(Photos are only available in the paper edition for obituaries in this section which indicate a photo is available.)

​January 4, 2012

​Dorothy M. Reed
Dorothy M. Reed, 75, of Homer, died Sunday, December 25, 2011, at her residence.
Mrs. Reed was born in Albion in 1936 to Lester and Turena King. She married C. Eugene Reed in 1955, and he preceded her in death in 1993.
Mrs. Reed was a bookkeeper for Homer Fertilizer & Feed for several years and a sales representative for Home Interior. She was the secretary for the United Methodist Church for several years and was a former member of the Eastern Star of Homer. She enjoyed hunting, reading and bowling.
Survivors include a daughter, Melodie (Gary) Avery of Homer; two sons, Roger (Pam) Reed of Texas and David Reed and Janis of Homer; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth (Eva) King of Marshall.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Reed was preceded in death by a brother, Lester; and a sister, Maxine Campo.
Funeral services were held December 29 at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, with Pastor Tom Fox officiating. Burial was at West Clarendon Cemetery in Clarendon Township.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Diabetes Association or the Homer Area Community Foundation is available at the funeral home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion. (w/photo)

January 11, 2012

Rudy Orozco
Rudy Orozco, 63, of Killeen, Texas, and formerly of Homer, where he lived most of his life, died Thursday, January 5, 2012, at the V.A. Medical Center in Temple, Texas.
Mr. Orozco was born in Adrian in November 1948 to Raymundo and Margaret Orozco. He married Deborah Waid in 1971, and she survives.
Mr. Orozco moved to Texas four years ago. He served the country in both the Army and the Michigan National Guard for more than 30 years.
Mr. Orozco worked as a manager of the Kroger retail store for 35 years. He was a member of the American Legion of Adrian and the V.F.W. Post of Homer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and volunteering at the Metroplex Hospital in Killeen.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Orozco is survived by three daughters, Jenny (Tim) Wilbur, Monica Orozco and Sarah (Scott) Huff; a son, Eduardo (Emma) Orozco; four grandchildren; two sisters, Belia (Dwight) Scott and Alexandra Barreiro; three brothers, Reymundo (Maria) Orozco, John B. Orozco and Samuel Orozco; a brother-in-law, Albert Galvin; and a sister-in-law, Rosemary Orozco.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David and Juan Orozco; and a sister, Bertha Galvin.
Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion.
Funeral services are scheduled for today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Revs. David and Jeff Waid officiating. Burial will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the V.F.W. of Homer is available at the funeral home.

January 18, 2012 - No Obituaries

January 25, 2012 - No Obituaries

February 1, 2012

Robert G. LaRoe
Robert G. LaRoe, 82, of Litchfield, died Saturday, January 28, 2012, at home.
Mr. LaRoe was born in Ann Arbor May 15, 1929, to William R. and Flossie (Lane) LaRoe. He married Barbara Jean LaForge September 4, 1948, and she preceded him in death in 2006.
Mr. LaRoe had been employed as a meat cutter at Bob Evans and Peter Eckrich Foods, retiring in 1991. He volunteered with the Homer Fire Department for many years.
Survivors include three daughters, Joann Duncan of Quincy, Sherry LaRoe of Litchfield and Kathy LaRoe of Homer; three sons, John (Laura) LaRoe of San Antonio, Danny (Kathy) LaRoe of Bryan, Ohio, and Howard LaRoe of Quincy; many sisters and brothers; his father-in-law, Howard Warner of Homer; 31 grandchildren; and 50 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Mr. LaRoe was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana; and two sons, Michael and Robert.
Visitation was scheduled for Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield. Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment in King Cemetery in Pulaski Township will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com.

February 8, 2012

John Kozicki
John Kozicki, 81, of Tekonsha, died Saturday, January 28, 2012, at his home.
Mr. Kozicki was born March 10, 1930, in Two Hills, Alberta, Canada, to Andrew and Sophia (Kitt) Kozicki. He married Carol Jean Dowding June 15, 1958, in Homer, and she survives.
Mr. Kozicki moved to Jackson from Canada in the mid-’50s. He moved to Homer in 1958 and lived there until moving to Tekonsha in 1992.
Mr. Kozicki had been employed as a machine repair technician for Garrett Office Machines. He retired in 1975. Prior employment included working in the Albion area oil fields, Union Steel Products and McGraw-Edison in Albion.
Mr. Kozicki enjoyed working around his home keeping everything in working order. He had been involved in 4-H clubs as a leader helping with woodworking projects.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Kozicki is survived by two daughters, Karen (Scott) Curry of Jonesville and Patty Kozicki of Christmas; two sons, Ken Kozicki of Homer and Tom Kozicki of Meeker, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister and brother, Elizabeth Yaremko and Walter Kozicki, both of Vegerville, Alberta; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Steve, Billy, Emil and Orest; and five sisters, Annie, Julia, Mary, Nancy and Fay.
A prayer service was held January 31 at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, and a graveside service followed in West Eckford Cemetery, with the Rev. William Cole officiating.
Memorials contributions are suggested to Oaklawn Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at www.kempffuneralhome.com.

February 15, 2012

Elizabeth Spees
Elizabeth Spees of Battle Creek, and formerly of Babcock and Eckford Village, died Saturday, February 4, 2012, under the care of hospice at home.
She was born in 1926 in Albion, to Leo and Isabell Koch. She married Lester Spees in 1943. He preceded her in death in 2004.
Mrs. Spees was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Albion. She enjoyed spending her winters in Florida and Arizona.
Survivors include three daughters, Linda (Harold) Stull of Arizona, and Sue Michael and Pat (Dean) Watts, both of Battle Creek; a son, David (Gloria) Spees of Marshall; two sisters, Isabelle Richards of Homer and Sally Daniels of Albion; three brothers, Don Koch of South Carolina, and John and Robert Koch, both of Homer; 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Spees was preceded in death by a son, three brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held Thursday at St. John Catholic Church, with Father Joe Gray officiating. Burial took place at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Good Samaritan Hospice or St. John Church.
J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion handled the arrangements. (w/photo)

Herbert Irvin
Herbert Irvin, of Homer and formerly of Lansing, died Saturday, February 11, 2012, in Eaton Rapids.
Mr. Irvin was born March 13, 1930, in Lansing, to Oakley and Coy Irvin. He married Joyce Wilson December 12, 1953, and she survives.
He served in the armed services, 25th Division of the 8th Field Artillery from 1948-1951. He graduated from Ferris University in 1956 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Irvin worked for more than 20 years for Win Schuler Restaurants and retired from Jackson State Prison in 1988.
He loved antique vehicles, working with his hands and the mental challenges of working with the stock market. His passion for working with and figuring out machines and hardware led him to the purchase of Irvin’s Hardware in Homer in 1975. His son Jerry became a partner in 1978.
Mr. Irvin was a long-time member of both the Marshall Loyal Order of the Moose and the Homer V.F.W.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Irvin is survived by three children, Jerry (Cindy) Irvin of Homer, Vanette Irvin of Aiken, South Carolina, and Londa (Brent) Putnam of Eaton Rapids; a brother, Horace (Marilyn) Irvin of Largo, Florida; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Irvin was preceded in death by a brother, Luther Irvin, and a sister, Gentry Irvin.
A celebration of Mr. Irvin’s life will be held Saturday from noon-3 p.m. at the Homer VFW Post.
A private service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carrick-Jarosz V.F.W. Post 9411 or McLaren Hospice. (w/photo)

February 22, 2012

Helen Louise Watkins Hays
Helen Louise Watkins Hays, 76, of Litchfield, died Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Evergreen Manor in Montpelier, Ohio.
Mrs. Hays was born July 12, 1935, in Livingston County, Kentucky, to Roy Monett and Vivan Victoria (Bebout) Singleton. She attended Allen Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Derrell (Bonnie) Lawless of Valparaiso, Indiana, Jeffery (Julie) Lawless of Jonesville and Donald (Linda) Lawless of Coldwater; two stepsons, Clay and Mike Watkins, both of Indiana; a stepdaughter, Pam Watkins of Indiana; two sisters, Annabelle Summers of Marion, Kentucky, and Nina Mae Watson of Salem, Kentucky; a brother, Gary Monett Singleton of Marion; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and three husbands, Deward Lawless, Clay Watkins and Daryl Hays.
Funeral services were held Friday at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield. Interment was to follow in Albion Memory Gardens.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

Jean Hayner
Jean Hayner, 85, former long-time Litchfield resident, died Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at Hillsdale Country Living in Bryan, Ohio.
Mrs. Hayner was born April 18, 1926, in Benton, Illinois, to Anderson James and Rose (Mike) Martin. She married Thomas E. Hayner April 19, 1954, and he preceded her in death in 2000.
Mrs. Hayner earned a two-year business degree from Jackson Business College and a banking certificate from Michigan State University. She was an active member of the Litchfield Congregational Church for 50 years.
Mrs. Hayner enjoyed cooking and baking, as well as the outdoor activities of hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and mushroom hunting. She and her husband owned and operated Hayner’s Jewelry Store in Litchfield for nearly 50 years.
Survivors include a son, Michael (Sandra) Hayner of Bryan, Ohio; a grandson, Fred (Jacqi) Kyle; a granddaughter, Jennifer (John) Stowe; two great-grandsons, Anthony Kyle and Kyle Stowe; two great-granddaughters, Justine (Joey) Rizer and Alyssa Friend; a great-great-granddaughter, Brooke Rizer; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hayner was preceded in death by two brothers, Anderson James “AJ”  and George; a sister, May; and a stepsister, Thelma.
Private family interment has taken place and a memorial celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at the Litchfield Congregational Church, with the Rev. Michael Murray officiating.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hillside Country Living (Jean Hayner Memorial Fund), 09876 County Road 16, Bryan, OH 43506.
Funeral arrangements were made by Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
Online condolences may be left at www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Eurane “Rainey” (Dehn) Green
Eurane “Rainey” (Dehn) Green, 71, of Homer, died Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek.
Mrs. Green was born September 26, 1940, in Lansing, to F. Max and Eleanor (Warner) Dehn. She married Warner Green June 17, 1961, an he survives.
Mrs. Green was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Homer and was active with the youth group of the church. She was a foster parent in Arizona and Michigan for several years.
Mrs. Green was a member of  Tops in Homer. She owned and operated a family dairy farm from 1974-1988 and had retired from Rennco in Homer.
Mrs. Green enjoyed spending time with her family, winters in Florida, bird watching, going on cruises, attending barbershop singing events, camping trips, as well as tea in the afternoon, Saturday afternoon ice cream and Sunday evening popcorn.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Green is survived by two sons, Mike (Amy) Green of Battle Creek and Rob (Dawn) Green of Homer; two daughters, Jena (Brian) Burke of Homer and Deana (Max) Troutner of Florida; 10 grandchildren; her mother, Eleanor Dehn of Lansing; and a sister, Cheryl (Dick) McMann of Dimondale.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services were Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Homer, with the Rev. Tim Marvil officiating. Burial will be in Homer’s Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Homer or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Home.
Funeral arrangements were made by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion.

Jerry E. Bronson
Jerry E. Bronson of Gillette, Wyoming, and formerly of Homer, died February 16, 2012, at his home after a long illness.
Mr. Bronson was born August 4, 1948, in Homer, to Robert “Bob” and June Bronson. He attended Homer Schools and worked in local foundries until moving to Wyoming in 1989.
Survivors include his wife, Theresa; four daughters, Renee, Sandy, Dawn and Carrie; two sons, Jeff and David; numerous grandchildren; two sisters, Julie Waring, and Robin West of Homer; three brothers, Dennis and Joe of Golden Valley, Arizona, and Steve of Gillette.
A memorial service is scheduled for March 17 in Gillette.

February 29, 2012

Wayne A. Fillion
Wayne A. Fillion, 53, of Homer and formerly of Farmington Hills, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 22, 2012.
Mr. Fillion was born in 1958 to Lewis and Barbara (Mattson) Fillion in Redford. He married Brenda M. Ward in 1987, and she preceded him in death December 15, 2010.
Prior to the death of his wife, Mr. Fillion was a devoted and loving husband. He was self-employed as a carpet installer.
Mr. Fillion enjoyed golf, especially the Leon Draime golf outing; hunting; fishing; cutting wood; and playing cards.
Survivors include two daughters, Julie Fillion and Amber Fillion, both of Homer; his father, who resides in Farmington Hills; a sister, Sue (Larry) Compton of Shelby; three brothers, Rob (Debbie) Fillion of Mancelona, Lewis Fillion Jr. of Redford and Brad Fillion of Farmington Hills.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Fillion was preceded in death by his mother.
Funeral services were held Monday at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion, with Elder Richard Bertchinger officiating. Burial was to follow at Fisher Cemetery in Homer.
Memorial contributions are are suggested to donor’s choice.

Robert S. Osborn
Robert S. Osborn, 89, of Homer, died Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Tendercare of Marshall.
Mr. Osborn was born September 11, 1922, in Homer, to James H. and Margaret M. (Sharp) Osborn. He married Bertha M. Hull November 2, 1946, and she preceded him in death June 2, 2003.
Mr. Osborn served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a foreman at Union Steel for 39 years and a member of the Presbyterian Church in Homer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and was an avid Michigan State fan.
Survivors include three sons, Charles A. (Jacque) Osborn of Coldwater, and Linn B. (Barb) Osborn and Robert E. (Sue) Osborn, both of Homer; six grandchildren, George (Aimee) Osborn, Meagan Osborn, Joann Osborn, Caitlin Osborn, Steve Osborn and Stephanie Osborn; a great-grandson, Kyle; and a sister, Marion Thurow of Marshall.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Osborn was preceded in death by a son, Stephen; and two sisters, Mary Lou Klingaman and Geraldine Peabody.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, with George Osborn officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Charot-Marie-Tooth Association is available at the funeral home.

Douglas L. Frederick
Douglas L. Frederick, 52, of Hernando, Florida, and formerly of Homer, died Thursday, February 23, 2012, in Hernando.
Mr. Frederick was born January 12, 1960, in Marshall, to Melvin L. and Ruth Ann (Smith) Frederick.
Mr. Frederick enjoyed working and was a demolition technician in the construction industry. He enjoyed fishing, riding his motorcycle and collecting antiques.
Survivors include a daughter, Latisha Fey; his mother, who resides in Inverness, Florida; three sisters, Dawn (Ed) Finch and Diana (Fred) Loud, both of Homer, and Deborah (James) Oldfield of Sorrento, Florida; special friends Marie Tenaglio and Sabrina DeMott; eight nieces and nephews; and six great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father March 11, 1989.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, with the Rev. Tim Marvil officiating. Burial was to follow at Cook’s Prairie Cemetery in Clarendon Township.
Assistance with memorial contributions to Homer Boy Scout Troop #156 is available at the funeral home.

March 7, 2012

Clifford Frazier
Clifford Frazier, age 81, of Homer, passed away Monday, February 27, 2012, at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He was born in 1930 to Wade and Melissie Frazier in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
Clifford is survived by his wife, Myrtle Frazier of Albion; three daughters, Carol A. Frazier or Pebbles, North Carolina, Joan R. McGillems of Havelock, North Carolina, and Celia M. Bissonette of Tacoma, Washington; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rita Miller of Charleston, South Carolina; and three brothers, Willard Frazier of Albion, Bill Frazier of Three Rivers and Carl Frazier of Battle Creek.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Maxine R. Cooley; sons, Clifford GW and Rex Allen; sisters, Oraly and Ellerie; and brothers Kenny, Clyde and Homer.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A graveside service was scheduled to take place Saturday at the Cook’s Prairie Cemetery in Clarendon Township.
The J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion handled the arrangements.

Alex Scott Fleming
Alex Scott Fleming, age 56, of West Frankfort, Illinois, formerly of Albion, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2012, at his residence. He was born in 1955 to George and Carol Fleming in Albion, Michigan.
Alex was a graduate of Homer High School. He was an avid fisherman, a supporter of the Homer Lake and was a coin collector.
Alex is survived by a son, Alex S. Fleming Jr. of Illinois; four sisters, Sue (Ken) Blight of Albion, Georgia Fleming of New York, Beth (Phillip) Brown of Florida and April Rodesiller of Kentucky; and a brother, Terry L. Fleming of Homer.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at a later date in June.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude’s is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion.

Gerald R. Rockwell
Gerald R. Rockwell, age 68, of Homer, passed away Friday, March 2, 2012, at his residence. He was born in 1943 to Thomas W. and Lilah Rockwell in Homer, Michigan. In 1961, he married Kay Rose who survives.
Gerald loved spending time with friends and family, his pride and joy being his boys. He also loved Houghton Lake, hunting and watching John Wayne movies with his little dog Josie in his favorite chair.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Kay Rockwell of Homer; sons, Mark Rockwell, Todd (Tammy) Rockwell, Scott (Jeanette) Rockwell and Jamie (Dee Burrows) Rockwell, all of Homer; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Lindsey, Bell, Louis, Irene, Bernadine and DeWayne.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 5, 2012, at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, with Pastor Al Hensen officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Homer Township, Michigan.
Assistance with memorial contributions to Ronald McDonald House is available at the funeral home.

March 14, 2012

Carl H. Mattice
Carl H. Mattice, 68, of Homer, passed away Sunday March 4, 2012, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was born March 28, 1943, in Horton, Michigan, to Roy and Gertrude (Petkey) Mattice. He was married to Susan Baker and that marriage ended in divorce and he later married Darcy Groesbeck in January of 1982 and she survives.
He has been a Hanover-Horton resident for most of his life. He worked for the railroad in Jackson, and then worked for Hayes-Albion in Jackson for 34 years in machine repair until its closing. He later worked for a security company based out of Kalamazoo during his semi-retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, camping, his kids and grandchildren.
Besides his wife Darcy of Homer, he is survived by  daughter Lori (Garvel) Owens of Marcellus; sons, Lynn (Lisa) Mattice of Durand, Herb (Ronda) Masters of Marshall, Brian (Penelope) Mattice of Indiana and Chris (Tsana) Mattice of Homer; sisters, Betty Urban of Nevada and Mary Worth of Concord;  brother Dorwin (Patty) Mattice of Hanover; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents;  brothers, Dayton, Everton and Jim Mattice; and sisters, Evelyn Taylor, Louise Mattice and Carol Mattice.
Visitation for family and friends was Thursday at the Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Albion. Funeral services were Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Earl Martin, the Rev. Garvel Owens and the Rev. Tod Masters officiating.
According to his wishes, cremation will follow the services and the cremains will be interred at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the family toward funeral expenses is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224.

Wanda E. Evans
Wanda E. Evans, 91, of Litchfield, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2012, at home. She was born March 5, 1921, in Toledo, Ohio, to Edward and Doris (McBain) Whalton.
Wanda graduated from North Adams High School and had worked at Don’s Supermarket in Litchfield and the Litchfield State Savings Bank. She belonged to the Litchfield Congregational Church and was a very active member of the Litchfield Rebekah Lodge #134, serving as their Noble Grand, Vice-Noble Grand, treasurer and secretary. She was a member and past Grand Matriarch of the Grand Ladies Encampment Auxiliary of Michigan, a member of the Patriarchs Militant Auxiliary and she received the Declaration of Chivalry from the Michigan Rebekah Lodge.
On May 17, 1941, she married John A. Evans, and he preceded her in death in 1999.
Survivors include three sons, Robert (Ginger) Evans of The Woodlands, Texas, Thomas (Maudie) Evans of The Woodlands, Texas, and Donald (Lyle) Evans of Houston, Texas; a sister, Gloria Breining of Michigan; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 16, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield, with the Rev. Michael Murray officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Litchfield. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 4-7 p.m., including a Rebekah service at 6 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Litchfield Congregational Church.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com.

March 21, 2012 - No Obituaries

March 28, 2012

Arlene Joyce Rose
Arlene Joyce Rose of Hemet, California, passed away February 29, 2012. She was born February 28, 1932, in Albion, Michigan, to Harry and Margaret Radee.
Arlene graduated from Homer High School in 1950. She loved to travel, dance and always tried to be a bowler. She worked for 40 years and retired from Bank of America.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Scott Rose; her husband of 54 years, Willard (Bill) Rose; and her sister, Marjorie Wellington of Jackson, Michigan.
She is survived by her son, Steven (Margie) Rose of Corning, New York; her sister, Shirley Winchell (Elden) of Homer, Michigan; two brothers, Wayne Radee and Harry Radee (Rena) of Dessert Hot Springs, California.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Pierce Brothers in Westlake Village, California.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to an organization of choice.
Services were entrusted to McWane Family Funeral Home. (w/photo)

April 4, 2012

Arlene Mae (Zachow) Taylor
Arlene Mae (Zachow) Taylor, 90, of Homer, Michigan, passed away Friday, March 30, 2012, at Tendercare in Marshall, Michigan. She was born in 1921 in Litchfield, Michigan, to Charles and Ethel Zachow. In 1939 she married Roland Taylor, who preceded her in death in 1991.
Arlene graduated from Litchfield High School in 1935. She worked at the Gale Manufacturing Company. She also worked for 25 years at Felpausch Food Center in Albion, Michigan. She enjoyed all of her family very much. She loved helping her husband on the farm and traveling with him.
She is survived by a son, Robert (Ruth) Taylor of Homer; two grandsons, Robert (Annette) Taylor and Jeff Taylor, both of Homer; four great-grandchildren, Heather Taylor, Ashley Taylor, Tanner Taylor and Tyler Taylor, all of Homer; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Roland, as well as a brother, Victor Zachow.
Visitation was held Monday at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive in Albion. The funeral service was held Tuesday, April 3, at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Homer.

April 11, 2012 - No Obituaries

April 18, 2012

Kenneth N. Hoyt Sr.
Kenneth N. Hoyt Sr., 59, of Homer, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at his home. He was born in 1952 to Kenneth E. and Mable M. Hoyt in Coldwater, Michigan. In 1970, he married Ruth Miller, who survives.
Kenneth was a farmer with Hemminger Farms in Allen, Michigan. He was a member of the American Hunt Club and he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching old western movies.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Ruth Hoyt of Homer; sons Kenneth (Melissa) Hoyt Jr. of Marshall and David (Amanda) Hoyt of Homer; six grandchildren; his father, Kenneth Hoyt of Allen; and a brother, Roger Hoyt of Allen. He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 13, 2012, at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224, with Pastor Earl Gear and Travis Moore officiating. Visitation for family and friends was held Thursday, April 12, at the funeral home. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice is available at the funeral home.

April 25, 2012

Don E. Steffe
Don E. Steffe of El Cajon, California, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the Stanford Court Nursing Center with his beloved wife Donna at his side. Don and Donna were married for 66 years. Don would have been 88 years old on May 31, 2012.
Don was born on May 31, 1924, in Butler, Indiana, where he attended Butler High School and met his wife-to-be. Don grew up hanging out with friends, playing sports and helping his dad manage a family-owned grocery store. Don was always working; he loved his family, church, airplanes, tinkering in the garage and any sport with a ball. 
Don was a lifetime member of the Methodist church, most recently a member of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church. Don loved being active in the church as a frequent greeter and usher.
The day after high school graduation in 1942, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a World War II pilot flying B-24 bombers over Europe with the 8th Air Force Squadron flying supplies to the underground in Denmark and Norway. He flew a total of 13 missions and had in his command up to 18 other servicemen. They were known as the “Carpetbaggers.”
Airplanes and flying were always something Don admired and revered. There were always model airplanes and pictures throughout the house including multiple B-24s and the Stearman biplane, which Don trained in during his first year in the war. His unit and personal gear had been shipped to the South Pacific for his next assignment, but while Don was at home on leave the war ended. He was discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant/Flight Officer.
Upon returning home to Butler, he married Donna Olds and started college. He attended Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana, graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in aeronautical engineering and a BS degree in administrative engineering.
From 1950-1961 Don worked for the Gametime Corporation in Litchfield. Don moved the family to San Diego in 1961 and worked at General Dynamics as a quality control engineer.
In 1967, Don moved the family to San Jose, where he worked at Lockheed Missile and Space Corporation as a quality control engineer with a high security clearance. Don spent the next 25 years working in the “Black Hole” on top-secret projects including the Trident missile and the Stealth Bomber. Don retired in 1992 and returned to San Diego in 1998.
Don was the youngest of three children and is preceded in death by his two sisters, Wanda Hafner and Berdina Mann. Don is survived by his children Terrie Jo (Dr. James) Harrell, Peggy Jean (Ernest) Hintz, Jayne Louise Steffe and Joseph Don Steffe. His daughter Jacque Ann Siemers preceded her father in death in 1995.
Don was a very proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Shannon Dusek, Zachariah Siemers, Rachel Siemers, Scott Cameron, Tori Steffe and Tyler Steffe. Don was also the great-grandfather to 12 children.
A memorial service is planned for Monday, April 30, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941-5595. 
Burial will take place in Don’s hometown of Butler. (w/photo)

May 2, 2012

Howard John Sherman
Howard John Sherman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and a true frontiersman, peacefully crossed over his last frontier Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 76.
Howard was a man with a love and fascination for the American frontier and worked and lived much of his life at its edges, whether on Alaska’s north slope or in the American Sonoran Desert of Arizona.
He was born January 7, 1936, in Ann Arbor, to Florence and Warren Sherman. Second of three children, Howard looked up with respect to his older brother, William “Bill” Sherman, and was big brother to his little sister, Mary Sjoberg (Sherman).
Growing up in Ann Arbor, Howard watched many a free Michigan Wolverine football game, using what would become his signature - ingenuity and an independent streak: he never bought a ticket but instead climbed the fence.
After graduating from Ann Arbor High School, Howard attended the cross-state rival Michigan State University in Lansing, where he studied animal husbandry, with an eye to helping with the family farm in Homer.
After college, Howard moved to Homer, the long-time site of his family’s farm and Sherman Orchards. He was married and his three children, Steve, Jeff and Jean were born and all three are current Homer residents. While in Homer, Howard discovered his passion for surveying, a career that would lead him away from Michigan to California, Nevada and Alaska.
In Alaska, Howard worked for more than a decade on one of the greatest engineering projects in history, the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, from the settling of Native claims to building roads through the environmentally sensitive tundra - Howard’s time on this great frontier and his participation in such an endeavor was something that he would take pride in for the rest of his life.
The most life-changing event on the pipeline project for Howard, however, was when he met the love of the rest of his life. He married Mary Sherman in Mexico in 1987. She survives. Howard and Mary lived in Southern California until they finally settled in their home in Scottsdale.
In addition to his wife, Howard is also survived by his son, Steve Sherman and Steve’s wife, Babby; his son Jeff Sherman and wife Carol; his daughter Jean Boulis and her husband Mike; along with his stepson, Bryan De Witt and wife Roxanne and their daughters Heidi and Brandi.
Howard will be remembered by his nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. From Homer: Dusty Sherman and his wife Dani and daughter Maria; Derek Sherman and his wife Adrianne and son Harper; Kevin Sherman, Barbara and Thalia Sherman, Preston and Jordan Sherman, along with Brandi Bowser and daughter DaNel; and Brooks Bowser.
Howard will be greatly missed by Mary’s children, Shelley Miller and husband Mark, Stacey Hebrard and spouse Jay Bigler, Chris Fitzgerald and his wife Honore Comfort, and daughter-in-law Laurie Noon and her husband Steve. And he was a loving grandfather to Mary’s grandchildren and they already miss him greatly, including Daniel Fitzgerald and fiance Barbara Rodriguez, Matthew Miller, Emily Uzelac and her husband Brad, Rachel Wycoff and her husband Isaiah, Ellie Mullins and her husband Pat, and Tarra Hebrard and husband Anthony Rodriguez.
A celebration of Howard’s life for friends and family will be held at his home in Scottsdale  Sunday, May 6. A Memorial Service in Homer is being planned by Howard’s children and will be announced in the coming days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley of Scottsdale or the Homer Area Community Foundation.

Tressa Laurene Thorp Betz
Tressa Laurene Thorp Betz was born September 6, 1917, to Harry and Pearl Thorp in Eaton County, Michigan. She died April 25, 2012, at the Shaffer AFC home with the loving care of her children and under the direction of hospice. She was preceded in death by her husband Owen Betz, her brother William, her sister Lilah (Thorp) Galloway and two granddaughters. She is survived by her seven daughters, Dorothy (Gaylord) Krumvede, Joan Stallworth, Rosalyn (Don) Holmes, Carrol (Dan) Rogers, Jean (Larry) Willis, Katherine (Paul) Edelman, Beverly (Don) Hatch, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Owen and Laurene were married October 31,1934, in Angola, Indiana. In 1945, they moved their family to the farm in Marshall, where they continued to raise their children and farm.
Owen and Laurene have primarily resided at this same location until his death April 16, 2009. They had also lived in Ironwood, Michigan, for four years and wintered in Florida for a number of years. Because of her health, after the death of her husband she moved to the Shaffer home where she could receive the loving care she needed.
Laurene, together with Owen, was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on January 25,1969, in Battle Creek and remained active in the various congregations in which they were privileged to serve.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 327 Jonesville Road in Coldwater.
Memorial contributions may be made to Coldwater Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Visit www.gillespiefh.com to leave a message or condolences to the family.

May 9, 2012 - No Obituaries

May 16, 2012

Dorothy M. Kellogg
Dorothy M. Kellogg, 92, of Homer, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2012, at Countryside Care Center in Jackson, Michigan. She was born in 1919 to Frank and Myrtle Pittelkow in Albion. In 1938 she married Glenn A. Kellogg who preceded her in death in 1988.
Dorothy had worked for Corning Glass for 11 years then for Woodland Metal Products. She was a school bus driver for the Homer school system for 17 years until her retirement in 1982. She enjoyed square dancing with the M-99ers, traveling, National Campers & Hikers, delivering flowers for Pat’s Flowers & Gifts and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albion.
Dorothy is survived by a daughter, Pat (Butch) Lons of Homer; a son, Robert (Roberta) Kellogg of Jackson; four grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters Gladys Wirebaugh, Mildred Smith and Myrtle Anderson.
Visitation and funeral services were held May 9 at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, with the Rev. Michael Geml officiating. Burial was at Albion Memorial Gardens in Albion.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the donor’s choice is available at the funeral home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion.

Loretta May Marble
Loretta May Marble, 72, of Quincy, formerly of Sherwood, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 11, 2012, at her home, after fighting months of melanoma cancer.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, with Reverends Terry and Sherry Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be today (Wednesday) from 4-8 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Loretta was born May 3, 1940, in LaGrange, Indiana, to Ernest and Minnie (Bradley) Miller. She married Richard Marble May 24, 1958, for 32 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed traveling and riding motorcycles before they divorced in 1990. He preceded her death in January 2004.
Mrs. Marble attended the Sherwood Free Methodist Church. She was a consultant for Artex and was inducted into the $1 million club, eventually becoming a manager. Loretta loved to take care of others.  She owned and operated an adult foster care home in Sherwood for 32 years, before moving to Quincy in 1992, where she and her daughter Suzette operated Whispering Pines Adult Foster Care for 14 years. In 2002, Loretta moved to Galesburg to start yet another home called Knott’s Landing, until her retirement in 2007, coming back to Quincy.
Loretta loved and enjoyed her crafts. She loved traveling, especially with her dear friend and daughter’s godmother Anna Nagel. Loretta enjoyed canning and was a great cook. Most of all, she loved her family and was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren.
Loretta is survived by her sons Terry Marble and fiance Kim Moore of Quincy, her daughters Kelly (Dale) Slack of Coldwater, Suzette (Steve) Burns of Litchfield, her stepdaughter Shawn (Littlejohn) Carpenter of Battle Creek, her grandchildren Terrance Marble of Quincy, Chancey, Codey and Zachariah Slack of Coldwater, Ashley, Romaine and Solvilla Kauffman of Quincy, Ahleah Knott of Litchfield,  four great-grandchildren, her brothers Raymond Miller, Mitchell Miller, Jerry Miller, James Miller all of Sherwood,  Donald Miller of Georgia, Bobby Miller of Mendon, her sisters Sharon Robbins of Sherwood and Penny  Cook of Quincy.
In addition to her former husband, Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Orville and Billy Miller.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family for funeral expenses; c/o Suzette Burns, P.O. Box 13, Litchfield, MI 49252-0013. (w/photo)

Gale L. Jenkins
Gale L. Jenkins, 75, of Tekonsha, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012, in Marshall. Gale was born September 12, 1936, in Tekonsha to Joseph E. and Marguerite N. (Cameron) Jenkins.
Gale grew up in Tekonsha and graduated from Tekonsha High School in 1954. He married Judith E. Martinson July 3, 1959, in Tekonsha. She survives.
Gale went to work for Keep and Martinson Lumber Yard in 1959. That business was established in 1875. He eventually became the owner and operator of the business that he loved. Gale was a former fire chief and was a member of the Tekonsha Township Fire Board.
He was a member of the Tekonsha Village Council, a former school board member, a member of the Tekonsha Lions Club and a member of the Union Church United Church of Christ where he served on the church council as building and grounds chairman. Gale loved his town of Tekonsha, the Michigan State Spartans, and all children, especially his grandchildren.
Gale is survived by his wife Judy; two sons, Tim (Kris) Jenkins of Tekonsha and Tony (Jill) Jenkins of Traverse City; and five grandchildren, Katie and Connor Jenkins and Emily, Maggie and Lily Jenkins. Surviving also are sisters-in-law Lynne (Doug) Kane, Kay (Jim) Cherry and Peggy Campbell, and many wonderful friends and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Gloria Ivey and brothers-in-law Jim Campbell and Bud Ivey.
Visitation was Monday at Putnam’s Funeral Home of Tekonsha. Services were Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at the Union Church United Church of Christ. Pastor Barbara Pryor officiated. Interment followed at the Riverside Cemetery in Tekonsha.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Union Church or the Tekonsha High School Athletic Department. Those interested can leave an online tribute by visiting www.putnamfuneralhome.com. The family was assisted by Putnam’s of Tekonsha.

May 23, 2012

Lydia A. (Hakes) Smith
Lydia A. (Hakes) Smith, 57, of Homer, was born in 1954 to Milton and Ula Hakes in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She died May 13, 2012, at her home surrounded by family and friends.
Memorial services were held Saturday at the West Eckford Missionary Church in Marshall.

May 30, 2012

Bernard “Larrey” Gorsline
Bernard “Larrey” Gorsline, 71, of Homer, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan.  He was born in 1940 to Bernard and Gladys Gorsline in Albion, Michigan. He married Carol Adams who survives.
Larrey was a commercial truck driver retiring after 42 years of hauling grain, he hauled paper for Graff Trucking in Kalamazoo. He was a member of the N.R.A., AARP and he enjoyed puzzles, models, CB radios and yard work.
Larrey is survived by his wife, Carol Gorsline of Homer; daughters, Laura Tackett of Homer and Sue Leeper of Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Ryan Tackett, Mallory Tackett, Angela Meter, USMC Sgt. Anthony (Melissa) Meter and Corey McGaha; and one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Meter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald, sister Shirlee and daughter Cynthia Gorsline.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation.
A graveside service was held Saturday at Fairview Cemetery,  Homer, with the Rev. Bill Cole officiating.
Assistance with memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion.

June 6, 2012

Callie Steele
Callie Steele, age 87 of Homer, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Bronson Battle Creek. She was born in 1924 to Harris and Millie Hackworth in Garrett, Kentucky. In 1946 she married Paul W. Steele  who preceded her in death April 5, 1993.
Callie worked for Huston Farms and Lynn Farms for several years in the produce. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and she also enjoyed gardening and embroidering.
Callie is survived by a daughter, Kathy (Joe) Bronson of Arizona; a son, William (Pam) Steele of Marshall; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Eunce Prater of Kentucky; a brother, Delbert Hackworth of Homer; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Pauline Hill; an infant son, Paul Lee; a son, Dennis Steele; a sister, Evline McComber; and a grandson, Greg Steele.
Graveside services were held May 30 at Fairview Cemetery, Homer, Michigan, with Pastor Tim Marvil officiating.      
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Arthritis Foundation is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion. (w/photo)

Howard Sherman
A service for Howard John Sherman, formerly of Homer, will take place Friday, June 8, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Homer Presbyterian Church. Sherman passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley of Scottsdale or the Homer Area Community Foundation. 

Howard H. “Hod” Warner
Howard H. “Hod” Warner, age 89, of Homer, Michigan, passed away Friday, June 1, 2012, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall due to cardiac arrest. Mr. Warner was born in 1923 in Homer, the son of Vernon and Lula Warner.
He was wounded in the service while he served in the Army during World War II. He  was a member of the Homer VFW Post. 
He was united in marriage to the love of his life Ida Walter in 1952. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, they enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends in northern Michigan. He retired from McGraw Edison in Albion.
Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and six step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ida, six sisters and two brothers.
Visitation for family and friends was Monday, June 4, at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield. Funeral services were Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Tim Marvel officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Homer, Michigan.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Calhoun Humane Society or Leader Dogs For the Blind, 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester, MI, 48307.

June 13, 2012 - No Obituaries

June 20, 2012

Maxine M. Taber
Maxine M. Taber, age 84, of Springport, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2012, at her residence. She was born in 1927 to Fred and Bernice Easton in Homer, Michigan. In 1951, she married Milton “Bud” Taber who preceded her in death in 2003.
Before she was married she worked for Federal Mogul in Coldwater for five years. Maxine was a homemaker most of her life, for a short time she worked as a custodian for Springport High School. She was a “Special Grandma” to many children she cared for through the years.
She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking (apple and cherry pies and sugar cookies), for which she had received more than 300 blue ribbons from the Jackson County Fair, and especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren.
Maxine is survived by daughters, Christin (Sherry) Taber of Boston, Luann (Greg Smith) Pesonen of Denver, Carol Taber of Springport, Brenda (Brent) Roy of Mt. Pleasant, Linda (Paul) Kleinschmit of California, Susan Taber of California and Stephanie (Michael) Forner of Jackson; sons, Bill (Christi) Taber of Colorado and Todd Taber (Marie Mullins) of Springport, 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Purucker of Albion, Beverly Easton of Albion and Marlene Semon of Homer.
In addition to her husband, Maxine was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Easton, and a grandson Jon Roy.
Visitation was Friday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion. Funeral service were Saturday, June 16, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Melissa Claxton officiating. Burial was at Springport Cemetery in Springport. 
Assistance with memorial contributions to the American Kidney Foundation is available at the funeral home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, 49224.

Michael S. Caudill
Michael S. Caudill, age 38, of Tekonsha, passed away suddenly due to an auto accident Friday, June 15, 2012, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born in 1973 to Richard and Carol Caudill in Albion. In 2002, he married Amanda Reynolds who survives.
Michael was a milk hauler for A&A Trucking in Marshall. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his kids watching Tiger’s baseball.
Michael is survived by his wife, Amanda Caudill of Tekonsha; a daughter, Alexis; a son, Hunter; his mother, Carol James Helton of Homer; his father, Richard (Patty) Caudill of Elkin, North Carolina; sisters, Lori Immonen of Homer, Jen (John) Welcome of Yadkinville, North Carolina, Kim (Benny) Bullard of Roaring River, North  Carolina, and Angel Slone of Homer; his grandmother, Helen Benham; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother Jason, maternal grandparents Monroe and Noma Patrick, and paternal grandparents R.B and Lizzie Caudill.
Visitation for family and friends was Tuesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan. Funeral Service will be today, Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Abe Prater officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the family is available at the funeral home.

Howard H. Huffman
Howard H. Huffman, age 90, of Homer, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Emerald Forrest Adult Foster Care in Marshall, Michigan. He was born in 1921 to Palmer B. and Elsie Huffman in Perrysburg, Ohio. In 1943, he married Rachel Huston who preceded him in death in 2008.
Howard was self-employed as a produce farmer from 1945 to present, and he also had taught at Homer High School. He was a WWII Veteran in the Army Air Corp as a pilot instructor.
He was a member of the Homer Presbyterian Church, Farm Bureau, Potatoes & Onions Growers Association, contributor of Michigan Food Bank, enjoyed watching his family playing basketball, and enjoyed music. He was very civic orientated.
Howard is survived by a daughter, Jana (Doug Hath) Kurrle of Owosso; sons, Alan (Corlinda) Huffman of Homer, Damon Huffman of Flushing, Kevin (Debra) Huffman of Marshall and Jaimie (Alma) Huffman of Texas; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Peterson of New Mexico; and sister-in-law, Sarah Huffman of Ohio.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan.
A funeral service will be Friday, June 22, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 309 S. Sophia Street in Homer, with Pastor Tim Marvil officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. 
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan is available at the funeral home. (w/photo)

June 27, 2012

Marilyn Douglas
Marilyn Douglas will be laid to rest Friday, July 6, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. All friends and family are welcomed for a short service by the Rev. Tim Marvil and a small service from the Eastern Star Association.

Donald Mathew Johnson II
Donald Mathew Johnson II, 62, of Homer, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012. at home. He was born October 8, 1949, in Toledo Ohio, the son of Richard and Marjorie (Beaver) Johnson.  
He graduated from Addison High School in 1968 and served in the U.S. Marine Corp in Vietnam from 1968-1970. Don received three Purple Heart Medals for wounds suffered during the conflict.
He had been a corrections officer at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater for 20 years. He had also been a police officer in Litchfield, Albion and Somerset and was still an active officer in Homer.
Don was a firearms instructor and a sharpshooter in competition events. He belonged to the Homer VFW Post #9411, the Grey Dragon Motorcycle Club where he was Sergeant at Arms and he also enjoyed bowling, pitching horseshoes, muscle cars, being a handyman and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Mary (Burroughs) Johnson, whom he married February 28, 1970; a daughter, Amy Johnson Morgan of Boca Raton, Florida; a son, Don Johnson III of Homer; two sisters, Adrian (Robert) McFate of North Adams and Cheryl (David) Rogers of Manitou Beach; two brothers, Richard Johnson of Jerome and Johnny (Laura) Gean of Hanover; and three grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Alayzia Johnson, Keyaera Morgan and Mavrick Johnson.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel, Litchfield, with Pastor Brent Stille officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials to Don’s family would be appreciated.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com. (w/photo)

Betty E. Mulkey
Betty E. Mulkey, age 79, of Homer, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012, at her daughters home in Charlotte, Michigan. She was born in 1933 to Soloman and Violet Reynolds in Albion, Michigan.
She married Melvin Powers who proceeded her in death in 1989. In 1993 she married Bob Mulkey, who preceded her in death in 2003.
Betty was a clerk at Cornwell Turkey Farm where she ran the candy shop for five years, then she went to work for the Pickle Factory in Eaton Rapids. She was a member of the Silver Beach, Duck Lake for several years. She enjoyed farming and arts and crafts.
Betty is survived by daughters, Joan Holton of Charlotte and Janice Powers of Charlotte; two grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, John Reynolds of Texas, David Reynolds of Olivet and Harley Reynolds and Kenneth Reynolds, both of Homer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, a brother Elmer, a sister Jadaenne Studer; and her grandparents Eddie Gleason and Casey Caswell.
Visitation for family and friends was scheduled for Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive in Albion. Funeral services will be Wednesday (today) at 11 a.m. at Riverside Baptist Church, 25255 E M-60, Homer, Michigan, with Pastor Jimmy Collins officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Concord Township.
Assistance with memorial contributions to Riverside Baptist Church is available at the funeral home.

July 4, 2012

LeRoy Densmore Iles
LeRoy Densmore Iles, 83, of Moscow Township, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at home.  He was born December 8, 1928, in Allen, Michigan, the son of J.B. and Alice (Densmore) Iles.
LeRoy graduated from Litchfield High School in 1946 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was a farmer and had retired from Stocks Mill. A longtime member and deacon of the South Litchfield Baptist Church, he was also a member of the NRA, and had been active with area 4-H clubs.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn (Warner) Iles, whom he married June 9, 1956; three children, Randy (Sherrie) Iles of Allen, Pam (Dave) Cutchall of Jonesville and Rhonda (Charlie) Sauber of Clark Lake; two sisters, Lois (Keith) Kelly of Pontiac and Doris (Rodney Wright) of Hillsdale; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Hoff and Patricia Trall; and a son, Jeffery Iles.
Funeral services were held Monday at the South Litchfield Baptist Church, with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating. Interment followed in Allen Cemetery. 
Memorials may be made to South Litchfield Baptist Church or Hospice of Hillsdale.
Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield handled the arrangements.
To view this obituary or send online condolences www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com.

July 11, 2012

Jack G. Swope
Jack G. Swope, 79, of St. Ignace, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, June 27, 2012, surrounded by a loving family following a lingering illness. He was born February 9,1933, in Clarendon, to Ren and Marjorie (Gea) Swope.
He graduated from  Homer  High School in 1950. He and his wife Bev moved to St. Ignace from Homer in 1977. Jack owned Rennco Packaging Co., employing over a hundred people, after developing the machine to package everything in plastic. He showed the machine in 1969 at Cobo Hall, and marketed and sold it world-wide and  sold Rennco in April, 2000.
In 1987, he purchased the Budget Host Inn in St. Ignace and owned it until 1995, selling to his son, David and his wife Lisa. Jack was very active in the community and state tourism; was a member of the board of directors of the 1st National Bank of St. Ignace; former member of UPTRA Board; State of Michigan Tourism Board; School board in both Homer and St. Ignace;  was Citizen of the Year in 1995 in St. Ignace; formerly owned the Radio Shack on State Street in St. Ignace and purchased the Marina Pub.
He loved to hunt and made several trips to Africa, and also Canada and South Dakota. He was en excellent skeet shooter, even though he had one eye, a loss since childhood. Jack also loved to fish, but hunting was his favorite pastime.
He was a member of St. Ignace Sportmans Club; Ducks Unlimited, and Rough Grouse Society; and Mackinac Straits Shooters Association. He will be missed in St. Ignace, and was always doing something to promote tourism in the community.
He was an active member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and a member of the finance committee.
December 4,1970, he married Beverly Gregg in Homer, and she survives. Other survivors include one son, David T. (Lisa) Swope of St. Ignace; two grandchildren, Corey and Chelsea; three brothers, Ren and Gerry Swope of West Bloomfield, David M. Swope and Stan (Judy) Swope, both of Homer; a sister, Mary (George) Eros of Howell;  and father-in-law Bob Gregg of St. Ignace.
Parish prayers were held Thursday, June 28, with Fr. Pawel Mecwel officiating. Mass of Christian burial was held Friday, June 29, at St. Ignatius Church, with Fr. Mecwel officiating. Burial was in St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Mackinac Straits Health System Oncology or St. Ignace Area Community Foundation with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home, 240 McCann St., St, Ignace, MI 49781.

July 18, 2012

Merlin Coburn
Merlin Coburn, 62, of Albion, passed away Monday, July 9, 2012, at his residence. He was born in Salyersville, Kentucky, in 1950 to Amos and Rebecca Coburn. In 1993 he married Joyce Oliphant, who survives.
Merlin was a lifelong resident of Albion and Homer. He worked as a core setter with Hayes Albion for 25 years. He was also a union representative for the AFL-CIO.
He loved country music and collecting clocks, watches and lava lamps. Merlin loved sports, his cat, bird watching, yard sales and keeping up on current events. Merlin was a member of the Moose and Eagles Lodge in Albion.
In addition to his wife, Merlin is survived by two daughters, Shawn (Chris) Peters and Tina (Kenneth) Walter, both of Homer; a stepdaughter, Crystal Combs of Tennessee; two sons, Merl (Jerri) Coburn of Homer and Mike (Trina) Coburn of Concord; a stepson, Michael (Missy) Combs of Georgia; five sisters, Sue (Bill) Blair of Concord, Dixie (Harris) Back of Eckford, Beatrice (Chester) Calhoun of Homer, Marietta (Fred) Shepherd of Homer and Delma Blount of Hillsdale; a brother, Earlin (Cathy) Coburn of Arizona; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Florine Tackett; two brothers, Berl and Hagar; and three sisters, Mary Watkins, Betty Blasingim and Virginia McKegue.
A graveside service was held July 13 at Albion Memory Gardens in Albion Township, with Pastor Jimmy Collins officiating.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Riverside Baptist Church is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion.

Richard Carlton Curey
Richard Carlton Curey, 88, of Litchfield, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012, at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born February 29, 1924, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, to Rex and Olive (Swope) Curey and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1942. Dick was a farmer and a former member of the Litchfield IOOF.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline (Ochsenrider) Curey, whom he married December 27, 1980; two sons, Steve (Connie) Curey and Stanley (Lora) Curey, both of Litchfield; five stepsons; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 19 step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Levi and Ransom Curey; two sisters, Pauline Lambright and Ruth Lent; and two sons, Scott and Sidney Curey.
A graveside service was held Tuesday at Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield, with the Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating.  There was no visitation.
Memorials are suggested to the Litchfield District Library.
Arrangements were entrusted to Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

July 25, 2012

Marilyn J. Gillis
Marilyn J. Gillis, 74, of Albion, passed away Monday, July 16, 2012, at Marshall Nursing and Rehabilitation. Marilyn was born in Gary, Indiana, to Barney and Genevieve Markley.
In addition to raising a family, Marilyn was bookkeeper for many years for the Best Western Hotel. She was a former member at the Eagles and Moose lodges, enjoyed her grandchildren, puzzles, NASCAR, knitting and cats. Marilyn was also an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed the Green Bay Packers.
She is survived by a son, Ed  Wezor Jr. of  Albion; daughters,          Doreen (Edward) Jarosz, Dorothy (Tom) Carver and Deborah (Larry) Maynard, all of Albion; stepsons, David (Amy) Gillis and John (Paulette) Gillis, both of Homer, and Ron (Penny) Gillis of Tekonsha; sisters, Louella (Willie) McDonald of Tennessee, Nancy (Fred) Lewis of Illinois and Connie (Jim) Sherrick of Valparaiso, Indiana; brothers, Glen (Millie) Markley of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Patrick Markley  of Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Bernard Markley and a sister Evelyn Davis.
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society, American Heart Association and American Lung Association. Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.
Funeral arrangements were made by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion.

Dorotha V. Sackett
Dorotha V. Sackett passed away at the age of 94 Saturday, April 14, 2012, in Mesa, Arizona, with family by her side.
She was born in Quincy, Michigan, in 1917 and spent all of her life in the Homer area, except for the past five-and-one-half years. She graduated from Homer High School in 1935 and  went on to attend beauty school in Battle Creek. In 1937, she married Bill Sackett who preceded her in death.
Dorotha was a beautician in Homer for nearly 50 years and at one time had her own business. She also worked part-time for Tidd’s Funeral Home. She loved to sew and do crafts, cook, read, play cards and take trips to Arizona, Oklahoma and California to see grandchildren.
Dorotha is survived by a daughter, Sidnee (Jack) McKinney of Roseville, California; a son, Kent (Cindy) Sackett of Gilbert, Arizona; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Pat Smith of Litchfield; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, a daughter Suzanne Begley, a sister Kate Brooks and brothers JR and Pee Wee Smith.
A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Homer Methodist Church where she was a life member.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Homer Methodist Church is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion. (w/photo)

August 1, 2012

Dorotha V. Sackett
Due to incorrect information supplied to The Index, the date of Dorotha Sackett’s memorial service in the July 25 edition of the newspaper was incorrect. 
Sackett’s service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Homer Methodist Church where she was life member.
Sackett died Saturday, April 14, 2012, in Arizona.

August 8, 2012 - No Obituaries

August 15, 2012 - No Obituaries

August 22, 2012 - No Obituaries

August 29, 2012 - No Obituaries

September 5, 2012 - No Obituaries

September 12, 2012 - No Obituaries

September 19, 2012 - No Obituaries

September 26, 2012

Kenneth W. Pelfrey
Kenneth W. Pelfrey, age 49, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Albion, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012.
He was born in 1963 to David and Delores (Haines) Pelfrey in Albion, Michigan.
Kenneth had been a resident of Grand Rapids for the last 23 years. He was a general laborer for several automotive factories and he enjoyed hockey.
Kenneth is survived by his sons, Christopher Pelfrey, Bradley Pelfrey and Nolan Pelfrey, all of Grand Rapids; his mother Delores Pelfrey of Homer; sisters Joyce (Duane) Ferris of East Leroy and Dawn Pelfrey and Joe Delapas of Galesburg; brothers, Ronnie Pelfrey of Beaumont, Texas, David Pelfrey of Albion, Paul Pelfrey of Grand Rapids, Frank (Jan) Pelfrey of Holland, Brian Pelfrey of Grand Rapids and Jamie (Amy) Pelfrey of Albion.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation for family and friends was held Friday, September 21, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Erie Street Chapel of J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 208 West Erie Street, Albion, Michigan 49224. A memorial service was held Friday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeremy Williams officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Albion.

Wilfred J. Walsh
Wilfred J. “Knobby” Walsh, 92, of Spring Arbor and a former Litchfield-area resident, passed away Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Spring Arbor Manor Care Center. 
He was born March 5, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan, to John J. and Josephine (Fett) Walsh and served in the U. S. Army during WWII. He retired from  Gerber Products Company in Pennsylvania after many years of service.  
Knobby was a very active member of the Optimist Club of Jackson, serving as past president and many years as secretary/treasurer of the club. He also was a member of the Michigan District Optimist Past Governors Hall of Fame, the Michigan District Optimist Secretary/Treasurers Hall of Fame, and a life member of Optimist International, in addition to being the publisher and editor of the Michigan District Optimist newsletter for many years.
He married Virginia (Avery) Walsh January 25, 1954, and she preceded him in death in 1992.  
Survivors include several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret L. DeRosa.
Funeral services were held Monday at 1 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield, with the Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating.  Interment in Fairview Cemetery in Homer will be later.
Memorials are suggested to the Optimist Club of Jackson, 1300 W. North Street, Jackson, MI  49202.
To view this obituary or send online condolences, visit www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com.

Albert J. Rossman
Albert J. Rossman, 85, of Litchfield, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the Hillsdale County Medical Care Facility. He was born March 4, 1927, in Butler Township, Michigan, to Rex and Mabel (Hodges) Rossman. Albert was a dairy farmer and a member of the Farm Bureau. He also belonged to St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater.
He married Virginia V. (Anton) Rossman June 25, 1960, and she preceded him in death in 2009.
Survivors include a son, Mark (Melanie) Rossman of Litchfield; two grandchildren, Veronica and Shannon Rossman; and a brother, Wayman (Peggy) Rossman of Melbourne Beach, Florida.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Rex, M.L. and Dalton Rossman; and four sisters, Alberta Hollister, Thelma Butcher, Myrna Rossman and Ruth Stiglich.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater, with Dan Doctor officiating.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield.

October 3, 2012

Butch B. Ludwick
Butch B. Ludwick, 63, of Bronson, passed away Monday, September 24, 2012, at his home.
Visitation was Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Services were held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
To view this obituary, please visit www.dutcherfh.com.

October 10, 2012

Leroy Cortright
Leroy William Cortright, 85 of Homer, passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at Maplewood Assisted Living in Marshall, Michigan. He was born in 1926 to Howard and Freida Cortright in Eckford Township, Michigan. He was married to Nancy Norton in 1968 and she preceded him in death January 16, 2000. 
Leroy served his country during WWII with the U.S. Navy. He was a carpenter for 23 years with Murray Construction out of Battle Creek. He enjoyed Sunday night poker games, watching the PGA on television and woodworking. 
Leroy is survived by three daughters, Kathy (Fred) Howell of St. Cloud, Missouri, Beth (Jeff) Smith of Arizona and Lisa (Rob) Ridgeway of Homer; three sons, Mike (Mary) Cortright of Arizona, Eric Cortright of Homer and Tim (Melissa) Cortright of Marshall;
many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and former spouse Louise Butler of Arizona,
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a brother, Harold Cortright.
Visitation was held Sunday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion. Funeral services followed, with the Rev. Tim Marvil officiating.  Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Homer.
Assistance with Memorial Contributions to the Nancy Cortright Endowment Fund or Homer Area Community Foundation is available at the funeral home.

October 17, 2012

Valda Oresta Goodrich  (Henasy)
Just after her 97th birthday, Valda Oresta Henasy Goodrich was reunited with her husband Virgil Gleason Goodrich Wednesday, October 10, 2012. Valda was born to Frank and Cora Henasy September 1, 1915. 
She was proceeded in death by two younger sisters, Glenda and Letha, as well as her husband Virgil.
She is survived by two children, Blaine (Marilyn) Goodrich and Deanne (Edmund) Zyromski; as well as six grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Konichek, Laura (Jason) Covitz, Brett (Susannah) Zyromski, Steven Zyromski, Erin (John) Egan and Allison (Don) Montroy. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Taelor, Ashley, Ryan, Sean, James Calvin and Piper.
Valda spent her early years in the Marshall area on the family homestead where she had been born. She and Virgil were married May 30, 1936, in front of the lilac bushes at the family farm.  
She graduated from Marshall High School in 1932, from County Normal Teacher Preparation program in 1933 and started teaching that year in Curtis School. She continued to teach for several years in country schools, and finally ending with a 23 year stretch of teaching first grade and Title One reading in Homer.
When she retired, she and Virgil moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona, where he lost his fight with cancer in 1987. She stayed in Prescott Valley surrounded by friends until 1995, when she decided she needed to be closer to her family. She spent the next 10 years residing independently near Deanne six months a year and near Blaine six months a year.
At the age of 90, she decided she needed to stop the six-month moves. She bought a house in Parma, Michigan. In April of this year, declining health and mobility brought a move to Arbor Woods where she resided until her death.
Valda will be remembered by countless students for her unending quest to help them read. She was also active in the Methodist Church throughout her lifetime -in Lyon Lake, Clarendon, Homer, Convis Union, Prescott Valley, Christ Church, Alger Memorial and North Parma United Methodist. She and Virgil helped to plan and build the Prescott Valley United Methodist Church and parsonage when they moved there.
She often taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent and a variety of other roles in church and community. While in Prescott Valley, she volunteered almost daily in the food pantry, the schools and the library, even at the age of 80.
She was one of the most loyal Detroit Tiger fans, whose favorite players stretched from Hank Greenburg to Justin Verlander, whose jersey she proudly wore in the summer on days he pitched.  
Her love of country and community was unending, but her love of family was unsurpassed. After Virgil’s passing, her favorite times were those surrounded by family (especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren) as well as neighbors and friends. (w/photo)

Leon C. Brodock
Leon C. Brodock, 82, of Tekonsha, was called home to his Lord Thursday, October 11, 2012, while in the loving care of his wife and family at Marshall Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Leon was born at home October 8, 1930, in Concord, to William C. and Beulah M. (Coxon) Brodock. He spent his youth in the Homer area, graduating from Homer High School in 1948.
He was married to his high school sweetheart Joan M. Smith July 24, 1948, in Homer at the home of her parents, and she survives.
His life’s work was as a farmer. Leon loved and respected his land that he worked, passing that lesson on to his children. Leon also worked for the New York Central Railroad and the Malleable Iron Company in Albion while farming. He had served with the Michigan Army National Guard.
Leon was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his family. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Leon enjoyed traveling with Joan with their fifth wheel trailer for many years after his retirement.
Family was the top priority in Leon’s life. He joyfully provided love and guidance to them all. Leon and Joan traded in their camping days to establish a family cabin in northern Michigan near Grayling where the family has enjoyed restful and fun times with each other.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughters, Connie M. Sundberg and Gail L. (Isaac) Burkwalt; his sons, Robert H. (Mary Lou) Brodock and Jerry D. (Ellen) Brodock, all of Homer; 10 grandchildren, Eric Sundberg, Tracie (Michael) Gillum, Shane Sundberg, Ryan (Jennifer) Dye, Nichole Wright, Robert (Kim Gordon) Brodock, Cara (Mark) Lanz, Casie (Matt) Miller, Wade Brodock and Blu Brodock; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his brother Harold Brodock of Spring Arbor; his sister Carol (Gerry Wasko) Kirkum of Bronson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, great-granddaughter Skyler Faith Gillum in 2001 and sister Virgie Wilson in 2003.
Funeral services were held  Monday at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home in Marshall, with Ms. Jewell Burkwalt as Celebrant. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Oaklawn Hospice or Homer Community Foundation For Bessie Smith Scholarship. Assistance with memorial contributions is available at the funeral home.

October 24, 2012

John A. Slone
John A. Slone, 60, of Homer, passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at his residence.
He was born in 1952 to John C. and Lona Slone in Pikesville, Kentucky. In 1971, he married Jeanette Jones, and she survives.
He had worked for Hayes-Albion for 40 years, then went to Allied Chucker & Engineering in  Jackson in the machine shop. John loved fishing, joking around and spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by daughters, Angel Slone and Tammy (Scott) Hamilton, both of Homer; four grandchildren; sisters, Martilda (Phil) Thacker, Ruth May (Stanley) Price, Anna Hamilton and Velma Watkins, all of Albion; and brothers, Ernie Slone and Thomas (Laurie) Slone, both of Albion.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Zachary Slone.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services. A private burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Oncology Department at Allegiance Health in Jackson is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion.

Ann Elizabeth Signor
Ann  Elizabeth Signor, 61, of Litchfield, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012, at home. She was born September 16, 1951, in Concord, to Willis and Barbara (Miller) Signor.
Ann attended Litchfield Community Schools and belonged to the South Litchfield Baptist Church. For many years, she delivered newspapers for the Battle Creek Enquirer.
Survivors include her mother, Barbara Signor of Litchfield; two sisters, Joyce (Danny) Snyder of Allen and Charlotte (Terry) Boatman of Quincy; three brothers, Rex (Earlyn) Signor of Jonesville, Robert (Joyce) Signor of Montgomery and Roy (Cathy) Signor of Hillsdale; and many nieces and nephews, including Carie Young who was her devoted caregiver.
Her father preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home George White Chapel in Litchfield, with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating. Interment followed in Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

October 31, 2012

Shirley Ilene Iveson
Shirley Ilene Iveson, 74, of Litchfield, passed away at her home Friday, October 26, 2012. 
She was born April 25, 1938, in Litchfield Township, to J. Leland and Dorothy (Welch) Shields.
Shirley graduated from Litchfield High School in 1956 and worked 23 years as a medical secretary for Dr. F. C. Reigle. She had also been a secretary at State Farm Insurance. Her hobbies included gardening, bowling and  playing bingo. She was also a member of the Belle Extension Club and attended the Litchfield Congregational Church.
She will be sadly missed by her husband, William “Bill” L. Iveson, whom she married March 1, 1958; a daughter, Cheri (Matt) Molinaro of Jonesville; two sons, Mark Iveson of Reading and Doug (Trish) Iveson of Litchfield; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield, with the Rev. Clyde Wonders officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.  
Visitation was held Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Those wishing may direct memorials to the Litchfield Library or the Litchfield Historical Society. 
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

Thelma L. Worden Thurston
Thelma L. Worden Thurston, 91, of  Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and formerly of Homer, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Northern Hospital in Mt. Airy.
She was born in 1921 to Charles and Leona Worden in Homer. Her first husband Louis Thurston preceded her in death in 1966, she then married Earl DeWitt who preceded her in death.
Thelma loved gardening, crocheting, embroidery and dancing.
Thelma is survived by a daughter, Judy (Thurston) Boughner of Mt. Airy; a son, Larry (Susan) Thurston of Petoskey; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 19 step-grandchildren; and 25 step-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Janice Worden; a daughter-in-law, Kaye Thurston; and three stepdaughters, Shirley Barber,  Margaret Smith and Rosemary Watson.
Visitation for family and friends was Sunday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion. Funeral services were held Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Earl Martin officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association is available at the funeral home.

Marcella Bronson
Marcella Bronson, 87, of Homer, passed away Friday, October 26, 2012, at her residence. 
She was born June 24, 1925, in Jackson, to Melvin and Ella May (Schannaberger) Draper. She was married to William A. Bronson June 9, 1942, in Homer, and he preceded her in death August 19, 1993.
She was a resident of the area all of her life. She was a very active member of the Homer United Methodist Church in Homer and its Prayer Chain.
She was a school bus driver for Homer Public Schools for 26 years. She was a former member of the Albion Moose Lodge #406; a member of the Michigan Travel Trailer Club, having held various offices in the club; and a member of the M-99’ers Square Dance Club. She enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, square dancing and nature, especially birds.
She is survived by a son, Jack Bronson of Tekonsha; three daughters, Barbara (Fred) Lynch of Homer, Mari Ann Bronson of Tekonsha and Teresa (Terry) Hartle of Findlay, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two half sisters, Bernice Williams and Irene Windle; and two half brothers, Charles and Jack Williams.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Homer United Methodist Church, 101 East Adams Street in Homer.
A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Robert Stover officiating. Burial of cremains will be at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Arthritis Foundation or Homer United Methodist Church is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive in Albion.  

November 7, 2012

Thelma L. Worden Thurston
Thelma L. Worden Thurston age 91, of  Mt. Airy, North Carolina, formerly of Homer, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Northern Hospital in Mt. Airy.
She was born in 1921 to Charles and Leona Worden in Homer, Michigan. Her first husband Louis Thurston preceded her in death in 1966; she then married Earl DeWitt who preceded her in death.
Thelma loved gardening, crocheting, embroidery and dancing.
Thelma is survived by a daughter, Judy (Thurston) Boughner of Mt. Airy; a son, Larry (Susan) Thurston of Petoskey; sisters, Wodena Hill of Elkhart, Indiana, and Berneta (Lauren) Crandall of Homer; stepchildren, Linda Watson, Ruth Ann (Richard) Simmons and Cathy (Sam) Taylor; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 19 step-grandchildren; and 25 step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janice Worden, daughter-in-law Kaye Thurston and stepdaughters Shirley Barber, Margaret Smith and Rosemary Watson.
Visitation for family and friends was held October 28 at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224. A funeral service was held October 29 at the funeral home, with Pastor Earl Martin officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Homer, Michigan.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association is available at the funeral home.

Robert E. Broxholm
Robert E. Broxholm, 81, longtime Litchfield resident, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Laurels of Coldwater, where he had resided the past three years.
Born August 18, 1931, in Litchfield, he was the son of Richard and Marjorie (Campbell) Broxholm. Robert had worked at Vaco Products, Corning Glass and Klein Tools. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed fishing, country music and playing euchre.
Survivors include a son, Jerry (Carol) Gustley of North Adams; a brother, Kenneth Broxholm of Jonesville; three grandchildren, Terra Lott of Howell, and Michelle May and Jerry Lee Gustley, both of Hillsdale; a nephew and three nieces; cousins; and their families.
Visitation was held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home - George White Chapel in Litchfield. Graveside services will be held today (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.  Memorials are suggested to the Laurels of Coldwater activities fund.
To view this obituary or send online condolences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

November 14, 2012

Vicki Sue West
Vicki Sue West, 63, of Jonesville, passed away Sunday, November 4, 2012, at home. 
She was born January 11, 1949, in Albion, to Leroy and Ethel (Signor) Carothers. Vicki attended Jonesville High School and graduated from Homer Community Schools.
A very caring person, she enjoyed babysitting and caring for children. Her hobbies included playing bingo and euchre, baking, fishing, bowling, puzzles, watching game shows and soap operas, and collecting dolls. Vicki absolutely adored and lived for her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Leroy West, with whom she celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary November 2; a daughter, Sheila (Dan Gennety) Peiffer-Doederlein of Jackson; six sons, Brad (Leann) West of Jonesville, Terry West of Jonesville, Dale (Melinda) West of Homer, Danney West of Eaton Rapids, David (Jeanette) West of Onondaga and Darrell West of Albion; her mother, Ethel Lyter of Jonesville; a sister, Dixie (Claude) Miller of Jonesville; a brother, Leroy “Butch” (Susie) Carothers of Litchfield; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a very special cousin, Dawn Signor.
She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Beverly Schaffer.
Visitation was held November 7 at Riverside Baptist Church in Homer. Funeral services were held at the church the same day, with Pastor Jimmy Collins officiating. Interment followed in Mount Hope Cemetery.  
Memorials are suggested to Riverside Baptist Church or the Leukemia Society.  
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com. (w/photo)


Joyce Miller
Joyce Miller, 85, of Homer passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at the V.A. Medical Center in Battle Creek.
He was born in 1927 to Green and Georgie Ann Miller in Waldo, Kentucky. In 1948, he married Loretta Risner who survives.
Joyce was in the Army during WWII. He had worked for Union Steel for 30 years before his retirement. He was an avid member of Christ Apostolic Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on small engines, watching his grandchildren play sports and just being with all of his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Joyce is survived by four daughters, Cheryl (Ralph) Conner of Martin, Tennessee; Roxanne Ellsworth of Homer; Sheila (Walt) Mansfield of Homer and Jill (Andrew) Richards of Pittsford; a son, Ron Miller of Homer; 14 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Rose Castle of Waldo, Kentucky, and Eva Marie Bailey of Princeton, West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; sisters; a granddaughter, Carolyn Connor; and a great-grandchild, Sierra Ellsworth.
Visitation was Friday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion. A funeral service was held Saturday at the Christ Apostolic Church in Albion, with Pastor David Trammell officiating.  Burial followed at Albion Memory Gardens in Albion.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the V.A. Medical Center or Christ Apostolic Church is available at the funeral home, 811 Finley Dr. in Albion. (w/photo)

November 21, 2012

Helen Arlene Okley
Helen Arlene Okley, 91, of Homer, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2012, at Carelink of Jackson.
She was born August 21, 1921, in Homer Township, to Dewey and Maretia (Dawson) Stratton, and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1938.
Arlene was a farm wife and partner on the family farm for 38 years. Later, she worked at Jenkins Golf Course Restaurant for 20 years. Arlene was a faithful member of the Homer United Methodist Church and belonged to the Eunice Tyler Birthday Club in Concord for 50 years.
She married Pete Okley June 14, 1942, and he preceded her in death in 1980.
Survivors include four daughters, Roberta (Robert) Kellogg of Jackson, Mary Mattice (Charles Rogers) of Concord, Sally (Tom) Miller of Homer and Patricia Thrun of Jackson; a sister, Nellie Wendorf of Jackson; two brothers, Carroll Stratton (June Kaiser) and Lyle (Sandra) Stratton, both of Litchfield; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her companion, Merrill Rice, of Litchfield.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Rich; and great-grandson Joshua.
Funeral services were held Monday at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield, with Pastor Bob Stover officiating. Interment followed in Pulaski Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday.
Memorials are suggested to the Homer United Methodist Church.
To view this obituary or send condolences, visit www.georgewhitefuneralhome.com. (w/photo)


Ronald L. Baker
Ronald L. Baker, 59, of Homer, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012.
He retired from the Coca Cola Refreshment Company after 35 years of service, enjoyed golf and fishing.
Survivors include two sons, Travis (Bliss) Baker and Nathan (Amanda) Baker; a stepson, Jim Wagner; a stepdaughter, Melanie (Tracy) Ball; 12 grandchildren; two brothers, his twin Don (Susan) Baker and Larry (Cheryl) Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Watson Funeral Chapel, 2590 Spring Arbor Rd. in Jackson, with Pastor Dave Oberst officiating. (w/photo)

November 28, 2012

Sandra P. Van Wert
Sandra P. Van Wert, 64, of Homer, passed away at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall Thursday, November 22, 2012.
She was born November 2, 1948, to Norman and Ellen Payne in Albion, Michigan. In 1981, she married Kevyn Van Wert and he survives her.
Sandi worked at the Homer Public Library for many years and was the director of the library for at least 18 of those years. She was active in the Eastern Star Stella Chapter 140. Besides enjoying her job at the Homer Public Library, Sandi also enjoyed researching genealogy, antiques, watching softball, taking long walks in the woods, Sunday drives and reading. Perhaps her most favorite things were spending time with her family and drinking coffee on her porch while she watched the lake at the cottage.
In addition to her husband, survivors include four daughters, Kimberly (David) Pease of Homer, Jody (Mike) Dodd of Quincy, Vickie (Robert) James of Marshall and Valerie Van Wert of Homer; two sons, James (Jennifer) Novess of Albion and Daniel Novess of Homer; a sister, Suzanne (William) Timmins of Homer; a brother, Michael (Kathy) Payne of Homer; six grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held Monday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive in Albion. Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Donations to Homer Public Library or Oaklawn Hospice would be appreciated, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. (w/photo)

Jeanne Cutcher
Jeanne Cutcher, 84, of Coldwater, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012, at her home.
The funeral service for Jeanne will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, with Roger Higbea officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Homer. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Jeanne was born February 13, 1928, in Homer, to Louis and Bess (Beyers) Folk. She graduated from Homer High School in 1946 and married Harry Cutcher March 9, 1947, in Marshall.
Mrs. Cutcher was first employed as a key punch operator at Federal Mogul and A & P Grocery in Albion. After she married, she dedicated her time to raising her five children. In the 1970s, Jeanne and Harry owned and operated a ladies sportswear store and then later an RV park which they operated for several years, both located in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida.
Jeanne had a talent for interior decorating and had remodeled and redecorated many homes in her life. One of her favorite pastimes was bargain shopping and she often joked that one of the first words she taught her daughters was S-A-L-E.
Jeanne was active in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Coldwater for many years and also an active parent volunteer at St. Charles School, where her children attended. She enjoyed golfing and was proud to have achieved two hole-in-one games. Jeanne and Harry together chaired the American Cancer Society in Branch County in 1973, and she also volunteered for the Ft. Myers Regional Health Center for many years.
Jeanne is survived by her husband Harry; her children, Cindy (Roger) Higbea of Ft. Mill, South Carolina, Ronda Johnson of Ft. Myers, Florida, Sherry (Jesse) Robbins of Johnson City, Tennessee, Michele (Johnny Scott) Cutcher of Holt and Craig Cutcher of Coldwater; her sisters Charlene (Don) Streets of Coldwater, and Glenna (Vernon) Fast and Elizabeth Neufer, both of Marshall; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and three sisters.
Memorials may be directed to CHC Home Health and Hospice. (w/photo)

Mark H. Ambler
Mark H. Ambler, age 65, of Clarendon Township, died unexpectedly after being stricken at home late Saturday night, November 25, 2012.
Services for Mark will be held at graveside in Fairview Cemetery Friday, at 2 p.m. A celebration of his life will follow at the Homer VFW Hall.
Arrangements are by Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall.  
To sign the online guest register and leave a message for the family visit www.kempffuneral-home.com.
A full notice will appear in next week’s Index.

December 5, 2012

Mark H. Ambler
Mark H. Ambler, 65, of Clarendon Township, died at his home Saturday, November 25, 2012, after being stricken unexpectedly.
Mark was born July 21, 1947, in Albion, to Hugh and Dorthea (Hamilton) Ambler. He has lived in the Homer area all of his life and was a member of the 1966 Homer High School graduating class.
Mark entered the U.S. Army in 1968. He served in Vietnam, where he was wounded. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in April of 1970 after attaining the rank of sergeant.
After his return from the war, Mark worked at several jobs, including Albion Malleable and Harvard in Litchfield. In 1981, he began his career as a corrections officer for the State of Michigan. He first served at the former Dunes Correctional Facility in Holland and later transferred to Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater, where he retired in 2009 with the rank of lieutenant.
He was a skilled marksman and was a member of Lakeland Correctional Facility’s competitive shooting team. Yearly, the team competed against law enforcement officials of all agencies in a statewide competition held in Jackson. He was a member of the NRA. 
Mark was married to Cathi Riker in 1978. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1997.
Mark’s children and all family were his main priority in life, which shows in his children today. He loved to read and was a frequent visitor to the Homer Public Library. He loved all his pets and doted on them. Mark’s favorite spot to travel to was Isle Royal State Park where he enjoyed many visits.
He is survived by his children, William T. Ambler and Joseph M. Ambler, both of Clarendon Township, and Catherine E. Ambler of Marshall; his granddaughter Lillian Joanne Rose Ambler; his sisters Sharon Peterson of Arizona and Patricia (Leland) Putnam of Albion; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at Fairview Cemetery in Homer  Friday. Military honors were conducted by the Homer VFW Post. A celebration of Mark’s life, as he asked for, was held at the Homer VFW Hall following the services.
Arrangements were made by Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home of Marshall.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Homer Public Library, and assistance with contributions is available at the funeral home.
To sign the online guest register and leave a message for Mark’s family, visit  www.kempffuneralhome.com. (w/photo)

Roberta Jean Okley
Roberta Jean Okley, 86, of Albion, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at the Willows of Spring Arbor Assisted Living.
She was born November 24, 1926, and was raised on the Centennial Family Farm with her father Howard, mother Donna (Eldred) Wing and her younger sister Ardith. Donna died when Roberta was just 7 and Howard remarried and had three additional children, Martha, Norma and Paul.
After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1944, Roberta entered the United States Cadet Nurse Corps as a student nurse in September of that year and worked at Community Hospital School of Nursing in Battle Creek. She was sent to Wayne State University in Detroit where she was given a one-year course in one semester because of the shortage of nurses.
She returned to Community Hospital for training in surgery, emergency room, obstetrics, nursery and other branches of nursing.
Roberta spent three months at Ypsilanti State Hospital for the mentally ill for their psychiatric affiliation. Then they went to Children’s Hospital in Detroit for their pediatric affiliation.
Roberta graduated in September 1947 and passed the State Board exams the following February, becoming a registered nurse.
Roberta married Leo Thomas Okley of Albion March 12, 1949, and he died in April of 1989.  
Roberta worked as a nurse for 40 years, in a hospital, doctor’s office, as a visiting nurse and as a foundry nurse. She was director of nursing at Albion Community Hospital for four years before retiring.
Roberta enjoyed traveling and loved to work with her flowers and plants and spending time outdoors, golfing with the ladies and spending time with the Vivians of the Albion Elks Lodge.
Roberta is survived by four children, Jan (Chan) Deigert of Homer, Jo Ann (Orien) Wetzel of Concord, Susan Katz of Tallahassee, Florida, and Sam (Deb) Okley of Albion; 10 grandchildren, Damien, Mark, Michael, Brad, Jesse, Vicky, Abby, Lisa, Cody and David; and nine great-grandchildren, Michaela, Seth, Olivia, Hannah, Bryce, Grace, Brock, Tavian and Delanie.
Visitation for family and friends was Saturday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the funeral home, with Orin Wetzel officiating. Per her wishes, Roberta will be cremated.
Assistance with memorial contributions to The Vivians of Albion Elk’s Lodge or to the charity of one’s choice is available at the funeral home.
The family of Mrs. Okley would especially like to thank Dr. Chris Sloffer, Neurosurgeon of Bronson Methodist Hospital of Kalamazoo, MI  and Spring Arbor Assisted (The Willows) for all the love, compassion and care shown our mother.    

December 12, 2012

Gretchen Noelle Smith
Gretchen Noelle Smith was born July 8, 1969, in Albion, Michigan. She received her angel wings December 4, 2012, at home, surrounded by her family who loved and cherished her. She fought a brave and valiant four-year battle against Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
She is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart Brad; her sons, Quinn and Mason, who were the loves of her life; her loving parents Karen and Skeeter; and big sister Tracy.
Her life was all about her family and friends. She was a member of the Homer First Presbyterian Church. A living celebration of her life took place November 23 in which the community of Homer sponsored a benefit in her honor, surrounded by her supportive friends and a community that embraced her as their own.
Special thanks to Great Lakes Hospice, Dr. Halsey, Karen and Carrie, the community of Homer, the Rev. Tim Marvil and the Homer First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation for family and friends was held Friday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion. 
A funeral service was held Saturday at the Homer High School gymnasium.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Gretchen N. Smith Memorial Fund via the Homer Community Foundation is available at the funeral home, 811 Finley Drive in Albion. (w/photo)

Gretchen Smith loses battle with cancer
by Will Forgrave
Homer resident Gretchen Smith died Tuesday, December 4, following a long battle against cancer. Smith was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008.
Homer community members packed Cascarelli’s restaurant Friday, November 23, on their way to raising more than $30,000 for Smith and her family, who had been making frequent trips out of state for various cancer treatments.
“It’s hard to see any good coming from someone’s passing,” the Rev. Tim Marvil of Homer’s First Presbyterian Church - of which Smith was a member - said, “but the community support and outpouring of love really shined through during her battle with cancer.
“She had a tremendous amount of patience, faith and love through the ordeal,” he added. “She was truly an inspiration for the community.”
Smith underwent chemo treatments beginning in January 2009, followed by radiation. The treatment ended in August 2009, around Smith’s 40th birthday. Then in November of 2009, doctors found another spot of cancer. The cancer was in her lymph nodes, which meant it could now show up anywhere, anytime. Smith continued to do different treatments for the next two years.
Prior to Smith’s death, doctors had found the cancer to be in her spine.
In an interview with The Index in October 2011, Smith said, “There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t cry. But, there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not truly thankful for what I have now. When you’re in my shoes, it makes every day more important.”
Smith is survived by her husband Brad Smith, her two sons Quinn and Mason Smith and her parents Karen and Skeeter Warner.
A complete obituary can be found on page 6. (w/photo)

Rowland J. Purdy
Rowland J. “R.J.” Purdy, 89, a resident of The Fairfax in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly, October 31, 2012.  
He was born on the Herring Farm in Litchfield, Michigan, January 8, 1923.
After graduation from Litchfield High School in 1941, R.J. enlisted in the Army and served as an M.P. in the China-Burma-India theatre during WWII. His final assignment during the war found him as aide to M.G. Patrick J. Hurley, the U.S. Ambassador to China.
He was a graduate of the University of Michigan, with an A.B. degree in Political Science, having enrolled with the benefits of the G.I. Bill, and was a devoted fan of the Wolverines. After graduation, R.J. worked as a zone manager for International Harvester Company.
Through this position he met his wife of 58 years, Nancy Troup Purdy. R. J. and Nancy lived in Fremont, Ohio, for 39 years. During this time, he owned Purdy Sales, Inc., the International Harvester Dealership and served on the IHC National Dealer Council, as well as President of the Ohio Farm & Power Equipment Retailers Association.  
He was also very active in the community, beginning with his service of 18 years to the Fremont Civil Service Commission.  R.J. was a founding member of Fremont Investment Club, chairman of the Memorial Hospital Board, president of the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce, president of the Camp Fire Council and a member of the Fremont Country Club.
In 1973, Ohio Governor John J. Gilligan appointed R.J. to the Board of Trustees of what was then Terra Technical College. Since 1981, R.J. and Nancy had enjoyed spending the winter months in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Europe. In 1994, they retired and moved to Virginia to be near their daughter.
There, they were both active with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. R.J. had also been a member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Fremont, and then a member of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia, and the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale.
R.J. is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Liz and Don Porter, of Mt. Vernon, Virginia; grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha Porter; and many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his wife in 2011, his parents and was the youngest and last surviving of 10 children.
A memorial service is being planned for R.J. at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia, followed by inurnment in the columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in R.J.’s honor may be made to the Purdy Family Fund, c/o the City of Litchfield, Michigan 49252; Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA  22181; or the Army Retirement Residence Foundation – Potomac, 9140 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Fort Belvoir, VA  22060.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Demaine Funeral Home of Alexandria, Virginia. (w/photo)

December 19, 2012

Robert I. Yinger
Robert I. Yinger, 74, of Homer, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan. 
He was born July 20, 1938, to Irving and Mary (St. John) Yinger in Jerome, Michigan. He married Carol M. Mansfield in Hillsdale, Michigan, December 15, 1973, and she survives.
Robert lived most of his life in Homer; he served his country in the U.S. Army. He had worked for Leaseway Motor Freight for 25 years.
Robert liked to joke around, and he was also a great storyteller. He loved to drive and was good at giving directions. Robert liked deer hunting and camping, he enjoyed barbecuing.
He loved working in the yard and helping everyone that he could. He always kept his pick-up spotless and liked working on older cars and pickups. He also enjoyed word search puzzles.
In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by four sons, Mike Yinger, Dave (Carol) Yinger, Tim (Joanne) Yinger and Steve (Denise) Yinger; three daughters, Penny (Don) Hartung, Theresa Yinger and Mary Yinger; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Russell (Barb) Yinger, Raymond (Cindy) Yinger and Howard (Millie) Yinger; three sisters, Sharon (Fred) Demongeot, Shirley (Bill) Powers and Dawn (Ron) Kaffenberger; a sister-in-law, Sharon Lee Yinger; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kyle; and brothers, Lester “Butch” and Richard “Dick” Yinger.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held Friday at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion, Michigan, with Pastor Jeremy Williams officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery in Homer.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association is available at the funeral home.

Claribel Thompson
Claribel Thompson went to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 12, 2012; she was 98 years old. 
Claribel resided in Homer most of her life, she was currently living in Marshall at a wonderful home, Whispering Meadows.
Claribel was born March 14, 1914, to Daniel and Edna (Arkensinger) Earl. They had seven children together, Ethel, Eva, George, Milo, Duane, Colon and Claribel being the youngest. 
She spent her youth on the family farm with her father and grandfather; her mother died when she was very young. Near the end of her life, she was very anxious to see the mother she had never known.
On New Year’s Day, she married George Pritchard, they had four children, James Pritchard, Elizabeth (Charles) Sleath, and David and Jeffery, who died as infants. Claribel had seven grandchildren, Gina (Sherry Hutchison) Pritchard, Jennifer (Steve) Johnson, James (Karma) Pritchard, Timothy (Mary) Pritchard, Renee (Robert Warrington) Clock, Krista (Mike) Kruse and Carrie (Mike) DelCioppo. She also has 17 amazing great-grandchildren.
After George passed away in 1964, she married Russell Thompson in 1966.
Most important to Claribel was her faith in God and her family which she loved both very much. She was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church in Homer.
She was a great cook and worked at Homer Schools and Darts Restaurant. She was a devoted fan to Homer athletics. 
Claribel was known as “The Whistler,” which she did frequently. She also loved to dance and won many contests in her younger years. Claribel enjoyed nature while gardening, walking around Homer and singing to the birds.
In addition to her infant children and both her husbands, Claribel was preceded in death by six siblings.
According to her wishes, there will be no visitation, and a graveside funeral service was held Monday at the Fairview Cemetery in Homer, with Dr. Ralph Cates officiating.
Assistance with memorial contributions to the Calhoun County Humane Society is available at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, Michigan. (w/photo)

December 26, 2012

Michael Butters
Michael “Mike” Butters, 63, of Hanover, passed away suddenly Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan.
He was born December 24, 1948, to Wallace and Ellen (Kreger) Butters in Albion, Michigan. He married his sweetheart Lois A. England July 25, 1970, and she survives.
He graduated from Concord High School. He was drafted in the Army shortly after graduation where he served his country with honors. He was stationed in Bamburg, Germany.
He enjoyed the outdoors so much he’d rather be outside doing things. He loved going to his place in Grayling; camping, visiting his friends, hunting and fishing. His favorite sport was ice fishing. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to play outdoors with them.
In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his children, Dawn (Doug) Weeks and Chad (Karla) Butters; four grandchildren, Kelsey, Alanna, Ross and Rylee; his mother, Ellen Dingman; brothers, Wallace Butters of Concord, Barry Butters of New York and Steven (Tracey) Dingman of Round Rock, Texas; a sister, Kathryn (Alan) Kunzman of Marengo, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation for family and friends was Saturday at the Concord United Methodist Church, 119 South Main Street. Funeral  services were held Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Ortell officiating. Burial was at Pulaski Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donate to the Pulaski Free Methodist Church Building Fund; assistance is available at the church or the funeral home.
Arrangements entrusted to the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home of Albion. (w/photo)