Obituaries, December 30, 2023
Joella Gayle Wessendorf
Joella Gayle Wessendorf, 80, of Kokomo, Indiana was set free after a long struggle with Parkinson's on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She was born July 23, 1943, to the late Harry and Helen Kelley. Joella attended Kokomo High School. This is where she met the love of her life Walter Wessendorf their sophomore year. They graduated in 1961 and continued their relationship though some of it was long distance. On December 7, 1963, they got married and began their lives together.
Joella graduated with her Bachelor’s from Ball State Teachers College, then 2 years later graduated from Ball State University with her Master’s. She used her education to teach mildly mentally handicapped students for Kokomo Center School system for over 25 years.
During their free time Joella and Walt loved to travel. Their vacations usually included beach or scenic destinations.
Joella enjoyed creative sewing, scrapbooking, and home decorating. She decorated her home with many completed projects by her artist of a husband, as she was always his biggest fan. She was a lifetime member of First Friends Meeting Church and attended as much as she could before her health declined.
Joella is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Walter Wessendorf, their son; Christopher "Kit" Wessendorf, grandchildren; Daphne Monroe-Wessendorf, Alexander Wessendorf, and Aidan Wessendorf.
In addition to her parents Joella is preceded in death by her brother Terrence "Terry" (Myrna) Kelley.
A visitation for Joella will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joella's memory may be made to the children's charity of your choice, suggestions include United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Shriner's Children's Hospital, or St. Jude.
Joseph W. Waldman
Joseph W. Waldman, 42, Kokomo, passed away at 11:30p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born June 18, 1981, in Kokomo to Michael and Rebekah (Hamilton) Waldman.
Joseph was a 2000 Graduate of Kokomo High School. He was a stuffed exotic snake handler, and loved music, food, and art. He never met a stranger and brought smiles to all who encountered him. His smile and kindness will be missed by many.
He is survived by his sister, Jennifer Osborne, and her husband Chris; nieces, Dakota Roach and Leighton McQuinn; nephew, Chase Osborne; bonus parents Stacy and Kelly Smith; bonus grandparents, Sue and Jerry Smith; and an uncle, Derek Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Joseph’s life will take place at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sandra Kay Barnes
Sandra Kay Barnes, 83, Kokomo died on December 12, 2023, at her granddaughter’s home after a short illness. She was born in Anderson, Indiana, on October 4, 1940, to Raymond and Agnes (Glover) Baugher.
Sandra graduated from Kokomo High School in 1958. After high school she moved and was a live-in nanny in Chicago in her early twenties. Upon moving back to the Kokomo area, she worked for Cuneo Press for twenty years and then went on to work for North Central Linen in Kokomo until her retirement.
Sandra never drove a car a day in her life, but she rode her bike well into her seventies. She loved to shop until she dropped. Sandra loved nice things and dressing up for many occasions. She enjoyed watching her TV programs, going to the movies, doing crossword puzzles, and she loved her cats. She also loved McDonald’s fish and McDouble sandwiches and her sweets.
She is survived by her son, Johnathan C. Baugher; granddaughter, Ashley (William) Beeman, Brittany (Matthew) Stewart, Caytlyn Baugher, Destiny Baugher, and Malynda Baugher; great-grandchildren, Matthew Stewart, Noah Stewart, Jacob Stewart, Logan Baugher, Grayson Baugher, and Elya Baugher; nephew, Brian Baugher; and special friend, Maria Jones.
She was proceeded in death by parents; son, Crispen Patrick Barnes; brother, Michael; nephew, Michael; and niece, Christy.
No public services will take place. Private burial will take place in Crown Point Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown.