Obituaries, September 6, 2023
Joshua Michael Fox
Joshua Michael Fox, age 30, passed on August 27, 2023. Josh was born in Kokomo, Indiana to Michael D. Fox and Elisa D. Vazquez (Cowan) on July 5, 1993. He graduated from Taylor High School in 2013. He attended Ivy Tech where he was a member and President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
For those who know Josh, you know that he came into this world facing many physical battles. As a result of multiple birth defects, he endured many surgeries that, unfortunately, shaped his life in more ways than any of us could imagine. But through it all, he was strong and had the courage to persevere and pursue things he was told would be a great challenge with his conditions. His smile could melt your heart. His hugs were genuine and undeniably filled with love. His laughs were full and contagious.
Josh enjoyed playing and watching sports. As a child, he played baseball, football, and basketball. As a teenager, he played the nationally acclaimed sport of video games. He enjoyed watching the Colts with his dad and the Dodgers and White Sox with his grandpa Steve. He shared his grandpa Don’s love for the North Carolina Tar Heels and his uncle Brian and uncle David’s love for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Josh loved spending time with his family. His inner peace seemed to be most centered when he was surrounded by family – whether spending time one on one or during holidays and family vacations orchestrated by his Aunt Kim. He enjoyed playing pool on a regular basis with both his mom and his dad. He was the family grill master, developing an early love for food from his grandma Norma. He could be talked into playing several hands of Euchre with his mom and grandparents. He loved the game of Spades, which he graciously and enthusiastically did his best to teach his family to play on a recent trip to visit his sister in Michigan despite our inability to master the same level of skill that Josh possessed. On that same trip, we enjoyed a day of kayaking. As it was our second recent kayaking trip, he told his Aunt Holly that we were now a “kayaking family.” He loved being there to support his family, showing up for encouragement like he did during his cousin Conner’s Trap season this spring; mowing his parent’s and grandparent’s yards; never hesitating to help family with countless moves; and caring for his grandma Norma when her health declined. He loved children and would have loved to have had his own. He could always be found entertaining his friends’ children, and he was thrilled that his cousin, Isabella, recently gave birth to her son, Lucas.
Josh loved stand-up comedy, music – rap, hip-hop, and classic rock, working on cars – especially his black ‘98 Cadillac Seville, and challenging himself to learn new things like he recently did building a solar panel system with his dad. He was a philosophical soul who had an endless curiosity about the world and empathy for those around him – a trait that made him a close and loyal confidant to many over the course of his life. He was a statistics guy – analytical like his father. He shared his mother’s creative spirit for writing and entertaining people through a joke, a rap, or his own musings. Josh and his sister were often described as polar opposites growing up, but they were always there to be what the other one needed – a protector to a nurturer, a math tutor to a diorama builder, a rapper to a hype (wo)man (with family footage to prove it) and discovered more common ground in adulthood.
Josh was kind and respectful – everyone who met him said the same. He was a good person who struggled to find his way in a world that never made it easy for him. He was loved to the ends of the earth by his family. His absence has created a hole in our lives that we will never be able to understand or fill. He leaves behind his father, Michael Fox, mother Elisa Vasquez (Juan), sister Jessica Fox (Jordan), grandparents Steve and Chloie Cowan, aunt Kim Howard (Brian), aunt Holly Pierce (Tim), uncle Brad Fox, uncle David Fox, cousins Katie Pierce, Kyle Pierce (Chloe), Isabella Krompack and Conner Krompack and a group of long-time friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Norma J. Fleener, his paternal grandfather Donald Fox and wife Judith Fox, and his uncle Brian Krompack.
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, there will be a Memorial gathering at the Red Dog Saloon outdoor pavilion, 211 E. Morgan Street, Kokomo, Indiana from 1 pm – 3 pm. Red Dog Saloon is a place where Josh enjoyed playing pool. Family and friends are welcome to stop by and share memories and/or play a game of pool in Josh’s memory.
There will be a private family viewing held for Joshua at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo, Indiana. Contributions may be made to Turning Point System of Care, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901.
Diane Smith
Diane Smith, age 69, of Kokomo, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 2, 2023, after putting up a good fight with her heart complications.
She enjoyed being the life of the party. She hated missing a concert and made sure to dance at every one of them when she was still able. More recently, Diane loved to go shopping at antique stores, reading her many books, and spending time outdoors.
She was funny, witty, and of course the best mom to her two kids.
Diane is survived by her children Justin (Donna) Smith and Modesta Smith; parents OD Shelley and Geneva Shelley; sisters Penny (Tim) Meadows, Linda (Rodney) Sprinkles, and Pam (Roger) Shine. She also leaves behind four grandchildren.
A visitation for Diane will be held Friday, September 8, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Smith family.
Deborah Lynn Meese
Deborah Lynn Meese, 64, of Kokomo, IN passed away at 1:33am after a long health battle on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Ascension St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born September 26, 1958, in Pensacola, FL to James R Siess and Janet E Siess (Smith). Deborah grew up as a Navy Brat moving around the country with her family. She lived in 42 states in the US and in Italy.
Deborah graduated from Chrysler High School in New Castle in 1977 and from Ivy Tech College in Kokomo with an Associate’s Degree and several Certifications in Computer Science in 2002. She maintained being on the Dean’s List throughout college, assisted as a computer lab tech, and assisted on the Howard County Genealogy Project while attending Ivy Tech. After graduation, she became employed as the Apprenticeship Program Director’s Assistant at Ivy Tech. In 1982, Deborah started her own business called DLynn’s Cleaning Services which remained open until 2002. In 1986, Deborah and Larry opened the Corner Antique Store which also remained open until 2002. She was a published poet as well.
Deborah loved spending time with her family playing card games. She enjoyed helping others. And she was all about antiques, reading, gardening, playing Bingo, and all things “Eeyore”.
Survivors include her daughter Sarah Lynn Cannon and her husband Phillip; Sarah’s Dad and her friend Larry Meese; siblings Babette Armstrong and Joseph Siess (Deneen); nieces Michelle Martin (Steve), Emily Donnellan (Allen), Bethany Lukhthanov (Greg) and nephews Daniel Walker and Christopher Kelley; a host of great nieces and great nephews; Goddaughter Amie Bentley and Godson Robert Head Jr. She also had a special friend Rosemary Wire.
Deborah was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Carrie Siess, her Angel Grandbabies, and her beloved Pit Bull Angel.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm Friday, September 8, 2023, at Sharpsville Cemetery, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 pm to 2 pm Friday, September 8, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 414 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo. A celebration of life will follow the graveside service at the Country Club Hills Building, 1800 Gentilly Ct. Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Judith Ann (Craig) Zook
Judith Ann (Craig) Zook, age 72, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, after a very short illness, at her home in Kokomo surrounded by family and friends.
Judy was born on August 25, 1951, in Lebanon, Indiana. She was the youngest of three children, being the only daughter of Raymond Keith and Phyllis Jean Craig. She lived most of her life in Kokomo and graduated from the first graduating class of Taylor High School in 1969. She then attended and graduated from Indiana Business College (Kokomo). After graduation, she taught at Indiana Business College in Kokomo, making lifelong friends with some of her students. She was a fast typist and loved shorthand. Judy worked as a legal secretary for Shirley and Stanley, attorneys-at-law for a few years prior to working in Howard County Superior Court 1 and Superior Court 2. She worked with many attorneys and judges during those 20-plus years at the courthouse as a legal secretary, court reporter, and bailiff. During that period, she met the love of her life, Mark Zook, who was also working at the Howard County Courthouse in Kokomo. They married on May 1, 1988. Later in life, she worked at several other local businesses in Kokomo prior to her retirement in 2012.
Judy felt so blessed when she and Mark welcomed their daughter, Andrea Jean, in October 1989. Her family meant everything as she watched her daughter grow into an adult and then welcomed her two grandchildren later in life after her retirement. She loved babysitting and being involved in their special programs and activities.
Judy enjoyed country music and attended many concerts and programs with her husband and daughter. She loved being with her family and friends. She always sent many greeting cards and lots of gift cards to make everyone feel they each were so very special to her. As her cousin said recently, “when we talked, she made me feel I was the only person in her world.” She made each person she met feel so special. Judy loved life and everyone. Before marriage, her four nephews, Matthew, Keith, Mark, and Kurt, were treated like her sons. She loved being with all four of them since they were all born within a fourteen-month timeframe. Judy had an extremely close bond with her aunt Virginia Branagin and her cousins were considered more like her sisters and brothers. She kept a constant connection with all of them.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Mark Zook, along with her daughter, Andrea (Ian—her “favorite son-in-law) Benedict; granddaughter, Meadow Benedict; and grandson, Forrest Benedict. She is survived by her brothers, James A. Craig (Noblesville) and Kenneth L. Craig (Kokomo); her mother-in-law, Lily Ann Zook; special nephews, Matthew A. (Kristen) Craig and Keith A. Craig; aunt, JoAnn Mullendore; along with numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, along with her father-in-law, Robert C. Zook, and nephews, Mark A. Craig and Kurtis A. Craig.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, September 8, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, Indiana. Friends may also visit with the family from 12-1 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 9, 2023, with Pastor Gary Carpenter (retired) and Pastor Daniel Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery in Kokomo. Donations may be given to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Kimberly M. King
Kimberly M. King, 65, died at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2nd, 2023, at home. She was born July 19, 1958, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Max C. Newby and Betty L. (Stover) Newby. On September 9th, 1978, she married Stephen Carter King, who she later divorced.
She graduated from Haworth High School in 1976, where she was active in the marching band and theater. She went on to become a wife and mother. After eight years of marriage, she left to explore more fulfilling pursuits, graduating cum laude from the University of Indianapolis on April 30, 1994. During her time there, she had the opportunity to hike a portion of Appalachian Trail, participate in an archeological dig in Greek Cyprus, perform on stage in several acclaimed plays, write for and act in children’s theater at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and publish a book of poetry about what it means to grow old in America. In the years that followed, she obtained an M.A. in Communication Studies from Ball State University and worked toward a PhD in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. She spent her professional career teaching communication courses and in various leadership positions at Ivy Tech Community College in Kokomo, Indiana. She was a gifted and celebrated teacher, performer, writer, mentor, and leader. She continues on as a cherished mother, grandma, and friend.
Surviving are her daughter Sarah B. King and son Seth B. King, as well as her son-in-law Dean R. Brown and 4 grandchildren: Everett, Henry, Max, and Violet.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 pm until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Indiana Veterans Affairs, https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/48003168/. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Message of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Pat Henry Shipe
Pat Henry Shipe, 74, Kokomo, passed away at 4:30 am Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 24, 1948, in Akron, OH. On April 7, 1968, he married Marilyn White at the Judson Baptist Church, and she survives.
Pat was a 1966 graduate of Kokomo High School. On February 29, 2004, he retired from Chrysler Corporation after 32 years of service. Pat enjoyed wood working, yard work, and researching on the computer.
In addition to his wife Marilyn, Pat is survived by his son, Carey (Lisa) Shipe; daughter, Amy (Terry Knotts) Shipe; 3 grandchildren, William Shipe, Sarah Shipe, and Todd (Amber) Powell; great-granddaughter, Raelynn Powell; 2 sisters, Marilyn (Bob) DiBeneditto, and Holly Worthington; sister-in-law, Beverly (D.A.) Zehring; along with many nieces, nephews, and also cousins from the Akron, OH area.
Pat was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Shipe, Garry Shipe, and Tom Worthington; and sister, Libby Reeves.
Private funeral services will be held at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with LuAnn Young officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Pat’s memory.