Obituaries, November 4, 2024

Written on 11/04/2024


Hazel B. Ingels

Hazel B. Ingels, 98, Kokomo, was welcomed into her Heavenly home at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, from Waterford Health Campus. Hazel was born to Truss W. & Lula (Reason) Baxley on October 23, 1926, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. On October 6, 1944, in Dillon, South Carolina, she married the love of her life, Richard T. Ingels, beginning a 72-year adventure together. Richard preceded her in death August 31, 2016.

Hazel worked as a Medical Assistant before her retirement. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and a charter member of the Piece Makers Quilt Club. Hazel loved travel with her husband, and they took many trips together. They especially enjoyed several trips to Alaska.

Hazel was a true “Southern Gal,” complete with accent. She loved her life and was blessed with family who loved her. She had many talents especially quilting, embroidery, and sewing. She was so proud of being the Feature Quilter at the bi-annual quilt show a few years ago. We will treasure the beautiful creations she made for friends and family. We will share her yummy recipes, remember the beautiful flowers in her garden, embrace memories of her just being a wonderful grandma. She made many friends, enjoyed years of travel, and never met a cat she didn’t feed or help a stray in time of need.

Hazel’s survivors include her children, Janice (John) Lods, Catherine (Richard) Flynn, Patricia (Michael) Slusher, Richard (Robin) Ingels; grandchildren, Laura Osbun, Karen (Michael) Swartz, Michael Flynn, Todd (Aire) Flynn, Stephen (Tara) Lods, Cindi (Jason) Burgett, Landon(Ashley) Malcolm, Ryan Malcolm, Carson (Leila) Ingels, Matthew (Lacey) Ingels, Angela Kerner, Kevin (Desaray) Slusher; great-grandchildren, Craig Lods, John Lods, Jackson Lods, Katie Lods, Morgan Osbun, Blake Osbun, Jacob Burgett, Riley Burgett, Cooper Burgett, Zane Malcolm, Ellis Malcolm, Delta Malcolm, Rory Kerner, Liam Kerner, Aiden Slusher, Samuel Slusher, Declan Slusher, Kason Slusher, Nova Slusher, Evelyn Flynn, Alayna Shipman, Finn Ingels; three great-great grandchildren, Braelynn Lods, Zander Lods, Vera Lods; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, John Baxley, Truss Baxley, Alfred Baxley, Ellis Baxley; and her sisters, Edna Stone Williams, and Evelyn Ingels.

Funeral services celebrating Hazel’s victory over death will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705. Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, with Pastors John Dreyer and Carl Hingst officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society or to the Kokomo Open Arms Shelter. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Della Jane Brown

Della Jane Brown, 78, Kokomo, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Chicago, IL on May 3, 1946, the daughter of the late Edson G. and Doris R. (Bassett) Fox.

Della worked for Delco Electronics for 32 years before retiring in 1997. After her retirement she worked at Cossell’s Creative Landscaping & Gardening. She loved baking, spending time with her family, and planting flowers in her garden. Della earned the certification of Master Gardener. Della attended Fresh Start Ministries for many years, where her servant’s heart led her to help organize Feed My Sheep, a local food pantry at the church. From there, she previously volunteered weekly at the Kokomo Urban Outreach food pantry. Della dedicated her life to the Lord by serving others and her family.

Della is survived by her three daughters, Delena (Tom) McCoy, Patricia Brown, and Janelle (Scott) McCoy; grandchildren, Sarah Jane Brown, Hali (Frank) Downs, Destiny Brown, Chelsea Detamore (James Weese), Amanda Detamore (Brett Kelley), Scott Detamore Jr., Kody Detamore, Luke Brown, Maci Jo McCoy, Nicklaus McCoy, and Andrea (Austin) Tyson; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Donna Long, Charles (Ruth) Fox, Linda Brown, and Ruth Payne; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Edson G. Fox Jr., and Chris Fox.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Mike Markley officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit the family from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Kokomo Urban Outreach. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Jeffrey Allan DeWitt

Jeffrey Allan DeWitt, 66, of Galveston, passed away quietly with his family by his side, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at his home. Jeff was born May 6, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Raymond and Bobbi (Surrett) DeWitt. He married Gale Jessee (née Lewis) on May 20, 1994, in Indianapolis, and she survives.

Jeff, a proud 1976 graduate of Pike High School, was known for his diverse interests and deep dedication to his family. He worked as an Industrial and Safety Specialist at Motion Industries. He found joy in gardening, ping-pong, and immersing himself in westerns and Star Trek. He enjoyed listening to polka music and appreciated good German beer.

Jeff loved his work and was dedicated to providing for his family. Family was his top priority, and he worked tirelessly for their well-being. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Jeff’s legacy is one of love, hard work, and cherished family memories.

Surviving family include his wife Gale DeWitt of Galveston; his children, Jeremy and wife Jessica DeWitt of Indianapolis, Jessee Lovegood of Castro Valley, California, and Faith DeWitt and partner Damon Reed. He is also survived by his mother, Bobbi DeWitt of Buffalo, IN; three grandchildren, Audrianna (Matthew) Lingren, Parker DeWitt and Braxton Campbell. He is survived by one brother, Ed (Deborah) DeWitt of Frankfort, IN and one sister, Carol (Raymond) Johnson of Cutler, IN. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his father and sister Kimberly Boucher. Jeff was given the gift of life from his parents receiving a kidney from each of them.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. Memorial services will follow immediately after visitation at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY. 10016.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com