Obituaries, Feb. 24, 2023

Micah John Babcock

Micah John Babcock, 32, of Burlington, passed away 3:58 am Wednesday February 22, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 17, 1990, the son of Bruce Babcock and Sheila (Bean) Mayer.

Micah was a graduate of Western High School and earned an associate degree at Indiana University Kokomo. He was employed with Brownells Inc. as an IT consultant and had worked at Subaru as a team leader. He was a member of the Weedhopper Plane Community and enjoyed building planes. Micah was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, gunsmithing, and scuba diving. He was fascinated with wildlife, as well as environmental protection and sustainability. Micah appreciated riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and flying planes.

He is survived by his father, Bruce Babcock; mother, Sheila Mayer; siblings, Joel Babcock, Christian Babcock, Bethany Babcock, Hannah Babcock; significant other; Shelly Lennen; paternal grandparents, Charles and Burnell Babcock; aunts, Linda (Jay) Leonard, Jessica (Roger) Broussard; cousins, Robert Broussard, Steven Broussard, Dustin Magnett, Jason Magnett; great-aunt, Carolyn Babcock; and great uncles, Dan Bean, and Gene Bean

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Doris and Lester Bean; aunt, Renita Magnett; and great-uncle, Richard Babcock.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Monday February 27, 2023, at Chapel Hill Christian Church, 2600 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin 11 am on Tuesday February 28, 2023, at the church, with Pastor Steve Allen officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Micah’s memory to Chapel Hill Christian Church or the Delphi Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Carolee Stella Taylor

Carolee Stella Taylor, 86, of Kokomo, passed away 6:08 pm Wednesday February 22, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born in Peru, IN, on January 23, 1937, the daughter of the late Lee and Betty (VanDusen) Lesher.

Carolee was a graduate of Peru High School and graduated from cosmetology school in Kokomo. She worked for a furniture assembly store in Peru, and was a hairdresser, as well as a waitress at Harvey Hinklemeyers in Peru. She was a sweet and giving lady who loved socializing with others. She enjoyed crocheting, playing euchre, and playing Bingo. She prioritized time spent with her family. Carolee appreciated attending outings with her “Wellbrooke Gang of 8.”

She is survived by her children, Carl (Shelly Dowden) Taylor, Colleen Taylor; granddaughter, Erika Ulerick; great-granddaughter, Evelynn Ulerick; step-granddaughter, Marinna (Danny) Graham; step-great-granddaughters, Alyssa Skinner, Braylee Skinner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Betty Lesher; and son, Curtis Taylor.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 pm to 2 pm Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 2 pm on Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carolee’s memory to the Wellbrooke of Kokomo for their Life Enrichment and Activity Fund. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Aron Christopher Cottrell

Aron Christopher Cottrell, 52, of Bringhurst, was gathered into the arms of Jesus on Monday February 20, 2023, at St. Vincent 86th Street Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born to Ron and Carol (Ricker) Cottrell on May 26, 1970. He graduated from Carroll High School in 1989 and studied auto body at Ivy Tech Community College, graduating on August 3, 1990.

Aron loved his family and friends, spending time with them was very important to him. He would do anything for anybody in need. He loved caring for his animals like his dog Sugar and his cat Bell. He dedicated a lot of his time working on vehicles, breeding dogs, hunting, listening to 90’s country music, and taking road trips. Aron was a very hard working and caring person with a great sense of humor. He retired from Chrysler after 10 years of service. Aron Cottrell will be missed by all.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Cottrell; son, Arick Cottrell, daughter, Cheyenne Cottrell; aunt, Nancy; along with many beloved friends; and his pets, Sugar and Bell.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Cottrell; and brother, Arick Cottrell.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 to 7 pm Friday March 3, 2023, at the Burlington Park Community Building, 467 East 5th Street, Burlington, IN 46915. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Aron’s memory to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with expenses. A link is available on Aron’s obituary page to make a contribution. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Elaine Long (Rodkey)

Elaine Long (Rodkey), 81, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, February 20, 2023, and is now dancing with Jesus. She was born on August 1, 1941, to the late Earl and Alice (Morrison) Rodkey. On May 29, 1971, she married Wayne Long, and he survives.

Elaine graduated from Burlington High School in 1959. She held a paper route as a young person, then worked at Haags Drug Store, then Sears, where she retired as manager of the Receiving Department. She was a lifelong member of Faith Church of Christ.

Anyone that knew Elaine knew you could find her at a Carroll ballgame. She loved her Carroll Cougars especially the Lady Cougars, coached by her grandson, Brady. She was their biggest fan! She loved the New York Yankees, Purdue, Pacers, and the Colts!

Elaine is survived by her husband, Wayne Long of 51 years; children, Jeff (Corinne) Lytle of Burlington, and Shelly (Robert) Wiles of Burlington. Forever cherished by her grandchildren, Brandi (Brett) Butler, Brooke (Wylan) Graybill, Brady (Sydney) Wiles. Her pride and joy were her five great grandchildren, Bristol, Brody, Laila, Malia, and Quinnly. Her brother, whom she loved dearly, Rich Rodkey of Houston, TX. Special aunt, Nina Ehrman; and many special cousins. She was called “Grandma” by many, and “family” was not always blood.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Faith Church of Christ, 1701 Michigan Road, Burlington, IN., with Pastors Dave Falkenberg and Daniel Stephens officiating. Burial will take place in Burlington Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the church. Stout & Son Funeral Home- Neptune Chapel, has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Athletics-Lady Cougars Basketball Team, or Som-Bodies, a local mission of Faith Church of Christ that her two children are very active in.