Mary Alice Schrock, Tina Marie Bender, Gail L. Vickers, Gregory Lee Darden, Gina Marie Thomas
Mary Alice Schrock
Mary Alice Schrock, 82, Kokomo, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home. She was born December 29, 1943, in Peru, Indiana, the daughter of Roman J. & Katie (Hochstedler) Yoder.
Mary Alice’s legacy is one of hard work, generosity, and connection. For more than 30 years she cleaned houses for some of the most prominent families in Kokomo, often becoming like another member of the family. She also made some of the best noodles and angel food cake around, selling them informally to employers and their friends. After physical limitations prevented her from cleaning houses, she reinforced longtime friendships among the Amish community by providing transportation services for them, even running the “school bus” for a number of years. She was renowned for being punctual and caring, striking up conversations with her passengers, young or old.
Travel had long been a hobby for her, going with her family on long road trips around the US. She had been to every state in the US except for Hawaii, many multiple times. She collected anything to do with lighthouses, finding them a comforting and powerful symbol of God’s guidance and protection.
Family was important to Mary Alice, and she cared for both her mother and grandmother in their later years. She knew the family genealogy well and spent hours researching it. One of her greatest joys in later life were her six grandchildren, who fondly called her “Mimmi.”
She was an active member of Rich Valley Mennonite Church for more than 30 years. Though not widely known, she was very generous with her support of various ministries and missionaries in the community and beyond.
Mary Alice is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Danielle & Brian West and her six grandchildren Miriam West, Evan West, Katie West, Asher West, Libby West, and Josiah West. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Bethany School, 5169 N. 600 East, Kokomo. Burial will follow on the family farm at Hochstedler Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with family from 2:30 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at the school. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Tina Marie Bender
Tina Marie Bender, 69, passed away January 20, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1956.
Visitation for Tina will take place Saturday, January 31, from 9-10 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 818 N. Apperson Way, Kokomo. A funeral service for Tina will follow at 10 a.m. at the church.
Gail L. Vickers
Gail L. Vickers, 103, of Galveston, went home to be with her Lord, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Bloom of Kokomo. She was born September 11, 1922, in South Bend, Indiana to Ralph E. and Katherine M. (Swanson) Roush. She married James R.L. Vickers on October 21, 1941, and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1972.
Gail worked as a secretary for Dr. Warren McClure for many years. She then retired from Kokomo Sanitary Pottery with 26 years as a secretary. She was a member of the Howard County Art Association, where she won many awards and took a best in show ribbon. She loved oil and pastel painting, playing piano and organ, photography, sewing, knitting, and embroidery. She attended Galveston United Methodist Church in Galveston for many years.
Surviving family include her children James (Connie) Vickers, Rhett E. (Linda Short) Vickers, Meri-Gail (Timothy) Anderson, and Kathryn (Greg) Bevington. She is also survived by eight grandchildren Mark Vickers, Brett Vickers, Amy (Marc) Winger, Christina (Scott) Valpatic, Melissa Granger, Tracey (Ryan) Haman, David (Danyell) Jackson, and Amanda (Jeremy) Leazenby-Bruce. Her great grandchildren include Ella Vickers, Hannah Vickers, Andrew Granger, Haylee Jackson (Brian Heath), Conner Jackson (Ruby Rupp), Elias Haman, Ziva Bruce and Makaylee Bruce. She is also survived by one great-great-grandson Jackson Heath. Gail is preceded in death by her parents, husband James, and two sisters Grace Rohrbaugh and Jane Gillette.
Gail’s family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Bloom Senior Living of Kokomo and staff for their excellent care during her stay there and Paradigm Hospice for the comfort they gave her during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Cornerstone Community Bible Church Youth. 4737 E. CR 600 S. Walton, IN. 46994
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Rev. Dr. Bruce Coats officiating. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home on Friday. Gail will be laid to rest next to her husband James in the Galveston Cemetery. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vickers family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Gregory Lee Darden
Gregory Lee Darden, 68, of Kokomo, passed away at 7 a.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his home. He was born on November 19, 1957, the son of James Edward and Maryann (Davenport) Darden.
Gregory was a graduate of Kokomo High School and joined the United States Navy after high school. He worked in production at Federal-Mogul. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Gregory enjoyed listening to music, especially Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Marley, and spending time with his friends.
He is survived by his children Lindsay St. Clair, Nicholas St. Clair, Tori Darden, and Gregory D. Darden; grandchildren Gabriel Jones, Lyric Bowie, and Sabrina Darden; siblings Linda (Doug) Farmer, Kathryn (Ward) Dillard, and Michael (Nancy) Darden; fiancée Lisa Patterson; and several nieces and nephews.
Gregory was proceeded in death by his brother Phillip E. Darden.
In keeping with Gregory’s wishes, there will be no public services. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation.
Gina Marie Thomas
Gina Marie Thomas, a cherished soul, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 62. Born in Kokomo, Indiana, on December 28, 1963, to Ralph and Bonnie Stone, Gina’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and joy. She grew up in Kokomo alongside her family and many friends.
A proud graduate of Western High School in 1982, Gina carried with her the lessons and friendships that would shape her life’s journey. She was a cosmetologist in her earlier years, which she enjoyed. Her career at Bona Vista was more than just a job; it was a calling where she found great satisfaction in working alongside many wonderful individuals. Her compassion and empathy made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and those she served.
Gina’s legacy is lovingly carried on by her daughters Erin Carter (Thomas), married to Nathan Carter of Indianapolis, and Taylor Thomas of Kokomo. She was a devoted grandmother to Kristopher Bryan of Kokomo, Arie Breigenzer and, Kolton Breigenzer of Wisconsin, and Jaxton Carter of Indianapolis. Her role as a grandmother was one she cherished deeply, and the memories created with her grandchildren will continue to bring smiles and comfort to her family.
Her niece Veronica Dukes, with her husband Steven Dukes of Kokomo, and her nephew Jimmy Pearcy of Indianapolis, also survive her. They, along with several great-nephews and nieces, will hold the memory of Aunt Gina close to their hearts, remembering her for the love and joy she spread so freely.
Gina grew close to a few of her daughter’s friends, or to say “un-biological kids” who became family: Monica Bays, Josh Cloud, and Jeremy Cunningham. These special bonds showed Gina’s ability to create a family from friendship, a skill that came naturally to her.
Her parents Ralph and Bonnie Stone, her brother Greg Stone, and her sister Deanna Evans, preceded her in death. They have now welcomed Gina into eternal peace, where the family is reunited once more.
Gina’s passions were very simple. She found comfort in the pages of a good book and joy in the simple pleasure of a fountain Dr. Pepper with extra ice. Her love for watching movies was only matched by her enthusiasm for Amazon Prime. She indulged in her favorite Katie Van Slyke videos and merchandise often. Animals held a special place in her heart, particularly her precious cats Oliver and Willa, her “babies” who brought her immeasurable comfort and companionship.
Above all, Gina loved her daughters and grandchildren with her whole heart. Her life reflected this love, and it is this unconditional devotion that will be her lasting imprint on this world. Her presence will be missed in all of their lives, but her memories will give them comfort, until they are reunited again.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation Society of Indiana.