Virginia “Ginny” Ann Pavey
Virginia “Ginny” Ann Pavey, of Kokomo, IN, age 85, born July 13, 1939, died peacefully in her sleep on December 3, 2024, after nearly a two-year battle with cancer. She passed surrounded by family. She was the daughter of Robert Featherstone and Lois (Beck) Featherstone. On March 1, 1959, she married George Pavey, and he survives.
Ginny was born in Kokomo, Indiana, and was baptized at the age of 10 at South Side Christian Church. She lived a life characterized by a love for music, which set her on a collision course with her future husband, George, in the Kokomo High School Choir. She stated that she loved George from the moment she first met him, and she knew he was the one for her. The high school sweethearts dated for five years, then tied the knot of what would be a 65-year marriage. Ginny went on to give birth to five beautiful children, but the larger family needed another source of income. Ginny took this opportunity to realize her dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from Indiana University in 1975. She was subsequently hired at Howard Community Hospital, where she spent her entire career in various capacities, including obstetrics, pre-op surgery, charge, and staff nurse roles. She eventually retired in 2016 at the age of 76. She was a lifetime member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, as well as part of Kokomo’s Maha Shrine Guild, where she spent three years as president. In the latter part of her life, she was a proud member of Crossroads Community Church and took great joy in attending each Sunday. Through the years, she reveled in needle work, journaling, scrapbooking, and reading, and loved to collect family recipes to pass on to future generations. She hung her hat on being organized and tidy, and consistently made time to love on her children and grandchildren. Ginny carried herself with a serious demeanor, but the deeper layers of her personality gave way to a jokester and a person who was incredibly easy to like and love. A popular family story is one of a family marshmallow fight in the Steak n’ Shake parking lot, a story we still laugh about to this day.
To put it simply, Ginny ran a tight ship, but she was far too beloved for anyone to think about stepping off. She was so proud of her family and friends and was not afraid to show it. She loved to root for her children and grandchildren at events, her screams and whistles always recognizable above the rest. She was the matriarch, and anybody who was lucky enough to know her knew the exemplary daughter, friend, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she was. Ginny would want those who knew her to remember the good times, and to go have a marshmallow fight of their own. We will all miss her very much.
Ginny was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Pavey.
Along with her husband of 65 years, George Pavey, Ginny is survived by her children, Rex (Susie) Pavey, Karen (Jim) Cogdill, Sharon (Mike) Miller, and Jodi (Dave) Keene; six grandchildren, Christopher (Kitrina) Pavey, Daniel Pavey, Matthew (Michelle) Sandoe, Madilyn (Joseph) Faulkner, Allison (Conner) Leicht, and Nathaniel Keene; four great-grandchildren, Drake Fiene, Eric Binder, Ezra Sandoe, and an unborn great-granddaughter; brothers Richard Featherstone and Forrest (Marla) Featherstone; and many nieces and nephews. Ginny was also proud to have two surviving foreign exchange daughters, Gitte Kaas, of Oslo, Norway; and Yuka (Hayato) Sakuri and their daughters Emma and Aika, of Niigata, Japan.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice for taking great care of Ginny, and a special thank you to Jamie and Natasha.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, with Pastor Luke Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the funeral home. Funeral rites will be provided by Beta Sigma Phi at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s name to https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com
Candace J. Thompson
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Candace J. Thompson, affectionately known as Candy, who left this world on December 1, 2024, at the age of 56. Born on November 20, 1968, Candy graced the lives of those around her with her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness.
Candy was a cherished soul whose laughter could brighten the darkest of days. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and valued, embodying love and compassion in her interactions. Her warmth touched so many, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Candy’s life during her visitation on December 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a heartfelt funeral service at 11:00 AM, both held at Grace Memorial Institutional C.O.G.I.C., located at 1417 N. Delphos St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Gather with us to share memories, honor her spirit, and support one another in this time of sorrow.
Candy will forever be remembered for her loving nature, infectious joy, and the profound impact she had on every person fortunate enough to know her. As we say goodbye, let us carry her love in our hearts and cherish the beautiful moments shared with her throughout the years.
Gary Len Mitchell
Gary Len Mitchell, 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 30, 1937, the son of David Reldo Mitchell and Mildred E. (Holder) Mitchell. On November 25, 1962, he married the love of his life, Janet L. Rusk, at Calvary Baptist Church by J. McFarland Smith. Married 50+ years and had two children. Survived by their daughter, Lori Kirkpatrick and son, Steve Mitchell (Beth); grandchildren, Randy Mitchell, Holden Hite, Jake Mitchell, Jack Mitchell and Cass Mitchell; Brother, David Renny Mitchell (Jane); Sisters, Sally Kelly (Max) and Joyce Morrow; in-laws, Karen Mitchell, Bruce Horsman, Bobbi Rusk; Several nieces and nephews, acknowledging an extremely special niece, Davina Burns.
Gary was preceded in death his parents; loving wife, Janet; sister, Kay Horsman; brother, Joe Mitchell.
Gary graduated from Kokomo High School in 1955. He continued to keep in touch (monthly) with many of his classmates throughout his life. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for many years but most recently attended the Abundant Life Church with Pastor Charlie Riley.
Gary worked at Delco Electronics in the Sales/Marketing Department for 39 years, retiring in 1993. Volunteering at St. Vincent Hospital for many years, served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. He had several hobbies including oil painting and wood carving. He was a big IU basketball fan and became a Purdue fan once his three grandsons attended Purdue. He was a Junior Achievement advisor.
He and his wife lived in Kokomo most of their lives but moved to Zephyr Hills, Florida, for 11 years after retirement before moving back to Kokomo. Gary enjoyed traveling and took may trips all over the country visiting many of the national parks, Italy, and many cruises.
Gary loved his family and friends. Blessed with so many great memories of his grandchildren becoming good students and citizens. He was sure that the world will be a better place because of these wonderful kids. Gary was certainly blessed with many great relatives and friends.
Visitation will take place at Abundant Life Church, 1025 E. 400 S., Kokomo, IN on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the start of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
William E. “Eddie” Cook
William E. “Eddie” Cook passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2024, at his home. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on October 14, 1950, the son of William Europe Cook, Jr. and Agnes “Pat” Newport.
William was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School. He was a skilled auto mechanic and a prolific artist that loved drawing and painting.
William is survived by his children, Stephanie Considine, Ryan Cook, and Jeremy (April) Chaplin; brothers Greg Cook, Jeff (Pam) Duncan; sister Jayne Stites; nephews Joshua Cook, Caleb Cook, Jonathan Cook, John Duncan; niece Julianna (Kyle) Smith. Grandchildren Taylor Seager, Trevor Oakes, Reagan Chaplin, Parker Chaplin, Connor Chaplin, Carter Chaplin. Step-Grandchildren Adam Thatcher, Abby Thatcher, Sara Thatcher, Izzy Thatcher, Shelby Thatcher, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Frederick Duncan Jr. and Larry Duncan.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.