Obituaries, January 17, 2024
Mary Joann Lawrence
Mary Joann Lawrence, age 74, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away in her peaceful home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was born July 9, 1949, in Peru, Indiana to the late Dan and Edna Miller.
Mary was an amazing inspiration to us all. She believed a simple, honest life was the best. She was a special, one-of-a-kind, sweet soul. She had the unique gift of seeing beauty in everything and everyone.
Mary devoted her life to serving others through creative styling and cutting hair. Her passion was shown through to others as she taught and trained the next generations of stylists to come. She loved taking care of others and their hair for many years. She worked at several salons throughout her career. Meeting and working alongside many fabulous, original stylists. At Solutions, she was a part-owner for many years and retired when she was 71. The Solutions crew, they were her girls. She loved them, and they loved her.
Later in life, her passion for flowers led her to work at Salisbury Garden Center on the weekends, where she continued to empower people in a new flowery way.
She loved nature and would be the first to find a deer in any landscape. This warmed her heart. Mary loved giving her services and labor talents for others around her. If there was a job to be done, she was there, with her tools, dressed for the job, and ready to stay until completion. Hobbies also included bowling and traveling.
Her children survive her: LaShelle (Lawrence) and Mark Anderson, Leah Lawrence and Patrick Beasley, and Shane Lawrence. Her grandchildren: Mady Anderson, Mason Anderson and Carlie Ritchie, Isak and Olivia Lam, and Henley Hood. Allen Lawrence also survives her. Her siblings: Wayne and Darlene (Sommers) Miller, Alma Miller, Verba (Miller) and Carson Engel, and Larry and Connie (Columbus) Miller. Her bestie, Jane (Leap) Reid, survives her. She has many loved nieces and nephews surviving her.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by Janet (Miller) Nix.
A visitation for Mary will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Abundant Life Church, 1025 County Rd E 400 S, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM by Pastor Caylob Baldwin.
Kathy L. Wiley
Kathy L. Wiley, 73, received her heavenly reward and passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, at 4:30 am surrounded by family. Kathy was born June 11, 1950, in Kokomo, the daughter of Richard Max and Margaret (Pavey) Shue. On July 25, 1970, in West Lafayette, IN she married Keith Andrew Wiley who preceded her in death on November 16, 1995. They celebrated 25 years of marriage.
Kathy was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School. She attended Purdue University, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Education. After graduation, she spent a few years substitute teaching, but devoted a majority of those years to raising her family. In 1986 she found her true calling in education and started her career as a preschool teacher at First Presbyterian Little School. She retired in 2013 after 27 years of touching the lives of countless children in and around Kokomo. After retirement, she spent time subbing at Taylor Middle School and High School and was beloved by many students.
Kathy was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. She was a member of One Church and had previously been a member of both First Baptist and Judson Baptist churches. In addition to her faith, her greatest joy was her family. After raising her five children, she was blessed with ten grandchildren. She was always their biggest and most vocal fan and spent many hours in the bleachers watching baseball, basketball, soccer, and football games, as well as gymnastics, diving and track meets.
Kathy’s memberships included being a Lifetime member of the Purdue Alumni Association, John Purdue Club and the Kokomo Great Banquet Community. She was also a past member of Tri-Kappa. She loved watching Purdue sports and was a season ticket holder for both Purdue Men’s Basketball and Football. In the fall she enjoyed tailgating with family and friends prior to the games. She was a past 10-year 4-H member and later spent many years volunteering with the local 4-H program. She and Keith were inducted into the Howard County 4-H Hall of Fame in 2005. For the last several years, she judged projects at many county 4-H fairs.
Kathy is survived by her loving family, including her children, Kyle (Julie) Wiley, Kelly (Ryan) Hillman, Kirk (Amanda) Wiley, Kokomo, Kasey (Dona) Wiley, Pegram, TN, Kara (Andrew) Alender, Franklin, IN; grandchildren, Garrett and Kayleigh Wiley, Sydney and Regan Hillman, Landon and Keaton Wiley, Noah and Ava Wiley, Greyson and Miles Alender; sister, Sue Davis, Kokomo; and brother-in-law, Joe (Debbie) Wiley, Huntington, IN. Additional survivors include several nieces and nephews and her special cousin’s lunch group.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and in-laws, Harry & Phoeba Wiley.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 19, 2024, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington, Kokomo, IN 46902, with Pastor Tim Gates officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 4-8 pm on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the church, and from 10 am until the time of the service on Friday, at the church. Burial will follow the service in Crown Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church - Little School or One Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr Hayek and the staff at Ascension Oncology, Guardian Angel Hospice, and the staff at North Woods Village, especially Teri and Roshanda, for the comfort and care they provided during mom’s final days. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
David Bryn “Dave” Edwards
David Bryn “Dave” Edwards, 72, of Kokomo, passed away at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. He was born September 22, 1951, in Noblesville, to Robert Ross and Wanda Lucille (Wright) Edwards. On August 17, 1974, he married Debra J. Garinger, at the Deerfield Methodist Church in Deerfield, Indiana, and she survives.
Dave graduated from Taylor High School in 1969 and attended Purdue University and Ball State University. He worked in sales and management for Wesco for 37 years before retiring. He had previously worked for the Indiana State Highway Department and Cuneo Press. Dave enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping and sitting by the fire. He also enjoyed watching football. He was a member of the Kokomo Elks Lodge #190, the Square Dance Club, and Fresh Start Ministries, where he was the keyboardist for the praise and worship team.
In addition to his wife of 49 years, Debra Edwards, survivors include sons, Jason (Tiffany) Edwards, Ryan (Amy) Edwards, and Tim (Arielle) Edwards; grandchildren, Jaclynn, Cadence, Theodore, Grady, Jude, and Dawson Edwards; and sister and brother-in-law, who was his best friend, Nina and Thomas Swain.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kip Edwards.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Fresh Start Ministries, 801 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo, with Pastors Chad Collins and Justin Markley officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Reitenour Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo. Contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Fresh Start Ministries. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Lisa Lynn Pittman
Lisa Lynn Pittman, 59, of Logansport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home after a long battle with cancer with her loved ones by her side. She was born May 13, 1964, in Kokomo to Cyril and Martha (Cook) Diehl. She married Mike Pittman on July 8, 1985, in Lebanon, Kentucky and he survives.
Lisa graduated from Lewis Cass High School in Walton in 1982. She worked at Moore’s home health for 10 years in Kokomo and then became a stay-at-home mom which she adored. Lisa enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved her primitives and working in her flower gardens. One of her favorite pastimes was mushroom hunting which was also her favorite time of the year.
Surviving family include her husband Mike of Logansport; her three children, Anthony and Jodie Pittman, Joshua Pittman, and Justin and Brianne Pittman all of Logansport. She is also survived by three grandchildren Brayden, Tyler, and Ella Pittman and another on the way. Also surviving are three siblings Jeff and Karen Diehl of Kokomo: Vicki and Bob Riley of Kokomo and Randy Diehl of Lincoln. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Martha Diehl, sister, Dedra Diehl, and a very special niece, Jessica Diehl.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Winston Bennett
Winston Bennett was placed into the arms of his heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana. Even though his time was short, Winston was deeply loved and will always be remembered by those that loved him.
“Although I never held you in my arms, my heart will hold you forever.” ~Brenda Kosciuk
Winston was the cherished son of Randy Bennett & Nachelle Carter. In addition to his parents, Winston was loved and is survived by his siblings, Little Randy, Sarah, Axle, Diesel, and Kory; as well as grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Winston was welcomed into heaven by his nana, Angie Bennett, and uncles, Cory Carter and Kevin Carter.
Although we weren’t together long,
My love for you grew so strong.
I loved carrying you in my tummy for the short time that we shared,
I hope you could feel how much I loved you and cared.
You were a heartbreaking reminder of how precious life is,
I’ll always try to focus on the good in mine, I promise you this.
I miss you my darling and will love you forever.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to care for Winston’s family in their time of need. To share a word of encouragement with his family please visit his tribute page.
Carol Ruth Fleenor
Carol Ruth Fleenor, 85, of Galveston, passed away at 7:47 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born April 10, 1938, in Kokomo, to Orville C. and Amilia E. (Kronenberg) Waltman. On September 14, 1957, she married Ronald Lee Fleenor, in Kokomo, and he preceded her in death on January 4, 2023.
Carol graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. She was a loving wife, devoted to her husband, Ronald, for 66 years. She was an amazing, dedicated mother to her two sons, Michael and Lee and their families. Carol always put her family’s needs in front of her own. She demonstrated kindness, compassion, tolerance, understanding, generosity and attention to the care and needs of others on a daily basis. Carol encouraged her family members to live an honest and upstanding life with a special emphasis on life-long learning. She taught us all, not only by words, but also by living a great life, always demonstrating the values and beliefs that support and encourage all to do their best and to help others as often as possible. She was a member of the Knutty Knitters Club in Galveston.
Survivors include her son, Lee (Catherine) Fleenor; grandchildren, Kaylee, Ethan, Levi, Christopher and Kara Fleenor; and great-granddaughter, Autum Fleenor.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Fleenor; brothers, Jack, Harold, Glenn and David Waltman; and sister, Mary Jane Fye.
In keeping with Carol’s wishes, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carol’s memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission or the Salvation Army. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Cremation has been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo.