Minnie Leona (Hetzner) Slusser, Martha Ann Vail, Gary L. Helvie, Lucas Lee Bieghler
Minnie Leona (Hetzner) Slusser
Minnie Leona (Hetzner) Slusser, 88, Denver, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at her residence.
Born August 8, 1937, in Miami County, Indiana, she was the daughter of Alfred Mitchell and Wilhelminna Johanna (Gevers) Hetzner. On March 14, 1992, she was married to Rusell Wayne “Shakey” Slusser, and he preceded her in death on May 30, 2017.
She was a graduate of Jefferson Township High School in Mexico, Indiana. She retired from United States Gypsum Corporation (USG) in Wabash, Indiana. She was a longtime member of the Denver Baptist Church. She loved watching soap operas, watching sports, and working Sudoku and crossword puzzles. In her younger years, she loved spending time in the kitchen, baking cakes.
Survivors include her son Jerry Wayne (Julie Anne) Hetzner, Kempton; grandson Zachary Wayne Hetzner, Kempton; step-granddaughter Jessica Thomas, Elwood; step-great-grandson Jacob Thomas; sisters-in-law Patty Hetzner and her son, Allen Guinn, both of Denver; and Gloria Hetzner, Kokomo; as well as several other nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends Shirlee Murphy and Marilyn Spangler.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Alfred William Hetzner, John Paul Hetzner, and Deverl La Rue Hetzner; and sisters Dorothy Hightshoe, and Sally Snyder.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Pastor Bryce Landon will officiate. Burial will follow in Ever-Rest Memorial Park, Cass County.
Visitation will be from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
Martha Ann Vail
Martha Ann Vail, 92, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away in her home on Friday, October 3, 2025. She was born on November 13, 1932, in Marion, Indiana and was the daughter of Rev. Dr. Thurman Brooks and Mary Elizabeth (Hollingsworth) Morris. She married her true love, the late Frank Vail, on August 6, 1966, in Fort Wayne. Her father officiated the wedding.
During the last few years, Martha and Frank were regulars at Cracker Barrel, eating there every day. Martha enjoyed ceramics, board games, and the Game Show Network. She retired from Burnett-Conner Insurance.
She is survived by her sons Kevin Vail and Danny (Stacey) Vail; three grandsons Kyler Vail, Casey (Haley) Vail, and Carson Vail; and her first great-granddaughter due in January.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank; son David Frank Vail; her siblings Walter Morris, Paul Morris, John Morris, David Morris, and Beckie Antczak; and her stepmother Carol (Rooker) Morris.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Guardian Angel Hospice for their compassionate care given to Martha.
A visitation for Martha will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by funeral service at 1:00 PM.
Gary L. Helvie
Gary L. Helvie, age 84, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025.
A visitation for Gary will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. An entombment will occur Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.
Lucas Lee Bieghler
Lucas Lee Bieghler was born on September 2, 2025, and left this world on September 28, 2025, surrounded by love. In his short time life on this earth, he brought endless joy and comfort to everyone who met him. Lucas loved to be held and adored his mom Myah Pierson, who was his whole world. He will always be remembered and cherished by his mom, his two aunts, his uncle, and his grandparents. Lucas’s light will live on forever in the hearts of those who love him most. Let his memory be a reminder of the frailty of human life and the opportunity we all have to shine our love on those that are here, while we are here.
Services for baby Lucas are private. Donations to the family can be made to https://everloved.com/life-of/lucas-bieghler/ or to Ellers Mortuary.