Obituary

Anne M. Kolavo Merrillville, IN – Anne (Stefanich) Kolavo, age 99, died peacefully and of natural causes, on May 31st, 2020 at Life Care Center of Rochester, IN. Anne was a fun loving and active lady who was loved by everyone who knew her. She was born April 2nd, 1921 in East Chicago, IN. She was a long time member of Holy Trinity Croatian Church in East Chicago, IN, where she was baptized, attended school for grades 1-8, and married to her husband Joe in June of 1941. Her father

James Bikos (Bakogiannes), 80, of Portage, IN formerly of Gary, IN passed away on May 22, 2020. He is survived by his daughter: Maria Elaine Bikos-Holloway and her husband, John Holloway, Grandson: Dimitrios Bikos Holloway, 3 sisters: Christine Kasoris, Tasia Sgouroudis, and Panagiotia. Preceded in death by his wife: Matilda (Tilly) Bikos, and 3 sisters native to Greece. James retired from U.S. Steel, he enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with family, especially his Grandson Dimitrios.

Life began for Walter C. Hood on January 29, 1942 in Marks, MS. He was the son of Willie and Emma Hood, who preceded him in death. He was married to Earnestine (Joiner) Hood who also preceded him in death on September 17, 2019. He retired from Libbey Owens Ford in Naplate, IL after more than 40 years of employment. He was hardworking, loving, giving and a man full of laughs. Humor was his specialty. Surviving children are: LaVon (Robert) Thurmond of Fort Worth, TX, Curry Hood Jr. of Streator,

Sandra Spencer (Graves) of Portage passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 16, 2020 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents: Allan and Dorothy Spencer, brothers: Ken Spencer, Paul Spencer, Tom Spencer, and Grandson: Allan Brian Graves Jr. She is survived by her 4 children of Portage: Larry Graves, Allan Graves (Patricia), Brian Graves (Dawn) and Samantha (Darrell) Chandler, Grandchildren: Matthew Boby (Faith),Christopher Williams, Danny Williams, Brookeann Chandler, Brett Boby (Kate), Sarrie Graves (Jake) and Andrew Chandler, Great-Grandchildren: Lola, Aria, Lorelai and Major, Sisters-in-law:

Andrew "Russell" Sanchez, born January 29th 1967 in Gary, IN passed away May 15th 2020.  He was employed as a bar back at D's Tap and was always the life of the party, when he wasn't enjoying his most loved hobby, riding motorcycles.  Russell is preceded in death by his father Andrew "Buddy" Sanchez. Survived by his mother Shirley Sanchez;  his 3 sisters, Roxanne (Jon) Blystone, Robin Adkison, Tina Sanchez all of Portage, IN; 4 children, Andrew Romo, Krystal Romo, Brandon Sanchez, Andrew Sanchez; 4 Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.