Obituaries, December 20, 2023
Betty Jane Miller
Betty Jane Miller, 83, Greentown, passed away at 2:32 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Century Villa Healthcare in Greentown. She was born December 2, 1940, in Elwood, IN to William and Myrtle (Moore) Avery. On July 3, 1964, she married Donald Miller, and he survives.
Betty was a proud member of Windfall United Methodist Church where she and her husband served for many years. She also served on the board of the United Methodist Women. Betty was a proud homemaker who loved serving others, which was evident as she assisted her husband with the Scouts for decades.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Miller; son, James Miller; daughter, Debbie Sue Miller; grandchildren, John Miller, Markus Miller, Nicholas Breniser, and Ellen Barabasz; as well as great-grandchildren, Lucas Miller, Hayden Miller, Bryce Miller and Owen Breniser.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings.
Funeral services celebrating Betty’s life will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Windfall United Methodist Church, 201 S Independence St, Windfall, IN, with Pastor John Mansur officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Windfall UMC. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hasler-stout.com.
Ann Elizabeth (Rogers) Lynch
Ann Elizabeth (Rogers) Lynch, 63, of Logansport, died 1:00 am Thursday December 7, 2023, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 14, 1960, the daughter of Terry Richard Rogers and Sally (Townsley) Riley.
Ann was a 1979 graduate of Eastern High School. She graduated from the Kokomo School of Practical Nursing and the International Business School as a Veterinary Technician. She worked as a vet tech at Big Cats for one year and various nursing jobs for 37 years until her retirement. Ann was a very humble and generous lady. Her favorite hobbies were reading and gardening. She adored her grandchildren. Ann was the ultimate animal lover and was heavily involved with animal rescue.
She is survived by her children, Rebecca Eagle, Rick (Liana) Eagle; grandchildren, Adrian Gorena, Sara Eagle, Isaac Eagle; father, Terry R. (Kyla) Rogers; brother, David (Polly) Rogers, Salt Lake City, Utah; nieces, Alexis Rogers, Makenna Rogers, Emily Rogers, Tori Callis, Aubrey Callis.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sally Riley; and sister, Linda Riley.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 pm Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Wednesday December 20, 2023, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Contributions may be made in Ann’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society.
Bertha Gregory
Mrs. Bertha Gregory was born on June 4, 1933. She passed away on Dec. 14, 2023. A funeral service will be held on Fri, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 818 N. Apperson Way. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral.
N.L. Bluitt Jr. Funeral Chapel Inc. is handling the arrangements.
Joseph “Joe” Mark Polk
Joseph “Joe” Mark Polk, 69, of Kokomo, passed away 11:10 am Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Brunswick, Georgia, on January 15, 1954, the son of the late Donald Polk and Nancy Jane (Lamberson) Pickering. On July 31, 1976, he married Philanna Mundy at Grace Community Four Square Church in Kokomo, and she survives.
Joe was a 1972 graduate of Taylor High School. He earned a Bachelor in Engineering from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. He began working as a newspaper delivery man for the Kokomo Tribune. He retired from Delco Electronics, later known as Aptiv, after 35 years of service as an electrical engineer. Joe was a joyful, kind, and hard-working man, who was always quick to laugh. He had a love for music, playing guitar, and was a talented singer. Joe held a church membership at Grace Community Four Square Church and attended One Church in Kokomo for the past 20 years. He was fascinated by Sci-Fi movies, comic books, and searching for historic landmarks and sight-seeing when he traveled. Joe will be remembered for being the best husband, father, and Papa to his family.
In addition to his wife Anna, Joe is survived by his children, Jonathan (Kim) Polk, Rachel (David) Daily; grandchildren, Caleb Joseph Daily, Caitlyn Nichole Polk, Jayven Matthias Polk, Tobias Andrew Polk, Evelyn Rose Polk; siblings, Susan (Greg) Grant, Deborah Sedillo; half-brother, Donald (Tamara) Polk Jr.; nieces and nephews, Carey (Dave) Johnson, Greg Grant Jr., Josh Sedillo, Donald Polk III, Jilinda Johnson, Melissa (Eric) Leutwyler; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Nellie and Clarence Polk, Orpha and Arthur Lamberson, Nancy and Dick Pickering; niece, Lisa Jackson; uncles, Roger “Tubby” Lamberson, Larry “Aug” Lamberson.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Friday December 22, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday December 23, 2023, at the funeral home, with Pastor Travis Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission.
Phoebe Ellen Carter
Phoebe Ellen Carter, 80, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 18, 2023. She was born on September 26, 1943, in Kokomo, IN the daughter of George and Mary Edith Poppas (Phipps). She married Henry Lee Carter who survives.
Phoebe graduated from Kokomo High School in 1961 and from Ball State University in 1978. Phoebe was a local CPA for over 20 years. She served two terms on the Kokomo School Board. She was the youngest of thirteen children. Phoebe enjoyed traveling all over with her husband, spending time with her family, and visiting their home in Tennessee. She was very generous with her time and love for others.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Henry "Lee" Carter of Kokomo, IN; sister, Grace Kingseed of Kokomo, IN; brothers, John Poppas (Marianne) of Oakland, CA; Tom Poppas of Kokomo, IN; sister, Vannetta Beckman (George) of Cary, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and six sisters.
Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services 2:00 PM Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Freddie Lee Gard
Freddie Lee Gard, known affectionately as Fred to his friends and family, went to be with the Lord on December 18, 2023, in Kokomo, IN. Born on September 30, 1948, in Terre Haute, IN, Fred's journey through life was marked by his gentle nature, kindness, and loving heart.
Fred was a proud 1966 graduate of Brazil High School. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call of duty and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970, during the Vietnam War, a period that instilled in him a profound sense of pride and camaraderie. After his honorable discharge, Fred built a career at Chrysler in manufacturing, dedicating 30 years of service before retiring. Fred was a member of Abundant Life Church and the N.R.A.
In his personal life, Fred was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Audry Gard, with whom he shared countless cherished memories. Together, they raised a family that included their children Marvin Gard (Kim), Jamie Clarke, and Candice Mossholder, who will remember him as a pillar of strength and support. Fred was predeceased by his son, Chris Zimendorf, and his great grandson, August Minniear. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Kinzie Minniear, Dominick Gard, Grant Minniear, and Brooklyn Gard, and his great-grandchild, Amoni "Mooch" Nicholson. His sister, Nancy Hahn, sister-in-law Judy Gard, and several nieces, nephews, and close friends also survive him. Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Aline Lee-Gard, his father, Marvin Gard, and his brother, Ronald Gard.
Those who knew Fred would often describe him as a "gentle giant," a man whose stature was matched by his immense kindness. He was a big kid at heart, a gadget guru who reveled in the simple joy of receiving a new toy or present, especially during his favorite time of the year, Christmas. Fred's love for his family was evident in how he supported them in all their endeavors. He was a quiet man, but his presence was always felt, his support always steadfast.
Fred's interests were as varied as they were passionate. He was an avid fan of the television show M*A*S*H, and his love for yard work was evident in the meticulous care he took of his own yard. Like many, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, feeling the freedom of the open road. Travel was another of Fred's joys, exploring new places and creating memories with his family.
In his later years, Fred's role as a grandfather and great-grandfather brought him immense joy. He was a big supporter of his wife and family, always encouraging and loving. His gentle demeanor and kind spirit made him a revered figure in the lives of his grandchildren, who looked up to him with admiration and love.
As we remember Fred, it is fitting to recall the words of Leo Buscaglia, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Fred embodied these virtues, touching the lives of those around him with his caring nature and warm heart.
Fred's life was one of service, love, and dedication. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. As we bid farewell to Freddie Lee Gard, we celebrate the enduring impact of his gentle, kind, and loving spirit.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was chosen to handle arrangements for the family. Messages of condolence may be left at cityoffirstscremations.com.