Obituaries, December 27, 2023
Thelma (Arlene) Fletcher McNally
Thelma (Arlene) Fletcher McNally, 96 years old of Carrollton, Texas, passed away after a short illness on December 21, 2023. She was a happy, positive, independent person who was always ready, willing and able to help. She was well loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Arlene was born in Kokomo, Indiana on December 11, 1927, to Thomas Dayton Fletcher and Iva May Baker. Arlene graduated from Kokomo High School in1945. She married the love of her life, Norman Lee McNally on October 16, 1945. They were parents to four children, Nancy, David, Linda and Mary. They were married for 37 years until Norman’s death on May 22, 1982.
Arlene worked at the Reliant factory where she met Norman and later worked for Delco Electronics. She was also a homemaker who enjoyed caring for her family. Arlene was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served in many different church positions and leadership roles during her life, but her passion was working with the children in the Primary organization. Arlene enjoyed researching genealogy and family history. She participated in indexing church, census, birth, death, and marriage records for the church in addition to serving two church missions, one in San Bernardino, California and the other one at the Atlanta Georgia Temple. In her spare time, Arlene enjoyed being with her family, traveling, reading, gardening, sewing, working crossword and sudoku puzzles.
Arlene was preceded in death by: her parents, Thomas Dayton Fletcher, and Iva May Baker Fletcher; her three older brothers, Thomas Doyle Fletcher, Harold Eugene Fletcher, and James Everett Fletcher; her older sister, Pauline L. Fletcher Fowler, and her two younger sisters, Norma Jean Fletcher Mann, and Edna May Fletcher Canard; her son, David Allen McNally, and two Sons in law, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Lyon.
Arlene is survived by her three daughters: Nancy Callahan of Nixa, Missouri, Linda (Dave) York of Petersburg Tennessee, and Mary Lyon of Carrollton Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeffrey Callahan, Michelle (Todd) Sorenson, Heidi (Bruce) Pearce, Angela Salvador, Amber Duncan, Lesley (Ken) Jessen, and Kelly (Brook) Lyon. Arlene is survived by eleven great grandchildren, Alia and Drake Sorenson, Chase and Myles Pearce, Gabe Bitner, Michael and Charlie Bungay, Isabella Salvador, Avery, Tyler, and Emma Jessen. Arlene is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. A Special Thank you to Susan and Kevin Green and other members of the Carrollton Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for their great friendship, support, and care over the years that Arlene has resided in Carrollton, Texas.
On Wednesday December 27th, a memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 4000 Nazarene Drive, Carrolton, TX 75010 at 5pm. Funeral and graveside services in Indiana will occur on Wednesday January 3rd from 12pm to 1pm at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home Chapel located at 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.
Ecko Lee Andujar, Jr.
Ecko Lee Andujar, Jr., Kokomo, born sleeping on December 12, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was the son of Ecko Lee Andujar and Danielle Palecki, and they survive.
Along with his parents, Ecko is also survived by his siblings, Armani Rose Marie and Layla Mae; grandparents, Jose Andujar, Wanda Martinez, Tina Harrison and Richard Smith; aunts and uncles, Nautica Andujar, Branden Andujar, Jose Andujar, Jr, Jeremy Norris, Elizabeth Parra, Jeffrey Jr. (Brittany) Harrison, Aaron Arnold, Daniel (Kriston) Harrison and Destiny Palecki, along with several cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-3 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Dorothy Lee Hopkins
Dorothy Lee Hopkins, 90, Hemlock, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday December 22, 2023. She was born on July 14, 1933, to the late Mattie Marie (Frazier) Dunsmore and Joe Williams. She married Stanley L. Hopkins on April 23, 1954, in Tazewell, TN., together they had two children, David and Carolyn.
Dorothy was a lifetime member of Mount Zion Church and attended Hemlock Friends Church. She loved being with her family and friends. She was a skilled shopper, had a garage sale for years and loved having a large garden. She worked for Sharon Home Health Care and loved taking care of people. She was there for anyone who needed a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold.
Dorothy is survived by her children, David Hopkins, and Carolyn (Greg) McCartney; 5 granddaughters; 4 great grandchildren; and her sister Fay Longworth of TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Stanley; 5 sisters; 2 brothers; 1 grandson; and 1 great granddaughter.
The family would like to thank Waterford Place Health Care in Kokomo for taking care of Dorothy in her final days.
A funeral service will be held at 12 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel, 204 N Church St., Sharpsville, with Pastor Doug Shoemaker officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 10 am to 12 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Karleen Weaver
Karleen Weaver was born on May 25, 1933. She passed on Dec. 21, 2023. A funeral service will be held on Fri., Dec. 29, at noon at Wayman Chapel AME Church, 920 N. Apperson Way. Visitation will precede the funeral from 11 a.m. until time of service.
Thomas "Tom" Leo Carpenter
Thomas "Tom" Leo Carpenter, 71, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He was born June 11, 1952 to the late Lester and Elsie Carpenter.
Tom is survived by his siblings Debby Willis, Donna (Ray) Shields, Bill (Rosie) Carpenter of Texas; Sister-in-law Marty Carpenter of Florida; children Christina Carpenter, Elizabeth Bird, Thomas Leo Carpenter Jr.; grandchildren Andrea Miranda, Izebelle Bird, Joshua Bird, Tommi Leah Carpenter; great grandchild Thomas Lee Bird; aunt Marie Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Tom is preceded in death by his siblings Ed Carpenter, Lester (Billie Sue) Carpenter, Jim Carpenter, Shannon Carpenter; and brother-in-law Donald Willis.
A visitation for Tom will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. He will be laid to rest in Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 E Sycamore Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901 following the visitation.
Dewey A. Childers
Dewey A. Childers, 75, of Bunker Hill, passed away at 2:48 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was born December 15, 1948, in Peru, Indiana to Clifford Allen and Mary Catherine (Russell) Childers. He married Rita Graf on October 23, 1982, in Greentown and she survives.
Dewey was a farmer for many years. He was a member of Loree Brethren Church in Bunker Hill where he was active as a Church Trustee. He also recently retired from the advisory board for Clay Township, Miami County. He enjoyed farming, fishing, reading, and spending time in his woods.
He is survived by his wife Rita, his children, Laurie (Steve) Allen, Jennifer (Harry) Davis, Angela Jakes, and Tricia (Tim) Pula. Surviving grandchildren include Blake Allen, Kelsey Brooks, Dean Bass, Brandon Bass, Brad Jakes, Shad Jakes, Jeremy Jakes and Molly Jakes. Also surviving are his great grandchildren, Braxton Allen, Evelyn Allen, Elora Allen, Aria Bass and Braylee Bass. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Loree Brethren Church Fellowship Hall, 8483 S. Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill, IN. 46914. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be given to Loree Brethren Church in Dewey’s Memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
David Neil Stewart
David Neil Stewart, 70, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away December 24, 2023. He was born on January 11, 1953 in Kokomo, Indiana the son of David Kenneth and Deloris Joan Stewart (Tyler). On May 1, 1976 he married Debra Stewart (Entzminger) who survives.
David retired from the Howard County Highway Department after 37 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on cars. David loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed listening to music, especially gospel and the oldies. David was baptized and enjoyed going to church at Victory Calvary.
He was survived by his wife, Debra Stewart of Kokomo, IN; daughter, Courtney McDowell (Brian) of LaCrosse, IN; mother-in-law, Connie Entzminger; grandsons, James and Ayden McDowell of LaCrosse, IN; Jaytin Stewart of Ohio and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sons David Stewart and Jeremy Parker and grandsons, Cody and David Renner.
A graveside service will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 5, 2023 at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Ellen Jane (Reith) Grantham
Ellen Jane (Reith) Grantham, 82, Greentown, passed away at 5:24 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on November 3, 1941, in Fort Wayne, to the late Albert and Mary (Yenna) Reith. Ellen married Darrell Grantham on March 31, 1984, and he preceded her in death on April 23, 2022.
Ellen was a 1959 graduate of Kokomo High School. She last worked for Solidarity FCU, as a bank teller and working her way to Mortgage Facilitator, she retired in 2003. She was member of St. Joan of Arc and St. Patrick Catholic Churches. Ellen enjoyed reading, and playing cards, and animals. She loved spending time with her family. In recent years, Ellen had battled cancer and other health problems, but that never diminished her love for all her family and friends.
Ellen is survived by her children, Timothy Howard of Coldwater, MI, and Julie (Steve) McFarlin of Broken Arrow, OK; stepdaughter, Nancy (Rick) Majors of Kokomo; stepson Tim Grantham of Florida; stepson Jeff Grantham; daughter-in-law, Barbara Howard of Ohio; grandson, Michael Howard; grandchildren, Tiffany Van Goey, and Jacob Van Goey; great-grandson, Jeffrey Wilson “JJ” Howard; granddaughter Shelina (Ryan) Samanas; great-granddaughter Samantha Branham; and brother, James (Rita) Reith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Darrell; son, Jeffrey Howard; and the father of her children, Terald Howard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 pm on Saturday January 20, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St, Kokomo. Friends may visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday at the church, where the Rosary will be offered at 10:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with cremation.
Helen Marie Snyder
Helen Marie Snyder, 87, Burlington, passed away on Friday December 22, 2023, at Brickyard Healthcare-Sycamore Village Care Center. She was born in Tipton to the late Harry and Lavella (Wheatley) Robinson, on February 20, 1936. She married Richard Lee Snyder on February 10, 1954, and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2007.
Helen attended Tipton High School. She retired from Delco Electronics. And enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and spoiling her grandchildren & great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Helen is survived by her children, Joe (Ella) Snyder, Janice (Robin) Cooke, and Rich Snyder; grandchildren, LaKisha (Kevin) Jones, Brandon (Allie) Snyder, Jeramie (Sylvia) Cooke, Ashley Cooke, Hannah (Curtis) Donner, Christa (Jamari) Ashbaugh, Richard (Kim) Snyder, and Tony (Darcie) Snyder; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Nita (Mike) Kelly, Bill (Joyce) Robinson, Mike Robinson, Berta (Gibb) Phelps, Dot Chapel, Debbie (Bruce) Farrer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Daughter, Jean Ashbaugh; sister-in-law, Jane Robinson; brother-in-law, Mike Chapel; sister, Patty (Kenny) Hale, and brother, Jimmy Robinson.
A graveside service will take place at 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Burlington Cemetery. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation.
David Christopher McNutt
David Christopher McNutt, 65, Kokomo, formerly of Rogersville/Kingsport, Tennessee area, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Washington County, Virginia, January 24, 1958, the son of the late Carson and Eula Mae (Lyons) McNutt.
David grew up in Gate City, Virginia and spent most of his adult life in Rogersville and Kingsport, Tennessee before moving to Kokomo in 2022, where he lived with his sister, Rowena, until his passing. David worked as an over the road truck driver for many years. His favorite pass time was spending time with his fur babies, Rebel, Lexey, Jada, Chip and Buttons and working word search puzzles, but most of all reading his Bible every day.
David is survived by his daughters, Cathida Gray and Pamela Carico; mother of his children, Mary McNutt; siblings, Larry (Shelley) McNutt, Curtis (Megan) McNutt, Linda McNutt, Lois Shelton and Rowena Pearcy; special nephew, Daniel Bales and good friend, Jim Bales, who helped with his care; friend, Ruth Lawson; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sue McNutt; siblings, Wallace McNutt, Wanda Carrol and Eva Fields.
In keeping with David’s wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date in the Gate City, Virginia area. His sister Rowena will post on her Facebook page the arrangements once they are finalized. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Elizabeth Ruth Hawes
Elizabeth Ruth Hawes, 69, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – 86th Street. She was born on March 20, 1954, the daughter of Ronald R. and Ella Ruth (Serr) Branch. On August 13, 1974, she married Dennis Wayne Hawes, and he survives.
Elizabeth graduated from Western High School. She enjoyed caring for her family and her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Dennis, she is survived by her children, Deanna Ruth Hawes and Benjamin A. (Ginger) Hawes; grandchildren, Reagan Elizabeth Hawes, Ressa Ruth Jewel, and Brandon Donovan Swank; great-grandchildren, Leon Jewel, Aiden Jewel, and Lily Jewel; and brother, Martin Branch.
Preceding Elizabeth in death were her, parents, Ronald & Ella Branch; and brother, Michael Branch.
In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, no public services will be held at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.