Sandra “Sandy” Jane Colby, Kathryn “Kay” Messick, Doris Mae Hunt, Barbara Kaye Burns, Jeanine A (Marlatt) Smith, Earl N. Plake, Glenn A. Hartzell, Virgil Ray McCool
Sandra “Sandy” Jane Colby
Sandra “Sandy” Jane Colby, 84, of Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on January 15, 1942, in New London, the daughter of the late Orville Leon Colyar and Mildred Ruth Tucker. On June 16, 1961, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart Ronald “RC” Scott Colby at New London Friends Church. The two shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before Ron preceded her in death on November 18, 2018.
Sandy was a 1960 graduate of Western High School and retired from Western School Corporation after 35 years of dedicated service in IT Support. She was a woman of deep faith and attended Crossroads Community Christian Church in Bringhurst.
Sandy often said her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. She was blessed with wonderful parents, a loving husband, and a close-knit family that brought her endless pride and joy. She cherished every moment spent together, such as holidays and birthdays, time at the lake, fireworks, boat rides, and gatherings filled with laughter. Among her many treasured memories, Sandy always said the family houseboat vacation was her favorite … an adventure that those who were there will never forget.
One of her favorite traditions was attending football games, a passion that spanned more than 60 years. With many coaches in the family, Friday nights became a special and lasting bond that helped shape the closeness they all shared.
Her faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life. She accepted Christ at the age of 18 and carried her faith with her through seasons of both joy and hardship. She often reflected on the many blessings, love, and even miracles she experienced throughout her life. Two of her favorite scriptures were Galatians 5:22–23 and Psalms 46:10.
Sandy is survived by her children Brett (Joni) Colby of Kokomo and Sherri (John) Hendryx of Star City; grandchildren Halee (Blake) Betzner, Hannah (Casey) Shipley, Heidi (Ross) Cooper, Austin (Hannah) Colby, and Cameron (Anh) Colby; and great-grandchildren Bostyn, Easton, Colby, Parker, Paxton, Griffin, Aiden, and Briar. She also looked forward with joy to the continued growth of her beloved family, including a new great-grandchild coming this fall.
In addition to her husband Ron, Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; sister Janis Bennett; nephews Bradley and Bryon Bennett; maternal grandparents Ben and Wilma Tucker; paternal grandparents Perry and Elva Colyar; along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service celebrating Sandy’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Dan Butcher officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Christian Church or the Western Football Program in Sandy’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Sandy’s legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live on through all who knew her.
Kathryn “Kay” Messick
Kathryn “Kay” Messick, 96, Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She was born February 4, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Olaf “Ole” E. and Phyllis (Hanson) Johnson.
Her father Ole, who immigrated to the United States from Sweden with his birth family in 1908, died a few months before Kay was born. Her mother Phyllis moved their family of three older children and newborn Kay from Chicago to Gibson City, IL, to be raised near their Johnson and Hanson relatives who had settled there.
On April 16, 1950, at the American Lutheran Church in Gibson City, Kay married Bobby G. Messick of Rankin, IL. He preceded her in death on Oct 31, 2017, after 68 years of marriage.
If you knew Kay, you know she loved her family with her whole heart. And you know she dearly loved to sing and entertain. For more than 40 years, she filled many Kokomo Civic Theater roles on stage and behind the scenes and was the “first actor to tread the boards” at IUK’s Havens Auditorium. During those same years, she and Bob could often be found on a Friday or Saturday night, gathered around a piano, singing and laughing with many long-time friends.
Kay worked for Indiana Bell in the business office, retiring in 1984 after 25 years of service.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sheilia and Thomas Behler of Kokomo; her pride and joy, grandchildren Drew (Amanda Hosier) Behler of Kokomo and Mary (Daniel) Buckalew of Greenfield, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Dean Buckalew of Greenfield.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother Lee M. Johnson and sister-in-law Gerry; sister Alice Lehman and brother-in-law James, and sister Frances Goodell and brother-in law Richard. Bob’s seven siblings and their spouses preceded her in death as well. Kay’s and Bob’s many nieces and nephews were especially loved by them both.
When Kay entered her 90s, she wrote a collection of life stories, and these are her words: “Perfect Happiness. I pray to someday experience it. I pray it will include meeting my birth father and seeing my mother with him. I pray to see beloved family and friends while hearing laughter. Music of every kind being sung by us all and joyful dancing. In fewer words I pray to experience heaven and the beauty of the TRINITY.”
Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 121 Santa Fe Blvd., Kokomo on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the start of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kokomo, where Kay and Bob served as active members from the day the doors first opened.
Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Doris Mae Hunt
Doris Mae Hunt, 93, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 9:17 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home. She was born on May 25, 1932, in Roann, Indiana, to Loren F and Thelma V. (Sarber) Rantz.
Doris was a 1950 graduate of Roann High School. She married Charles “Wally” Hunt in Roann on August 1, 1953. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2019. Doris worked for several years as a secretary at Square D in Peru before retiring in 1987. She was a former member of the Roann United Methodist Church and the Wabash American Legion Auxiliary.
An avid reader, Doris could often finish a novel in a single day. In recent years, she especially enjoyed researching her family ancestry and learning more about her roots. She also found great enjoyment in bowling, golfing, and gardening. Known as a wonderful storyteller with a touch of ornery charm, Doris brought laughter and warmth to those around her. Above all, Doris was a devoted mother to her four boys and a proud matriarch who kept her family close. Family meant everything to her, and her love, strength, and presence will be remembered always.
She is survived by four sons James L. (Lori) Hunt of Converse, Indiana, Jeffrey L. Hunt of Brookston, Florida, and John F. Hunt and Jay R. Hunt, both of Kokomo, Indiana; five grandchildren Hannah (Matt) Cattin of Peru, Indiana, Jenna (Garrett) Moon of Wabash, Joseph (Brittany) Hunt of Wabash, Jessica (Nathan Whetstone) Hunt of Fort Wayne, and Joshua Hunt of California; and six great-grandchildren Thalia (Connor Harvey) Hunt, Kaiden (Cede Pena) Hunt, Jace Hunt, Tynnleigh Cattin, Kynnsleigh Cattin, and Willow Hunt. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Otto Lee Rantz and Frederick Rantz, and sister Josephine Schul.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Burial will be in Roann Community Cemetery, Roann. Friends may call 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Wabash Carnegie Public Library.
The memorial guest book for Doris may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Barbara Kaye Burns
Barbara Kaye Burns, 64, of Galveston, passed through the heavenly gates Monday, April 20, 2026, with her husband of 37 years lovingly holding her, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born April 10, 1962, to Carl and Norma Jean (Dunham) Fisher. She married John D. Burns on September 30, 1988, in Kokomo, and he survives.
Barbara was a 1980 graduate of Haworth High School in Kokomo. She served as the receptionist for Reflections Day Spa in Kokomo for 25 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, taking care of her flowers, strolls to the garden, trips to Michigan with her grandchildren, and taking care of her special little dog Huck.
Surviving family include her husband John of Galveston and her children Adam and wife Brandy Fisher of Fairview Heights, IL, Jason and wife Jody Burns of Idaville, IN, Jeremy and wife Terra Burns of Russiaville, IN, Leslie and husband Tim Pickering of Flora, IN, and Johnalyn and wife Danyell Hillman of Peru, IN. Surviving grandchildren include Aalayna Bratcher, Addisyn Fisher (Nick Carr), Boston and Jack Fisher, Tyler (Abby) Burns, Taylor (Tyler) Hook, Brody and Burke Burns, Lannon, Lacey and Layton Pickering, Montez and Joshaya Burns, Kingston Eldridge, and Trevi and Kee Hillman. Her great grandchildren include KinsLee and Denver Burns, Mason Murphy, and Beckham Hook.
Barbara is also survived by her siblings Lisa (Bob) Richardson of Russiaville, IN, Susan Wyrick of Burlington, IN, Karla (Mike) Hawk of Carmel, IN, and Ed (Carrie) Fisher of Jacksonville, NC; as well as several nieces and nephews Britney, Carly, Garret, Lauryn, Justin, Aubrey, Gabrielle, and Kim; and great-nieces and nephews Mia, Odin, Oliver, Josh, Tristan, Kaitlyn, Connor, and Hayleigh.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, son Joshua Burns, brother Carl David Fisher, brother-in-law Greg Wyrick, nephew Dustin Cook, niece Brandy Voss, great niece Jordin, and best friend Linda (LA) Davis.
A celebration of Barb’s life will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society
Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burns family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Jeanine A (Marlatt) Smith
Jeanine A (Marlatt) Smith, 79, formerly of Kokomo, IN, passed away on April 17, 2026, in Westfield, IN. She was born to James and Kathryn (Sampson) Marlatt on July 28, 1946, in Hudson, MI, and was the oldest of their three children. She married Gary H. Smith in 1965. He preceded her in death in 1998.
Jeanine was a 1964 graduate of Morenci High School (MI) and Sienna Heights College (MI) in 1970. She earned her Master’s degree from Purdue University. She was a farmer’s wife, a mother to two sons, and a teacher/guidance counselor at the middle school, high school, and college levels over the course of her career. She spent the final 20 years of her career at Kokomo School Corporation.
After 1979, she also assisted her husband in his ministry work, which included missionary experience in Scotland and the Americas. She enjoyed writing (and teaching writing), reading, exercising, football, trivia games, and spending time with her family. She was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo, IN, where she was involved in women’s ministry and jail ministries.
Jeanine is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Thad and Tanya Smith of Thorntown, IN, and Brady and Julie Smith of Westfield, IN. She has three grandchildren Kayla, Chase, and Madelyn. Her sister Jerolyn Towne and brother Michael Marlatt and their families also survive her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kokomo Public Schools Education Foundation, Anchor of Hope Hospice in Indianapolis, or Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan Hamiliton Memorial Park - Prairie Waters (4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062). All are invited to join the family in food and fellowship immediately following services from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Earl N. Plake
Earl N. Plake, age 90, of Wakarusa, IN passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 9:24 p.m., at his residence, with his family by his side. Earl was born August 19, 1935, in Tipton, IN, to Lincoln Earl Plake and Bernice (Shepard) Plake.
He graduated from Tipton High School in 1953. Earl received a BA Degree in Business from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, in 1957, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from IU South Bend in 1973. After graduation from Indiana University, he moved to northern Indiana and worked 10 years for Bendix Corporation, in Mishawaka, IN as a Buyer in the Purchasing Department.
In 1970, he was hired by Miles Laboratories, Inc. as a Buyer in their Purchasing Department. He was promoted to Materials Manager Instrument Operations, where he was responsible for Purchasing and Inventory Control. Earl worked for 20 years for the Bayer Corporation and retired in 1991. After he retired from his position at the Mishawaka plant, he was rehired by Bayer Corporation to oversee the installation of a new Inventory Control and purchasing computer system at the Middlebury Plant Manufacturing facility. Once he completed the installation of the computer system at the Middlebury Plant, he was employed as a purchasing and inventory control consultant by Utilimaster Corporation in Wakarusa, IN. He also taught at IUSB and served as Adjunct Faculty for four years.
On August 24, 1974, he married Ruth E. (Raatz) Schoch and became Dad to Ruth’s three children. He is survived by the children of their combined family Keith A. (Susan) Plake of Wellston, MI, Marsha J. Russell of Edmond, OK, Rebecca D. Tyson of Warsaw, IN, Bryce K. Schoch, Elkhart, IN, Bryan F. Schoch, Elkhart, IN, and Sonya E. Schoch, Mishawaka, IN. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Bob) Stucker of Clayton, IN, sister-in-law (Barbara) Plake of Frankfort, IN, half-sister Kathy (David) Roe of Kokomo, IN, and half-brother John (Michele) Freed of Hermitage, TN. He is survived by the following grandchildren: Nicole (Mike) Harris of Tulsa, OK, Andrea Russell of Edmond, OK, Steven E. Plake II (Kristen) of Puerto Rico, April (Tony) Miller of Plymouth, IN, Brooke (Josh) Pettit of Columbia City, IN, Tiffany (Wes) Weisser of Syracuse, IN, Tonya (Brett) Simmons of Edmond, OK, Jamie (Matt) Rensberger of Syracuse, IN, Summer (Adam) Asfield of Sanborn, MI, Sierra (Aaron) Johnson of Milford, IN, Crystal (Clint) Dennie of Bourbon, IN, and Stephanie (Jordan) Deeds-Cremer of Mishawaka, IN. He is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren.
Earl was preceded in death by his son Steven E. Plake on February 18, 2008, and his daughter Julie Weldy on April 21, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his brother Keith A. Plake on June 6, 2023.
Earl served as Cub Scout Leader in Wakarusa and was a 4-H Leader for the Elkhart County Saddle Club for seven years. Earl lived by the saying of Abraham Lincoln: “I like to see a man proud of the place he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place was proud of him.” Earl was a listener. Those who came to him with difficult situations always left with the feeling they had solved their problem. He will be remembered for his honesty, sense of humor, and the way he made his family feel happy. Family was most important to Earl. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to play with them. His greatest joy was when they came for a visit.
For many years, Earl enjoyed trail riding with his horse Dazzle in the various Indiana State Parks, particularly Brown County. Summers were spent taking vacations with Ruth in their truck camper; the highlight being a trip to Alaska in 1994 when he retired. After purchasing a small fifth-wheel and traveling south during the winter months, they settled in an RV park in the beautiful town of Queen Valley, AZ, where they purchased a park model. There, Earl enjoyed trapshooting, playing golf, hiking in the Superstition Mountains, and off-roading. Many couples from all over the U.S. and Canada became friends.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Cremation will take place and a private burial and Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill or Hospice, Heart-to-Heart, Elkhart, IN.
Glenn A. Hartzell
Glenn A. Hartzell, age 81, formerly of Eaton, Indiana, passed away on April 21, 2026, in Daleville, Indiana.
He was born on April 10, 1945, and lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful. Glenn was a graduate of Hartford City High School and went on to spend many years working for 3M, where he was known for his steady work ethic and dependable nature. He took pride in doing his job well and in the relationships he built along the way.
Glenn was the son of the late Walter and Mildred Burton Hartzell. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita “Nita” Hartzell, whom he married on June 18, 1976, and who passed away in 2015. Their marriage was a source of love and companionship that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Glenn carried the memory of his family with him always and valued the bonds that connected generations.
He is survived by his daughters Pamela Hartzell and Dawn Dalton, who were a cherished part of his life. Glenn also leaves behind six grandchildren Zerek Griffith, Tyler Gilland, Gracie Gilland, Juliea Barnett, Kyndal McDonald, and Richie McDonald, as well as four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother Gary Hartzell and his wife Dianne, and by his special nieces and nephew Daren Hartzell, Sharon McCallister, and Gina Hale. In addition, he is remembered by several cousins, nieces, and nephews who were blessed to know his warmth and presence. He was preceded in death by his brother Jimmie Hartzell.
Glenn had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and especially enjoyed going for a cruise on the open road. He found freedom and peace in the simple pleasure of riding, taking in the sights and sounds around him. Those who knew him will remember the way he appreciated the journey as much as the destination, and how a ride could bring him a sense of calm and contentment. His love for motorcycles reflected his independent spirit and his enjoyment of life’s open possibilities.
He will be remembered as a man who valued family, hard work, and the freedom to enjoy the road ahead. Glenn’s life was one of quiet strength, loyalty, and enduring love for those closest to him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Virgil Ray McCool
Virgil Ray McCool, 87, of Sharpsville, passed away at 7:14 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at his home. He was born July 7, 1938, in Marston, Missouri, to the late James Thomas and Beckey E. (Harden) McCool. On June 30, 1962, he married Carole Elaine Stinson, who preceded him in death on December 26, 2025.
Virgil enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably. He worked six years at Stellite and then 29 years at Chrysler Corporation, retiring in 1994. In 1967, Virgil and Carole founded McCool’s Carpet Service. A committed Christian, Virgil used his business as an opportunity to share his testimony and lead others to a relationship with Jesus. He often gave Bibles to new believers, prayed with them, and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.
He will be remembered for his intelligence, strong work ethic, generosity, and his No. 1 priority of giving all credit and glory to Jesus.
Survivors include his children Cheryl Gappens, Douglas (Carmen) McCool, and Brian (Chris) Stinson; grandchildren Bradley (Kelly) Mitchell, Allison (Nathan) Maude, Luke (Antionette) McCool, and Raegan (Cameron) Cooper; great-grandchildren Drew and Ellie Mitchell and Callie Maude; brother‑in‑law Duke Long; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carole; and siblings Frances Egler, Leatha Long, Cona Blaylock, Barbara King, and Rosemary Wire.
Private family services were held with burial at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall. The United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team provided military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Church in Sharpsville. Arrangements were entrusted to Stout & Son Funeral Home — Sharpsville Chapel.