Joyce Deloris Krhin, Marilyn Klise, Kenneth Dale Samson, Dr. William E. “Bill” Collins, Hurbert “Clay” Chandler, Barbara J. Baker, Neoma M. “Maxine” Burke, Mary Sue Blackwell, Lori Ann Matthews

Joyce Deloris Krhin

Joyce Deloris Krhin, 89, Fort Wayne, formerly of Greentown, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, in her home. She was born on April 2, 1937, in Kokomo, the daughter of Walter and Lena (Hunt) Gaddis. On April 2, 1955, she married her first husband Lester Hoff, who preceded her in death on September 24, 1977. On September 18, 2000, she married Ernest John Krhin in Kokomo, who preceded her in death on February 20, 2025.

Joyce attended Kokomo High School. She was a member of the Extension Homemakers “23” Club. She enjoyed cleaning, painting, cooking, fishing, and walking the mall. She loved helping others and spreading joy to others and smiling a lot. Joyce was known as a very happy lady. She was a member of Morningstar Church in Kokomo and Greentown Journey Community Bible Study Group.

Joyce is survived by her children Charlotte “Susie” (Larry) Stacy and Doris (Vince) Wolf; grandchildren David (Maegan) Simmons, Andrew (Jamie) Dausch, and Robert Dausch; great-grandchildren Bailey (Corey) Collins, Evan Simmons, and Brady Dausch; sister Virginia Henderson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 22 years, Lester; second husband Ernest; daughter Leslie Hoff; and siblings Eugene Gaddis, Laura Catt, Harry Gaddis, Howard Gaddis, Bessie Gaddis, John Gaddis, Mary Carlisle, Ralph Gaddis, Linda Deaton, and Charlotte Gaddis.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A private burial will take place in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Morning Star Church, 2059 North, CR 100 East, Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Marilyn Klise

Marilyn Klise, 86, of Kokomo, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at Grandbrook of Fishers. She was born September 5, 1939, in Miami County, Indiana, to Roy and Ethyl (Riley) Lavengood. She married Rex W. Klise on May 16, 1959, at Kokomo Zion United Methodist Church. Rex preceded her in death October 27, 2020.

Marilyn graduated from the Indiana University School of Nursing. She was also a farm wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. She was a member of United in Faith Church in Galveston and the Order of the Eastern Star. Marilyn enjoyed collecting Longaberger baskets and camping with her husband Rex.

Surviving family include her children Karen S. Miller of Kokomo and Dr. Terry (Suzanne) Klise of Missoula, MT. Grandchildren include Christopher (Catherine) Miller, Jennifer (Brian) Weber, Cameron Klise, and Brandon (Emma) Klise. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Leo Miller, Theodore “Teddy” Weber, Marceline “Marcy” Weber, and Joseline “Josey” Weber. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Rex, son-in-law Larry Miller, and three brothers Darlton, Kelton, and Paul.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at United in Faith Church in Galveston, with Pastors Norm Snyder and Dr. Bruce Coats officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to United in Faith Church or Bennetts Switch Community Church Building Fund. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Dale Samson

Kenneth Dale Samson of Kokomo, IN, passed away on July 24 at home with his family. He was 83 years old.

Ken was born on July 16, 1943, to Jacob and Margaret (Halcomb) Samson in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from Anderson High School in Cincinnati, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving most of his time in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Cincinnati, eventually starting at the GM plant in Norwood.

He met Mary Ann Weeks in 1967, and they married in 1968. He used his GI Bill to enroll in night classes at the University of Cincinnati. They bought their first house and had their two daughters before he completed his degree in 1976.

When the GM plant closed, Ken relocated his family to Kokomo and finished his career at Delphi Electronics. There, friends became a new sort of family.

Ken was naturally outgoing and made friends everywhere he went. He had a big laugh and bigger heart. He was devoted to his family. He showed up for every softball game and learned all about soccer and coached Becky’s travel soccer field. Through his example, he taught the value of work ethics.

Ken had many hobbies. He was an avid cyclist and accomplished amateur photographer. He was always a “car” guy. He started going to the Indianapolis 500 in the ‘60s and continued the tradition well into retirement. He took Mary Ann to the Lawrenceburg Speedway for their first date. He watched the Cincinnati Reds baseball all spring and summer and Indianapolis Colts football in the fall and winter.

After he retired, Ken became active in the Kokomo chapter of the Kiwanis and finally bought a Corvette. His new favorite thing became taking his grandchildren for a ride with the top down.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Glenda Hawkins, his granddaughter Gabrielle Satterfield, and his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Ann.

He is survived by his daughters Kelly Samson (Tim Ezra) and Rebecca (Matthew) Satterfield, his grandson Jake Satterfield, his granddaughter Megan Satterfield, his brothers-in-law Ken Hawkins and John Weeks, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Ken’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Sean Aaron as officiant. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation, www.htohhfoundation.org/donation, 7240 Chase Oaks Blvd, Plano, TX 75025. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Dr. William E. “Bill” Collins

Dr. William E. “Bill” Collins, age 88, of Tipton, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at IU Health Tipton. Born on June 11, 1938, in Tipton, he was the beloved son of Dr. Robert and Waneta (Graves) Collins. He shared 46 years of marriage with his devoted wife Darlene R. (McCain) Smith, whom he married on May 24, 1980.

Bill pursued higher education at Wabash College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He furthered his studies at Indiana University, completing a Master of Arts Degree and a Doctor of Optometry. His distinguished career in optometry began in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, before he returned to Tipton in 1965, where he served his community until his retirement in 1999. He was an esteemed member of the Indiana Optometric Association, the Colorado Optometric Association, and the American Optometric Association.

A dedicated member of the West Street Christian Church, Bill contributed significantly as a board member, Board Chairman, deacon, and tutoring students. He had a passion for travel, enjoying the planning and exploration of new destinations with his wife Darlene. Bill was an excellent carpenter and loved to garden. He also enjoyed his collectable vintage cars.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife Darlene Collins of Tipton; his son Warren M. Smith and wife Angie of Newburgh, Indiana; a grandson Ben Smith of Evansville; his brother James B. Collins and wife Margaret of Indianapolis; and nieces Sally (Collins) Morris and Nancy (Collins) Yingst. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather Forest Keith Addington; along with his children Lyle M. Smith, and Ryan B. Smith.

Visitation for Bill will be held at West Street Christian Church on Saturday, August 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow services at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Collins’ family. Please leave online condolences for them on Bill’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Hurbert “Clay” Chandler

Hurbert “Clay” Chandler, 86 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 8:15 a.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home in Kokomo. He was born in Blunt County, Alabama, on November 19, 1939, the son of the late Hunter and Mary Ester (King) Chandler. On July 17, 1960, he married Beulah Margaret Vawter, and she survives.

Clay retired from Haynes International in 2002 after 37 years of service as a machinist. He enjoyed traveling around the United States camping after his retirement. He was grateful he spent his winters in Dade City, Florida. Clay was a sports enthusiast who liked rooting for Indiana University basketball and Alabama University football. He was passionate about golfing and fishing. He didn’t care where he went as long as it had 18 holes or he could cast a line.

In addition to his wife Beulah, he is survived by his sons Patrick (Karen) Chandler, Mike Chandler, and Russell (Lisa) Chandler; grandchildren Kyle (Beth) Chandler, Emily (Nathan) Parker, Megan Chandler, Liz (John) Johnson, Caroline (Steve) Miller, Katee (Logan) Hershberger, and Derek Chandler; 17 great-grandchildren; and an abundance of nieces and nephews he cared for deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents; eight siblings; twin brother Herbert Ray, Milford, Vivian, Bruce, Clara, Doris, JW, and Sara; mother and father-in-law Iona and Dale Vawter; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Clay’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Forkert officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Clay’s memory to Mrs. Claus Foundation in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Barbara J. Baker

Barbara J. Baker, born on December 3, 1947, in Rogersville, Tennessee, passed away on July 27, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, leaving behind a life that was marked by intelligence, love, and selfless devotion to others.

She was born to Jesse and Lora Gordon, and from the very beginning, Barbara carried herself with a strength that would shape every chapter of her life. She lived with purpose, worked with pride, and loved with a generous heart that made an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her journey was one of steady commitment, quiet courage, and unwavering care for the people around her.

Barbara dedicated 45 years of faithful service to Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, where she retired after a long and meaningful career. She was not simply a worker. She was a woman who showed up, gave her best, and understood the value of hard work and consistency. Her work ethic inspired others, and her presence brought reliability and warmth to those who worked beside her. She loved to work, and she approached every responsibility with determination and grace.

Outside of her career, Barbara found joy in party planning and event coordination, where her natural ability to bring people together truly shined. She had a gift for making occasions feel special, and she understood how to create moments that people would remember. She was the kind of person who believed in celebrating life, and she did so with energy, care, and heart. She was also an instant grandma, and she embraced that role with deep affection and joy. Her grandchildren were a treasured part of her life, and she loved them very much.

Barbara is survived by her son Calvin “Craig” Baker and his wife Lisa, as well as her grandchildren Ashley Alexander, Sarah Luckey and her husband Andrew, Adam Baker, and Courtney Baker. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Hannah, Olivia, Iris, Adley, Koleton, Sophea, and Dallas, along with several siblings, nieces, and nephews who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Lora Gordon, her husband George Baker, who passed away on January 11, 2000, her son Brian Baker, one great-granddaughter Arieal Nikole Laughman, and one sister Lavonda Baker. Though these losses were deeply felt, Barbara’s life remained a testimony to endurance, family, and the power of love that continues beyond sorrow.

Barbara J. Baker will be remembered as a woman who lived with purpose and gave freely of herself. She was intelligent in the way she understood life, loving in the way she treated people, and selfless in the way she put others before herself. She did not just move through the world. She made the world better by being in it. Her legacy is found in the family she cherished, the work she completed with excellence, and the countless lives touched by her kindness.

Her life reminds us that greatness is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in faithful service, in a warm embrace, in a helping hand, and in a heart that never stops giving. Barbara lived that kind of life. She stood as an example of strength, devotion, and love, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

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

Neoma M. “Maxine” Burke

Neoma M. “Maxine” Burke, 96, of Kempton, IN, passed away at 4:14 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026, at North Woods Village in Kokomo. She was born on August 17, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Mary Ann (Vanhorn) Harney. On March 24, 1947, she married Charles H. Burke in Delaware County, IN, and he preceded her in death in September 23, 2006.

She enjoyed fishing in Wisconsin.

Maxine is survived by her children Anthony Burke and Charles J. Burke.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Mary Ann; husband Charles; and children Jacqueline Smith and James Burke.

Stout & Son Funeral Home have been entrusted with cremation.

Mary Sue Blackwell

Mary Sue Blackwell, 77, Kokomo, passed away at 12:39 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at her home. She was born on August 14, 1948, the daughter of the late Gus and Marrell (Barnett) Blackwell.

Mary enjoyed reading books. She had a quiet strength and was a very supportive and encouraging person who would always be there for you. She loved being outside, working in her yard.

Mary is survived by her daughter Nicole Allen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers Archibald Henry Blackwell, Robert Blackwell, and Thomas Blackwell.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes there will be no public services. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Lori Ann Matthews

Lori Ann Matthews, 59, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on July 16, 2026, after a long battle with Leiomyosarcoma. She was born March 11, 1967, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of the late Donald E. and Joanna J. (Kendall) Matthews.

Lori was a 1985 graduate of Eastern High School in Greentown, Indiana. She worked for 27 years with the Division of Family and Children before seeking her true calling in nature and herbalism. She loved plants and mushrooms, especially native wild edible and medicinal plants. Some of her favorites were Jewelweed, Comfrey, Elderberry, and Poke. She grew almost 100 varieties of medicinal plants, bushes, and trees on her land.

Lori is survived by her husband David Johnson, her daughter Abbee Spring Matthews, and her wonderful pack of beautiful fur babies, all of Peru, Indiana. She leaves behind four beloved siblings: Danny (Patricia) Matthews of Missouri; Steve (JoEllen) Matthews of Warsaw, Indiana; Donna (Jerry) Kaiser of Tennessee; and Rhonda (Patrick) Salsbery of Sharpsville, Indiana; 12 nieces and nephews, 15 great-nieces and nephews, and four great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was and will continue to be loved and cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. In keeping with Lori’s and her family’s wishes, cremation is planned with no services to be held at this time. Private memorials will be held at a later date.