Obituaries, February 5, 2025

Mark Allen McAninch

Mark Allen McAninch, born October 13, 1968, to Linda L. (Hunter) McAninch & Richard N. McAninch, got called home to Heaven on January 22, 2025. An outgoing, jovial man who was often described as the life of the party, Mark's spirit and zest for life will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. His life was marked by many accomplishments, including his graduation from Taylor High School in 1987, a successful career as a welder and mechanic, his skills as an ASE certified mechanic, as well as a successful pool business, Citrus Pool & Spas in Inverness, FL. Throughout his life, Mark consistently demonstrated an eagerness to lend a helping hand and often lightened the atmosphere with his silliness and sense of humor.

Mark leaves behind a loving family, including fiancée Julia Stanford, his daughters Sabrina Megan McAninch (Danny), Bri-Ann (Josh) Belzer, Ashley (Blake) Abney, and son Austin Lee Richardson (Bailey), of Kokomo, along with special bonus kids Thomas (Rachel) Harrison, and grandchildren Cayden Lee, Dylan, Kaiden, Keegan, Greysen, Ace, Lyric, Coda, Gracelynn, LeAnn, and Paige.

He is also survived by his sister Christy (Jerry) McAninch Yard, by his nieces Stefanie (Adam) Street, Erin (Brad) Risley, Jamie (Justin) Markley, and Sarah (Ryan) Markley, nephews Dustin (Claudette) McAninch, Joseph Yard and fiancée Ginnie McNally, and Craig Yard (Emily), lifelong friends Joe Berg, Casey Siefers, Galen Shipp, Kimberly Klumpp, and Jan Gilliam, special friends Steve (Velvet) Bonom.

Mark was predeceased by his mother Linda Lou McAninch, his father Richard N. McAninch, his brother, Richard “Dickie” McAninch, and another brother, Michael Scott McAninch. Mark is predeceased by close friends Brett Brookshire and Tim Hankins.

Mark experienced many joys in his life. One of such significant moments occurred in 1989 when he married Tracy L. Cull. Although they were not together, they remained close friends for years, and she precedes him in death. In 1994, he welcomed the birth of his daughter on April 20 and the birth of his son on April 26, adding more joy to his life. He relocated to Ocala, FL, in 2002 where he enjoyed working on cars, going fishing, listening to ‘80s rock, being with family, and enjoying the weather in the Sunshine State.

Mark's outgoing personality, helpful nature, and his contributions to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. Mark's passing is a reminder to all of us, of the transitory nature of life. Yet, in his memory, we find the strength to celebrate the life he lived, the love he shared, and the laughter he spread. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones. Mark McAninch will be greatly missed, but his indomitable spirit will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with his nephew Pastor Justin Markley officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory to assist the family with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Shirley Jean Clark

Shirley Jean Clark of Kokomo, IN, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 2, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born April 21, 1935, in Kokomo to the late Kenneth and Marie Caster.

Shirley graduated from Kokomo High School in 1953 and loved being on her class reunion committee for 70 years. She worked at Delco Electronics for nearly 30 years before her retirement in 1994. After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering at the Kokomo Visitors Bureau for several years. She was an avid bowler, swimmer, and traveler, and even went on a whitewater rafting trip at age 50. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family at her beloved lake house in North Webster, IN.

Shirley is survived by: her children Tina (Kevin) Leonard, Steven (Julie) Clark, Rusty Clark, and Janene (AJ) Krent; grandchildren Traepha, Michelle, Micah, Zack, Stephanie, Abigail, and Aaron; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Kenneth (Linda) Caster, sister Cindy Steen; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years Gilbert “Sonny”, brother Jack, and sister Betty.

Visitation will be Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 pm., at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Rd. Kokomo. Shirley's funeral service will be Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the same location at 10:00 a.m., followed immediately by burial at the Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Bona Vista of Kokomo.

Harriett “Joann” Monroe

Harriett “Joann” Monroe, 88, of Kokomo, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on September 19, 1936, in Muncie, Indiana, the daughter of the late Roy and Peggy (Hedrick) Sites. On June 25, 1955, she married William “Bill” Murray Monroe, in Muncie, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on March 20, 2000.

Joann graduated from Harrison High School in 1955. She retired from Delco Electronics in 1993 after 30 years. Joann enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre, but her favorite thing to do was watch her grandchildren play sports. Joann was a member of Main Street Christian Church where she was a ladies’ aid, a volunteer for Vacation Bible School, and a member of the Senior Group.

Joann is survived by: her sons William “Lee” (Shari) Monroe and Rob Ogden; grandchildren Jackie (Dave) Merica, Jeremy Reed, Wesley Weir, Chris Weir, Joanna Phillips, Michelle Monroe, Lindsay Eden, and Chelsea Parham; and great-grandchildren Will Huffer, Austyn Huffer, Devin Huffer, Hannah Merica, Hilary Merica, Addy Weir, Harper Weir, Evelyn Weir, Hayden Weir, Savannah Weir, Emily Weir, Aidan Weir, Addison Eden, Bailey Eden, Lucie Parham, and Georgia Parham.

Along with her husband of 44 years William “Bill” Monroe, Joann is preceded in death by her children Cheryl Weir and Debbie Ogden, a brother, and three sisters.

A funeral service celebrating Joann’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street Russiaville, with Christian Church Minister Wayne Janner officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society in Joann’s name. Messages of condolence may be made at www.stoutandson.com.

Michael Edward “Mike” Crone

Michael Edward “Mike” Crone, 86, Kokomo, passed on February 1, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent-Kokomo. He was born November 21, 1938, in Kokomo, the son of Russell “Rut” Crone and Beulah Rose (St. John) Crone. On September 2, 1961, he married Kathleen (Walker), and she survives.

Mike graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. He attended Indiana University, earning an MBA degree and graduating in 1964. He went on to work at Delco as an engineer for over 30 years. After his retirement he went on to work part-time for Howard County. Mike was known to be quick-witted and knowledgeable on war facts. In his later years he enjoyed model plane building and rooting for Notre Dame football. Mike was known by his family as a penny pincher, which was evident in his coupon clipping and weekly Kroger ad hunting for deals and savings.

Mike is survived by: his loving wife Kathleen; his three daughters Renée (Chris) Kinney, Michelle Crone, Andrea (Michael) Mason; his grandchildren Kathryn “Katie” Berry, Jordan Owens, Ezra Berry, Sydney McIlrath, Nolan Mason, Dalton Berry, and Colin Mason; great-grandchildren Olivia and Freya Owens; and his brother Patrick “Pat” Crone. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He will be interred at Sunset Memory Garden. A Celebration of Life will be held this following Spring for friends and family to remember Mike. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.