Obituaries, September 14, 2023
Pete Anthony Duran
Pete Anthony Duran, age 40, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Pete was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on February 12, 1983, to Pete Duran and Sharon Norris. He graduated from Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He served honorably in the United States Air Force (active duty) for 4 years, and afterward, served in the reserves for 9 years. He married Nitalya Updike on August 23, 2003, and they had 2 daughters. Pete enjoyed working out, collecting sports cards, and shopping (especially at Hobby Lobby and Goodwill). He liked to watch AGT videos over and over on YouTube. He loved to spend time with his wife and daughters, going to Dave and Busters, Cedar Point, or simply hanging out at home with them. His family will truly miss his presence.
Pete is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Nitalya Duran; his daughters, Emily and Kaylee Duran; father, Pete (Sarah) Duran; brother, Andy Duran; half-sisters, Lori (Jeff) Franke and Lupita (Lorenzo) Lazcano; and in-laws, Mike and Patty Updike.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Norris, and his grandmother, Helen O'Neal.
A time of visitation for Pete will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service with military rites at 6:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Duran family.
Melissa Elaine (Sparger) Ballard
Melissa Elaine (Sparger) Ballard, 59, of Kokomo, IN went home to be with the Lord at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. She was born on April 21st, 1964; the daughter of Eugene Robert Sparger and Marilyn Jean (Jarrett) Sparger. Melissa worked as a server in the restaurant and hospitality industry before becoming a home health care worker in her later years.
Melissa was a wonderful person and a great friend to have. She loved to be a blessing to other people, and she was able to do that for many years through her work and being a listening ear to those who needed it. Melissa loved to help people sort through their own problems in life through her wisdom and advice. Her family joked that she was a rocking chair therapist. Melissa loved to listen to music in her spare time. She loved to sing and was a fan of many genres. She was a member and volunteer of Abundant Life Church. Praise and worship of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, were among one of the many things she loved to do.
Although Melissa cared for so many, there was nothing she loved more than her family. She lived for her children, grandchildren, and her dog, Nala. She spent many years being a devoted mom and nanny. Melissa loved to sing and spend quality time with her sister’s, as well as her many nieces and nephews.
Left to cherish her memory are her two children: Tyler (Sancia) Sparger and Jamie (James) Flynn of Kokomo; five grandchildren: Bricyn Cooks, Elijah, Angelo, and Akayla Flynn, and Xaelynn Sparger; four sisters: Debbie Blu (Travis) of Tennessee, Catherine (Timothy) Sparger-Hutchison, Lisa Shulick, and Christina Tandy, all of Kokomo; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Wayne Ballard Sr.; her father and mother: Marilyn Jean (Jarrett) Sparger and Eugene Robert Sparger; and her niece: Melinda Jean Sparger.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday September 15th, 2023, at Abundant Life Church, 1025 County Road E 400 S Kokomo, Indiana 46902 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Officiating the celebration is Pastor Caylob Baldwin. Please feel free to share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Donald W. Holmes
Donald W. Holmes, age 88, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Waterford Place. He was born to the late Joseph G. and Edna M. (Drumm) Holmes in Muskegon, Michigan. Donald married the love of his life, Geraldine S. (Tucker) Holmes on June 10, 1956 and she preceded him in death on September 7, 2020.
Donald was a proud Army veteran of the Korean War, where he was sharp-shooter rifleman. After his time in the military, he worked for Marsh Supermarket for 42 years as a meat cutter. Donald also enjoyed spending time and catching up with his military friends.
Surviving is a sister, Judy Penkwitz; niece, Christine; nephew, Robert; and trusted friend, Tina Pavese.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Carole Ann Phipps.
There will be graveside service for Donald on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, In 46902. Full military rites will be performed by the United States Army and the VFW Military Rites Team. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Holmes family.