Helen Vanneta (Straley) Agnew

Helen Vanneta Straley Agnew, 96, of Kokomo, Indiana died peacefully in her sleep at Waterford Place Health Campus on July 5, 2025. She was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ who faithfully served her church and the community of Kokomo.

Helen was born in Tipton County on July 16, 1928, the daughter of John Roma Straley and Velma Blanche Freeman. She grew up in a three-home community called Little New York where the family operated a country store. She graduated in 1946 from Jefferson Township School in Kempton, Indiana having served as high school class president. She also attended Kokomo Business College. Helen was married in the bride’s home to Wayne Agnew on May 6, 1949. He preceded her in death.

She was a secretary at Mays Roofing Company. After she married, she was a stay-at-home mom and wife who supported her children’s athletic endeavors and school activities. With her husband, she traveled throughout the United States and visited Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia. She enjoyed spending a week in the summers with the family at Syracuse Lake, knitting beautiful sweaters, shawls and afghans for family and friends, and loving her children and grandchildren. Helen was an avid Indiana Pacer fan and lived to see them play in the national championship game.

Helen was active in the Kokomo community. She was a member of the Home Demonstration Club, a board member of the Kokomo Swim Club, a member of the board for Coordinated Assistance Ministries, a member of the Howard Regional Behavioral Board, active in the YMCA, and she received the Legacy Award as a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Helen was an active member of First Christian Church in Kokomo, being the first woman to be elected an Elder of the congregation. She participated in the Home Builders/Christian Heritage Class, Christian Women’s Fellowship, the Chancel Choir, several committees, as Moderator of the Board and served as a substitute secretary in the church office. She with Wayne introduced and implemented technology for the church. For her leadership, she was nominated and elected to the honor of Elder Emeritus.

Surviving are children, David Agnew, Kokomo, Gary Agnew and wife Pat, Noblesville, Myrna Fields and husband Richard, Spencer, son-in-law Gary Schneck, West Lafayette.  Nine grandchildren, Susan Braswell and husband Chris, Lindsey Willard and husband Bart, Matthew McNulty, Michael Agnew and husband Diego Padilla, Gary N. Schneck, Darci Schneck, Kelly Hartley and husband John, Riley Fields, Ethan Fields and wife Randee, and Ling Lee Hinkle wife of late Jason Hinkle.  Fifteen great grandchildren, Clara and Jillian Braswell, Lillian and Javen Baugh, Kassidy and Addallee Omran, Cadence and Blakleigh Hartley, Audrey Steiner, Dean, Cole, Jamison, and Chester Schneck, and Daisy and Parker Fields.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne, daughter Connie Schneck, grandson Samuel Parker Fields, grandson Jason Hinkle, great granddaughter Jaycee Baugh, brother Sam Thorpe, sisters Mary Snow, Inez VanBriggle, Sarah Yeary, Edith Byrd, Carolyn Conaway, Wilma Snipes and Joan Barrick Scalf.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at First Christian Church, 854 County Rd 300 W, Kokomo, IN. A Service of Resurrection will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Fred Dorisse and Rev. Peggy Hickman officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to or sent to First Christian Church, 854 County Rd 300 W, Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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