Maxine Harden, Makenna Danielle Mikesell, Tony A. Melendez, Ronald Kent Spane
Maxine Harden
Maxine Harden, 94, of Windfall, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on December 28, 1930, in Obion County, Tennessee, to Edgar and Gladys (Rainey) Moore. On November 6, 1948, she married Earl Harden. The couple enjoyed 68 years of marriage together before Earl 's passing on November 16, 2016.
Throughout her career, Maxine worked at several small factories, most recently at Armedco Rubber Company in Windfall before her retirement. As a former member of the Pentecostal Church in Windfall, she held her faith close to her heart. Above all, Maxine cherished her family and relished every moment spent with them. In her free time, she enjoyed watching TV and cheering on the Indiana Fever and Pacers basketball teams.
She is survived by her four children Gary Harden and wife Linda of Windfall, of Greentown, Pam Slate and husband Dean of Windfall, Debra Stout of Kokomo, and Rhonda Harden of Evansville, two siblings Betty Closs and Donny Moore, seven grandchildren Ron Brown, Chris Harden, Jamie Garmon, Kain Harden, Shad McCorkle, Michelle Stroup (granddaughter raised by Earl and Maxine Harden) and husband Brad, and Kristi Wescott and husband Matt, along with 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Rick Harden, and siblings Rachel, Mary Alice, James, and Jerry.
A funeral service to honor Maxine's life will be held on Friday, June 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Blaylock presiding. Prior to the service, friends are invited to greet the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Maxine will be laid to rest in Brookside Cemetery in Windfall following the funeral.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is privileged to assist the Harden family during this difficult time. Condolences may be shared with the family on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial donations may be made to Foundation Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, Maryland 21297-5740.
Makenna Danielle Mikesell
December 19, 1995 — June 16, 2025
Macy, indiana
Makenna Danielle Mikesell, 29, Macy, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, June 16, 2025, with her newborn daughter, Hadley Makenna Mikesell, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, Indiana.
Born December 19, 1995, in Peru, Indiana, she was the daughter of Traci (Burns) Brown and Kenneth Brown. On July 1, 1921, in Hatcher Pass, Alaska, she was married to Paul James Mikesell, and he survives.
Makenna graduated in 2014 from North Miami High School before heading to Manchester University where she earned her B.S. in Athletic Training. After graduation, she worked from 2018-2021 as the athletic trainer for Maconaquah High School. She then went to Kokomo High School in the same position working from 2021-2025, while simultaneously working as a dual-credit teacher through Manchester University for Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Capstone at Kokomo Area Career Center.
She took her career very seriously and was always trying to learn new methods, teaching-styles, and a greater understanding of her profession. She loved taking care of family and friends, a trait that was evident in her classroom, home, and those that were recipients of creations from her kitchen. She loved cooking new recipes, trying new foods, and keeping up the family tradition of canning and preserving the summer harvest from the garden.
Makenna was always one to challenge normal stereotypes; she loved working out with the guys in the gym, most often outperforming those around her. Her hard and determined work ethic was evident in the gym, as well as around the house and on the farm. Her busy schedule often meant she was showing up to ballet or the next activity in her dirty softball pants, or sweaty-whatever sport uniform she was wearing. She loved dance and was a fourteen-year student of Ballet Arts, starting at age five. As a teenager, she loved spending time on her four-wheeler, racing and challenging her brother as they became “professional drivers” in both ATVs and lawnmowers, having raced in the Twelve Mile 500. She was also an active part of her youth group at Twelve Mile and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches, where she went on several mission trips.
Makenna had a big heart and expressed her love for others through her actions and the welcoming atmosphere in her classroom and home. In the kitchen, she was an artist and those who benefited from her bakery-quality gifts could not only feel but taste her love. She loved spending time with others, whether it was at work, in class, or at home. Her family meant the world to her, but also extended to her large collection of pets, including her beloved fur babies, Arti, Fraya, Karen, Charlie, Debbie, and Jamie.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Mikesell, Macy; mother, Traci (Burns) Brown, Peru; father and step-mother, Kenny and Julie Brown, Florida; brother, Joshua Brown, Peru; grandparents, Charles “Mike” and Bonnie Burns, Twelve Mile; uncle, Charles “Michael” (Star) Burns, Denver; aunt, Shirley (Terry) Smiley, Mexico; mother and father-in law, Carolyn and Brian Mikesell, Macy; and brother-in-law, William Mikesell, Indianapolis. Also surviving are several great aunts and uncles, as well as cousins.
She was preceded in death by several grandparents and great-grandparents.
Visitation will be from Noon-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Mexico Riverside Church (formerly Mexico Church of the Brethren), 4460, North Mexico Road, Mexico, Indiana, with her childhood pastor and longtime friend, Chaplain Teri White officiating.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the church. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, Denver.
Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Manchester University to benefit the Athletic Training Department. (c/o McClain Funeral Home, PO Box 248, Denver, Indiana.). Envelopes will be available at the church.
McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.
Tony A. Melendez
Tony A. Melendez, affectionately known as Tony to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Gas City, Indiana. He was born on March 8, 1961, in Marion, Indiana, to the late Jose Angel Melendez and Patricia Yanze. Tony's life was characterized by his friendly demeanor, gentle spirit, and innate kindness that touched everyone he met.
Tony proudly served his country in the Army before embarking on a fulfilling career as a crane operator for PCA and later working in production manufacturing. His dedication to his work was evident in the meticulous care he took with every task and the respect he earned from his colleagues.
Outside of work, Tony was the life of any gathering. He had a fondness for the Poor House, where he would spend time with friends, sharing stories and laughter. His love for karaoke was well-known, and he could often be found belting out tunes, much to the delight of those around him. An avid card player, Tony also found joy in the simplicity of a good game of cards with loved ones.
An outdoorsman at heart, Tony relished the opportunity to go fishing, embracing the tranquility of nature. His passion for music was ever-present, and he enjoyed using his Alexa to play his favorite tunes. Perhaps some of his most cherished moments were those spent sitting around the campfire, telling stories and enjoying a hamburger, surrounded by the warmth of his family and friends.
Tony's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife Teresa L. Melendez and his adoring children Shannon (Rachelle) Melendez, Amy Melendez, and Brandon (John) Haynes. He was a doting grandfather to Samuel, Zachary, Issiac, McKayla, Abby, Gabe, and KayD, who will miss his gentle guidance and fun-loving nature. Tony also leaves behind his cherished cat Clawdeen, who was his constant companion.
Family was the cornerstone of Tony's life, and he instilled in his children and grandchildren the values of compassion, generosity, and the importance of family bonds. His absence will leave a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but the memories he created will be treasured forever.
As we say goodbye to Tony, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that exemplify what it means to be a good man, a caring husband, a devoted father, and a loyal friend. Tony's story is not just one of the years in his life, but of the life in his years. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tony's life will be honored in a private ceremony where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and love, just as he would have wanted. His spirit will continue to inspire us daily, and his memory will live on as a beacon of the gentle kindness he embodied.
Ronald Kent Spane
Ronald Kent Spane, known affectionately to friends and family as Ron, was called home by God on June 11, 2025, at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully at his home in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on May 18, 1941, to the late Harold and Margaret Spane, Ron's life was marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and a passion for adventure and learning.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School in 1959, Ron's thirst for knowledge and commitment to justice led him to Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. His education laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served in the United States Navy directly after high school, an experience that instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and duty.
Following his military service, Ron dedicated himself to the safety of his community at the Howard County Sheriff's Department. As a firearms instructor, he shared his expertise with countless officers, ensuring their preparedness and security in the line of duty. His love for the water was not just a pastime but a calling, as he helped establish the dive team for the Howard County Sheriff's Department, becoming a master scuba diver.
Ron's adventurous spirit was not confined to his professional life. Early in his life, he earned his private pilot’s license and was the co-owner of a single engine Cessna. He flew family and friends all over the United States. Back on land, he was a dedicated member of the Club Kokomo Roadrunners, competing in many races, as well as pushing his limits in the New York and Detroit marathons, a testament to his discipline and endurance. He was an avid golfer, finding joy and camaraderie on the greens. When he lived in Florida, he embraced the coastal lifestyle, spending countless hours boating and fishing, basking in the serenity of the sea.
Wise, analytical, and exceptionally handy, Ron was the go-to person for family and friends when a problem needed solving. He was well respected and looked up to by many. Ron was truly a jack of all trades and there was nothing he couldn't do, when he put his mind to it.
Ron leaves behind a loving family. His daughters Michelle (Brian Shaffer) Olivares, Cathy Bullock, and his son Brian (Rachel) Spane, and his grandchildren Tichelle, Breonna, Trinidad, Brayden, Madison, and Logan will miss his guidance and gentle wisdom. His great-grandchildren Kamden and Korlynn will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandfather's remarkable life. Ron was preceded in death by his brothers Jack Spane and Roger Spane, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms.
Ronald K. Spane lived a life of service, adventure, and love. His legacy is imprinted on the hearts of those he touched, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. As we say goodbye to Ron, we celebrate a life well-lived and honor a man who was truly one of a kind. He will be profoundly missed. In honor of Ron's wishes, he will be cremated, and no other services will be planned.