Obituaries, September 15, 2023
Chad Nicholas AuClair
Chad Nicholas AuClair, 45, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at his home. He was born March 24, 1978, in Flint, Michigan, to Jeffrey Winkler AuClair and M. Shannon (Murphy) AuClair. He married Lori Kilgore, in Texas, and she survives.
Chad was owner and operator of Nice Guys Lawn Care in Texas and was also a bulldog breeder for Playboy French Bulldogs. He was a jack of all trades and was able to fix almost anything. He loved dogs, enjoyed barbering, and was really into history. When he wasn’t cuddling and loving on a furry friend, he was figuring out a way to improve something that already worked fine. Chad loved deeply and unconditionally. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Survivors include his sister, Christa Dugger; daughter, Gabrielle AuClair; dearest friend Michael (Lesley) Cannon; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo. In Texas, a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in Westlake Cemetery, in Westlake, Texas. Messages of condolences may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sara Jane (Pettit) Baird
Sara Jane (Pettit) Baird, 83, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:53 am Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born in Kokomo on October 26, 1939, the daughter of the late Charles Donald and Ramona Jane (Leap) Pettit.
Sara was a 1957 graduate of Kokomo High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Indiana University Kokomo. She lived her life serving others as the head nurse of pediatrics at Howard Community Regional Health Hospital. Next, she was a Registered Nurse for Northwestern School Corp. Sara was a devout member of First Christian Church in Kokomo. She was the best hostess and enjoyed having all her children and their friends at her house. Sara adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and liked playing cards.
She is survived by her children, Scot (Lisa) Baird, Mark (Julie) Baird, Melinda (Keith) Conaway, Susie (Mike) Gabriel; grandchildren, Drew (Stephanie) Baird, Erin (Tom) Bisulca, Zack (Sydney) Gabriel, Chaz (Karlie) Gabriel, Addy Gabriel, Haleigh (Kylan) Dubbels, Caroline Conaway, Kaylee Baird; and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Ruth Ann Baird; and brother, David Pettit.
Sara’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Southern Care Hospice and the entire staff at Wellbrooke of Kokomo for the excellent care they provided.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from Noon to 2 pm Tuesday September 19, 2023, at First Christian Church, 854 North County Road 300 West, Kokomo, IN 46901. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday at the church with Rev. Dr. Al Adams officiating. The funeral will begin with a ceremony by the Nursing Honor Guard serving North Central Indiana. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Sara’s memory to the Richard Hayden Miller and Marsha Ann Miller Scholarship managed by the Community Foundation of Howard County. Stout & Son Funeral Home Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.