Obituaries, June 16, 2023
Matthew “Matt” Lee Spencer I
Matthew “Matt” Lee Spencer I, 52, of Tipton, passed away Thursday June 6th, 2023, at his home. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on March 3, 1971, the son of Phillip and Marcia (Vass) Spencer.
Matt was a 1989 graduate of Taylor High School. He formerly worked at Chrysler for 17 years but was currently employed at Brock’s in Frankfort for the past 13 years. Matt’s children were his greatest joy and accomplishment. He had a passion for listening to great music like the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, John Lennon, and anything blue grass. He was an outdoorsman who liked camping, fishing, gardening, and deer hunting with his dad. Matt enjoyed spending time with his grandparents at Bass Farm. He adored cats and dogs, and cared for all animals.
He is survived by his children, Cleandrea (Matthew) Williams, Matthew (Clara) Spencer II, Zach (Emilee) Spencer, Joshua Smith, Kaitie Orr; mother, Marcia Spencer; grandchildren, Amayah Williams, Micah Williams, Emerson Orr, Eliza Orr; brother, Clint Spencer; aunts and uncles, Edward Vass, Hilda (Ernie) Ailor, Karen (Glenn) Veach, Judy Spencer; good friends, Todd Harshman, Jeremy Patrick; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Spencer; love of his life, Karen Shine; maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Cleo Vass; paternal grandparents, Marion and Dorothy Spencer; uncle, John Spencer; cousin, Mike Veach; and dear friend, Darren Lowe.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 pm to 4 pm Thursday June 22, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 4 pm on Thursday, at the funeral home, with Pastor Aaron Gross officiating. Contributions may be made in Matt’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jeanne Houser
Jeanne Houser, 73, passed away at 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Hospital. She was born October 19, 1949, in Santa Maria, California, the daughter of George Saumell and Pauline Saumell Taylor. On September 25, 1976, she married Brett Houser, and he survives.
Jeanne attended Madison Heights High School, in Anderson, and continued her education at the Indiana Business College in Ft. Wayne. While in high school, Jeanne and her twin sister, Jeannette, were majorettes in the marching band. She retired from General Motors with 30 years seniority, working in Anderson, Meridian, Mississippi, and Kokomo. Jeanne was the past president of the Howard County Extension Homemakers. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, photography and traveling with her family. She loved her children and grandchildren. Jeanne was a member of South Side Christian Church in Kokomo. She taught youth class during the Sunday worship service and was a former member of the Diaconate.
Survivors include her husband; mother, Pauline Taylor, Santa Maria, California; children, Matthew Houser, Fortville, Indiana, and Kristen (Brad) Challis, Kokomo; grandchildren, Blaine and Brooklyn; brother, Steven Taylor, Anthem, Arizona; and sister, Teri Valentine, Santa Maria, California.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her father and twin sister, Jeanette Smith.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at South Side Christian Church, 201 E. Markland Avenue, Kokomo with Rev. Margaret Hickman officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeanne’s memory to South Side Christian Church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at hasler-stout.com.
Kristen Rody
Kristen Rody, age 47, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Rody family.