James “Jim” “Smiley” David Speidel, Wanda Kay Grant
James “Jim” “Smiley” David Speidel
James “Jim” “Smiley” David Speidel, 84, of Greentown, passed away at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Century Fields Assisted Living. He was born on March 7, 1941, the son of the late Gilbert and Mildred (Lawrence) Speidel. On August 5, 1962, he married Mary Ella Shivley in Huntington, IN, who preceded him in death on May 15, 2024.
Jim worked as a truck driver with Yellow Freight Trucking for over 30 years. He was a member of the Greentown Shriners Club, Greentown Masonic Lodge, Ibn Saud Grotto, Kokomo Mini-Ts, the Indianapolis Scottish Rite, the Greentown Historical Society, and Jerome Christian Church. Jim also enjoyed square dancing.
He is survived by his children David (Lisa) Speidel, Ella (Jeff) Walker, and Leslie (Joe) Connolly; grandchildren Jamie (Nick) Wieringa, Quinn (Taylor) Connolly, Micayla (Micah) Pier, Noah Connolly, Josh (Madison) Speidel, Zach Connolly, and Molly Connolly; great-grandchildren Owen, Annie, and Harper Pier; and sister Maggie Harris.
Along with his wife Mary, Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Lee Webb.
A funeral service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 East Main St., Greentown, with Pastor David Stokes officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and at 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the funeral home. In honor of Jim’s memory, we invite you to make a donation to the Brain Injury Association of Indiana https://biaindiana.org/donate/ as a tribute to Josh Speidel. Your gift will help support individuals and families affected by brain injuries, continuing Jim’s legacy of helping those in need and bringing a smile to their face. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Wanda Kay Grant
Wanda Kay Grant, 70, of Kokomo, IN, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025. She was born on Jan. 21, 1955, the daughter of Franklin and Emma Lay. On Feb. 25, 1973, she married Scott Grant, who survives. A proud graduate of Haworth HS, class of 1973, Wanda lived a life filled with faith, creativity, and devotion to those around her.
A lifelong member of Macedonia Christian Church, Wanda’s love for singing shone through as a cherished member of the Christian singing group “HIS,” where her voice uplifted many. Her passion for nurturing young minds was evident in her role as a loving teacher at Busy Bodies Preschool, where she touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. Wanda also worked at Christian Bible House Bookstore, sharing her faith through God’s words.
Her talent as a florist at Bowden’s Flowers showcased her meticulous attention to detail, creating arrangements that brought beauty and joy to every occasion. Wanda also found delight in collecting small treasures, each a reflection of her unique and vibrant spirit.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband Scott, daughters Tina Joshua and husband Matt of Lake Orion, MI, and Amanda Grant and Joshua Terry of Indianapolis IN, son Daniel Grant of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren Alyssa Williams and husband Ray, Trevor Johnson and husband Steven Troutman, Tiana Hannibal, Elise Joshua, Aubrey Joshua, Huxley Grant, and Harrison Rogers, great-grandchildren Laila, Raine, and Rio, sister Norma Davidson and husband Gene of Ft Wayne, IN, brother Stan Lay and fiancé Irene Brantley of Logansport, IN, and sister-in-law Susie Shafer and husband Dale of Sebring FL; also four nephews and nieces and six great nephews and nieces.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents. Wanda’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, IN, on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.