Betty Marie Beachy
Betty Marie Beachy, 89, of Kokomo, passed away on September 4, 2024. She was born on December 9, 1934, in Howard County, IN, the daughter of David J. and Millie (Anderson) Hostetler. On September 16, 1956, she married Menno Lester Beachy, and he survives.
Betty cleaned houses and helped on the farm. She was a very gifted seamstress and was great at baking pies, and the “chocolate cake with the good icing.” Betty loved to watch her family play games, garden, and word puzzles. She was a loyal member of Higher Ground Fellowship Church.
Along with her husband Menno, she is survived by her children, Annet Martin, Lester (Lori) Beachy, and Kent (Gina) Beachy; daughter-in-law, Pam Beachy, grandchildren, Brandon (Ashley) Beachy, Kyle Beachy, Kirk (Jenn Divine) Beachy, Bryan (Allyson) Beachy, Hannah (Eric) Beachy Morgan, Sophia Beachy, Benjamin (Catelyn) Beachy, Wade (Courteney) Beachy, Garrett (Allyson) Beachy, Melanie (Randolph) Garner, Aaron (Susie Hershberger) Beachy, Alicia (Justin) Miller, Alison (Luke) Reed, Katrina Beachy, Isaac (Lexi) Beachy, Jeremiah (Lauren) Beachy, Marcus (Isabel) Beachy, Andrew (Isabella) Beachy, Corina (Hengki) Chi, Micah Beachy, Rachelle Beachy, and Zachary Beachy; 13 great grandchildren, siblings, Lloyd Hostetler, Virginia (John) Winger, Amos (Janice) Hostetler, and Kathy Hostetler; and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, son, Marlin Beachy; and siblings, Mary Ann Hostetler, Sylvia Stutzman, and Sarah Halberda.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Howard – Miami Mennonite Church, 3976 E. 140 S. Kokomo, with Pastor Lee Miller and Aaron Beachy officiating. Burial will follow in Christner Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross America, https://web.charityengine.net/CrossAmericaDonate. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Ronald Lee Tetrick
Ronald Lee Tetrick was born January 9, 1945, the son of Everett W. Tetrick and Mary W. (Hix) Tetrick. He went to his Lord September 2, 2024, at the age of 79.
Ron’s parents moved from a farm south of Jonesboro into town on Water Street in 1946 when Everett began his career as a farm implement mechanic. Ron was raised in Jonesboro and attended J. C. Knight and Mississinewa schools, graduating in 1963. He has attended and enjoyed all of his high school class reunions.
Ron enrolled in Ball State Teachers College in 1963. He earned a BA in Education with a Latin major and English minor in 1967. He then continued as a Graduate Assistant at Ball State University, earning a Master’s of Arts degree in the same fields in 1969.
Ron then moved to Kokomo, Indiana, where he began teaching Latin and English in the newly opened Haworth High School. He grew the Latin program into a full four-year program, established a Latin Club, and had many students winning certificates and awards in the National Latin Examination. He was the Indiana Latin Teacher of the Year in 1991. He also established both a Mary Cook and a Richard Abney Latin Scholarship program. Ron chaperoned high school students to Europe in 1970, ‘72, ‘82, ‘94 and ‘97. They had private audiences with Pope Paul VI in ‘72 and Pope John Paul II in ‘94 and ‘97. He was also a Representative to the Indiana and National Classical Leagues from 1966 until 2000. He retired from teaching school in 2000 after 32 years.
Ron married Candace K. Wintrode, daughter of Herbert and Thelma Wintrode, June 21, 1975. They resided in Country Park Estates until 1997 when they moved into their permanent home on Zartman Road, his current residence. Candy worked in several office and store positions over the years. She was a supportive and active participant in all of their many activities. She followed along with all of Ron’s genealogical, history, and family pursuits. Many trips were made to find that lost cemetery relative in the middle of a field as they traveled the country. Candy passed from extended cancer issues November 10, 2015.
Ron started an additional position at Indiana University Kokomo teaching Medical Terminology from 1981 until 2016. He had many doctoral and nursing students, as Latin is the basis for most medical language.
Ronald was an active Christian and member of the Quaker/Friends Church since 1952, starting in the Jonesboro Friends Church. He taught Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, and held many positions at Courtland Avenue Friends until their closing in 2012. He then transferred to Russiaville Friends where he continued serving in many positions. Ron also spent many years on several Friends Indiana and Western Yearly Meeting committees.
He began researching his family and genealogical history in 1960. That led to expanding his research into many areas of this field including teaching genealogical classes. He compiled articles and edited material for the Howard County Indiana Family History, 1844-1994. As part of his genealogical pursuits, Ron accepted a position as Genealogy Assistant in the Kokomo Public Library in 2000. It was a grand commitment for him that he thoroughly enjoyed. He assisted several people in their family searches and taught them “how it’s done.” He continued working there until his colon cancer discovery in November of 2023.
Ron’s last 10 months were spent fighting his cancer with surgeries and chemotherapies. He knew it wasn’t curable but continued the fight. A different cancer appeared in August, and after many surgeries and hospital and nursing home stays, he fought the last battle. He told us he was ready to see his Lord and passed peacefully.
He is survived by his brother Robert Tetrick of Noblesville and Bob’s son John in Elwood and daughter Megan and son-in-law Brad Hopewell in Washington DC at the U.S. State Department. There are several other cousins (and “Relatives by his searches”) in Indiana and across the country.
Funeral service will be held at Noon Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Jamie Lyon and David Phillips officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s memory to Russiaville Friends Meeting, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Katie Mae Miller
Katie Mae Miller, 88, transitioned on September 1, 2024. She was born in Sadlersville, Tennessee, (Robertson County) on September 9, 1935, to James Albert (Mary Love) Washington Sr.
She attended Pondy Wood school through the 8th grade. Also, she got her GED in Kokomo in 1977 at Wallace school. She worked at Howard Community Hospital 40 years in housekeeping.
She was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Kokomo, IN, and she was baptized by Reverend F.S. Kemper. She was a fan of Elvis Presley, loved to solve crossword puzzles, and fed the ducks.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmitt Lewis Miller, Sr. of Indianapolis, Parents, Grand Parents, Sisters: Gracie M. Brown of Boise, ID, Dozie L. Tyler of Kokomo, IN, Brother: John H. Washington Sr., of Nashville, TN.
Surviving family members: Daughter: Belinda Washington of Kokomo, IN, Daughter: Darlene (Gregory) Williams of Florence, SC, Son: Emmitt Lewis (Angela) Miller of Kokomo, IN, Daughter: Carolyn Denise (James) Lillard of Smyrna, TN, Brother: James Albert Washington of Kokomo, IN. 9 grandchildren: Mica Monte (Laveta) Beard, Laneisha Renee Washington, Jason Bernard (Erica) Williams, Justin Monroe (Jennifer) Williams, Ondrikas Deshawn Miller, Cody Lee (Courtney) Miller, Kalie Mae Miller, Kalisha Kay (Tristan) Warner, and Vatia Stroble, 28 great grandchildren: Darius, Mica Jr., Dorian, Zhe’Don, LaShawn, Keyon, Alaina, Chloe, Jada, Juliana, Janiece, Koriyah, Ahmea, Nyla, Paishence, O’mari, Oshaun, Kinslee, Amaiyah, Mahala, Malakhi, Aleiyah, Kashius, Kyrin, Kaliyah, Ayvee'ion, De'Andrea, and Ice'lyn, and 1 great great grandchild: Audrielle. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and lots of other relatives and friends.
She will be missed and loved by all!
A visitation for Katie will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 East Sycamore Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM, 1599 East Sycamore Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Reverend Lionel McNeil will be officiating. Entombment will follow to her final resting place at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
Rick Killman
Rick Killman, a man known for his friendly demeanor, loving nature, and interesting character, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 69. Born on August 16, 1955, in Elgin, IL, to the late Everett and Mary Lou Killman, Rick's life was one of service, music, and simple joys.
Rick's journey through life was a testament to his versatility and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. A jack of all trades, he never shied away from an opportunity to help, making a lasting impact on those around him through his work and association involvement. His dedication to assisting others was not just a part of his career but a defining characteristic of who he was.
Music was one of Rick's greatest passions. His love for his twelve-string guitar, Rosa, was evident in the joy he brought to the church band where he played with fervor and devotion. The melodies he created were a reflection of his spirit—uplifting, sincere, and full of heart. Through his music, Rick connected with people, sharing moments of worship and celebration that will resonate with many for years to come.
Known for being a simple person, Rick found pleasure in the ordinary and the everyday. His approach to life was straightforward, finding contentment in the act of giving and the company of those he cherished. He was a beacon of friendliness in his community, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand, endearing himself to all who knew him.
Rick's family was a central part of his life, and he is survived by his loving siblings, Cindy (Richard) Smith, Mary (Robert) Vining, Rene (Bill) Racho, Paul (Leanne) Killman, Mark (Sylvia) Killman, and Kirk (Terri) Killman. His role as a brother was filled with moments of laughter, support, and unwavering presence. Alongside his siblings, Rick's memory will be cherished by his close friend Ray Tetrault and the entire family from Grace Fellowship Church, whose lives were profoundly touched by his kindness and companionship.
Rick's life story cannot be told without mentioning the countless friends and acquaintances he made along the way. To know Rick was to experience a friendship marked by genuine interest and care. He was a person who listened, shared, and embraced life with an open heart.
As we bid farewell to Rick Killman, we celebrate a life rich in love, friendship, and service. His legacy is one of consistent warmth and generosity, leaving behind a community that is better for having known him. Rick's spirit will live on through the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the harmonious notes that once flowed from his beloved guitar.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Rick Killman will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com