Kaye Bell
Kaye Bell, 82, longtime resident of Cortez, died Feb. 26.
She was a pillar in the village community, known for selfless service and dedication.
She served as president and board member for the Cortez Village Historical Society, where she played a crucial role in shaping the future and preserving the past.
She received the Pioneer Award at the Feb. 17-18 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival as recognition of her lifetime of service to the community.
A friend suggested honoring her by supporting the causes she was passionate about.
A celebration of her life is being planned for spring or summer.
Mrs. Bell is survived by sons Kevin and Nathan, both of New Port Richey; and brother Russell Glidden of Chicago.
Dr. Lee Hoyt Miller
Lee Hoyt Miller, M.D., 87, of Cortez, died Feb. 26.
He was born Nov. 16, 1936, in Danville, Illinois, to G.L. Hoyt and LaVerne M. Miller. Soon thereafter, the family moved to Indianapolis, where, at Howe High School, he met the love of his life, Katheryn A. Wilkens. They married June 20, 1959.
Dr. Hoyt graduated in 1959 from Wabash College, where he sang first tenor with the glee club under the direction of his mentor and close friend, Bob Mitchum.
At Wabash, he was a proud member of Sigma Chi, a social fraternity. He remained close to his Sigma Chi brothers and his fellow 1959 classmates over the years. In 1963, he graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine and, after completing a residency in family medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, he joined Drs. Dan McLaren and Hal Williams in their practice, Devington Family Physicians.
Dr. Hoyt later formed Castleton Family Physicians with his partners. He was a staff officer at Community Hospitals of Indianapolis, where he also served as clinical director of the Family Practice Residency Program. He was a member of the Indianapolis Medical Society, Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and was a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians.
He was a veteran of the Indiana National Guard, 38th Medical Battalion, and served as a medical officer during the Vietnam War.
He was a member of Millersville Masonic Lodge #126, Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite and Murat Shriners. For several years, Dr. Hoyt was chairman of the medical clinic at Murat Shriners, which identified children who could benefit from medical treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
He and wife Kathy purchased a condominium in Cortez upon retirement in 2001 and began wintering in Florida, eventually becoming full-time residents.
Dr. Hoyt obtained his medical license in Florida and staffed the medical clinic for students enrolled at IMG Sports Academy at Bradenton.
His avocation was music. He and Bob Mitchum formed the “Sound Foundation” at Carmel, Indiana. Their performances raised money to fund an annual college scholarship for teens active in music performances in high school.
In Florida, he formed and led the jazz band The Sea Notes, which performed in the Bradenton area.
He was a member of Harvey Memorial Community Church in Bradenton Beach, where he sang in the choir and served as deacon, trustee and chairman of the board. He also was a member of the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach.
A memorial service in Florida will be announced later. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals c/o Murat Shriners, 510 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis IN 46204, or to Harvey Church, 300 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach FL 34217.
Dr. Hoyt is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; their children, Gregory Hoyt and wife Laura of Crawfordsville, Indiana, Julie Ann and husband John Phelps of Cortez; Kristen Lynn Ward, M.D. and husband Curt of Empire, Michigan; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.