Obituaries, December 2, 2023
George Graves
George Graves, 86, of Russiaville, passed away 10:15 pm Wednesday November 29, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Clinton County, IN, on November 22, 1937, the son of the late Thomas Grady Graves and Dollie Mae (Smelser) Graves. On September 8, 1962, he married Lana Baker, and she survives.
George was a 1957 graduate of Forest High School. He went on to earn a degree in business and later went to pipefitter school. He retired from Chrysler after 34 years of service as a clerk and pipefitter. George was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years. He attended Abundant Life Church in Kokomo. His favorite hobbies were tinkering around the house, reading, and collecting antique engines, motors, and tractors. George took great pride in having the best kept lawn.
In addition to his wife Lana, he is survived by his sons, Max (Mindy) Graves, Mark (Joan) Graves; grandchildren, Linzy (Tyler) Tuttle, Curtis (Brandi) Graves, Bridget (Adam) Miracle, Dylan Graves, Wayne (Amanda) Brunkhorst, Desiree (Ben) Sidders, Austin Bissell; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Jessie Gillim, Wilma Smith; sisters-in-law, Dixie Graves, Becky Graves.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Lynn (Pam) Brian Graves; siblings, Paul (Lucille) Graves, Eugene Graves, Georgia (Carol) Thieke, Richard Graves; brother-in-law, Clyde Smith; and nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Monday December 4, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will begin at 1 pm on Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Caylob Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in George’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association.
Allen “Butch” Ray Bitzell
Allen “Butch” Ray Bitzell, 81, Greentown, passed away at 8:45 am on Wednesday November 29, 2023, at Aperion Care. He was born in North Manchester, IN. to the late Alvah “Alvie” and Betty (Garner) Bitzell on November 3, 1942. On August 8, 2008, he married Connie Bitzell, and she preceded him in death on June 13, 2022.
Butch served his country in the United States Army. He worked for and retired from Chrysler Corporation. He enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and raising and riding horses.
Butch is survived by his children, Teresa Prater, Michael Bitzell, Gary Bitzell (Dee Hembree), and Matthew Bitzell; grandchildren, April Schlosser, Jessica Foster, Courtney Stinegas, Dakota Bitzell, Mikey Bitzell, Amanda Burke, Tina Prater, and Tabatha Prater; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Fields, Chloe (Bob) Hettmansperger, Peggy (Robin) King, Susie (Ray) Wyatt; the mother of his children, Roberta (Ted) Eubank; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; sister, Elenor Bitzell; brother-in-law, Gerry Fields.
A funeral service will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Greentown American Legion at 3 pm. Friends may visit with the family from 1 pm until the start of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help assist the family with final expenses.
Rosie D. Housley
Rosie D. Housley, age 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health. She was born in Red Bowling Spring, Tennessee to the late Revies and Olen Martha (Jackson) Huntsman on May 31, 1944. She married Kenneth Housley on December 24, 1965, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and he survives.
Rosie worked for Libby's Canning before working and retiring from Delco Electronics. She was a member of the UAW #292. Rosie a member of Bible Baptist Church. She enjoyed riding and training horses, reading her bible, as well as, fishing, gardening, painting, ceramics, and taking care of her cats and dogs. Rosie also loved her grandchildren very much.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Kenneth; three sons, Kenneth Floyd Housley, Lewis Dale Huntsman, and Ernest Richard Smith; grandchildren, Samantha, Levi, Junior, Christina, Kenneth, Katie, and Ernest;13 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death is a brother, Lewis Huntsman; and three brothers-in-law.
There will be a time of visitation for Rosie on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:30 P.M. at Ellers Mortuary Main Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Pastor Dan Murphy will be officiating. Burial will follow to Crown Point Cemetery.
Leslie “Les” Allen Hoover
Leslie “Les” Allen Hoover, 63, of Peru, passed away on Tuesday November 28, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on February 15, 1960, in Logansport, the son of John and Thelma (Hamilton) Hoover. He married Mary Louise McCartney, and she preceded him in death.
Les worked as a Mechanic at Lefler’s in Logansport. He enjoyed drawing, crafting, long talks on the porch, tractors, semis, and trucks. Les was passionate about fishing. He enjoyed growing a full white beard and used to dress up as Santa Claus during the holidays.
Les is survived by his son, Lawrence Gill; grandchildren, Naquitia Campbell, Justin Pattengale, Jonathan Pattengale, and Raymond Pattengale; great grandchildren, Klohe Campbell, Gracie Campbell, and Alexander Campbell; dear cousin, Ron Esslason; and friend, Jamie Maxson.
Preceding Les in death were his parents, wife, Mary Gill-Hoover; grandparents, numerous cousins; and friend, Jim Piercefield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.
Rhonda Lyn Cox
Rhonda Lyn Cox, 60, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday November 28, 2023, at Community North Hospital. She was born on May 25, 1963, the daughter of Ronald Lee Cox and Linda Lee (Lowden) Cox-Grant.
Rhonda graduated from Taylor High School.
Survivors include her father, Ronald Cox; daughters, Bridget Cox and Tiffany Cox; grandsons, Travis Stevens, Ethan Chaplin, and Landon Cox; brothers, Scott Cox, Roddy Cox, and Ronnie Cox; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding Rhonda in death were her mother, Linda Cox-Grant; paternal grandparents, Clifford Wayne & Laverne Cox; and maternal grandparents, Walter & Dorothy Lowden.
In keeping with Rhonda’s wishes, no public services will be held at this time. Burial of her ashes will take place at a later date in Albright Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.