Obituaries, July 14, 2023
Nell Alice Baker
Nell Alice Baker, age 86, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at her residence. She was born on September 6, 1936 in Sweetwater, Texas to the late George and Nellie (Asher) Sewall. She married James "Al" Baker on June 16, 1951, and he preceded her in death on October 25, 2019.
Nell held her faith very dear and loved to share her beliefs with others. She was married to the love of her life, James "Al" Baker, for over 60 years and enjoyed working alongside her husband in the family construction business. Nell loved spending time with her friends, family, and her neighborhood family.
She is survived by her children, Alrita A. Barton, James H. Baker (Christine), Stephen K. Baker (JoAnne); grandchildren, Jeff Barton, Janelle Barton, James O. "J.O." Baker, Ashley Adams (Gary), Joshua Baker, Matthew Baker, Isaiah Baker, Olivia Saner (Michael), MacKenzie Krispinsky (Dan), and Savannah Baker; great grandchildren, MacKenzie Barton, Jackson Barton, Audrey Stout, Nolan James Adams, Conner Adams, Josiah Baker, Saafiyah Tyler, Oliver Baker, Benjamin Lee Baker, Henry Baker, Emily Saner, Katelyn Saner, Ethan Saner, Brandon Lee Baker, and Georgia Krispinsky; and three nephews, Larry W. Baker, Glenn McEown, and Keith McEown.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 60 years, James "Al" Baker; son, Chris Baker, granddaughter, Melanie Baker; and her sister, Mary Ellen Baker.
There will be a visitation on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service at 2:00 P.M. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastor Bontrager will be officiating. Burial will follow to Brookside Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Baker family.
Lois Ann Frisch
Lois Ann Frisch, 73, Kokomo, passed away at 12:31 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at her home. She was born in O’Neill, Nebraska, on December 30,1949, to Steve and Margaret (Pribil) Sladek. On June 10, 1972, she married Anthony Frisch at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Atkinson, Nebraska.
Lois was a 1968 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School and a 1970 graduate of Lincoln School of Commerce. She was a secretary at St. Joan of Arc Schools from 1983 to 1990 then in 2004 went to work at Clinic of Hope and retired in May of 2010. Lois was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she attended all the school events. She made bread for the nuns when she was in high school and made the dinner rolls for every family reunion. She also enjoyed spending her time playing cards, taking many trips to see family in Nebraska, traveling to many places like Rome, Holy Land, Alaska, and Hawaii, baking everyone’s favorite cream cheese squares, and was a long time and very devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
Lois is survived by her husband, Tony Frisch; son, Troy (Elizabeth) Frisch; daughter, Jamie (Michael) Stringfield; grandchildren, Charlie Frisch, Ben Frisch, Sarah Stringfield, and Rachel Stringfield; brothers, Dean (Ann) Sladek and Edward (Karen) Sladek; and sister, LaVonne (Randy) Lauritsen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Steve and Margaret Sladek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 17, 2023 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Road S. 200 W., Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Kyle Neterer celebrant. A burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 pm on Monday at the church, where the Rosary will be offered prior to the visitation at 1:40 pm Monday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lois’ memory to Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick Catholic School, 3155 S. 200 West, Kokomo, IN 46902. Arrangements have been made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of Condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Richard L. Ardrey
Richard L. Ardrey, of Kokomo, born June 18, 1939, in Scottsburg, IN to the late Leniol and Julia (Helmbrecht) Ardrey, entered the Lord’s arms July 12, 2023, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Susan, nee Ralstin. Loving father of Nicola (Bill Lloyd) and Christopher (Jennifer, nee Arch). Cherished Grampy of Ella, Lena, William, Paddy, and Charlotte. Brother of Bob (Kaye). Brother-in-law of Max (Carol) Ralstin, Jane (Jerry) Decius, Joan (Jack) Loge, and the late Gene Ralstin. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Dick served with distinction as the first Director of the Indiana University Kokomo Library, beginning in 1965 and retiring in 2003. Spearheading the opening of the library, Dick’s steady leadership, along with a keen ability to listen, problem solve, and implement initiatives, allowed the library to flourish under his remarkable thirty-eight-year tenure.
On January 19, 1976, Dick married Susan Ralstin in Kokomo. With God as their anchor and guidepost, Dick and Susan enjoyed traveling, Kokomo Park Band concerts, IU basketball, winters in Port Charlotte, Florida in retirement, reading on the deck and lanai, and quiet evenings together.
Dick cherished, relished, and loved his role as father and grandfather. Always willing to lend an ear, disperse wisdom, get down on the ground and play - even in his later years - and make sure his children and grandchildren felt loved and heard, Dick truly shined as leader of his family.
Dick’s life radiated consistency, dependability, and quiet strength. For over forty years, Dick attended and served in various leadership roles at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. In the face of terminal illness, all of Dick’s qualities were on display, anchored by the hope we have in Christ, namely that He paid the price for our sin, and that we have assurance of eternity in paradise because of God’s grace and Christ’s life, sacrifice, and resurrection.
A service of victory over death will be held at 2:00p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway E. Boulevard, Kokomo, IN 46902, with Pastor Carl Hingst officiating. Friends are invited to visit with family from 12:00p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kokomo Park Band, P.O. Box 6039 Kokomo, IN 46904-6039, or Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer memorial fund, 705 Southway E. Boulevard, Kokomo, IN 46902. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Donald Lee “Donny” Winchester
Donald Lee “Donny” Winchester, 49, Kokomo, passed away at 7:11 pm Monday, July 10, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. He was born August 14, 1973, in Kokomo, the son of Terry Winchester & Lynne (Gardner) Wade.
Donny loved to fish, play guitar and was an amazing artist. He loved making people laugh and spending time with his family. Donny could take anything apart and put it back together.
Donny is survived by his mother, Lynne (Denny) Wade; father, Terry Winchester; sons, Kadin and Kyler Winchester; sisters, Rachelle Winchester and Brandi (Michael) Esslinger; and grandfather, Donald Winchester, along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Donny was preceded by his sister, Amber Winchester-Labelle; grandmothers, Patricia Winchester and Helen Gardner; uncle, Craig Winchester; and cousin, Darrell Coalburn.
No services will be held at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.