Naomi L. Schwear

Naomi L. Schwear, 101, of Zionsville and formerly of Windfall, Indiana, passed away on July 29, 2024. Naomi was born in Windfall on May 11, 1923, to Fredrick & Beulah (Mefford) Meyncke and she resided in Tipton County until 2006. On November 20, 1945, she married the love of her life, Lester Edsel Schwear. They enjoyed a remarkable 61 years of marriage together before Lester’s death on July 28, 2007.

Naomi was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend. She lived an extraordinary life filled with love and community. Together, Naomi and Lester created a family, established a farm and built a successful business.

Naomi loved teaching and dedicated over 40 years of her life to inspiring young minds. After high school, she graduated from Ball State University in 1944 with a degree in Home Economics Education. She took her first teaching role in December of 1944 in Syracuse, IN. She then moved to Prairie Township and Jefferson Township in Tipton County, and then finally to the Elwood School System where she served for 23 years before her retirement in 1984. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Ball State University in 1965.

In her retirement, she focused her attention on her daughter and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She always had a recipe to share, a cooking secret to pass along, and spent her days sewing, gardening, and baking.

Naomi had a deep-seated faith and was active in the Emanuel Lutheran Church. She was a proud wife of a World War II veteran and a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Naomi was also a member of the Tipton County Retired Teachers Association.

She is survived by a daughter, Lou Ann Mitchell of Carmel; grandchildren, Ryan Mitchell of Sarasota, Florida, Alissa Mitchell Phelps and husband Tim of Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Martin.

Naomi’s visitation will be on Thursday, August 1, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton, with funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Christopher Suder presiding. Burial will occur at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.

Memorial contributions in Naomi’s honor may be made to the Tipton American Legion Post #46, 129 N Independence St, Tipton, Indiana 46072.

Betty Louise (Kelley) Degenkolb

Betty Louise (Kelley) Degenkolb, 82, of Kokomo, passed away Monday July 29, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born in Rossville, Georgia, on November 26, 1941, the daughter of the late Timothy and Gertrude (Thomas) Kelley. On April 14, 1961, she married John W. Degenkolb, and he survives.

Betty was a 1959 graduate of Macon High School in Macon, Georgia. Betty was the best homemaker and caretaker of her husband and her sons. She was a strong woman but held a soft spot for her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of One Church, and lately she enjoyed listening to Pastor Charlie from Abundant Life Church. Betty read her Bible and did her devotions daily. Betty loved flowers, gardening, keeping a well-kept yard, and her beloved Boston Terrier named Hank.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Betty is survived by her children, Tim (Kim) Degenkolb, Steve (Diane) Degenkolb; grandchildren, Tanner (Gabby) Degenkolb, Taylor (Jacob) Dye, Mason (Emma) Degenkolb, Eric Degenkolb; great-grandchildren, Aria Degenkolb, Theo Degenkolb, Zayn Degenkolb, Jonah Dye, Maya Degenkolb; and sister, Shirley Sallee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Wes Degenkolb; grandson, Tyler Degenkolb; and siblings, Joyce Kelley, Jaunita Kelley, Dorothy Kelley, James Kelley, and Wilma Sargent.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to Noon Friday, August 2, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at Noon on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Charlie Riley officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to One Church or Abundant Life Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com

Donald Eugene Lodge

Donald Eugene Lodge, 84, of Greentown, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at his home. He was born March 3, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert M. and Myrtle (Dalrymple) Lodge. On August 11, 1961, he married Connie S. (Miller) Lodge, in Gas City, and she survives.

Donald graduated from Jefferson High School and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, attaining the rank of PFC. After his military service, he worked for Chrysler for 34 years before retiring in December of 1993. Donald loved auto racing and cherished spending time with his family. He was a member of American Legion Post 317 and Greentown Wesleyan Church.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Connie S. Lodge, survivors include his son, Cory W. (Brenda) Lodge; daughter, Angela D. Griffith; grandchildren, Cole W. (Kinzie) Lodge, Chantel Lodge, Carly (Zach) Shirley, Dusti Sarango, Emily Lodge, Mariah Griffith, Makayla Griffith (fiancé Niko), Trace Landis, and Dalton Landis; and great-grandchildren, Rosalie Williams, Jackson Sarango, Maggie Sarango, Olivia Shirley, Adaline Johnson, and Owen Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Eletha Lodge; and brothers, Jim Lodge and Bob Lodge.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Greentown Wesleyan Church, 120 N. Maple St., Greentown, with Pastor Adam Rinehart officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Greentown American Legion. Burial will take place in Jefferson Cemetery in Upland. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Daniel L. Ireland

Daniel L. Ireland, 76, of Noblesville died on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Carmel. Danny was born in Tipton on July 27, 1948, to Clarence & Phyllis (Hobbs) Ireland who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his step-father, Kenny Hine.

Danny graduated from Fishers High School in the Class of 1967 where he played football, basketball, golf, cross country, and ran track. He entered the U.S. Army and served in the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam from 1968-1970. Upon his return he worked at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for 32 years.

Danny was a member of VFW Post 6246 and American Legion Post 45, both in Noblesville. He was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman and he loved working in his yard and garden.

Survivors include two children, Meredith Barrows and husband Steve, Arcadia and Matthew Ireland, Noblesville; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Elizabeth) Wiltermood, Mattie (Brenndan) Rodewald. Mason Barrows, Chase, Kylie, Jonas and Juliette. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Eliana, Raelynn, Jonah and Oliver who is due in September and several nieces and nephews including a special niece, Cheryl Grant.

Danny was preceded in death by one brother, Steve Ireland and the mother of his children, Janie K. Ireland.

Funeral services for Danny will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Marshall presiding. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors presented by the U.S. Army and the Tipton American Legion Post. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Condolences for Danny’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Mary Carol Kline

Mary Carol Kline of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024. She was born in Escanaba, Michigan, to the late Jack and Carol Novak.

Mary worked for Kokomo School Corporation as a Special Education teacher for many years. She is survived by her husband Terry Kline, sons; Andrew Kline (Tammy) and Jeff Kline, grandson Matthew Paul Kline, and siblings; Geraldine Swaney (Bill) of Westfield, Indiana, Audrie Riley (Tony) of Chicago, Illinois, and Tim Novak (Pam) of Mexico, Indiana.

A memorial gathering for Mary will be held Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 11:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Main St United Methodist Church, 830 S Main St, Kokomo, IN 46901, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM.

Zachary Howard Duncan

Zachary Howard Duncan, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, in Indianapolis, IN, at the age of 30. Born on November 20, 1993, in Frankfort, IN, Zachary was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew him.

Zachary was the beloved son of parents Julie and Chuck Shanks, Howard and Donna Duncan. He grew up alongside his sisters, Ashley (Levi Altherr) Duncan, Kirsten Duncan, Kayla Irvin, and Katelyn Shanks, and his brother Chase (Maddison Churchill) Duffy. He held his deceased brother Cody Duffy in fond memory, just as he will be lovingly remembered by his nephew Jackson, and nieces Gracey and Avery Altherr, as well as his grandparents Mary Sullivan and Ron (Bonnie) Brown. Zachary was preceded in death by his grandfather John Sullivan and great-grandparents Robert and Betty Duffy, and his grandmother Janet Ford. His extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends will miss his warm presence.

A 2011 graduate of Northwestern High School, Zachary was known for his friendly demeanor and courageous spirit throughout his education and beyond. He brought these same qualities to his work at IMMI, where he was respected and appreciated by his colleagues for the last few years.

Zachary's interests were a true reflection of his kind and playful soul. He had a lifelong love for Pokémon and Legos, and he could often be found immersed in his favorite video game, Skyrim, or meticulously working on 3D puzzles. Above all, Zachary cherished the time he spent with his family. He believed in the importance of togetherness and made every effort to be present and engaged with his loved ones.

His friends and family will fondly remember Zachary as a person who lived by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to leave the world a better place; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Zachary indeed succeeded in making the lives of those around him brighter and more joyful.

Zachary's legacy is one of laughter, bravery, and kindness. He approached life with an open heart and the courage to be authentically himself. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

As the sun sets on a life lived with passion and love, we bid farewell to Zachary Howard Duncan. May his memory be a guiding light to us all, reminding us to embrace life with kindness and courage, just as he did every day.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements, which will remain private. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Jill Ellen Jeffries

Jill Ellen Jeffries, age 61, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

A celebration of life will be announced soon.