Obituaries, May 13, 2026

Written on 05/13/2026


Joanna M. Coonrod, Thomas “Tom” Edward Hagan, Anita Sue Scott, Loretta G. Umbarger, Nicholas Kent Kellogg, Margarete T. Davis, Ruth Inez Basey, James “Jim” Junior Phipps, John Edward Bowen

Joanna M. Coonrod

Joanna M. Coonrod, 92, Kokomo, passed away at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born September 2, 1933, in Moss, TN, to James and Eva (Huffines) Rich. On June 26, 1953, she married Charles Coonrod, who survives.

Jo was a 1952 Celina High School graduate and worked at Delco Electronics in addition to raising a family. She enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, sewing, and gardening. Jo, along with her husband, was a member of Center Road Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband Charles Coonrod; son Charles (Carol) Coonrod; daughter Tammara Riddle; grandchildren Adam Riddle and Andrew (Ashley) Riddle; and a great-grandchild Caiden Riddle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Durell Rich and James Rich; and sisters Syble Ciston, Iva Trautman, and Geneil Deryk.

Funeral Services will be at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W, 300 S, Kokomo, with Lynn Brust officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Thomas “Tom” Edward Hagan

Thomas “Tom” Edward Hagan, 93, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away May 8, 2026. Born November 29, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, Tom was the son of the late John Hagan and Virginia Lee (Shyrock) Hagan. A beloved presence to those who knew him, Tom carried himself with a steady wisdom and a quiet strength that inspired confidence and comfort in family, friends, and fellow veterans alike.

Tom married the love of his life Elizabeth “Bette” Hagan in 1953. Together, they shared nearly 70 years of marriage until her death on January 23, 2022. Their long life together stood as a testament to devotion and faithfulness: enduring, steadfast, and deeply cherished.

Tom served his country with honor; first in the Army during the Korean War, and later in the Air Force, where he served in Vietnam. His military career took him across the United States and Japan before he retired after 20 years of service from Grissom AFB in Peru. His brave commitment to duty was matched by a hard-working spirit at home. After settling in Kokomo, he worked for several years as an electrician with Delco Electronics.

Service remained central to Tom’s life long after retirement. He volunteered extensively with veterans’ groups, helping others with the same dependable dedication he brought to every responsibility. He headed the start-up for the first Vietnam Veterans Reunion, served as a representative for the League of Families for MIA, and gave his time to work and photograph anything and everything connected to veterans. Tom always had a camera ready to preserve moments, honor stories, and ensure that service and sacrifice were remembered. In recognition of his good works, he received the Kentucky Colonel and Sagamore of the Wabash awards.

Tom is survived by his daughter Melissa Miles (Ricky); his special friend Jaime Kurowsky; and his brother John Hagan. He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth “Bette” Hagan; his father John Hagan; his mother Virginia Hagan; his brother Royce Hagan; his sisters-in-law Marie Hagan, Doris Williams, and Suzanne Hagan; and his brother-in-law Leo Williams.

There will be a funeral service for Tom on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, 1204 N. Armstrong St., Kokomo. Friends may visit prior to the service starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will take place Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion, IN 46953.

Tom’s life reflected faithful purpose, courageous service, and a generous devotion to others. His example—steady, wise, and deeply inspirational—will be remembered with gratitude and enduring respect.



Anita Sue Scott

Anita Sue Scott, 78, of Tipton, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, May 11, 2026. Sue was born in Elwood on Halloween in 1947. Her parents were Forrest Eugene & Sarah Louise (Mutt) Landseadel. Another important holiday in her life was Valentine’s Day 1990 when she married Jimmy Scott. They were married for 34 years until his passing on April 17, 2024.

Sue worked her entire life helping others as a hairdresser, even working up to just a few weeks before she died. She had attended school in Hobbs and then Tipton High School, where she graduated before attending cosmetology school.

Sue attended Hobbs Christian Church. Her love for cars was evident as she and Jimmy attended many car shows over the years. She loved camping and fishing, especially at Dale Hollow. She was very involved in the 4-H program. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children Amy Hunter of Tipton, William Andrew Griffith and wife Pat of Charlotte, North Carolina, Bobby Scott of Tipton, Robin Scott and husband Dan of Tipton, Wendy Jackson and husband Mike of Tipton, and JR Scott and wife Sherry of Noblesville. Sue is also survived by two sisters Pamela Jean Stout and husband Ronald and Lisa Anne Mozzone and husband Von.

Her grandchildren are Brock, Alexis, Calin, Axle, Micah, Kristofer, Keaton, Khloe, Devon, Ty, Kallista, Shawn, Emari, Gabriel, Chalion, Charlie, Chase, Jimmie, and Cory. Sue is also survived by her great-grandchildren Hayden, Maylea, Owen, Kaysen, Nico, Abram, Zeb, Mckenna, Rileigh, Finley, Alex, Raina, Isla, Kylie, and Nova, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by one son Todd Allen Griffith and one brother Michael Eugene Landseadel.

Funeral services for Sue will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 16, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor David Kyle presiding. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.

Condolences for Sue’s family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Tipton County, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.



Loretta G. Umbarger

Loretta G. Umbarger, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by loving family, entering a long-awaited rest, released from the challenges of prolonged illness.

Born in Cullman, Alabama, on May 29, 1949, Loretta was the eldest of nine children. Raised by her parents Margaret Virginia and Louie Ershel Bolan, she spent time growing up in Joliet, Indianapolis, and Cullman. She attended Lockport West High School in Romeoville, and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, where she met her future husband Richard. She worked at the Herff-Jones office in Indianapolis while awaiting Richard’s return home from Vietnam. Loretta and Richard married in Lockport, IL, on June 29, 1970, and put roots down in Joliet, IL, eager to start their own family. Motherhood meant everything to her. In 1990, Loretta and Richard moved to Kokomo, relocating for Richard’s job at General Motors. Loretta worked at Meijer in Kokomo for many years, and whenever she shopped there after her retirement, she always connected with friends who were happy to visit and hug her neck.

Loretta loved God, Jesus, her children, and her family. She thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal, along with all desserts and chocolate. Loretta loved listening to music, including the Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, and all ‘60s music. She will always be remembered for her love of her huge extended family and her dedication to God, faithfully attending church her entire life. Loretta loved all people and cared deeply for anyone in need. Loretta cherished her children and couldn’t have been a more devoted grandmother. We miss her with every passing moment and will never forget her kind and generous spirit.

It’s a blessing to her and her family knowing she found peace and love in her final moments, despite the long challenging journey of Alzheimer’s disease.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Richard L. Umbarger; her mother Margaret Virginia (nee Murphree) Bolan; her father Louie Ershel Bolan; and her sister Rita Valora (nee Bolan) Parker. Loretta is survived by her five devoted children Wendy (Daniel) Pitts, Jeffrey Umbarger, Richard “Richie” L. Umbarger Jr., Sandra Johnson, and Jason Umbarger; her grandchildren Arianna Shuler, Cailee Morgan, Trent (Jessi) Umbarger, Brittany Jackson, Alyssa Price, Hanna Jackson, Aidan Pitts, and Devon Pitts; and great-grandchildren Waylon Morgan, Cameron Tackett, Grayson Umbarger, Lynleigh Morgan, and Auriella “Gracie” Yockey. She is also survived by her adored siblings Byron (Chris) Bolan, Rex V. Bolan, Barbara Lott, Glenda Mason, Gordon (Sara) Bolan, Janice F. (Mark) Orsini, and Gregory A. Bolan; as well as a multitude of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donations to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund are appreciated: https://curealz.org/

Delgado Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services will be at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.



Nicholas Kent Kellogg

Nicholas Kent Kellogg, 40, of Logansport, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Born July 9, 1985, in Monticello, Indiana, Nick was the son of Kent Kellogg and Ruby Doyle Kellogg. He shared eight wonderful years with his fiancée and best friend Cortney Shaver, building a life filled with laughter and love.

Nick worked as an Account Manager for StarPlus Energy in Kokomo, where he was known for his strong work ethic.

Nick had a personality that was impossible to forget. He was an excellent bowler who enjoyed Tuesday night leagues in Logansport and loved spending time swimming and floating, soaking up the simple moments in life. More than anything, Nick adored his daughters. They were truly the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about them or make them laugh.

To know Nick was to know his unmistakable sense of humor. He was the king of sarcasm, dad jokes, and dry humor, always able to lighten a room with his quick wit and contagious smile. He loved having the newest clothes and shoes, shopping on SHEIN, and expressing himself through his style. He was a huge Chicago Bears fan, an even bigger Tupac fan, and had a special love for tigers and wolves. His loyal dog Chloe held a special place in his heart, always bringing him comfort and peace during life’s difficult moments.

Nick will be remembered for the way he could make people laugh when they needed it most, for his larger-than-life personality, and for the deep love he carried for his family and friends. Though his time here was far too short, the memories he created with those he loved will live on forever.

Surviving are his daughters Mykinsi Kellogg and Aleeyah Kellogg; his fiancée Cortney Shaver; his dad Kent (Lora) Kellogg; his mom Ruby Kellogg; siblings Brad (Krystal) Kellogg, Michelle Armstrong, Kyle (Jacob) Kellogg, Tosha (Dan) Musselman, and Trenton (Jeanine) Young; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Gundrum Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Bedford Cemetery in Monon, Indiana.

In honor of the love Nick had for his girls, memorial contributions may be made to assist his daughters and support their future.



Margarete T. Davis

Margarete T. Davis, 78, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a life that was spirited, loving, thoughtful, and full of the kind of warmth that made people feel at home the moment she walked into a room.

Born on May 25, 1948, in Neunkirschen, Germany, Margarete was the daughter of Augusta Sausen and Rosa Sausen. She grew up in Germany and carried those early roots with her throughout her life, even after she moved to the United States in 1967 at the age of 19. That was a brave move for a young woman, and it says a lot about her character. She did not just arrive in a new country. She showed up ready to build a life, and build one she did.

Margarete spent more than 30 years working as a CNA home health aide, a role that suited her beautifully because she had a caring heart and a practical way of helping people that made a real difference. She was the kind of person who could handle a tough day, keep her sense of humor, and still make sure everyone around her was okay. In a world that sometimes runs on chaos and coffee, Margarete was the steady hand and the kind voice that people could count on.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was Christian. That faith helped guide her through the joys and hardships that came her way, and she lived with a quiet strength that reflected her beliefs. She was not one to make a big speech about life. She simply lived it, and she lived it well.

Margarete’s family was one of the great joys of her life. She is survived by her children Jim Davis and his wife Darlene, Vern Davis, Anita Edwards, and Justin Brown and his wife Celeste. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to know her love, her wit, and her unmistakable presence. She is also survived by her siblings Karola Sausen and Ranier Sausen. Her family was large enough to keep her busy and loved enough to keep her smiling, which was probably the perfect arrangement for her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Augusta Sausen and Rosa Sausen, her husband Orville V. Davis, and three daughters Debbie Clash, Melanie Davis, and Kimberly Land. Margarete and Orville shared a life shaped in part by his military service, and their journey together was one that carried them through many seasons. Though she endured deep loss, she remained a woman of strength, grace, and resilience. She knew how to keep going, even when life decided to be a little too dramatic.

Margarete had a few simple pleasures that brought her real happiness. She was an avid BINGO player, and one can imagine she approached the game with the same determination she brought to everything else. She loved her cats and adored all of her grandchildren, and those who knew her understood that her love was not the quiet, polite kind that sits in the corner. It was the full-hearted kind that showed up, remembered everything, and made everyone feel special. If you were one of her grandchildren, you probably knew exactly where you stood with her, and you were likely adored beyond all reason.

Those who knew Margarete will remember her for her spirited nature, her loving heart, and her thoughtful ways. She had a personality that could brighten a room and a presence that made life feel a little more manageable and a lot more interesting. She had a way of telling the truth, caring deeply, and keeping things real, which is a rare and valuable combination. She was the sort of woman who could make you laugh, make you think, and then probably remind you to sit down and eat something.

Margarete’s life was a testament to devotion, hard work, and family. She came from Germany, built a life in America, raised children, loved her grandchildren, worked faithfully for decades, and left behind a legacy of kindness and strength. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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



Ruth Inez Basey

Ruth Inez Basey passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Carmel, Indiana. Ruth was born in Moss, Tennessee, on November 28, 1926, and attended the local Beach Bethany School. She relocated with her parents to a Tipton County farm in the 1940s and lived in the area for the remainder of her life. Ruth was a woman of faith and was a long-term member of the East Union Christian Church, though she was unable to attend in person for several years.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 73 years Max Hunt Basey, who died in 2017. She was also predeceased by her parents Bee and Bertha (Head) Dunning, a brother Radford Dunning and his wife Martha, and a brother Charles Dunning, along with a grandson Alex Brown and a step-granddaughter Connie.

For the last few years, Ruth lived with her two daughters Carolyn and LouAnn, and she will be missed by them every day. She is also survived by two grandchildren Max Anthony “Tony” Brown and Michelle (Dontay) Bady; a granddaughter-in-law Beth Brown; four grandchildren Zachary, Jacob, Tyler, and Jordan; a step-grandson Jeff, two step granddaughters Amy and Sue, and two great-grandchildren Carter Alexander and Amelia Grace. Ruth also considered “double” nephews Rex (Charlene) Dunning and Ron (Jan) Dunning and “double” niece Rita (Dave) Smith to be “extra” children.

Throughout Ruth’s life, she found happiness in the simple pleasures, such as working in her vegetable garden or keeping her house spotless inside and out. In her endeavors to keep everything spotless, Ruth was often noticed washing her car under the shade tree or sweeping her long driveway. Ruth also had an adventurous streak that led her to travel throughout the United States alongside her husband Max. A trip to Yellowstone with Max, her young daughters, her parents, and her brother stood out as one of her favorite memories and one that she often reminisced about. She and Max also spent 17 consecutive winters with friends in Florida. More recently, she was most happy while riding through the Tipton County countryside to admire the crops. Simply put, Ruth was a hard-working wife and mother who was thoroughly devoted to making life better for the people she loved. She will be sorely missed.

A private family graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Union Christian Church, 1711 E 296th St., Atlanta, IN, 46031.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Basey family in their time of need. Online condolences may be made at: www.young-nichols.com.

James “Jim” Junior Phipps

James “Jim” Junior Phipps, age 92, of Jasper, GA, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was a remarkable man whose greatest joy in life was his family. He loved deeply and fiercely, and he especially adored Barbara, his beautiful bride of 71 years. Their love story was one of devotion, partnership, laughter, and unwavering commitment.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Hancock Phipps; his daughter Lesli Creel/Chip, his son Ric Phipps/Tracy, and his daughter Tori Phipps; his grandchildren Chris Lazarek/Allyson, Chelsea Friez/Drew, Kyle Friez/Brett Clark, Kelly Phipps Kramm/Clay, and Matt Phipps; and his cherished great-grandchildren Carter Lazarek, Adalynn Lazarek, Emma Kramm, Brady Kramm, and Riley Friez. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and his extended family Logan Creel/Kelsey, Chappell Creel, Lauren Sheffield/Trey, Walton Sheffield, and Cooper Sheffield.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Vernal Phipps; his brother Cliff Phipps/Bea; his sister Eileen Moran/Robert; and his beloved grandson Joshua Smith.

Born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, Jim was considered an athletic legend in his hometown, where he played for the Kokomo Wildkats, earning nine letters for his participation in football, basketball, and track. He was selected to be a member of the 1952 Indiana All-Star Basketball Team which defeated the Kentucky All-Stars. Though being offered numerous scholarships to play either football or basketball, he chose to play basketball for Branch McCracken and the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won a Big 10 title and became an IU letterman.

In 2019, he was inducted into the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame. Sports were woven into the fabric of his life, and he shared his tremendous knowledge, competitive spirit, and love of the game with so many over the years.

A gifted teacher, coach, and football referee, Jim devoted nearly 30 years to educating and mentoring young people, with a career that began in Indiana and concluded in Florida. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in everyday life, he was always teaching something. His wisdom, encouragement, and passion impacted generations of students and athletes.

Jim never met a stranger. He had a warm smile, a quick wit, and always a joke or story ready to share. His presence brought joy and laughter wherever he went.

After retiring in 1984, Jim and Barbara spent a number of years at their log cabin that he built in North Carolina before moving to the Bent Tree community in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, a place he truly loved. There, he embraced life fully, playing tennis year-round, participating in lake and wildlife activities, playing Bridge, helping build the bocce ball courts, and becoming well-known for organizing the community’s annual yard sale for many years.

Jim also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1952 to 1957. He loved God, family, country, and his community.

Jim Phipps leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, leadership, faith, and service that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.



John Edward Bowen

John Edward Bowen passed away on May 3, 2026. He was 66 years old. He was born on October 12, 1959, to John and Bertha Bowen in Kokomo, Indiana. John married the love of his life Casandra Bowen on December 20, 2001.

John had a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor, and was a very kind and caring person who would help anyone in need. He loved fishing, being with his family, and playing with his dogs. John worked as a handyman and could fix anything.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Bertha Bowen.

He is survived by his loving wife Casandra Bowen; sons Quintin Young, and Jason Colbert (Amber); daughter Angelica Young; sister Priscilla Butler; grandchildren Kailani, Seaira, Breanna, and Hanna; four great-grandchildren; goddaughter Chanelle Surratt; god-grandchildren Cerean and Kira; and best friends Randy and Sherry.

A service will be held at a later date.