Juanita M. Boxell, Kimberly L. Harrington, Shelilia Braxton-Hayes, Graham Douglas Maners, Patricia “Patty” Sue Creech-Stouse
Juanita M. Boxell
Juanita M. Boxell, 98, died Aug. 4, 2025, at Century Villa Health Care, Greentown. She was born Feb. 9, 1927, in Howard County, to Levi and Goldie (Cunningham) Paxton. She married Rex Boxell Aug. 24, 1944.
Juanita was the "Better Homes & Gardens" to her husband Rex, who was a custom home builder for 36 years in the Kokomo area. As their children can testify, the Boxell home was always immaculate inside and out. Whether you entered a room, the basement, garage, opened a closet or a drawer, everything was clean, organized, and picture-perfect. In their late years, you never saw Juanita without Rex. They loved being home, as their home was the last master build of Rex's career. Their idea of traveling was picking up a couple of Juanita's cousins and going to MCL Cafeteria to eat and maybe going to the Castleton Mall. Their love for each other as well as their family will be an ongoing example for family and friends.
Surviving are: daughter Sheila McGowen, Kokomo; son Rex Allan Boxell, Silver Lake; grandson Chuck Smalling and wife Nikki; great-grandchildren Collin, Madisyn, and Isabella, Port Richie, Florida; granddaughter Ashley Crow and husband Charlie; great-granddaughter Eleanor; and great-grandson Teddy, Fort Irwin, California.
Juanita was preceded in death by: her husband Rex Boxell; daughter Marcia Kay; son-in-law Allen McGowen; and long-time family friend Kurt Kauffman.
Services will be Saturday, Aug. 9. Viewing from 1-2 p.m., with funeral at 2 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary - Webster St. Chapel, 3400 S Webster St., Kokomo.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to One Church (formerly First Church of the Nazarene), 2734 S. Washington, Kokomo, IN 46902, in memory of Juanita Boxell.
Kimberly L. Harrington
Kimberly L. Harrington, a beacon of laughter and love, embarked on her final adventure on August 4, 2025, in her hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, where she first saw the light of day on October 28, 1964. Born to the late Joye Lea (Bone) Harrington and Gary Lee Harrington, Kimberly's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with joy, courage, and an unyielding spirit of generosity.
Kimberly, known for her infectious humor and the ability to turn life's lemons into the most delightful lemonade, was a force of nature. She approached life with the philosophy that if the wheels were turning, she was going – a mantra that kept her perpetually on the move, spreading cheer and collecting friends like some people collect stamps. Her love for Bingo and board games was legendary, and she was the undefeated champion of family game nights, a title she defended with a mischievous glint in her eye and a strategy that was equal parts cunning and hilarity.
A spiritual soul, Kimberly found solace in the beauty of flowers and the tranquility of nature. Her garden was her sanctuary, a place where she cultivated not just plants, but also the seeds of kindness and compassion that she scattered wherever she went. Her selfless nature was evident in every aspect of her life, from the way she cared for her family to the way she embraced friends and strangers alike.
Kimberly's legacy is carried on by her adoring family, including her brothers Darin (Bethany), Chris (Lori), and Brent (Serena) Harrington. Her nieces and nephews Amelia Langley, Amaya Langley, Natalya Escalona, and Zendaya Langley, along with Adam Langley, Dustin (Ashley) Langley, Beth (Daniel) Dominguez Lucas, Brent Langley, Shannon (Jaime) Razo, Noah (Allison) Langley, Ashley Buchanan, Kristin (Jim) Davis, Scott Harrington, and Darin (Chanteal) Harrington and their children, will forever cherish the memories of their fun-loving aunt.
Her favorite girls Brenda Harrington and Teresa Wade, along with countless others who loved her, will continue to feel her warmth in the laughter she left behind.
Though preceded in death by her parents and nephews Justin and Gary II Harrington, Santiago Escalona, and Keeghan and JR Buchanan, Kimberly's spirit remained undiminished; her stories and jokes echoing in the hearts of those who knew her. She was a woman who lived courageously, loved deeply, and laughed often, leaving behind a trail of smiles and a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.
As we bid farewell to Kimberly, let us honor her memory by living as she did – with open hearts, boundless energy, and a readiness to join in on any adventure, as long as the wheels are turning. Her life was a masterclass in joy, and though the curtain has closed on her final act, the encore will resonate through the ages. Kimberly L. Harrington, you were truly one of a kind, and you will be dearly missed.
There will be a Celebration of Life Sunday August 17, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Huston Park Pavilion, 2800 N. Webster St., Kokomo, IN. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Shelilia Braxton-Hayes
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Shelilia Braxton-Hayes, who departed this life on August 2, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on July 15, 1954, Ms. Braxton-Hayes lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and community.
She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength that touched all who knew her. Her presence was a steady light in the lives of many, and her memory will continue to inspire and comfort those she held dear.
Details regarding memorial services will be shared by the family at a later time. In the meantime, we invite all who loved Ms. Braxton-Hayes to hold her in their hearts and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." — Matthew 5:4
Graham Douglas Maners
Graham Douglas Maners, 50, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:47 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent of Kokomo. He was born on September 25, 1974, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of the late Denton and Joan (Duree) Maners.
He was a graduate of Taylor High School. He enjoyed working on cars. He was a good handyman and adored animals. Graham was known as a very generous man.
Graham is survived by his siblings Alesia (David) Freeman of Kokomo, Camille (Adam) Cole of South Bend, IN, and Matthew (Becky) Maners of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter Desiree; nieces and nephews Madesynn Freeman, Duree’ (Cody) Meyers, Elaina Maners, and Levi Maners; two adopted children and aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
In keeping with Graham’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Patricia “Patty” Sue Creech-Stouse
Patricia “Patty” Sue Creech-Stouse, 80, a resident of Georgiana, Alabama, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025, in the hospital after an extended illness. She was born in Floyd County, Indiana, on February 4, 1945, and moved to Georgiana, Alabama, with her husband Charles “Chuck” Stouse in 2003.
She is survived by her loving husband Charles “Chuck” Stouse; stepsons Gary Stouse and David Stouse; grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Russell James “Jim” Creech and Beatrice Rogers Creech; brothers Larry W. Creech and James Creech; sisters Ruth Ann Burgess and Mary Jo Boston.
Patty graduated from Georgetown High School Class of 1963 and Indiana University Kokomo Class of 1995. She worked as an Information Technology Manager at Delphi and retired in 2001.
She enjoyed her flower gardens. She was a faithful supporter of West Highland Assembly of God. Patty was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dunklinfh.com.