Obituaries, January 4, 2024
Judy Ann Wainscott
Judy Ann Wainscott, 85, of Kokomo, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Primrose Retirement Community in Kokomo. She was born on July 24, 1938, to Edwin W. and Rosemary (Alvey) Stacer. On June 21, 1958, Judy married the love of her life and best friend W. David “Dave” Wainscott, in Indianapolis; he preceded her in death on December 17, 2018.
Judy graduated from Paul C. Schulte High School in Terre Haute, IN and went on to attend Indiana State. In her younger years, she was a counselor for her children’s youth group and an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Judy was an overall social person. She loved doing crafts with her grandchildren, was an avid reader, and loved cross stitching and painting. Judy and Dave loved traveling together and would often be found spending multiple days at state parks. She was an incredible mother, who loved her family, and taught them how to love others.
Judy is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Julia) Wainscott, Brad (Anne Quets) Wainscott, and Gregory (Pamela) Wainscott; grandchildren, Brittany (Louie) Wilkinson, Kourtney (Justin) Sander, Chelsea (Zach) Ellis, Joseph (Lindy) Malkoff, Jordan Malkoff, Joshua (Kimi) Wainscott, Maria Wainscott, Sarah (Chris) Oswalt, Nick and Emma Nguyen, Lael (Matthew) Bender, and Brandon Wainscott; 3 great-grandchildren, Charlotte-Ren and Evelyn Ellis, and Emory Oswalt.
She was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband of 60 years, Dave.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 4:00 pm at Shirley and Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, the celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 2 pm until the time of the service, on Friday, at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jason “Woobie” Robert Mygrant
Jason “Woobie” Robert Mygrant (38) of Kokomo, IN, passed away on January 1, 2024. He is survived by his parents, David and Joyce (West) Mygrant; his brothers Matthew (Christy) Mygrant and Michael (Heather) Mygrant; nephews Tyler, Isaiah, Deacon; and niece Nora; Grandmother Mary Lou (Babb) West; Aunts and Uncles Mark (Dennis Kurtz) Mygrant; Doug (Dea) Mygrant; Bev (Randy) Jones; Mark (Terri) West; Anna (Robert) Kemp. Additional survivors include many loving cousins who adored him and always greeted him with warm hugs. Additional survivors also include special family Kevin and Brandi McClain (Payton, Chloe, Regan, Carter) and Frank and Cathy Cox. He is preceded in death by grandparents Carl and Phyllis (Caton) Mygrant and Robert West and Aunt Sarah West.
Since his birth on October 16, 1985, Jason embraced life fully and was an absolute blessing to all who had the joy of being a part of his life. He loved spending time with family - especially his brothers Matt and Michael, his niece and nephews, and, of course, his parents Dave and Joyce. As an avid sports fan, Jason cherished his Kokomo All Sports Pass and attended every Kokomo Wildkats game possible; he had many friends wherever he went, especially in the bleachers rooting for his home team. When not watching the Kats or cheering on the Hoosiers, Jason’s love for sports continued to his own Special Olympics bowling and basketball teams… where he was often recognized for his positive leadership and attitude during games.
Jason was the epitome of a good sport off the court, too, being patient with his vibrant niece and nephews, finding joy in even the seemingly most simple tasks and days, and knowing how to tease and be teased by his family and friends. His positive energy, big blue eyes, and infectious laugh lit up our lives daily.
Jason loved Jesus. It was natural and easy; it was essential! His leaving this world is so hard on everyone who loved him, but he is now walking with Jesus, face to face, perfect in every way.
Jason loved to gather with others and to celebrate. His celebration of life will include a visitation at Crossroads Church South Campus, 4254 S 00 EW Kokomo, on Saturday, January 6, from 9 AM -11 AM with funeral services following at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jason's memory may be made to Howard County Special Olympics, C/O Nicole Irwin, 1715 S. Union St., Kokomo, Indiana 46902; and Bridges Outreach, 208 N. Main St., Kokomo, Indiana 46901.
Ira Dean
Ira Dean, 80, of Kokomo, passed away at 3:40 am Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Century Villa Healthcare in Greentown. He was born in Bulls Gap, TN, on August 5, 1943, the son of the late Ira and Maryann (Dyer) Dean.
Ira arrived in the Kokomo area in 1959 with the help of his older brother, Fred. He worked at the Lincoln Elevator near Walton, IN briefly before enlisting in the US Army. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado where he was a gunner on an 81mm mortar, earning the rank of E-4 Specialist. Upon completion of his service in 1962, he returned to Kokomo and worked at Continental Steel in skilled trades as a pipefitter for 22 years until its closure in 1986. He went to night school and proudly earned his GED in 1987. He was hired as a pipefitter at Chrysler in 1991, retiring in 2016. Ira enjoyed his work and camaraderie with his friends on the job. Ira never met a stranger and had the best sense of humor. He attended Helm Street Church of God in Logansport. He loved the West and taking trips to Colorado where he spent vacations off-roading in the mountains. Ira also loved the open road and going on rides with friends on his Honda Goldwing.
He is survived by his children, Brian Dean, Hannah (Michael) Henry, John (Kacee) Dean; grandchildren, Ashleigh (William) Black, Alec Dean, Alannah (David) Clement, Makayla (Chris) McLeod, Kipling Dean, Zeke Dean, Titus Dean; great-grandchildren, Kenleigh Dean, Jaycen Clement; mother of two of his children, Joyce Dean; sister, Blanche Dean; brother, Bob Dean; and sister-in-law, Ethel Dean.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and five siblings.
The family would like to thank those special healthcare workers at Bloom of Kokomo and Century Villa in Greentown for their immeasurable care, support, and friendship with Ira over the last several years.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 5 pm Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 11 am Monday, January 8, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Dean Snyder officiating. A link will be available on Ira’s obituary page to view the funeral at 11 am on Monday. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ira’s memory to the Helm Street Church of God in Logansport. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jack D. McKinney
Jack D McKinney, age 78, of Bringhurst, Indiana passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
A public visitation for Jack will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at UAW Local 1166, 2761 N. 50 E., Kokomo, Indiana 46901. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM, 2761 N. 50 E., Kokomo, Indiana 46901. An entombment will occur Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Wilma Jean Hughes
Wilma Jean Hughes, 90, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:30 am on Tuesday, January 3, 2024, at Primrose Retirement Community of Kokomo.
She was born in Patricksburg, IN on November 18, 1933, the daughter of Earl and Helen (Orman) Staley. She grew up in Clay City, IN. On March 28, 1955, she married James J. Hughes in Indianapolis, IN. He preceded her in death on June 9, 1999.
Jean moved to Kokomo with her husband, Jim in 1956. She raised two sons. She worked in the Howard County Voters Registration Office and for the Department of Motor Vehicles License Branch. In 1985, Jim and Jean retired to Sun City Center, FL. She was active in the South Hillsborough Church of Christ, enjoyed traveling and attending live theatre. Jean returned to Kokomo in 2019 to be closer to family.
She is survived by her son, Steven Hughes, Kokomo; daughter-in-law, Jean Hughes, Morton, IL; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; son, Michael Hughes; brother, Don Staley; and sister-in-law, Jane Staley.
The family would like to thank the staff of Primrose Retirement Community of Kokomo and Paradigm Health Hospice for their loving care of Wilma Jean.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Kokomo Civic Theatre. Ellers Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. All services will remain private. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Major Joann Ashcraft
Major Joann Ashcraft (Ret.), age 70, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. She was born on April 9, 1953, in Kokomo to the late Charles Suits and Edna (Hartsock) Suits. Joann married Ralph Ashcraft on March 14, 1975, in Kokomo and he preceded her in death.
Major Joann served as a Salvation Army Officer for 33 years before retirement. She moved from Missouri to North Dakota to finally, Indiana. Joann was mother to all and knew no stranger. Not only did she adopt her son, Joshua, she chose him. She began as a tenacious rebel and became a caring and powerful follower of God. Her granddaughters were the most important thing in her life and the love of her husband, Ralph Ashcraft, carried her on for the rest of her life. She will not only be kept safe in the memory of the family members she loved, but also her spiritual and loving church family and friends. She gave of her life, her love, her time, and her spirit.
She is survived by her son, Joshua Ashcraft and daughter in love, Noelle Ashcraft; two granddaughters, Tayla Anne and Dana Arabella Gwen Ashcraft; brother, Phillip "Ed" Suits; sister-in-law, Connie Schoby and three nephews, Michael, Mark, Matthew Valadez.
Preceded in death is her loving husband of 38 years, Ralph Ashcraft; brother-in-law, Bill Schoby; and her parents.