John Paul Salisbury, Marie Annette Byrum, Elja Arnett, Mark Alan Wolfe, Brenda Lea Collins, Rhonda Joann Anderson, Linda Gail Davis, William Howard Bates, Evalene Wolf, James Dale Williams

John Paul Salisbury

John Paul Salisbury, 81, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2026. Born June 8, 1944, John lived a life marked by steady devotion—showing up, working hard, and doing what was right with a quiet patience that strengthened everyone around him.

John served in the United States Army with honor and distinction. His service was recognized with the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with five service stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal (3), Overseas Service Bar (3), Army Good Conduct Medal (5), Overseas Service Ribbon (2), and Rifle M-16 (Expert). Through discipline and perseverance, he carried the weight of responsibility with humility, and his dedication stood as a lasting example of what it means to serve faithfully.

In everyday life, John found joy in simple, meaningful moments—fishing, spending time at the park with his dog Daisy, and being with family. He played baseball and basketball in his younger years and never lost his love for the game, continuing to watch with enthusiasm. He was a devoted IU basketball supporter and a Bobby Knight fan. John also expressed himself through painting and art, and he had a gift for encouraging others—lifting spirits with steady words and a patient, motivating presence.

Above all, John’s life was anchored in faith. He had a special relationship with his Savior, and he was able to communicate his Christian faith to others in a way that felt sincere, personal, and lived.

John is preceded in death by his father Hugh Paul Salisbury; his mother Margaret Emerson Salisbury (Jett); his son John Paul Salisbury II; his sister Judith Johnson; and his brother James Lee Salisbury.

He is survived by his daughter Juliona Jett Salisbury (Gavin Williams); his sisters Janet Beam (Mike) and Joyce LeRoy-Fruits (David); members of the Tobin family and the Salisbury family; his grandchildren Brayden, Adalaide, and Colson; many nieces, nephews, and good friends; and last but not least his fur baby Daisy.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Abundant Life Church, 1025 County Rd E, 400 S, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on April 16, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at the same location on April 16, 2026, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Give Kids the World, 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34746. When sending flowers, please consider a potted plant or tree for Juliona’s Memorial Garden for her dad.

Marie Annette “Ann” Byrum

It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Marie Annette “Ann” Byrum announces her passing on April 13, 2026, at 4:25 a.m. surrounded by her family.

Marie Annette “Ann” Byrum, 85, of Flora, went home to be with the Lord and her family at 4:25 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born November 14, 1940, in Flora, the daughter of the late Walter Helvie and Catherine Dunkle. On June 7, 1959, she married James “Jim” D. Byrum at the Flora United Methodist Church, and he survives. They started their life together farming in Howard County where they have always resided.

Ann was a 1959 graduate of Flora High School. For many years, she helped organized the 1959 class reunions. Upon marrying Jim after graduation, their love continued to grow as they added three sons to their family: Richard “Rick,” John “Randy,” and Michael “Mike.” Ann kept very busy raising three boys while assisting her husband with the farm chores. She also worked away from home at Essex Wire, General Tire, United Way, and Lowe’s. After retirement, she kept busy with keeping books for the farm. Ann enjoyed square dancing, reading books, working in her flower gardens, and attending her grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. She held a deep affection for spending time with her grandchildren, and that affection grew as she was blessed by her great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Jim, Ann is survived by her children John (Bettina) Byrum of Burlington and Michael Byrum of Texas; grandchildren Zachary Byrum, Amber Collins, and Stephanie (Matt) Polk; sister Charlotte Hicks; step-grandchildren Zack Temple and James Nelson; great-grandchildren Kayden, Nathan, Kenley, Kyla, Caden, Matt, Arya, and Gwen; step-great-grandson Eli; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; son Rick Byrum; in-laws Dick and Catherine Byrum; and siblings Estella Everman, Virginia Gibson, Betty Johnson, Jim Helvie, and Chuck Helvie.

You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Not a day will go by that you will not be loved or missed.

A funeral service celebrating Ann’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Rd., Burlington. Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Ann’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.

Elja Arnett

Elja Arnett, 68, passed away on April 9, 2026. He was born on June 19, 1957.

Visitation for Elja will take place Sat., April 18, from noon until 1 p.m. at Straitgate House of Prayer, 312 E. North St., Kokomo. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m.

Mark Alan Wolfe

Mark Alan Wolfe, 57, of Kokomo, passed away unexpectedly at 6:06 a.m., April 15, 2026, at his home. Mark had just begun to enjoy life again and travelling with his wife, following two battles with stage 4 cancer. He was born on August 8, 1968, the son of James H. and Karol E. (McCune) Wolfe-Thompson. On June 14, 2014, he married Kathleen R. Ogle at St. Patrick Church in Kokomo, and she survives.

Mark was a 1986 graduate of Sea Breeze Christian Academy in Summerfield, FL. He owned and operated Mark’s Contracting. He had previously been a supervisor at Foam Rubber Products in New Castle. Mark was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He loved helping people and was always helping someone. Mark enjoyed traveling, especially to Ponce Inlet, FL. He loved the ocean. Mark loved the Lord with all his heart. Mark used the challenges he had faced to witness to people he met and share his faith testimony. Mark was devoted husband to his wife Kathy, and his children and grandchildren were the apples of his eye.

Along with his wife Kathleen, he is survived by his children Charity (Brian) Wolfe-Cole, Brittany Wolfe, and Amber Wolfe; grandchildren Stormy Williams, Blaze Williams, Aiden Cole, Enslie Volz, Zane Wolfe, Draven Sutton, Riftyn Sutton, and Thrasher Franklin; sister Kari (Mark) Wolfe-Burge; sisters-in-law Tonya Wolfe and Judy Wolfe; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jeff Wolfe and Brian Wolfe; and nephew Christian Burge.

A funeral service celebrating Mark’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Brenda Lea Collins

Brenda Lea Collins, 65, of Kokomo, Indiana (formerly of Elwood), passed away peacefully on the morning of April 14, surrounded by family, after several courageous health battles. A woman of unshakeable faith, kindness, strength, and warmth, Brenda will be remembered for her humor, her belief in God, and her love and affection for others.

Born in 1961 in Elwood to Frank and Margaret Arehart, Brenda was a 1979 graduate of Elwood Community High School. She lived a life filled with creativity, love, and devotion to those closest to her. In her younger years, Brenda was previously employed at the Italian Village, Elwood Call-Leader, and St. Vincent Mercy Hospital, where she dedicated herself to serving her community with grace and compassion, while dedicating her life to being a loving mother to her two boys.

Brenda was a woman of many talents and passions. She found joy in creating beautiful paintings that reflected her artistic spirit, and she was a crocheter whose handmade creations were treasured by her family. She cherished quality time with her close circle of friends, enjoying spirited board and card games and laughter together, as well as attending the Elwood Central Wesleyan Church with her father and siblings. She enjoyed traveling and was able to visit and explore Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean on several trips abroad. Gospel music was the soundtrack to her life—a source of comfort and inspiration that uplifted her soul. But perhaps her greatest joy was being a “Mimi” to her grandson Jack, who was her pride and joy.

Brenda was a devoted mother who lived her life selflessly for her sons: Dustin L. Collins (Daniel Chaney) of Beijing, China, and Derek Collins of Shelbyville, Indiana. She is also survived by her grandson Jack Collins of Richmond, Indiana; her father Frank L. Arehart of Elwood; her sister and best friend Rhonda (Rusty) Davis of Kokomo; Frank A. Arehart of Elwood; Scott (Melissa) Arehart of Westfield; and a host of nieces and nephews who will forever treasure the memories of their dear “Ninna.”

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Arehart, and her sisters Jodi Arehart and Sheila Arehart.

A funeral service celebrating Brenda’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Mark Atkinson of Elwood Central Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will follow the service in Elwood City Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Online Condolences and memories may be shared with the Collins family at copherfeslermay.com.

Rhonda Joann Anderson

Rhonda Joann Anderson, 76, passed away on April 14, 2026, at her home in Kokomo, IN, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 2, 1949, in Elwood, IN, the daughter of James and Jean (McKinney) Kendall. On July 10, 1976, she married Rick Anderson, who survives.

She graduated from Tipton High School. Rhonda retired from Delco Electronics after 32 years of service. She enjoyed painting, making jewelry, sewing, and making quilts. Rhonda enjoyed vacations in Williamsburg, VA, house boating on Dale Hollow Lake, and riding motorcycles with her husband Rick. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She especially enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren.

Surviving relatives include her husband Rick Anderson; daughters Angie (Derrick) Hansen; Shannon Anderson; brother Michael Kendall (Debra); five grandchildren Charlotte Anderson; Drew Hansen; Cami (Logan) Hambrock; Brandon Hansen; and Abby Hansen.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, IN. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. www.ellersmortuary.com

Linda Gail Davis

Linda Gail Davis, 78, Kokomo, passed away at 11:36 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born March 14, 1948, in Frankfort, the daughter of the late David Clear & Nettie Louise Ridenour. On December 15, 1972, in Sharpsville, she married David Davis, who survives.

Linda was a 1966 graduate of Frankfort High School. She retired in 1988 from General Motors after 20 years of service. She was a member of First Assembly of God in Kokomo. Linda enjoyed gardening, traveling, holiday get-togethers, and watching crime shows on TV. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who truly meant the world to her.

Along with her husband David, Linda is also survived by her son Brian (Lauren) Davis; grandchildren Leilani Davis, Maddie Carver, Savannah Vawter and Makalee Vawter; sister Teri (David) Cross; niece Alicia Cross Cothern; and great-nieces and nephew Audrey Cothern, Ava Cothern, Allie Cothern and Justin Cothern.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Brian Hughes officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society.

William Howard “Bill” Bates

William Howard “Bill” Bates, 70, Kokomo, made his final journey at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the home of his sister in Kokomo. He was born October 28, 1955, in Kokomo, the son of the late D.L. and Joanne (Woolum) Bates.

Bill was a 1974 graduate of Haworth High School. He was a long-distance semi-truck driver for many years. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Bill loved to fish, hunt, and ride his Harley-Davidson.

Bill is survived by his three children April (Rob) Thomas, Billie Jo (Aaron) Watson, and William Bates; brother Dewey Bates; sister Nancy (Jeff) Peterson; grandchildren Paul, Isaiah and Hunter Watson; along with nieces, nephews, and great nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. until time of service on Monday at the funeral home.

Evalene Wolf

Evalene J (Harland) Wolf of Galveston went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025, after living six years in assisted living at Kokomo Place. She was born July 23, 1934, in Frankfort, IN, to Earl Vernon and Anna Belle (Hamilton) Harland. She had three sisters and one brother who had all preceded her in death. She married Charles R. Wolf on June 6, 1952. They were married 54 years until he passed in 2006.

Evalene and Charles had four children who are all surviving: Steve (Michon) Wolf, Carol (Dan) Nagy, Charlene (Stu) Newcomer, and Lynn (Larry) Fear. She had six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild.

Evalene was an active member of Galveston United Methodist church for more than 60 years, where she was a member of the choir as well as a director of the choir for 27 years, UMW, and church secretary. She played the piano and organ as well as other instruments, all self-taught.

As a teenager, her family lived in California for several years, where she played the viola in the band while attending Los Angeles High School. They returned to Frankfort for her senior year, where she graduated. She continued to travel the world extensively with her siblings. In her late fifties, Evalene retired from Delco. She pursued drafting course work to promote her career. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, reading, sewing, genealogy, and theatre. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and caregiver for three of her siblings, husband, and other family members.

Evalene has chosen cremation and will be interred at Greenlawn Cemetery with her husband and siblings.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Coats officiating. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

James “Jim” Dale Williams

James “Jim” Dale Williams, 80 years old, of Walton, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home. He was born in Howard County, IN, on January 16, 1946, the son of the late Ed and Lillian Williams. On January 18, 1975, he married Deborah Coleen Brooks, and she preceded him in death on April 4, 2026.

Jim retired from General Motors after 25 years of service on the assembly line. He will be remembered for being an honest, humble, and hard-working man. He enjoyed his time spent relaxing at home. He was the first person to step up when someone was in need. Jim was a skilled handy man. His favorite hobbies were fishing, woodworking, and mushroom hunting.

He is survived by his son Scott Williams and his fiancée Toni Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sons Edward “Eddie” Williams and James Bobbie Williams; and sister Lois Forrester.

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.