In Tribute

Brad was born on May 26, 1969, in Indianapolis. He attended Broward Junior College in Florida where he earned his computer science degree. His love for technology led him to create his business, Up and Running.

Brad is survived by his parents, Jan and Buddy Yosha; sisters, Cynthia Yosha-Snyder and Laura Yosha; brother, Brandon Yosha; nephew, Louis Snyder; and nieces, Olivia Snyder, Ruthie Snyder and Sally Griswold. Brad has a daughter, Brandi, who was his everything, and a son, Trevor, whom he adored.

Funeral services for Brad will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2016 at A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services, 11411 N. Michigan Road. Private interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Brad's memory to Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Mars Hill Community and Arts Center or The Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment (carolinesymmes.org). Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.

Barbara Menzie,86, died February 18, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospice. She was born November 12, 1928 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Percy Edward and Kathryn (Knowles) McCown. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Wayne Menzie in 1965, and sisters Constance McCown Krimendahl and Nancy McCown Symmes. Barbara attended Tudor Hall School, Finch College, and Butler University from which she graduated in 1951. Barbara focused her energy on raising her two daughters, traveling with them and her extended family. She and her sister Nancy took annual trips, experiencing the world's art, architecture, and cultures. She enjoyed reading, playing tennis, and working with her personal trainer until this past holiday season. Barbara was an active member of the Junior League of Indianapolis, gave her time to Methodist Hospital, and remained involved in Park Tudor parent and alumni activities. Barbara is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Maly, Pam Navarre, and their spouses, and her grandchildren Bill, Carlos, Willie, and Maude. Services will be private with no visitation. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment. Donate online at http://www.carolinesymmes.org or mail the contribution to The Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment PO Box 2937, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Before and after his diagnosis, Ben was a straight-A student with a passion for racing. Though he lived a life full of achievement and happiness, Ben would have told you that he was most happy after his diagnosis. A life focused is a happy life, and Ben’s illness directed his focus.  At eleven years old, Ben was diagnosed with metastatic osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that had spread out into other parts of his body.  He maintained his A-average and kept up with his passion for racing for fourteen months.  His love of life continued even after cancer paralyzed him from the chest down—he lived then from his heart.

The loss of Ben’s life reflects the serious lack of funding and new research into treatment of pediatric cancers. The only treatments that were available to him are the same ones he would have received thirty years ago…is there any other field in medicine where you could say the same? When Ben heard Caroline’s story from her mother, he was inspired to contribute to the good work of the Caroline Symmes Endowment. Even when he had no hope for himself, it was his dream to provide hope for others. In today’s advanced world, no child should hear that their disease cannot be cured.

Benjamin Burchard, 12, Brownsburg, passed away Dec. 4, 2015. A sixth grader at Brownsburg West Middle School, he was a member of Connection Pointe Christian Church, Boy Scout Troop 396, and a driver for Mini Indy Quarter Midget Club.

Survivors include his parents Ronald and Tammy Burchard; sister Andrea (James) Armstrong; nieces Charlee, Gemma and Haddie Mae Armstrong; grandmothers Beverley Anacker and Gwen Overstreet; great grandmother Florence Bradley. He was preceded in death by brother Charles Robert Burchard.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 9 at Connection Pointe Christian Church, with funeral services there at 10 a.m. Thurs. Dec. 10. Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. Thurs. at Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, IN. Contributions may be made to Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at www.carolinesymmes.org.

James F. Cooper (Jim), son of Virgil and Ruth Cooper, passed peacefully on January 7, 2024 at 3:30 am in Westfield after a long illness. His wife Lynn was at his side. Jim was born on May 13, 1938 and was 85 years old.

In addition to his wife, Jim is also survived by his two sons, Greg and Brian Cooper (Wendy), of Carmel, Indiana; his stepson, Don Heed (Marcee), of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and his stepdaughter, Sarah Lewis (Anthony), of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren Jesse Cooper, Khyrin and Blake Heed, and Jahlil and Amaya Lewis. [Jesse Cooper served on the Endowment’s first Teen Board, and is currently an Intern while she is attending Indiana University.]

Jim was born and raised in his beloved Crown Point, Indiana until 1993 when he moved to Indianapolis to live closer to his two sons.

Following graduation from Crown Point High School, Jim promptly joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Soon after, he decided to go to college and received his Master of Arts in Education degree from Ball State University of Education in 1966. Jim began his elementary teaching career with 4th graders, was promoted to Principal when he was 29 and later served as Assistant Superintendent in the Tri Creek School Corporation. Jim left such a positive impact on the lives of his students and their families.

He was also very active with the Shriners for several years and led the Ritual Cast.

In “semi-retirement”, Jim enjoyed running an automobile business, managing a small golf course, auctioneering, and running an educational book business.

Always curious and willing to try new things, Jim was never short on ideas for new projects, such as woodworking. He also enjoyed and owned older classic cars, but no other hobby gave him as much satisfaction and fun as building and flying his two airplanes as often as he could.

Jim was a dedicated family man who encouraged and supported their endeavors. He never knew a stranger! His personality was one that affected everyone around him with his sense of humor and antics to his compassion and generosity for others who needed help. He was a great husband, dad, and grandpa who loved to spoil the grandchildren. There is no doubt he will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E. Carmel, Dr., Carmel, IN 46032. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, with the service to follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial gift be made to the Caroline Symmes Children Cancer Endowment.

Jan and her sister Mary visited family graves after church every Sunday, leaving flowers on each grave. After Caroline’s death, Jan and Mary included Caroline in their Sunday ritual, and since pink was Caroline’s favorite color, the flower for Caroline’s grave was a pink rose.

After Jan’s death, Mary continues the tradition accompanied by Jan’s daughters, Laura and Cynthia.

Indianapolis - Janet Esterline Yosha passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on October 24, 2020. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 9, 1939, to Dorothy and Jim Esterline. She graduated from Shortridge High School and Indiana University Bloomington. Jan became a member of Pi Beta Phi where she served in many capacities. She loved her years in the sorority and maintained loving, close friendships with her dear Pi Phi sisters throughout her life.

Jan was an elementary school teacher for several years after college. As an entrepreneur, she and her friend Susan created Mitchell and Yosha Interiors. Jan had an innate flair for "what worked" and a sense of elegant style and beauty. Foremost in Jan's life was her family, and she filled the role of matriarch perfectly with her love, compassion, humor, joy, patience, enthusiasm, and fun. If any family member was performing on stage, playing on the court or in the field, receiving an award, or being honored for an accomplishment, there was no question of her attending and being an enthusiastic fan and solid supporter.

Friends were such an integral part of Jan's life. She was, simply, a joy to be near, and she offered to all the same qualities she shared with family. People gravitated to her because of her wit, her sparkling contribution to a conversation, and genuine interest in what others had to say. Jan was often the first one to reach out, without hesitation, to offer her time and talent when a friend was in need. She lifted others' spirits and encouraged them to conquer when they feared failure or wanted to quit. Jan was selfless, kind-hearted, and generous to a fault. On the other hand, she was no pushover. She was a determined defender and dauntless supporter of friend or family if she thought her advocacy was necessary.

Cooking, exercising, and traveling were among her many passions. Jan was an early morning riser and enjoyed preparing delicious meals that time of day. She loved hosting family in her home and would start days in advance to create a wonderful feast, always making sure to include various favorite dishes that she knew her guests would enjoy. Because Jan rarely slowed down, regular exercise was another activity that she embraced enthusiastically. She enjoyed pilates, light weightlifting, the treadmill, and riding the stationary bike. For many years she pursued golf, and in true Jan fashion, became very accomplished on the links at Broadmoor Country Club. Her travels were extensive and included many fun destinations in the states and around the world which fueled Jan's adventurous spirit.

Jan's family wishes to thank her caring and loyal friend Jim Swanson and her dedicated oncology team at American Health Network, especially the compassionate staff and nurses Andrea, Chastity, and Ravi, led by Dr. Vasudevamurthy and Rachelle. The guidance and gentleness of Dr. Louis M. Profeta was beyond the call of friendship. The family is also grateful for the nurturing team of angels who cared for Jan at home including Denise, Aretha, Audrey, Deb, Lynn, and Sue Anne.

Jan is survived by her sisters Joan Esterline Lafuze and Mary Esterline McGarvey; daughters Cynthia Yosha-Snyder (Roger) and Laura Yosha; former husband and dear friend Louis Buddy Yosha; grandchildren Olivia Fox (Matthew), Brandon Yosha (Christine), Louis Snyder, Ruthie Snyder, Brandi Yosha, Sally Griswold, Trevor Balladares, and Jeyden Rivera, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her son Brad Yosha, nephew Robert Lafuze, and parents Jim and Dorothy Esterline.

Private services will be held on Wednesday, October 28th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North United Methodist Church (NorthChurchIndy.com), Stop Soldier Suicide (StopSoldierSuicide.org), and Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment (CarolineSymmes.org).

Imogene "Joyce" Bradford, 87, of LaFontaine, passed away at 12:04 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Miller's Merry Manor in Marion, Indiana.  She was born on April 1, 1933, in Grant County, to the late Claude and Hazel (Cox) Godwin.  Joyce married Joseph F. Bradford on January 24, 1953; he passed away on November 26, 1999.

Joyce is survived by two sons, Joe (Connie) Bradford, Jr. of Matthews and Jay (Sylvia Newman) Bradford of LaFontaine; sister, Mary Goodknight of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two sisters.

Due to Covid restrictions, the family will have a private graveside service at Grant Memorial Park in Marion, Indiana 46953.

Funeral services have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment, https://www.carolinesymmes.org.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com.

Melvin David, 86, of Indianapolis, passed away March 26, 2014. He was born March 22, 1928 in Lafayette, IN, to the late Harry Melvin and Lucille Alston David. Mel was a graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and Purdue University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Mel married Ruby Fulcher, December 17, 1967, and was employed with Ford Motor Co., District Sales, for 37 years, and for the past 22 years as Commercial Accounts Manager for Capital City Ford. He was a longtime member of Irvington United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel , 9606 E. Washington St. with funeral services Monday at 12 noon.

Mel is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 47 years, Ruby David; daughter, Deborah A. Burlace (Tom); sons, Douglas M. David, Jeff D. Stephenson (Linda), and Brian D. David (Andi); seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment, 9055 Pickwick Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260. http://www.shirleybrothers.com.

Nancy Symmes, age 93, died November 26, 2014, at St. Vincent Hospital. She was born April 9, 1921, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Indianapolis by her father, Dr. Percy Edward McCown, and her mother, Kathryn (Knowles) McCown.

Nancy graduated from Tudor Hall School, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, Indiana University, BA 1943, and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City. She worked at the Rough Notes Co. (founded by her great-great Uncle, “Uncle Dr. Martin” about 1875) until her marriage.

She also has had wonderful memories of “Charlie’s seven favorite nieces”.

She was a member of the Junior League of Indianapolis, Christamore Guild and the former Indianapolis Day Nursery, Fortnight Literary Club and The Embroiders Guild. She volunteered at Park Tudor School, Northview Middle School, North Central High School and with the Girl Scout Organization. Additionally, she was a docent for the Indianapolis Museum of Art and a trustee for the former Tudor Hall School. Her hobbies included photography, needlepoint, sweepstaking, bridge, and travel. She and her sister, Barbara McCown Menzie, over a period of 30 years, visited every continent except Antartica.

Visitation and Services

Family services will be held on Tuesday December 2, 2014 at the Leppert Mortuary Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St. Indianapolis, IN. No public visitation is planned. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. The Family asks that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment. Donate on line at www.carolinesymmes.org or mail the contribution to The Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment, PO Box 2937, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Survived by:

Three children, Kathryn Symmes Kirk (Jim), granddaughter Jessica Hall Graffunder (Hans) of Austin, Texas and great grandchildren Ian, Ella and Owen, Charles William Symmes,Jr.(Paula Jean), step-grand daughter Stephanie Gibson and David Symmes, (Elizabeth Goodknight) grand children Natalie and Sullivan Symmes.

Preceded by:

Her parents, as well as her husband in 2000, Charles William Symmes, an Indianapolis attorney, to whom she was married 51 years. Her sister, Constance McCown Krimendahl of New York City, and her granddaughter, Caroline Louise Symmes also predeceased.

Paul Hutter was a longtime friend of the Symmes family whose love for Caroline helped to lay the groundwork for the Caroline Symmes Endowment. Through a shared love of golf, Paul (and the entire Hutter family) built a strong relationship with David, and eventually the whole family. After Caroline’s diagnosis, Paul was a constant presence, visiting often and sending cards weekly when visits weren’t possible. Two years after Caroline’s death, Paul came to the Symmes family with a $25,000 donation to act as seed money for what would become the Endowment. Together, the Symmes and Paul found the perfect investigator and home for the money at Riley Hospital, and the Endowment made a commitment to raise $100,000 within four years on top of Paul’s initial contribution. That goal was reached within nine months.

Paul Francis Hutter, age 80, of Indianapolis, passed away March 3, 2016. He was born December 27, 1935 in Cranston, Rhode Island to the late Frank C. and Helen Hutter. He was also preceded in death by his wife Sheila Donahue Hutter. Paul graduated from Boston College in 1958. He was a Sales and Management consultant in the energy industry. Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1958-1961. He was a member of the Boston College Alumni. Paul was on the board to start and build the college hockey United States Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota 1973. He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.

Survivors include three children, Kathleen Hutter, Nancy Hutter Baumgartner and her husband Jeff, William Hutter and his wife Sherri; grandchildren, Kasie Ann Clevenger, Jordan Donahue Milligan, and Evan William Milligan.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. A private burial will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Cemetery, Martinsville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. and on Monday from 11 a.m. - 12 Noon at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel. The family would like to thank everyone at Traditions of Solana and Seasons Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Caroline Symmes Endowment, 12441 Creekwood Lane, Carmel, IN, 46032.

To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.