Obituaries, January 30, 2024 (2024)

Sandra K. Fox

Sandra K. Fox, 81, of Tipton died Sunday, January 28, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton. She was born in Hamilton County on October 8, 1942, to Arnold and M. Irene (Huffman) Redmon. Sandy married John A. Fox on April 29, 1966; he survives.

Sandy worked at Delco Electronics in Kokomo on the production line and later in the print shop, retiring in 1997. She graduated from Jackson Central High School and was a member of the Arcadia Church of the Brethren. Sandy enjoyed her membership with the Women of the Moose, and she was very active in the hospital auxiliary donating many hours in the gift shop. She had many trips out with the red hat society group. Sandy could often be found golfing with the women’s league, playing cards with the card club, quilting or traveling the states, especially out west. Anyone who knew Sandy would agree that her focus was on her family; she greatly enjoyed the time being with her grandchildren and the great grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband John, daughters Darcy L. Leiding, Marne L. Fox-Barrow and husband Shawn and Tracy Stiner and husband Kevin. Grandchildren include Kelcy Clark, Jeffrey Leiding, Sahmantha Guffey, Gretchen Garst, Redmon Conwell and Erin Lee. Sandy was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Braylee, Taydem, Hailyn, Chance, Hattie and Stella. Sandy’s siblings are Mary Ann Stewart and Judy Knapp.

Sandy was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Lewis and brothers-in-law Bill Lewis, Ronnie Stewart and Larry Knapp.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, February 1, at 11:00 A.M. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Knapp will preside. Burial will follow at the Arcadia Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Visitation will occur on Wednesday, January 31 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240 or at www.act.alz.org.

Mary Anne Smith

Mary Anne Smith, age 90, of Tipton, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in 1933 in Peru, Indiana, to her parents, William Armstrong and Zella (McGowan) Armstrong. Mary shared 62 beautiful years with her husband, Jack Smith. He preceded her in death in 2015.

Mary attended Bunker Hill High School. She was a homemaker, and always considered it an honor to care for her family. Mary was strong in her faith; never missed a day of reading her bible. She was a beacon of hope in the lives of her family and friends. Mary babysat for many years and will be fondly remembered by the many children whose lives she impacted. Mary was funny, upbeat, kind, and encouraging. She always left others better than how she found them. Mary was very giving of her time and resources. She loved entertaining, cooking, and having tea parties. No one will ever be able to beat Mary’s homemade chicken and noodles and peanut butter pie! Her house was always immaculate and welcoming; she was always ready to invite loved ones in and care for them. Mary’s yard and garden were kept just as neat, and beautiful to the eye. Her family will miss her for so many reasons. Perhaps the conversations on the front porch swing will be missed most of all! Mary was an amazing storyteller. She was strong in her convictions, and wise in her instruction when it came to life and love. More than anything, Mary always offered those around her the gift of unconditional love. She was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure!

Those left to carry on Mary’s legacy of love are her children, Jackie (Dan) Yentes, Joe Smith, Angie (Soren) Smith-Bergeson; grandchildren, Sean (Heather) Yentes, Tara (Jamie) Smith, Starr Eubank, Maiya (Nana) Budu, Jody Camille, Angela (Steve) Stromberger, Lora (Dave) Kinyon, Elise (Alfredo) Pinon, Rene Smith, Taelor Wood, Hanna Wood, Lars Bergeson, Winona Bergeson; 22 greatgrandchildren; sisters in law, Kita Ogden, Pam Hulin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Jack Smith; parents, William and Zella Armstrong; 9 siblings; and 1 sister-in-law.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Oasis Community Church, located at 600 Fairgrounds Rd. in Tipton, with Pastor Kim Drake officiating. Visitation for immediate family only will be held before the service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church. Burial will take place immediately following the service in Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery, followed by a potluck provided by the church.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to care for the Smith family in their time of need.

William L. "Bill" Jones

William L. "Bill" Jones, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 75. Born on April 28, 1948, in Maryville, Tennessee, to the late Robert and Eula Ditmore-Jones, Bill's jovial spirit and loving nature left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bill's life was a testament to the power of humor and adventure. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," and Bill certainly embraced this ethos. For over three decades, he traversed the country's highways as a dedicated truck driver, forming lasting friendships and associations along the way. His work not only provided for his family but also fed his love for travel and exploration.

Bill's passion for music was evident in the melodies that flowed from his guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica. His musical talent brought joy to many gatherings and served as a backdrop to countless family memories. He was the life of the party, always ready with a new joke, leaving a trail of laughter wherever he went.

Family was the cornerstone of Bill's life. He deeply loved his wife, Sherry Jackson-Jones, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. He was a guiding light to his children, Tammy (David) Johnson, Jill Jones-Williamson, Billy (Tammy) Jones, Brad (Tammy Wilson) Jones, Anthony Jones, and Kevin Jones, always encouraging them to embrace life's journey with humor and courage.

Bill's legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Arian, Kade (Lauren), Dylan, Jacob, Dalton, Anakin, Elizabeth, Bailey, and Aubree, Kace, and great-grandchildren, Ali, Zavien, and Korbyn. His lessons and love will live on in their hearts and actions. He also leaves behind his sisters Nora (Mike) Mims and Connie (Ray) Williams, and brother Don (Becky) Jones, who will miss his warmth and wit.

An adventurous soul, Bill found peace and solace in nature, where he shared many camping trips in his RV, with family where they would swap stories and enjoy the great outdoors. His best friends were Manon Boggs and Jim Chatman. His adventurous spirit was contagious, inspiring those around him to seek out the beauty in the world.

Bill's life was one of laughter, love, and adventure. He was funny, adventurous, and loving—a man who knew the value of a good story and the warmth of a well-played song. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire joy and courage in all who knew him.

As we bid farewell to William L. "Bill" Jones, we are reminded of the words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a bit better... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Bill succeeded in every sense of the word, and his memory will be cherished forever.

No further details are necessary as Bill's story is not one of an end, but a continuation through the lives he touched. We celebrate the journey of a man who was truly larger than life, a beacon of love and laughter. Rest in peace, dear Bill, until we meet again.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Twin Springs Cemetery on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Joann Johnson

Joann Johnson came into this world on September 25, 1944. She closed her eyes one final time on January 18, 2024, at the age of 79. She was born in Dayton, Ohio to James Render and Fannie Mae Render (Harden). Both of her parents preceded her in death. Joann grew up in a loving and happy home. It was filled with laughter, good food, music and a strong sense of family bonds.

In addition to her parents, Joann's siblings included Lane Flowers, Mary Thrash, Cleo Bowie and Selema (Boot) Cofield, who have all preceded her in death as well as Ed Render and Kay Carter, who survive. During her school years, Joann attended and graduated from Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio. After graduation, Joann met and married Fred Edward Johnson from Marion, IN in 1962.

He also preceded her in death. It was through this holy union where her five daughters were born. They are Yolanda Ussery (Troy), Tashia Johnson, Fredoanna Ramirez, Kayatta Sapida (Sonny), and Khanje Johnson. Joann was truly loved by her 13 grandchildren which include Brittany Ussery, Ebani Hubbard, Olivia St. Clair, Indiya St. Clair, Dayana Holmes (Tavares), Ayman Smoot, Kamill Smoot, Tyler Sapida, Bailey Sapida, Christopher Acron, Kevin Acron, Lauryn Acron and Nick Acron. Joann was also blessed with three great grandchildren who include Iris Warwick, Elias Warwick, and Malaya Holmes. She was also an aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.

Joann relocated from Dayton, Ohio to Kokomo, Indiana, where she was an Office Secretary at Taylor Elementary school for many years. She loved and was loved by every student who passed through the school. It was in 2001 when Joann suffered a debilitating stroke. It affected her right side, speech and mobility. One thing the stroke didn't affect, however, was her memory. Even several years later after her stroke, she still recognized and knew Taylor Elementary students. Anyone who knew Joann knew that she loved good music. She not only listened in the car, but she would watch endless music videos on BET, MTV and VH1. Her favorite artists were MC Hammer, Bruno Mars, Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Johnny Taylor. Several years after her stroke, she moved to San Antonio, Texas under the care of one of her daughters, but as a resident of the Honey House, where she lived until her final sunset.

Her funeral arrangements will be handled by Ellers Mortuary at 3400 S. Webster in Kokomo, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 10 AM to 12 PM on February 2, 2024. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12 PM. Her burial will be at Sunset Memorial Garden in Kokomo, Indiana. Rest well mama.

Margaret Ree Smith

Margaret Ree Smith, age 84, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.

A funeral service followed by burial for Margaret will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.