Charles S. Tinder Granger
Charles S. Tinder Granger, age 46, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Charles was born August 18, 1977, in Kokomo, Indiana to Tina (Tinder) Granger and Charles Granger.
Charles was a life-long resident of Kokomo. He received his primary education in the Kokomo school system, where he earned academic achievements and was on the honor roll. He was a correctional officer, employed with the Miami Correctional Facility since January 2020.
Charles was known as "Charlie Brown" by many family members, a nickname lovingly given to him by his uncle Sonny Allen. He was a jokester and had a hilarious sense of humor. He was a wonderfully animated storyteller, but he had a kind, laid-back nature about him. Charles loved his family very much. He never had children of his own, however he had two special girls from a long-term relationship that were dear to his heart. He was a huge fan of music from an early age, with an affinity for Michael Jackson, but everything from R&B to Hip-Hop could be found in his playlists. He was a big comic book fan - Marvel & DC Comics, but he also loved Star Wars, and over the years, he had built up a fine collection of comics and other mementos.
Left to cherish his memories are his parents, Tina (Tinder) Granger of Kokomo and Charles (Marcia) Granger of Anderson; sisters, Andrea Granger of Kokomo and Jessica Granger of Fort Wayne; step-brother, Jarred Streaty; step-sister, Erika Streaty; paternal grandparents, David and Janet Granger of Anderson; nieces, Kyla Granger, Jada Jones, and Laila Streaty; nephew, Tray Washington; companion, Tahita Commons; honorary daughters, Arianna Commons and Celeste Ewing; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lucretia (Carpenter) Tinder and Robert Tinder (Garnelia).
A time of visitation for Charles will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, with a funeral service at 2:00 PM.
Charles will be laid to rest in Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, Indiana 46901.
Betty J. Hobbs
Betty J. Hobbs, 95, of Kokomo, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo. She was born February 11, 1929, in Yeoman, Indiana, to Leonard C. and Minnie K. (Simmons) Austin. She married Ray A. Hobbs on September 9, 1950, in Highland Park Church in Kokomo. Ray preceded her in death June 8, 2016.
Betty was co-owner with her husband Ray of Hobbs Auto Electric from 1963–1995. She was a meticulous bookkeeper and made sure everything was in order. Betty was a member of One Accord Church in Kokomo, the Winnebago Owners Club of America, the Indiana Winnebago Club, and the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). Betty and Ray traveled across the United States in their motorhome. They particularly liked the west with all its history. Betty had a green thumb and enjoyed growing roses around the shop and the home her husband built, and she proudly lived in for 65 years up until a few days before her death. She was a huge supporter of WE CARE, donating many afghans and cross-stitch items to the cause. She stitched together sunshine and always encouraged others. One of her favorite sayings was “Keep Your Chin Up.” She always believed in giving everyone a smile. Betty enjoyed staying busy, she always found new craft ideas such as cake decorating, macrame, sewing, making costumes for her daughter, and many other creative endeavors. When her children were young, she spent many hours driving them to their various activities. She also enjoyed collecting Coke memorabilia and music boxes. Both Betty and Ray were very patriotic and proud to be Americans.
Surviving family include her children, Deborah (Terry) Hobbs Respondek, her son David A. (Teresa) Hobbs; and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Hobbs Surface. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a special cousin. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, son Steven, brother Calvin Austin and many beloved dogs she had over the years.
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at One Accord Church, 2015 E. Carter Street, Kokomo, IN 46901 with Pastor Scott Butzin officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband Ray in Sunset Memory Gardens in Kokomo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to WE CARE or One Accord Church in Betty’s memory.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Arthur Irwin
Arthur Irwin, 82, of Michigantown, Indiana, passed away August 19, 2024. He was born on December 9, 1941, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Chester Arthur Irwin and Cecil Marie (Ryan) Irwin. Arthur graduated from Kokomo High School in 1959. He married Pamela Irwin (Ricks) on May 20, 1961, who survives. Arthur received a certification of completion of apprenticeship for the occupation of electrician on March 24, 1970, and was an electrician and member of the IBEW #873. He later went on to teach for many years in the IBEW #873 electrical apprenticeship program. In 2010 he received his Associates in Applied Science Electrical. Arthur was a very hard worker and a great provider for his family.
Arthur enjoyed collecting guns, skeet shooting, golfing, and skiing when he could. He also greatly enjoyed vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family. He will always be remembered for being a great listener, the great advice he gave, and his amazing sense of humor.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Pamela; children, Karena Irwin, Ronette Irwin, Lora (Steve) Greeno; grandchildren, Kayla Irwin, Trista Greeno; nieces, Karen (Michael) Halbock, Sharon Monaghan, Blanche Koher.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Georgia Colwel, Corabelle Mercier, Lafreda Jackson, Billy Eugene Irwin, Elmer Irwin, James Franklin Irwin; nephews, John Richard and Michael Irwin Mercier.
Visitation will take place from 10:00-12:00 PM Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin 12:00 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street. Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Entombment will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Cassandra Lynn Brown
Cassandra Lynn Brown, a vibrant soul whose laughter was as colorful as the tie-dyed shirts she loved to create, embarked on her final adventure on August 19, 2024. Born on March 31, 1977, in the bustling town of Kokomo, IN, Cassandra—or Cassie, as she was affectionately known—lived a life as bright and spirited as her birthplace.
Cassie was the kind of person who could find the humor in any situation, a trait that undoubtedly came from her mother, Donna Hale Randolph. She inherited her mom's infectious smile and knack for storytelling, making her a beloved figure in the community. Cassie's family was her pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with her husband, Richard "Rick" Brown, and her children, who each inherited a bit of her creative spark and mischievous twinkle.
Her children, Ion Hale (Katlyn Cogswell), Katelyn Craft (Kodey), Brittany Catt Lowery (Gary), Shelby Catt (Chris Pettay), her siblings, Rachel, Jonathan, Sarah, and Patrick Randolph, will miss her impromptu comedy shows at family gatherings, where Cassie was always the star. Her grandchildren, who were her greatest audience, will carry the memories of her playful spirit and the warmth of her hugs. Sereena, Zeke, Juvia, Kyle, Kobey, Lium, Tymperance, and William will no doubt continue her tradition of laughter and love.
Cassie's best friend, Lynn Meyers, was her partner in crime, whether they were fishing, hiking, or hunting for ghosts. They shared a bond that was as unbreakable as it was entertaining, often leaving others in stitches with their antics.
Professionally, Cassie was as versatile as they come. She worked at Functional Devices, Hewitt Molding, and Park 100, but it was her time bartending at the local bowling alley that showcased her true talent for mixing humor with spirits. Her ability to remember your drink and your most embarrassing bowling score was nothing short of a superpower.
Cassie's interests were as eclectic as her resume. She could spend hours tie-dyeing shirts with the girls, each one a masterpiece of swirling colors and laughter. Her love for fishing and hiking was only matched by her passion for crafts and reading, often doing both at the same time, which is no small feat. And let's not forget her love for "Ghost Hunters"—she was a true believer that the other side liked to have a good chuckle too.
Describing Cassie is easy: loving, creative, passionate. She approached life with a heart full of love, a mind brimming with creativity, and a soul fueled by passion. Whether she was crafting, reading, or spending time with her family, she did it with her whole heart.
Cassandra Lynn Brown's story is one of joy, laughter, and an unquenchable zest for life. She may have taken her final bow in Kokomo, the town where she began her journey, but her spirit will continue to light up the lives of those she touched. Her laughter echoes in the memories of her loved ones, a reminder that life is a comedy, and Cassandra played her part to perfection.
So, let's raise a glass (or a tie-dyed shirt) to Cassie, a woman who lived life like it was a party to which everyone was invited. Her curtain call may have come, but the show will go on in the hearts of those who loved her. Cassandra Lynn Brown, you were one of a kind, and you will be dearly missed. Curtain down, applause up, and lights out on a life well-lived.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Lisa Lynn Pittman
Lisa Lynn Pittman, 59, of Logansport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home after a long battle with cancer with her loved ones by her side. She was born May 13, 1964, in Kokomo to Cyril and Martha (Cook) Diehl. She married Mike Pittman on July 8, 1985, in Lebanon, Kentucky, and he survives.
Lisa graduated from Lewis Cass High School in Walton in 1982. She worked at Moore’s home health for 10 years in Kokomo and then became a stay-at-home mom which she adored. Lisa enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved her primitives and working in her flower gardens. One of her favorite pastimes was mushroom hunting which was also her favorite time of the year.
Surviving family include her husband Mike of Logansport; her three children, Anthony and Jodie Pittman, Joshua Pittman, and Justin and Brianne Pittman all of Logansport. She is also survived by three grandchildren Brayden, Tyler, and Ella Pittman and another on the way. Also surviving are three siblings Jeff and Karen Diehl of Kokomo: Vicki and Bob Riley of Kokomo and Randy Diehl of Lincoln. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Martha Diehl, sister, Dedra Diehl, and a very special niece, Jessica Diehl.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donna Jean Kline
Donna Jean Kline, 76, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at 7:48 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. Born June 5, 1948, to the late Thomas and Peggy (Eastin) Eble, Donna lived a life filled with family, gratitude, and love.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Gregory "Greg" Kline, whom she lovingly married on December 30, 1967. The epitome of a military wife, Donna provided unwavering support to her husband throughout his service. Her quiet strength and devotion extended to their children, Theresa (Andy) Renie, Stephen (Christina) Kline, Sarah (Tomas Yonge) Kline, and David (Jacqueline) Kline. She derived immense joy from her role as a grandmother to Taylor (Nathan) Allen, Amber Renie, Michael Kline, Alayna Kline, Harper Kline, and Hudson Kline and as a great-grandmother to Corby Allen and Juniper Allen.
Donna was a proud 1966 graduate of Monsignor O'Brien High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She held a particular fondness for murder mysteries, often losing herself in their tangled narratives. Forever a lover of nature, Donna found peace in bird watching and gardening, and she often challenged her mind with jigsaw puzzles. Her skills in the kitchen were unmatched, and her family will always cherish the memory of her delightful cooking. Donna’s love for cheerleading and dance in her youth naturally evolved into a passion for teaching aerobics at the YMCA for many years. Though quiet by nature, Donna had a sharp sense of humor, often enjoying playful banter with her husband and children. Her family was the heart of her world, and she was, above all, a devoted nurturer, continually putting the happiness and needs of her loved ones before her own.
As we mourn the loss of Donna, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led and the love she shared while with us. She brought joy and comfort to those around her and her legacy will live on in the warmth, love, and laughter she brought into the lives of those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org
In keeping with Donna's wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org.