Anna Stefaniak-Kolat, John Paul Duncan, Jr., Chantel Celia Ramirez, Lorena Marie Sutherland, Jeannie Gail Townsend, Misty D. Galbraith
Anna Stefaniak-Kolat
Anna Stefaniak-Kolat, 90, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:15 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Vincent Ascension of Kokomo. She was born on April 10, 1935 in Lodz, Poland, the daughter of Boleslaw and Wadyslawa (Durys) Czachoski. She was preceded in death by her first husband Kazimierz Stefaniak, whom she married on January 10, 1970, in Poland. She married her second husband, Josef “Happy Joe” Kolat, on October 11, 2006, in Kokomo, who preceded her in death on July 27, 2022.
She worked at Laughner’s Cafeteria for 30 years and Red Lobster for nine years. She loved being around people and enjoyed music, singing, dancing, and spending time with animals. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Anna is survived by nieces Irene (Jerry) Antosik, Mary (John) Roberts, Lisa (Jason) Oberle, and Irena “Annie” (Bob) Ronk Jr.; nephews Walter Antosik and Mark Antosik; great-nieces Margaret (Carl) Johnson, Catina (Jeff) Doll, and Jennifer (Bob) Sylvester, Tammi (Scott) Burish, Lyndsey (Joey) Dyer, and Kristin (Ryan) Jenkins; great nephews Greg (Diane) Antosik, Scott (Donnell) Shoffner, Barry Denton, Eli Oberle, and Chris Antosik; best friend Yolanta (Tom) Simacek; several great-great nieces and nephews; and stepchildren Lillian (Chester) Ciezczak, John Kolat, Anna August, and Margaret (Barry) McGee.
Along with her husband Josef Kolat and first husband Kazimierz Stefaniak, she was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Irene Bora of Poland.
A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, with Father Pierre Akola the celebrant. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 12 p.m. until the time of the mass at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, 1175 County Road, 300 W. Kokomo, IN. Messages of condolence may be left online for the family at www.shirleyandstout.com.
John Paul Duncan, Jr.
John Paul Duncan, Jr., 81, of Tipton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife Carolyn and their children Desiree and Mark.
Born December 20, 1943, in Elwood, Indiana, to Paul and Bernice Duncan, John was a lifelong resident of Tipton County. A 1962 graduate of Windfall High School, he continued his education at Ball State University. He devoted 31 years to Delco Electronics as an electrician before retiring and pursuing his passion for photography. For more than a decade, he owned and operated J. Duncan Photography, specializing in wedding photography and senior portraits.
John’s commitment to community service was extraordinary. A longtime member of the Windfall Lions Club, he held numerous offices, led major projects—including the club’s food tent at the Tipton County Fair—and served as Indiana Lions District Governor (1980–1981) and State Council Chairman of Lions International (1981–1982). He served one term as Windfall Township Advisory trustee and eight years on the board of Northern Community Schools. Together with Carolyn, he chaired the Windfall Seed City Parade from 1982 to 1991.
A faithful member of Windfall Christian Church, John served in nearly every leadership role: financial secretary for 26 years, deacon, elder, teacher, and chairman of the board, in addition to chairing and serving on countless committees. He was named Elder Emeritus in recognition of his lifelong dedication. John loved Christ, his family, and bringing people together. He took particular joy in organizing reunions and reconnecting with old friends.
John never met a stranger and was known for always having a joke ready. He asked to be remembered simply as a “Good Guy.”
A devoted sports enthusiast, he remained a lifelong New York Yankees fan and faithfully followed the Colts, Pacers, Fever, and Indiana University athletics. In his younger years, he played basketball and baseball, and in adulthood he enjoyed golf and a variety of recreational sports.
John and his beloved wife Carolyn (Sottong) celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 16, 2025.
John is survived by his darling wife Carolyn, his children Desiree Duncan of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Mark (Lisa) Duncan of Seattle, Washington; his adopted family Seth and Natalie Lawson of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; grandchildren Kindra (Caleb) Stanton of Fremont, Michigan, Courtney Lawson of Memphis, Tennessee, Corban Lawson of Lexington, Kentucky, and Kaden, Meshack, and Jotham Lawson, all of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.
He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Bernice Duncan and his infant brother Daryl Ray Duncan.
The family will receive callers for visitation on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Windfall Christian Church and on Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. John’s funeral will be held on Friday, December 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Windfall Christian Church with burial to follow at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall with Reverends Josh Borum and Seth Lawson presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Windfall Christian Church, P.O. Box 126, Windfall, Indiana, 46076 in John’s memory.
The staff of Young-Nichols is honored to assist John’s family in their hour of need. Online condolences for his family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Chantel Celia Ramirez
Chantel Celia Ramirez, 26 years old, of Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 27, 1999, the daughter of Juan Jose and Juana Elvira (Reyes) Ramirez. On June 23, 2023, she married Aman “Junior” Castillo, and he survives.
Chantel graduated in 2017 from San Benito High School in San Benito, Texas. She attended Ivy Tech in Kokomo for Criminal Justice. She was currently working as a shift lead at Subway. Chantel was the most generous, sweet, and caring person. She always put others before her own needs. She showed her creativity by drawing, writing poetry, and writing stories. She had a love for music and often played an expansive music playlist. Chantel was the best Aunt CC to her nieces and nephew. Her favorite hobbies were reading, playing video games, and loving her pet cat. She will be remembered for her smarts, leadership, generosity, creativity, and having the best sense of humor.
In addition to her husband Junior Castillo, Chantel is survived by her parents Juan and Juana Ramirez; sisters Angelina Jo Ramirez and Samantha (Antonio) Ramirez; nephew Jacob Coronado; nieces Brylie K’lani Salazar and Mila Rose Salazar; mother-in-law Sonia Castillo; sisters-in-law Hayley Castillo and Lucy Castillo; best friend Amber Villarreal; and cat Oliver.
She was preceded in death by her grandma Rosalinda Villarreal; uncles Jose Fidencio Reyes and Rogelio Reyes; and father-in-law Aman Castillo Sr.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, December 5, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Chantel’s life will begin noon on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Logansport. Contributions may be made in Chantel’s memory to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with expenses. A link is available on her obituary page to contribute directly towards the expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Lorena Marie Sutherland
Lorena Marie Sutherland, 93, of Tallahassee, FL, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on June 30, 1932, to Viola and Edward Obermeyer, she was an only child. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education on September 7, 1955, and graduated with a Master’s Degree in education on June 9, 1958. She met her husband Jack Wright Sutherland on a blind date in Bloomington, IN. They went on to marry on December 21, 1957, and have three children: Lisa Ann Sutherland, Lora Marie Delamer, and Mark Edward Sutherland.
In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering at the Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
Lorena is preceded in death by her parents Viola and Edward Obermeyer and her husband Jack. She is survived by her children Lisa Sutherland in Tallahassee, Lora Delamer and her husband Kevin in Hilton Head, SC, and Mark Sutherland MD and his wife Caroline in Texarkana, TX, and her grandchildren: Joseph, Amanda, James, Tyler, John, Megan, Bailey, Kaitlyn, and Jordan.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Ellers Main Street, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, 46902, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., the time of her funeral service. Lorena will be laid to rest at Kokomo Memorial Park following her service.
Jeannie Gail Townsend
Jeannie Gail Townsend, 76, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent – Kokomo. She was born on October 26, 1949, in Columbus, Indiana, the daughter of Roy Rich and Ester (Dunn) Ferguson.
Jeannie attended Kokomo High School and Ocala High School in Florida. She then graduated from Indiana University Kokomo with a degree in Nursing in 1989. Jeannie retired after 23 years from St. Joseph Hospital working as an Oncology Nurse. She previously worked at Delco Electronics for 11 years. Jeannie enjoyed gardening and loved playing ball with her dog. She was an avid runner and had hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail. Jennie was a member of One Church, Kokomo Runners, and Bicycle Club.
Jeannie is survived by her children Matthew Clark and Joshua (Amy) Clark; grandchildren Aaron Clark, Adam (Shaylee) Clark, Dylan (Keyton) Clark, and Olivia Clark; great-grandchildren Calli Swisher and Carmine Clark; siblings Larry Rich and Debbie Bean; and many dearly loved cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Along with her parents, Jeannie was preceded in death by her sister Sondra Osborne.
A memorial service celebrating Jeannie’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Tim Gates officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeannie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Misty D. Galbraith
Misty D. Galbraith, a beacon of love and courage, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at the age of 45, in Kokomo, IN. Born on May 10, 1980, in Peru, IN, Misty’s vibrant spirit and infectious laughter left a mark on the hearts of everyone who knew her. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and significant other, whose memory will be cherished forever.
Misty was predeceased by her parents Keith Kerschner and Vickie Singleton and her stepfather Shawn Galbraith, who passed before her. She is survived by her adoring children Alexis and William Kerschner; her cherished grandchildren Aliya Robinson, Mirycal Massey, Zechariah Martin, Rhy’leigh Ballard, and Paxton Ballard; her devoted significant other Carry Lawson; her caring brother Matt Singleton; and her loving sisters Rachelle Goble, Tracy Norris, and Rebecca Kerschner. Misty also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Misty’s life was a testament to her favorite quote, “to the moon and back,” which encapsulated the boundless love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren. Her love knew no limits, and she expressed it in every hug, every word of encouragement, and every moment spent together. The colors purple and pink were her favorites, reflecting her warm and playful personality.
Her courage was as remarkable as it was inspiring. Misty faced life’s challenges head-on, demonstrating strength and resilience that comforted those around her. Her interesting life was filled with stories that captivated and entertained, and her loving nature made her a joy to be around.
Misty’s legacy is one of love and courage. She was the heart of her family, a source of joy and inspiration, and a woman whose impact on the world was as profound as the love she shared. As we say goodbye to Misty D. Galbraith, we hold onto the memories, the laughter, and the love “to the moon and back.”
Her life will be celebrated in the hearts of her family and friends, and her spirit will live on through the stories they continue to share. Misty’s journey on earth may have ended, but her influence will forever be felt by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear Misty, your love will guide us always.
City of Firsts Cremation and Fuenral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com