Janice “Jan” K. Robertson
Janice “Jan” K. Robertson, 81, of Galveston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children Thursday, May 2, 2024, at her home. Jan was born September 9, 1942, in Kokomo to Clarence E. and Callie L. (Scott) Bookmiller. She married Larry E. Robertson on January 21, 1961, and he preceded her in death on December 15, 2013.
Jan graduated from Galveston High School in 1960. She enjoyed life and was a very talented artist. Jan was a member of Indy Decorative aRTISTs Club and the Kokomo Art Association. She started her career in the dental field passing her dental school boards while attending college. She served as a Dental Technician for many years in the Kokomo area.
Jan and Larry enjoyed spending time in Florida after retirement, and later with a very special friend and companion Glennard Prehn after Larry’s passing.
Surviving family include her children, Laria (Jamie) Jackson, Lanae (Mike) Leffert, and Jeff (Lisa) Robertson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Alisha and Kelsie Smith, Jenna, Jack, Jason and Janelle Robertson, Acia (Trish) Holland and Sarah Shepphard. Four great grandchildren, Isabella, Grayson, Will and Aidan. Surviving siblings include her sister Janae (Raymond) Bookmiller Alberts, Tom K. (Linda) Bookmiller, sister-in-law, Marilyn Bookmiller. And brother-in-law Jerry Robertson. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry, brother Tim Bookmiller, and special friend and companion Glennard Prehn.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 4–7 p.m. at Galveston First Baptist Church, 207 S. Sycamore Street, Galveston, Indiana, and funeral services to follow on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Cole Maxwell officiating. Jan will be laid to rest next to her husband Larry in the Galveston Cemetery. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Julie Marie Robitzsch
Julie Marie Robitzsch, a beacon of loving kindness and faith, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 2, 2024, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 48. Born on April 2, 1976, in Landstuhl, Germany, she was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a friend who touched the hearts of many with her warm spirit and courageous soul.
Julie grew up in the nurturing embrace of her mother, Cathy Roberts, and father, Mark Bratcher. Alongside her siblings, Rebekah (Ryan) Cole, Elisabeth (Damien) Soffar, Michelle Bratcher, and Wayne Shutt, she shared an unbreakable bond, fortified by love and shared experiences. Julie carried the memory of her late daughter Anna Elisabeth Bratcher, (Ashleigh’s twin sister) with grace, ensuring her spirit lived on in their stories and hearts. She married Chris Robitzsch, and together they built a life full of joy and companionship. Julie embraced her role as a mother to Ashleigh Grace Bratcher and a stepmother to Christian Robitzsch Jr., nurturing them with the same unconditional love she had known as a child.
Julie's academic journey culminated in 1994 when she graduated from Hardin Christian Academy in Kentucky. She carried the values of compassion and service learned there into her professional life. Julie dedicated herself to the home health care industry, ensuring that families received the essential supplies they needed. Her work was not just a job; it was a manifestation of her deep-rooted desire to help others and make a difference in the world.
Not only did Julie serve her community through her profession, but she also shared her passion for music as a cherished former member of the worship team at Grace Baptist Church. Her voice, a blend of strength and gentleness, uplifted many and brought solace to those seeking comfort through song. Julie's love for music extended beyond the church walls as she joyously participated in karaoke, a testament to her belief in the power of music to connect and enliven the soul.
Julie was a woman of many interests, including a profound love for her cats. Her adventurous spirit led her to seek out new culinary experiences, a reflection of her zest for life and curiosity. She believed that every flavor and dish had a story to tell, and she reveled in each new discovery.
To describe Julie as loving, faith-filled, and courageous barely scratches the surface of the impact she had on those around her. Her love was a sanctuary for her family, including her beloved nieces and nephews Andrew, Josiah, and Emmaleigh Cole; Noah Fletcher, Ella Arnold, Grayson Fletcher, Lilly Woods, Logan Woods, Serenity Berndt, and Roland Berndt. She was a testament to the power of faith, which guided her through life's trials and triumphs. Julie faced challenges with a courage that inspired all who knew her, teaching them that strength comes from within and that the human spirit is capable of overcoming great adversity.
Julie Marie Robitzsch lived a life that exemplified the virtues she held dear. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we remember her not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the time we shared and the lessons she imparted. Her legacy is one of love, hope, and the unwavering belief that each day is a gift to be cherished.
Julie's life will be celebrated in a manner that honors the joy and light she brought into the world. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as her spirit continues to guide and comfort those she loved. Her journey on earth may have concluded, but her influence will resonate for generations to come.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Ruby Ann Ellenwood
Ruby Ann Ellenwood, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 68. Born on March 29, 1956, in San Diego, California, Ruby's life was a tapestry of warm relationships and cherished memories, woven with the threads of kindness and compassion.
Ruby was the beloved daughter of Thelma and Arthur Ellenwood, who instilled in her the values of family and friendship that she carried throughout her life. She was a proud graduate of a San Diego High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and laid the foundation for her future.
Ruby's heart was always her guide, leading her to a life filled with joy and laughter. She was an avid collector of penguin memorabilia, a passion that brought whimsy and delight to her home and to those who knew her. Her love for puzzle books was more than a hobby; it was a testament to her patience and her love for a good challenge.
Her presence was a gift to those around her, as she was always ready with a friendly word, a loving embrace, or a generous act. Ruby's spirit was characterized by her unwavering kindness and her ability to make everyone feel like family.
She is survived by her adoring daughter, Katelynn Ellenwood, who was the light of her life. Ruby's legacy of love also lives on through her sister, Pamela Pack (Scott), and her nephews, Arthur, Anthony, and Jonathon. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Ruby was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Ellenwood, with whom she now shares a heavenly reunion.
Ruby's life was a journey of love, from the sunny shores of San Diego to the heartland of Kokomo. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, but her spirit will continue to inspire us. Ruby Ann Ellenwood's memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the warmth and light she brought into our lives.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Diana Lee Spay
Diana Lee Spay, 76, of Westfield, Indiana, and Homosassa, Florida, passed away April 30, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m. She was born November 17, 1947, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph Woodrow Wilson and Betty Smith Wilson.
Diana was a 1966 graduate of Kokomo High School and obtained her B.S in Education from Indiana University. She taught in both Indianapolis Public Schools and in Sheridan, Indiana, schools as a Special Needs Teacher. She loved all of her students.
Diana never had a bad word to say about anyone. She traveled the world with her husband Rich – 102 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all 10 Canadian provinces. In more recent years she visited Alaska many times and was looking forward to a sixth trip this summer. She enjoyed going on music cruises from gospel to country.
She loved her children with all of her heart: Rob (Amy), Casey (Stephanie) and Melinda (Steve), and her grandsons Leo and Sullivan. This past year was one of the happiest years of her life as she was reunited with her daughter Melinda after 60 years, flourishing into a very special relationship.
She will be greatly missed by all her family, her many friends, and cousins: Tyke (Gail) of Crystal River, Florida, Meredith (Ivey) of Peru, Indiana, Cathy (Danny) Middlesworth of Amboy, Indiana, Mary (Carl) Dennis of Peru, Indiana, and her sister-in-law Lynne (Dennis) Joyce of West Palm Beach. Diana shared so many wonderful times with Lynne, her nephew Dr. Braden Fichter (Tiffany) of Denver, Colorado, and especially her husband of almost 55 years, Richie (Rich). They shared so many of life’s greatest experiences.
She was forever there in encouragement and support. She often would say that all of her facial lines were laugh lines. Her sweet, joyous smile will forever be remembered. Thankfully, our memories are forever. She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Betty Wilson, and her in-laws Bob and Margaret Spay.
Private cremation will take place in Florida, and a Celebration of Life gathering will take place this summer in Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Humane Society of Hamilton County, Indiana.