Obituaries, September 21, 2023
Marlin Dean Beachy
Marlin Dean Beachy, 61, entered into the joy and the presence of his Lord on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
Marlin was born the youngest of four children to Menno and Betty Beachy on October 17, 1961, in Kokomo, Indiana. He met Pam Mullett at a church youth rally and married her on December 17, 1983. He worked on his family farm for many years until going into construction and eventually starting his own business, Beachy Construction. He was well thought of and respected in his community as a man of integrity and a good businessman. His motto for his business was “Christ is our Master Builder.” Some of his hobbies were woodworking and watching and playing sports. Some of his beautiful pieces of furniture are still prominently displayed in the family home.
He was also ordained as a Minister of the Gospel at Rich Valley Mennonite Church in May of 1994. He went on to start his own outreach church, Higher Ground Fellowship. He cared deeply for his church and had a heart to spread the love of Christ in the community.
But of all that he accomplished in his life, his thirteen children were his pride and joy. He loved his wife as Christ loved the church and left a legacy of Godliness with his entire family. He loved to laugh and joke, and his many voices (including his infamous Donald duck impression), impersonations and jokes are and will continue to be successfully carried on by his children. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, laughing, and joking and enjoying time together.
He is survived by his wife, Pam (Mullett) Beachy; his children Melanie Beachy, (Randolph Garnes), Aaron Beachy, Alicia Miller (Justin Miller), Alison Reed (Luke Reed), Katrina Beachy, Isaac Beachy (Lexi Beachy), Jeremiah Beachy (Lauren Beachy), Marcus Beachy (Isabel Beachy), Andrew Beachy (Isabella Beachy), Corina Beachy (Hengki Chi), Micah Beachy, Rachelle Beachy and Zachary Beachy; and two granddaughters, Naveah and Maryah. He is also survived by his parents, Menno and Betty Beachy of Kokomo, IN; sister, Annet Martin of Mobile, AL; brothers, Lester Beachy (Lori Beachy) of Kokomo, IN, and Kent Beachy (Gina Beachy) of Columbus, OH.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Funeral services will be held at 10 am Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Christian Life Fellowship, 1009 Holiday Drive, Greentown, IN, with Pastor Todd Newschwander officiating. Burial will follow in Christner Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family from 3-7 pm Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Marlin’s memory to Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico, made payable to Contreras Cancer Fund, 20280 N. 59th Ave. Suite 115-709, Glendale, AZ 85308, or to Equiventure Therapeutic Riding, Inc., www.equiventure.org. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Connie Jo (Woodard) Weaver
Connie Jo (Woodard) Weaver, 73, of Sharpsville, passed away Tuesday September 19, 2023, at her home. She was born in Tipton, County, on January 25, 1950, the daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Yeary) Woodard. On January 16, 1981, she married John Weaver, and he survives.
Connie was a 1968 graduate of Sharpsville Prairie High School. She retired from Delco Electronics after 30 years in production. After her retirement, she worked at Tri-Central in the cafeteria. She was a devout member of Grace Baptist Church in Kokomo where she assisted and oversaw the nursery. She was a diehard fan and member of the Disney Club. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and taking pictures. Connie adored her pets and liked playing computer games. She was passionate about caring for her grandkids and others that claimed her as her grandma.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her son, Sam (Courtney) Friend; stepsons, Lonnie Weaver, Timmy Hill, David Hill; sister, Sue Snow; granddaughters, Tenley, Allysa (Daniel) Wiegand; great-granddaughter, Sophia; brother-in-law, Keith Whittaker; sister-in-law, Mary Woodard; several nieces and nephews; adopted grandchildren, Brielle and Bryce.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Dorothy Woodard; sister, Margie Whittaker; brother, Stanley Woodard; and brother-in-law, Michael Snow.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Saturday September 23, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church, 2818 South Park Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 1 pm on Saturday at the church, with Pastor Kerry Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Connie’s name to Grace Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Bonnie Jean Gardner
Bonnie Jean Gardner, age 96, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
Bonnie moved from Palm Springs, CA to Kokomo, IN in 2006. She has lived at Primrose since 2009. She graduated from Logansport High School in 1945 and went to work at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where she celebrated the end of WWII, in the heart of the country. She married Earl D. Vanscoyk and they had two children, Ron and Linda. They moved to San Diego, CA in 1953.
She was a lady of many talents: best mom, best sister, hair dresser, artist, seamstress, manager of mobile parks... She lived in California for 53 years before coming back to Kokomo, where her sister, brother and family lives.
Bonnie is survived by her SPECIAL FRIEND, Dave Johnson; her son, Ron Vanscoyk; her grandson, Mike Boyd, and his two children; her sister, Peggy Land and her three children, Jerry Jr. & Lee, Kerry and Tina, Sherry Bowman and their families; niece, Lisa Wandle of TX; nephew, Greg Wandle of FL; as well as all of California and Kokomo.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Boyd of CA, and brother, Dick Wandle of Kokomo.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life Service at a later date to be announced.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Gardner family.
Christina Ann Smith
Christina Ann Smith, 47, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away September 19, 2023. She was born on September 24, 1975 in Kokomo, IN the daughter of Webb and Donna (Russell) Vincent. She married Mike Smith who survives. Christy enjoyed coloring and doing crossword puzzles. She always loved animals especially her dog, Radar. She also enjoyed fishing.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Kyndyll Vincent; nieces, Kailee (Jesse) Comarella, Abbey (Jake) Cox; nephew, Tyler (Shelly) Vincent; great-nephews, Elijah, Mason, Alakai, Easton, Jaxon; great-niece, Payton.
Christy was preceded in death by brother, Brian Vincent; sister, April Sparks; niece, Breanna Sparks; grandparents, Bill and Anna Vincent, and Leon and Wanda Russell.
Date of service will be announced at a later date. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Sue E. Johnson
Sue E. Johnson went in peace to be with the Lord on Monday, September 18, 2023. She was born October 6, 1936, in Kokomo to Curtis and Christine Thomas.
She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1954. After high school she briefly worked at Kokomo Gas and Fuel Company. She was a member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church for over 65 years. She married the love of her life John R. Johnson on June 10th, 1956, and he preceded her in death. Sue was a loving wife, homemaker, and mother who enjoyed family get togethers and preparing wonderful dinners. She enjoyed shopping and always looked for the best deal. Sue loved traveling and spending time with family and her grandkids.
Sue is survived by her three sons, John (Marty) Johnson, Kokomo, Mark (Teresa) Johnson, Colorado Springs, and Matthew Johnson, Kokomo; grand-children, Tyler Johnson, Rachel Johnson, both of Kokomo, Brandon Johnson and Kayla Johnson, both of Colorado Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John.
The family will be having a private service for Sue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First EPC of Kokomo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Johnson family.
Debra Kay Stonebraker
Debra Kay Stonebraker, 71, of Indianapolis, passed away at her home at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023. She was born February 27, 1952, in Kokomo, to Richard Gayle and Patricia Ann (Winslow) Stonebraker.
Survivors include her brother, Garry (Linda) Stonebraker, Charleston, South Carolina; niece, Heather Hewson; nephew, Bryan Stonebraker; as well as several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Private burial will take place in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo.
Diane Marie Shackelford
Diane Marie Shackelford, age 74, of Peru, Indiana passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023.
A celebration of life for Diane will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Shackelford family.
Julia Marie Rose
Julia Marie Rose, 67, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away September 10, 2023. She was born on February 15, 1956 in Knox, Indiana the daughter of Richard E. and Dorothy Edna Rose.
Julia spent most of her time studying her Bible and listening to Christian music. As a way to relax outside of her studies; she would often watch a cooking or house repair show, play a video game, or crochet blankets. She also enjoyed the thrill of a game of billiards, bowling and riding rollercoasters at an amusement park. Before retirement Julia was head of health and beauty accessories at Rochester, Indiana Walmart which was a position she really enjoyed.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents as well as her niece April Rose.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving daughter, Margaret Chapman along with her son in law Jacob Chapman. She also has two living sisters Kathy Rose and Brenda Schlick as well as several nieces and nephews.
All Services will remain private.