Carol Anne Garber, Constance Colleen (Crowder) Sample, Kathleen D. Suttles, Marian L. Hansen
Carol Anne Garber
Carol Anne Garber, 70, Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Waterford Health Campus. She was born February 28, 1955, in Maumee, Ohio, the daughter of the late Howard and Johanna (Van Donkey) Simon. In November 1976, she married Thomas “Tom” Garber in Toledo, Ohio, and he survives.
Carol was a 1972 graduate of Maumee High School. She graduated from Indiana University Kokomo with two associate’s degrees, one bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree. Carol previously worked for Family Service Association and Indiana University Kokomo after being a devoted stay-at-home mother until her youngest was in school. She found deep joy in serving others through her faith. She was a devoted member of Crossroads Community Church, where she poured her heart into the Warehouse Ministry and cherished her time with her beloved Psalms Bible study groups. Carol’s love for God was matched by her love of nature as she was the happiest when surrounded by the beauty of outdoors and loved going on camping trips with Tom.
Above all, her greatest pride was her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Beyond her family, she touched countless lives as a mentor during her time at IUK, where she guided and inspired more than 1,000 at-risk students. When asked what her greatest joy was, Carol said helping those particular students, many of whom still remember her as both a mentor and friend.
In addition to her husband Tom, Carol is survived by her children Brandon (Alicia) Garber, Jerron (Kimberly) Garber, Ashlin Hadden, and Ryan Kendall; grandchildren Alec Wessendorf, Aidan Wessendorf, Declan Garber, Isla Anne Garber, Jacob (fiancé Aliyah Russo) Cummings, Ethan Garber, Breanna Garber, Gavin Hadden, Coltin Hadden, and Connor Kendall; brother John Simon; and extended family Paul Stoway of Lake Havasu and Mark (Pam) Simon.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and sister Nancy Stoway.
A memorial service celebrating Carol’s life will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church-South Campus, 4254 South 00 EW Kokomo, with Pastor Dave Welsh officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:30 p.m. until the start of service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carol Garber College Scholarship Fund, in the care of Stout & Son Funeral Home, where checks can be made to. These proceeds will go to assist future at risk students in need. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Constance Colleen (Crowder) Sample
Constance Colleen (Crowder) Sample, 94, passed in her sleep on September 26, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was living at Alexandria Care, Alexandria, IN.
She was born July 30, 1931, to Everett and Pearl (Freeman) Crowder on their farm in Hillham, IN. She had 10 siblings, nine of whom lived to adulthood. Colleen married William Sample on November 24, 1951. Bill passed in July of 1997.
Colleen was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. She is survived by three daughters and two sons: Mike and wife Laura, living in Kokomo, IN; Leanna and husband David Lehmann, living in Ft. Wayne, IN; Pat Sample and wife Jill, living in Ellisville, MO; Jill (Sample) Ellis and husband Jim, living in Winchester, IN; Julie Sample and partner Terry Warnock, living in Shelbyville, IN; as well as seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Colleen will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, with a funeral service to begin at 2 p.m. She will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902.
Kathleen D. Suttles
Kathleen D. Suttles, better known to friends and family as Kathy, passed away at the age of 68 on September 28, 2025, in her hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Born on November 9, 1956, to Arthur D. Miller and Marjorie Danforth, Kathy’s vibrancy and compassionate spirit were evident from an early age. Although her father Arthur predeceased her, Kathy’s legacy is continued through her loving mother Marjorie, her devoted husband Tracy Suttles, whom she married in March of 1992, her sons Neil Davis and Aaron Burge, her cherished grandchildren Alexis Burge, Anthony Davis, and Logan Davis, as well as her brothers David Miller and Eric (Jenn) Smead. Kathy’s life was touched by the loss of her brother Robert Miller, whose memory she carried in her heart.
A proud graduate of Kokomo High School, Kathy’s nurturing nature led her to a career as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Hospital, where she provided care and comfort to countless individuals until her health no longer permitted her to continue. Kathy’s work was not just a job; it was a manifestation of her innate desire to help those in need, a quality that defined her as much as her familial ties.
Kathy’s life was marked by her unwavering love for her family, particularly her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy and achievement. She took immense pride in their every accomplishment and was a constant source of support and encouragement. Her spirit, loving nature, and faith were the cornerstones of her existence and shone brightly in every aspect of her life.
An adventurous soul, Kathy relished the freedom of the open road, accompanying her husband Tracy on many a motorcycle ride. Together, they participated in poker runs, MDA rides, and veteran rides, their shared passion for the ride and for helping others evident in their involvement. Kathy’s generous heart and eagerness to contribute to her community made her a beloved figure among those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Kathy’s infectious spirit and love for life made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was spirited, loving, and faith-filled, words that only begin to capture the essence of a woman whose presence was a gift to all. Kathy’s love and laughter filled the rooms she entered, and her memory will continue to warm the hearts of those she leaves behind.
As we bid farewell to Kathy, we celebrate a life lived with unbounded love and kindness. Her spirit remains a beacon of light for her family and friends, a reminder of the joy and love she so freely gave. Kathy’s life was a testament to the beauty of a heart dedicated to family, friendship, and service. Her legacy will live on in the memories she created with those who loved her and in the countless lives she touched with her generous soul.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Marian L. Hansen
Marian L. Hansen, age 93, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She was born to Charles Olds and Bernice (Cook) Olds in Saginaw, Michigan, on July 3, 1932. Marian graduated from Harrisville High School and Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She was a long-time member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kokomo, Indiana.
Marian met Al at MSU, and they married on July 14, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan. Al and Marian raised two children Julie (Paul) Rufus and Dr. Mark (Amy) Hansen, four grandchildren Christine (John) Bell, Charles J. (Mikala) Hansen, Andrew (Hannah) Hansen, and Elizabeth (Nathan) Edwards, and 11 great-grandchildren. Marian was preceded in death by her husband Al on November 6, 2016.
A memorial service and private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s memory to First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.