Obituaries, September 23, 2023

Marjorie A. Schrock

Marjorie A. Schrock, 59, of Kokomo, passed away at her home at 6:15 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023. She was born April 27, 1964, in Kokomo, to Alvin and Viola Miller. On April 27, 1985, she married Larry Schrock, and he survives.

Marjorie was a loving homemaker and worked together with her family in the family business. She was an active member of Bethany Fellowship Church.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her children, Lynetta, Lyndon, Lyneice, Matthew, Marion (Jennifer), and Marilyn; siblings, Darlene (Lloyd) Herschberger, Kathryn (Ray) Herschberger, Lavern (Rosemary) Miller, Pauline (Dan) Troyer, and Raymond (Kathy) Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Dennis Herschberger.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Bethany Fellowship School, 5169 N. 600 E., Kokomo, with Darlton Bontrager officiating. Burial will follow in Christner Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 5 p.m. & 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the school. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Evelyn L. O’Banion

Evelyn L. O’Banion, 96, of Kokomo, passed away at her home at 4:17 p.m. on September 20, 2023. She was born July 20, 1927, in Kokomo, to John Edward “Ed” and Mary (Clark) Miller. On February 6, 1960, she married William O’Banion, and he preceded her in death on May 21, 2013.

Evelyn graduated from Kokomo High School and had worked at Haynes Stellite and Casa Grande. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and displaying her family photos throughout her home. She was a loving mother and grandmother and a gracious hostess who enjoyed having friends over and making them feel welcome.

Survivors include her son, Terry (Penny) Hamilton; grandchildren, Kacey Hamilton, Christina Worthman, Brian Worthman, Sarah (John) Scott, Hannah O’Banion, Luke (Shelly) O’Banion, Amy Wilson, Jennifer Barkowski, and Nicole Barkowski; great-grandchildren, Aiden Hamilton, Andrew (Kilee) Boles, Evan Wilson, Christopher Wilson, Flynn Scott, Brogan Scott, Grier Scott, Clary Scott, Saoirse O’Banion, Delaney O’Banion, Lochlan O’Banion, Cagney (Parker) Anderson, and Levi Ivester; and several great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; children, Bonnie Newton, Theresa Barkowski, and David O’Banion; grandchildren, Patrick Worthman and Josh O’Banion; and siblings, Bob Miller and Vera Conwell.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Michael Kent Hite

Michael Kent Hite passed away on September 21 at age 75. Born in Kokomo to Robert and Ruth Hite on November 4, 1948. He married his wife Sandra on August 31, 1990 and they spent 32 happy years together. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and making keepsakes in their home woodworking shop in Kokomo. He especially enjoyed driving their 1953 Chevy truck that he restored and named "Ridge Runner."

Survivors include his wife, Sandra "Sandy", his children, Brian Hite, Chad Hite (Meg), Kristina Dutton, stepchildren, Teresa Blackman, Tamra Shafer (Eric), and siblings Larry Hite, Jane Fearnow, and sister-in-law, Katherine Hite; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Robert and Ruth Hite, his siblings, Robert Hite, Mary Lou Frye, and sister-in-law Roberta Hite.

Visitation will take place at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott McCrumb

Jeffrey "Jeff" Scott McCrumb, age 69, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at his residence. Jeff was born in Kokomo, IN on October 9, 1953 to the late Dallas Eugene and Ellen Louise (Cook) McCrumb.

When Jeff was 15 years old, he started his cooking career. He was a self-taught chef and worked at local restaurants. Jeff retired from General Motors after 30 years of employment. He was a member of the UAW 292. Jeff enjoyed spending summers at Nyona Lake Campground. He also enjoyed traveling to casinos. Jeff loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Jeff is survived by his love of 16 years, Jill Adams; his children, Scott (Jennifer) McCrumb, Julie (Phil) Williamson, John (Toria) Adams, and Lyndsay (PJ) Rocchio; siblings, Linda Donelson, Tonja (Robert) Whitmore, and Patrick (Cathy) McCrumb; four grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Jeff is preceded in death by two brothers; and brother-in-law, Eric Donelson.

Jeff was a member of the four musketeers. He had five special grandkids, who lovingly referred to him as "Papaw".

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice and his nurse, Jamie.

There will be a time of visitation for Jeff on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Main Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo, In. Derek Donelson will be officiating. Burial will follow to Shiloh Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarymainstreet.com for the McCrumb family.

Michael W. Garro

Michael W. Garro, 78, Kokomo, left this earth on September 19th, 2023, at 9:32 a.m. to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On September 3, 1945, Michael was born to Salvatore and Norma. Upon seeing their first child, they were heard to exclaim that no matter how many more children they had, “This one will always be our favorite!” And so, Michael thrived and lived his entire life in Kokomo, Indiana. The family believes that he escaped this mortal realm on purpose to avoid having to listen to any more politics and therefore avoiding another presidential election.

Michael was a 1963 graduate of Kokomo High School and had the most AWESOME set of Senior cords. GO KATS! He also graduated from that proverbial “School of Hard Knocks” and we, his family, were reminded several times about him having to walk to school in a blizzard, uphill, both ways. Because of this, he was often quoted as telling folks to “suck it up buttercup.” He had one basic philosophy in life regarding work, “surround yourself with great people and stay the hell out of their way.” That work ethic served him well as an IBEW Electrician for almost 50 years. Mike was known for other timeless words of wisdom including “Life is hard; but it is harder if you are stupid” and “Don’t be a jackass.” His family thrived under his tutelage.

Michael was very proud of his Italian heritage and was a connoisseur of Italian food, for which he was the self-proclaimed but unofficial spokesman until dietary restrictions forced him to eat real food like the rest of us. His childhood summers were spent in White Plains, New York with his Italian family. This caused a strange but awesome mix of a Kokomo kid and an Italian New Yorker. Some of us in the family have never recovered.

Michael’s regrets were few but include a rotisserie hot dog from a convenience store in the summer of 2002 and that no video evidence exists of his prowess as a karate instructor. Michael valued loyalty above anything. He had the heart of a warrior and the soul of a poet. He died knowing that Legends of the Fall and Saving Private Ryan were the best movies ever made; that John Wayne and Tom Selleck were the baddest men on the planet and his sister Renee was one of the smartest people he has ever known and that chicks dig motorcycles.

Michael loved the Florida Keys (except for the giant mutant spiders) and spent a lot of time there. He had a passion for adventure: jumping out of an airplane with his sister, taking a seven-day raft trip down the Colorado River, working on top of a 500-foot tower, winning the state arm wrestling competition, and building the fastest Hemi Cuda he could drive with his grandson Tyler.

Michael took extreme pride in his three grandchildren, Andrea (Leslie) and Tyler who affectionately call him Grandpa and Maryann who called him “Pap”; inherited grandchildren, Alex, Jesse, and Megan; along with great-grandson, Daniel. He is survived by his wife Shirley whom he was married to for 21 years. Two sons by marriage, Michael (Cara) and Matthew (Melissa) Combs. Michael also called Brad (Whitney) Shepherd “son” and their children his grandchildren. In Michael’s last days on earth, Brad was at his dad’s side. His pastor, a man of God, but a son by choice, Matt (Misty) Hartke and their children Mike called grandchildren. Favorite sisters-in-law, Carole (Gary) McKibben and Sharon Summers along with several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great nephew; mother-in law, Bernita Eades; special family friends, Bob (Bev) Gray, Mark (Deb) Akers, Gina Jones and Rich Hellmann, additionally survived by his much younger and better-looking sister Renee (Steve) Follum of Whythehelldoyoulivethere, New Mexico. Michael also leaves behind his faithful companion Bella. Michael was blessed with many brothers in Christ, Stan (Kathy) Reber, Mark (Marti) Fisher, Tom (Karen) DiNardo, Max (Margaret) Widup, EZ (Brooke) Zimmerman and Jason (Cindy) Green. He was heard to say several times, “You can’t go wrong if you have great friends like Robert and Patti Moore, Rex Nimmo, Jerry Stephenson, Jerry Preston, Mike and Debbie Miller!” Michael fought hard, laughed hard, and loved even harder. He was generous to a fault and was never afraid of his “bulletproof” lifestyle. He was very sorry for those he hurt along the way. Well-wishers are encouraged to write a note on a bottle of Yellowstone whiskey and have a drink in his honor. Besides his family, the most important event in his life was when he met Jesus at the Kokomo Great Banquet in 2001. He would often ask, “Are you who you say you are?” Michael can finally quit running “against the wind” and is now safely in the arms of Jesus and dancing at the feast of the Lamb (probably naked). Cremation will take place at the family’s convenience and his ashes will be kept around as long as they match the decor.

Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 310 Taylor Street, Kokomo, Indiana, with Pastor Bob Gray and Pastor Matt Hartke officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

The Family would like to thank the numerous family and friends for their prayers and constant support and visits to Mike during this journey. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice and especially to Mikes nurse Kimmy. Words cannot express our gratitude. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to First Baptist Church in Mike’s memory.

Maribeth Bowman Swain

Maribeth Bowman Swain, 89, of Kokomo, passed away 10:25 am Thursday September 21, 2023, at her home. She was born in Akron, OH, on August 10, 1934, the daughter of the late Jesse “J.P” and Thelma (Fruits) Bowman. On June 22, 1958, she married Charles “Ed” Swain, and he preceded her in death on February 27, 2020.

Maribeth was a 1952 graduate of Lizton High School. She earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Indiana University in 1956. She worked as an elementary teacher in Wabash School Systems. She worked hard as a homemaker raising her four children and caring for her husband. She was a faithful member of Parr United Methodist Church, which recently merged with The ConneXion Church in Kokomo. Maribeth served over 2,500 hours as a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital. She was passionate about her garden at her home which housed numerous flowers, birds, and monarch butterflies. She enjoyed crocheting and she adored her cats.

Maribeth is survived by her daughter, Sara Beth (Joseph) Name; sons, Daniel Edward (Mona) Swain, David Thomas (Amy) Swain, Nathan William (Dora) Swain; grandchildren, Benjamin Swain, Mariann Swain, Melissa Swain, Jesse Paul Swain, Drew Swain, Eric Swain, Conner Swain; great-grandchildren, Carina, Lyra, Ara; brother, Jay (Patty Jo) Bowman; and sister-in-law, Shirley (Ronnie) Boles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, James Eric Swain; sister, Letty (Jim) Greg; and brother-in-law, Milton Swain.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Contributions may be made in Maribeth’s name to the Kokomo Humane Society or The ConneXion Church Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.