Glen “Joe” Ealy, Carolyn Lucille (Petro) Howell, Anthony “Tony” Jerome Hedrick, Kathy L. Ervin, Eugenia Colleen Young, Shaye Henson, Howard “Skip” Nelson, Lori Ann Matthews
Glen “Joe” Ealy
Glen “Joe” Ealy, 94, of Galveston, passed away peacefully at his home early Saturday, July 25, 2026, leaving a lifetime of memories for a family that loved him deeply. Joe had a gentle spirit and a very kind heart. He taught his family the value of hard work, integrity, and showed them God’s love.
Joe was born January 10, 1932, in Kokomo to Areta Ennis and Harold Ealy Sr. He married the love of his life Martha Grandstaff on January 3, 1953, in Logansport, Indiana. She preceded him to Heaven on April 11, 2019. They were married for 66 years. Joe found love again later in life after Martha’s passing and married Doris Packard on September 4, 2021. She preceded him in death on December 16, 2023.
Joe graduated from Clay Township Miami Co. High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman during the Korean war. After returning from the service, he worked for Midwest Plating in Kokomo for 28 years as a chrome plater. He then worked at Wilson Foods in Logansport for another 14½ years, retiring in June of 1993.
He attended Galveston First Baptist Church, where he was a faithful servant. He was an avid IU fan, pitched horseshoes, and loved watching sports. He took great pride in beating everyone at euchre. Joe also enjoyed supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events. Joe and Martha enjoyed wintering in Florida at Panama City Beach after retirement. They also enjoyed ballroom dancing together and won several awards.
In Joe’s final days, he showed incredible strength and grace. He was surrounded with the same love and devotion that he had given throughout his life. His granddaughter Autumn, along with his daughters, cared for him and were thankful for every moment they shared with him. The memories will remain in their hearts forever. The family is grateful to his incredible caregivers who lovingly cared for their father with kindness and compassion. They became like family to them. The family finds great comfort knowing their father is now at peace and in the arms of Jesus and is loved always and forever.
He is survived by his children Glenda (Jeff) Linkenhelt of Galveston, Teri (Gary) Schultz of Kokomo, and Rhonda (Brent) Blinn of Galveston. Surviving grandchildren are Autumn Ray, Matt (Mandy) Ray, Kristen (Brock) Chapman, Austin (Stephanie) Schultz, Ashley (Tim) Keenan, Brandon (Jonathon) Blinn, Chad Jacko, Kayla (Mike) Winger, Nicole (Vincent) Patterson, and Alec (Trish) Ealy. He was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren. Joe also has three living brothers Gail Ennis, John Ennis, and Larry Gibson. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Martha, his second wife Doris, his only son Jeff, brothers Ronnie, Bennie, and Harold, and one sister Jerri.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston, with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 12:00 noon until service time at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Galveston First Baptist Church, 207 S. Sycamore Street, Galveston, IN. 46932 in Joe’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Carolyn Lucille (Petro) Howell
Carolyn Lucille (Petro) Howell, 97 years old, of Greentown, passed away 9:15 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Century Fields Retirement Community in Greentown, IN. She was born March 19, 1929, in Greentown, IN, the daughter of the late Paul and Ida Mae (Yager) Petro. On April 2, 1949, she married the love of her life George A. Howell. They shared 69 years of marriage until he preceded her in death on January 25, 2018.
Carolyn was a 1947 graduate of Greentown High School. She was a devoted farmwife and homemaker, caring for her husband and their children. Her husband owned and operated Greentown Equipment, where Carolyn assisted doing the books. She was a former member of Meridian Street Christian Church and a current member of Macedonia Christian Church. Carolyn prioritized her grandchildren and great-grandchildren above all. She found joy in attending Purdue basketball games and time spent at the lake cottage on Lake Tippecanoe. She will be remembered for baking her award-winning dinner rolls in 4-H and her skills as a seamstress.
Carolyn is survived by her children Dana A. Brovont, Brad (Tammy) Howell, and Michael (Shanda Sanchez) Howell; grandchildren Dawn (Greg) Guffey, Darren (Andrea) Brovont, Bethany (Jason) Wanza, Zach (Candice) Howell, Baxter (Katlyn) Howell, Brice (Sydney) Howell, Blake Howell, Justin (Lauren) Howell, and Derek Howell; and great-grandchildren Alysa, Gavin, Porter, Hayden, Laila, Jaxson, Cole, Cayden, Memphis, Camden, Ellison, Grace, and Evie.
She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Ida Mae Petro; husband George Howell; brothers Ed Petro and E.J. Petro; sister Bonnie Bonebrake; and son-in-law Karl Brovont.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful people who helped take care of Carolyn at home and at Century Fields Retirement Community.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Macedonia Christian Church, 1532 S., CR 500 E. Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Carolyn’s life will begin 10 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the church, with Pastor Cody Hunt officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to Macedonia Christian Church. Hasler – Stout Funeral Home in Greentown has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Anthony “Tony” Jerome Hedrick
Anthony “Tony” Jerome Hedrick, 66, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Born on June 17, 1960, in Kokomo, Indiana, Tony was the son of George Hedrick Jr. and Barbara (Craig) Hedrick. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Barbara Hedrick; his sister Katrina Hedrick; his uncles Mike Hedrick and Mark Hedrick; and his aunt Molly Kline.
Tony is survived by his father George Hedrick Jr. and stepmother Maddalena Hedrick; his brothers Christopher (Barb) Hedrick of New Salisbury, Indiana, Michael Ashworthe (Angela Hedrick) of Kokomo, Indiana, and Nicholas (Buffey) Hedrick of Kokomo, Indiana; his nieces Allison (Kam) Iman, Amanda (Sam) Klennert, and Molly Hedrick; his nephew Parker Hedrick; his three great-nephews and one great-niece; seven cherished aunts; and many cousins, all of whom will forever treasure his memory. He also leaves behind his longtime friend Kathleen Pennington.
Tony was a man whose kindness, warm smile, and infectious laugh left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. If you ever met Tony, you were greeted with a smile, welcomed with genuine warmth, and reminded of the joy that comes from a life centered on faith, family, and serving others.
Tony’s love for Jesus was evident in the way he lived his life. As a young man, he attended St. Meinard Minor Seminary school for two years, and he proclaimed the word of God occasionally as a reader during mass at St. Patrick Church. Although his path ultimately led elsewhere, his faith remained the foundation of who he was. He lived with compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart, reflecting Christ’s love through his actions and the way he cared for others.
Music was one of Tony’s greatest passions. He had an incredible appreciation for the music of the ‘70s and could recall the lyrics to countless songs by heart. His knowledge extended far beyond the music itself. He genuinely enjoyed learning about the artists, their lives, and the stories behind the songs. Sharing that passion with others brought him great joy.
Tony was also a lifelong train enthusiast. He loved everything about trains and could spend hours talking about the different locomotives, rail lines, and railroad history. His excitement was contagious, and anyone who shared a conversation with him about trains quickly realized how much they meant to him.
If you were looking for Tony around mealtime, there was a good chance you would find him at the Windmill Grill, enjoying his favorite breaded tenderloin. More than the food, he cherished the friendships he built with the owners and servers. The fellowship and familiar faces made it one of his favorite places, and he would gladly travel miles just to enjoy a meal there.
Tony was an avid hockey fan and was often seen wearing an NHL jersey, especially that of his beloved Detroit Red Wings. But his love for the game extended beyond one team, he proudly wore jerseys from many NHL teams simply because he loved the sport and everything it represented.
Nothing meant more to Tony than spending time with his family whenever he could. He deeply loved his nieces, nephew, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Though life changed over the years, his love for them never wavered, and he took great pride in watching their lives unfold and cherished memories of their time together. One of his favorite pastimes was to take his nieces when they were in grade school to the local mall to eat Uncle Ben’s pretzels and Blondie’s cookies and peruse Books-a-Million.
One of Tony’s greatest blessings was the lifelong friendships he formed at St. Patrick School and continued through Kokomo High School. Those friendships endured for decades, and he looked forward to gathering with his close friends each year to reminisce, laugh, and celebrate the special bond they shared.
Serving others wasn’t simply something Tony did, it was who he was. Throughout his entire career in the grocery industry, he found purpose in making sure his community’s needs were met. From his early years at Whittaker’s, to Walman’s Grocery in Forest Park Plaza, to Marsh Supermarkets, and finally to Kroger, where he faithfully served for more than 30 years as a Department Manager and retired as a Frozen Clerk. Tony took immense pride in his work. While many slept, he worked tirelessly to ensure grocery shelves and freezer cases were stocked so families could find what they needed each day. He believed every job done with care mattered, and his dedication was a quiet but meaningful way of serving his community.
Tony will be remembered not only for the things he loved, but for the way he loved with quiet generosity, unwavering faith, a gentle heart, and a sincere desire to make others feel valued. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, compassion, and enduring friendships and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington Street, with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk the celebrant. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, where the Rosary will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Tony’s memory.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Until we meet again.”
Kathy L. Ervin
Kathy L. Ervin, 74, Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 15, 1951, the daughter of the late Howard W. and Beatrice (Thomas) Tackett. On May 8, 1971, she married her best friend Roger Ervin, and he survives.
Kathy graduated from Kokomo High School in 1969. She worked for General Motors and retired in 2000 after 30 years of service. She was a former member of Christ Lutheran Church and left after several years and became a member of Chapel Hill Christian Church. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, sons, and daughters-in-law.
Kathy enjoyed hand sewing; she was in a group called the Granny Bees. They worked a lot with wool and did rug hooking. She was referred to as the yo-yo queen; she really liked to make yo-yos. She even made quilts out of yo-yos and kits. The leader of the group was Beth Notaro. She also tried her hand at crocheting.
Along with her husband Roger, Kathy is survived by her sons Travis (Laurie) Ervin and Sean (Melissa) Ervin; grandchildren Megan (Isaiah) James, Allyson Bunch, Mason Bunch, Blake Ervin, Nicholas Ervin, and Riley Ervin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Joseph and Izzebell Tackett and Ezra and Edna Thomas; and brothers Jerry Tackett and Donald Tackett.
In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, her services will be private. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made out to The Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Eugenia Colleen Young
Eugenia Colleen Young, age 63, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 24, 2026, leaving behind a life remembered with love, laughter, and a whole lot of personality. Born on February 28, 1963, in Greeneville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Eugene and Wilma Swatzell and grew up with the kind of spirit that could light up a room, a hallway, or if necessary, an entire county.
Gina graduated from Greeneville High School and carried herself with the kind of confidence that made people think she always knew exactly what she was doing, even when she was probably making it up as she went along. She worked for many years at Internal Medicine Physicians, where her steady presence and dependable nature made her a valued part of the team. After retiring, she did what many people only dream about and stayed home to care for the house and the kids, which is a full-time job that somehow never comes with enough coffee, enough quiet, or enough appreciation.
She was a Christian woman whose faith was part of the foundation of her life. Gina loved caring for her home, shopping, fashion, shoes, and anything that let her show off her style, which she did very well. She had a special gift for making ordinary things feel a little more fun, a little more colorful, and a lot more memorable. If there was a sale, a cute pair of shoes, or a good reason to go out looking around, she was ready. She also loved being outdoors and fishing, and she was not the kind of person who just talked about catching fish. She actually did it. She caught a 147 lbs. marlin in Cabo San Lucas and salmon in the Great Lakes, which is the kind of thing that sounds like a tall tale until you realize she was entirely capable of doing it and probably looked fabulous while doing it.
More than anything, Gina loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking them to yard sales, which is a family activity that sounds simple until you realize it is really a treasure hunt, a social event, and a test of patience all rolled into one. She loved being with them, laughing with them, and making memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Her family knew her as loving, funny, and spirited, and those words fit her well. She had a sharp wit, a warm heart, and the kind of humor that could turn an ordinary moment into a story people would repeat for years.
She is survived by her husband Daniel Young; her son Zackery Pickett and his wife Miranda; her grandchildren Gabe, Oliver, Daisy, Willow, Oaklee, Mavrick, and Memphis; her sisters Theresa Morlock and Anita Moody; and her ex-husband Chris Pickett. She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Wilma Swatzell.
Gina Colleen Young lived in a way that made people feel welcomed, entertained, and loved. She was the kind of woman who could make a house feel like home, a shopping trip feel like an adventure, and a family gathering feel incomplete without her. Her presence was strong, her laugh was memorable, and her love for her family was unmistakable. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and talked about often, usually with a smile and probably a story that starts with, “You know Gina would have said...”
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Shaye Henson
Shaye Henson, who used she/her pronouns, was born on April 13, 1982, in Kokomo, Indiana, and passed away on July 23, 2026, in the same hometown she always carried with her heart.
Born to Patrick and Kathleen Henson, Shaye grew up with a spirit that was impossible to miss and even harder to forget. She graduated from Kokomo High School with the Class of 2000 and then set out to do what she did best, which was to live life in a way that was equal parts honest, hilarious, and unmistakably her own. She joined the United States Air Force in 2001, serving with pride and proving early on that she had both grit and grace, even if grace sometimes had to share the stage with a perfectly timed joke.
After her time in the Air Force, Shaye moved to Winter Haven, Florida, to be near her parents, and later returned to Kokomo in 2009, where she continued building a life full of love, creativity, and connection. She worked primarily as a digital artist and medical transcriptionist, and anyone who knew her understood that she had a gift for turning the ordinary into something memorable. She also volunteered at various animal rescues, which makes perfect sense, because animals seemed to recognize what people quickly learned, that Shaye had a heart big enough to make room for everyone, including the four-legged ones. She loved all animals, and they gravitated toward her as if they knew they had found their person.
Shaye met her soulmate and best friend Ryan Huestis in 2019, and together they shared a bond that was deep, joyful, and full of the kind of love that needs no translation. She was survived by Ryan, her beloved cats Scarlett, April, and Z, her lifelong friend and sister Samantha Kennell, her mother-in-law Debbie Huestis and Mark Benge, her father-in-law Mike Huestis, her sister-in-law Lauren Wells and Tim, her niece and nephew Journey and Kaysen Wells, her aunts and uncles Linda Burton and Keith, Shirley Pickering and Michael, Danny Henson, Tammy Quinlan, Billy Henson, and Patricia Henson, her cousins Melissa Griffith, Adam Pickering, Tracy Weldon, Tiffany Peltier, Brooke Kratz, Angela Burnworth, Amber Houchens, Zachary Kite, Andrea Henson, Michael Henson II, Mariah Henson, and Paytan Henson, her special friends Nick Goldsberry, Lindsey Calvert, and Amanda Farrer, and many, many more friends and loved ones who were lucky enough to know her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents Millie and Jim Cato and Virgil and Barbara Henson, her aunts and uncles Mike Henson, Sandra Griffith, Sue Henson, and Hank Henson, her cousins Amber Griffith, Justin Pickering, Justin Henson, and Benjamin Burton, and her faithful cat Xoe.
Shaye was a spiritual humanist who subscribed to the teachings of Buddha and lived by the phrase, “Hakuna Matata.” That was not just a saying to her. It was a philosophy, a coping strategy, and probably the closest thing she had to a mission statement. She loved unconditionally, and she saw people for who they were rather than for what they had done. That kind of compassion is rare. It is also inconvenient for anyone hoping to stay emotionally armored around her, because Shaye had a way of getting straight to the truth with kindness, humor, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. She was spirited, creative, and funny, which is a lovely combination unless you were trying to win an argument against her, in which case you were probably already losing.
She was an empath who felt everything, and that made her love especially powerful. Your love and your fear were her love and her fear, and she carried the emotions of others with a tenderness that few people can truly understand. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, accepted, and safe, even on the days when she herself was carrying more than anyone knew. Her presence was a comfort, her laughter was a gift, and her honesty was often delivered with the kind of timing that could turn a hard moment into a shared smile.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo and Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care and support given to Shaye and her loved ones during her final days. Their kindness helped bring comfort during a time that asked for a great deal of it.
Shaye’s life was a bright and beautiful reminder that love does not have to be loud to be powerful, and that a funny, creative, spirited soul can leave a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her warmth, her wit, her fierce loyalty, and the way she made life feel a little lighter, a little kinder, and a lot more real.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Howard “Skip” Nelson
Howard “Skip” Nelson, who lived his life with humor, courage, and thoughtfulness, passed away on July 23, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 66.
Born on May 25, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Skip was the beloved son of Mary Ann Downey and Howard Nelson. He grew up with a strong sense of family and carried that foundation with him throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of Watertown High School in Watertown, Massachusetts, where he completed his studies with the class of 1978 and began building the character and determination that would define him for the rest of his days.
Skip lived a life marked by devotion, resilience, and heart. He was married to his wife Lisa Nelson for nearly 15 years, and together they built a life filled with love, shared memories, and steady support. He was a proud father to his daughter Elizabeth Nelson and his son Jason Leslie, and he also embraced his role as a stepfather to Paul Byrd (Krista) and Brant Byrd (Kayla). His family expanded even more through his cherished grandchildren Logan, Cale, Makenna, Jackson, Karsyn Byrd, and Jake Seals, who brought him immense joy. He treasured every moment with them and loved being a grandfather in the fullest sense of the word.
He is also survived by his siblings Susan Solimine and her husband Diego, David Pandt, Frank Pandt, and his sister-in-law Nicola Dovholuk. He was deeply loved by his cherished nephew little Diego Solimine and Christine, his aunty and bonus mom Pat Parks, and his special cousins Elisa Robinson and her husband Todd and Stacy Meier and her husband Jeff. Skip was preceded in death by his mother Mary Pandt, his stepfather Frank Pandt, his brother Robert Pandt, and his sister Barbara Pandt. The bond he shared with his family was a powerful part of who he was, and his presence will continue to be felt through the lives he touched.
Skip worked for Goodwill in Production Wears, where he became part of a community that valued him and appreciated his spirit. His Goodwill family supported him throughout his journey, and he, in turn, gave them the gift of his loyalty, his kindness, and his unmistakable personality. He understood the power of showing up, doing the work, and treating people with dignity. That was Skip. He did not just move through life. He made an impact.
He was a devoted fan of New England sports, and his heart belonged especially to the New England Patriots. He could often be found at games, cheering on his teams with energy and pride. Sports were more than entertainment to him. They were a source of joy, connection, and tradition. He loved the excitement, the loyalty, and the shared spirit that came with being a New England sports fan.
Skip also loved gardening and spending time around the water. He and Lisa enjoyed growing their own vegetables together when they lived in New Hampshire, a simple and meaningful part of life that reflected his appreciation for hard work and the beauty of everyday moments. He loved being with his grandkids, and that love was evident in the way he spoke, the way he smiled, and the way he made time for what mattered most. He was generous in spirit and giving in action, always willing to share what he had and offer what he could.
To know Skip was to know someone funny enough to lift the room, courageous enough to face life head-on, and thoughtful enough to make others feel seen. He lived with a spirit that encouraged people to keep going, to stay hopeful, and to value the people and moments that truly matter. His life is a reminder that greatness is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like kindness, loyalty, perseverance, and love. Skip embodied all of that and more.
Though he is no longer here in body, the example he set remains strong. His life was a testament to family, faith in the everyday, and the power of a good heart. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com