Sharon Rose Zirkle, Richard Lee Schroeter, Judy K. Crull
Sharon Rose Zirkle
Sharon Rose Zirkle peacefully passed away at 12:42 a.m. on February 19, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, just shy of her 85th birthday. She was surrounded by the love of her family and her devoted husband of 44 years Gary L. Zirkle.
Sharon was born on March 30, 1941, in South Bend, Indiana, to Paul Reichard and Viola (Cowen) Reichard.
Sharon dedicated 32 years of service to Delco Electronics in Kokomo, where she met the love of her life Gary. During the 1970s, she proudly led her daughters Cheryl and Pam’s Girl Scout troop, creating lasting memories and friendships.
After retirement, Sharon and Gary cherished their winters together at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Sharon had a vibrant spirit and many passions — bowling, camping, gardening, ski club, pickling, bird watching, collecting Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, hanging laundry outside on the line, shopping on QVC, participating in coupon contests, and most importantly, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Sharon was deeply family-oriented, loyal, hilarious, generous, and loving. She had the sweetest smile in any room she entered and brought warmth and joy to all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Viola (Cowen) Reichard, her sister Paula (Reichard) Rader, and her son Mark Zirkle.
She is survived by her loving husband Gary Zirkle; her children Cheryl Zimmerman, Pamela Cavanaugh, and Todd Zirkle; daughter-in-law Beth Zirkle; her 10 grandchildren Collin Smith, Sierra (Smith) Gibson, Faith Cavanaugh, Olivia (Cavanaugh) Holmes, Brittany (Zirkle) Dillon, Brooklyn (Zirkle) Dugdale, Brady Zirkle, Tim Zirkle, Benji Zirkle, and Nikki (Zirkle) Ross; and her 18 great-grandchildren Elliette, Laken, Cal (Kyle and Brittany Dillon) Koralyn, Kohen (Kyle and Brooklyn Dugdale), Lilly, Jake, Maggie (Benji and Patty), Jeffery, Jordan (Nikki and Peyton Ross), Kailyn, Layla, Juanyel Jr. (Juanyel Sr. and Olivia Holmes), Luna (Faith Cavanaugh), Cohen, Norah (Sierra Gibson), Palmer, and Dailynn (Tim and Jenny Zirkle).
Services will be held on February 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary in an intimate family setting. Burial will follow in Swayzee, Indiana, at the Zirkle family mausoleum.
Richard Lee Schroeter
Richard Lee Schroeter, 55 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 3:55 a.m. Sunday, February 15, 2026, at home. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on November 5, 1970, the son of the late Albert Richard and Kathy (Hamilton) Schroeter. On May 25, 2012, he married Kimberly (Douglas), and she survives.
Richard was a 1990 graduate of Northwestern High School. He assisted with the family farm in his youth. He was currently employed as a machine operator for Bergstrom Home Improvement. Richard had an almost intimidating big stature, but he was the most genuine, kind-hearted, and hardest-working man. He adored his family and grandchildren and would do anything for anybody in need. He was known as a jack of all trades but a master of none. He appreciated living a simple life. He liked to banter and tease his son. He was a good ol’ country boy who liked hunting, fishing, and racing stock cars. Richard could often be seen wearing his bib overalls and listening to rock and roll music. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
In addition to his wife Kimberly, Richard is survived by his son Bryar (Micah) Schroeter, stepdaughter Nicole (Kurt) Adair; mother Kathy Elaine (Don) Schafer; brothers Mike (Jennifer) Bergstrom and Scott (Michelle) Schroeter; sisters Patricia “Patti” McFarland and Nicole Sutton; grandchildren Mylan, Elim, and Hadley Schroeter, Makenna and Kolby Adair; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Albert Schroeter; brother-in-law Steven McFarland; and grandparents Kurt Albert Schroeter and Mary (Pohlman) Schroeter.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Richard’s life will begin 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with Jeremy Jones officiating. Contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.
Judy K. Crull
Judy K. Crull, a cherished soul known for her loving, kind, and gentle nature, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 81 in her hometown of Kokomo, IN. She was born on February 16, 1945, to the late Joseph and Mildred Darlin, and spent her entire life in the community she loved.
Judy’s educational journey began at Kokomo High School, where she graduated before pursuing her passion for helping others by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her career in nursing spanned over two decades, with her dedicated service at Howard Community Hospital from 1971 to 1997. She continued her vocation in the Kokomo School District at Columbian Elementary School, where she cared for countless students until her retirement in 2010.
On Christmas Day 1978, Judy married the love of her life Robert E. Crull Sr., who preceded her in death on July 13, 2023. Their union brought together a loving family, including her children Brian Smith (Jennifer) of Alabama, Robert Crull Jr. of Kokomo, and Mindy Miller (J.P.) of Kokomo. Judy was a proud “Mamoo” to Toni (Anthony) Waite, Gary (Ashlay) Peterson, Misti (Jordan) Bunce, Breana (Eric) Torres, Destiny Smith, Austin (Rebecca) Crull, Bailey (Morgan) Hoover, and Macen Crull. She also cherished her memories with her late grandson Jackson Crull and her bonus grandson Adam (Danielle) Miller. Judy’s joy was multiplied by her 16 great-grandchildren and one bonus great-grandchild, and also a host of nieces and nephews, with her favorite being Connie Kay.
Her love extended to her brother Larry Darlin, and sister-in-law Linda Dale. Judy was preceded in death by her son Bradley Smith, and siblings Joe, Donald, Jimmy Darlin, Francis Fischer, Patty Burton, and Tommy Dale.
Judy’s interests were a reflection of her warm and nurturing spirit. She loved to crochet and sew, creating countless treasures for her family and friends. Her collection of teddy bears was a testament to her playful and affectionate nature. Judy treasured her time with family above all, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, Molly and Junior, who were constant companions throughout her life. Judy’s love for Sci-Fi shows was well-known among her loved ones, often leading to lively discussions and shared moments of entertainment.
Judy’s life was a tapestry woven with love, care, and compassion. Her legacy is carried on through the lives she touched, both personally and professionally. Her gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those left behind.
As Judy reunites with her departed loved ones, her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy of love lives on. She was a beacon of kindness in the lives of many, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come. Judy K. Crull’s story is not one of an ending, but a beautiful reminder of the impact one life can have on so many others.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com