Obituaries, January 5, 2024
Roland William Mariotti
Roland William Mariotti, 94, Cicero, passed away at 2:47 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, at I.U. Health Tipton Hospital. He was born on June 17, 1929, to the late Ugo A. and Lena A. (Dini) Mariotti. He married Virginia A. Jaskolski on September 5, 1953, at St. Valentine’s Catholic Church, and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2014.
Roland graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in 1947 and attended college there and at Northwestern University. He served his country in the United States Army Signal Corp, and as a Non-Commissioned Communication Officer during the Korean War, sending and reporting vital communications between the US, Japan, and Korea. He also served as a Communications Lineman.
Most of his career Roland served as an Executive Salesman of stainless-steel piping in the Oil Industry, including accounts for the Alaska Pipeline and Amoco. He also retired from Grinnell Fire Protection after 15 years. His last job was a school bus driver for the Noblesville, IN. School District, a job he loved so much, protecting his young passengers.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the Cicero American Legion. Most of his life he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved to fish and spend time with his beloved dog, Madison, his ever-loyal companion.
Roland is survived by his children, Mary Katherine Mariotti, Michael J. (Terrelyn) Mariotti, Mark W. Mariotti, and Mitchell K. (Nancy) Mariotti; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Leah Reed and Celeste Mariotti; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. “Papa”, as he was called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, took great delight in being with them and seeing their pictures when he became immobile. He was truly a great man and is loved dearly by his family.
In addition to his wife Virginia, Roland was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 410 S. Pearl St, Cicero, IN. 46034, with Fr. Sean Pogue as the celebrant. Military honors will take place after mass and will be provided by the United States Army and the Cicero American Legion. Friends may visit with the family from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St, Russiaville. Graveside service will take place at 12:15 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cicero Indiana Fire Department and Paramedic Rescue Team, Cicero, IN. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Jimmie Dale “Chief” VanMeter
Jimmie Dale “Chief” VanMeter, 72, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:51 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health, in Kokomo. He was born May 10, 1951, in Dyce, Arkansas, to James A. and Alice J. (Eatmon) VanMeter. On May 1, 1971, he married Sue A. Cook, in Twelve Mile, Indiana, and she survives.
Jimmie graduated from Rochester High School in 1969 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1969 to 1993, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. After his military service, he worked at Chrysler as a material handler from 1995 until his retirement in 2016. He enjoyed riding his Harley, bow hunting and fishing.
In addition to his wife, Sue VanMeter, survivors include his sons, James (Chrissy) VanMeter, Timothy VanMeter (Kristi Russell), Bruce (Nichelle) VanMeter, and Thomas (Sean) VanMeter; sister, Cathy Zager; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, James VanMeter; mother, Alice Lugo; stepfather, Tom Lugo; son, Brad VanMeter; grandson, Cory VanMeter; and brother, Michael VanMeter.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Jimmie’s memory to Jackson Street Commons, a homeless veteran’s housing assistance facility. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Cheryl Lynn (McCormack) Milburn
Cheryl Lynn (McCormack) Milburn, 75, of Cutler, passed away 4:26 am Wednesday January 3, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. She was born in Logansport, IN, on August 27, 1948, the daughter of the late Ralph and Madaline (Allen) McCormack. On April 18, 1971, she married Henry Milburn, and he survives.
Cheryl was a graduate of Frankfort High School, and she attended Porter Business College. She held various jobs as an office assistant at National Seal, Purdue University, and she worked at the Dinner Bell in Burlington. When her daughters were born, she was a homemaker who cared for her husband and her family. Cheryl was a devout member of Burlington United Methodist Church where she served as the secretary and choir director. She was an active member of the Girl Scouts and the Order of the Eastern Star in Frankfort where she held several positions of office. Cheryl formerly wrote articles for the Burlington News in the Carrol Co. Comet. She participated in the Epworth Forest Choir School. She was an honorary member of the Classy Ladies Home Economics Club, a district officer and board member of the United Methodist Women, and she volunteered at the Carroll Elementary Library.
In addition to her husband Henry, she is survived by her daughters, Maureen (Michael) Steward, Benita (Jim) Plank, Melissa (Tony) Adams, Bonnie Clark; brother, Allen McCormack; grandchildren, Hailey Steward, Addison Steward, Tyler (Alyssa) Plank, Alexander (Tasha) Plank, Andrew Plank, Truman Plank, Darryl “D.J.” Plank, Joseph Adams, Jessica Adams, Jennavieve Adams, Jacey Adams, Erinn (Griffey) Saylor, Bishop (Kayla Proffitt) Clark; 5 great-grandchildren and another on the way; and her beloved dog, Tiny.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Everett and Mabel Allen; and grandson, Joshua Adams.
Cheryl’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Brickyard Healthcare, Compassus Hospice, and Ascension St. Vincent for the excellent and compassionate care she received.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Monday January 8, 2024, at Burlington United Methodist Church, 113 West 10th Street, Burlington, IN 46915. Funeral service will be held at 11 am Tuesday January 9, 2024, at the church with Rev. Mark Miller and Pastor Brad Burton officiating. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery in Cutler. Contributions may be made in Cheryl’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Keita Gay Davis
Keita Gay Davis, 66, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away January 3, 2024. She was born on November 21, 1957 in Kokomo, IN the daughter of Jack and Jerry (Lawson) DeShon.
Keita was a 1976 graduate of Western High School. She enjoyed her dog show career and was very successful and well respected.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 38 years, Roger Davis; special companion, Candy Kisses; and the other dogs, Quincy, Rain, Kobe; nephew, Jack Paul.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pam Gang; nephew, Robert "Bob" Gang.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 - 1:00 Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Entombment will follow. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Major Joann Ashcraft (Ret.)
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.
There will be a time of visitation for Major Joann on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. and the funeral service will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 11:00 A.M., at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902. Major David Luft will be officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Joann's memory to The Salvation Army Kokomo.
Patricia Sue Craig
Patricia Sue Craig, 85, formerly of Kokomo, IN, passed away 4:20 pm Friday, December 15, 2023, at Glenbrook Hospital, Glenview, IL. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on October 14, 1938, the daughter of the late John Pickett and Elizabeth (Vaile) Pickett.
Patricia was a graduate of Kokomo High School, and she attended Ball State University. She retired from Northwestern University where she worked as the Admissions Coordinator for 25 years. She was a member of the Phi Beta Psi Sorority, Job’s Daughter, and Daughters of the Revolution.
Patricia is survived by her children, Desiree (John V.) Killheffer, Michelle Craig (James Frenock), Steven (Julie) Craig; grandchildren, Kristen Craig (Mark Brask), Kendall Craig (Chris Kelley), and John O. Killheffer
She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, John (Mary) Pickett; mother, Elizabeth Vaile Pickett; paternal grandparents, Clyde and Nellie Pickett; maternal grandparents, Juva and Theodore Vaile; and uncle, Ted Vaile.
Graveside service will be held at 2:15 pm Friday March 29, 2024, at Albright Cemetery in Kokomo, IN. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Ruth Lorraine Sherrill
Ruth Lorraine Sherrill, age 88, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 8:28 AM at Waterford Place Health Campus. She was born to the late Walter J. and Mae Belle (Stonebraker) Morr in Ashley, Indiana. Ruth married Rodger Sherrill on May 31, 1952 in Hemlock, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on September 29, 1992.
Ruth graduated from Kokomo High School in 1952. She was employed for several years at St. Joseph Hospital as a CNA on the orthopedic floor. Ruth retired from Kroger after 10 years as a cashier. She loved traveling, enjoying food, and watching sports.
Ruth is survived by her children, Dennis (Marilyn) Sherrill, Rebecca (Jerry) Adams, Mark Sherrill, and Anita (Bruce) Haworth; grandchildren, Faith (Pete) Gordon, Myles (Nikki) Sherrill, Jessica Sherrill, Jarrod (Destini) Sherrill, Dustin Bohall, Chad Haworth, and Todd Haworth; grand-pup, Murphy Sherrill;19 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death is her loving husband of 40 years, Rodger; her parents; and her siblings, Robert Morr, Jeanette Lockhart, and Betty Stevens.
There will be a memorial service at a later date.