Obituaries, February 11, 2024

Written on 02/11/2024


Patricia Joann Ryan

Patricia Joann Ryan, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away February 8, 2024. She was born on December 11, 1932, in Kokomo, Indiana the daughter of Arthur E. and Charlotte Glosser (Price). She married Charles E. Ryan who preceded her in death.

Patricia was an amazing mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, bowling, playing bingo, gambling, and taking trips to Las Vegas. She was an excellent bowler and a member of a local league for many years. Patricia will always be remembered as the one to light up the room and keep her family close. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years with the honor of holding the title of Mother Martha. Patricia was a member of the Southside Christian Church. She loved her pets and outdoor animals. Patricia was a loving caregiver for all creatures.

Surviving relatives include her son, Greg Ryan of Kokomo, IN; grandchildren, Matt Ryan (Kelly) of Kokomo, IN; Kyle Ryan of Galveston, IN; Kyla Ryan (fiancé Mike Deane) of Florida; Chad Ryan of Kokomo, IN; great grandchildren, Logan Ryan; Kayliann Ryan; Shane Ryan; Mila Deane; two sisters-in-law, Bev Glosser and Joann Ryan and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons Matt, Brad and Brett Ryan; grandson Shane Ryan, great grandson Nolan Ryan; two brothers Art and Bill Glosser and one baby sister.

Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral services 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com. Memorial contributions can be made to Kokomo Humane Society.



Johanna Margarat Jordan

Johanna Margarat Jordan, 88, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent- Kokomo. She was born on February 1, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William and Johanna (Zubricky) Jordan.

Johanna graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1953. She became a Registered Nurse in 1956 after graduating from Holy Cross School of Nursing. Johanna served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. She retired after 50 years of nursing working all over the states of Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Washington, California, and Pennsylvania. Johanna was a member of the St. Patrick’s Church.

Survivors include her nephews, John C. (Anne) Lechner, Robert W. (Krista McClure) Lechner, Michael B. (Laura)Lechner, David B. (Mandy) Lechner, Anthony J. (Cindy) Lechner, Bryan Jordan, and Danny Jordan; nieces, Julie A. (Mark) Fenn, Linda M. Lechner (Tony McCray), Susan E. (Jesse) McGriff, Barbara E. Lechner (Alex Arana), and Mary T. (Jeffery) Adams; 31 great nieces and nephew; and seven great- great nieces and nephews.

Johanna was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Maureen Lechner, and brothers, William Jordan and Robert Jordan.

Services will begin at 12:45 pm Saturday with Honors provided by the Nursing Honor Guard. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Christopher Shocklee the celebrant. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rosary will be offered at 11:30 am Saturday. Friends are invited to visit with family following the Rosary until 12:45 pm Saturday at the Church.

Contributions may be made in Johanna’s memory to the Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick School, and Birthright of Kokomo. Shirley & Stout Funeral home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Stephen Mahalko Jr.

Stephen Mahalko Jr., 75, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at his home. He was born on September 3, 1948, in Monongahela, PA. The son of Stephen and Agnes (Benyak) Mahalko.

On September 5, 1971, he married Deborah Kay Hollingsworth and enjoyed a 51-year marriage. She preceded him in death one year ago.

Steve graduated from Monessen High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force (‘67-’71), Air Force Reserves (‘71-’73) 911th Security Squadron, Army Reserves (‘79-’85) Military Police and Navy Reserves (‘85-’05) Ships Storekeeper and retired with 20 years of honorable service in 2005. He retired from Aurora Trucking as a forklift driver after fifteen years. Steve enjoyed building models including military tanks, ships, and planes. He owned a pet store in the 70’s and enjoyed his aquariums and fish tanks. He was a big movie and history buff. He was known as a big prankster, always looking for a way to make his friends and family laugh. Steve was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Steve was a proud member of the American Legion Post 6.

Stephen is survived by his children, Shawna (Larry) Grimme, and John Michael (Alicia) Mahalko; grandchildren, Jacob Grimme, Zachary Mahalko, David (Logan) Grimme, Kate Mahalko, Nicholas Mahalko, and Nate Mahalko; great grandson, Hunter; and sister, Kathy Withers.

Along with his wife, Deborah, he is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Agnes.

A celebration of life will be held from 12PM-2PM on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Walnut Creek Apartments Clubhouse, 4600 Colter Drive, Kokomo, IN 46902. Burial will take place at a later date. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com



Synthia Jane Zirkle

Synthia Jane Zirkle, 73, of Tipton, IN passed away February 9, 2024. She was born on September 23, 1950 in Peru, IN the daughter of Tobias and Betty Seiler (Brittain). On August 22, 1970 she married David M. Zirkle who preceded her in death on May 28, 2016.

Synthia grew up in Peru, IN, graduated from Maconaquah High School, and attended Indiana State University. While in school, she performed on the trapeze for the Peru Circus and was a baton twirler. She was a homemaker who enjoyed raising her three children. Synthia enjoyed the outdoors, shopping, talking on the phone, gardening and canning.

Surviving relatives include her daughter, Janette Adams (Donnie) of Arcadia, IN; son, Brad Zirkle of Noblesville, IN; daughter, Amy Kruger (Joseph) of Mt. Vernon, IN; two brothers, Jay Seiler (Maryann) of Kokomo, IN; Toby Joe Seiler (Christina) of Rochester, IN; one sister, Joanie Sackett (Jeff) of Denton, TX; grandchildren, Kenley Boyd (Wyatt); Ashley Adams; Cannon Kruger; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Kenneth Seiler.

Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral services 2:00 PM Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Stroke Association in memory of Synthia Jane Zirkle (www.stroke.org).



Lela Leann (Boles) Mince

Lela Leann (Boles) Mince, 49, of Kokomo, passed away 6:55 am Friday, February 9, 2024, at her home. She was born in Danville, IN, on January 6, 1975, to James and Shirley (Crawford) Boles. On October 1, 2014, she married Harold Mince, and he survives.

Lela attended Danville Community School. She worked at Mince’s Creatures Boarding Kennel with her husband. Lela was the ultimate caretaker and was always looking for ways to take care of others. She helped organize family gatherings, holiday parties, and family trips. She enjoyed being outdoors and mushroom hunting.

In addition to her husband Harold, she is survived by her children, Shane Boles, Dylan Mince, and Kimberly Baker; siblings, Patti, Timothy and Paula, Sheila, James and Natasha; granddaughter, Kaylee; stepmom, Donna Hunt; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Shirley Boles; and brother, Brandon Boles.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday March 3, 2024, at the Jeff Stout Community Center, 3510 South 775 West, Russiaville, IN 46979. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lela’s memory to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. A link will be available on Lela’s obituary page to contribute directly towards the expenses. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.



Wayne Lee Cooper

Wayne Lee Cooper, a cherished life partner, father, friend, and respected roofer, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, in Indianapolis, IN, at the age of 59. Born on October 31, 1964, in Kokomo, IN, to the late Larry J. Cooper and Maple Louise Berg-Cooper, Wayne's vibrant spirit and friendly demeanor touched the lives of all who knew him.

Wayne spent his entire career as a dedicated union roofer, a profession he took great pride in. His commitment to craftsmanship and his strong work ethic earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Beyond his work, Wayne was deeply involved in his community, always ready to lend a hand or share his expertise.

A man of many passions, Wayne found solace in the great outdoors. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies; they were a way of life that brought him joy and peace. Wayne's love for golf was well-known, as he traveled to many of Indiana's courses, always in pursuit of the perfect game. Evenings often found him skillfully playing pool, a pastime that allowed him to forge lasting friendships and share countless laughs.

His life partner, Kathy Mossholder, stood by his side through life's adventures and challenges, creating a partnership filled with love and mutual respect. His heart belonged to his daughter, Angel Cooper. Wayne's life was further enriched by the presence of his lifelong friend, Donnie McCoy, and many other friends who were like brothers to him. Though he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Cooper, Wayne's legacy continues through his several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will remember him as a loving and generous patriarch.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Wayne would describe him as the epitome of loving, friendly, and generous. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his infectious laugh, and his unwavering support for those he cared about are the hallmarks of his character.

In remembrance of Wayne's life, a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson aptly reflects the essence of his journey: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a bit better... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Wayne indeed succeeded, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he encountered.

Wayne's life will be celebrated in a manner that honors the simplicity and authenticity with which he lived. His story is not just one of the years in his life, but of the life in his years—a narrative of love, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness.

As the sun sets on a life well-lived, we bid farewell to Wayne Lee Cooper, a man who embodied the virtues of kindness and generosity. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as the North Star leads a ship to port. Wayne's journey on earth may have concluded, but his spirit remains a beacon of light for all who had the privilege to know him.