Obituaries, February 14, 2024
Gary Roy Kelley
Gary Roy Kelley, 84, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024. He was born March 9, 1939, in Oakford, Indiana, to the late John M. and Ethel F. Kelley.
Gary graduated from Sharpsville High school in 1957. He married Sharon Hubbard December 11, 1959, and together they raised 2 sons. He worked at Chrysler for 32 years before his retirement. He was a member of Local #685. During his free time, he enjoyed racing, hunting, and tinkering around the garage.
Gary is survived by his wife Sharon Kelley; his sons Bret Kelley (Mary Anne) and Gary Kelley (Ronette); his sister Shirley Martin; his grandchildren Kayla Floyd (Jarred), Kourtney Simms (Jacob), E'lisa Kelley, David Shanklin (Lindsay), and Patrick Holden; and 7 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind special friends James and Lila Jones.
In addition to his parents Gary is preceded in death by 10 siblings.
A visitation for Gary will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.
James W. “G.E.M.” Gifford Sr.
James W. “G.E.M.” Gifford Sr., 74, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on September 4, 1949, in Kokomo, IN, the son of the late John F. and Elena (Bowlsby) Gifford. On March 23, 1974, James married Anita A. Miller, and she survives.
Together, James and Anita had six children; Alan Prater, Renée (Bob) Robertson, M. Susie (Michael) Dye, Angela McKinley, James W. “Bud” Gifford Jr., Shamra (Kevin) Cowan; and a tribe of 57 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He owned and operated Jim’s Electrical Inc. and formerly owned and operated BJ’s Restaurant. James was the third generation of electricians in his family. He enjoyed having family around, telling stories, and playing golf, cards, billiards, and playing pranks; he never knew a stranger. He was a member of Kempton Missionary Baptist Church. James was a member of the Howard Masonic Lodge No. 93.
James is survived by his wife; 6 children; 57 grandchildren; brother, Joseph Gifford; and sister, Debi Osborne. Greeting him at the Pearly Gates with a deck of cards are his parents; brother, John II; sister, Delena K.; great-granddaughter, Rory Eller; and several other family members and friends.
A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1 pm, at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Bill Hale and Joe Gifford, officiating. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 8 pm, on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the funeral home, with a service starting at 7:30 pm, from the Howard Masonic Lodge #93, paying tribute to James and his lifelong commitment to the Freemasons. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
James was a happy person so if you will be coming to pay farewell, please wear something cheery.
Frank Hosan Vail
Frank Hosan Vail, 97, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away in his home on Sunday, February 11, 2024. He was born in Forest, Indiana to the late Clarence and Nellie (Gainitdinova) Vail. He grew up on a farm in Middlefork.
Frank served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. He worked for Stellite and Chrysler as a tool and die maker for 41 years before his retirement in 1995. He had a love for flying, he learned how to fly an airplane by the age of 15. He owned his own runway and hangar where he maintained and repaired aircraft as an A+P mechanic and a certified FAA aircraft inspector.
Though flying was his passion, his one true love was his wife, Martha. He and Martha married August 6, 1966, and together they had 3 sons. During the last few years Frank and Martha ate at Cracker Barrel every day, becoming true regulars. Frank could talk to anyone about anything especially if the topic fell along the lines of politics, airplanes, or the military.
He is survived by his loving wife Martha Vail; his sons Kevin Vail and Danny (Stacey) Vail; and his 3 grandsons Kyler Vail, Casey (Haley) Vail, and Carson Vail.
In addition to his parents Frank is preceded in death by his son David Frank Vail; and his siblings Allen "Tiny" Vail, Mary Johnson, William Vail, and Francis Vail.
A visitation for Frank will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.
Myra Ann Pointer
Myra Ann Pointer, 64, of Kokomo, passed away at 9:25 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health, in Kokomo. She was born March 31, 1959, in Kokomo, to K. Darrell and Marcia M. (Salmon) Needler. On July 2, 1977, she married William D. Pointer, in Kokomo, and he survives.
Myra graduated from Taylor High School in 1977 and earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Indiana University Kokomo in 2000. She had worked as a nurse for Sycamore Village, Dr. Frazier, Dr. King, Dr. Westrom, St. Joseph Hospital at Home Healthcare and Community Howard Surgery Center. Myra loved to sew and read and enjoyed photography. She was a member of Chapel Hill Christian Church, where she served on the Pre-School Board, a founding staff member of Narrow Gate Horse Ranch, and a volunteer at Birthright of Kokomo.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her children, Brooke (Robert) Harwood and Travis Pointer; brother, Brett (Terry) Needler; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Steve Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Matthews Cemetery in Grant County. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Myra’s memory to Narrow Gate Horse Ranch, 13205 S. 200 W., Kokomo, IN 46901, https://narrowgatehorseranch.breezechms.com/give/online. Messages of condolence can be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Frances Faye Simpson
Frances Faye Simpson, 71, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Frances was born on December 6, 1952, in Peru, Indiana, to Lydia Adell Allen and Russell C. Allen. She was the youngest of 3 children and was always considered our ‘little sister’ by her much older brothers. On June 4, 1977, she married William R. Simpson and together they had a son, Royce Allen Simpson in 1982.
Frances graduated from Kokomo Haworth High School in 1970. While there she was active in several choral groups and continued her choir activities in church choirs through much of her adult life. Following high school, she was educated and worked for many years as a Certified Professional Secretary for various firms in Indianapolis and Kokomo. She also served as the president of the Indiana chapter of the Professional Secretary Association. Later-on, she was a managing partner/founder of Simpson Enterprises with her husband, Bill, and then became the sole manager of the enterprise upon his passing in 2016.
Frances was very devoted to all of her family … husband, child, parents and brothers, as they were the center of her universe. She was seemingly more attentive to her families’ well-being than her own. She loved to attend and support many of the recreational activities of her son’s marching band competitions, her son’s and husband’s Scouting activities, and her brother and nephew’s off-road motorcycle racing. Her gentleness, compassion and ‘old school’ kindness extended well beyond her family and to her friends. As an example. Frances always sent a handwritten thank-you note to formally acknowledge even the smallest of gift to her. And despite her RA dexterity challenges, these notes were written with absolutely beautiful penmanship.
Frances was an extraordinary cook. She learned many of her cooking skills from her mother, who was also an accomplished cook, and then honed them to perfection over the years. She enjoyed nothing more than treating a family member with one of their favorite meals, whenever they got together. The size and scope of her cookbooks meticulously assembled over the years are legendary, and yet she was always trying out new recipes and/or trying to further improve an existing one. She also was quite accomplished at knitting and crocheting and even founded and lead a knitting group at Grace United Methodist Church that made various items for donation to charity.
Frances is survived by her loving son, Royce Allen Simpson; her brother, Floyd (Denise) Allen; her nephew, Scott Allen; her niece by marriage, Jennifer Allen; great-nephew, Michael (Kelly Whaling) Allen; and great-niece, Jane (Blake) Goodwin; and many other family members and friends.
Frances is preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents, Lydia A. and Russell C. Allen, and her brother, Ralph M. Allen.
Frances’ wonderful loving compassionate spirit will be fondly remembered and live forever with her family and friends.
Visitation for Frances will take place on Mon., Feb. 19, from 4-7 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St. A funeral service for Frances will follow on Tue., Feb. 20, at 11 a.m.
Lisa G. Wimmer
Lisa G. Wimmer, age 62, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024.
A public visitation for Lisa will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. An entombment will occur Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Stacey L. Wright
Our hearts are broken to say that Stacey L. Wright, 47 of Converse, IN. passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, surrounded by family and her fiancé. Stacey was born November 23, 1976, in Marion, IN. to Dave and Laurie Perin. Family and friends were a vital part of her daily life. Stacey graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1995 where she was a fierce competitor in the Diving and Softball Teams. Stacey was beautiful inside and out, had an amazing smile and will be deeply missed. While we know she is in heaven, we have been beyond blessed to share each moment of her life here on earth.
She was a die cast operator at the Stellantis Castings Plant in Kokomo and a member of UAW Local 1166. She had just completed courses towards a real estate license. Prior occupations include waitress, bartender, Massage Therapist, and retail shift supervisor. Stacey was a kind and caring daughter, mother, sister, friend, and volunteer. She was loved by all her work friends and co-workers. Stacey was so excited to be married on Valentines Day. Her kindness and caring continues after her passing with her gifts to the Indiana Donor Network.
She loved to be outside with her face lifted to the sun, gardening, sunflowers, mowing her five acres or attending her kids’ sporting events. She loved cooking and doing projects with Craig at the ranch. Stacey was an animal lover and loved her fur babies Eddie and Rex. She brought her Bub (Logan) and Sis (Maddie) into the world and will live through them and the future they will bring.
She is survived by her parents; son, Logan Beall 21, of Kokomo; daughter, Madeline Dennison 19, of Kokomo; best friend/fiancé, Craig Reed Converse; her brother, Joshua Perin of Sycamore, (Ramsey and Paizley); her maternal grandmother, Janice Lankenau of Marion, many loving Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins located all over the country. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Arnold Lankenau, and paternal grandparents, Stanley and Margaret Perin.
A Celebration of Stacey’s Life will be held soon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Donor Network. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Jacquline “Jackie” Jean Smith
Jacquline “Jackie” Jean Smith, 69, of Kokomo, passed away 12:26 pm Thursday February 8, 2024, at her home. She was born on January 10, 1955, in Manistee, MI, the daughter of Jack and Joanne (Kruell) Carlson. On April 5, 1980, she married Dick Smith, and he survives.
Jackie graduated from Manistee High School. She held jobs at Haynes International, Michigan State University, and her longest tenure was at V.I.A Systems as a circuit board supplier. She assisted with 4-H programs with children. Jackie adored her grandchildren and loved them dearly. She was passionate about taking road trips to Michigan, spending time on the beach, and shooting guns.
In addition to her husband of nearly 44 years, she is survived by her children, Dustin (Ginny) Smith, Hayley (Josh) Tedder; grandchildren, Braden Smith, Maddox Smith, Maddison Tedder, Jayley Tedder, Talon Tedder, Tayley Tedder; father, Jack Carlson; stepson, Chad (Christine) Smith; brothers, Robert (Tricia) Carlson, Jody Carlson; father and mother-in-law, Dick and Mary Smith; and brothers-in-law, Dan Smith, Dave Smith.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Carlson; brothers, Craig Carlson, and Steve Carlson.
Jackie’s wishes were to be cremated and her final resting place will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee, MI. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.