Obituaries, July 26, 2025

Written on 07/26/2025


Sharon L. Morkal, Scott Noland West, Robert “Bob” Lee Forsthoffer

Sharon L. Morkal

Sharon L. Morkal, 89, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:04 a.m., on July 24, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. She was born on May 8, 1936, in Detroit, MI, daughter of Robert and Helen (Peterson) Rodger. On June 1, 1956, she married Ross Carlton Morkal in Wilmington, Delaware, and he preceded her in death on January 15, 2025.

Sharon was a 1954 graduate of Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan. She earned her associate’s degree in dental hygienics at Temple University. Sharon taught quilting for 35 years. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. She enjoyed oil painting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting.

She is survived by her children Holley (Rick) Scholtes, David (Kathy) Morkal, Sally (Patty) Gardner, Alison (Bruce) Bowman, and Keith (Suzy) Morkal, grandchildren Alex Scholtes, Annie (Alex) Young, Peregrine Morkal-Williams, Sam (Fonda) Morkal-Williams, Lerin (Andy) Palmer, Nathan (Kellie) Morkal, Brianne Morkal, and Clair Gardner, three great-grandchildren Noah Young, Peyton Young, and Teagan Young, and sister-in-law Robin Abbott.

Along with her husband Ross Morkal, she was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Helen Rodger and brothers Michael Rodger and Bruce Rodger.

A funeral service celebrating Sharon’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, with Pastors John Dryer & Carl Hingst officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at the church. Private burial will be in Marion National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Sharon’s name to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Scott Noland West

Scott Noland West, a cherished son, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 23, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 56. Born on November 10, 1968, to Billie Kay West and Daniel Keith West, Scott's life was a testament to the power of faith, the joy of adventure, and the depth of familial love.

Scott attended Kokomo High School and later obtained his GED. He had a love for BMX and swimming, pursuits that would bring him great joy in his youth. Scott was a hardworking employee at Half Moon Brewery and Restaurant.

Throughout his life, Scott was deeply committed to his Christian faith, which guided him in all his endeavors. His spiritual journey was enriched by various religious certifications and letters of completion, which he pursued with fervor, embodying the teachings of compassion and service in his daily interactions. Like all of us, he had his strengths and struggles. Life isn't always easy, and neither are we, but we can embrace his life as part of our own story.

Scott's interests were as diverse as they were heartfelt. He relished the simple pleasures of camping and fishing, finding solace in the tranquility of nature. A skilled cook with a love for food, he took his coffee black.

An active member of Crossroads Recovery, where he received and provided support to many, he would often draw on his own experiences to offer guidance and understanding. His faith-filled approach to life's challenges was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Scott is lovingly remembered by his mother Billie Kay West, who survives him. His memory will be cherished by his daughters Danielle West, whose fiancé is Kerry Russell, and Amber Welsh, married to Justin, his grandchild Onyx Welsh, and a baby granddaughter on the way.

He was preceded in death by his father Daniel Keith West, with whom he now shares eternal peace.

There are things that may never be fully understood or resolved, but we choose to lay down the weight of judgment and offer peace to all that he leaves behind.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com



Robert “Bob” Lee Forsthoffer

Robert “Bob” Lee Forsthoffer, 64 years old, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Waterford Place. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on March 16, 1961, the son of the late Linda (Rink) Forsthoffer.

Bob captivated anyone he met with his compassionate nature and infectious laugh. He spent 31 years working for the Local #166 in Fort Wayne, IN, as a welder, pipefitter, and eventually in quality control. He followed his uncle Larry Rink’s footsteps in his career. Bob was a people person, loved by everyone, and his devotion to his job was inspiring. He always traveled with his loyal canine companion Morgan and his Bible that symbolized his unwavering faith.

After Bob suffered a massive stroke in 2014, his wife Heather selflessly cared for him for a decade until he moved to Waterford Place. There he received exceptional care from Samantha Rose, Taraea Commons, Terri Elliott, Stacie Gillard, Compassus Hospice and their nurses. Bob’s passion for music and Harley rides was contagious. His love for his daughter Brittany and four grandchildren knew no bounds. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him!

Bob’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Compassus Hospice, Jed Brower, Garry Trent, and Steve Rink.

Bob is survived by his wife Heather Forsthoffer, daughter Brittanie Forsthoffer, grandchildren Alexiana Wright, Marquise Small, Kyrie Small, and Jabari Small; sister Luann (Leon) Organ, stepson Miles Vance, mother-in-law Kitty Holliger, aunts Jeannie Boyd, Lois Pizzuto, and Lisa Rink, uncle Louie Rink, and niece Ashley Harris.

He was preceded in death by his mom Linda Forsthoffer and uncle Larry Rink.

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.