Cleo A Vass

Cleo A. (Hayes) Vass, 96, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo.  

She was born July 18, 1917, the daughter of Forest and Hilda Girard Hayes.  On January 31, 1943, she married Lawrence E. Vass in Burlington; he preceded her in death May 3, 1997.  

Cleo graduated from Rockfield High School.  She was a farmer’s wife for over 50 years in Carroll County and enjoyed working on the farm.  She attended Center United Methodist Church in Young America.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking.  She was a beloved mother to her children.  

Surviving Cleo are three children, Edward L. (Linda) Vass of Rockfield, Hilda (Ernie) Ailor and Marcia K. (ex-son-in-law, Phil) Spencer, both of Kokomo; one sister, Mildred (Richard) Curts of Flora; one brother-in-law, Glen Vass of Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Linke (Stacy) Catron, Chris Catron, Greg Ailor, Kim (Roy) Padgett, Clint Spencer, Matthew Spencer I, David Vass, and Joanne Bruce; 13 great-grandchildren, John (Kasha) Lytle, Audrie Catron, Taylor Catron, Christopher Catron, Alex (Sarah) Ailor, Allison (Chad) Exmeyer, Cleandrea Spencer, Matthew Spencer II, Zachary Spencer, Kaitlynne Smith, Joshua Smith, Felix Bruce, and Kaylie Paksons; five great-great-grandchildren, Enzie Exmeyer, Mariska Lytle, Vanora Lytle, Audrey Ailor, and Emmy Ailor; and several nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her parents and husband, Cleo is preceded in death by six siblings, Neoma Schnieb, Dorothy Bunch, Norma Peterson, Linda Hayes, Margaret Wagoner, and twin brother, Elmer Hayes; three nieces and three nephews.  

Visitation for Cleo will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Genda Funeral Home Reinke Chapel in Flora from 4-7 pm.  Funeral service will begin at 4 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at the funeral home with Pastor John Newman officiating.  Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery in Sharon.  Memorials in Cleo’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.