Elizabeth "Liz" Osborn

Elizabeth (Liz) Osborn passed away on May 30, 2026 in Kokomo, Indiana.  She was born July 19, 1936 to Jesse and Louise (Barnhart) Spangler.  Liz often recounted the story that the day she was born it was so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk .

She was very proud to have graduated salutatorian from Kokomo High School in 1954. She married the love of her life, Fred Osborn, on December 18, 1954. 

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Katherine and Scott Williams and Susan and Dan Fugate and daughter-in-law Chris Osborn.  She is also survived by her six grandchildren; Stephanie (Jacob) Hoffman, Jessica (Joel) Munson, Jared Osborn, Zach (Connie) Osborn, Jake (Shelby) Fugate, and Josh (Toria) Fugate and her four great-grandchildren Natalie and William Hoffman, Ozzy Fugate and Dexter Munson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred, her son Fred Osborn, Jr. and her two sisters, Miriam Spangler and Janet Park and brother, John Spangler.

Liz worked in her husband’s law office for 30 years. She was the first woman appointed to the Howard County Liquor Board, serving from February 1984 to May 1996. She was a fifty-year member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Chapter R, PEO, Tri Kappa Sorority, the Howard County Historical Society and was a Life Member of Cheer Guild. In 1991, she and her husband, Fred, became Life Masters in Duplicate Bridge. Liz was also a Life Member and Regent of the James Cox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a past president of both the Kokomo Country Club 18-Hole Golf League and the Howard County Republican Women’s group.

She led numerous “Get Out the Vote” drives for the Republican Party and actively supported her husband’s campaigns for Howard County Prosecutor. A devoted mother, she served as a Brownie leader for both of her daughters. She was an avid IU fan and cheered on the Colts, Pacers, and Cubs. She loved to travel, read, play cards of all kinds, and golf, but most of all, she cherished time spent with family and friends.

Liz had the ability to see the absolute best in any person or any situation.  She had the brightest smile, and she was the consummate planner of countless activities for family and friends..  She was quick with a laugh and especially fond of the jokes told by her husband. She enjoyed taking pictures and sharing them, often saying, “A fuzzy picture brings back vivid memories.” She celebrated life’s moments - birthdays, anniversaries, and all special occasions - with joy.  She dearly loved her family and was a loving and loyal friend. While her passing is mourned, we celebrate a life filled with love, kindness and grace.

A private graveside will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W Alto Road, Kokomo. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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