Dr. Michel J. Calache

Dr. Michel J. Calache, 71, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Marion, Indiana. Born on October 13, 1953, in Alexandria, Egypt, to Jean and Lily (Nahas) Calache, Michel's life was a testament to the values of education, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to his faith, profession, and community.

Michel's career as a psychiatrist was built upon a foundation of rigorous education, a quest for knowledge, and a passion for helping others. His exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence allowed him to practice medicine in three different countries, including the United States. Throughout his career, he demonstrated compassion and skill, especially during work at the Marion Veterans Hospital, where he profoundly impacted the lives of countless patients.

A lifelong learner, Michel was fluent in English, Arabic, and French. His global perspective was further enriched by his travels, where he embraced the arts and cultures of the world. Michel enjoyed spending time in his garden and with his family and granddaughter.

Michel was a devout member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Kokomo, where he actively participated in the life of the parish. He found strength and solace in his faith, which was the cornerstone of his life.

Michel's legacy lives on through his children John Michael Calache of Seattle, Washington, and Christine Michel Borror (Will) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and their daughter, Vivian. Other family include Lisa (Dziabis) Calache, his brother Elie Calache (Doris) and sister-in-law, Rita Calache. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert as well as his parents.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Kokomo, with Very Reverend Philip Lashbrook presiding. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, January 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Panikhida service and Mercy Meal immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church, 914 W Taylor St, Kokomo, Indiana, 46901, to support renovations and upkeep of the Narthex, a project that Michel initiated.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Calache family during their time of need. Online condolences for Michel’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Benjamin Ross Hippensteel

Benjamin Ross Hippensteel, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Wellbrooke, in Kokomo. He was born on June 24, 1935, to Ross Wiley and Geneva “Jean” (Rankin) Hippensteel, in Peru, Indiana.

Ben graduated from Kokomo High School in 1953. He graduated from Purdue in 1958 with a degree in civil engineering and worked at Continental Steel for 16 years. He retired in 1996 after 22 years with the Indiana Department of Health where he was Supervisor of Plan Review and the Sanitary Engineering Division. He served for many years on the Indiana Plumbing Commission. Ben was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by former Governor Robert Orr in recognition for his service. Ben served his country in the US Army from 1958 to 1960 and continued to serve many additional years in the Army Reserve.

On June 24, 1961, he married Doris Jean Howard at Olean St. Paul Lutheran Church and they enjoyed 63 plus years together, and she survives.

After retirement he spent time with his brother, David, who suffered from MS. Ben was able to purchase wheelchair compatible vans to offer David more mobility. They toured areas around Indianapolis and Kokomo.

Ben and Doris spent 20 winters at their winter residence in Tavares, FL. They made many new friendships with residents there.

Ben was a member of First Congregational Church, Kokomo, for many years, and attending church services was very important to him.

Ben enjoyed traveling, he and Doris toured all the U.S. states, except Hawaii. He loved to study house design and visit decorator show homes. He was somewhat of an expert in home design as he lived in a two-story home, a one-story home with basement, mobile homes at the lake, an apartment while working in Indianapolis, and a condo townhouse.

Ben was a very kind, generous, supportive, loving person. He believed his blessings should be shared, and he continuously helped family members, friends and organizations who were in need.

Ben loved to eat, and his favorite food was ice cream. He could be seen at Scoops in Kokomo several times a week getting a dish of Butter Pecan. In Florida he could plan trips to Scooples in the Villages. Ben and Doris had Friday night dinner plans with good friends Jerry and Peggy Land for over 50 years.

Ben is survived by his wife, Doris, nephew, Paul Robin (Karen) Howard, niece Kathleen Howard, nephew Gary Hippensteel, niece Beth Hippensteel, sister-in-law Martha Hippensteel, several grand nephews and nieces, and “adopted” family members; Ken (deceased) and Lona Carter, their children, Cynthia Carter, Michael Carter, Brian Carter, and their families.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David Hippensteel, his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Bobbie Howard; dear friends, Jerry Land Sr. and Ken Carter; and his beagles, Poochie and Ginger.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at First Congregational Church, 505 W Mulberry St, Kokomo, with Jon Tice officiating. Private burial will take place at Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s memory to Kokomo Rescue Mission and First Congregational Church for the Capital Funds Drive. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes are entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com​

Vicky Lynn Hollingsworth

Vicky Lynn Hollingsworth, 55, of Kokomo, passed away 11:49 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 29, 1969, the daughter of the late Kenneth Lee and Hazel (Cantrell) Grant. She was married to Tim Hollingsworth, and he preceded her in death.

Vicky adored her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She listened to all genres of music. Her favorite hobbies were watching football, racing, and playing pool.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Cara) Bergesen, Kristina (Tony) Broerman, Johnathan Bergesen, Timmothy Bergesen, Shyla Bergesen; mother, Hazel Grant; and grandchildren, Dakota, Sage, Kiera, Dominick, Ashton, Aaleigha, Myla, and Lyla.

She was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Lee and husband Tim Hollingsworth.

A Celebration of Life will begin 2 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Southside Apostolic Church, 1716 E. Firmin St., Kokomo, IN 46902, with Pastor Keith Mosier officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Lonnie Ray Cook

Lonnie Ray Cook, 55, Kokomo, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born September 10, 1969, in Kokomo, the son of the late Issac Cecil and Dorothy Marie (Hafley) Cook. On July 12, 2003, in Kokomo, he married Demila Denese Hopson, who survives.

Lonnie was currently employed as a meat cutter at Meijer and had previously worked for White’s Meat Market. Known for his lively spirit and humor, Lonnie loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, playing softball, drumming, fishing, camping, and sprint car racing. A true foodie at heart, he delighted in grilling out and sharing meals with loved ones. Lonnie also had a knack for tinkering in the garage and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved to make people laugh and run the streets with his best friend Richard Collins. His generosity extended beyond life as an organ donor; through his selflessness, he saved another’s life with the gift of his kidneys. Lonnie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Along with his beloved wife Denese, Lonnie is also survived by his children Justin Harrison, Kyila Mosely (John Snipes), and Madalynn/Miles Cook, grandchildren Cadence Harrison, Shia Roberts, Teagan McDuffie, and Zaythian Harrison, with one expected to arrive this summer, two sisters, one brother, many nieces and nephews, his best friend and “partner in crime” Richard (Tracy) Collins, and many other great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Ascension St. Vincent House, 2031 Dugan Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Jennifer Loree (Farmer) Weaver

Jennifer Loree (Farmer) Weaver, 40, of Kokomo, passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born on September 26, 1984, in Kokomo, the daughter of David K. Weaver and Kelly (Leckrone) Rush.

Jennifer knew it was more blessed to give than to receive. She spent her life providing care and compassion. After graduating from Kokomo High School in 2003, she went on to study and work in the medical field. She was a caregiver in many facets and roles through the years. Jennifer’s love knew no bounds. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She loved her girls more than anything else in the world. She had an infectious laugh and searched for joy in any situation. Jennifer had unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior. She found joy in anything creative, especially art and music. She loved traveling and had an immense love for animals. She had the kindest and most loving spirit that will be treasured and missed forever.

Along with her parents Kelly Rush and David K. (Lisa) Weaver, Jennifer is survived by her daughters Lillian Faith (Joe Eagle) Brock and Kassidy Jade Brock, boyfriend, companion, and best friend Josh Lytle, and his parents Dawn and Andy Lytle and Ann Summe, sisters Jessica Mae (Paul) Franz, Madison Leigh (David Eugene) Creasey, Danielle Lisett Weaver, and Elizabeth Marie Paul and girls, brother Cameron Nathaniel Weaver, niece Jane Leigh Ann Franz, nephews John Martin Paul Franz and Owen Eugene Creasey, aunts Amy Gerber Weaver and her children and Leigh S. Leckrone and Niah, uncle Brian D. Leckrone, grandparents R. Dean & Susan A. Leckrone and Lynn & Dorothy M. Barnard, and father figure “Paps” Steve Edward Rush.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her grandparents William O. & Janet Loree Henry and Dave & Roberta Weaver, and stepdad John Martin Paul Jr.

A private family viewing will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Brenda Diane Griffin

Brenda Diane Griffin, age 70, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with her loving husband by her side. Brenda was born in Frankfort, Indiana, on June 13,1954 to her parents, Teddy Wayne Porter and Esther (Mathews) Spivey. Brenda married Charles Morrisett on April 13, 2021. Although their time was cut short, the two made many beautiful memories together.

Brenda attended Tipton High School and graduated in the class of 1972. Anyone who knew Brenda would tell you that she was outgoing, loved to laugh, and had a good sense of humor. She liked to dance, and she enjoyed crafting. When Brenda was home, she usually had the TV on. She’d often send her husband Charlie to get her favorite snacks so she could enjoy her movie a little more. Brenda was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Recently, she learned she would be a great grandmother, and she of course beamed with pride at the thought. Through the years, Brenda continually grew in her faith, and she was able to be a great example to her loved ones. Brenda leaves behind a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

Brenda leaves behind her husband Charles Morrisett, son Joe Temple, grandchildren Brittany Temple, Brooklyn Temple, Brady Temple, Colton Temple, Cassie Sexton, and Matthew Porter, and brothers David Porter (Sindy), Danny Porter, and Steve Porter.

Brenda was welcomed into Heaven by her parents and daughter Cammie Sexton.

A service to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held at a later date. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda Griffin in their time of need.

Nancy Rose Burton

Nancy Rose Burton, 83, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025. She was born December 29, 1941, to the late Fred York and Cristel Carey.

Nancy married Wilbur Burton in 1961, and since then they have had a lifetime of fun. They enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach. Their adventures would take them to all kinds of festivals and square-dancing events. Nancy also found joy in the peaceful parts of life, like going camping with her family or snuggling on the couch with a good book.

She is survived by her devoted husband Wilbur Burton, children Melanie Wolford (Ron), Robert Burton (Evelyn), and Ann Fewell (Todd), grandchildren Christopher Wolford, Megan Wolford, Alan Burton (Rita), Daniel Burton (Matayia), Nicholas Fewell, and Brenda Divine, and sister Kathy Copp (Steve).

In addition to her parents, Nancy is preceded in death by her siblings Marilyn Bowers, John York, and Dennis Carey, and stepfather Donald Carey.

Family will have a private service on their own at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Riley Children's Foundation, PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 or the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street, N.W. P.O. Box 97180, Washington DC, District of Columbia 20090.