Obituaries, October 14, 2023
Shirley A. Smith Brochu
Shirley A. Smith Brochu, 86, Kokomo, passed away at 1:31 pm on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Waterford Place. She was born February 5, 1937, in Monroe, MI to the late Camiel and Martha (DeBlauwe) Vehaeghe. She was married to James Kevin Smith on July 30, 1957, until his passing on October 4, 1976. She married Joseph Brochu on December 18, 2001, and he preceded her in death on August 19, 2020.
Shirley graduated from St. Stephen High School in 1954. She worked as a bank teller for First National Bank, and for the Kokomo Tribune in the customer service department. She also worked for Kokomo School Corporation as a teacher’s aide, and as an infant care giver for Micro Chips Childcare Center. Shirley took pride in her home and taking care of her family. She volunteered for many years at St. Patrick and St. Joan of Arc Schools, where her children attended, and Howard Community Hospital. She taught CCD classes and was a Eucharistic minister at St. Patrick Catholic Church and their homebound parishioners. Shirley also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for St. Joseph Hospital.
Shirley loved people. She was a warm, loving woman that impacted many lives. One of her great characteristics was to learn the names of everyone she served or served her; she made everyone feel important. Shirley also had a silly side, making us laugh and providing joyful memories.
Shirley is survived by her Kokomo family, Michael Smith, Mary McCartney (Aaron Richardson), and Laura (Joseph) Nocera; grandchildren, Angie McDaniel, Steve (Mandy) Smith, Christan Smith, Jesse McCartney (Vinessa Hale), Joey (Angie) McCartney, Sophia Richardson, Molly Nocera, and Nicholas Nocera; great grandchildren, Lyla Day, Abby McDaniel, Delainey Smith, Jocelyn Smith, Zach Smith, Hagen Smith, Alohnna Hale, Athena Hale, Brenden McCarthy, Kaylee Temple, Cameron Gillem, and Kelsey Gillem; great great granddaughter, Ariyah Day; and former daughter-in-law, Cathy. She is also survived by the Smith family in Ohio and other parts of the country who have remained her “family” after the death of her husband Kevin.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Kevin; second husband, Joseph; infant daughter, Patricia Marie Smith; infant sons, James Bernard Smith, and William Vincent Smith; and grandson, Jeff McDaniel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Road S 200 W, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Christopher Shocklee celebrant. A private graveside service will take place in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Friends may visit with the family from 9 am to 11 am on Tuesday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Howard-Kokomo MD Anderson Oncology, Waterford Place and Guardian Angels Hospice for their wonderful and loving care of Shirley.
Donations can be made to the Monastery of the Poor Clares in Shirley’s name.
Patricia A. Watson
Patricia A. Watson, 98, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Patricia was born September 29, 1925, in Kokomo, the only child of the late Floyd and Thelma (Fording) McGuire. Pat is survived by her husband, Elmer J. Watson, and daughter, Marcy A. Watson of Zionsville.
Pat graduated from Kokomo High School in 1943 and went to work in cost accounting at Stellite. It was there that she met the love of her life, Elmer Watson. They were married on June 21, 1953. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year. In 1963, Pat left Stellite when she and Elmer welcomed their only child, Marcy Ann.
Pat joined Central Bank in Russiaville in 1973 as a teller, working alongside her husband, who was an officer of the bank. She worked there until retiring in 1990.
In her teens, Pat enjoyed tap dancing where she and her partner won many awards and even performed on radio. After she and Elmer were married, they enjoyed playing bridge with friends, but they spent much of their lives playing golf. They joined Green Acres Golf Club where Pat played in the ladies’ league and she and Elmer played Friday Night Couples. After retiring, they frequently played in Tipton where Pat scored a hole-in-one. Later they joined Wildcat Creek Golf Club where they played well into their 80s.
Pat was a kind and loving wife, mother, and friend. She was a member of the Russiaville United Methodist Church. She also was a 75-year member of the Eastern Star.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Nurse Stephanie at Elara Caring Hospice as well as the caregivers at Home Instead, especially Venetia and Mercedes, who took tremendous care of Pat during her journey with dementia. Also, sincere appreciation to neighbors Jake and Brenda Jackson for all their help and support.
Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E Main St., Russiaville, IN. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Anne Kumeh officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name to the Russiaville United Methodist Church or the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Messages of condolence can be left at www.stoutandson.com.
Bettie Lue (Nicholas) Dobbs
Bettie Lue (Nicholas) Dobbs, 84, of Kokomo, passed away 1:45 pm Thursday October 12, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born in Peoria, IL, on November 13, 1938, the daughter of the late Joe David and Leona (Poor) Nicholas. On October 24, 1959, she married Goldman Russell Dobbs, and he preceded her in death on November 13, 2013.
Bettie was a graduate of Lewisville High School. She retired from Delphi where she worked in the Fab. Bettie was the solid rock and matriarch of her family. All her friends and family could count on her for anything. She was a member of the Eastern Star Lewisville #463 and a member of the hobby club in Kokomo. She would often attend the Veterans Memorial and assisted with serving meals.
Bettie is survived by her children, Lynn (Elaine) Dobbs, Lori (Tennyson) Copeland, Garey Dobbs; several grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and countless nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; several siblings; nephew, John Dobbs; and great-great-grandchildren, Megan Richey and Owen Davis.
Graveside services will begin at Noon on Wednesday October 18, 2023, at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Services will be officiated by Pastor Steve Archer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bettie’s name to a charity of your choice. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Ava Maria Hopkins
Ava Maria Hopkins, age 64, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023. She was born September 22, 1959 to the John and Barbara Eades.
She married David W. Hopkins on October 26, 1976, together they had five children.
Ava was an avid shopper, pool player, and card player. She loved any time spent with family. Her grandchildren were her light, she played board games, card games, and most anything she had a chance to do.
She was a shoulder to cry on, a family therapist if anyone needed her. She had a great time with her siblings, loved going out or hanging out. Playing music and just having a good time.
Ava is survived by her husband David Hopkins; children Diana Hughes, Angie Barnett, Trista Hopkins, Barbara Hopkins; grandchildren Khalaul Hughes, Kylie Hughes, Shawn Barnett, and Tyler Barnett; her siblings John Eades, Marcha Carpenter, Linda Wrightsman, and Gloria Brown.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Barbara Eades; her son David Noel Hopkins; and granddaughter Shelby Maria Barnett.
Service details are pending.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ava's memory may be made to National Kidney Fund, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the family.