Obituaries, September 19, 2024

Written on 09/19/2024


Amanda Jolene Swain

Amanda Jolene Swain, 54, Kokomo, passed away at 2:09 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born January 22, 1970, in Kokomo to Raymond Harold and Shirley Kay (Prough) Nordstrom Jr. on March 3, 2018, she married David Thomas Swain, and he survives.

Amanda was a hard worker and proud UAW member, retiring from Chrysler after 30 years of service. She loved being outdoors hiking, fishing, canoeing, or just spending quiet time in the woods with her husband. Along with being outside, she loved flowers of all kinds. Most of all, Amanda cherished time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her children, Elizabeth Neal, Zachary Pegg, and Emily Pegg; grandchildren, Makhi Neal, Aria Neal, Cameron Neal, and Carter Neal; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Matthew Nordstrom.

A memorial service celebrating Amanda’s life will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be submitted at www.stoutandson.com.



Rebecca Lindley

Our dear loved one and friend Becky Lindley departed this life on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, after a brief illness. She was the daughter of Roy and Mary K. Koenig of Logansport, Indiana. She grew up in Logansport where she went to school and graduated from Logansport High school in 1959. She went to Ivy Tech where she majored in accounting and received an Associate’s Degree in the 1980s. She then taught accounting at Ivy Tech. Later she was employed as an accountant for Bucheri, McCarty and Metz, a leading CPA and tax advisory firm in Kokomo. She was employed by Coca-Cola for over 20 years and worked in the finance department.

She loved flowers and was particularly interested in animal rescue. She was very concerned about certain species that were on the verge of extinction. She supported the Kokomo SPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, Kokomo Humane Society and the North Shore Animal League America.

For many years Becky served as a greeter at Morning Star Church where she loved meeting new people and making them feel comfortable. She was a talented singer and performed every Sunday with a trio as an introduction to the Sunday services. The trio would disperse into the congregation as they were singing to help members of the congregation meet one another. She would almost always go to Dorothy Lindley. Tom Lindley was frequently seated beside his mother and became interested in Becky. After their first date at Red Lobster and their courtship, they were married on May 5, 2007, and enjoyed 17 years of a wonderful and blessed marriage.

Becky was very involved in the church and served on the Missions Board with concerns in Africa, Honduras, and Japan. She also ministered to a Christian Youth School in Michigan. She and Tom were involved in the “Serving in Love” ministry as a church outreach program in Highland Park each week during summers for almost 20 years. Tom and Becky helped to raise funds for their church every year, serving the world’s best chicken noodles and oven steaks at the Howard County Fair.

Becky was an avid listener in Tom’s adult Sunday School class at Morning Star which he has conducted for several years. We will all miss her kindness, her smile, her loving words, her encouragement and her love for our Lord.

Becky had a younger sister, Ginny (Virginia) who passed away on September 10, 2019. Becky leaves behind her husband Tom Lindley, a niece Kim Draper and husband Steve, one grand-niece Tessa Draper, and two grand-nephews Zachary and Colby Draper. She also leaves behind many friends, brother-in-law Dr. Philip Lindley and his wife Linda and sisters-in-law Lenora Burtch and Ladonna Lindley.

Becky did not want a formal funeral service and wished to be cremated. A memorial service will be held in her honor from 2-4 PM on September 21, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the new location for Morning Star Church - 2059 N. County Road 100 E. It is now on Morgan Street and is ¼ mile east of the intersection of Morgan Street and SR 931. Please come to tell us your fond memory of Becky. Memorials in Becky’s name may be sent to:

Gideons International, Kokomo SPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, North Shore Animal League America, or the Kokomo Humane Society.



Donald Dean "Duke" Moore

Donald Dean "Duke" Moore, 72, Kokomo, passed away at 5:42 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2024, at his home. He was born January 1, 1952, in Kokomo, the son of the late John W. & Easter Berniece (Kinder) Moore. On June 16, 1984, he married Dawn Marie Hummer who preceded him in death on June 20, 2021.

Duke graduated from Kokomo High School in 1970 and spent much of his career at Chrysler Corp, where he was respected for his dedication and hard work. Beyond his professional life, Duke was passionate about many activities. He was an avid musician, often found playing guitar and singing with friends. A sports enthusiast, Duke was a champion softball player and participated in bowling leagues. His love for the Chicago Bears was well-known among his family and friends.

Duke was a devoted family man, known for his role as a wonderful grandfather. He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly gardening, planting flowers, and setting up a pool for his grandchildren to enjoy during the summer months. His commitment to his community was evident through his active involvement with We Care, including participating in the group that put up Christmas lights at the We Care Christmas House.

Duke's life was a testament to his love for his community, his friends, and most importantly, his family. His legacy of joy, generosity, and love will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

There is a song playing somewhere that Duke & Dawn are dancing to, and that song is “Endless Love” by Lionel Ritchey.

Duke is survived by his children, Christopher Moore, Shelby (Brad) Pelton, and Elizabeth Rentschler; grandchildren, Ameliah Ferrao, Arabella Ferraro, Averie Moore, Atlas Moore, Tierney Rentschler, Tori (Jorden) Bitterling, and Amara Moore; and one great-granddaughter, Hallie Bitterling.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings John Moore, Ronald Moore, Bob Moore, Mike Moore, and Lutricia Robinson.

Funeral service will be held at Noon Monday, September 23, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Jenny Hancock officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.



Theresa Ann Sipler

Theresa Ann Sipler, 64, of Atlanta died Monday, September 16, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital. She was born in Astoria, New York, on November 26, 1959, to Frank J. Sr. and Lola (Fairservis) Zanino. Theresa was a homemaker and also worked as the manager of the apple orchard store. She made sure everything was in order and ran smoothly.

Theresa enjoyed the Atlanta community. She was known for her loving and kind demeanor. She enjoyed visiting with the neighborhood residents. Her love for her children and grandchildren was very apparent as she spent quality time with them. Her children relished the family time that Theresa had for them over the years. She was an avid craft person, making many handmade items.

Survivors include her children, Jennifer Frazier and husband Lawrence of Debary, Florida and Casey Sipler and wife Tabitha of Surry, New Hampshire. She had a long-standing relationship with William Townley. Theresa had a special place in her heart for her four grandchildren, Lucas, Dylan, Wade, and Reed. Her siblings include Donna O’Gorman and husband Joseph, Susan Zanino-Corleto and husband Steve and Frank Zanino, Jr. Theresa also has many nieces and nephews as well at great nieces and nephews.

No services are planned.

The family requests memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Sipler family in their time of need.



Michael Gibson

Michael Gibson, 78, of Kokomo, passed away at 11:10 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born in Rayleigh, England, on March 18, 1946, the son of the late Marion and Edna Mae (Dawson) Gibson. On December 27, 1991, he married Dixie Richardson, and she survives.

Mike was a graduate of Kokomo High School. He retired from Delco Electronics in 1999 as a tinsmith. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, traveling, and riding his motorcycle.

In addition to his wife Dixie, Mike is survived by his brother, Leslie Gibson, a bonus father to Allen Hahn, Angela Hahn, and Amanda Hahn; daughters, Wendy (Rob) Betts and Misty (Brian) Pier.13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and best friends, Dave Calloway, Dave Rose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leonard Gibson; sister-in-law, Debra Gibson; good friends, Mark Thompson, Richard, and Elaine Calloway.

A private family visitation will be held. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.



MarQueé Ramere Ousley

MarQueé Ramere Ousley, affectionately known to all as Prince, embarked on his final road trip to the great beyond on September 11, 2024, at the age of 34, in Kokomo, IN. Born in Springfield, IL, on November 14, 1989, Prince lived a life marked by laughter, love, and an uncanny ability to bring joy to those around him.

Prince graduated from Warren High School in 2008, where he was known not just for his academic achievements but also for his quick wit and the kind of smile that could light up an entire gymnasium. After high school, he turned his passion for driving into a career and became a professional commercial truck driver, a job he loved as much as a good game of NBA 2K—which is to say, a lot.

As a dedicated father, Prince shared his love for life with his beloved children Aaliyah, MarQueé Jr., and Khari Ousley. His loving guidance and hilarious dad jokes will be their cherished memories and guiding lights. Prince's mother, Michelle Renee McGill, instilled in him the values of courage, unconditional love and intelligence, which he carried with him in every aspect of his life. Also surviving is father Michael Ousley where he inherited the trait to be humble.

His siblings, Kainan, twin Malcolm Ramone, Michael D. William Jr., Mithchell D.G. Taylor, Quron M.K. Johnson, Bobby D. Johnson Jr., Michael, Elijah, and Kaleb Ousley, will miss his competitive spirit on the basketball court and his uncanny ability to turn every family gathering into a comedy show.

Prince's love for basketball was rivaled only by his love for roller skating and, of course, gaming. He was the undisputed champion of NBA 2K in his circle, a title he defended with the same tenacity he used to argue that pineapple does belong on pizza—a debate that will be less lively without him.

His friends and family knew him as a man who could find the humor in any situation. He was the one you could count on to crack a joke during a tense moment, lightening the mood and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. Prince was the epitome of loving, courageous, and intelligent, and he had a unique gift for making people feel at ease with just a few words or a well-timed prank.

Prince approached his work as a truck driver with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. He often joked that his truck was his "chariot," and the open road was his "kingdom." He loved nothing more than to regale his friends with tales from the road, each story funnier and more embellished than the last.

As a gamer, Prince was in a league of his own. His console was his throne, and he ruled over his virtual kingdoms with a joypad in hand and a mischievous glint in his eye. His legendary gaming marathons were known to last into the wee hours of the morning, fueled by the sheer joy of play and, possibly, a substantial stash of snacks.

To say Prince will be missed is an understatement. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit—a blend of comedy, warmth, and bravery—will live on in the countless stories and memories he leaves behind. Prince's legacy is one of laughter, love, and a reminder that life is a journey best traveled with a light heart and a generous dose of humor.

So, as we bid farewell to Marquee Ramere "Prince" Ousley, let's honor him by living as he did—finding the fun in every day, loving fiercely, and maybe, just maybe, picking up a controller and playing a round of NBA 2K in his memory. Safe travels, Prince. Keep on truckin' and gaming in the great beyond.

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



Patricia R. Hochstedler

Patricia R. Hochstedler, 81, Greentown, passed away at 9:06 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024. She was born April 8, 1943, in Garrett, IN, to Bernard Charles and Frances Catherine (Miller) Lemish. On July 6, 1974, she married Wilbur “Gene” Hochstedler who preceded her in death on September 21, 2023.

Patricia was a loving and giving woman who was always thinking of others. Her gentle nature was evident as she provided childcare for more than 40 years to several generations in the area. Patricia deeply loved her family as they were her priority throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Don) Schnoebelen, Mike (Jen) Burkmire, Kathy (Ron) Dresser, and Doug (Lori) Burkmire; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Lemish and Alan Lemish; and sisters, Carol Carwile and Nancy DePew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Howard School Corporation to benefit students in need. On the memo line write “Pat Hochstedler Memorial Fund”. Checks may be mailed in Pat’s memory to 221 W. Main St Suite #1, Greentown, IN 46936. In the near future, the school corporation will be adding a feature on their website to accept additional donations for the Pat Hochstedler Memorial Fund. Messages of condolence may be made at www.hasler-stout.com.