Mary Elizabeth (Claytor) Hinkle

Mary Elizabeth Hinkle, 72, of Kokomo, was gathered into the arms of God on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born on December 15, 1953, the daughter of Francis Edwin and Georgina “Jeanne” Ann (Pushcashu) Claytor. On April 3, 1982, Mary married Charley W. Hinkle in Clarksburg, WV, and he preceded her in death on April 15, 2025.

Mary was a 1972 graduate of Kokomo High School. She earned a bachelors degree from Ball State University in 1976 and earned a masters degree from Indiana University. Mary was a learning resource teacher at Meridian Schools, Elwood Haynes, and Kokomo High School. She won the Golden Apple award in 1999 and was awarded the IHSAA Education Champion Award at the boys basketball state finals in 2023. Mary retired in 2025.  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Mary enjoyed reading, cooking, and traveling. She loved her family, was a wonderful aunt and had a special bond with her granddaughters.

Mary is survived by  her daughter and son-in-law, Susan & Christopher Braswell; daughter-in-law, Ling Lee; beloved granddaughters, Clara Braswell & Jillian Braswell; brothers and their spouses, William & Kasey Claytor, Tim & Dawn Claytor, sister, Geralyn Claytor and her partner, Dawn; sisters-in-law, Brenda Claytor,  Marla Thurman and her husband Jay; and her nephews, Matt Cook, Chris Cook, Wesley Claytor, Joel Claytor, and Benjamin Claytor. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jason Hinkle; brothers, Steve & Pat Claytor.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington Street, Kokomo, IN, with Rev. Fr. Sean Aaron the Celebrant. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jason Hinkle Memorial Scholarship c/o Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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