Obituaries, Feb. 4, 2023
Bessie M. (Stagnolia) Williams
Bessie M. (Stagnolia) Williams, 86, Kokomo, went to be with Jesus, February 2, 2023, at North Woods Village in Kokomo. She was born February 18, 1936, in Speedwell, Tennessee, the daughter of the late William & Mary (Blissard) Stagnolia.
Bessie loved her family. She looked forward to their visits and enjoyed old time breakfasts together. She also loved her poodle puppies and playing Bingo. Bessie retired at the age of 81 from Syndicate Sales after 53 years of service. She will be sadly missed.
Bessie is survived by her sons, Ray (Connie) Williams, Kokomo, and Bobby Wallen, Jamestown, Tennessee; siblings, Eva (Mike) Thomas, Burlington, Fred (Wilma) Stagnolia, Jacksboro, Tennessee and William H. Stagnolia Jr., Galveston; grandchildren, Ray “Chug” (Andrea) Williams, Gina (Chris) Elmore, Travis (Lindsey) Williams, Nathan Williams and Shane (Kristie) Williams; along with 19 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Steven Wallen and Michael Wallen; siblings, James Stagnolia, Betty Sutton, Virginia Drain, Edith Stagnolia, Tennessee Smith, Rosie Abney, Patricia Nelson and Ella Faye Wilson.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, February 6, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, Burlington Chapel, 44 Michigan Street, Burlington, with Pastor Bill Fields officiating. Burial will follow in Geetingsville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11-1 pm Monday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.
Diana L. Laken
Diana L. Laken, 75, Noblesville and longtime former Kokomo resident, passed away at 11:40 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Brookdale of Carmel. She was born October 1, 1947, in Kokomo, the daughter of Valerie “Larry” & Normalee L. (McArtor) Grecu.
Diana was a 1965 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from Delphi Automotive in 2006 after 41 years of service to Delco Electronics and Delphi Automotive. She went on to work 2 years at Hyundai in Montgomery, Alabama.
She enjoyed working and, in her retirement, did cleaning to stay busy. She enjoyed walking and flowers and had been active in local bowling leagues. Diana was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed the Indianapolis Pacers and Colts.
She is survived by her children, Darrin (Kelly) Cook and Andrea Carie (Greg Heitman); five grandchildren, Gabrielle Cook, Cole Cook, Chase Cook, Austin Carie, Alex Carie; two great grandchildren, Carson Walker and Pynes Cook; her brother Joe (Dee) Grecu; nieces, Lisa Rittenhouse, Erin Agelakopoulos, Amy Suprenant; and her former husband and the father of her children, Larry Cook. She was preceded in death by her Parents and her brother, Doug Grecu.
Services will be held at 2pm Monday, February 6, 2023 at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Derek Aaron officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit from Noon until 2pm at the funeral home on Monday. Contributions may be made in Diana’s memory to Bona Vista. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Kermit Roger Hollingsworth
Kermit Roger Hollingsworth, 83, of Kokomo, died at 10:21 pm on Tuesday January 31, 2023. He was born in Kokomo on October 1, 1939, he was the son of Kermit Wesley and Ruth (Devore) Hollingsworth. He grew up in Galveston where he was active in Scouting, achieved the rank of Star Scout, and stayed close friends with his brother scouts and Scoutmaster Wayne Bahler for the rest of their lives. Roger graduated from Galveston High School, became a Free Mason, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Roger was a member of the Fellowship of Hope Club, proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the 82nd Airborne. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy. Roger retired from Chrysler after a career as a tool and die maker. Just like his father before him, he was known at work as “Holly.”
Roger continued an active lifestyle in retirement. He enjoyed many summer picnic gatherings at France Park with his family friends Aaron and Monica Logan and their extended family. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, going Big Game hunting all over the world with his good friend Stevie, and continually strived each day to be the best version of himself. He was known for his kindness, loyalty to his family and friends, love of 3-D puzzles, keen intellect, and love of the outdoors. He once said, “Nature is my church building.” A deeply private man, he felt a reverence and respect for all living things. If you had the opportunity to visit his home, you would know that no part of any animal was ever wasted. His lifetime collection of trophy mounts lined the walls, his front room table held the full-sized puma, and lastly, the hippopotamus head end table was the trophy of an unexpected hunt during his trip to Africa. The hippo was threatening a village’s watering hole and Roger was asked to help. The meat from the hippo fed 5 different villages.
He is survived by his companion of many years, Heather Sheagley; former wife and friend, Nedra Hollingsworth; sisters, Pam (Doug) Myers, Roberta (Edward) Dawson, and Paula Name; sons, Michael (Stacy) McCartney, Ty (Teresa) Hollingsworth; grandchildren, Katherine (fiancé Zye Reid) Hollingsworth, Ivan Hollingsworth, Viola Hollingsworth, Lucy Hollingsworth, Brandon McCartney, Brittany (Nate) Hursh, Amy (Nick) Dunlap, and Nick Reed; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; close friends, Stevie, Dave, Joe, Cookie, Liz and family, and Michelle.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ronald Name; and devoted canines, Claire and Little Dog.
Roger’s family would like to thank Heather Sheagley, Heather Atkins, and Jermaine Claitt for their compassionate and selfless care they gave around the clock to Roger for the last 5 1/2 weeks of his life. Thank you to Elara Caring Hospice. Thank you also to Hayden for helping in any way needed. Thank you to Jermaine’s daughers Jebréa and Maxine for supplying the smiles, new Fridge Art, and the happy sounds of childhood throughout the house that was music to Roger’s ears. The Kismet you have all been during this difficult time is beyond measure.
May his memory be blessed, and may the Good Lord lift him up and hold him close.
In honor of Roger’s wishes, he will be cremated and private burial will take place in Albright Cemetery. A memorial gathering will take place 1:00 to 1:30 pm Saturday February 18, 2023, at the Fellowship of Hope, 1301 North Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. Memorial service will begin at 1:30 on Saturday at the Fellowship of Hope. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Tonita J. Davidson
Tonita J. Davidson born, December 20, 1937, in Kokomo, IN passed away on January 30, 2023, from medical complications. Tonita was preceded in death by her two parents, Dorothy and Howard White as well as her sister, Mona Ramirez.
Tonita, also known as Toni, lived a full rich life. She leaves behind two adult children, son, Brett Davidson, and daughter, Darece Andi, both residing on the west coast; and sister, Willa Clark who resides in Kokomo.
Toni was involved for many years with the local UAW and retired from Delco Electronics. Upon her retirement, Toni, enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds. She had a love for animals, and she also loved helping people in need. She volunteered at a local thrift shop, was a long-time member of the local Catholic Church, and enjoyed telling jokes.
Toni will be missed.
In keeping with Toni's wishes, no services are planned at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.