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May 2008
Charlotte M. Cummins
1934 - 2008
Charlotte
M. Cummins, age 74, of Shepherd, Michigan passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2008
at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 7,
2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Anthony
Waldrop officiating. Interment followed the funeral service in Chippewa Township
Cemetery, Isabella County.
Friends gathered with the family on Tuesday, May
6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions were suggested to Community Cancer
Services.
Charlotte was born on Friday, March 9, 1934 in
Greendale Township, Midland County, Michigan, the daughter of Bert Johnson Ward
and Flossie Casner. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Richard Searles
and Donald Cummins.
A lifetime area resident, Charlotte was a homemaker
most of her life and worked in housekeeping at CMU for a short time. She loved
to fish, puttering with her flowers, her dogs, and visiting with friends and
especially her great grandchildren.
Survivors include her three children and their
spouses, Thomas and Deb Searles of West Branch, Carol and Joseph Leavitt of
St. Johns, and Emmett and Sue Searles of Mt. Pleasant; along with 10 grandchildren;
11 great grandchildren; a brother; and four sisters. She was preceded in death
by her parents; both husbands; a son, Roy; a daughter, JoAnn; and several brothers
and sisters.
April 2008
Delores C. Perez
August 16, 1933 — April 14, 2008
Delores
C. Perez, age 74, of Flint, Michigan, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2008,
at the Ghetti Group Home in Flint, Michigan.
Delores was born Wednesday, August 16, 1933, in
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Sylvia McClure. She resided most of
her life in the Flint, Michigan area. Delores enjoyed shopping, going for car
rides, ice cream, and candy.
Delores is survived by several nephews. She was
preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Doris Jean Pego, a brother, Richard
Perez, and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April
17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor
Doyle Perry of the Faith Indian Church of the Nazarene officiating. Interment
followed at the Chippewa Township Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Memorial contributions were suggested to the Ghetti
Homes in Flint, Michigan.
William C. Netmop
March 7, 1931 -- April 12, 2008
William
C. Netmop, Sr., age 77, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Saturday, April
12, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan.
Bill was born on Saturday, March 7, 1931 in Tuscola,
Michigan, the son of William and Beatrice Viola (Keezhig) Netmop. He married
Mavis Jean Pitz on April 4, 1966 in Gladwin County. Mavis preceded him in death
on October 14, 2007.
A resident of the Mt. Pleasant area for the past
7 years, Bill spent most of his life in the Gladwin area. He was a truck driver
for the Gladwin County Road Commission for many years, and in his early adulthood,
he worked as a farm hand. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army, serving
as a Private First Class from February 19, 1952 until his discharge on February
10, 1954. He was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and attended
the Faith Indian Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed CB radios, hunting and fishing.
Bill is survived by his children: William &
Cindy Netmop Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Sharon and Ron Sasse and Rita and John Bills
of Gladwin, Robert and Sue Netmop of Mt. Pleasant, Lorene McArthur of Gaylord,
and Mary and Mike Floyd of Mt. Pleasant; family members raised by Bill and Mavis
also include David Detzler and his friend Karrie Knapp, Annette Buckner, Brenda
and Don Schlegel, Christina McArthur, and Christal McArthur, all of Mt. Pleasant.
He was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his wife, Mavis, both parents, son Rodney Netmop, a grandson, David
Bills, and a sister Anna (Netmop) Detzler.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April
16, 2008 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor
Doyle Perry of the Faith Indian Church of the Nazarene officiating. Interment
took place at 3 p.m. at McClure Cemetery, Gladwin, Michigan. The family gathered
with friends on Tuesday, April 15 from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial
contributions were suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Pansy
Woodbury
February 8, 1935 - April 11, 2008
Pansy
Woodbury, age 73, of Oil City, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2008
at her home.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 15,
2008 at 1:00 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor James
Turner of the First Baptist Church officiating. Interment followed the funeral
service in Greendale Cemetery, Midland County. Friends gathered with the family
on Tuesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. until time of the service. Memorials were
suggested to the families wishes.
Pansy was born on Friday, February 8, 1935 in
Farwell, Michigan, the daughter of Pete and Doris (Jackson) Wheeler. She married
Junior Robert Woodbury, Sr., in Midland in 1952. He preceded her in death on
July 23, 1961. She was a lifetime area resident, and was employed as a nurse’s
aide for several health care agencies. Pansy enjoyed needlework and sewing.
Survivors include her five children, Caroline
Overton, David L. Woodbury, Susan M. Griffith, Michael L. Woodbury, and Patrick
L. Woodbury; seventeen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; six great
great grandchildren; a brother, Francis; and two sisters, Joan and Patsy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband
in 1961; a brother, Harlow Wheeler; two sons, James E. Woodbury and Junior R.
Woodbury, Jr.; and a granddaughter.
Edward J. Cook
June 21, 1940 -- April 11, 2008
Edward
James Cook, 67, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 11,
2008 at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant.
Memorial services were held on Monday, April 14,
2008 at 7 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Connie
Bongard officiating. The family gathered with friends on Monday, April 14 from
6 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggested memorial contributions in
Ed’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the needs of the
family.
Ed was born on Friday, June 21, 1940 in Evart, Michigan, the son of Paul Edward
and Edith (Oates) Cook. He married the former Rita Schaeffer on March 14, 1970
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ed had lived in Michigan since 1974.
Ed was a former cab driver and house husband for
many years. He was noted for the poetry he wrote. He was a collector of many
things, including Matchbox cars, of which he had a very large collection.
Survivors include his wife, Rita, children: Ernie
Cook, Eugene Oates, Robin and Kevin Montgomery, and Bea and Dave Helmboldt;
five grandchildren: Amanda, Kevin, Emily, Lonnie, and Gabi; and several sisters.
He was preceded in death by both parents, a son, Paul E. Cook, II; one sister;
and three brothers.
Russell Peter Bennett,
Jr.
September 15, 1952 — April 8, 2008
Russell
Peter Bennett, Jr., age 55, of Mt. Pleasant, died on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at
the Central Michigan Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April
9, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. at the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant.
Rev. Owen White-Pigeon officiated. Friends called at the Church on Monday, Tuesday,
and on Wednesday morning before the services.
Russell was born on Monday, September 15, 1952
in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Russell Peter Bennett, Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Judson.
He was a lifetime resident of the area. Russell was self employed as a welder.
He was a member of the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church and the Saginaw
Chippewa Indian Tribal Nation. His special hobby was beadworking.
Russell is survived by a special friend, Mary
Ann Ridgway of Mt. Pleasant; two daughters and their husbands, Glenna and Bill
Sehl and Elizabeth and Frank Bennett-Swink all of Mt. Pleasant; eight grandchildren,
Anita Cherry-Springer, James Springer, Johnathan Springer, Samuel Springer,
Floyd Sehl, Sarah Sehl, Courtney Swink, and Joseph Swink; a brother and his
wife, Marlin and Shirley Bennett of Mt. Pleasant; and two sisters, Audrey Bennett
and Anglea Bennett, both of Mt. Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his parents;
brothers, Gary, David, Francis, Harley, Glenn, and Allen; a sister, Katherine;
a son, Peter Lee; and a daughter, Lois Jean.
March 2008
Phyllis Morey
August 21, 1923 - March 25, 2008
Phyllis
Morey, 84, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 peacefully
at her home with her family by her side.
In keeping with Phyllis’ wishes, cremation
has taken place and a memorial service and luncheon will be held at Central
Assemblies of God, 2445 S. Lincoln Road, Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, April 5th
at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joe Wentworth officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to Hospice of Central Michigan or the family wishes. Envelopes
will be available at the church or the Helms Funeral Home.
Phyllis was born on Tuesday, August 21, 1923 to
Wayne and Dorothy (Woodruff) Barrett. She was a lifetime area resident. She
loved to spend time with family and friends playing cards, board games, eating
out and going for rides. You would always see a big smile when her grandchildren,
great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren came to visit.
Phyllis is survived b two children: Betty (Lucky)
Robison of Lake Isabella and Lon Morey of Mt. Pleasant; seven grandchildren:
Phillip (Nora) Hagen, Kim (Rod) Thompson, Tracie Tice, Terra (Patrick) Boone,
Krista, Gina, and Laura Morey; three step-grandchildren: Brenda (Kevin) Kowallic,
Annette (Brian) Kelly, and Karen (Adam) Garcia; ten great-grandchildren: Jenna,
Jamee, and Jilia Hagen, Harli and Kalli Morey-Thompson, Andrea (Trevor) Gillis,
Gabrielle Tice and DyLon Boone; eleven step-great grandchildren: Charlie, Derek
and Steven Dietz, Michael Kowallic, Brittany, Brandon, and Tyler Kelly, Kelsey
and McKenzie Sellers, Kaylee and Kassie Yuncker; two great-great-grandchildren,
Isaiah and Maiyah Gillis; sister-in-law, Marge Barrett; special friends, Ken
and Sally Beeson; and dedicated care givers, Jim and Sid Vinton.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents,
brother Thurman Barrett, daughter, Connie Morey, and four grandchildren.
Ella Arlene Austin
February 22, 1917 — March 18, 2008
Ella
A. Austin, age 91, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at
the Central Michigan Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March
22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Connie
Bongard of the Farwell United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment took
place next to her husband in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Friends gathered
with the family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and an Eastern Star service was held
at 7:30 p.m.
Ella was born on February 22, 1917 in Owosso,
Michigan, the daughter of Enos and Flora Curtiss Hutchinson. On April 11, 1937,
she and LeRoy Morris Austin were married in Owosso, Michigan. Mr. Austin died
in January, 1980. Ella moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1945. She was a sales clerk
at Lloyds Shoe Store from 1957 until retiring in 1969. Ella was a life member
of the Eastern Star and was very active with the Masonic Lodge. She was also
a member of the Moose Lodge and loved gardening, traveling in the Upper Peninsula,
and working on crossword puzzles.
Ella is survived by three children and their spouses,
William and Mayna Austin, Donna and Garland Harry, and Marjory and Larry Williams,
all of Mt. Pleasant; her devoted companion, her Chihuahua, Coco; six grandchildren,
Chuck Anderson, Diane Balley, Cherie Edgar, Debrea Lynn Lyons-Lee, Julie Phillips,
and Lee Williams; many great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren;
and a brother and his wife, LaVern and Ann Hutchinson of Bear Lake, MI. She
was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LeRoy; a brother, Harold; and
two sisters, Delta Kelly and Zella Thrams.
Delores Easter Blake
May 5, 1917 – March 15, 2008
Delores
Easter Blake (Cook), 90, died March 15, 2008 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born
in 1917 in West Virginia, her family moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1935 where her
brothers became active in the development of the oil fields. Her husband of
61 years, Blain Blake, died in 1996. She was also predeceased by her sister,
Chloe Jones, and her brothers, Harley, Charlie, Spence, Lee, Boone, and Balser
Cook, and by her second husband, Harold Johnson in 2007.
She is survived by two daughters, Joyce Johnson
of Grand Rapids, and Jann (Chris) Jencka of East Lansing; seven grandchildren:
Annette (Bruce) Baldwin of Raleigh, NC, Dr. Mark (Gini) May of Salt Lake City,
UT, Kim Jenkins of Ada, Kirsten May of Grand Rapids, Dr. Dave (Deb) May of Bellaire,
Allison Jencka of Flagstaff, AZ, and Whitney (Mike) New of Bloomington, MN.
Also surviving are 10 great grandchildren, several sisters- and brothers-in-law,
as well as many nieces and nephews. She was dearly loved by her family and her
passing leaves a huge void.
Her priorities in life were God and family, and
she was never happier then when surrounded by loved ones. She was active in
her churches no matter where life found her – Mt. Pleasant, Reed City,
West Branch, Allegan, or Kentucky. She was a member of First Baptist Church
in Mt. Pleasant for many years. She was well known for her great cooking.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday,
March 18, 2008 from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Dan Currie
officiating. Interment took place in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
Friends gathered with the family on Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. and one hour
before the service on Tuesday. For those wishing to make a memorial donation,
please consider the Mary and Martha Fund at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, where Easter
had lived for the past two years. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral
Home.
Dorothy E. Maxon
March 3, 1924 – March 15, 2008
Dorothy
E. Maxon, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Saturday, March 15,
2008 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March
19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Dr. Stephen Shugert of
the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment of the cremated remains
will take place at a later date in England. Friends gathered with the family
on Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions
for Dorothy were suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Envelopes are
available at Helms Funeral Home.
Dorothy was born on Monday, March 3, 1924, in
Exeter Devon, England the daughter of Leonard George and Violet Edna Sidwella
Prigg. Ms. Maxon was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant area since 1946. She was
employed as a secretary for State Farm Insurance for 14 years and also worked
at the New Yorker for 10 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church
for over 50 years. Dorothy was a member of the Professional Secretaries International
and was a Foster Grandparent for 20 years with Oasis and Headstart.
Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Angela (William)
Bess of Albany, New York and Lyndell Jane Schafer of Corpus Christi, Texas;
one son, Andrew (Linda) Maxon of Niles, Michigan, one sister, Margaret (Ken)
Slade of Exeter, England; one brother, Harold (Diane) Prigg of Collumpton, England;
one sister-in-law, Freda Prigg of Exeter, England; seven grandchildren, Heather
and Christopher Schafer, Brian (Chelene) Shafer, Laura Bess, Christine (Jeremy)
Johannesen, William Maxon and Angel (Martin) Baginski and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one
brother, Arthur Prigg, and her ex-husband Norval Maxon.
Arley E. Kendall
May 7, 1926 – March 11, 2008
Arley
E Kendall age 81 of Shepherd, Michigan passed away at his home Tuesday March
11, 2008. Funeral services were held Friday March 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM from
the Helms Funeral Home Mt. Pleasant, MI. with the Rev. Nancy Fulton offIciating.
Friends gathered with the family on Thursday March 13, 2008 from 5 to 8 PM at
the funeral home. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central
Michigan or to the wishes of the family
Arley was born Friday May 7, 1926 in Joetown,
West Virginia, the son of Henry Leslie & Emma (Shreves) Kendall. He married
Helen King on August 14, 1948 in New Martinsville, WV. He resided in the area
most of his life retiring in July of 1979 from the Michigan Consolidated Gas
Co. Arley was a family man and a WW II veteran serving in a Military Police
Battalion in the South Pacific.
He is survived by his wife Helen E. Kendall, four
sons Gary (Judy) of Memphis, MI., Michael (Lori) of Barryton, MI, Marvin (LuAnn)
and David (Alisha) both of Shepherd, MI, two Daughters Janet (Dan) Hein of Remus,
MI and Rita (Tony) Gilman of Lake, MI, a sister Ethel Highley, fourteen grandchildren,
eleven great grandchildren, and several nieces/nephews.
Arley was preceded in death by his parents, two
brothers Bill, Kenneth and four sisters Myrtle Hibbs, Lillian White, Betty Cain
and Stella Morgan.
Donna Mae Wallace
April 28, 1955 -- March 7, 2008
Donna
M. Wallace, age 52, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Friday, March 7, 2008 at her
home in Mt. Pleasant.
Memorial services for Donna were held on Tuesday,
March 11, 2008 at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant at 4:30 p.m. with the
Rev. Ron Vredeveld officiating. Friends gathered with the family at the funeral
home an hour prior to the services. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice
of Central Michigan.
Donna Mae Wallace was born on April 28, 1955 in
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the daughter of Carlton and Marilyn Stevens Wallace.
Donna had a laugh that radiated throughout the home and affected everyone she
cam in contact with. She loved to laugh, joke, and dance with her friends. Donna
loved music, especially Elvis and Michel Jackson. She will be greatly missed
by Jackie, Scott, Ruth, Eugene, and Mary.
Donna is survived by her two brothers, Roy and
Dave Wallace of Coopersville; her guardian, Bonnie Anthony of Mt. Pleasant;
her family and friends at the Isabella Home and Listening Ear; and her co workers
at Mid Michigan Industries. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Virginia Blizzard Atkinson
November 30, 1921 — March 5, 2008
Virginia
Blizzard Atkinson, age 86 of Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at
Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant.
Virginia was born November 30, 1921, the daughter
of Harry and Eva King Bushong. She married Arthur Blizzard on May 16, 1938.
Mr. Blizzard died in 1971. She married Lawrence Atkinson on January 4, 1997
in Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Atkinson died in November of 1997. Virginia was a lifetime
resident of the area and was employed at the Regional Center for 13 years as
an attendant nurse and as the school secretary. She then worked as a secretary
for the Isabella County Commission on Aging from 1996 until retiring in 1998.
She enjoyed singing, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and camping.
Funeral services for Virginia were held on Monday,
March 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Melody Olin
of the Coomer United Methodist Church officiating. Interment took place at Riverside
Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant following the services. Memorial contributions are
suggested to the Isabella County Commission on Aging or to Hospice of Central
Michigan.
Virginia is survived by one son, Jim (Charlene)
Blizzard of Mt. Pleasant; two daughters, Linda Blizzard of Mt. Pleasant and
Vickie (Mark) Latva of Three Rivers, MI; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren;
and two sisters, Barbara (Bruce) Warner of Holt, MI and Emma (Bill) Mills of
Easley, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands;
a daughter, Jean Eagley; two sisters, Dorothy Darrow and Harriet Bushong; a
brother, William Darnell; and a grandson, Stephen J. Blizzard.
George R. Laur
August 8, 1925 — March 4, 2008
George
Robert Laur, age 82, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan formerly of Caro, Michigan, died
Tuesday March 4, 2008 at the Central Michigan Community Hospital.
George was born on August 8, 1925 in Caro, Michigan,
the son of Earl J. and Marie Orth Laur. He attended June Country School on Collng
Road thru seventh grade. George attended Caro High School at 8th grade and graduated
in 1943. He served in the US Navy from 1944 thru 1946 as a Petty Officer on
the USS LST 779, the famous “Iwo Jima Flag Ship”, in the South Pacific,
Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Japan. George worked for Michigan Sugar Company and Burroughs
Adding Machine Company, Flint Branch, from 1946 to 1954.
On August 25, 1951, he and Dorothy Reavey in Caro,
Michigan. George owned and operated Caro Business Equipment for 20 years in
Caro. He was elected in 1974 as the Indianfields Township Supervisor and served
for 14 years. He also served as Township Trustee, Property Assessor, and Chairman
of the Board of Review until 1999.
George was a past member of the Caro Moose Lodge,
Past Commander of the Caro American Legion Post #7, Past President of the Caro
Lions Club, and Past Chef De Gare of American Legion 40 & 8. He was a member
of the Caro United Methodist Church for 50 years and a member of the First United
Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant, after moving to Mt. Pleasant in 2001.
George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy
of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter and son in law, Cheri and Randy Recker of Mt. Pleasant;
two granddaughters, Kelly and her husband, Paul Zielinski of Mt. Pleasant and
Ashlee Recker of Rochester Hills; and a brother, Earle J. Laur of Caro. He was
preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial services was held on Monday, March
17, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. John
Boley and Rev. Ron Thompson, officiating. Interment of the cremated remains
will be at a later date in the Memorial Gardens at the First United Methodist
Church. Friends gathered with the family on Monday, March 17, 2008 from 10:00
a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Memorial contributions were
suggested to the Morey Cancer Center at Central Michigan Community Hospital
or to the First United Methodist Church.
February 2008
Rubylee Schiller
January 24, 1919 - February 22, 2008
Rubylee
Schiller, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Friday, February 22,
2008 at New Hope Assisted Living near Mt. Pleasant.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, March
1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev.
Nancy Casey Fulton of Hospice of Central Michigan officiating. Friends gathered
with the family on Saturday one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral
home. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Isabella County Commission
on Aging, or to HATS, the Humane Animal Treatment Society.
Rubylee was born on Friday, January 24, 1919 in
Hannibal, Missouri the daughter of Arthur and Stella Mae (Amick) Graves. On
February 17, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, she married William Schiller. Rubylee
was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant area since 2000, moving here from Gaylord,
Michigan.
She was a homemaker and worked as a bookkeeper
for Easter Seals.
Survivors include her children: Barbara Jean and
Paul Rickman of Jackson, Michigan, Susan Schiller and Theopolis Gilmore of Mt.
Pleasant, and Stacy Jo Schiller of Johannesburg, Michigan; four grandchildren:
Sandy Christiansen, Vicki Miller, Jody Gagnier, and Adam Bullock; and seven
great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William.
Patricia O’Brien
Davis
May 22, 1932 – February 22, 2008
Patricia
O’Brien Davis, age 75, passed away Sunday, February, 17, 2008 at Schnepps
Nursing Home as a result of her battle with cancer. As per her wishes, cremation
has taken place.
Patricia was born on Sunday, May 22, 1932 in Flint,
Michigan to Joseph T. O’Brien and ‘Rose’ Fox O’Brien.
She was the granddaughter of James H. O’Brien and Mary E. Duggan O’Brien
of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and John F. Fox and Catherine A. Duffy of Irishtown,
near Shepherd, Michigan.
In her early teen years Patricia came to Beal
City to live with her father’s sister, Evelyn O’Brien Engler and
her husband, John M. Engler, where she graduated from Beal City High School.
While working in Mt. Pleasant in her early 20’s, she met and married the
late Merle E. Davis on February 14, 1953 where they raised their four children.
Patricia worked for Sacred Heart Academy and CMU’s Athletic Department’s
office. For a number of years she lived in New York City where she worked for
Merrill-Lynch. She returned to Flint where she worked for the Internal Revenue
Service. Following retirement, she returned to live in Mt. Pleasant.
She is survived by her brother, Neil O’Brien
and wife Phyllis of Swartz Creek; sisters-in-law Gayle Gadany of the Flint area,
Doris O’Brien of Germany; her children: Kathy Ligon M.D. and husband Bob
of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Barbara Davis of Mt. Pleasant; Karen Sowards and husband
Paul of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Gale Davis and wife Frankie of St. Johns, Michigan;
five grandchildren: Matthew Sowards and wife Tasha; Jacob Sowards; Daniel Sowards;
Lindsay Davis; Craig Davis; one great grandchild, Rachel Sowards; many nieces
and nephews both in the United States and in Germany. She was preceded in death
by her siblings: Eileen ‘Sister Michaelette’ O’Brien of NYC;
Michael O’Brien of Germany; Thomas O’Brien of Flint and by her former
husband, Merle Davis.
The family is grateful for the loving care provided
while she resided at Schnepps Health Care Center. The family is also very thankful
for the support, visits, and prayers of extended family and friends whose thoughtful
assistance made her last days and passing peaceful and comfortable.
A memorial service was held on Friday, February
22, 2008 at 2 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Sister Andre
Kravec of Sacred Heart Church officiating. Friends gathered with the family
one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions were suggested to the
American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Gladys May Bush
February 15, 1929 – February 15, 2008
Gladys
May Bush, 79, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on her birthday, Friday,
February 15, 2008 at her home in Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February
19, 2008 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor
Ray Abbey of the Prospect Park Church of God officiating. Interment followed
the funeral service in Calvary Cemetery. Friends gathered with the family on
Monday, February 18 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions were suggested to Prospect Park Church of God or to Tendercare
Mt. Pleasant. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Gladys was born on Friday, February 15, 1929 in
Midland County, Michigan, the daughter of Glenn and Lucille (Schaffer) Gould.
She married Joseph Bush in the summer of 1978 in Mt. Pleasant.
Gladys was an area resident all of her adult life. She was employed for many
years at Stan’s Restaurant and other restaurants in the area. She was
a member of the Prospect Park Church of God. She enjoyed playing bingo, quilting,
and knitting. She especially enjoyed being out and on the go.
Survivors include her children: Patty and Joe
Orvis, Mary Wright and her friend Dawn Bunker, David Smith, and George Smith;
also 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by
her husbands, Joe Bush and Bernard ‘Buster’ Smith; a son Glennie;
a brother, Clifford, a sister and her husband, Grace and Lon., and a sister,
Pauline.
Robert Dale Bellingar
April 4, 1926—February 5, 2008
Robert D. Bellingar, age 81, of Clare, Michigan
passed away after a lingering illness of five years on Tuesday, February 05,
2008 at the Medical Care Facility in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Robert Dale was born on April 4, 1926 in Mt. Pleasant,
the son of Robert E. and Goldie (Pepple) Bellingar. He was a veteran of the
United States Army during World War II. He received the Purple Heart Award for
wounds received at Forbach, France. He finished his tour of duty by guarding
German prisoners. He was united in marriage to Arlice Myers on August 29, 1947
at the Leaton Methodist parsonage. They celebrated 60 years of marriage last
August. He retired from Central Michigan University and farmed with his son,
David. He was a member of the Leaton United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading
and working on farm equipment.
Robert is survived by his wife, Arlice; two sons,
Rev. Robert L. (Linda) of St. Petersburg, FL and David A. of Clare; two sisters,
Barbara Fox of Shepherd and Imogene (Robert) Ramey of Mt. Pleasant; a brother,
Terry Lee Bellingar (Anna) of Clare; and a sister-in-law, Joann Bellingar of
Mt. Pleasant. He was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Clyde
“Chum” Bellingar and Edward Bellingar.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February
8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from Leaton United Methodist Church with Robert’s
son, The Rev. Robert L. Bellinger and Rev. Sharyn Osmund officiating. Interment
took place in Vernon Township Cemetery following the funeral service. Friends
gathered with the family on Thursday, February 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the
Church. Memorial contributions have been suggested to Leaton United Methodist
Church or the Michigan Lyme Disease Association. Envelopes are available at
the Helms Funeral Home and the Church.
January, 2008
Bernard Nathan Meltzer
October 17, 1916 – January 29, 2008
Bernard
Nathan Meltzer, age 91, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, beloved husband and father
and admired mentor and professor, passed away at home on January 29, 2008 after
a brief illness.
Bernard was born October 17, 1916 in New York
City, New York to his parents, Phillip and Anna Kemper Meltzer. On June 11,
1944, Bernard married Ida Wasserman in Detroit, Michigan. Bernard resided with
his wife in Mt. Pleasant for over 56 years. Professor Meltzer was employed by
Central Michigan University for over 40 years.
Bernard is survived by his adored wife of 63 years,
Ida; his children, Iris Meltzer of Kent, Ohio and Bill Malkin Meltzer of Columbus,
Ohio; his granddaughter Moira Meltzer-Cohen; two sisters, Sara Serap and Mildred
Ruskin. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Meltzer
Scholarship Fund established upon his retirement from the CMU Department of
Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, which he chaired for 36 years. Envelopes
are available at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant or the Carlin Alumni
House, CMU, Mt. Pleasant for the Meltzer Scholarship Fund.
Thomas Lloyd Keelean
January 22, 1947 – January 25, 2008
Thomas
Lloyd Keelean, age 61, 0f Blanchard, Michigan, passed away on Friday, January
25, 2008 at his home.
Tom was born on Wednesday, January 22, 1947 in Cadillac, Michigan, the son of
Lloyd and Frances (Brimmer) Keelean. He spent most of his life in the area.
Tom, having never married, took great pleasure
in his extended family of nieces, nephews, and their off springs. He thoroughly
enjoyed family gatherings especially when all the little ones were in attendance.
He enjoyed summertime and his yard which was always planted with flowers and
summertime plants. Tom could always be counted on by the family when situations
arose and had his own special way of letting them know he was there for them.
Tom was the used equipment manager for Morbark, Inc. having worked there for
39 years. He enjoyed his job and the fellow employees he worked with and had
no plans to retire any time soon. Tom was a veteran of the US Army having served
in Germany from 1966 to 1967.
Survivors include seven brothers and sisters,
Patricia (Louis) Fox of Venice, FL, Roger (Vera) Keelean of Aston, WA, Norma
(Larry) Burkholder of Bradenton, FL, Barbara (Dan) Heanke of Blanchard, Rosalie
(Keith) Woodruff of Lake Isabella, and Kitty Lynch (sister in law) of Dearborn;
and sixteen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother
Jim, sister Becky, and nephew Kevin Heanke.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January
30, 2008 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Mr. Jeff
Gritton officiating. Interment took place in Union Cemetery, Winn, Michigan
following the funeral services. Friends gathered with the family on Tuesday,
January 29 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Tom’s memory were
suggested to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association,
or the Kidney Cancer Foundation
Mary E. Lind
July 4, 1909 – January 25, 2008
Mary
E. Lind, 98, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2008, at Tendercare Mt. Pleasant
where she had been residing since August 2005.
Funeral Services were held at Coomer Methodist
Church, 5410 S. Vandecar Rd., Mt. Pleasant, MI on Tuesday, January 29, 2008
at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Melody Olin officiating. The family received friends
from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service. Graveside
services and burial were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at
the Potomac Cemetery, Potomac, Illinois.
Mary was born July 4, 1909 to Charley F. and Mabel
(Biedemann) Wyman in Danville, IL and lived on her family’s farm on Eight-Mile
Prairie near Jamesburg, IL until her father’s death in 1929. Her family
then moved to Danville. Mary trained as a teacher at Illinois Normal and taught
in local schools in the rural area for about nine years. She was a member of
the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxillary for years and did part-time
work at the U.S. Post Office at Christmas time over a period of several years.
She also served as an election judge in the Danville area.
Mary was married to Samuel A. Lind on January
15, 1938. They had three children: Sally (Lawrence) Foote of Mt. Pleasant, MI,
Nelda Williams (Joseph, deceased) of El Paso, TX and John C. (Kelley) Lind of
Ulm, MT. She had eight grandchildren: Will E. (Candace) Foote of St. Paul, MN,
Lt. Col. Wade A. (Carla) Foote of West Point NY, Karl W. Foote of Mt. Pleasant,
MI, Ellen (A.J.) Hacker of Indianapolis, IN, Joelle Pratts of El Paso, TX, John
(Julie) Williams of Kalamazoo, MI, Joshua Lind of Great Falls, MT and Jerrica
Lind of Bozeman, MT. There are 10 great-grandchildren; Dylan and Emma Foote
of St. Paul, MN, Beth, Matt and Anne Foote of West Point, NY, Sara and Rachel
Hacker of Indianapolis, IN, Chelsea Pratts of El Paso, TX, Zoie and Samantha
Williams of Kalamazoo, MI.
Mary enjoyed traveling with her children and their
families. She left Danville in 1995 and made her home with her daughter, Nelda
Williams, in El Paso, TX. In 2003 she moved to Mt. Pleasant, MI to live with
her oldest daughter, Sally Foote, followed by a move to Tendercare in August
2005.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her
sister, Mildred (David) Wilson, and her husband. Memorials to Mary Lind may
be made to the Coomer Church in Mt. Pleasant.
Dale E. McDonald
July 19, 1919 – January 24, 2008
Dale
E. McDonald, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January
24, 2008 at his home.
Following Dale’s wishes, cremation has taken
place. A memorial luncheon was held on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.
at Black Creek Conservation Club.
Dale was born on Friday, July 11, 1919, the son
of Elwood and Marie (Kirkey) McDonald. In 1940, he married the former Marjean
Bunker. She passed away in 1990. In 1999, he married Laura Petrie.
Dale was a lifetime area resident. After graduating
from Sacred Heart Academy, he worked for his uncle, Dutch Kirkey. He then worked
in the oil field for Roosevelt Oil, before going to work for CMU, retiring in
1982 after 22 years of service. He enjoyed his woodshop, playing cards, fishing,
hunting, and traveling.
Survivors include his wife, Laura, a step-son,
Douglas (Heather) Kirk; granddaughter, Stephanie Weigold; a sister, Frances
Jones; three special nephews, Mike and Joe Jones, and Harold (Doris) McDonald
Jr.; many other nieces and nephews; his good friends, Ed and Doris Zuker, Kim
and Roy Hibbs, Sheila Denslow, and Ron and Kim Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife
Marjean, two brothers, and two sisters.
LewElla Freida Swan
December 25, 1932 – January 24, 2008
LewElla
Freida Swan, age 75, of Sanford, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January
24, 2008, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Midland, Michigan
Funeral services were held on Sunday, January
27, 2008 at 2 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Dr. Frederick
Weaver of the North Point Ministries officiating. Interment followed the funeral
service in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Friends gathered with the
family on Saturday, January 26 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again on Sunday, January
27 from 1 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions
were suggested to the needs of Zach Swan, LewElla’s grandson. Envelopes
are available at the funeral home.
LewElla was born on Sunday, December 25, 1932
in Oil City, Michigan, the daughter of Bernard Liston and Susie (Grubb) Blizzard.
On January 20, 1951, she married William Lester Swan in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
She was a resident of the Sanford area since 1953.
LewElla called herself a domestic engineer, and
cleaned houses for other people. She was a member of the North Point Ministries.
She enjoyed knitting, gardening, sewing, antique dolls, and her cats. She was
the type of person people enjoyed being with, and drew people, especially children,
to her for her warmth and friendship.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, William;
two children, Mike and Chris Swan of Midland, and Michelle and Glen Wilmes of
Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Teryn, Zach, Garret, Dylan, Michael, Shawn,
and Naomi; three brothers, Liston and Katie Blizzard, Mike and Ruth Blizzard,
and Donnie and Vickie Blizzard, and a sister, Catherine Morrison. She was preceded
in death by a son, Bernard William Swan, three daughters, Susan Kay, Linda Lou,
and Gwendolyn, her mother and father; three brothers, Junior, Bill and Louis
“Tiney”; mother-in-law: Wreatha Cowell; mother and father-in-law,
Gladys and Lester Swan; and two brother-in-laws, Robert and Francis Swan.
Neal Edward Smith
May 12, 1961 – January 14, 2008
Neal
Edward Smith, 46, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away Monday, January 14, 2008
at his home in Phoenix.
A private memorial service was held for the family
on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Neal was born on Friday, May 12, 1961 in Flint,
Michigan, the son of Guy Leroy Smith and Barbara (Douglas) Smith.
He was a resident of Phoenix for the past 8 years,
moving there from California, where he attended college for 2 years. He was
a manager in a mental health clinic, and was moderator and teacher of a disability
class. He loved sports, always had a smile and was always laughing, and enjoyed
being around others. He was very proud of his classic Lincoln Town Car.
Neal was survived by his mother and step father,
Barbara and George Krause of Mt. Pleasant, and his father, Guy Leroy Smith of
Burton, Michigan; two brothers, Rick and Leslie Smith of California, and Paul
Smith of Mt. Pleasant; a sister, Melanie and Mike Flolo of California and a
step-sister, Shannon Krause of Grand Blanc, Michigan; five uncles, Kenneth and
Carol Douglas, Ron and Sharon Douglas, Frank and Vicki Douglas, Jerry Douglas,
and Garry and Stephanie Douglas; five nephews, and two nieces.
Franklin Dean Horning
12/27/44 – 01/15/08
Franklin
Dean Horning, age 63, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, January
15, 2008 at Covenant Health Care, Cooper Campus, Saginaw, Michigan.
Frank was born on Wednesday, December 27, 1944
in Midland, Michigan the son of Frank Benjamin and Mary Augusta (Fox) Horning.
On April 9, 1966, Frank married the former Linda Mock in Mt. Pleasant.
As a lifetime area resident, Frank was employed
as a HVAC Technician for Mt. Pleasant Heating and Cooling for over 38 years.
He was a member of the Central Michigan Free Methodist Church, where he was
very active, doing whatever needed to be done. He enjoyed camping with his family
before buying his cabin up north, where he spent many happy times. He greatly
enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren, who he took to sporting events,
practice sessions, and anywhere else they needed to go to. He was always helping
others.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Linda;
his son, Christopher Dean and Catherine Horning of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and
his daughter, Deana Gale and her special friend, Russ Swinehart of Shepherd;
eight grandchildren: Joshua, Micaila, Benjamin, Margaret Mary, and Gemma Horning,
Hannah Gale, Christian and Kiah Swinehart; a brother, Ronald and Sharon Horning
of St. Johns, Michigan. He was preceded in death by both parents, and two brothers,
Arnold and Gary Horning.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January
18, 2008 at 11 a.m. from Central Michigan Free Methodist Church, with Pastor
Richard Fulkerson and Pastor Jason Leininger officiating. Following the funeral
service, interment took place in Kelly Cemetery, Oil City, Michigan. Friends
gathered with the family on Thursday, January 17 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the
Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant and again on Friday, January 18 from 9:30
a.m. until time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Frank’s
memory were suggested to the Central Michigan Free Methodist Church.
Larry J. Thomas
5/3/37 – 1/12/08
Larry
J. Thomas, 70, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Saturday, January 12,
2008 at his home.
Larry was born on May 3, 1937 in Shepherd, Michigan
the son of Lawrence and Isabel A. Thomas. He married Sharon Bailey, who preceded
him in death in 1994. He then married Lynne Thomas on May 19, 1995 in Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
A lifetime area resident, Larry was a general
foreman for Bechtel Corporation and retired from Laborers Local #1098. He was
a member of the Mt. Pleasant Moose Lodge, the Borley-Hanel VFW Post #3033, and
the American Legion Post #110. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in
Nancy, France in the mid 1950’s. He enjoyed fast cars.
Survivors include his wife, Lynne of Mt. Pleasant;
two sons, Terry Thomas and Brian (Renee) Thomas; three daughters, Teresa (Steve)
Tapper, Nan (Randy) Ostrander, and Juli (John) Boeve; a son in law, Doug Darnell;
five grandchildren, Robert (Thomas) Lux, Andrew Thomas, Zachery Thomas, Taralyn
Thomas, and Jason Thomas; seven step grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren;
and three sisters, Veronica Zucker, Jean Wonsey, and Mary (Mickey) and Bill
Natzel; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents; his first wife, Sharon in 1994; a daughter, Roxy Darnell; a brother,
James McElhaney; and a sister, Betty Clark.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, January
16, 2008 at 7:00 PM from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor
Jean Thrush officiating. Friends gathered with the family prior to the service.
Interment of the cremated remains will take place at a later date in Memorial
Gardens, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central
Michigan.
Frederick Carl Kabbe
9/16/13 – 01/11/08
Frederick
Carl Kabbe, 94, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Friday, January 11,
2008 at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant
Friends were welcome joining the family in celebrating
Fred’s life on January 23, 2008 from 4-7 p.m. at 801 Canal Street, Mt.
Pleasant. Memorial contributions in Fred’s memory were suggested to the
Union of Concerned Scientists, Two Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02238-9105
or to a nature or environmental organization of your choice. Envelopes are available
at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.
Fred was born on Tuesday, September 16, 1913 in
Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Edward Frederick and Hannah Marie Bertha (Sadelwasser)
Kabbe. He married Lois Adell Moore on July 6, 1939 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. For
over 50 years, he was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant area.
Fred spent his adult life living a healthy, organic,
natural food lifestyle. Since the 1950’s, he supported energy and environmental
conservation. He was interested in environmental issues, effects of climate
warming, politics (both local and national), and organic issues concerning farming
and food production. He and Lois traveled extensively throughout the United
States and Europe. He loved birding and hiking in the woods. He and Lois co-authored
a college textbook in the 1970’s that continues to elicite questions from
users. Fred retired as a Professor of Chemistry at Central Michigan University
in 1976 after 20 years of service. Prior to teaching at CMU, he was a Professor
at Hillsdale College, a science teacher at Ithaca High School and at Bay City
Junior College. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo High School, received his BS
from Western Michigan University, his MS from the University of Michigan, and
his PhD from Michigan State University.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Lois Moore
Kabbe; his children: Marilyn (Don) Moorman of Michigan, Carl Kabbe of South
Carolina, Jon (Alie) Kabbe of Illinois, Jerry (Luda) Kabbe of Colorado, and
Robert (Connie) Kabbe of Michigan; grandchildren: Laura (Sanjay) Bhat, Sharon
Grace Osborn, Cathy (Jeff) Nourie, Nancy (Mike) Nally, Jeff (Natalia) Kabbe,
Shana Kabbe, Angela Kabbe, and Emily Kabbe; seven great grandchildren; and a
sister: Wilma Lane of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, one
brother and one sister.
December, 2007
Ellen Ida Dutcher
May 3, 1914 — December 30, 2007
Ellen
Ida Dutcher, age 93, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, December 30, 2007 at the
Sterling Homes Alterra in Midland, Michigan.
Memorial services for Ellen were held on Thursday,
January 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with
Reverend Kirk Havel of Trinity Lutheran Church of Midland officiated. Friends
gathered with the family from 1-2:00 p.m. before the service. Interment will
be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Memorial were suggested
to the donor’s charity of choice.
Ellen was born on May 3, 1914 in Salt Lake, Arthur
Township, Utah, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Ann Thompkins Anderson. She
was raised by Clark and Mary Ann Dennis. Ellen married Ivan W. Dutcher on November
4, 1932 in Midland, Michigan. She was the Township Clerk of Essex Township.
Ivan and Ellen owned and operated a family clothing store in Maple Rapids before
moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1953. They were partners in the Dutcher Implement
Company in Mt. Pleasant. Ellen then became the City Treasurer for the City of
Mt. Pleasant retiring on January 1, 1976.
Ellen is survived by two sons, Ronald and Carol
Dutcher of Midland and Gerald and Judith Dutcher of Oxford, MI; three grandchildren;
eight great grandchildren; one brother, Don Dennis of Coleman; three sisters,
Marion Davis of Chicago, Doris McNea of Harrison, and Betty Porte of Coleman;
and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her
step dad, Clark Dennis; her husband, Ivan in 1991; a granddaughter, Staci Dutcher
Shoffner in 2006; four brothers; and two infant sons.
Arah Jean Westbrook
July 20, 1919 - December 25, 2007
Arah
Jean Westbrook, age 88, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December
25, 2007 at Tendercare - Mt. Pleasant. Jean was born on Sunday, July 20, 1919
in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Carroll and Arah (Sumner) Hendricks.
She met her husband Howard Hood Westbrook, in Bloomingdale, Michigan, in the
summer of 1938. Jean worked as a waitress in a restaurant called ‘The
Dew Drop In’. Hood was in the area drilling an oil well during the Bloomingdale
Oil Boom. Six weeks later, they were married on November 16, 1938 in LaGrange,
Indiana. She has been a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1941.
Jean was a Building Supervisor of a residential
cottage at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center, retiring after 30 years of service.
She was a moving force for starting the State Employees Retirees chapter in
Mt. Pleasant, and served as membership chair and co-editor of the chapter newsletter.
Survivors include her sons, Jack and Mary Lou
Westbrook of Mt. Pleasant and James and Laureen Westbrook of Wagram, North Carolina;
two brothers, Burley ‘Bud’ Hendricks of Sun City, Florida and Robert
Hendricks of Laughton, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, several great grandchildren
and several great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband
Howard, both parents; a sister Corinne Daughenbaugh, and a brother, Carroll
Hendricks.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December
28, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. William
Schaard officiating. Interment followed the service at Riverside Cemetery in
Mt. Pleasant beside her husband. Friends gathered with the family on Thursday,
December 27 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home. Memorial contributions
were suggested to the Isabella County Commission on Aging or the Bloomingdale
Oil and Gas Museum.
Maria Dora Lyon
April 8, 1936 – December 22, 2007
Maria
Dora Lyon, 71, of Mt. Pleasant went to be with our Lord on December 22, 2007.
She went to join her daughter Amy Lynn; her parents, Juan and Elvira (Rodriguez)
Ortiz; 1 sister, Adelina Ortiz and 2 brothers, Juan & Tony Ortiz. She was
born on April 8, 1936 in Laredo, Texas.
Maria will be remembered by her husband of 40
years, Michael Lyon, Sr., five children Robin (Alex) Sauceda of Mt. Pleasant,
Aida (Felix) Montavo of Lansing, Michael (Suelma) Lyon, Jr., Michelle Lyon,
both of Mt. Pleasant and Raymondo Martinez of Texas; 16 grandchildren, and 7
great grandchildren; 1 brother Jose (Josefina) Ortiz of Lansing; 3 sisters Josefina
(Pilar) Gonzalez of Lansing, Julia Gutierrez of Perry, Rosa (Raul) Gonzalez
of Laredo, Texas.
Maria was born in Laredo Texas the daughter of
Juan & Elvira (Rodriguez) Ortiz. She married Michael Lyon on September 8,
1967 in Perry, Michigan. Mrs. Ortiz enjoyed playing Bingo at the Soaring Eagle
and enjoyed her family and family gatherings. She was a resident of the Mt.
Pleasant area for 17 years after moving from Lansing.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December
29, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home. Friends gathered with the family
from 1-2 on Saturday prior to the service. Following the service, burial took
place in Kelly Cemetery in Oil City.
Hope G. Dimit
December 22, 1916 – December 26, 2007
Hope
G. Dimit, age 90, of Alma, Michigan, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on
Friday, December 21, 2007 at the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December
26, 2007 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. John
Boley of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment followed the
funeral service in Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant. Friends gathered with the
family on Wednesday, December 26 from 10 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions were suggested to the American Heart Association or Community
Cancer Services.
Hope was born on Friday, December 22, 1916 in
Ferris Township, Montcalm County, Michigan the daughter of Benjamin and Pearl
(Black) Pugsley. She was married to Alva Dimit, who preceded her in death in
1993. Hope was a resident of Mt. Pleasant from 1944 until moving to Alma in
1995. She was a homemaker, and a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star
in Gladwin.
Survivors included her daughter, Geraldine Kay
Kopack of Falls Church, Virginia, and a son, Gerald Keith Dimit of Richmond,
Missouri, along with a number of grandchildren, several great grandchildlren
and several great great grandchildren, and a brother, Russell Pugsley of Sanford,
Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alva, both parents, sister,
Alice Fairbank, and a brother, Rex Pugsley.
Michael Leroy Rood
September 21, 1947 – December 20, 2007
Michael
Leroy Rood, age 60, of Gladwin, Michigan died Thursday, December 20, 2007, at
Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center in Midland.
Eagle service for Michael was on Sunday, December
23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Dan
Youmans, Jr. officiating. Friends gathered with the family on Saturday, December
22 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions were suggested to the needs
of the family.
Michael was born on Sunday, September 21, 1947,
in Greenville, Michigan, the son of John and Marvel (Porter) Rood. He married
Linda Hallady on October 26, 1968, in Mt. Pleasant. He has been a lifetime resident
of the Central Michigan area.
Michael worked at Rood’s Auctions as an auctioneer. He was a member of
the Eagles Lodge in Harrison where he was the chaplain. Michael loved softball,
fishing, camping, and time with his grandchildren. His favorite Nascar was #
24, Jeff Gordon.
Mr. Rood is survived by his wife, Linda; 1 daughter,
Lisa (Mickey) Auxier of Gladwin; 3 sons, Mike L. (Katherine) Rood, George Allen
Rood all of Gladwin and Barry Henry (Tonya) Rood of Clare; 12 grandchildren,
Tiffany Rood, Chad, Samantha & Austin Auxier, Josh Last, Nichole & Natasha
Goodrich, Kyle Rood, Colton Rood, and Montana Crawford; 5 brothers, Delbert
(Hazel) Rood of Grand Rapids, Jake (Sandy) Rood of Indiana, Abe (Sandra) Rood
of Mt. Pleasant, Fay Rood of Remus, and Robert (Susan) Rood of Mt. Pleasant;
1 sister, Sue (Dave) Keene of Otsego. In addition, his mother and father-in-law
Yvonne & Joe Phinney and other in-laws: Beatrice and Carl Mogg, George &
Sharon Halladay, Harold Halladay, Jackie & Ed Phinney, Mike & Joann
Halladay, Marie & Bob Bushrey, Pam Hallady, John & Debbie McReavy, Joe
& Sherrie McReavy and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by both parents;
a granddaughter Lakisha; a sister Nancy Wonsey; and 5 brothers Jay Rood, Lee,
John, Otto and Russell Rood.
Laura Elaine McBride Johnston
July 29, 1942 – December 13, 2007
Laura
Elaine McBride Johnston, age 65, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Thursday,
December 13, 2007 at her home surrounded by her family.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December
18, 2007 at 11 a.m. from the Maranatha Baptist Church, 1526 Airway Drive, Mt.
Pleasant with Pastor Gene Haymaker officiating. Interment followed the funeral
service in Chippewa Township Cemetery, Isabella County, Michigan. The family
met with friends on Monday, December 17 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the Maranatha
Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice
of Central Michigan, the Maranatha Baptist Church, or the American Heart Association.
Envelopes are available at the church and the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.
Laura was born on July 29, 1942 in Loomis, Michigan,
the daughter of Edwin Frank and Effie Mildred (Hefner) Wichert. Laura’s
first husband, Stanley Dwight McBride, passed away on April 21, 1990, after
29 years of marriage. On June 15, 2007, she married Harry Richard Johnston,
Jr. She was a lifetime area resident.
For 10 years, Laura worked at Pleasant Manor Nursing
Home, and from 1991 to 1997, she was an adult foster care worker for McBride
Quality Care. She was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church. She enjoyed
crocheting, playing cards, putting puzzles together, camping, and spending time
with her grandchildren (and going shopping with them). She and her sisters had
an annual camping trip for many years.
Laura is survived by her husband, Harry; three
children, Gary and Sondra McBride of Shepherd, Paul and Pam McBride of Blanchard,
and Dianna McBride of Mt. Pleasant; 5 grandchildren, and one great grandchild;
one brother, Alvin Wichert; five sisters, Lena (Robert) Bergey of Clare, Edna
(Ray) McCarntney and Ada (Bill) Ingerham both of Coleman, Burniece (Al) Wilkins
of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Joy (Tim) Krabill of Farwell; sisters in law,
Abbie (Jerry) Nelson of Newaygo and Ada (Harold) Winchell of Mt. Pleasant; brother
in law, Rene Warner of Peru, Indiana and many nieces and nephews. She
was preceded in death by her first husband, Stanley; a son, Gerald Dwight McBride;
a sister Naomi Warner and brother Edwin Frank Wichert, Jr.
November, 2007
Lorraine LeVerl Morse
September 2, 1934 – November 29, 2007
Lorraine
LeVerl Morse, age 73, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Thursday, November 29,
2007 at her home.
A memorial service was held on Friday, December
7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home. Immediately following the service,
burial took place at Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. Friends gathered with
the family one hour before the service. Memorials for Lorraine have been suggested
to the Isabella Medical Care Facility. Envelopes are available at Helms Funeral
Home.
Lorraine was born on September 2, 1934 in Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, Canada
the daughter of Leon and Myrtle (Swell) Mitchell. She married Gerald Edward
Morse on September 5, 1951 in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Gerald preceded
her in death on July 19, 1991. Mrs. Morse had been a resident of the Mt. Pleasant
area since 1964.
Lorraine enjoyed all of her friends and family.
She traveled all over the United States and Canada while her husband worked
on pipelines.
Lorraine is survived by a stepson, Michael (Andrea)
Montalvo of Houston, Texas; two grandchildren, Brandon and Sarah Montalvo; three
sisters, Kay Fleet of Charley Lake, British Columbia, Canada and Sherol Denise
Loe of Ft. Nelson, British Columbia, and Audrey Leona Pearson of Ft. St. John,
British Columbia; special nephew Grant Erwin Mitchell of Ft. St. John, British
Columbia and special niece Kelly Lee McHenry of Brights Gron, Ontario.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband,
Gerald; a brother, Glen and both parents.
Stephanie Anne (Crapo) Holland
February 3, 1954 – November 12, 2007
Stephanie
Anne (Crapo) Holland, age 53, passed away peacefully November 12, 2007 at Covenant
Hospital in Saginaw with her family at her side.
Stephanie was born Tuesday February 3, 1954, in
Clare, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Peg) Crapo.
Stephanie was a very accomplished musician and
writer. She was a concert pianist in her younger years performing in various
recitals. In 1971 she performed at the Interlochen Music Academy and won a four
year scholarship to University of Michigan Music school. After attending U of
M, she traded her Maize and Blue for Green and White, MSU, where she received
her Bachelors degree in music. Piano was only one of the many musical instruments
she could play. She played the Flute, Chelo and Violin with passion. Another
passion for Stephanie was writing poetry and fictional short stories. She had
several short stories published. The last story published appeared in Parade
magazine. Stephanie worked for several years after graduating from MSU for the
Burrows Corporation as the personnel manager in Okemos, Michigan. Burrows left
Michigan so she went back to music and helped run the Music Department at MSU
for several years.
Stephanie is survived by her mother Margaret (Peg)
Crapo of Mt. Pleasant; a brother, Michael and Barb Crapo; a sister Nanette and
Bruce Franklin of Boone, North Carolina, two nieces Briana and Lyndsey Franklin
of Boone, North Carolina; a great nephew of Boone, N.C., three nephews Brandon
and Ted Crapo, Nathan Morrell; two aunts Barb (Crapo) Thayer of Mt. Pleasant
and Barb (Browne) Sias of Westport, CT.; cousins Patty and Jeff Sias of Westport,
CT, Kris (Dan) Blossum of Vassar, MI, Marilyn (Brian) Sonefeld of Clarkson,
MI, Amy (Mark) Davis of East Lansing, Richard (Cath) Thayer of Las Vegas, Pam
(Lee) Klop of Phoenix, AZ and family friend Marge Havens.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her father
Robert L. Crapo on September 17, 2007 and her husband Matt Holland on November
10, 2002.
Cremation for Stephanie has already taken place.
A memorial service was held on Friday, November 16, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. from
the Helms Funeral Home with the Reverend John Boley of the First United Methodist
Church officating. Friends called on Friday from 10:30 until service time. Memorial
contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan. Envelopes are available
at the funeral home.
Christopher Charles
Wohlscheid
October 6, 1982 – November 12, 2007
Christopher
Charles Wohlscheid, age 25, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Monday,
November 12, 2007 at his home with his family and friends at his side.
Funeral services were Friday, November 16th at
2:00 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Reverend Nancy Carey Fulton officiating.
Following the service, interment took place in Riverside cemetery. Friends gathered
with the family on Thursday, November 15th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions
were suggested to the family.
Christopher was born on October 6, 1982 in Alma,
Michigan the son of Joseph & Lesa Irene (Bragdon) Wohlscheid . He lived
in the Mt. Pleasant area most of his life and was a student. Christopher enjoyed
playing baseball, basketball, and watching any kind of sports, especially University
of Michigan.
Christopher is survived by his parents, Joseph
& Lesa Wohlscheid; one brother Joseph Wohlscheid, Jr. all of Mt. Pleasant;
his grandmother, Ilene Wohlscheid Zook of Rosebush; very special friend, Lucha
Torres; many aunts and uncles and many friends in both Michigan and Texas.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, William
Wohlscheid; and his grandparents Charles and Hazel Bragdon.
Maryanne Fransen
December 21, 1919 – November 11, 2007
Maryanne
Fransen, age 87, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2007
at her home.
Memorial masses were held for Maryanne and her
family for one month at Christ Our Savior Church in Mt. Pleasant. Thank you,
Reverend Linda.
Maryanne was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota on
Sunday, December 21, 1919 the daughter of Jesse Hans & Bernadine (Cunningham)
Fransen. She had been a resident of the area since September of 2006. Maryanne
had been employed as a Nurse Aid and homemaker.
Maryanne is survived by two daughters, Carol Douglas
of Mt. Pleasant and Linda Bell of Grand Rapids; 5 grandchildren and 3 great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one
brother, Martin Fransen.
Helen Beauregard
February 14, 1918 – November 11, 2007
Helen
Beauregard. age 89, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Sunday, November
11, 2007 at the Prestige Center near Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November
13, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Mr. Jeff
Gritton of the First Church of Christ officiating. Following the funeral service
interment took place in Riverside Cemetery beside her husband, Clifford. Friends
gathered with the family on Monday, November 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Helms
Funeral Home. Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan
for the Hospice House. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home
Helen was born on Thursday, February 14, 1918
in Isabella County the daughter of Kenneth and Gaye Marshall. She was married
to Clifford Beauregard for many years. Clifford passed away on July 24, 1983.
An area resident all of her life, Helen was a member of the First Church of
Christ, where she was very active in church activities. She retired from Central
Michigan University in 1984, where she worked for 25 years as a secretary. She
was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a volunteer
at the Commission on Aging. Helen and Clifford enjoyed fishing in Canada and
traveling.
Helen is survived by nieces, Sherry and Ron Shaw
of Alma, and Judy Rhyne of Traverse City, Michigan, a sister-in-law, Ginny Marshall
of Grand Rapids, Michigan and several other nieces and nephews. She was preceded
in death by her husband, both parents, and a brother, Kenneth V. Marshall.
Betty Ruth Stacy
June 1, 1926 – November 8, 2007
Betty
Ruth Stacy, age 81, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Thursday, November
8, 2007 at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma.
Funeral services for Betty wase held on Monday,
November 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant
with the Pastor Samuel Reith officiating. Interment of cremated remains took
place at Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant at a future date. Visitation for Betty
took place on Sunday, November 11, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 at the Helms
Funeral Home. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church
Building Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.
Betty was born on June 1, 1926 in Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan the daughter of Perry and Lila (Foutch) Adams. She married Daniel N.
Stacy, who preceded her in death, on January 28, 1950 in Mt. Pleasant. Betty
was a lifetime resident of the area and had owned Betty’s Yarn Shop. She
worked as a sales person for Gover City Fabrics and also at Central Michigan
University. She was a homemaker at the time of her death. Betty was active as
a volunteer with the Commission on Aging, she was a member of the VFW auxiliary
and TOPS. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Betty is survived by her children, Terry and Marcia
Stacy of Mt. Pleasant, Patricia and Richard Harris of Harrison, and Penny and
Thomas Leathley of Reno, Nevada; three grandchildren, Andrew Stacy, Suzanne
and Lisa Harris; one brother, John Adams of Mt. Pleasant; two sisters, Jean
Connors of Onaway and Esther Morford of Mt. Pleasant.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel,
her parents, one brother and one sister.
JoAnn Bosquez Macias
November 11, 1959 — November 5, 2007
JoAnn
Bosquez Macias, age 47, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Monday, November 05,
2007 at her home.
Celebration of the funeral mass was held at the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, November 9, 2007 at
11:00 AM. Father Thomas McNamara and Sister Andre Kravec were the celebrants.
Interment followed at the Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions
were suggested to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice.
JoAnn was born November 11, 1959 in San Jose,
California, the daughter of Alberto and Dominga Magallan Bosquez. She and Jesus
Macias were married on November 8, 1986 in Austin, Texas. They moved to Mt.
Pleasant in 1989. She was a homemaker who enjoyed watching movies, volunteering
at many area schools, shopping, outdoor activities, and reading.
JoAnn is survived by her husband, Jesus; seven
children, Stanley Guerra, Anthony Guerra, CD, Kim (Bruce) Blythe, Ira Macias,
Ian Macias, and Neil Macias; a granddaughter, Halina Blythe; her parents, Alberto
and Dominga Bosquez; four brothers, Rudy Bosquez, Jimmy Bosquez, John Magallan,
and Cosmo Garza; a sister, Aurora Jordan; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Alberto
Bosquez, III.
Howard Raymond Wilson
August 5, 1950 – November 5, 2007
Howard
Raymond Wilson, age 57, of St. Louis, Michigan, passed away on November 5, 2007
at Gratiot Community Hospital.
The family held a private graveside service. Memorial
contributions have been suggested to the family to help with expenses.
Howard was born in Alma, Michigan, on August 5,
1950 the son of Howard Raymond and Frances (Denman) Wilson. He married Linda
Mills on October 5, 1974 in Ithaca. He was a lifetime resident of the St. Louis
area.
Howard was employed by Alma Products as a fork
lift operator for 22 years. He enjoyed cards and pool. Howard was a member of
the NRA and liked to hunt and fish. He enjoyed tinkering with all kinds of things.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Linda; two
children Stacie and Casie Wilson both of St. Louis; his special children Lura
Carson of St Louis and Gerry Masar of Ithaca; his mother and stepfather Frances
and Thomas Gyurnek of Sumner; two brothers Maynard & Carolyn Wilson and
William & Judy Gyurnek of Sumner; two sisters Dixie Gyurnek of Ithaca &
Brenda Gyurnek of Sumner: special grandchildren Richard and Sophia Carson; special
friends Rick & Dixie Carson of St. Louis and Dar & Phyllis Daymon of
Alma. Howard also is survived by many, many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and a daughter
Jamie.
Harvey Logan Fair
January 9, 1942 – November 2, 2007
Harvey
Logan Fair, age 65, of Shepherd, Michigan passed away on Friday, November 2,
2007 at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma, Michigan
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November
6, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with
Pastor Tony Waldrop officiating. Interment took place in Chippewa Township Cemetery,
Isabella County, Michigan. Friends gathered with the family on Sunday, November
4, from 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, November 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Helms Funeral
Home. Memorials were suggested to the Harvey L. Fair Trust Fund for Harvey’s
grandchildren or to the funeral home to assist with funeral costs. Envelopes
are available at the funeral home.
Harvey was born on Friday, January 9, 1942 in
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the son of R.J. and Mary (McCain) Fair. On July 13,
2007, he married Joan Moore at their home in Midland County. Harvey was a resident
of the Shepherd area most of his life, and had lived in the Newberry area for
a period of time. Harvey was a self employed house builder. He loved inventing
things, including the electric motor in his electric car. He heated his house
with his water well using a heat pump. He loved anything with an engine, including
go karts and mopeds. He enjoyed camping and watching the deer and other animals
around his house.
Survivors include his wife, Joan; children: Kelly
and Bruce Triplett of Shepherd, Patricia and David Homberg of New Baltimore,
Michigan, Robert Fair of Shepherd, and Mark Fair of Three Rivers, Michigan;
also his step-children: Dale Moore of Mt. Pleasant and Cody Colt of Shepherd;
sixteen grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren; a brother: Robert and
Janet Fair of Shepherd; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a
sister.
October, 2007
Eugenie Zuk
October 16, 1917 – October 30, 2007
Eugenie
Zuk, age 90, of Weidman, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2007,
at Gratiot Community Hospital.
Eugenie was born on Tuesday, October 16, 1917
in Detroit, Michigan to John and Michaelene Huzar.
She married Isadore Zuk on August 31, 1941 in
Detroit. She had lived in the Weidman area since 2004 when she moved up here
from Trenton, Michigan.
She is survived by her daughter Christina and
Eugene Quail and 2 grandchildren of Weidman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Isadore
and both parents.
Ariel Kay Greenwood
March 12, 1938 - October 29, 2007
Ariel
Kay Greenwood, age 69, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, returned to her Heavenly parents
on Monday, October 29, 2007 surrounded by her family.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November
10th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of God on 520 Olive Rd., St. Louis, Michigan
with Pastor Sam Dunbar officiating. Memorial contributions have been suggested
to Hospice of Central Michigan or the Pardee Cancer Fund.
Ariel was born on March 12, 1938 in North Star,
Michigan the eldest child of Lester and Virginia Alice (Howe) Cushman. She married
Leon W. Greenwood on April 10, 1982 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She had been
a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1992.
Ariel was a housekeeper working at Alma College
and various hotels. Family was the most important thing to her, especially her
beloved grandchildren, of which she had 18, and 3 great grandchildren. Ariel
also enjoyed reading, crocheting, going to Lake Superior and the Atlantic Ocean,
and baking. She was famous for her line ‘Just get over it!’
Ariel is survived by her husband of 25 years,
Leon; two sons, Leon William and Amanda Greenwood II of Mt. Pleasant, and Sam
and Melony Wrath of Alma; three daughters, Julie and Joe Wasek of Breckenridge,
Virginia Wrath and Mike Cornell of Mt. Pleasant, and Angel Kinney of St. Louis;
two step children, Tim and Candy Snyder of Mt. Pleasant and Linda Greenwood
of Panama City, Florida; two brothers Ernie and Nancy Cushman of Alma and Kim
Cushman of St. Louis; two sisters Alice Cushman and Ron Tuzinsky, Sarah and
Darrell Adams of St. Louis and; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and
many nieces and nephews who loved their ‘Aunt Kay’ dearly. Ariel
is also survived by her beloved Aunt the Reverend Kathryn DeMougin of Lansing
and her closest friend and soulmate, Dixie (Rick) Carson of St. Louis, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 grandsons,
Ezekial Greenwood and Tyler Kinney and 1 great grandchild,Angelena Hernandez.
Gladys I. Boomer
July 18, 1908 – October 21, 2007
Gladys
I. Boomer, age 99 of Bradenton, Florida, formerly of Mt. Pleasant died Sunday,
October 21, 2007 at Harmony Health Care in Bradenton, Florida.
A memorial service was held at a later date
at the El Rancho Village in Bradenton, Florida. Interment was in Memorial Gardens
Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.
Gladys was born July 18, 1908 in Hillsdale County,
Michigan to Walter and Chariety Mason Morey. She married Andrew Boomer in Wauson,
Ohio in 1929. Gladys was a licensed representative for First Real Estate in
Mt. Pleasant. She was a former member of the First Baptist Church.
Gladys is survived by her son, Wayne and Charmaine
Boomer of Bay City, Michigan and a daughter, Joyce Hale of Brandenton, Florida;
8 grandchildren; many great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, 2 sons’
Jack and Timothy Boomer; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
Wallter ‘Shorty’ Wayne Phipps
May 27, 1924 – October 14, 2007
Walter
‘Shorty’ Wayne Phipps, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday,
October 14, 2007 at Central Michigan Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October
18th at 11:00 a.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Reverend Nancy Casey Fulton officiating.
Cremation took place after the service with burial of cremated remains in Memorial
Gardens. Friends gathered with the family on Wednesday, October 17th from 2
– 4 p.m. and from 6 – 8 p.m. Memorials for Walter were suggested
to the American Lung Association. Envelopes are available at the Helms funeral
home.
Shorty was born on Tuesday, May 27, 1924 in Farwell,
Michigan the son of William and Florence (Dunnigan) Phipps. He married Virginia
L. Riley on August 23, 1947 in Alma. Walter was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant
area for 59 years.
He retired from Midway Supply where he had worked
in the store and as a truck driver for 42 years. Walter served in the Army during
World War II as a corporal in the amphibious tank division. He was a member
of the Moose Lodge. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, deer and pheasant hunting.
Walter is survived by his wife Virgina, a daughter
Sharon Wieferich of Mt. Pleasant and a son Walter Wayne and Anna Phipps, Jr.
of Shepherd; a brother Jesse ‘Jiggs’ Phipps of Flint and Jesse Phipps.
Additionally he is survived by four grandchildren, Matt, Kristen, John and Mark;
two step grandchildren, Lisa and Beth; and eight great grandchildren, Dillon,
Lorisa, Alexia, Benjamin, Michael, Christopher, Logan and Jacob.
Mr. Phipps was preceded in death by his parents
and brother Robert.
Mavis Jean (Pitz) Netmop
March 13, 1940 – October 14, 2007
Mavis
Jean (Pitz) Netmop,.age 67, of Gladwin, Michigan went to dwell with the Lord
Jesus on Sunday, October 14, 2007 surrounded by her loving family at Tendercare
in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, October
17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with the Reverend Owen Smith
officiating. Interment followed in McClure Cemetery in Gladwin at 3:00 p.m..
Friends gathered with the family Tuesday, October 15th from 5 – 8 p.m.
at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. Memorial contributions for Mavis
were suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Envelopes are available
at the funeral home.
Mavis was born on Wednesday, March 13, 1940 in
Kalkaska, Michigan, the daughter of Frederick N. and Beulah (Castle) Pitz. She
married the “love of her life” William Netmop on April 4, 1966 in
Gladwin, County and they spent many happy years living in or near Gladwin, Michigan.
She has spent the last year in nursing care because of her illness.
Mavis grew up in the Fife Lake/Lake City area
and has numerous cousins living there. She moved to the Clare/Farwell area while
in later elementary school and graduated from Farwell High School in 1958. She
spent her life in service to her Lord Jesus and caring for her daughter, Lorene,
who was stricken with Muscular Dystrophy at a young age, Lorene’s two
daughters and her husband, Bill, who suffered with back problems for many years.
Mavis is survived by her husband, Bill, daughter,
Lorene McArthur, a patient at Tender Care Nursing Home in Gaylord, Michigan,
her grandchildren, Christina, age 27, and Christal, age 24; stepchildren William
& Cindy Netmop Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, Sharon and Ron Sasse and Rita and John
Bills of Gladwin, Robert and Sue Netmop and Mary and Mike Floyd of Mt. Pleasant;
family members raised by Bill and Mavis also include David Detzler and his friend
Karrie Knapp, Annette and Jeff Buckner, and Brenda and Don Schlegel all of Mt.
Pleasant. She was blessed with 28 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She
is also survived by her sister, Marlene Pearl Pitz of Atlantic Mine, Michigan
and brother, James Christ Pitz of Chiefland, Florida and several nieces and
nephews.
Mavis was preceded in death by her father, Frederick
and her mother and stepfather Beulah and Claron Thornburg, and stepson Rodney
Netmop.
Isabella Marie Koehn
October 1, 2007 – October 1, 2007
Isabella
Marie Koehn, infant daughter of Franklin and Gina Koehn, was born and died on
Monday, October 1, 2007 at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October
3, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Mr. Cornelius Bornman officiating.
Interment in Union Cemetery, Winn, Michigan followed the funeral service. Friends
gathered with the family from 12 noon until service time at the Helms Funeral
Home
Memorial contributions were suggested to a charity
of the donor’s choice.
Isabella Marie is survived by her parents, Franklin
D. and Gina Rae (Malley) Koehn of Weidman; a brother, Zackary Shane Koehn of
Stanwood, Michigan; grandparents: LeeAnn Randolph of Sheridan, Michigan, Constance
Saxton of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and John Malley of Winn, Michigan; great grandparents:
Dorothy and Don Croff of Sheridan, Michigan, Phyllis Saxton of Alma, Michigan,
and Robert Saxton, Sr, of Alma, Michigan; and many great aunts and uncles.
September, 2007
Elma M. Foote
October 31, 1916 – September 15, 2007
Elma
M. Foote, age 90, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Saturday, September
15, 2007 at her daughters home near Mt. Pleasant.
A celebration of Elma’s life was held on
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Leaton United Methodist Church
with Pastor Sharyon Osmond officiating. Interment followed the funeral service
in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Friends met with the family on Monday, September
17 from 4-8 p.m. at the Leaton Untied Methodist Church, 6890 E. Beal City Road
and again on Tuesday from 12 noon until time of the service. Memorial contributions
in Elma’s memory were suggested to the Leaton United Methodist Church
Building Fund or Mid-Michigan Hospice. Envelopes are available at the church
or the Helms Funeral Home.
Elma was born on Tuesday, October 31, 1916 in
Sheridan, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer and Minnie (Bauman) Wilkinson. She
married Lester Foote on Saturday, November 24, 1945 in Lakeview, Michigan.
Elma was a member of the Leaton United Methodist
Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Borley-Hanel VFW Post. She was a home
maker who enjoyed playing her dulcimer, sewing, crocheting, her garden, canning,
traveling to Texas for many years with her husband, Lester, and especially helping
her family and friends.
Survivors include her daughter, Betty and Donald
Larrance of Mt. Pleasant, daughter in law, Judy Johnson of Winn; eight grandchildren:
Bridget (Don) Wakefield, Julie (Jeff) Veit, Kimberly (Dave Hall) Larrance, Rosemarie
(Dennis) Gillam, Robert (Dottie) Johnson, Randall (Brenda) Johnson, Floyd Johnson,
and Jerry (Lisa) Johnson; seventeen grandchildren; and two great grandchildren;
two sisters: Elna Johnson of Cedar Springs, Michigan and Lou Mahlich of Greenville,
Michigan; a sister in law, Iva Aseltine of Lansing, Michigan, and many nieces
and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son Bob Johnson, two
brothers, and one sister.
Hazel L. Howay
April 27, 1914 – September 11, 2007
Hazel
L. ‘Stebbie’ Howay, age 93, of Midland, Michigan, formerly of Zephyrhills,
Florida and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan went to her final home with the Lord on Tuesday,
September 11, 2007 at Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center in Midland, Michigan
with her family at her bedside.
Hazel greeted everyone with love, a twinkle in
her eye and a wide smile. She lived to serve, whether it be family or “children”
at the Mt. Pleasant State Home and Training School, or the person next to her
in line at the check out counter. Her legacy is faith and love which sustained
her and her family.
A celebration of Hazel’s life was held on
Friday, September 14, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Rocky
Wing, Hazel’s nephew, officiating. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery,
Mt. Pleasant, beside her husband, George. Friends met with the family on Thursday,
September 13 from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home. Memorial contributions
in Hazel’s memory were suggested to the Isabella County Commission on
Aging. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Hazel was born on Monday, April 27, 1914 in Mt.
Pleasant, the daughter of Frank and Effie (Berryhill) Wing. She graduated from
the Mt. Pleasant High School at the age of 16 in 1930. Later in life, she was
in the first graduating class of Licensed Psychiatric Attendant Nurses. She
married George Howay on September 5, 1971 in the Congregational Church in Harrison.
George preceded her in death on October 6, 1997.
Hazel was a 32 year resident of Florida, moving
there from Mt. Pleasant. She was retired from the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center
after 26 years of service, where she had worked as a supervisor and as Coordinator
of Volunteers. She was a member of the Methodist Church, the Professional Women’s
Association of Mt. Pleasant, and the State Employees Retirement Association.
Hazel enjoyed traveling, sewing, ceramics, knitting, and especially loved her
family.
Survivors include her children, George and Barbara
Stebbins of Tampa, Florida, Darla and Michael Beadle of Harrison, Michigan,
and Linda and George Killat of Midland, Michigan; eight grandchildren: Kim,
Mark, and George Stebbins, Tracey Beadle, Trudee Noonan, Tammy Carlstrom, Dianna
Carroll, and Lisa Haas; nine great grandchildren and four great, great grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her first husband, George
Stebbins; both parents; a brother, Robert Wing; and two sisters: LaVerda Salisbury,
and Edith Craft.
Barbara Beecher
December 19, 1931 – September 8, 2007
Barbara
Beecher, age 75, of Coleman, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, September 8,
2007 at her home with her family around her.
A celebration of Barbara’s life was held
on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 2 p.m. from the Gilmore Church of Christ with
Mr. Kevin Smith officiating.
Friends considering a memorial in Barbara’s
memory may wish to consider Hospice of Mid-Michigan. Envelopes are available
at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.
Barbara was born on Saturday, December 19, 1931
in Kilgore, Texas, the daughter of Arthur R. and Alease Marie (Wilson) Boling.
She married Donald R. Beecher in 1953. Barbara was a resident of the Coleman
for many years. She was a member of the Gilmore Church of Christ.
Survivors include her children: John and Lori
Beecher of Alma, Jeanette Beecher of Coleman, Lydia and Greg McDonald of Mt.
Pleasant, and Alease and Steven Malesko of Lansing; ten grandchildren; six great
grandchildren; and a sister, Geraldine Boling of Patagonia, Arizona. She was
preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald, and son, William Beecher.
Beverly Kay Ketchum
May 21, 1951 – September 1, 2007
Beverly
Kay Ketchum, age 56, of Shepherd, Michigan passed away on Saturday, September
1, 2007 at Covenant Health Care in Saginaw, Michigan. Bev was born on Monday,May
21, 1951 in Mt. Pleasant the daughter of Ray Bernard and Mary Dale (Elliott)
Smith. She married Gene W. Ketchum on September 18, 1965 in Mt. Pleasant.
A lifetime area resident, Bev retired after 20
years of service from Central Michigan Community Hospital were she had worked
in the kitchen and housekeeping. She enjoyed going to the casino, yard sales,
collecting things, and especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchild.
She also enjoyed pictures with her family.
Bev is survived by her husband, Gene W; children:
Gene D. and Sheryl Ketchum of Clare, Richard Ketchum of Mt. Pleasant, Lori and
Jeffrey Farison of Shepherd, and William and Carol Ketchum of Mt. Pleasant;
sixteen grandchildren: Daniel, Kevin, Kristi, and Ryan Ketchum, Amber Zurzoll,
Heather Breidenstein, Nicole Ketchum, Michael D., Charlin, and Michael A. Farison,
Alicia, Dylan, Eathan, and Flicity Ketchum, Maisie and MacKenzie Commet; and
a great grandson, Conner Breidenstein; two brothers: Larry and Pauline Smith
of Mt. Pleasant, and Bernard and Darlene Smith of Florida; and a sister: Joyce
Wilson of Litchfield, Michigan. She was preceded in death by both parents, a
brother, Gene, and a sister, Donna Rae Stickler.
Funeral
services were held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the Helms Funeral
Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Jim Young of the Clare Church of the Nazarene
officiating. Interment followed the funeral service in Riverside Cemetery, Mt.
Pleasant. Friends met with the family on Tuesday, September 4 from 2-4 and 6-8
p.m. Memorial contributions were suggested to the needs of the family.
August 2007
Arlene Z. Smith
August 22, 1922 – August 30, 2007
Arlene
Z. Smith, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Thursday, August
30, 2007 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Arlene was
born on Tuesday, August 22, 1922 in St. Louis, Michigan, the daughter of Clare
Marion and Ivol (Jacob) Stahl. On Friday, June 14, 1940, Arlene married Harry
W. Smith in Shepherd, Michigan.
Arlene was a lifetime area resident. She was an
interior designer for over 20 years. She sold real estate for several years,
was a volunteer at Special Olympics. She was a member of the United Methodist
Church of Weidman where she was active. She was also active with the PTA, 4-H,
BPW, Elks and Moose Lodges. She especially enjoyed her family, and loved her
grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always happy doing things for
other people.
Survivors include her son, Garry and Sue Smith
of Weidman; daughter-in-law, Christine and John Lou of Owosso, special friends,
Mary and John Bartel of DeWitt; nephew Jim and Candy Habel of St. Clair, Michigan;
two grandchildren: Shane Lee and Daniella and James Ives; two great grandchildren:
Carter and Josie Ives; a brother, Kenneth and Jean VanDorn Stahl of Indian River;
two sisters: Creola Elliott of Houghton Lake, Michigan and Ivol and Robert Spenella
of New Baltimore, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arlene was
preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Harry W. Smith; a son Terry
Lee Smith; two brothers: Clare and Jack Stahl; and many cousins.
A celebration of Arlene’s life was held
on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 1 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt.
Pleasant with Chaplain Karen Latham from Hospice of Central Michigan officiating.
Interment of the cremated remains will take place in Memorial Gardens Cemetery
beside her husband, Harry. Friends were asked to consider a memorial in Arlene’s
to Hospice of Central Michigan’s building fund for the new Hospice House.
Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home.
Arlene and her family wanted to thank Primary
Homecare, Visiting Physicians, and Tresa Corliss for making it possible for
her to remain in her own home for as long as possible. Thank you to the Laurels
of Mt. Pleasant staff, especially Leah Jones, Shelia, Rachel, and Carol, along
with Hospice of Central Michigan staff, Kathleen Ash RN, CHPN, and Dr. Henry
Szelag for making her final weeks comfortable.
Tonya Lee Penner
August 22, 1966 – August 26, 2007
Tonya
L. Penner, age 41, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Sunday, August 26,
2007 at Central Michigan Community Hospital.
Funeral services took place on Wednesday, August
29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Helms Funeral Home with Pastor James Turner officiating.
Interment followed at White Pigeon Township Cemetery, White Pigeon, Michigan
with Pastor Don Chesher officiating. Friends gathered with the family at Helms
Funeral Home Tuesday, August 28, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions were suggested to American
Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Tonya was born in Alma, Michigan on August 22,
1966 to Larry and Annette (Coppens) Bowers. She was a resident of Mt. Pleasant
since 2005. She married Dennis F. Penner in Middlebury, Indiana where she had
settled and worked as a cook for the Essen Hause for several years. Tonya loved
to read, crochet, use her computer and play cards.
Tonya is survived by her husband Dennis; a son,
Nathan of Middlebury, Indiana; one daughter, BrandaLee Penner of Mt. Pleasant;
her parents, Larry and Annette Bowers of Mt. Pleasant; a twin sister, Trecy
Bowers of Mt. Pleasant, and a grandmother Marguerite Dent of Mt. Pleasant.
She was preceded in death by her brother Gary
Bowers, grandparents, Stewart and Dorothy Bowers, and grandfather Paul Dent.
July 2007
Susie Ellen Blizzard
August 21, 1908 – July 30, 2007
Susie Ellen Blizzard, age 98, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Monday, July 30, 2007 at her home in Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Young officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery. Friends and family called at the funeral home for visitation on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan or Food with Friends at the Isabella County Commission on Aging. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Susie was born in Lansing on Friday, August 21, 1908 to Elmer and Ellen (Brown) Grubb. She was married to Bernard Blizzard on Friday, March 18, 1926 at the Methodist Parsonage in Mt. Pleasant. They were married for 60 years when Bernard passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 1987.
Susie was a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1935 and worked as a nurses aide for 16 years at Central Michigan Community Hospital. She also worked at Allswedes, Tillies, Paul’s Famous Restaurant and the Downtown Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed her children and their families. Susie loved to knit, crochet, refinish furniture, travel and to make jewelry.
Susie is survived by four of her sons; Liston and Kathryn Blizzard, Michael and Ruth Blizzard, John Donald and Vicki Blizzard, John Bernard and Susan Blizzard; two daughters, Louella and Bill Swan, Kay Morrison; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Blizzard; one brother, Orville Grubb and one sister, Mary McDonald.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; three sons, Walter ‘Bill’, Bernard Jr., and Louis; three sisters, Pearl, Dorothy and Lydia; one brother, Glen.
Timothy Kloostra
March 1, 1966 – July 24, 2007
Timothy
Kloostra, age 41, of Remus, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at
St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan.
A private graveside service for the family was
held on Friday, July 27th at 4:00 p.m. with Fritz Kruithof officiating. Interment
followed at Woodland Cemetery in Rosebush.
Timothy was born on March 1, 1966 in Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan to Martin and Nancy (Barr) Kloostra. Timothy loved movies, comic books
and especially his dog, Princess.
Mr. Kloostra is survived by his father, Martin
and stepmother, Janet; three brothers, Dan Vanvugt, Ben Jackson, Kraig (Brigid)
Kloostra; five sisters, Marilyn Sanders, Rosemary Storrs, Margie Vasquez, Kelly
(Arden) Bakema, Lisa (Mark) VanMeeteren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Kloostra, in 1991.
Lyle Paul Jenkins
August 27, 1923 - July 20, 2007
Lyle
Paul Jenkins, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Friday, July
20, 2007 at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant. Lyle was born
on Monday, August 27, 1923 in Isabella County the son of Paul and Lepha (Smith)
Jenkins. On Friday, December 24, 1948, he married Betty Wagner of Mt. Pleasant.
A lifetime area resident of Mt. Pleasant and Coleman,
Lyle farmed for many years, and then went to work for the Isabella County Road
Commission, retiring after more than 30 years of service. He enjoyed working
in his garden, his dogs, and especially his grand and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty;
his daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Randy Brickner of Mt. Pleasant; two grandchildren:
Kevin and Jessica Brickner, and Michelle and Allen McNier; three great grandchildren:
Shannon McNier, and Owen and Korryn Brickner; three brothers: Bob Jenkins of
Farwell, Delmas Jenkins and Roger and Carol Jenkins, all of Coleman; many nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Ronnie Jenkins,
and infant sister, Deloris, several ½ sisters and ½ brothers,
and brother and sister in law, Harold and Winnifred Wagner.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 23,
2007 at 2 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. John Boley of the First
United Methodist Church officiating. Following the funeral service, interment
took place in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends gathered with the family on
Sunday, July 22 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.
Memorial contributions in Lyle’s memory were suggested to the wishes of
the family or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Richard Allen Karrick
September 20, 1943 – July 5, 2007
Richard Allen Karrick passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at his home in Lake Isabella with his wife by his side. Memorial services were held at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 11 a.m. with Mr. Wes Luckhardt and Mr. James Schneider officiating. Visitation took place on Wednesday, July 11th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Per his request, cremation has taken place.
Rick was born on Monday, September 20, 1943 in Peoria, Illinois to Harold and Mary (Hamm) Karrick. He graduated from Dakota High in 1961. Rick moved to Clio, Michigan in 1978 where he worked for Kruger Machine and Clark Lift Equipment Company. In 1984, he moved to Mt. Pleasant where purchased Old Mission Party Store. Rick married Linda “Lynn” (McDonald) Roberts on June 24, 1989 and together they operated OMPS for 20 years until July 12, 2005, at which time the business was sold.
Rick and Lynn were active in the community, supporting CMU sports, Union Township Little League, and as members of ABATE Region 21, and supporting Hospice of Central Michigan. After being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in December, 2003 and then a successful stem cell transplant in November, 2004, Rick and Lynn decided to sell the business. They retired for a year and traveled extensively. Rick returned to work as a liquor and wine warehouse manager for Fabiano Brothers in September 2006. In January 2007, Rick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Although he fought bravely and courageously, on the early morning of July 5th, the cancer consumed him after nearly six months.
Rick’s passions were micro-brewed beers, sports, vintage automobiles, and the occasional good cigar. Rick also enjoyed Thursday nights at Mountain Town and Friday nights with Boni and Keith. Rick also enjoyed his family and friends, but he most enjoyed the business aspect of his life.
Rick is survived by his wife Lynn, of 18 years; his mother, Mary Nichols; brother Roger (Mary Ann) Karrick; son, Bryan (Kimberly) Karrick; daughter, Brenda (Lee) Willwerth; grandchildren: Marissa and Joshua Willwerth; nephew, Christopher (Cindy) Karrick; great nieces: Nicole, Nicelle, Natasha Karrick and niece Cindy Karrick. Father and mother in law, Elton “Mac” and Betty McDonald; sister and brothers in law, Boni and Keith Thackrey; children: Lynde and RJ, Gary McDonald; children: Jason and Nick, and God-son, Collin Lau. He was preceded in death by his father and step-father, Bill Nichols.
Memorial
contributions may be made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Isabella County,
the Norval K. Morey Cancer Center, or Hospice of Central Michigan. Envelopes
are available at the Helms Funeral Home.
June 2007
Marion Ruth Dean
June 16, 1934 – June 21, 2007
Marian
Ruth Dean, age 91, of Alma, Michigan passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2007
at Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 25,
2007 at 1 p.m.at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Melody Olin
officiating. Interment followed the funeral service in Riverside Cemetery, Mt.
Pleasant. Friends gathered with the family on Monday, June 25 from 12 noon until
time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Marian’s memory were suggested to Hospice of
Central Michigan. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home.
Marian was born on Monday, May 29, 1916 in Isabella
County the daughter of Henry Charles and Grace Almeda (Dennis) Ackerman. On
Saturday, June 16, 1934, Marian married E. Clyde Dean in Illinois. Clyde preceded
her in death in 1948. She was a lifetime area resident.
After 25 years of service, Marian retired from
Total Pipeline Company, where she was employed as a clerk. She was a member
of the Desk and Derrick Club, the Women of the Moose, and enjoyed bowling, playing
bingo, and going to the casino She attended her family reunions, which she enjoyed
very much.
Survivors include her son-in-law, Robert Machuta
and his friend, Carol Robinson, both of Mt. Pleasant; one step-grandson, Craig
and Cindy Machuta of Mt. Pleasant, and on step-great grandson, William Machuta;
a brother, Robert and Jacqueline Ackerman of Clare; and a sister, Monica Bryant
of Clare. She was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, a daughter,
Beverly J. Machuta on March 2, 1998; three brothers: Dennis, Alton, and Ralph;
and a sister, Marjorie.
Ronald Eugene Green
January 6, 1932 – June 10, 2007
Ronald
E. Graham, age 75 of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Sunday, June 10,
2007 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 14,
2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Pastor Wayne Bougham officiating.
Following the services, interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.
Friends gathered with the family on Wednesday, June 13th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions were suggested to Heartland
Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available
at the Helms Funeral Home.
Ronald was born on January 6, 1932 in Mt. Pleasant,
Michigan the son of Orville and Olga (Shock) Graham. He married Bessie (Vasiliki
Matzini) Graham in 1953 in Montreal, Canada and was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant
area most of his life.
Mr. Graham worked as a welder/boilermaker, rigger and worked on the oil fields
for over 30 years. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force serving in Greece from
1950-1953 and was a member of American Legion Post # 110.
He is survived by one brother Jerry (Jackie) Graham
of Grand Rapids, two sisters Donna Graham of Mt. Pleasant and Bonnie Eldred
of Crawfordsville, Florida; special family includes Lois Rydahl, Christopher
(Cindy) Rydahl, Craig (Athina) Rydahl, Kathy Hendershot, Jane Shippee, Julie,
Jeff, Marshall and Madison Livingston, Randy, Michelle, Samantha and Adam Keeler
all of Mt. Pleasant and several nieces and nephews.
Ronald was preceded in death by his wife of 54
years, Bessie, on June 7, 2007 and his parents.
Eugene G. Wichar
May 1, 1915 – June 9, 2007
Eugene
“Gene” G. Wichar, 92 , of Mt. Pleasant, died peacefully in his home
on Saturday, June 9, 2007.
Gene was born May 1, 1915, in Rochester, New York
to Michael and Katherine Wichar. The family moved to Hamtramck when Gene was
an infant.
Gene married Mary P. Sokoluk of Hamtramck in 1936.
He was a bus driver for Detroit Street Rail, retiring in 1972. The Wichars moved
to Rogers City, where Gene drove a school bus for several years. They subsequently
moved to Coleman, Weidman and finally Mt. Pleasant. Wherever the Wichars called
home, they participated and volunteered with senior citizen groups.
Gene and Mary were married 66 years. They enjoyed traveling and toured much
of the country. They were proud of their Ukrainian heritage, loved to dance,
and were admired for how beautifully they danced together. Gene was a prolific
artist. He enjoyed painting, drawing, sculpting and other crafts.
Gene is survived by his sister, Stella Prybyla
of Rosebush; son, Denis Wichar of Vancouver, Washington; daughter, Donna (Gary)
Fuller of Mt. Pleasant; six grandchildren, Al (Robin) Wichar of Holly, Eric
(Recina) Wichar of Jackson, Ken Marten of Hamtramck, Greg (Deb) Marten of Tecumseh,
Jennifer (Brent) Bevan of Oregon, Jason Fuller of California; 13 great-granchildren;
sister-in-law Olly Harper of Warren; and several nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by wife Mary, son Gary,
and brother Steve.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations
be made to the John H. Goodrow Fund, c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church,
206 West Maple, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48858.
Cremation has taken place. Remains will be buried
in Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit following a memorial service which has not
been scheduled.
Bessie Vasiliki Matzini Graham
January 12, 1930 – June 9, 2007
Bessie
Vasiliki Matzini Graham, age 77, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away on Thursday,
June 7, 2007 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June
9, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Father Irenaeus Cox officiating.
Following the services interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.
Friends may gather with the family on Friday, June 8th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Trisagion Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan or
to a charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available at the
Helms Funeral Home.
Bessie was born on Sunday, January 12, 1930 in
Agion, Greece. She married Ronald E. Graham in 1953 in Montreal, Canada.
Mrs. Graham worked as a food service cashier,
a salad department worker and catering for over 30 years at Central Michigan
University. She was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Bessie
enjoyed gardening, bowling and being with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald E. Graham
of Mt. Pleasant; her brother Dionisos Mentzinis of Agion, Greece; a sister Augestine
of Greece; a niece Maria Ambel of Athens, Greece; a brother-in-law Jerry and
Jackie Graham of Grand Rapids; a sister-in-law Bonnie (Monte) Eldred of Crawfordsville,
Florida; a sister-in-law Donna Graham of Mt. Pleasant; special family includes
Lois Rydahl, Christopher (Cindy) Rydahl, Craig (Athina) Rydahl, Kathy Hendershot,
Jane Shippee, Julie, Jeff, Marshall and Madison Livingston, Randy, Michelle,
Samantha and Adam Keeler all of Mt. Pleasant.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents.
Kenneth Edward Wilson
October 9, 1926 – June 5, 2007
Kenneth
Edward Wilson, age 80, of Auburn Hills, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, June
5, 2007 at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
In following Kenneth's wishes, cremation