Obituaries, July 9, 2023
Laurie Ann McKellar
Laurie Ann McKellar, 66, Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis surrounded by family. She was born December 5, 1956, in Normal, Illinois, the daughter of the late Donald & Wanda (Trout) McKellar.
Laurie was a 1975 graduate of Haworth High School and went on to attend Purdue University. She worked for more than 30 years for the Department of Motor Vehicles, serving in various positions, and was known for her wealth of knowledge, coaching, and team spirit. She was the 2018 regional employee of the year. Laurie had a gift for connecting and staying in touch, and especially cherished her time spent with her family and her dear friends. She helped raise her youngest brother and was a beloved caretaker for her mom, dad, and grandpa. She was a mom to many cats over the years and considered them family. Laurie enjoyed shopping, giving gifts, reading mysteries and cat stories, and traveling, especially to the beach at one of her favorite destinations, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Laurie loved many forms of entertainment, including stage performances, movies, ice skating, concerts, and television. She was excited to see her nieces’ and nephews’ performances. Laurie was an avid Barbie collector and loved going to Barbie auctions. She also enjoyed going to festivals such as the James Dean and Haynes Apperson along with participating on a family team at Relay for Life. Laurie loved antiques and had many family heirlooms saved from her parents and grandparents. Growing up, Laurie kept up with her brothers and played girls softball in the park league. One season, she batted 1000 and was known for hitting the ball out of the ballpark. She also twirled her baton in parades as a member of the High Steppers.
Laurie is survived by her brothers, Andy (Dannette) McKellar of Troy, Illinois, Bruce (Cara) McKellar of Kokomo, and Brian (Christine) McKellar of Elkhart, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Amanda (Michael) Marvin, Kirk (Kacey) Kennedy, Kory (fiancé, Annalisa Davis) Kennedy, Kelsey Kennedy, Mikayla McKellar, Hannah (Steven) Hays and Morgan (fiancé, Lucas Bertram) Solliday; 11 great-nieces and nephews and one on the way; and best friends, Renee Ripberger and Carol Knight.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Sherman “Gilbert” Trout and Velma Trout; and aunt, Phyllis Ann Trout.
Her desire was to be cremated. A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Elder Robert Caudill officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-4 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Laurie’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.