donate in his memory to any of the following: Sweet Comfort Hospice or Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee, GA, Wilderness Scouts of America, the Arthritis Foundation, or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

Thomas Wayne Morrow

Thomas Wayne Morrow, age 71, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on March 25, 2026, in the same community where he was born on July 16, 1954. He was a beloved son, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose life was marked by kindness, a friendly spirit, and a love of adventure that touched everyone who knew him.

Thomas was born in Kokomo to Harry and Florabelle Morrow, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in the Kokomo area and graduated from Kokomo High School, where he began building the foundation for a life of hard work, loyalty, and devotion to family. Those who knew him best will remember his easygoing nature and the way he could make others feel welcome and at ease. He carried himself with warmth and sincerity, and he made lasting connections throughout his life.

Following his schooling, Thomas answered the call to serve his country. He served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1976 and later continued his military service by transferring to the Army National Guard for five additional years. His time in the military reflected his sense of duty and commitment, and it was a source of pride in his life. He carried the values of service, discipline, and perseverance with him long after his years in uniform.

Thomas enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, and one of his favorite pastimes was fishing. Whether he was spending time near the water or sharing stories with others, he found contentment in quiet moments and the outdoors. His adventurous nature and friendly personality made him someone people were glad to have around. He had a way of turning ordinary days into meaningful memories, and he will be remembered for the genuine spirit he brought to every part of his life.

Thomas is survived by his children Ricky, Tammy, Josh, and Shannon, who were a source of great pride and love throughout his life. He is also survived by his sisters Pam Cook, Vickie and Junior Brewer, and Sandy and Dave Kushner; his brother Mike and Lisa Morrow; his stepbrothers Brian Harrington and Jeff Harrington; his stepsisters Debbie Ploughe and Sandy and Steve Maden; several grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Florabelle Morrow and his brother Harry Morrow.

Family was an important part of Thomas’s life, and he valued the relationships he shared with those closest to him. He will be remembered not only for his role within his family, but also for the steady presence he offered to others. His loved ones will carry forward the memories of his laughter, his kindness, and the many moments that made him special. Though his passing leaves a deep emptiness, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Thomas Wayne Morrow will be remembered with love and respect by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was one of service, family, and friendship, and his legacy will remain in the lives he touched. He will be missed deeply and remembered always for the friendly and adventurous man he was.

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