Phyllis Irene Craig, Ruth Emily (Sansom) Lewis, John A. Beckner, Carldon Hawkins, Vicki Lynn Reynolds

Phyllis Irene Craig

Phyllis Irene Craig, 94, of Peru, passed away at 8:52 PM, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent, Kokomo. She was born in Bloomington, Indiana, on February 1, 1932, the daughter of Walter and Bertha Galyan Goodall. Phyllis married Donald “Don” Craig on September 30, 1955, and he preceded her in death on July 15, 2001.

Phyllis was a graduate of Bloomington High School and attended Indiana University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education. She went on to teach third grade in Kokomo and Peru, where she loved to connect with students and help them succeed. Phyllis was a member of the Sigma Delta Pi Sorority and the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, which brought her a lot of joy.

Phyllis and Don used to attend every Indiana University football home game, and she was extremely thrilled to see Indiana win the 2025 National Championship. She had a knack for cross-stitching and would create special gifts for everyone in her life. Phyllis was a member and had been a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughters Elaine Craig of Peru and Jean Ann (Robert) Craig Dunham Sr. of Kokomo; grandchildren Stephanie Miley, Nicole Miley, Robert (Kylie) Dunham, Harlie Dunham, and Carlie Dunham; great-grandchild Ezekiel Dunham; siblings Cathy Goodall (Merv) Hendricks of Mooresville, IN; nieces and nephews Jim (Kelly) Craig, Andy (Vickie) Hendricks, Emily (Oak) Andrews, Tim (Tami) Dixon, Matthew (Susan) Dixon, and Nancy (Mike) Parker; great-nieces and nephews Tara (Dustin) Gibson, Nolan Hendricks, Harper Hendricks, Astor Turnier, and Carter Turnier; and great-great-nephew and niece Knox Gibson and Kambyll Gibson. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, siblings Barbara Dixon and Kenneth Goodall, and a nephew Brad Craig.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Phyllis Irene Craig will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main St. Peru, with Pastor John Mansur officiating. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the First Presbyterian Church.

Ruth Emily (Sansom) Lewis

Ruth Emily (Sansom) Lewis, 73 years old, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully at 11:25 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2026, with her husband and daughter at her side at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. She was born in Evansville, IN, on August 14, 1952, the daughter of the late George R. and Elizabeth A. (Kriekhaus) Sansom. On November 18, 1978, she married the love of her life James Thomas “Tom” Lewis, and he survives.

Ruth was a 1970 graduate of Bosse High School in Evansville. She studied English literature at the University of Evansville, including a year spent studying abroad, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1974. In addition to being ever available for her own children, Ruth worked for 20 years in the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church Little School office. Her faith in Christ was quiet, resilient, and evident in all contexts of her life. She was a faithful member of First EPC, where she served as a Deacon. Ruth truly enjoyed being active in and serving with the Great Banquet program. She adored her children and grandchildren. Ruth enjoyed geocaching, word puzzles and games, yearly trips to Florida with Tom during retirement, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite room of the house was the screened-in porch. If you knew Ruth, you liked her.

In addition to her husband Tom, Ruth is survived by her adoring daughter Jen and son-in-law Chris Moore; grandchildren Andrew, Gideon, and John; and brother Alan (Sherry) Sansom.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Elizabeth Sansom; son Clayton A. Lewis; and special uncle and aunt Robert and Margaret McLemore.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026, at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901. A funeral service celebrating Ruth’s life will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, at the church, with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Clayton A. Lewis Memorial Scholarship (through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology). Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

John A. Beckner

John A. Beckner, age 63, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on April 27, 2026, in the city where he was born and spent much of his life. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on May 19, 1962, and throughout his life he carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for family and the simple joys that made life meaningful.

John was the beloved son of the late James and Doris Beckner. He grew up surrounded by the love of his family and developed the strong character for which he will be remembered. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1980, and after completing his education, he devoted himself to a lifetime of honest work. John worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for Tyson Foods, where he was known for his dependable nature, steady hands, and willingness to do whatever was needed. His work ethic and practical skills earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

On March 5, 1988, John married the love of his life Nancy Beckner, who survives. Their marriage was built on devotion, partnership, and a shared commitment to family. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. John was a proud and devoted husband, and his relationship with Nancy was one of the greatest blessings of his life. He treasured the life they built together and the family that grew from their union.

John was a loving father to Gabrielle Beckner, Sophie Lysell, Mollie Modrow and her husband Colton, and Boone Beckner and his wife Christy. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Jessica Geary. His love for his children was constant and unconditional, and he took great pride in each of them. He found joy in their accomplishments, comfort in their presence, and strength in the bonds they shared. His family will always remember him as a steady source of encouragement, wisdom, and love.

He was a cherished grandfather to Ontaisha Geary, Omri Alexander, Nevaeh Phillips, Lucas Beckner, Zariah Carr, Kaidien Carr, Chase Lysell, Benjamin Modrow, Violet Modrow, and Grayson Modrow. He was preceded in death by his grandson Kayde Allen Carr. John’s grandchildren brought him great happiness, and he valued the special place each of them held in his heart. He enjoyed watching their lives unfold and took pride in being part of their stories.

John is also survived by his brothers Benny Beckner and his wife Donna, and Phillip Beckner and his wife Angie, as well as his sister Linda Bice-Gee. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his family now takes comfort in the many memories they shared with him over the years. The love among his siblings and extended family remained an important part of his life, and those relationships helped shape the man he became.

Those who knew John will remember him as intelligent, adventurous, and spirited. He had a personality that could light up a room and a presence that made others feel at ease. He approached life with curiosity and determination, and he was not afraid to embrace new experiences. His adventurous spirit was matched by a strong sense of humor and a genuine appreciation for the people around him.

Fishing was one of John’s greatest interests, and he especially loved catfishing. Time spent fishing was time well spent for him, offering peace, enjoyment, and a chance to connect with nature. It was one of the many ways he found happiness in life, and it reflected his patient, steady, and thoughtful nature. Whether on the water or among family and friends, John appreciated the moments that brought people together and created lasting memories.

John A. Beckner will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His life was marked by devotion to family, pride in his work, and a spirit that remained strong and vibrant throughout his years. Though his presence will be greatly missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends. His legacy of love, strength, and enduring devotion will be remembered always.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026. Friends may gather from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the UAW Local 1166 hall at 2761 N, CR 50 E, Kokomo, IN 46901.

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

Carldon Hawkins

Living on “the farm” in Anderson, IN, and raising eight children was the highlight of Don’s life. He served as PTO president for College Corner Elementary and was a very involved band booster and high school sports booster for Highland High School in Anderson, IN.

Carldon (Don) Sherrill Hawkins passed from this life on March 25, 2026. He was born October 15, 1934, in Sharpsville, Tipton County, IN, to Harold Talmage and Lois Arlene (Pumphrey) Hawkins. A 1952 graduate of Sharpsville High School, Don retired from the Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. He and his wife Rosalie were later managers for the Country Club Mobile Home & RV Park in Yuma, AZ.

Don married Rosalie Ann (Girton) DuBois October 20, 1967, combining their eight children into one large family.

Surviving are their children David (Theresa) DuBois, Kimberly (Ward) Seibel, Mark (Kris) DuBois, Kevin (Shawn) Hawkins, Douglas (Melinda) DuBois, Kendon Hawkins, Kris (Julie) Hawkins-Norton, and Deborah DuBois; as well as 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren (plus two on the way); and two great-great-grandchildren (plus one on the way). Also surviving are his brother Phillip A. Hawkins of Mansfield, TX, and sister Jacquelyn (Hawkins) Baden of Sharpsville, IN.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Rosalie Hawkins; his father Harold T. Hawkins; his mother Lois A. Hawkins; and two grandchildren Douglas DuBois II and Cory Bostrom.

A lifelong fan of sports, Don especially loved basketball and the Purdue Boilermakers. He watched the Indy 500 race every year. Later in life, he enjoyed flying around the world on his flight simulator. His stories of his family and his personal adventures will be greatly missed.

Don was a Mason and a member of the Naphtali Lodge No. 389, F. & A.M. Center, Indiana and Yuma Lodge #17. A former member of the Sharpsville United Methodist Church, Don became member and elder of Central Christian Church of Anderson, IN. He was also a member the Indiana National Guard, the Tipton and the Anderson Indiana Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, the Sharpsville Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Murat Shrine Temple of Indianapolis, and the Madison County Shrine Club in Indiana.

Graveside services will be held at Sharpsville Cemetery in Sharpsville, IN on July 8, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Vicki Lynn Reynolds

Vicki Lynn Reynolds, 75, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away April 27, 2026. She was born on December 14, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Jack Buffington and Jackie (Copsy) Buffington. She married Kevin Reynolds, who survives.

Vicki loved fishing and gambling. She also loved taking care of her flowers.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 52 years Kevin; children Kenneth (Tonya Vann) Reynolds; stepdaughter Kelly Parven; stepson Scott Reynolds; and sister Teri Rutledge.

She was preceded in death by her son Mike Smith.

All services will remain private. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.