Helen Elizabeth (Joyce-Crooks) Smith

March 6, 1932 - Aug. 27, 2024

Helen Elizabeth (Joyce-Crooks) Smith, passed away August 27, at 9 a.m. at her home with her daughter by her side. Helen was born March 6, 1932, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of Ralph J. Joyce and Elizabeth (Beer) Joyce.

She was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Helen graduated high school at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Tipton, Indiana, in the class of 1950. She then enlisted in the United States Air Force for two years. She was a secretary her entire career, working several years at the Kokomo Tribune, and then retired from First Christian Church.

Helen married Meryl Crooks, and they had three children together; Michael, Patricia, and David Crooks. In 1989, she married Joseph Smith, and they enjoyed 30 years together until Joe’s death in 2019. She was very active all through life and enjoyed outdoor activities, music, dancing, reading and jigsaw puzzles. She and Joe were great dancers!

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Patricia Crooks, and her daughter-in-law Anne Crooks of Portland, Indiana. Also, stepson Perry Monty Smith (Lea) of Tipton, Indiana, stepdaughter, Cindy Henry of Carmel, Indiana, 10 grandchildren, 31 great- grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and siblings; Ralph Joyce Jr. (Cindy) and Rosemary Haynes.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; sons Michael and David, brother Paul Joyce and wife Marilyn, sister, Sr. Imelda Joyce, CSJ, (formerly Patricia Joyce).

There will be a Memorial Mass Thursday, Sept. 5,2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1220 N. Washington St., Kokomo, Indiana. Visitation is at 11 a.m. with the Mass at noon. She has donated her body to IU Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

Last but not least, a huge ‘Thank you’ to Paradigm Health for their excellent hospice care of Helen during her final days.

Marcia A. Maxwell

Marcia A Maxwell, age 70, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 1, 2024. She was born August 19, 1954, to Gayle and Marilyn (Jacoutot) Goodnight in Kokomo, Indiana. She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1972, and upon graduating, began working for Chrysler until retiring in 1991. After retiring, she became an interior decorator and professional seamstress, who made custom draperies and clothing. She was extremely talented at cross stitching, crocheting and sewing, not to mention creating self-sculptured dolls. She loved fashion and jewelry; she was always stylish! She absolutely adored her Shih-Zhu babies, Chico and Meko. But above all, she was the GREATEST MOM anyone could have been blessed to have. She loved her son unconditionally, and was ALWAYS there for him. She was his brightest light. Her loss is profound and will forever be felt by her loved ones.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Clinton Maxwell; her sisters, Kathryn Rust and Jody Coate; brothers, Mike (Patty) Goodnight and Gary (Carol) Goodnight; and aunt, Patsy Wolfecale.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, Gayle and Marilyn Goodnight, and sister, Jackie Goodnight.

A memorial visitation for Marcia will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Following the memorial visitation will be a funeral service at 7:00 PM.

Scott Mugg

Scott Mugg, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Friday August 30, 2024. He was born on May 7, 1963, to Richard and Janet Mugg in Bluffton, Indiana.

Scott grew up in Greentown, Indiana, where he attended Eastern Howard School Corporation. Scott’s basketball journey began at Eastern High School, where he excelled and earned a place in the prestigious 1,000 Point Club, alongside his dad and best friend Rick Stout, as well as numerous other individual accolades. His talent drew the attention of many recruiters, ultimately leading him to the Sycamores of Indiana State University, where he became a four-year letter winner. In 2006, Scott was honored with induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s Silver Anniversary Team. Scott carried his competitive spirit into all aspects of his life. His love for sports extended beyond his own achievements. He was a dedicated Notre Dame football fan, cheering on the Fighting Irish with unwavering passion.

Scott was the life of the party. He lived life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm and sense of adventure. He cherished every moment, big or small, and leaves behind countless memories filled with love, laughter and fun.

Scott was a loving husband to his wife Jamie Mugg, a proud father to his three children David Mugg, Sarah Gerlitz, and Emily Mugg. He was a caring stepdad to Ashley Hayes and Jordan Hayes (David). But Scott’s greatest joy came from his three precious grandchildren, Aria Rae Gerlitz, Cru Edward Gerlitz, and Kai Scott Gerlitz. Scott cherished his mother, Janet Mugg (Buckley), his sister Tami Mugg and his mother-in-law, Jane Heltzel. Scott enjoyed spending time with his sister-in-law Jody Leung (Tommy) and his niece Dahlia Leung, and his brother-in-law Mike Heltzel and his nephew Clay Heltzel.

Scott was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ellen and Virgil Mugg, his maternal grandmother Waneta Smith, his father Richard L. Mugg, his father-in-law Robert Heltzel, and his son-in-law Bryce Gerlitz.

Scott’s legacy of being very generous to his friends and family will continue to inspire all that knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace Scott. Your presence will always surround us. As Scott always said, “It’s never goodbye, always see you later”

Services celebrating Scott’s life will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at Christian Life Fellowship Church, 1009 Holiday Dr, Greentown, with Pastor Gary Hoover officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Scott’s name to Christian Life Fellowship Church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hasler-stout.com.

Patricia Ann Haigh

Patricia Ann Haigh, 88, of Tipton died Sunday, September 1, 2024. She was born in Mulliken, Michigan, on November 24, 1935, to Guy and Dorothy (Morgan) Mead. She married Robert “Bob” Haigh on July 17, 1954.

She lived most of her life in Mulliken and raised her three children there. Pat retired as a manager at the A&W Restaurant in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She enjoyed playing the piano and used her talents at her church as one of the pianists and directing the choir. She was also an avid reader, serving on her local library board for several terms, and a wonderful knitter, who shared her love of it by being a 4-H leader for many years.

She is survived by son, Gale Haigh and wife Kendra of Kokomo, daughter, Polly Redmond and husband Tom of Tipton. Grandchildren include John Walsh, Nicole Smith, Kelly Redmond, Logan Redmond, Skye Haigh, Alex Haigh and Kala Millis.

Patricia has seven great-grandchildren, and a sister, Yvonne Nelson. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, daughter and son-in-law, Maureen and Randy Scholtens, and three sisters.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Meadow Brook Cemetery in Mulliken, Michigan with Rev. Chad Rogers presiding.

The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local library.

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

Mark Alan Grabbe

Mark Alan Grabbe, 56, Mocksville, NC, passed away at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was born on July 22, 1968, in Tipton, IN, the son of David Lee and Carolyn Sue (Young) Grabbe.

Mark graduated from Caston High School in 1987 and then Lincoln Technical Institute. He was an automotive technician. He worked for Saturn/Lockhart of Indianapolis, Firestone, operated his own automotive repair shop, Triad, and most recently worked at Intuitive Services maintaining and installing grease tanks in restaurants. When he wasn't working, Mark enjoyed riding his motorcycle, being outdoors, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and of course following the Pittsburg Steelers. Mark was a die-hard Steelers fan.

Mark is survived by his father, David; son, Cody Grabbe; daughter, Sierra Grabbe; grandchildren, Strider Allen, and Jasper Grabbe; siblings, Tim (Brigitte) Grabbe, John Grabbe, Susan (Greg) Hendershot, Phil (April) Grabbe, and Jared (Becky) Grabbe; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn; nephew Reese and grandparents.

A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 8, 2024, Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Mark was a simple man. He'd want our dress for the occasion to be simple too. Memorial contributions may be made to his children, Cody & Sierra. Please make checks payable to them, in care of the funeral home, to assist with any unplanned expenses they are experiencing. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Onda Kay Stout

Onda Kay Stout, age 60, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

A time of visitation for Onda will be held Monday, September 9, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Ellers Mortuary.

Onda will be laid to rest in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902-4839.

Gary Fred Conwell

Gary Fred Conwell, 85, Kokomo, passed away at 9:13 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at his home. He was born July 25, 1939, in Kokomo to Charles Albert and Carmen May (Stout) Conwell. On September 13, 1959, he married Cora Jephaline Shirar, who survives.

Gary was a 1957 Kokomo High School graduate and in 1978 graduated with high honors from IUPUI with a bachelor of science in criminal justice. After high school, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Gary joined the Kokomo Police Department in 1962, retiring in 1984. During his tenure with KPD, he was instrumental in developing the first SWAT team and was the first SWAT team leader. He was also head of the firearms training department and helped write several grants, resulting in new programs and equipment. After retiring from KPD, Gary joined the Howard County Probation Department, serving his last 10 years there as chief before retiring in 2008. While serving in that capacity, he was on the Governor’s Probation Council and helped with the formation of the Howard County Drug Court.

Gary was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees, and served as chairman for several years. His other memberships included F. O. P. Lodge #78, Probation Officers Professional Association, Galveston Archery Club, Isaac Walton League, and was a patron life member of the NRA. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, archery, photography, bicycling, and geography, bringing him many happy hours.

He is now at his eternal rest with his Lord and those who have gone before him.

He is survived by his wife, Jeph Conwell; children, Kamala (Greg) Hiser, Mynda (David) Ryan, Charles (Kamala) Conwell, and Mitch (Jennifer) Conwell; grandchildren, Wes (Ashley) Hiser, Rachel (Brent) Bahl, Zachary (Chelsea) Conwell, Kevin (Tracy) Conwell, Emileigh (Bill) Metesh, Derek Conwell, Rebekah Gordon, Cameron Ryan, Brielle Conwell, and Beckett Conwell; great-grandchildren, Noah Hiser, Oliver Hiser, Vyanna Gordon, Breccan Conwell, Delaney Davis, and Elowen Metesh, Juno Metesh, Annora Metesh, Bode Bahl, and Mackson Bahl; sisters, Nedra Woodroof and Dorothy Hoover; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Adams; and brothers-in-law, Kent Adams, Earl Woodroof and Richard Hoover.

A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2024, at Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S Main St, Kokomo, with Rev. Julia Pritchett-Gonzales officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marines and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to Main Street UMC. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Martha Rose Fox

Martha Rose Fox, age 94, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 19, 2024, in Anderson, Indiana. Born on September 8, 1929, in Tipton to Gilbert and Ruth (Day) Goodnight, Martha was the oldest daughter and third of the eventual ten children.

She graduated from Tipton High School in 1947 and began work at Delco Radio, marrying James “Jim” Fox on July 24, 1950, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipton. The couple moved to Anderson, Indiana, and Martha worked at Delco Remy for 31 years. Together they raised two sons, Richard and Thomas, and were married for 66 years until Jim’s death in 2016.

Martha enjoyed playing card games and loved teaching her grandchildren to play with her. She would also cook for them and spend time as a family at their cottage on Lake Shafer during the summers spent in Monticello. Boating and skiing, along with trips to Indiana Beach and Ft. Myers Beach, are among their favorite memories. Her love of card games also extended to playing penny slots at casinos.

Martha never met a sweet she did not like, and she often made a beeline for the dessert table at the many family holiday and birthday celebrations. As an avid basketball and Colts football fan and dog lover, “Grandma Fox” enjoyed the simpler things in life, including spending winters in Cape Coral, Florida, after her retirement. Martha was a faith-filled woman and a member of her local Catholic churches for over 75 years of her life. She worked hard and saved her money carefully, sometimes hiding it in interesting places, causing her family lots of laughter when it was discovered.

Martha is survived by her son, Dr. Thomas Fox (Sandra), Columbus, Indiana, daughter-in-law, Debbie Fox, New Palestine, Indiana; four grandchildren, Brooke Anderson, Westfield, Jason Fox (Laura), New Palestine, Shawn Fox (Kate), Union, Kentucky, and Lindsey Hahn (Zach), Greenwood; eight great-grandchildren, Beau Braun, Tommy Braun, Jaxon Fox, Nora Fox, Fallon Fox, Parker Fox, Kamden Hahn and Riley Hahn.

Also surviving are sisters Sonja Kay Land and JoAnn Bryan and sister-in-law Cindy Goodnight. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim, her son, Rick and seven siblings Lester Gene, Gilbert Jr., Frieda West, Patty Rouse, Kenny, Otis and Jerry.

Graveside services for Martha will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, at St. John’s Cemetery in Tipton with Father Christian DeCarlo presiding. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the Fox family with Martha’s arrangements.

Contributions in Martha’s memory may be made to St. Ambrose Church, 2801 Lincoln Street, Anderson, Indiana, 46016.

The family would like to thank Primrose Memory Care and Community Hospice for their loving care and dedication to Martha.

Robert Duke

Robert Duke, 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024. Born on September 13, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, Robert lived a life marked by his proud, selfless, funny, and loving nature.

Before his sickness, he was a devout member of the New Bayview Church of God of Prophecy, where he found both solace and joy in his faith and community. His hobbies included being an automotive enthusiast, fishing, cooking, and watching Westerns on T.V.

He was also known for his handy skills, because he could repair almost anything. If he was not tinkering in his garage, you could often find him engaging in conversations with friends and strangers alike. He was always ready to share a story and the gospel with others. More than anything, he cherished the years spent with his late wife and enjoyed reminiscing about her.

He is survived by his son, Dan (Janie) Duke; daughters, Debbie Watkins, and Tammy (Jeff) Bender; stepdaughters, Merica (Danny) Carroll, and Denise Brabham; brother, Kenny (Sheila) Duke; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Hailey Duke and Nell Duke-Davis; his beloved wife, Velma Duke; son, Jeff Duke; brothers, Charles and Leo Duke; and sister, Sharon Duke.

He will be remembered for his ability to light up any room with his humor and for the deep care he showed to his friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, unwavering faith, and countless memories in the hearts of all who knew him.

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

Steven Michael Musgrave

Steven Michael Musgrave, age 70, of Greenfield, Indiana passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024. Family plans to have services at a later date.

Paul Raymond Cope

Paul Raymond Cope, born on July 30, 1951, in St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, in Peru, IN, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and a life joyfully lived. He was a man who brought light and warmth to every room and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Paul grew up in St. Louis, the cherished son of the late Mark and Julia Cope. He was the supportive and fun-loving brother to Mark (deceased), Robert and Thomas. Paul's formative years were spent at Rosary High School in St. Louis, where he cultivated a passion for learning and a sense of camaraderie that would follow him throughout his life.

After high school, Paul's love for history led him to the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. His education laid a strong foundation for his future, shaping him into the well-rounded and knowledgeable individual loved by his family and friends. Paul also served four years in the United States Air Force.

Following his academic achievements, Paul dedicated many years of service to the United States Post Office, working diligently on the mail loading dock in Hazelwood, Missouri. His colleagues knew him as a man of integrity and good humor, always ready to lend a hand or share a joke during the long shifts.

Beyond his professional life, Paul was an avid player of complex board games, a hobby that reflected his sharp mind and strategic thinking. His visits to his brothers always involved playing these games.

Paul will be remembered as a loving brother, a dependable friend, and a kind-hearted individual who made the world brighter with his presence. His sense of humor was unmatched, often punctuating gatherings with his wit and leaving echoes of laughter in his wake. Generosity was second nature to Paul who made sure Christmas and birthday presents always arrived at the homes of his great nephew and great nieces.

As we bid farewell to Paul Raymond Cope, we celebrate a life lived with joy and an open heart. His memories will be cherished, and his absence deeply felt by his brothers, Robert and Thomas, and by the many friends whose lives he touched. Paul's spirit, characterized by love, laughter, and generosity, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In the tapestry of life, each thread has its purpose and beauty, and Paul's thread was vibrant and strong. As we mourn his passing, we also honor the wonderful tapestry he helped weave with his time here on earth. Paul Raymond Cope's story is one of joy, connection, and a life well-lived—one that will be fondly remembered and celebrated.

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