Rex L. Smeltzer, Pamela A. (Smith) Welton, Dennis Allen Steenman, Terry Leah Jonaitis
Rex L. Smeltzer
Rex L. Smeltzer, 93, of Kokomo, peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 13, 2025, at his home. Rex was born on July 15, 1932, in Wakarusa, IN, to Elmer and Osee (Heckaman) Smeltzer. On May 7, 1955, he married Sue L. Shutt at Main Street United Methodist Church in Kokomo, and they shared 58 joyful years until Sue’s passing in 2013. Demonstrating his enduring capacity for love, Rex was blessed to find companionship again when he married Karen Lewis on June 1, 2019.
Rex graduated from Kokomo High School in 1950 and honorably served in the United States Navy. After his service, he returned to Kokomo and joined the family’s business, Crescent Dairy, where he worked as operator and co-owner until 1965. In 1966, he and Sue opened a Dari-Castle restaurant franchise on the south side of Kokomo. In 1971, they renamed it the Cone Palace and operated it together until their retirement in 1995. The restaurant became a local landmark and a gathering place for generations of customers.
Rex was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Christian Church of Kokomo for nearly 70 years, serving on various church boards and ministries. He cherished summers at his lake house on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, IN, where he spent countless hours boating, relaxing, and hosting family gatherings that spanned generations. Rex and Sue also enjoyed many winters in Islamorada, FL, where they built friendships and savored the beauty of the Keys. Rex had an unwavering passion for the game of tennis, approaching the sport with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit throughout his life. He played actively until his mid-80s when his knees finally forced him to rest. Above all, Rex was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His generosity, both in spirit and deed, was a defining trait of his character.
Rex is survived by his wife Karen; his children Cindy (Brad) Quinn of Indianapolis and Jeff (Lisa) Smeltzer of Westfield; grandchildren Jordan (Peter) Hanscom, Hayden (Grace) Quinn, and Allie Quinn (Jordan Cobb); and great-grandsons Camden and Miles Hanscom. He also leaves Karen’s children Nathan Lewis, Carolyn Jackson, and Daniel Lewis, and her grandchildren Kynzee Halter, Brayton Lewis, Kylie Lewis, Ellee Lewis, and Jozie Jackson. He is further survived by sisters-in-law Melvita Shutt and Kathi Stewart and brother-in-law Jeffery (Diana) Collins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ronald and Max Smeltzer.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025, at First Congregational Church, 505 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901. A funeral service celebrating Rex’s life will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday at the church with Pastor Jon Tice officiating. A link will be available at the bottom of Rex’s obituary to view the funeral livestream at 1 p.m. on Monday. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rex’s name to the First Congregational Christian Church of Kokomo or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Pamela A. (Smith) Welton
Pamela A. (Smith) Welton, age 61, Logansport, passed away at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in her residence following a lengthy illness.
Born January 23, 1964, in Logansport, she was the daughter of Charles “Ed” Smith and Carolyn (Heishman) Allen. Both parents have preceded her in death.
Pam had been employed as a CNA at Chase Center for over 30 years.
Through the years, she enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, bike riding, kayaking, fishing, and being at the pool and near the water.
In an odd circumstance, she ended up with five cats, four more than she wanted, and joked that she was “only one cat away from being the crazy cat lady.”
Pam enjoyed taking her grandchildren wherever they wanted or needed to go.
Surviving are sons Shawn (wife, Arin) Shaver of Logansport and Joshua (wife, Monique) Suiter of Kokomo; sister Vicky Hathaway of Logansport; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home.
The funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Monday, also at the funeral home, with Rev. Ken Smith officiating.
Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass County Humane Society, 700 Water Street, Logansport, 46947.
Dennis Allen Steenman
Dennis Allen Steenman, 77, Kokomo, passed away at 6:25 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born July 2, 1948, in Kokomo, the son of the late Sherman B. & Margaret L. “Peg” (Greer) Steenman. On June 3, 1978, at Morning Star Church in Kokomo, he married Linda C. Huff who preceded him in death on November 30, 1996.
Dennis retired in 2011 after a distinguished career at St. Joseph Hospital as a Respiratory Care Technician. He was a respected member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). His dedication to healthcare extended beyond the hospital as he also served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and earned seven certifications in National Emergency Rescue from the Department of Homeland Security, reflecting his deep commitment to saving lives and serving his community in times of need.
His religious life was equally rich and devoted. Dennis became a Christian in December 1972, a life-changing experience that led him to join Morning Star Church the same year. He served as a Lay Minister there from 1979 until 2013, when he joined the First Church of the Nazarene. He became a full member of this congregation in 2014, continuing his life of faith and service.
Dennis is survived by his son Caleb Steenman; sister Susan Dickason of Marion, IN; and cousins Royce (Michelle) Cage and Cheryl (Keith) McMahon, both of Kokomo, IN.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Dr. Linda C. Steenman; sister Becky Pohlman; and cousins Luana Vandevender, LaVone Ballard, and John Steenman.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Devon Cole officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the funeral home.
Terry Leah Jonaitis
Terry Leah Jonaitis, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the age of 69, in her hometown of Kokomo, IN, where she had been born on February 27, 1956. Terry’s life was a tapestry of close-knit family relationships, enduring friendships, and tireless devotion to the home she so lovingly maintained.
A cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Terry’s memory will be carried forward by her husband Joe Jonaitis, and their sons Troy Smith (married to Sarah Clark), Todd Smith (married to Amanda), and Patrick Jonaitis. Her warmth and guidance will be profoundly missed by her sisters Julia Carey (Danny), Tracy Rogers (Rocky), and Jill Pluckebaum (John), as well as her brothers Paul Palmer and Rick Daily (Theresa). Terry’s legacy of kindness is also celebrated by her “Bonus Mom,” Marie Hall, her eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her adored cats, Boggie, Kiki, and Eli.
Though preceded in death by her beloved son Joey Jonaitis, her father Glenn Hall, her mother Lena Palmer, her stepfather Roy Palmer, her nephew Jeremy Hall, and niece Lena Hall, Terry’s spirit of generosity and compassion remains a testament to her life’s joy and the close bonds she nurtured.
Her passions extended beyond the walls of her home. A voracious reader, Terry found solace and adventure in the pages of books, which were her windows to the world. Her love for travel took her to many places, with Alaska holding a special place in her heart. The years she lived there were among the most cherished chapters of her life, filled with breathtaking sights and the joy of exploration.
Terry will be remembered for her loving nature, her kindness that knew no bounds, and her sense of humor that could light up even the darkest of rooms. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel special and was often the source of joy and comfort in times of need.
As we bid farewell to Terry Leah Jonaitis, we celebrate a life lived with unbounded love and an unwavering commitment to family. Her laughter will echo in the stories shared by those who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and moments of joy. Terry’s life was a journey of love, laughter, and legacy, and she will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of her story. In keeping with Terry’s wishes, no services will be held, and she will be cremated. Those who wish to honor Terry’s memory may make a donation to the Kokomo Humane Society, reflecting her lifelong love of animals.