Obituaries, December 8, 2023
Kathryn Louise Cameron
Kathryn Louise Cameron, age 94, Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Carmel, Indiana. Kathryn was born December 27, 1928, in Kokomo, Indiana, daughter to A. Louise (Haley) and Orville G. Stodgell.
Kathryn was a loving and deeply caring mother who showed great strength and compassion throughout her life in both raising and providing for her family, as well as a devoted member of her congregation at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Indianapolis. In addition to being a loving mother, she worked as a schoolteacher, Kokomo Abstract Company, Kroger Company business office, and held a special passion for gardening at home.
Survivors include her children Michael (Dottie) Cameron, Sara (Gary) Halberstadt; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Steven, David, Megan (Devin), Jenny, Erin (Steve), and Christopher; and 5 great-grandchildren, Alana, Austin, Miles, Mason and Marlowe.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kokomo Literacy Coalition, 901 S. Courtland Ave, Kokomo, IN 46901, or the Alzheimer's Association of Indianapolis, 50 91st St. Indianapolis, IN 46240. Kathryn will have a funeral mass on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Kokomo, Indiana. Visitation will be from 11am until 12pm, the time of the mass.
Fond memories and condolences for the Cameron family can be left at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com .
Mary Elizabeth Nicholson
Mary Elizabeth Nicholson, 84, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away December 6, 2023. She was born on November 11, 1939, in Greentown, Indiana, the daughter of Maxine Wheeler. She married the late, Bill Nicholson on February 1, 1958.
Mary loved snowmobiling, Euchre Club, camping, and spending time with her grandkids. She dabbled in painting and gardening.
Mary is survived by her son, Wayne (Kim) Nicholson; daughter, Dana (Scott) Benic; grandchildren, Jeremy (Leslie) Downs, Mistie (Downs) Jinks, Matthew Nicholson, Mike (Kerrie) Nicholson; great-grandchildren, Paiten Bell, Lainee Downs, Lymree Downs, Hadlie Jinks, Jeffrey and Lauren Jones; great-great-grandchild, Jace Jones; brother, Phil (Sandy) Chism; special friends Bill and Ida Reel, Judy Helms, Myron Bruce, Tony and Roberta Myers; her special caregivers, Shirley Howell and Julie Tharp.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 61 years, Bill; siblings, Ira Chism, Phyllis Wheeler, Linda Cron and Jerry Chism.
Visitation will take place at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 10:00 am until the start of Funeral Services at 12:00 pm with services officiated by, Pastor John Long. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mary's name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Frances Delee Grile Pizarek
Frances Delee Grile Pizarek, 89, of Kokomo Indiana passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023. Frances was born on September 1, 1934, in Jay County, Indiana, to William Ezra Grile and Dona Alice Sanders Grile.
Frances was a 1952 graduate of Portland High School and a 1955 graduate of Holy Cross Central School of Nursing where she became an RN. She worked as a nurse at Beatty Memorial Hospital in Westville, Indiana; Howard Community Hospital, Kokomo Center Township Schools and for local doctors’ offices.
On April 14, 1956, Frances married Frederick Thomas Pizarek in Carteret County, North Carolina, while Fred was stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.
A career opportunity for husband Fred became a life-changing event when they relocated from Kokomo to Singapore in 1985 for four years. Fran and Fred became world-travelers from then on with river cruising in Europe as their favorite vacation for many years.
Frances is survived by her husband of 67 years, Fred as well as children Beth Ann (Eric) Norppa, Steven (Gay) Pizarek, Daniel (Lori) Pizarek and Susan Pizarek. She has five grandchildren; Nick and Emily Norppa; Aaron, Colin and Thomas Pizarek and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harold Dwight Grile and sister Eva Kathryn Grile Wyrick. Fran especially loved attending the family reunions to visit with her nieces and nephews.
The family would like to recognize the outstanding and compassionate care given by the staff at Primrose Retirement Community, SouthernCare Hospice Services and Dr Lance Washington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Kokomo.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 11th, from 2pm until 5pm at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home of Kokomo, 2097 W Alto Road, Kokomo. There will be a 1-hour visitation beginning at 10am on Tuesday, December 12th, with funeral mass at 11am at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church 3155 S 200 W Kokomo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Pizarek family.
Carlos Ray VanZant
Carlos Ray VanZant, a man of deep Catholic faith and unwavering optimism, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 84. Born on March 2, 1939, in Edmonton, KY, Carlos was a passionate individual whose zest for life was evident to all who knew him. He was a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and his presence will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.
Carlos was the son of the late Doris Coleman VanZant and O'Dell VanZant, and he was preceded in death by his brother Jerry VanZant and sister Mazetta Norvell. He is survived by his children, Karla (Todd) Richey, Stacey (John) Ireland, Tonya (Donnie) Lauderbaugh, and Todd (David) VanZant; his grandchildren, Misti Griffin, Brookelyn Abubakar, Sr. Mary Grace Richey, Arika Burk, Tori Akshar, Kristin Ireland, and Ty Lauderbaugh; great grandchildren Asher, Jace, Adalyn, Cayden, Kirsten, Dylan. The legacy of Carlos's kind spirit, zest for life, and generosity will live on through them.
After graduating from Edmonton High School, Carlos pursued higher education and earned a degree in Banking. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a successful career in the financial sector. Carlos served with distinction as the Vice President of the trust department at Union Bank, where his dedication and expertise were highly valued by his colleagues and clients alike.
Carlos's interests and hobbies were a reflection of his multifaceted personality. An avid golfer, he found joy and relaxation on the greens, often accompanied by a refreshing beverage. His love for the sport was only matched by his passion for collecting antiques, a pursuit that allowed him to connect with history and preserve the stories of the past.
Those who knew Carlos would describe him as faith-filled, passionate, and optimistic. His unwavering faith guided him through life's challenges and triumphs, and his passion for his interests and love for his family were the cornerstones of his existence. His optimism was infectious, and he had the remarkable ability to see the good in every situation, a trait that inspired many.
A well-known quote that Carlos often shared with others, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, reflects his outlook on life: "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." This philosophy was evident in the way Carlos lived his life, always striving to do his best and encouraging others to reach beyond their perceived limits.
Carlos's life was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of family, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. As we remember him, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. His memory will be cherished, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Carlos Ray VanZant's life was a journey marked by love, dedication, and a ceaseless pursuit of happiness. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we take solace in the memories we shared and the knowledge that his legacy will endure through the lives of those he touched. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Jeffery Dale Duke
Jeffery Dale Duke, 34, passed on December 2nd, 2023. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana to Jeff and Rochelle Duke.
Jeff worked many trades but enjoyed drywalling with his grandpa Rick the most. He loved spending time with his kids and his family. Moose was well-known to give the shirt off his back and support the people he loved and cared for. He enjoyed watching his daughter play softball and spending quality time with his son. Jeff is finally resting at peace with the family he'd longed for.
Jeff leaves to cherish his memories, wife-Kylee Duke, daughter-Gabriella, son-Jeffery Jr, sister-Crystal Duke, nieces-Hazel and Harmony ,sister-in-law, Kassidy Harris, niece and nephew-Aubrey and Amias, brother-in-law Parker Harris, in-laws-Julie and Danny Harris, grandparents-Richard and Angelina Neuhauser, Sandy (Roger) Inks, aunts-Tamara (Jeffery) Bender, Deborah Watkins, uncle-Dan(Janie) Duke and a host of cherished cousins and friends.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Rochelle Duke - brother, Michael Duke, uncle, Frank McClish, and grandmother, Connie Collingsworth.
In lieu of followers or as an expression of sympathy, a donation may be sent to his children.
A celebration of life will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Dale Edward Swanson
Dale Edward Swanson, 70 years old, of Burlington, passed away 11:00 am Thursday November 30, 2023, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette. He was born in Rockford, IL, on January 29, 1953, the son of the late Kenneth and Lorraine (Petigrew) Swanson.
Dale was a 1971 graduate of East High School in Rockford, IL. He worked for Nutrien in Middlefork, then relocated to Delphi until his retirement. He was a good-hearted man and a great friend. His favorite hobbies were fishing, working on motors, and lighting off fireworks. He was a member of the Burlington Masonic Lodge.
Dale is survived by his twin brother, Dennis (Jackie) Swanson; siblings, Wayne (Nancy) Swanson, Chuck (Tana) Swanson, Nancy Shickles; friend, Ted (Joan Jarrard) Keller, Lance Loveless; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Swanson.
In honor of Dale’s wishes, there are no public services scheduled. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel in Burlington, IN has been entrusted with arrangements.