Obituaries, July 29, 2023
Susan L. Smith
Susan L. Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and daughter, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Kokomo, IN, on July 22, 2023. Born on May 28, 1965, Susan was a beacon of love, generosity, and intelligence, touching the lives of many with her warm spirit and radiant smile.
Susan was a proud graduate of Kokomo High School, class of 1983 and on the dean’s list, valedictorian of her class at Ivy Tech. Following her graduation, she embarked on a fulfilling career in accounting with Kokomo Opalescent Glass, where she dedicated 26 years of her life. Her colleagues remember her as a diligent and intelligent woman who brought a sense of calm and order to the office.
Family was at the heart of Susan's world. She is survived by her devoted husband, Brian Smith, and their three sons, Brandon, Matthew, Adam Crull, and part time son Casey Langley. Susan was the cherished daughter of June Avila and the late Thomas Crull Jr. She was a loving sister to Missy Harris, Larry Crull, Jayme Whitaker, and Roland Avila. Susan was also the proud grandmother to Nathan, Kaydance, Mason, Matthew, Connor, Novalee and Lilly. Her family will remember her as a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom, and the glue that held them together.
Susan had a zest for life and a love for travel. She cherished her yearly family vacations to Daytona Beach, creating lasting memories with her loved ones. As her children and grandchildren grew, she introduced them to the magic of Disney, a tradition that will be carried on in her memory.
As Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Susan embodied this sentiment in every aspect of her life. She was known for her generous heart, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her intelligence was not only reflected in her successful career but also in the wisdom she imparted to her loved ones.
Susan's passing is a significant loss to her family, friends, and the Kokomo community. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and intelligence that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
In the words of Susan's favorite author, Stephen King, “Each life makes its own imitation of immortality”. Susan L. Smith's love will continue to guide and comfort her family and friends as they navigate life without her physical presence. Her memory will be cherished, and her life celebrated, for the remarkable woman she was.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 1 to 4 pm at the Phi Delta Kappa Beta Nu at 2401 Saratoga Ave. Kokomo, IN 46902. Memorial donations may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society. City of Firsts Cremation & Funeral Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Angie “Sue” Gifford
Angie “Sue” Gifford, 74, Kokomo, passed away at 1:18 pm Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on February 3, 1949, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Robert L. and Ruth E. (Graves) Kelly. On August 15, 1964, she married William “Ben” Gifford Jr. in Jellico, TN, and he survives.
Sue received her GED from Kokomo High School. She worked for several years at The Burlington Clinic, Keene Insurance and was a “homemaker”. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and re-finishing wooden furniture. Sue was an animal lover and made the best fried chicken.
In addition to her husband Ben, Sue is survived by her children, Samantha (Paul) Thomas, Tammy (James) Long, and Rob (Heather) Gifford; grandchildren, Anastasia (Joey) Brooks, Kassandra (Matt) Fawley, Mackinzi (Jake) Bradshaw, Keegan (Rebecca) Gifford, Kolton (Nicole) Gifford, Kitchel (Claire Moore) Gifford, Katelyn (Jacob) Marshall, and Bryan Long; 5 great-grandchildren; and her aunt who helped raise her, Pauline Ryan.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; and cousin, Dale Ryan.
A funeral service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 414 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, with Pastor Greg Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am until the start of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Sue’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Cheryl Elaine Fowler
Cheryl Elaine Fowler, 74, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away July 26, 2023 at her home. She was born on February 28, 1949 in Kokomo, Indiana the daughter of Robert and Mary Frances (White) Holland. Cheryl graduated from Kokomo High School in 1967 then attended Wright Beauty College. She was a beautician for many years before opening her own shop. She then became an instructor at Wright Beauty College for several years before returning back behind the chair to work with her former clients for a total of 40 plus years.
She loved knitting, crocheting, watching television, reading, and talking on the phone to her girlfriends. She also enjoyed going out to eat with her friends. Cheryl and her late husband loved traveling. She was also an avid Colts fan and fan of the NBA.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Brian (Julie) Fowler, Ashleigh Fowler, Christopher Fowler, Meredith Fowler; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Angela Holland Reese, Karla Holland, Brent Holland; aunt, Patricia Andrade of Chester, Virginia; many other relatives and friends.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ronald "Ronnie" Fowler; her parents and grandparents; grandson, Kaleb; brother, Robert Holland Jr.; nephew, Michael L. Reese II.
Funeral services will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Wayman Chapel AME Church 920 N. Apperson Way, Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Barbara Dee “Barb” Carman
Barbara Dee “Barb” Carman, 79, Kokomo, passed away at 10:11 pm Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born March 16, 1944, in San Diego, California, the daughter of the late Hubert & Gwendolyn (Peterson) Johnson.
Barb worked for Arnold Engineering and Sanmina for 28 years, retiring in 2002. She moved from Orange County, California in 2002 to Kokomo and worked for Micro Chips Day Care. She attended Chapel Hill Christian Church. Barb enjoyed quilting which she made for special occasions for family. She also enjoyed reading, Bingo at the senior center, occasional casino trips and spending time with her family. In her younger years, Barb loved to Square dance with the “Bumble Bees”.
Barb is survived by her children, Dan (Diane) Carman and Darlene Carman; grandchildren, Jason Farnham-Carman, Crystal Farnham (Jeremy Robey), Evan Carman and Ethan Carman; great-granddaughter, Kenzie Petty; great-great-granddaughter, Delilah Petty and one on the way; sister-in-law, Margaret Johnson.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Diana Carman; brother, Gary Johnson; and step-mom, Helen Johnson.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Steve Allen officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Barb’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society or charity of your choice. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.