Obituaries

Sadly, Angela Mary Simons (nee Whisman) has lost her courageous battle with brain cancer on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Terre Haute, Indiana. Angela was born to Hiram Lee & Norma Mary Whisman (nee Gilland) on May 20, 1952, in Noblesville, Indiana.

Jorge Guzman-DeSirena, age 23 of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly and entered into Heaven following a seizure on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at home. He was born April 6, 2000 in Santo Domingo Petapa, Oaxaca, Mexico, the son of

Paul Frederick Etheridge, age 83, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023 in Tipton surrounded by his family. He was born July 20, 1939 in Tipton.

Richard A. “Dickie” Burger, Jr., age 81 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family after extensive health issues.

Gary Leonard Ricketts, 86, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023. He was born on June 1, 1937, to his parents, Donald Ricketts and Gertrude (Jervis) Ricketts. Gary married the love of his life, Alice (Lehman) Ricketts on June 27, 1965. She preceded him in death on February 15, 2020. Gary graduated from Frankfort High School in the class of 1955. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. Upon returning to civilian life, Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in business from IUK. Gary retired from Delco Electronics after almost 40 dedicated years of employment; ultimately working as their North American Business Director. Anyone that knew Gary would say he was an interesting guy who could talk to anyone about anything! He was well educated, unapologetically quirky and incredibly witty. Gary believed in staying current and informed. He made others better by fueling their fire for learning. People often left Gary’s home with a personally recommended book from his vast library. He was very well read; he also enjoyed going to auctions, golfing, playing poker, bowling, and was a member of the Tipton Elks Lodge. Gary cherished his dear family with his whole heart. In his own way, he took care of each of them and kept them all motivated to be their best self! Gary was a patient man and allowed himself the time to enjoy life. He appreciated fine dining, and well-aged scotch, bourbon, and wine. Gary was always at work planning the next family gathering, to enjoy good food and whatever silly movie he chose to watch with those he found most dear. He enjoyed a bad joke and enjoyed sharing those with his grandchildren. More than anything, Gary loved antiquing with his late wife, Alice. Together, they collected furniture and primitives, as well as postcards, books and other oddities. Those left to carry on Gary’s legacy of love are his children, Brett (Nancy) Ricketts, Jason (Jennifer) Ricketts; grandchildren, Breanna Robinson, Sarah R

1935-2023 Virginia Marie (Tebbe) Baker, age 87, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo, Indiana surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She was born on October 25, 1935, in Tipton to her parents, August George (Gus) and Berniece Oleine Marie (Powell) Tebbe. Virginia married the love of her life, James Arvil Baker, on November 4, 1954, and the two enjoyed 44 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together before Arvil passed away on February 13, 1998. Virginia was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Class of 1953. Following graduation, Virginia received further education in business, after which she met Arvil and started their family. Virginia always loved the farm and spent many harvest seasons helping at A.G. Tebbe Farms. Virginia served as the Tipton County Assessor from 1974 through 1986, after which she worked at Property Systems assessing properties throughout Tipton, Howard, and other counties. Virginia always maintained the highest level of certification for her career in property assessment and was involved in review boards including the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) of both Tipton and Howard Counties. Virginia was honored to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2003, an honorary award given by the Governor of Indiana to recognize distinguished service in serving the citizens of Indiana. Virginia was born with a servant’s heart, and even from a young age, she enjoyed giving back to others. Through the years, she served her community diligently and impacted so many lives through her acts of service. Just to name a few, she volunteered countless hours at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Marion and Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services. She served as the President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 46 for 29 years, held several officer positions in the Fifth District, and served as the Department President of the American Leg

1952-2023 David Max Beeman, age 70 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after an extended illness.