Jean Ann Fruth
Jean Ann Fruth, 81, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Bloom of Kokomo. She was born October 4, 1941, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Ralph and Margaret (Deer) Hein. On June 2, 1962, she married Jonathan Fruth, in Fostoria, and he survives.
Jean graduated from St. Wendelin High School in Ohio in 1959 and from Bowling Green State University in 1963. She worked as a preschool teacher at Faith Presbyterian Church and as an early home interventionist for Bona Vista. She was a talented seamstress, avid reader, and hospital volunteer. She enjoyed both domestic and international travel and had visited most of the presidential birth places. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, card games, bridge, family games, and cross-stitching. Jean was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was a creative cake baker and loved entertaining at home. She was a long-time member of Tri-Kappa, having been initiated in 1973, as well as a long-time member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
In addition to her husband, Jon, survivors include her daughter, Karen (Bryan) Nannet, Aurora, Illinois; sons, Randy (Rachel) Fruth, Kokomo, and Rich Fruth, Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Tyler (Brianna) Nannet, Hannah (Mohan) Nannet, Taylor (Ryan) Brenner and Haley Fruth; great-grandchildren, James Nannet, Luke Nannet and another on the way; and siblings, Ralph “Jim” Hein, Chico, California, and Joanne (Mike) Lenkay, Holland, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Linda Hein.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Bloom of Kokomo and Promedica Hospice for the care that they provided Jean over the last several months.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 S. 200 W., Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Elliot Zak the celebrant. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to St. Joan of Arc. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Kokomo.
Jacob Henry “Hank” Powell
Jacob Henry “Hank” Powell, 93, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:55 am Saturday, June 10, 2023, at his home. He was born in Windfall, IN, on October 5, 1929, the son of the late Orda Cleon and Mayme Marie (Wilson) Powell. On February 8, 1969, he married Mary Belle Easter, and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2023.
Hank grew up in Windfall, IN, and after graduation he began his military service. He proudly served our country in the United States Army. He retired from Erik’s Chevrolet where he worked as the fleet manager. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Kokomo and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in New London. He was a private pilot for several years; he flew a small plane that he kept at Kokomo Airport. Hank and his wife were snowbirds down in Florida and they loved playing golf together.
Hank is survived by his children, Penny Taylor, Pam Lusher, Rick (Karen) Powell, Larry (Michelle) Hinesley, Brenda Hensley; numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orda and Mayme Powell; wife, Mary Powell; and numerous siblings.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to Noon Friday June 23, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at Noon on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Steve Archer officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Hank’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Barbara Louise Johnson
Barbara Louise Johnson, 76, Peru, passed away at 8 pm on Monday, May 8, 2023, at her home. She was born on July 30, 1946, the daughter of the late John and Mable (Stewart) Kerlin. She married Larry Johnson on December 21, 1974, and he preceded her in death in 2017.
Barbara was a 1964 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from General Motors after many years of service. She was a member of the UAW #292, and Psalms Bible Study at Oakbrook Community Church. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and playing euchre and belonged to a monthly Euchre club. Barbara also had a strong connection with all birds and loved flowers. She also loved her rescue dog, Daisy.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Maggie Johnson (Joseph Gonzales), and Cherl Myers; grandson, Dorian Gray; granddaughter, Rhiannon Schaefer; sister, Frances (Kerlin) Downs; brother, John William Kerlin Jr.; nieces & nephews, Elisabeth Anne Downs, Nancy C. Evans, Bronwyn G. Gardner, David L. Steele, and John T. Steele; great nieces & nephews, Jimmie Evans, Katie Evans, Connor Wisher, Cody Steele, Brittnee Steele, Jordan Steele, and Kylie Steele; and great great nephew, Jeffery Spencer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Patricia Steele; and niece, Michelle Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from Noon to 1 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.