Maggie Lee (Hounchell) Hart, Eleanor “Betty” Sedwick, Martha Ann Milburn, Larry McCarter, Linda Diane Anger, Susan (Sue) Marie Kirages
Maggie Lee (Hounchell) Hart
Maggie Lee (Hounchell) Hart, 94, Kokomo, was freed from the confines of her earthly body on March 8, 2025, at 7:42 P.M. Maggie was born in Wallins Creek, KY, on April 12, 1930, to Elbert and Martha (Rogers) Hounchell.
On July 19, 1950, Maggie was betrothed to the love of her life, Mickey Hart, by the Rev. McFarland in Kokomo, Indiana. Maggie and Mickey were blessed with 70 years together in beautiful, loving matrimony before Mickey’s passing in 2020. Maggie was loved and adored by her husband, who was keenly aware of how lucky he was and was known to speak at length on his darlin’ baby’s sweet and angelic nature.
Maggie and Mickey were also blessed with a large, loving family of their own through their five children: Vivian (Lynn) Rudolph; Dale (Janice) Hart; Paul David Hart; Theresa Hart; and DuJuan Hart. Their family grew with their six grandchildren: Chris Hart; Paul David (Bethany) Hart; Heather Whitacre; Zach Rudolph; Rhiannon Hart; and Caitlyn (Alex) Rudolph-Schram.
Carrying on the legacy are 18 great-grandchildren, along with Maggie’s first great-great grandchild, due the day after her passing and yet to arrive by the time this is published. We would be remiss to leave out the dozens of nieces and nephews Maggie helped rear and raise over the last century.
Family was of the utmost importance to Maggie and as was common for her era, she came from a large one herself as the oldest daughter of 13 siblings. One of the last three Hounchells surviving, Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Clayton, Earl, George, Bobby, Jim, Larry, and David, as well as her sisters Ruby, Nadine, and Ruth. Also preceding her in death along with her husband were three of her children Theresa Ann, Paul David, and DuJuan, and her son-in-law Lynn Rudolph.
She is survived by the remainder of her children and grandchildren, as well as her brother Gerald and her little sister Shirley, with whom she shared a special relationship and loved to spend time with. Also, notably she is survived by her great-grand daughter Jaeley Shuck, whom she and Mickey raised as their own. Jaeley was her pride and joy and the reason we believe we were blessed with Maggie for as long as we were. Jaeley, who at 17 spent so much time dedicated to caring for Maggie, was and will always be her Mamaw’s girl.
Maggie’s story is one of humble beginnings. In her early years she spent her childhood in the coal mining camps and hollers of southeastern Kentucky before moving to Corbin. As the oldest daughter, she left school after 8th grade to help take care of her younger siblings and support her household. She was 19 and working in a boarding house when the young Mickey spotted her in a diner, and their lives were changed forever. A woman of deep faith, she knew that he was the one for her after hearing him preach. It also probably helped that he was handsome, had a good job at one of the new car factories up north, and was madly in love with her. She moved to Kokomo, secured her own job at Delco, and was married that July.
Maggie was incredibly social, active, and independent. She remained at Delco until her retirement in the 1980s, working full-time while raising her children and supporting Mickey’s ministry, where they would help establish over a dozen churches in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. She was continuously involved with the UAW Local 292, the UAW Hobby Club, the Del-Ra women’s group, and the local Democratic party. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for senior citizens. She regularly attended church, attending several Missionary Baptist churches in the area over the years and most recently attending Amana Missionary Baptist in Kokomo. Maggie was a talented artist and crafter, accomplished with awards in painting, sewing, quilting, and crocheting, along with other crafts. She truly treasured her time crafting in community with other women at Hobby Club and spent more than 40 years of her life doing so. She was a fantastic cook and an award-winning baker, with children and grandchildren who often fought over her leftovers. She often participated in things like bowling leagues or line dancing with her friends. In fact, even at the age of 94 and within weeks of her passing, she was attending at least three social functions a week. She loved to sing, especially her hymns, and spent time each day with her daily devotions.
More than anything, Maggie Hart exemplified the nature of the matriarch. She was an incredibly kind, generous, and loving person. The patron saint of patience, she raised so many generations of children, whether they were hers or not, and took absolute joy in every new life and opportunity to love. She continuously urged us to love each other fiercely. There were no burned bridges or scorned children. We all flocked to her love and grace. She was gentle and soft spoken, yet always the firm, unwavering foundation upon which our family was built.
Services for Maggie Hart will be held on Saturday, March 15, at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., with visitation from 12-4 p.m. and funeral at 4 p.m. Pastor Ryan Morgan will be officiating.
Eleanor “Betty” Sedwick
Eleanor “Betty” Sedwick, 84, formerly of Bringhurst, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born October 9, 1940, in Frankfort, the son of the late Ralph and Lena (Ramsey) Ottinger. On August 31, 1962, she married Larry Sedwick, who preceded her in death on July 17, 2016.
Betty was a 1961 graduate of Clinton Center High School. She retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. She was a member of UAW Local 292 and Judson Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed bowling, billiards, and playing any kind of card game. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Larry, as they spent most of their winters in Arizona. Betty loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by: her children Tina Sedwick, Carol (Noel) Wood, and Jay Sedwick; grandchildren Kristine (Brian) Trapp, Britni Rhine, Bradi (fiancé Logan Moistner) Rhine, Mitchell Stevens, Jamie (Brant) Bowen, Megan (Austin) Alexander, and Aaron Sedwick; great-grandchildren Joseph Bowen, Kaydience Bowen, Amelia Stevens, Kelby Alexander, Kaylor Alexander, Kamden Trapp, Kolby Trapp, and Kayden Trapp; bonus children Sue Boone, Lou (Don) Deveers, and Cheryl (Gordon) Phillips; along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Larry, Betty was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service celebrating Betty’s life will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Rd., Burlington, with Pastor Dan Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in Burlington Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Martha Ann Milburn
Martha Ann Milburn, 88, of Russiaville, passed away on March 13, 2025, at her home. She was born on December 5, 1936, in Carroll County, the daughter of Ralph William and Lavene (Zerby) Colwell. On August 26, 1955, she married Kent Milburn, and he preceded her in death on February 29, 2024.
Martha graduated from Western High School in 1954. She helped establish the first Kindergarten class for Western. She also worked in the cafeteria and as a custodian. Martha worked for Delco Electronics for eight years. She enjoyed sewing baby quilts, taking care of her family, and attending Western High School sporting events. Martha was a member of the Main Street Christian Church where she was a teacher, treasurer, and custodian.
Martha is survived by: her children Brent (Sue) Milburn, Brian (Roxanne) Milburn, Brook (Kim) Milburn, Sherri (Doug) Roberts, and Brad (Pam) Milburn; grandchildren Adam (Stacy) Milburn, Andy (Shannon Schuster) Milburn, Wes (Samantha) Milburn, Jeri (Wes) Fletcher, Brett Milburn, Rebekah Milburn, Kassi (Keegan) Hallabrin, Ryne (Brianne) Roberts, Kyler Roberts, Tyler Stodgell, Shelby (Kole) Hobbs, and Benjamin Milburn; 18 great-grandchildren; sister Marilyn (Jim) Soblotne; and sisters-in-law Kathy Knight, and Jan (Mike) Koloszar.
Along with her husband of 68 years Kent Milburn, Martha is preceded in death by her parents Ralph & Lavene Colwell and sisters Barbara Colwell, Jean Tackett, and Sue Kirby.
A funeral service celebrating Martha’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Main Street Christian Church, 220 W. Main Street., Russiaville, with Pastor Dave Woods officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s name to Main Street Christian Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online www.stoutandson.com.
Larry McCarter
Larry McCarter, a man whose love for deer hunting was only surpassed by his love for his grandkids and a good fishing story, passed away at 3:06 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, presumably in a spot where the deer are always plentiful and the fish are always biting. Born on June 11, 1950, in Haleyville, Alabama, to R.C. and Nellie (Dodd) McCarter, Larry entered this world with a twinkle in his eye and a fishing pole already practically in his hand.
He graduated from Haworth High School in Kokomo in 1969. He worked at Wilson Foods for 14 years and later retired from Chrysler in Kokomo, IN.
He’s now joined his parents, sister Eva McClain, and nephew Rob McClain, in that great hunting lodge in the sky, where we’re sure they’re arguing about who bagged the biggest buck.
Larry leaves behind his daughter Angie (Rod) Zeck, whom he provided for as best he could, imparting wisdom like "always sight your scope" and "never trust a squirrel." He was immensely proud of his eight grandchildren: Kristi (Phil) Gurule; Colton (Laura) Zeck; Kensi (Travis) Yoakum; Kassi (Austin) Clem; Conner (Brooke) Zeck; Caden (Maddie) Zeck; Tyler (Callista) Gaumer; and Brenton Gaumer. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren Parker Rayl, Paisley Rayl, Karrington Lund, Cohen Zeck-Wright, Lakelyn Lund, Jackson Rayl, Crew Yoakum, Leonny Zeck, Gentry Gurule, Emmett Zeck, LaRue Gurule, Luka Gaumer, Camryn Zeck, and Anniston Clem.
Surviving him also are his brother WV "Doug" (Debbie) McCarter, sister Jimmie George, and a host of nephews and nieces: Brian Trout; Shawn (Amber) McClain; Vaugn (Michelle) McCarter; and Mandi (Tom) Bridges. He loved his nephews like sons, especially when they were willing to join him in the woods or on the water. He greatly enjoyed playing cards with his family at his sister Eva’s house every Sunday.
Larry’s dedication to deer hunting was legendary. He could spot a 12-point buck from a mile away, or at least he claimed he could. His fishing tales were equally impressive, though the fish seemed to grow larger with each retelling. He cherished the time spent hunting and fishing with his grandsons, brother, and nephews, creating memories that will be rehashed and embellished for generations.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Monticello Healthcare, who took such good care of Larry, even when he was trying to explain the perfect bait for catching "the big one."
In true Larry fashion, a private gathering will be held at a later date, probably in a secluded fishing spot or deep in the woods. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity. Or, even better, take a kid fishing or hunting and tell them a tall tale in Larry's honor. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com
Linda Diane Anger
Linda Diane Anger, age 67, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Susan (Sue) Marie Kirages
Susan (Sue) Marie Kirages, age 92, passed away on March 7, 2025. Sue was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1932, to parents James and Katherine (Trahanas) Duliakas, who previously immigrated from Greece. Sue was the eldest of five siblings. Preceding her in death were brothers Chris, Tom, and Gus. Her brother Nick survives and resides in Titusville.
Sue’s father bought her an art set at the age of 7, which set the foundation for a lifetime of artistic creativity. Her high school art teacher Jack Bonnet gave her a medal for her demonstrated talent, further instilling confidence in Sue that she had a future involving the arts. She graduated Titusville High School in May 1950. Throughout her life Sue continued to pass time creating hundreds of art pieces in oils, acrylics, and watercolors under her chosen artist name “Tanya,” a loose translation of her given Greek name. She frequently displayed her pieces in local festival art shows, occasionally receiving awards for her submissions.
Sue may be best known for designing the City of Tipton flag during the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial. She won a contest among 43 entries, and her design can still be seen today on city street signs, City of Tipton Street Department vehicles and the “Welcome to Tipton Park” entrance. At right is a picture of Sue recently visiting the mayor’s office to see the historical display of the flag’s creation.
Besides art, Sue also made ceramics for many years. She was also the self-appointed “family photographer” (always with camera in hand) and created numerous posterboard-sized photo collages for family and special events, many of which might impress even the most critical Where’s Waldo fan!
In her younger days, Sue belonged to Phi Beta Psi and Theta Delta sororities, participated in ladies bowling leagues, and enjoyed playing bridge with couples and ladies’ groups, which carried on into her later years. Her latest pastime involved assembling jigsaw puzzles and mounting the finished products to backing boards for continued enjoyment.
Preceding her in death in 2021 was her husband of 65 years, George Kirages. They were married in 1956 in Titusville. Their first child, Tom, was born in South Bend in 1957, shortly before the family returned to Tipton to assist in managing the operation of Tom’s Cafeteria family business. Their second son, Jim, was born in 1958 in Tipton. Sue and George continued to operate the cafeteria in the community for nearly 40 years. The building is now home to Second Blessing Thrift Store.
Sue and George were members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Carmel. For years they looked forward to the annual Greek Festival in Indianapolis (now in Carmel) where they volunteered their time “stirring” the Galaktoboureko (a Greek custard pastry) in preparation for sale in the wildly popular dessert section of the festival.
Sue is survived by sons Tom (Beatrice) Kirages, Jim (Tami) Kirages, grandsons Tyler Kirages (Makenzie Davies), Drew Kirages, and granddaughters Anastasia Kirages and Katherine (Robbie) Kirages Gordon.
A private service was held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, followed by a burial service at Fairview Cemetery with family and close friends on Friday, March 14. Funeral rites were conducted by Fr. Gregory Hohnholt of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family is very appreciative for the numerous personal visits Fr. Gregroy made to Tipton over the past few years to provide spiritual support.
The family would also like to pay special thanks to all the nurses, doctors, social workers, and caregivers providing amazing family support and attending to Sue’s health over the past several months, including the IU Health Tipton Hospital, Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center, Copper Trace Assisted Living Center, Carmel Health and Living Community, and the Paradigm Health Hospice Care Organization.
Most importantly, much appreciation to all the family, friends and neighbors that were able to visit Sue. The love shown meant a lot to the family as well as Sue. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers to make donations to their favorite charity in the name of Sue.