Hannah Grace Hayes, Steve Alan "Boogie" Vermilion, George “Jay” Allen Woods Jr., James Robert Heltzel
Hannah Grace Hayes
Our hearts are shattered as we announce the loss of our Hannah Grace Hayes, age 16, of Kokomo, Indiana, who passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was born April 15, 2008, in Indianapolis to Sean and Jane Hayes.
Hannah was a free spirit. She brought love and laughter to anyone she was around. To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her usually meant you got a nickname like "Turkey" or "Stinky." She was full of jokes and always found a way to sneak a prank in. She attended Northwestern High School and was adored by many friends and teachers. She spent many years going to music therapy and found a passion for it. She listened to any kind of music, whether it was local, a cover band, or attending a concert in a big stadium. Her favorite local band was SRA (Southern Rock Authority). She always kept music at her reach by never letting go of her cellphone. The only thing Hannah may have loved more than listening to music is food. She absolutely loved going out to eat, planning meals, and of course every Tuesday was Taco Tuesday. She always wanted to sit at the dining room table with her family whether it was to eat a meal or play Yahtzee. Hannah was always up for a golf cart ride around the neighborhood with her dad. She and her family attended many local sports games, including the Jackrabbits and the Bobcats. A couple of the Bobcat team members even came to her birthday party one year. Hannah was so strong during her short life, she made every day count. She will be deeply missed.
Hannah is survived by her loving parents Sean and Jane Hayes, nephew Brayden Lawson, uncles David Murphy, Calvin Murphy, and Mike Rice (Brandy), aunt Jennifer Stacy, cousins Ashlie Murphy, Brianna Murphy, Matthew Stacy, Cody Stacy, Madison Rice, and Michael Rice, and special aunts Susan Pierce and Lisa Rouse.
She is preceded in death by her sisters Abigail Hayes and Brandi Paul, and both her maternal and paternal grandparents.
A visitation for Hannah will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. A second visitation will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM with a funeral service immediately following at 2:00 PM.
In Hannah's memory the family asks to please consider taking your child or grandchild out to their favorite restaurant rather than sending flowers.
Steve Alan "Boogie" Vermilion
Steve Alan "Boogie" Vermilion, 78, of Greentown, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 3:03 p.m. Born January 12, 1947, in Marion, Indiana, he was the son of the late Charles and Martha L. (Lowery) Vermilion Swihart. On July 30, 1988, Steve married Rebbecca “Becky” St. Clair, who preceded him in death on November 5, 2023.
Steve proudly served his country in Vietnam with the United States Army. He later earned an associate’s degree in building construction from Ivy Tech Community College. A devoted family man, Steve cherished time spent with his grandchildren and found great joy in their company. He had a passion for antique cars—especially his beloved 1931 Ford Model A—and enjoyed woodworking. In earlier years, he also loved fishing. A talented musician, Steve played keyboard for several bands throughout the years, sharing his love of music with many.
Steve is survived by his children Terry W. (Teri) Vermilion, Angela Locklear, and Ryan David Vermilion, stepdaughter Alisha Evans, siblings Judy Hale and Charles “Butch” (Madrue) Vermilion, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diana K. Patterson, and stepdaughter Amanda Nixon.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Jerry Gallaway officiating. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery for a 1 p.m. service with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
George “Jay” Allen Woods Jr.
George “Jay” Allen Woods Jr., 40, Kokomo, passed away on April 9, 2025. He was born on April 23, 1984, to the late George Allen and Valerie Anne (Morris) Woods.
Jay loved creative art, tattooing, fishing, camping, and listening to music. He was a man of many talents. He could fix anything, and he enjoyed building things. He was a big goof and truly a child at heart and really knew how to light up a room.
Jay is survived by his children Bethany Woods and Adylee Cohee, stepson Tyler Jones, sister Sherri McLain, nieces Autum Ryan and Zoe Ryan, nephew Conner Ryan, cousin Manuella Riche, and the mothers of his children Tamara Woods and Pricilla Cohee.
He was proceeded in death by his parents George and Valerie Woods, his sister Leona Baker, and aunt Barbara Luna.
In keeping with Jay’s wishes, no public services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
James Robert Heltzel
James Robert Heltzel, age 69, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025.