Martha “Marty” Ann Runyan, Katherine Christine “Kate” Toney, Dawn Thomas, Lesli Heikkila

Martha “Marty” Ann Runyan

Martha “Marty” Ann Runyan, 84, passed away on May 3, 2026, at 11:15 AM. She was born October 7, 1941, to the late Donald and Martha Herren.

On December 28, 1958, Marty married her first love Bill L. Riddle, who preceded her in death. On April 14, 2007, she married her second love Bruce Runyan Sr.

Marty’s life was marked by a steady devotion to the people she loved and a quiet strength that showed itself in countless thoughtful acts. She was known for being there when she was needed. If someone asked, she would find a way to help and see it through. Her warm smile, along with a laugh that could brighten any room, will be remembered with deep affection.

Marty found joy in simple, meaningful moments: reading, working crossword puzzles, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also a long-time member of Macedonia Christian Church, where her faithful presence reflected the loyalty and care she carried into every part of her life.

Marty is survived by her husband Bruce Runyan Sr.; children Deborah (Glen) Lassiter, John (Kathy) Runyan, and Nancy (Alan) Davis; grandchildren Carrie (Adam) Wiggington, Clinton Mosier, Jennifer (Conrad) Marr-Burkholder, Kyle Riddle, Lauren (Dustin) Hatcher, Adam Riddle, Andrew (Ashley) Riddle, April (Joe) Schmaltz, Erik Runyan, and John Michael Runyan; great-grandchildren Erik (Jacklyn) Hall, Audrie Hall, Natalie Mosier, Lorelai Mosier, Zane Marr, Harper Marr, Dalton Burkholder, Scylas Riddle, Emma Wylie, Caiden Riddle, Decon Schmaltz, Caden Schmaltz, Erik Runyan, McKenzie Runyan, Marlee Wigginton, Macy Wigginton, and Vincent McKinney; soon-to-be great-great grandson Jasper Hall; sisters Donna Greenwood, Virl Brown, and Mariam Davis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and first husband, Marty is preceded in death by her sons Thomas Riddle and Scott Riddle; stepson Bruce Runyan Jr.; grandson Wyatt Schmaltz; sister Jo Weiser; and brother Donald Herren Jr.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kokomo Place for the excellent care provided over the past four years, and to Gentiva Hospice Care for easing Marty’s transition with compassion. A special thank you is also offered to Melanie Smith for the strong connection shared with Marty and for the gentle encouragement that meant so much to her and to those who loved her.

Katherine Christine “Kate” Toney

Katherine Christine “Kate” Toney passed away on May 3, 2026, in Indianapolis, with her mother by her side. She was born September 23, 1989.

Kate grew up in Kokomo and graduated from Kokomo High School in 2008, where she was actively involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, and choir. She continued her softball career on scholarship at Kankakee Community College and later at Indiana University Southeast, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in 2015.

Throughout her life, Kate worked in a variety of roles, including customer service, restaurants and retail, and addiction help desk support. In each position, she was known for her warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others.

Kate will be remembered for her friendly, outgoing personality and her beautiful smile that lit up a room. She had a witty sense of humor, loved making others laugh, and was known for her playful spirit and spot-on impersonations (especially of her mother). She was a talented athlete and artist, had a love for music and a beautiful singing voice, and found joy in life’s simple comforts, especially time in the kitchen, singing in the car with her older sister, and any time spent with those she loved.

She had a special place in her heart for animals, particularly cats, and enjoyed fostering them. More than anything, Kate treasured her relationships. She deeply loved her family and was especially devoted to several of her nieces and nephews, delighting in playing with them and being part of their lives. She was also a thoughtful and intentional gift giver, known for her generosity and compassionate heart.

Kate shared a close and loving relationship with her mother and a special lasting bond with her father, who preceded her in death in 2013. She also held deep affection for her friendships, which meant so much to her throughout her life.

Kate was a Christian who found strength in her faith. Her life held both beauty and struggle, and those who knew her witnessed her perseverance and her continued desire to keep trying. She will be remembered as someone full of life, deeply loved, who will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather Tamara Johnson and Kenneth Shoup; her siblings Matthew (Jennifer) Toney, Ian (Jenny Parker) Titus, Adrienne (Robert) Petty, Melissa (Will) Kelley, and Megan Sparger; and her beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Toney; her niece Poppy Kate Petty; and her grandparents Robert and Patricia Johnson, and William and Betty Toney.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, on May 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley of Grace or Home of Grace.

Dawn Thomas

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on May 3, 2026, at the age of 61. She was born on March 14, 1965, the daughter of James E. Harris and Belva D. (Hinders) Yocum. She was the devoted wife of nearly 41 years to her loving husband David, with whom she built a life rooted in commitment, laughter, and unwavering partnership. They were married on June 1, 1985, at Main Street United Methodist Church.

She was a proud and loving mother to her two daughters and warmly welcomed their husbands into the family as her own. Her greatest pride and happiness came from her role as “Grandma” to her grandson and granddaughter.

Family was at the center of everything she did. She especially treasured family vacations to Ft. Myers Beach and Madeira Beach, creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren that will be carried on for generations. She loved going on weekend trips with David. Her love was constant, her presence comforting, and her home a place where everyone felt welcome.

She found peace and happiness in gardening, where she nurtured not only her plants but also her sense of calm and fulfillment. Her care for the things she loved extended to everyone around her. Dawn also enjoyed reading and working on puzzles.

Dawn was a 1983 graduate of Haworth High School and earned her Associate’s degree at International Business College in 1984. She worked in sales support at Pioneer Hybrid in Tipton for the past 15 years. Prior to her employment at Pioneer Hybrid, Dawn was employed at Electronic Data Systems until 2010.

Dawn is survived by her husband David; children Melissa (Corey) Matricia and Meghan (Colin) Zwiebel; grandchildren Brody Matricia, Vivian Zwiebel, and a granddaughter on the way; mother Belva Yocum; brother Shawn (Amy) Harris; sisters-in-law Joni (Brett) Colby, Lori (Brian) Green, Jami (Jeff) Sharp, Jodi (Jim) Hullinger, and Kari (Chris) Neuhauser; mother-in-law Joan Thomas; stepsiblings Randy (Charlotte) Kennedy, Debbie Kennedy, and Tammy Kennedy; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father James E. Harris; stepfather Charles Yocum; father-in-law Joe O. Thomas; and stepbrother Chuck Kennedy.

Dawn will be deeply missed by her family but also remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A funeral service celebrating Dawn’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Lesli Heikkila

Lesli Heikkila, age 62, of Imlay City, Michigan, died Sunday, May 3, 2026, at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital of Lapeer, MI. Lesli Ann Anderson was born December 8, 1963, in Tawas City, MI. She is the daughter of James and the late Sherrie (White) Anderson. Lesli grew up in Armada, MI. She attended Armada High School. She married Troy Heikkila on September 16, 2000, in Allenton, Michigan.

She was employed as a Pharmacy Technician by CVS and Save on Drugs in Imlay City and Romeo, MI, for 35 years.

Lesli enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She liked camping, cooking, and smoking meats. Lesli had a very infectious laugh that made everyone around her smile.

She is survived by: her husband Troy Heikkila of Imlay City, MI; son Clifford Earl (Dawn) Woods of Bellevue, Florida; her father James Anderson of Armada, MI; sister Michelle Reeve of Kokomo, IN; her brother Jimmy Anderson of Armada, MI; and her niece Alisha Reeve of Carmel, Indiana.

Lesli was preceded in death by her mother Sherrie Anderson; and her Boston Terrier and best friend Lola.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a date to be determined.

Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI. Please be sure to sign out online register at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Heikkila family.