Larry E. Hooper

Larry E. Hooper, 63, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to the Lord surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. He was born October 25, 1960, in Indianapolis to the late James "Red" and Irene Hooper.

He worked for Chrysler Corporation, starting at the Indianapolis Foundry before transferring to Kokomo and working in both assembly and production. Retiring after 32 years. He was a member of the UAW Local 685. He attended Family Worship Center with his wife, Sheila.

Larry loved all things humor. His home was always filled with love and laughter. He made sure to enjoy life. He was a huge fan of racing anything that went fast; cars, horses, etc. He raced at the Kitley racetrack in Indianapolis and the Kokomo speedway for a few years. He sported a "I Just Play #66" on his race cars. He enjoyed watching sports, his favorite teams being the Colts and the Pacers.

He was a man of many hobbies and interests. He loved woodworking, home improvement projects, and fixing anything that he could. His favorite pastime though was going to the beach. He loved the water, whether he was walking in the sand or standing on a cruise ship.

Larry is survived by his wife of 29 years Sheila Hooper, children; Sgt. Kenneth Hooper (Amanda), Nikki Luckey (Nicholas), Lynne Mong (Benjamin), Leigh Guffey, and Lauren Hadley (Vivek), grandchildren; Mercedes Plata-Hooper (Abraham), Kirsten Hooper, Alexander Acosta, Noah Hooper, Jasper Hill, Deimitri Hooper, Trulee Luckey, Conrad Mong, Logan Carpenter, Cian Carpenter, Vivian Carpenter, Kali Guffey, Fletcher Hadley, and Evelyn Hadley, great-grandchildren; Layla and Maverick Plata-Hooper, siblings; Brenda Smith, James Hooper Jr., and William "Johnny" Hooper (Carol)

In addition to his parents Larry is preceded in death by his siblings Terry Hooper and Karen Sullivan, and brother-in-law/best friend Anthony Dietzen.

A visitation for Larry will be held Monday, July 8, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 5:00 PM. Larry loved bright colors and wants his life to be celebrated. His own personal request was that guests wear their best bright or tropical clothing, not the typical funeral black.

James L. Parker

James L. Parker, age 79, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. James was born in Elwood, Indiana, on July 9, 1944, to Paul Emerson and Wilma Lucille (Hill) Parker. He graduated from Elwood High School, after being a 3-year senior, and went on to work for Chrysler Casting Plant, in Kokomo. He retired after 35 years of loyal service. He was the head of maintenance for Northview Church in Carmel, Indiana for many years, which he really enjoyed. He coached football when his sons were young, and was president of the Carmel Dads club. He was devoted to the prettiest girl, his wife Wanda, for nearly 50 years and was a wonderful father and grandfather. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and his church family dearly.

James is survived by his sons, Tim (Kelly) Parker and Todd (Jane) Parker; brothers, Paul Parker and Jack Parker; sister, Margaret (Kit) Frazier; and grandchildren, Sydney, Thaddeus, Lillian, Abigail and Joshua.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Wilma; his wife, Wanda; and sisters, Wilma Ann Parker and Mary Ann Wilson.

Visitation for Jim will be Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo, from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place immediately following the service, also at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

Mary Ellen Anderson

Mary Ellen Anderson, 80, Kokomo, passed away at 10:34 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent, Kokomo. She was born September 8, 1943, in Kokomo to Earl and Ruby (Stoner) Fowler. On February 15, 1964, she married William Anderson, and he survives.

A 1961 Kokomo High School Graduate, Mary Ellen was a member of the Yell Block that cheered on the Wildkats as they won the state basketball championship. She worked for several golf courses around Kokomo as a clubhouse manager. Mary Ellen enjoyed cooking, playing in her euchre club, and luncheons with her KHS class of 1961 friends.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her children, Kim (Tim) Degenkolb, and Scott (Christina) Anderson; grandson, Brady Schuhmann; brother, Rex (RoseAnne) Fowler; sisters, Sue Cox and Beth Ann Allion; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Diana Culbertson; and a brother-in-law, Warren Cox.

Mary Ellen will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West. Lincoln Road with Pastor Charlie Riley officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

James “Jim” Verlin Lytle

James “Jim” Verlin Lytle, 76, Kokomo, passed away at 7:18 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024, at his home. He was born August 5, 1947, in Kokomo, the son of the late Vern & Pat (Maddox) Lytle.

Jim was a 1966 graduate of Eastern High School. He served with the United States Army. He then graduated from Indiana University at Kokomo with a degree in Law Enforcement. He retired in 1993 from the Howard County Sheriff's Office after 20+ years of service and was a member of the F.O.P. Jim had lived in South Padre Island in Texas for 25 years and loved the beach. He enjoyed riding the trails in Kokomo on his scooter and never knew a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and was described as “a very nice guy.”

Jim is survived by his children, Michelle (Jeff) Parsons, Matt Lytle and Wes (Rachel) Lytle; grandchildren, John Lytle, Mike Moore, Cole Parsons, Natalee Parsons, Nasa Lytle, Neo Lytle, Stella Lytle, Coral Lytle, Pearl Lytle and Hope Lytle; great-grandchildren, Mariska Lytle, Vanora Lytle and Coraline Moore; siblings, Kathy Kuhns, Chris (Kevin) Pyke and Dan (Cindy) Lytle; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Lytle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Lytle; brother-in-law, Steve Kuhns.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Meridian Street Christian Church, 205 N. Meridian Street, Greentown, with Pastor Micah Mouser officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1-3 p.m. Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the F.O.P. with Cops for Kids in the memo. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sarah Jean Blaize

Sarah Jean Blaize, a cherished soul known for her loving nature and selfless devotion, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Valparaiso, IN, on June 29, 2024, at the age of 55. Born on July 24, 1968, in the same close-knit community, Sarah's lifelong journey was one marked by passion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to her family and friends.

Sarah's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Alvin and Elizabeth Lintner, whose values and warmth were deeply instilled in her. Sarah's legacy continues through her adoring children: Kristie (Shaun) Satkoski, Jennifer (Brandon Black) Blaize, Kimberly (Charles Hoffman) Blaize, and her cherished son, Michael Blaize Jr. Her life was further enriched by the joyous laughter and endless love of her seven brothers, two sisters, and a constellation of nieces and nephews.

Throughout her life, Sarah found solace and satisfaction in her work, dedicating many years to home remodeling. Her skilled hands and creative vision brought comfort and beauty to the homes and lives of many. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sarah was an active and enthusiastic participant in her community, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word.

Sarah's passions extended well beyond the walls of the homes she helped transform. She was an avid fisherwoman, often found by the lakeside, rod in hand, basking in the serenity of nature. Camping trips were a source of great joy, as were the revving engines and the freedom she felt on motorcycle rides through the rolling landscapes. Yet, her love for the outdoors was rivaled only by her love for her grandchildren. Sarah could never resist the opportunity to spoil them with little surprises, a testament to her generous spirit.

A voracious reader, Sarah found comfort and adventure in the pages of countless books, each story providing an escape and a new horizon to explore. Her love for being outside was evident to all who knew her, as she found peace in the simple pleasure of feeling the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Sarah will remember her as a beacon of love and selflessness. Her passion for life was infectious, and she approached every day with a heart full of love and hands ready to serve. Sarah's ability to listen, her wisdom, and her comforting presence will be deeply missed by all who were touched by her vibrant spirit.

As we bid farewell to Sarah Jean Blaize, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a woman dearly loved. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind, and her spirit will continue to inspire acts of kindness and love in the lives she touched. Sarah's journey on this earth has come to a restful end, but the stories of her compassion, her laughter, and her unwavering love will continue to resonate for generations to come.

We take solace in the knowledge that Sarah's legacy is one of profound impact and enduring love—a legacy that will continue to flourish in the lives of her cherished family and the many friends who had the honor of walking alongside her on her remarkable journey.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com