Edith Bell Williamson
Edith Bell Williamson, age 99, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. She was born to Thomas & Mary (Phelps) Meece on April 14, 1925, in Somerset, Kentucky. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church. She deeply loved the Lord as well as her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sylvia Turner, Elizabeth (Charles) Landrum, Carol (Gary) Irwin and Ron Williamson; as well as 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Williamson; her parents, Thomas and Mary Meece; daughter, Joyce Hunt; granddaughter, Denise Harris; and grandson, Steve Turner.
A time of visitation for Edith will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, with a funeral service at 1:00 PM, followed by burial at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Nicholas B. “Nick” Retz
Nicholas B. “Nick” Retz, 71, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 27, 2024. He was born on April 16, 1953, to his parents, Nicholas R. Retz and Mary (Cox) Anderson. On August 12, 1972, Nick married Constance Marie (Warman) Retz, and the two shared over 52 years of marriage.
Nick graduated from Coloma High School in Michigan, class of 1971. Early in life, he dedicated himself to being a husband and father. Nick was incredibly dependable, committed, and always worked very hard to provide. His love for his family was very evident through his actions. Nick was overall kind of a quiet guy yet could speak up if needed. Some may have thought Nick was gruff at times because of his “matter of fact” approach to life. In reality, he just preferred to keep things as simple as possible. If you truly knew him, you knew of his incredibly kind and loving heart. He had a great sense of humor and often enjoyed embarrassing his kids. Nick absolutely enjoyed being a grandpa and beamed with pride for all of his grandchildren. He always enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. It brought him so much joy watching them succeed in sporting and academics. He was truly proud of each of them in their paths each has chosen in life.
In Nick’s spare time you may have found him hunting, fishing, arrowhead hunting, or watching NASCAR and football. He also enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets with his wife. He had a green thumb and could grow anything in his garden to its fullest potential. Nick was a member of the Historical Society of Tipton and had a deep appreciation for history overall. Nick was a unique man; he marched to the beat of his own drum and will forever be respected for it. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!
Those left to carry on Nick’s legacy of love are his wife, Connie Retz; children, Valerie (Brad) Parton, Ryan (Jeniffer) Retz, Anthony “Tony” (Cara) Retz; grandchildren, Abby Retz, Ian Retz, Erich Retz, Brandy Gamblin; brother, Bennie Retz; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Nick Retz, Mary Anderson; and stepfather, Carsie Anderson.
A memorial service celebrating Nick’s life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor Phill Collier officiating. A visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nick’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home during visitation. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Retz family in their time of need.
Mark Randall Pormen
Mark Randall Pormen, 62, passed away on September 25, 2024, in Greeley, CO. Mark was born on August 28, 1962, in Marion, Indiana. Mark loved visiting the mountains, gardening, eating really hot peppers, and spending time with his two cats. He enjoyed working for King Soopers and the colleagues/friends he had through work.
Mark is survived by his sister, Tracy (Patrick) Senstock. He is preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Jean Wooldridge Pormen and his father John Dee Pormen.
A celebration of life for Mark will be held on October 11, 2024, from 12:30 PM until the time of service at 1:30 PM, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Donations can be made in his remembrance to the Brain Injury Association of America.
Peggy Jean Wooldridge Pormen
Peggy Jean Wooldridge Pormen, 86, passed away on September 9, 2024, in Greeley, CO. Born on September 16, 1937, in Kokomo, Indiana, she will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew her. Peggy loved being outside, dogs, picnics, and traveling.
Peggy married John Dee Pormen on February 17, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana. Peggy is survived by her brother Donald Lee (Marilyn) Woodridge, her son, Mark Randall Pormen, her daughter, Dr. Tracy (Patrick) Senstock, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl Lavall Wooldridge and Thelma Lena Spall Wooldridge, and her husband, John Dee Pormen.
A celebration of life for Peggy will be held on October 11, 2024, from 12:30 PM until the time of service at 1:30 PM, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Donations can be made in her remembrance to the Humane Society of the United States.
Pamela Kay (Leisure) Ashbrook
Pamela Kay (Leisure) Ashbrook, affectionately known as Pam to her loved ones, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Kokomo, IN, on September 23, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on December 12, 1961, to Karl W. Leisure Sr. and Sue A. Leisure, who have predeceased her, Pam was a lifelong resident of Kokomo, where she also found love, built her family, and left an indelible mark on her community.
On July 21, 1989, Pam married the love of her life, Rodney S. Ashbrook, and together they embarked on a journey of love and companionship that lasted for 35 beautiful years until her passing. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rodney, her cherished sons, Duane A. (Tony) Wysong and Rodney S. Ashbrook II, and her adored granddaughter, Sapphire Wysong. Her legacy of love continues through her siblings, Sharon (Ernie) Voiles, Esther (Ernie) Heath, Anita Seekell, Lisa Bayliff, and Pete (Alma) Leisure. She was preceded in death by her brother, Karl Leisure Jr.
Pam was a proud graduate of Kokomo High School, Class of 1980. Her commitment to hard work and dedication was evident in her long-standing career at McDonald's, where she was a beloved employee for 20 years. Her colleagues remember her for her passionate and loving nature, as well as her gentle demeanor, which made every interaction with her a warm and welcoming experience.
Pam's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her joyful spirit and love for simple pleasures. She found joy in playing Pop It on the computer, getting lost in word finds, and expressing her creative side through coloring books. A connoisseur of nostalgia, Pam loved watching old TV shows and movies, which brought her great comfort and happiness. However, nothing compared to the love and dedication she had for her family. Pam was an amazing wife and mother, whose passion for her family was evident in every aspect of her life.
Those who knew Pam will remember her for the warmth and love she freely gave to everyone around her. Her presence was a source of comfort, and her influence will be deeply missed. Pam's life was a testament to the values of kindness, devotion, and the enduring power of family bonds.
As we say goodbye to Pamela Kay Ashbrook, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that was given unconditionally. Her memory will continue to be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of those who loved her. Pam's journey on earth has ended, but her spirit will continue to inspire us all for years to come.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Janice Brinkman
Janice Brinkman, 80, of Peru, passed away at 10:37 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at Ascension St Vincent in Kokomo. She was born in Wanamaker, IN, on March 31, 1944, the daughter of the late Osbourne and Vonda (Glick) Skillman. She was married to Louis Brinkman, and he preceded her in death.
Janice enjoyed word find books, classic TV shows, and movies, especially Steel Magnolias.
She is survived by her sons, Jeff Merrill and Jamie Merrill; brother, James Skillman; grandsons, Hunter Merrill and Noah Merrill; granddaughters, Caitlin Merrill, Angeleina Bricker, and Charley Bricker; and daughters-in-law, Debbie Merritt and Tonya Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Beverly (Louis) Uberto and Donna (Gene) Shacklock; son, Ronald Merrill Jr.; and husband, Louis Brinkman.
In keeping with Janice’s wishes, she will be cremated. No services are planned currently. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.