Anona Dixon
Anona Dixon, age 96, formerly from Kokomo, Indiana, and most recently Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Anona was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, James W. Dixon; her parents, Ralph and Opal Swallow; sister, Patricia Richards and daughter-in-law, Claudia Dixon. She will be deeply missed by her children, Beverly (Joseph) Albright and Gary Dixon; grandchildren, Andrew Albright, Myriah Dixon and Matthew Dixon; great-grandchildren, Cole, Logan and Reese Albright; brother, Bing (Shirley) Swallow and several nieces and nephews.
Anona was an avid Bingo player, and Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy fan; rooted for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and Detroit Tigers; followed NCAA basketball and especially Indiana University and Michigan State University. She retired from the Howard County Clerk's office in Kokomo, Indiana, and enjoyed living in a retirement community in Lady Lake, Florida, until 2009, when she moved to Michigan. She and Jim traveled extensively, both in Europe and the United States. Anona loved to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and lived by the motto, "Always say please and thank you."
The family will receive visitors at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on Thursday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with a service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment services for Anona and her late husband Jim will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Gardens, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, SW, Byron Center, MI 49315 or a charity of one's choice.
Rebecca “Becky” K. (Gannon) Bechtel
Rebecca “Becky” K. (Gannon) Bechtel, 68, of Kokomo, passed away 3:40 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital, 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN. She was born in Kokomo on March 11, 1956, the daughter of the late Middleton and Eula (Neal) Gannon Birkey. On June 3, 1993, she married Stephen Bechtel, and he preceded her in death on April 7, 2015.
Becky was a 1974 graduate of Maconaquah High School. She was employed at the Pendleton Correctional Facility and was a greeter at Walmart later in life. She was a very religious woman who had a great relationship with God.
Her favorite bible verse was Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Becky enjoyed music and singing in her church's travel choir in her youth. She liked playing bingo and planning social activities with her friends at her apartment complex. Rebecca also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.
She is survived by her stepdaughters, Melissa Duval and Barbra Bechtel; niece, Tamara Brooks; great-nieces, Shelby Carpenter, Sierra Carpenter and Cheyenne Brook; great great-niece, Sofia Sanchez; and great-great nephew, Arthur Dale.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sisters, Mary Key, Rosa Gannon, Naomi Vandiver.
A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902 with Pastor Steve Branstutter officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Robert "Bob" Allen Roberts
Robert "Bob" Allen Roberts, 76, of Monticello, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after complications from open heart surgery. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Thomas and Ruth Roberts.
Bob married Debra Hembree on March 18, 1972. Bob retired from Chrysler Corporation after 34 years of service. In his free time, he loved to be outdoors whether it was boating, fishing, golfing, or riding his motorcycle. His Florida home was his happy place.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Debra Roberts, sons; Greg Roberts (Teresa Kottwitz) and Rodney Butler, grandchildren; Kerry Robertson (Kyle), Brock Butler, Chelsea Butler, Bo Butler, and Brailey Hecht, great-grandchildren; Braylon, Hadley, Bronx, Max, and Oliver, brothers; David Roberts and Thomas Roberts, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Bob is preceded in death by his son Brad Hecht, great grandson Bryce Butler, and maternal grandparents Everett and Florence Julow.
A visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Margie Ruth (Butt) Hodson
Margie Ruth (Butt) Hodson, age 98, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at her home in California, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on February 24, 1926, in Peru, Indiana, to Carter and Katherine Butt.
Margie married G.E. “Gene” Hodson on June 24, 1944, and moved to Southern California where she and Gene raised their three daughters, Kristi Wood (Richard) of Diamond Bar, California, Lisa Laufenberger (Greg), of Apple Valley, California and Corlyn “Cory” Hudson (Joel) of Yucaipa, California.
Margie is survived by her daughters, sons-in-law, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Gene, her brothers Donald Butt, Charles “Bill” Butt and Sister Norma Murphy.
Margie and Gene enjoyed extensive travels in their motorhome, making life-long memories and friends throughout the United States. However, they always returned “home” to Peru every spring to spend time with family and friends.
Margie was a member of the ladies’ Red Hat Society, an avid card player, square dancer, and bowler. She loved to cook and host events, to include elegant holiday parties for friends and family. She was blessed for 98 years with incredible health, a loving family, and many friends.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery 411 N. Grant St., Peru, IN 46970.
Joshua “Chubbs” Allan Adkins
Joshua “Chubbs” Allan Adkins, 36, of Peru, passed away 10:03 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital, 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on September 25, 1988, the son of Johnny Allan Adkins Sr. and Deborah (Barbee) Malone.
Gabriela Frezza
Gabriela Frezza, 69, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024. Born on April 27, 1955, in Pucon, Chile, to Ernesto Silva and Olga Leiva, Gabriela's journey was one of determination, creativity, and boundless love.
After growing up in Cinco Saltos, Argentina, Gabriela's adventurous spirit led her to Buenos Aires at age 18, where she began her career as a seamstress alongside her aunt. It was in Buenos Aires where she met her future husband, Danny. In 1982, she embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States with her family and making New York City their home for many years before ultimately settling in Indiana.
A master seamstress and entrepreneur, Gabriela fulfilled her lifelong dream when she opened Gaby Couture in Lafayette, Indiana, in 2014. Over the decade, she poured her heart into her craft, taking pride in helping clients feel confident and beautiful in their clothing. Her workshop was more than a business—it was a testament to her artistic vision and dedication to her craft.
Gabriela possessed a rare gift of seeing the good in everyone and everything. Her boundless love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she expressed it generously and constantly. A woman of remarkable strength and resilience, she faced life's challenges, including her two-year battle with cancer, with unwavering courage and grace.
An artist and dreamer at heart, Gabriela found joy in life's simple pleasures—tending to her garden of flowers, listening to the rustling of leaves, savoring a delicious meal, and basking in the warmth of sunlight. She was known for her kindness, loyalty, and calming presence. Her infectious humor brightened the days of those around her, and her caring heart made everyone feel valued and understood. Even in her final days, she expressed gratitude for the love she had received throughout her life.
She is survived by her loving husband, Danny, her cherished children: Daniela, Jimmy, Pablo, Angela, and beloved granddaughter Alessandra. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who supported their sweet Gaby throughout her journey. Her beautiful spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the hearts of those who love her.