St. Johns, MI
LaVern W. “Red” Silm, 81 died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 with his wife of 61 years at
his bedside, at the home where he was born on May 29, 1927, the son of Lewis & Ruth
(McPrangle) Silm. Red graduated from St. Johns High School in 1945 and attended 2
years at Michigan State University. On January 3, 1948 he married Betty Bailey in St.
Johns. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, was on the Sheriff’s Posse for
several years, an avid golfer he shot a hole-in-one at the age of 80 after golfing for 60
years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, gardening and his children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Red was a farmer.
Survivors are his wife Betty, sons Jeff (Juliann) Silm and Eric (Maureen) Silm both of St.
Johns and daughter Melinda (Tom) Motz of DeWitt. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Bob) Baker,
Nicole (Matt) Baran, Jeremy, Andy, Adrienne, Greg and Mikayla. Great grandchildren
Brooke, Courtney, Noah, Luke, Cami and Colten.
Sister Vineta Hilt of Georgia and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and by his son Gary, in 1971.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Sept. 16,
2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. Burial will follow at
St. Peter Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422 on
Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Clinton County, St. Peter Lutheran
Church Building Fund, or Clinton Memorial Hospital. Condolences may be sent to keck.
colemanfuneralhome@yahoo.com
LaVern W. “Red” Silm, 81 died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 with his wife of 61 years at
his bedside, at the home where he was born on May 29, 1927, the son of Lewis & Ruth
(McPrangle) Silm. Red graduated from St. Johns High School in 1945 and attended 2
years at Michigan State University. On January 3, 1948 he married Betty Bailey in St.
Johns. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, was on the Sheriff’s Posse for
several years, an avid golfer he shot a hole-in-one at the age of 80 after golfing for 60
years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, gardening and his children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Red was a farmer.
Survivors are his wife Betty, sons Jeff (Juliann) Silm and Eric (Maureen) Silm both of St.
Johns and daughter Melinda (Tom) Motz of DeWitt. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Bob) Baker,
Nicole (Matt) Baran, Jeremy, Andy, Adrienne, Greg and Mikayla. Great grandchildren
Brooke, Courtney, Noah, Luke, Cami and Colten.
Sister Vineta Hilt of Georgia and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and by his son Gary, in 1971.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Sept. 16,
2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. Burial will follow at
St. Peter Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422 on
Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Clinton County, St. Peter Lutheran
Church Building Fund, or Clinton Memorial Hospital. Condolences may be sent to keck.
colemanfuneralhome@yahoo.com
Eldon "Spike" LeBlond of St. Johns, MI
Passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 16,2008 in Sturgis, Michigan.
Eldon was born Oct. 15, 1919 and grew up on the family farm near Imlay City Mi.
Each Autumn, when Eldon was a young boy he and his father would pick out a
pony from the "Belle Isle Summer Rides" to car~ for during the 9 months off season.
Eldon enjoyed racing the ponies with his neighborhood friends.
Weighing in at just a 125 lb. high school student, Eldon enjoyed participating in
"quick sports"--as he called them at Imlay City High School. (Baseball, basketball
and track)
As a young man, Eldon's Dad took Eldon with him to pick up milk cans at
neighborhood farms near Imlay City. Eldon sold copies of "Hoard's Dairymen"
magazine to the farmers on the route. Thus was the beginning of a 40 plus year
career in the dairy business for Eldon. His start was at Michigan Milk Producers
Assoc. in Ortonville, next to Lapeer, then to Bad Axe and he finished up his milk
career in Ovid, Mi. as the Distribution Center Manager for MMPA.
In 1938 Eldon bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle from a neighbor. He "slid off"
the bike seven times just getting it home. When Eldon enlisted in the Army for
WWII, the Army recruiter asked if he had any special talents. Eldon replied that he
had a hot car and could ride a motorcYfle! That landed Eldon in the 328thCombat
Engineers Platoon #3. Eldon spent one year of his total of three years in the service
overseas. He was a part of the Battle of the Bulge and the Crossing of the Rhine.
While home on Army leave, Eldon married Ruth Lee Rose, who he had met at the
White Horse Inn in Metftmora. They spent the next 64 years together enjoying
many wonderful adventures alon,g the way.
Eldon was a proud member and served the Lions Club for 50 Years. Eldon earned
the "Key Member" ~ward serving with the Bad Axe Lions and the "Melvin Jones"
award serving with the St. Johns Lions Club.
Woodworking was one of Eldon's hobbies and as requested by his family he made
many unique pieces of furniture.
"Spike", (Eldon), loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing were his favorite
pastimes. Last Fall, at age 88, Eldon shot his last deer.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Lela LeBlond, his sister,
Norma Jean LeBlond and his "love", Ruth Rose LeBlond. Eldon is survived by two
daughters, Ann (Mark) Sinclair, Lyn (William) Strang and four grandchildren.
Michelle (Mike) Brennen, Amanda (Larry) Broadway, Erin Strang (Scott O'Brien)
and Darin Sinclair.
Visitation will be held 2-4 ~nd 6-8 Thursday, Sept. 18that Keck-Coleman Funeral
Home in St. Johns, MI. A celebration of Eldon's life will be held Friday Sept.
19th, at 11 a.m. Interment in Imlay City. Memorials: St. Johns-Lions Club and the St.
Johns United Methodist Church.
Passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 16,2008 in Sturgis, Michigan.
Eldon was born Oct. 15, 1919 and grew up on the family farm near Imlay City Mi.
Each Autumn, when Eldon was a young boy he and his father would pick out a
pony from the "Belle Isle Summer Rides" to car~ for during the 9 months off season.
Eldon enjoyed racing the ponies with his neighborhood friends.
Weighing in at just a 125 lb. high school student, Eldon enjoyed participating in
"quick sports"--as he called them at Imlay City High School. (Baseball, basketball
and track)
As a young man, Eldon's Dad took Eldon with him to pick up milk cans at
neighborhood farms near Imlay City. Eldon sold copies of "Hoard's Dairymen"
magazine to the farmers on the route. Thus was the beginning of a 40 plus year
career in the dairy business for Eldon. His start was at Michigan Milk Producers
Assoc. in Ortonville, next to Lapeer, then to Bad Axe and he finished up his milk
career in Ovid, Mi. as the Distribution Center Manager for MMPA.
In 1938 Eldon bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle from a neighbor. He "slid off"
the bike seven times just getting it home. When Eldon enlisted in the Army for
WWII, the Army recruiter asked if he had any special talents. Eldon replied that he
had a hot car and could ride a motorcYfle! That landed Eldon in the 328thCombat
Engineers Platoon #3. Eldon spent one year of his total of three years in the service
overseas. He was a part of the Battle of the Bulge and the Crossing of the Rhine.
While home on Army leave, Eldon married Ruth Lee Rose, who he had met at the
White Horse Inn in Metftmora. They spent the next 64 years together enjoying
many wonderful adventures alon,g the way.
Eldon was a proud member and served the Lions Club for 50 Years. Eldon earned
the "Key Member" ~ward serving with the Bad Axe Lions and the "Melvin Jones"
award serving with the St. Johns Lions Club.
Woodworking was one of Eldon's hobbies and as requested by his family he made
many unique pieces of furniture.
"Spike", (Eldon), loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing were his favorite
pastimes. Last Fall, at age 88, Eldon shot his last deer.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Lela LeBlond, his sister,
Norma Jean LeBlond and his "love", Ruth Rose LeBlond. Eldon is survived by two
daughters, Ann (Mark) Sinclair, Lyn (William) Strang and four grandchildren.
Michelle (Mike) Brennen, Amanda (Larry) Broadway, Erin Strang (Scott O'Brien)
and Darin Sinclair.
Visitation will be held 2-4 ~nd 6-8 Thursday, Sept. 18that Keck-Coleman Funeral
Home in St. Johns, MI. A celebration of Eldon's life will be held Friday Sept.
19th, at 11 a.m. Interment in Imlay City. Memorials: St. Johns-Lions Club and the St.
Johns United Methodist Church.
St. Johns, Michigan
Alvin A. Moss died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the age of 100. He was born April 19,
1908 in Manistee, Michigan the son of John and Emelia (Janke) Moss. He was a life member
of Masonic Lodge #105 and was a chief inspector for airplane propellers at Nash-Kelvinator
during WWII. Alvin was a farmer and worked at Saylor-Beall Manufacturing Co. in St. Johns.
On December 3, 1938 he married Lois Luck and they spent 17 winters in Florida before her
death in 1997. He was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law Diane Moss in 2007. Surviving
are two sons, Jon (Susan) of Clinton Township, Michigan and David of St. Johns;
grandchildren, Andrew Moss, Gregory (Nicole) Moss, Heather (Alex) Battaglia, Keith (Melinda)
Moss and Katie Moss; great grandchildren, Jenson, Maddalena, Sophia, Emily, Gregory,
Melissa and Alysha. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at
Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422 with Pastor Ken Bremmer
officiating. Interment will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives
and friends 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Alvin A. Moss died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the age of 100. He was born April 19,
1908 in Manistee, Michigan the son of John and Emelia (Janke) Moss. He was a life member
of Masonic Lodge #105 and was a chief inspector for airplane propellers at Nash-Kelvinator
during WWII. Alvin was a farmer and worked at Saylor-Beall Manufacturing Co. in St. Johns.
On December 3, 1938 he married Lois Luck and they spent 17 winters in Florida before her
death in 1997. He was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law Diane Moss in 2007. Surviving
are two sons, Jon (Susan) of Clinton Township, Michigan and David of St. Johns;
grandchildren, Andrew Moss, Gregory (Nicole) Moss, Heather (Alex) Battaglia, Keith (Melinda)
Moss and Katie Moss; great grandchildren, Jenson, Maddalena, Sophia, Emily, Gregory,
Melissa and Alysha. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at
Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422 with Pastor Ken Bremmer
officiating. Interment will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives
and friends 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.
St. Johns, MI
Tamara J. “Tammy” Woods, 49 died after a courageous battle with cancer on Sept. 22,
2008. Tammy was born April 19, 1959 in Houghton-Hancock, MI the daughter of Herbert &
Joanne (Stevens) Osborne. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1977 and
attended Central Michigan University. On September 20, 1980 she married Rick Woods in
St. Johns. Tammy was a window clerk for the U. S. Postal Service in St. Johns for 29 years.
She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survived by her husband Rick.
Children, Joshua W. Woods of Lansing, Amanda & Eligio Larraga of Charleston. S.C., Stacy
and Chris Myers of Ashley, MI and Aaron Woods of St. Johns.
Granddaughters, Kayla & Emma Myers.
Brothers Jeff & Gloria Osborne of St. Johns and Patrick Osborne of Colorado.
Memorial services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422, on
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday and Thursday, 2-8
P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 3100 West Road,
Bldg B Suite 110, East Lansing, MI 48823 American Cancer Society Link or Great Lakes
Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.
Tamara J. “Tammy” Woods, 49 died after a courageous battle with cancer on Sept. 22,
2008. Tammy was born April 19, 1959 in Houghton-Hancock, MI the daughter of Herbert &
Joanne (Stevens) Osborne. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1977 and
attended Central Michigan University. On September 20, 1980 she married Rick Woods in
St. Johns. Tammy was a window clerk for the U. S. Postal Service in St. Johns for 29 years.
She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survived by her husband Rick.
Children, Joshua W. Woods of Lansing, Amanda & Eligio Larraga of Charleston. S.C., Stacy
and Chris Myers of Ashley, MI and Aaron Woods of St. Johns.
Granddaughters, Kayla & Emma Myers.
Brothers Jeff & Gloria Osborne of St. Johns and Patrick Osborne of Colorado.
Memorial services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422, on
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday and Thursday, 2-8
P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 3100 West Road,
Bldg B Suite 110, East Lansing, MI 48823 American Cancer Society Link or Great Lakes
Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.
DeWitt, MI
Tatum M. Wallace, 10 went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
after a courageous battle with cancer. Tatum was born in St. Johns on June 1, 1998
the daughter of Curtis & Dawn (Vandervest) Wallace and was a 5th grader at Herbison
Woods School in DeWitt. She loved fashion, clothes, doing nails, make-up and hair.
Survived by her parents, Curtis Wallace and Dawn Wallace, both of DeWitt, and sister
Paige Wallace at home.
Grandparents, Bob Wallace of Potterville, MI, Fran Snider of Lansing, MI and Janice
Vandervest of St. Johns, MI.
Best friends Emily Udry and Caitlyn Babb
Preceeded in death by her grandfather, Elmer Vandervest.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, 1:00P.M. at Pilgrim
United Methodist Church, (corner of Parks & DeWitt Rd.) with Pastor Ken
Bremer officiating. Burial will follow at DeWitt Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI
989-224-4422 on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tatum Wallace Medical Expense Fund, c/o
Bank of America, 12990 S. US 27, DeWitt, MI 48820 or Children’s Miracle Network.
Tatum M. Wallace, 10 went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
after a courageous battle with cancer. Tatum was born in St. Johns on June 1, 1998
the daughter of Curtis & Dawn (Vandervest) Wallace and was a 5th grader at Herbison
Woods School in DeWitt. She loved fashion, clothes, doing nails, make-up and hair.
Survived by her parents, Curtis Wallace and Dawn Wallace, both of DeWitt, and sister
Paige Wallace at home.
Grandparents, Bob Wallace of Potterville, MI, Fran Snider of Lansing, MI and Janice
Vandervest of St. Johns, MI.
Best friends Emily Udry and Caitlyn Babb
Preceeded in death by her grandfather, Elmer Vandervest.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, 1:00P.M. at Pilgrim
United Methodist Church, (corner of Parks & DeWitt Rd.) with Pastor Ken
Bremer officiating. Burial will follow at DeWitt Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI
989-224-4422 on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tatum Wallace Medical Expense Fund, c/o
Bank of America, 12990 S. US 27, DeWitt, MI 48820 or Children’s Miracle Network.
St. Johns, MI
John T. Hopko, 79 died October 16, 2008.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, Monday, October 20,
2008 at 11:00 A.M.
The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Sunday, October
19, 2008 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Clinton County, PO Box 260, St. Johns, MI
48879
John T. Hopko, 79 died October 16, 2008.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, Monday, October 20,
2008 at 11:00 A.M.
The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home on Sunday, October
19, 2008 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Clinton County, PO Box 260, St. Johns, MI
48879
.Laingsburg, MI formerly of St. Johns
Arlo N. Devereaux, age 85, died Monday, October 20, 2008 surrounded by his
loving family. He was born January 29, 1923 in DeWitt, Michigan the son of Frederick
and Patience (Huntoon) Devereaux and lived most of his life in the St. Johns area.
Arlo was an Army veteran of WWII and a member of V.F.W. Post # 4113 and American
Legion Post # 153 in St. Johns. He was a member of Clinton & Gratiot Voiture #868 of
the 40 et 8, TOPS #1528 and was active for over 35 years with the Boy Scouts of
America. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved going to auctions and traveling
and enjoyed gardening and working around his yard. He was retired from General
Motors working for many years in plating. On June 1, 1968 he married Margaret
Cooke) of Grand Ledge; two sons Larry (Diana) of Detroit and Rick (Colleen) of
Wacousta; two step-daughters, Kathy (Dave) Schlee of Charlotte and Linda (Jerry)
Myers of Lebanon, MO; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by three brothers, Dow, Raymond and Donald and two sisters,
Frances Cole and Alma Pierce. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday,
October 24, 2008 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422 with
Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery with
military honors provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive
relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be
made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan PO Box 30480 Lansing, MI 48909-9986 or
the VFW National Home for Children 3573 S. Waverly Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Ovid, MI
Barbara J. Roy, 65 died October 24, 2008 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing MI. Barb
was born October 16, 1943 in Flint, MI the daughter of Howard & Alma (Newman)
Tolles.
She graduated from Clio High School in 1962. Barb was a homemaker, loved doing
crafts and playing bingo.
Survived by husband William of Ovid, daughters, Teri (Ron) Compeau of St. Johns,
and Cathy (Jack) Cords of Owosso and son Kevin (Sarah) Snyder of Perry.
Step sons David Roy of Wyoming, MI and Ken(Marie) Roy of Perry.
12 grandchildren, and her dog, Mitz.
Sister Florence Cornell of Ovid.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns,
989-224-4422 on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Tuesday,
October 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ele's Place,1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing,
MI 48915
Barbara J. Roy, 65 died October 24, 2008 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing MI. Barb
was born October 16, 1943 in Flint, MI the daughter of Howard & Alma (Newman)
Tolles.
She graduated from Clio High School in 1962. Barb was a homemaker, loved doing
crafts and playing bingo.
Survived by husband William of Ovid, daughters, Teri (Ron) Compeau of St. Johns,
and Cathy (Jack) Cords of Owosso and son Kevin (Sarah) Snyder of Perry.
Step sons David Roy of Wyoming, MI and Ken(Marie) Roy of Perry.
12 grandchildren, and her dog, Mitz.
Sister Florence Cornell of Ovid.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns,
989-224-4422 on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Tuesday,
October 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ele's Place,1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing,
MI 48915
St. Johns, Michigan
Betty Jean Knight died Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the age of 75. She was
born May 12, 1933 in St. Johns the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Kasper) Atkinson
and lived all her life in St. Johns. She was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High
School in St. Johns class of 1950 and was a former president of the American Legion
Auxiliary. Betty retired from Federal Mogul Corp. with 41 years of service. On May 11,
1952 she married Lial Knight and he survives her. Also surviving are two daughters,
Lorraine (Charles) Baker of Webberville and Stephanie (Todd) Sheldon of
Stockbridge; two sons, Barry (Cindy) of Owosso and Lial (Liane) of Coral Springs, FL;
eight grandchildren; one sister, Connie Welton of St. Johns and three brothers, Jerry
(Gert) Atkinson of Loon Lake, MI, Doug (Carol) Atkinson and Ron (Kay) Atkinson all of
St. Johns. She was preceded in death by one brother, Dale Atkinson. Following
Betty’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorials may be
made to the charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements and service entrusted to Keck-
Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422.
Betty Jean Knight died Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at the age of 75. She was
born May 12, 1933 in St. Johns the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Kasper) Atkinson
and lived all her life in St. Johns. She was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High
School in St. Johns class of 1950 and was a former president of the American Legion
Auxiliary. Betty retired from Federal Mogul Corp. with 41 years of service. On May 11,
1952 she married Lial Knight and he survives her. Also surviving are two daughters,
Lorraine (Charles) Baker of Webberville and Stephanie (Todd) Sheldon of
Stockbridge; two sons, Barry (Cindy) of Owosso and Lial (Liane) of Coral Springs, FL;
eight grandchildren; one sister, Connie Welton of St. Johns and three brothers, Jerry
(Gert) Atkinson of Loon Lake, MI, Doug (Carol) Atkinson and Ron (Kay) Atkinson all of
St. Johns. She was preceded in death by one brother, Dale Atkinson. Following
Betty’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorials may be
made to the charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements and service entrusted to Keck-
Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422.
Frances E. Bigham, 84 of Ovid, MI died Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at Clinton Memorial
Hospital. Fran was born on October 2, 1924 in Charlotte, MI the daughter of Clifford
& Luella (Randall) Shaver. She married Alfred Ziegs in Detroit, MI on July 22, 1945
and he preceded her in death in Sept. 1967. She later married Floyd Robert Bigham
on November 15, 1969 in Ovid. Fran was a homemaker and a member of Grove Bible
Church. They volunteered for many years at Ovid Healthcare Center in Ovid.
Survived by her husband Floyd Robert,
Son Edward (Beulah) Ziegs of California, Missouri
Daughters, Mary (Gale) Bancroft of Ovid and Kathleen (Alan) Welter of Grand Ledge,
MI
9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren
Step-daughters, Marah Stone and Janice Marlene Bigham of California and Teresa
Bigham of Lansing, MI.
Several step grandchildren
Also preceded in death by 2 sisters.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Homes, St. Johns,
989-224-4422, Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held on
Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, 2:00 P.M. at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home with Pastor
Larry Smith and Pastor Robert Prange officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove
Cemetery, Ovid.
Memorial contributions may be given to Grove Bible Church.
Hospital. Fran was born on October 2, 1924 in Charlotte, MI the daughter of Clifford
& Luella (Randall) Shaver. She married Alfred Ziegs in Detroit, MI on July 22, 1945
and he preceded her in death in Sept. 1967. She later married Floyd Robert Bigham
on November 15, 1969 in Ovid. Fran was a homemaker and a member of Grove Bible
Church. They volunteered for many years at Ovid Healthcare Center in Ovid.
Survived by her husband Floyd Robert,
Son Edward (Beulah) Ziegs of California, Missouri
Daughters, Mary (Gale) Bancroft of Ovid and Kathleen (Alan) Welter of Grand Ledge,
MI
9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren
Step-daughters, Marah Stone and Janice Marlene Bigham of California and Teresa
Bigham of Lansing, MI.
Several step grandchildren
Also preceded in death by 2 sisters.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Homes, St. Johns,
989-224-4422, Sunday, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held on
Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, 2:00 P.M. at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home with Pastor
Larry Smith and Pastor Robert Prange officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove
Cemetery, Ovid.
Memorial contributions may be given to Grove Bible Church.
Helen L. Fitzpatrick, 97, of St. Johns died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008. Helen was
born June 17, 1911 in St. Johns the daughter of Renze and Florence (Burley)
DeVries. Helen was a homemaker and taught school. She married Glendon H.
Fitzpatrick on Sept. 10, 1932 and he preceded her in death on Oct. 2, 1975. She is
survived by three sons, Bruce (Norma) Fitzpatrick, Stuart (Sharon) Fitzpatrick and
David (Sally) Fitzpatrick all of St. Johns, MI
Daughter Shirley (Henry) Attwell of Potterville, MI, two Daughter in laws, Diane
Fitzpatrick of Ludington, and Gail Kohlhase of Colorado, 20 grandchildren and 36
great grandchildren.
Also preceded in death by 2 sons, Dr. Roger Fitzpatrick and Norman Fitzpatrick, two
sisters, Lillian Orvis and Ruth McMaster and two brothers, Burley DeVries and Henry
DeVries, and four great grandsons.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in St. Johns
on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Lori Sykes officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422,
Monday evening, 6-8 P.M. and Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or her favorite
charity, The American Cancer Society.
born June 17, 1911 in St. Johns the daughter of Renze and Florence (Burley)
DeVries. Helen was a homemaker and taught school. She married Glendon H.
Fitzpatrick on Sept. 10, 1932 and he preceded her in death on Oct. 2, 1975. She is
survived by three sons, Bruce (Norma) Fitzpatrick, Stuart (Sharon) Fitzpatrick and
David (Sally) Fitzpatrick all of St. Johns, MI
Daughter Shirley (Henry) Attwell of Potterville, MI, two Daughter in laws, Diane
Fitzpatrick of Ludington, and Gail Kohlhase of Colorado, 20 grandchildren and 36
great grandchildren.
Also preceded in death by 2 sons, Dr. Roger Fitzpatrick and Norman Fitzpatrick, two
sisters, Lillian Orvis and Ruth McMaster and two brothers, Burley DeVries and Henry
DeVries, and four great grandsons.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in St. Johns
on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Lori Sykes officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422,
Monday evening, 6-8 P.M. and Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or her favorite
charity, The American Cancer Society.
George J. Higgins of St. Johns, 75 died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at Sparrow
Hospital. George was born on Feb. 24, 1933 the son of George & Louie (Brush)
Higgins. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Air Force. On Jan. 7,
1956 he married Margaret Bond. She preceded him in death on Dec. 11, 2006.
George worked for 43 years at St. Johns Co-Op, and he enjoyed playing cards,
bowling, fishing and hunting.
Survived by sons Steve (Cindy) and David ( Brenda) Higgins both of St. Johns
Grandchildren, Marc, Darrin and Megan.
Brothers, William and Eugene (Rusty) Higgins both of St. Johns.
Sister, Virginia Blackmer of St. Johns.
Special friend Becky Thayer.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422 on
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Scott Lowman officiating.
Burial will follow at South Bingham Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008,
2-8 P.M. and 10 A.M. till service time on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.
Hospital. George was born on Feb. 24, 1933 the son of George & Louie (Brush)
Higgins. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Air Force. On Jan. 7,
1956 he married Margaret Bond. She preceded him in death on Dec. 11, 2006.
George worked for 43 years at St. Johns Co-Op, and he enjoyed playing cards,
bowling, fishing and hunting.
Survived by sons Steve (Cindy) and David ( Brenda) Higgins both of St. Johns
Grandchildren, Marc, Darrin and Megan.
Brothers, William and Eugene (Rusty) Higgins both of St. Johns.
Sister, Virginia Blackmer of St. Johns.
Special friend Becky Thayer.
Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422 on
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Scott Lowman officiating.
Burial will follow at South Bingham Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008,
2-8 P.M. and 10 A.M. till service time on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.
St. Johns, Michigan
Michael J. Camburn, 37, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly Saturday,
November 15, 2008. Mike was born May 5, 1971 in Lansing, Michigan the son of
James and Eleanor (Boluk) Camburn. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School,
Class of 1989 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from Hope
College in 1994. Mike was currently employed at Emergent Bio-Solutions in Lansing.
Mike married Terri L. Tigelaar on August 15, 1998 and their wonderful daughter Zoe
was born May 5, 2006. Mike had a great love of God, his wife Terri and their daughter
Zoe. He enjoyed spending every spare moment playing with his daughter. He enjoyed
traveling, woodworking, computers, flying kites and attending kite festivals. He was an
avid cyclist and enjoyed going on biking trips with his wife and father. He enjoyed
solving various mathematical problems with his father and he was an active member
at Lowe United Methodist Church. Surviving is his wife Terri; daughter Zoe; parents,
James and Eleanor Camburn of St. Johns; parents-in-law, Merle and Gertrude
Tigelaar of Hudsonville, MI; sisters, Sara Camburn of DeWitt and Jenny Camburn of
Dimondale; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lori (David) Besteman and Vicky (Alvin) Kollar
all of Hudsonville and Dean (Suzanne) Tigelaar of Cleveland, OH. Funeral services
will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Keck-Coleman
Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422 with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. The
family will receive relatives and friends Monday, November 17, 6-8pm and
Tuesday, November 18, 2-4 and 6-8pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be
made to an education fund for his daughter Zoe.
Michael J. Camburn, 37, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly Saturday,
November 15, 2008. Mike was born May 5, 1971 in Lansing, Michigan the son of
James and Eleanor (Boluk) Camburn. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School,
Class of 1989 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from Hope
College in 1994. Mike was currently employed at Emergent Bio-Solutions in Lansing.
Mike married Terri L. Tigelaar on August 15, 1998 and their wonderful daughter Zoe
was born May 5, 2006. Mike had a great love of God, his wife Terri and their daughter
Zoe. He enjoyed spending every spare moment playing with his daughter. He enjoyed
traveling, woodworking, computers, flying kites and attending kite festivals. He was an
avid cyclist and enjoyed going on biking trips with his wife and father. He enjoyed
solving various mathematical problems with his father and he was an active member
at Lowe United Methodist Church. Surviving is his wife Terri; daughter Zoe; parents,
James and Eleanor Camburn of St. Johns; parents-in-law, Merle and Gertrude
Tigelaar of Hudsonville, MI; sisters, Sara Camburn of DeWitt and Jenny Camburn of
Dimondale; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lori (David) Besteman and Vicky (Alvin) Kollar
all of Hudsonville and Dean (Suzanne) Tigelaar of Cleveland, OH. Funeral services
will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Keck-Coleman
Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422 with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. The
family will receive relatives and friends Monday, November 17, 6-8pm and
Tuesday, November 18, 2-4 and 6-8pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be
made to an education fund for his daughter Zoe.
Ovid, MI
Jo Ann M. Carpenter, 85 died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 in Livonia, MI. Jo Ann
was born Dec. 3, 1922 in Concord, CA the daughter of John & Helen Machado. She
graduated from Salinas High School in CA and received her nursing degree from
Lansing Community College. She worked for several years as an R. N. in Owosso.
She married Merle Carpenter in Lansing, MI on Feb. 22, 1944. He preceded her in
death in May of 1986. Jo Ann was a member of First Baptist Church in Ovid, and
enjoyed bowling for many years.
Survived by son Rick & Jan Carpenter of Westerville Ohio and daughter, Judy
(Glenn) Forrest of Livonia, MI.
4 grandchildren Marc, Renee (Chris) and Eric Forrest and Chad Carpenter.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Ovid on Friday, Nov.
21, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Tim Dickenson officiating.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422
in St. Johns on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, 4-7 P.M.
Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church.
Jo Ann M. Carpenter, 85 died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 in Livonia, MI. Jo Ann
was born Dec. 3, 1922 in Concord, CA the daughter of John & Helen Machado. She
graduated from Salinas High School in CA and received her nursing degree from
Lansing Community College. She worked for several years as an R. N. in Owosso.
She married Merle Carpenter in Lansing, MI on Feb. 22, 1944. He preceded her in
death in May of 1986. Jo Ann was a member of First Baptist Church in Ovid, and
enjoyed bowling for many years.
Survived by son Rick & Jan Carpenter of Westerville Ohio and daughter, Judy
(Glenn) Forrest of Livonia, MI.
4 grandchildren Marc, Renee (Chris) and Eric Forrest and Chad Carpenter.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Ovid on Friday, Nov.
21, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Tim Dickenson officiating.
The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422
in St. Johns on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, 4-7 P.M.
Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church.
