Reda Jean Francis

Reda Jean Francis, 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away in her home surrounded by family on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 1:00 PM. She was born May 5, 1937, to the late Generous W. and Lucille R. Collins.

Reda was a loving mother and grandmother to her family and a loyal friend. She devoted her life to caring for those around her, never complained and never asked for anything in return. She enjoyed cooking, especially for her family and looked forward to family being gathered around her table during the holidays. She enjoyed attending programs and sporting events for her grandchildren. She kept every memento from her children & grandchildren’s life events.

Reda began working at Kroger in 1955 and retired after 42 years in 1997. Reda enjoyed going to the casino and traveling around the U.S.

Reda is survived by her children Rick Francis (Martha), Kathy Bryan (Glenn) and Christina Ramos (Ray), grandchildren; Eric Francis, Jesse Francis (Amanda), Brandie Hopper (Craig), Leah Diaz (Danny), Carley Gulley (Joel), Audrey Karnemaat (Nathan), and Anthony Ramos, great-grandchildren; Bryan, Evelyn, Annalyse, Savannah, Ashlynn, Jayden, Dakota, Ava, Ana, and Conrad.

In addition to her parents Reda is preceded in death by her husband Melvin Francis, siblings; Judy Williams, Ronnie Collins, Jerry Collins, and longtime companion; Carl Fink.

A visitation for Reda will be held Monday, July 8, 2024, 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.

Eddie Dean Snyder

Eddie Dean Snyder was born on July 1, 1940, in Kokomo, and died on July 1, 2024, in his home in Kokomo, surrounded by his family. He was a dependable, hard-working, and honest role model for his entire family.

Eddie was the son of Otto D. and Winifred J. Snyder of Kokomo. He lived his entire life in the Kokomo area, except for his time in the Navy in California and overseas.

Eddie is survived by his long-time high school sweetheart – Barbara Maddox Snyder – who he met at Bruce Lake in Kewanna and married in June 1960. They were a loving couple during their entire time together in Kokomo High School, with Eddie graduating in 1958 and Barbara graduating in 1959. Eddie attended Indiana University at the Kokomo campus, obtaining his Electronics Certificate.

The center of Eddie’s world was his family and friends. He and Barbara had two children, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Karen Mayo, their oldest daughter, was born in Kokomo, but lived in Ft. Wayne and Texas before returning to Kokomo. Amy Snyder has resided in multiple other states, but also returned to the Kokomo area. Karen has three children – two of whom proudly served our country in the Armed Forces. Alison Lieser resides in Blanco, Texas. Robbie, who proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bataan, currently resides in Ft. Wayne. Ari Mayo-Deitrick (Michelle), who resides in Virginia, was a proud Marine and the first woman to win a position in the Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps. The seven great grandchildren are: Jacob Voore, Juniper Swift, Jasmine Lieser, Cora Runyon, Braxton Mayo, Luke Mayo, and Jamie Mayo-Deitrick.

Eddie was also proud of his own service to his country. He entered the Navy in June 1958 and was honorably discharged in April 1961 as an Aircraft Technician with Navy Fighter Squadron VF-191 at Moffett Field in California. He loved to tell stories about his world-wide journeys on-board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Bonn Homme Richard in the South Pacific.

Eddie worked 36 years at Delco and GM. He started in 1961 in manufacturing, worked at North Plant, and retired in 1997 as the Operations Supervisor of the Manufacturing and Integrated Circuit Devices Group at Plant #8 in Kokomo.

Eddie loved vintage and ‘hot rods’ and knew all the car models from his youth. He loved crosswords and solitaire and spent many post-retirement hours studying landscaping and showing off their beautiful gardens in Florida and multiple Indiana homes.

Husband, father, grandfather, and neighborhood friend, Eddie was known in the neighborhood as the ‘go-to’ guy who could find any house problem and provide a reasonable and workable solution.

Eddie Snyder is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two brothers, and a great grandchild. He will be missed by family, neighbors, and long-time friends across Kokomo.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date and will be announced. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Ronald Ray Swope

Ronald Ray Swope, 64, of Bunker Hill, Passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was born on July 6, 1959, the son of Donald Eugene and Emily Jean (Pasley) Swope.

Ronald attended Taylor High School. He worked as a Brick Mason building fireplaces. Ronald enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, telling jokes, collecting NASCAR memorabilia, and baseball cards. He often participated in Euchre tournaments and was a big Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan. Ronald had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off his back. He adored his family and was very sentimental.

Ronald is survived by his siblings, Jennifer (Mike) England, Donnie Swope, and Jim (Lisa) Gilsinger; nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and great nephews.

Preceding Ronald in death along with his parents, Donald and Emily; brother, Mike Swope, and stepfather, Harland Gilsinger.

Arrangements are pending with Shirley & stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.