Patricia “Pat” Sue (Stafford) Hiatt

Patricia “Pat” Sue (Stafford) Hiatt, 79, of Kokomo, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at her home. She was born on September 30, 1945, the daughter of the late Clyde and Madge Stafford. In April of 1968, she married Jimmie “Jim” Hiatt, and he preceded her in death on May 6, 2015.

Pat was a 1963 graduate of Muncie Central High School. She formerly worked at Griner’s Sub Shop and with Kokomo School Corp. as a bus aide. She and her husband were co-owners of a factory called Prime Products. Pat was an independent and determined lady. She had the best sense of humor and found joy in playing jokes on people. She was fascinated with classic show cars, race cars, and drag racing. She loved taking cruises in her beautiful, bright yellow Corvette. She was a member of First Nazarene Church in Kokomo. She will be remembered as one of the “Cone Palace Grandmas.”

She is survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dave and Linda Hollis; nephew, Randy (Denise) Hollis; dear friends, Candace (Lowell) Pemberton, Matt Lewis, Kurt and Wendy Lewis, Barry and Jennifer Rayls, and Patricia Shelton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, December 20, 2024, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, IN 46936. Funeral service will begin at noon on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor David Leeder officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie, IN. Contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to the Cat Café - Kokomo Humane Society. Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Jolene Ann Windt

Jolene Ann Windt lost her courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by loved ones on December 16 at 1:26 PM. Jolene was born on September 24, 1954, in Hallock, Minnesota, and grew up in Pembina, North Dakota.

The oldest of five, Jo helped her parents with the raising of her younger brothers and sisters, always the dominant, take-charge older sis. A brilliant student, Jolene split her time cheerleading on the football field or basketball court and reading the encyclopedia. Jolene graduated from Pembina High School in 1972 as valedictorian of her class. She enrolled in the school of pharmacy at North Dakota State University in the fall of 1972.

On November 24, 1973, Jo was joined in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Don Windt. This union of their hearts and souls endured over 51 years until her death. In July 1976, Jolene became a military wife, joining Don, now a second lieutenant in the USAF, as they moved to Mississippi, Arizona, United Kingdom, and back to Arizona before settling in Kokomo. While stationed in England, Don was deployed an average of seven months a year for three years while Jolene stayed behind, raising the children and running the household. Yet not once did she complain. Jolene entered the Indiana University School of Nursing in Kokomo and for 1989 and 1990, was honored as the outstanding student in nursing, graduating with honors and a Bachelor of Science as a Registered Nurse.

For 23 years of compassion and caring, Jolene worked at St. Joseph and Community Howard hospitals, managing, among other duties as a cath lab manager, progressive care unit manager, and telemetry medical surgery manager. Jo was the most magnificent and caring mother. Never did Brendan or Andrea go trick-or-treating in a store-bought costume. Always, they wore an outfit made by loving hands. Jolene’s life became complete with the arrival of her grandchildren, Annalise and Samuel. Her love and nurturing were directly responsible for their development into the wonderful adults they are now.

Survivors are: Donald Windt (husband) Kokomo, IN; Brendan John Windt (son) Kokomo; Andrea (Stan) Beth Antonelli (daughter) Russiaville, IN; Stan Antonelli (son-in-law) Russiaville; Annalise Beth Bowlby (granddaughter) Russiaville, IN; Samuel Chad Bowlby (grandson) Russiaville, IN; Janet (Wayne) O’Hara (sister) Pembina, ND; John (Kathryn) Johnson (brother), Pembina, ND; and James Johnson (brother) Pembina, ND. Jolene is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jolene was preceded in death by her parents John and Marlene Johnson, sister Joy Ash, and in-laws John and Annie Windt.

There are so many people to thank for their kindness, generosity and support. First, the men and women of the Community Howard Emergency room, second floor telemetry medical surgery unit, third floor progressive care unit, and finally, Dr. Annette Moore and her oncology staff were absolutely superb. Thank you to our neighbors for the meals, support and prayers. You are all terrific. Thank you to Elara Health Care for your great service. To Paradigm Health care and especially RN Chrissy Brandenburg, you were outstanding. To Jill Newby, Jolene’s bestie, who was by Jo’s side virtually every day and finally, to Jolene’s sister, Jan, who gave up her family life back home since day one to cook, clean, shop, and care for her big sister since the beginning, we couldn’t have persevered without you.

Funeral services celebrating Jo’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Carl Hingst officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Patricia Ann Bragg

Patricia Ann Bragg, 76, passed away surrounded by her beautiful family on Dec. 14, 2024, at her home. She was born to Morris and Ann Branstetter on Feb. 19, 1948, in Frankfort, IN.

She graduated from Frankfort High School and later moved on to a 30-year career at Delco, where she worked on the assembly line. Patricia met her husband, Michael Bragg, thanks to a gas station and a persistent matchmaker. An old friend named Coyner ran into Patricia at the service station across the street from her home near Frankfort. Patricia was often mistaken for her mother, as the two looked so much alike. Convinced Patty would be taken with his friend, Coyner didn’t give up until she accepted a date with Michael. The two were married less than a year later, on Aug. 15, 1970. Years later, Coyner saw the pair in a car jammed full of kids and grandkids, and Michael said, “Look what you’ve done, Coyner!”

It’s easy to understand why Michael fell so hard and so fast. Patricia was a beautiful woman with a bright smile, a quick sense of humor and a laugh that could light up any room. She took pride in her appearance – even on days when she didn’t feel well – and in her home, which was always well kept. Patty didn’t know a stranger and had an unmatched ability to make anyone feel like a friend, within minutes of meeting them. She was an open book to both friends and acquaintances, and she made everyone around her feel like they were welcome.

But Patricia’s true passion was her family. They were her world, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She attended recitals, sporting events, activities, and field trips, not only for her own children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. She and Michael spent countless hours creating magical experiences for her kids and grandkids, especially around Christmas. Growing up, there was never a Christmas without an appearance from Santa Claus himself, and many trips to We Care Park and Frankfort Park to see the lights.

Patricia loved the Lord with all of her heart and was a devoted member of Center Road Church of Christ, as well as a member of UAW Local 292. She was also a member of the Hoosier Kite Flyers Society with her husband Michael.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Michael, of Russiaville; two daughters, Monica Bragg, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Melissa and husband Robert Kingsolver, of Kokomo; five grandchildren, Breahna and husband Brandon Echelbarger and family, of Kokomo, Austin Ridenour and Brianna Knowling and family, of Kokomo, Morgan and husband Brayton Boruff and family, of Tipton, Drake Ruelas and family, of Kokomo, and Jacob Ruelas and family, of Kokomo. She has 10 great grandchildren, who she loved endlessly. She is also survived by siblings Terry Timmons, Shelby Branstetter, Barb and Buddy Branstetter and Gary and Vickie Bragg.

She is preceded in Heaven by her parents, Ann and Morris Branstetter; stepmother, Rosemary Branstetter; stepfather, Harold Martin; mother- and father-in-law, Dorothy and Luther Bragg; and brothers and sisters, Bob, Leslie, Timothy, and Carolyn.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Community North Indianapolis and staff, Paradigm Health and staff, and Dr. Annette Moore of Kokomo.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, December 21, 2024. at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W. 300 South, Kokomo. Services will follow at noon at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Green Lawn Cemetery, Frankfort. Flowers may be sent to Center Road Church of Christ, through the preferred vendor Jefferson House of Flowers. Donations may be made to the disaster relief fund at Center Road Church of Christ. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Richard Lee “Rich” Miller, Sr.

Richard Lee “Rich” Miller, Sr., 93, of Galveston, passed away at 2:32 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born April 18, 1931, in South Bend, to Simon and Ida May (Kellums) Miller. On May 14, 1991, he married Joan Fallen, in Campton, Kentucky, and she survives.

Rich attended high school in Jimtown, Indiana, and later furthered his education at GMI. He worked as a supervisor at General Motors in Marion for 30 years before retiring and had also worked for Studabaker in South Bend. Rich enjoyed restoring cars, putting puzzles together, marbles, and card games, and loved spending the winters in Florida for 32 years. He was a member of Abundant Life Church.

In addition to his wife, Joan Miller, survivors include his daughters, Beth (Lester) Adair, Logansport, Dawn Hostetler, Kokomo, and Charlotte (Steve) Cragun, Kokomo; daughter-in-law, Margaret (Steve) Miller Bowman, Kokomo; grandchildren, Nichole (Josh) Miller, South Bend, Angela (AJ) Edwards, Kokomo, Beau (Jennifer) White, Noblesville, Kim (Kristen) Thomas, Jr., Medina, Ohio, Amanda (Adam) Crain, Logansport, Brock (Angie) Adair, Indianapolis, Meghan (Tony) Miller, Ohio, Courtney (Chad) Hewitt, Kokomo, Mason Edwards, Kokomo, Brett (Denise) Leicht, Kokomo, and Lori (Roger) Acord, Kokomo; great-grandchildren, Harvey (Alyssa) Mills, Indianapolis, Hunter Mills, Indianapolis, Hannah Mills, Colorado, Khloe, Tre, Karli Thomas, Medina, Ohio, Scarlett Hewitt, Kokomo, Cooper Edward, Kokomo, Ethan Crain, Logansport, and Kessler Crain, Logansport.

He was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Ricky Ann Miller, Karen Gingerich, and Richard Lee Miller, Jr.; and nine siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Friends are invited to visit from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Rich’s name to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Joseph "Joe" Elwood Yeagle II

Joseph "Joe" Elwood Yeagle II, 41, of Kokomo, Indiana, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He was born August 19, 1983, to the late Joseph and Wanda Yeagle.

Joe attended Maconaquah High School where he was a member of the swim team and also ran track. During one of his swim practices, he met his high school sweetheart, Julie Degner. Over the years Joe and Julie have enjoyed many vacations together, especially to Joe's favorite destination: Florida. He loved everything about the ocean and would visit the Sunshine State even in the middle of summer. He spent most of his Sundays watching the Colts play. He has been a Peyton Manning fan since day one. Going to the games in Indianapolis was one of his favorite activities, most recently going this past August. He also was an avid sports card collector, specifically football and basketball. When he wasn't playing referee on the couch, he could be found out in his garage tinkering with cars. His passion for Dodge vehicles can be attributed to his father's 30-year career at Chrysler. He even rebuilt a truck for his senior project in school with his dad. For the last year and a half Joe has worked as an Ophthalmic Technician at Associated Vitreoretinal and Uveitis Consultants. He was grateful for the work family that he gained there. Family was very important to Joe, and within that family he had many fur babies throughout his life, most of them dogs, but recently had developed a love for cats, too.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 14 years Julie Yeagle, siblings; Tabitha Dodd (Brian) of Kokomo and Pamela Yeagle of Fort Wayne, nephews; Christopher Dodd and Tyler Dodd of Kokomo, and niece Natalie Graves of Fort Wayne.

In addition to his parents Joe is preceded in death by all of his grandparents as well as many other loving family members.

A visitation for Joe will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. In honor of Joe's love for football, please consider dressing up in your favorite team's gear or Colts colors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to We Care, P.O. Box 507, Kokomo, Indiana 46903.

Shawn Courtney Gray

Shawn Courtney Gray, 61, of Kokomo, passed away 11:54 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on February 12, 1963, the son of the late John and Vera (Foxworthy) Gray. On May 1, 1981, he married Lisa Massey, and she preceded him in death on May 25, 2008.

Shawn held various places of employment such as Soupley’s, Jeff Way Car Wash, for the park department of Kokomo, and mowing at cemeteries. He was a loving man with a kind soul. Shawn had the best sense of humor and found joy in playing practical jokes on people. He had a positive outlook on life and an up-beat demeanor. He enjoyed listening to music of all kinds, but especially Rock and Roll, or anything Bob Seager.

Shawn is survived by his children, Corey (Amanda) Gray, Ashley (Chris) Cooper; sister, Cynthia Snow; grandchildren, Corey Gray, Ashlynn Cooper, Alisa Cooper, Izzy Cooper; nieces, Kari Uhle, Kymbra Wilson; nephews, Kenny Uhle, Kevin Uhle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Snow.

In keeping with Shawn’s wishes, there are no public services scheduled. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Leisha Suzanne (Emens) Leckrone

Leisha Suzanne (Emens) Leckrone, 64, of Forest, IN, passed away at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at her home. She was born in Frankfort, IN, on August 2, 1960, the daughter of Benson “Ben” and Mary Jane “Janie” (Lashbrook) Emens. On June 25, 1978, she married Dennis Leckrone, and he survives.

Leisha was a 1978 graduate of Clinton Prairie High School. She formerly worked for her family-owned business, Green Acres Fertilizer. She was a devoted homemaker, farmwife, and caretaker of her husband and their children. She will be remembered for being a great “Memee” to her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going on cruises for vacations, shopping, tending to her flowers, and gathering various collectibles. Leisha was a member of Normanda Christian Church.

In addition to her husband Dennis, she is survived by her children, Neal (Kasey) Leckrone, Brooke (Riley) Eller; mother, Janie Emens; brother, David (Ming) Emens; and grandchildren, Payton Leckrone, Kendall Leckrone, Keagan Leckrone, Avery Eller, Emersyn Eller, and Kennedy Eller.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ben Emens.

Private family services were held. A burial took place in Kempton Cemetery. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.