Betty Newman
Betty Newman, age 80 of Clarklake passed away April 24, 2006 at home. Mrs. Newman was born in Jackson on August 16, 1925, the daughter of Ralph and Jane (Meldrum) White. Betty married Woodworth “Woody” Newman in Jackson on July 27, 1962 and he survives.
She was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jackson and treasurer of the Church Guild, a drum majorette at Jackson High School and was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #315 and enjoyed snowmobiling and boating on Clark Lake. Betty also spent 22 years as a credit manager and later controller for the Elaine Shop in Jackson.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Newman is survived by her siblings, Robert (Betty) White of AuGres, Mich., Brenda (John) McDonald of Lake Zurich, Ill.; in-laws, Chuck (Tina) Newman of Clarklake and Franchion Thomas of Bradenton, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Heather LaDue, John McDonald III, Shawn McDonald, Brett McDonald, Michael White, Douglas White, Debby Junewick, Linda Thomas and Diane Huyssen. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carol Ann Hilborn; brother, Douglas White; Woody’s parents, Helen and Woody Newman; two aunts, Margaret (Eli) Ward and Mabel (Forest) Hay; brother-in-law, Earl Thomas; and nephew, Marty Thomas.
A Celebration of her life was held on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel with Reverend Carl Benes officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to Great Lakes Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Interment was at Clarklake Cemetery.
Florence June Ratz
Florence June Ratz, age 75 of Brooklyn, passed away at home under the loving care of her family on Sunday, April 30, 2006.
Born Nov. 1, 1930 in Waterford Twp, Mich., the daughter of Ethelbert and Edmere (LaPrise) Richard. She married Robert Ratz on May 3, 1952 and he preceded her in death in 1973.
Florence was a member of the St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church and also the Eagles. Besides her loving husband, Florence was preceded in death by four sisters, Doris, Nan, Terry and Bea. Also surviving are her children, Michael (Cynthia) Ratz of Onsted, Dennis Ratz of Brooklyn, Robert (Cheryl) Ratz of Riverview, Michele (Tom) Hood of Tipton and Rick (Tammy) Ratz of Brooklyn; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister, Joan (Leo) Williamson of Warren; and two brothers, Donald Richard of Madison Heights and Barney Richard of Florida.
A celebration of Florence’s life will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church where she will lie in state beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:30 a.m. with Father Carl Simon and Father Russ Kohler officiating. Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Joseph’s Shrine or to Arbor Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel in Brooklyn where the family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1 to 9 p.m. with an evening Scripture Service at 8 p.m.
Richard D. ‘Dick’ Pollard
Richard D. ‘Dick’ Pollard, age 61 of Napoleon, passed away April 29, 2006 at W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Mich. after a courageous two year battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dinah L.; nine siblings, Albert (Mary) Pollard, Buff (June) Pollard, Stan (Rose) Pollard, Bob (Phyllis) Pollard, Terry (Chris) Pollard and Dale (Lynette) Mewhorter, Anna Goertzen, Ruth Pollard, Virginia (Jay) Ferguson and Holly (Dan) Ross; father-in-law, Edwin Serafin, Sr. and his wife Charlotte; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Judy) Serafin, Edwin (Deb) Serafin Jr. and Nick (Sue Serafin; several nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and his special pet, Angel.
He was born July 22, 1944 to the late Roy and Marie Pollard Sr. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force serving in Vietnam, was a retiree of General Products and a former employee of Clark Equipment. He enjoyed the outdoors and NASCAR.
At his request cremation has taken place. Interment of cremains will take place at Napoleon Oak Grove Cemetery Friday at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service and luncheon celebrating his life at the Michigan Center Eagles Aerie #3634, 302 Fifth Street in Michigan Center at 11 a. m. with Terry Pollard officiating. The American Legion Ritual Team will provide Military Honors at the cemetery. Contributions in his memory to his family to assist with his final expenses would be appreciated.
Richard F. Witt
Richard “Dick” F. Witt, age 82 of Tecumseh, died Friday, April 28, 2006 at his home.
Born July 10, 1923 in Adrian, Mich., he was the son of Fred and Mabel (Drager) Witt. He married Hattie Mae Boyd on Sept. 21, 1946, and she survives.
A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country during WW II. He was employed as a silver solderer at Tecumseh Products for 27 years, retiring in 1973. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Post # 34, actively participating as a member of their honor guard, and a past Boy Scout Master and Explorer Leader. He enjoyed spending time at Meyer-Diver Airport, flying and watching planes and talking about aviation. He was also a NASCAR racing fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
In addition to his wife of nearly 60 years, Hattie, Dick is survived by one son, Thomas (Jolene) Witt of Kauai, Hawaii; one daughter, Dianne (Edwin) Froelich of Onsted; a sister Emma Rae Pike of Rapid River, Michigan; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Sharon Hendershot; a son-in-law Charles Hendershot; and one brother, Dicky Duncan.
Visitation will be at the Tecumseh Chapel of Couture-Handler Funeral Homes on Tuesday, May 2, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and also from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of the funeral service Wednesday.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery under the auspices of the Tecumseh American Legion and Tecumseh VFW. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Herrick Memorial Hospital Heart Fund.
Harold Robert Green
Harold Robert Green, 73, of Onsted, died Saturday, June 29, 2002 at his residence.
Virginia L. Calkins
Virginia L. Calkins, 79, of Brooklyn, formerly of Gaylord, passed away June 29, 2002 at W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Somerset Center and her late parents were Mike Lawrence and Minnie Ottmer Lawrence.
Mrs. Calkins was preceded in death by her husband, Lieo W. "Corky" Calkins Jr., her sister, Doris Disbrow, and a brother, Myron Lawrence. She is survived by her son, Daniel (Nancy) Calkins Sr. of Clarkston; two grandchildren, Carol (Jim) Deveen and Daniel Calkins Jr., all of Attica; four great grandchildren, Sara, James, Krista and Dennis; two sisters, Nancy (Earl) Maine of Pleasant Lake and Norma Conley of Florida; brother-in-law, Larry Disbrow of Brooklyn; and many nieces and nephews.
At her request cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Contributions in her memory are directed to the Cancer Research Assn.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nichols-Arthur Funeral Home.
Donald "Don" E. VanCamp
Donald "Don" E. VanCamp, age 72, of Brooklyn, formerly of Tecumseh, died July 1, 2002 at home. On Dec. 13, 1929 he was born in Grand Ledge, Mich., the son of George Dunham and Amelia (Hagen) VanCamp, Sr. On July 25, 1981, he married Linda Hollar in Tecumseh. She survives.
Don was employed with the Tecumseh Products Company for 36 years, retiring in 1985. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. He was a member of the Tecumseh American Legion Post #34, Tecumseh VFW Post #4187, and Irish Hills Eagles #3689.
Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Tim (Connie) VanCamp of Brooklyn; six daughters, Cheryl (Ken) Lynn of Tipton, Cindy VanCamp of Newport Ritchie, Fla., Cathy (Rick) Sitarz of Brooklyn, Linda Richard of Tecumseh, Jennifer (Todd) Evans of Brooklyn, and Jodi Cook of Tecumseh; his grandchildren, Michael and Courtney Sitarz, Amy and Heather Lynn, Matt Richard, Kyle and Kate VanCamp, Destinee Mozena, Ciera Cochrane, Zac and Taylor Cook; one brother, George (Jackie) VanCamp of Tecumseh; two sisters, Shirley (Roger) Phalen of Adrian and Marilyn (Jim) Haddrill of Laingsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Sami.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Richard Webb officiating. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh, with Military Honors conducted by the Tecumseh American Legion and the Tecumseh VFW Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. The Irish Hills Eagles #3689 will conduct a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
Dale Redfield
Dale Redfield, age 79 years, of Slee Road, Onsted, went to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, Aug. 3, 2002, en route to Bixby Hospital in Adrian after being stricken with a sudden illness while attending the Onsted Rodeo.
He was born June 23, 1923 in Woodstock Township, Lenawee County, Michigan, the son of Ray and Alma (Blum) Redfield. He was a lifelong resident of the Onsted area and a graduate of Onsted High School, class of 1941. He married the former Mary Abbott on May 6, 1944 in Onsted. She survives.
Dale was a farmer, school bus driver and Amoco Fuel Oil Agent and presently was a courier for the Onsted State Bank and assisted with the Cambridge Township Cemeteries. He was a member of the Onsted Kiwanis Club and the Gateway Community Church in Onsted and was a former member of the Onsted Board of Education, the Onsted Medical Board, Trustee of the Onsted Baptist Church and the Onsted Fire Department. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid fan and friend of the Onsted School students and activities.
Surviving besides his wife of 58 years, Mary, are a daughter, Dianne (Jim) Chadwell of Adrian; a son, David (Carol) Redfield of Ft. Worth, Texas; six granddaughters, Mary Jo Laupp, Shelly Jurcevic, Kristen DeVries, Rebecca Larson, Misty Birdson and Andrea Chadwell; seven great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Doris (Gene) Leigh of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Maynard Redfield.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Onsted High School auditorium with Pastor Tom McMichael officiating. Interment will be made in the Maple Shade Cemetery in Onsted. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (today) in the Brown-VanHemert Funeral Home in Onsted. Memorials are suggested to the Gateway Community Church or to the Onsted Community School Foundation.
Shirley Licking
Shirley "Cricket" Licking, age 74, of Brooklyn passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on July 23, 2002. She was born on August 8, 1927 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Claude E. and Ina E. (Stanley) Miller and graduated from Jackson High School in 1945. Shirley married Robert F. Licking on June 21, 1947 in Jackson and he preceded her in death.
She was employed as a medical assistant for Dr. Buslepp and retired in 1990 after 20-plus years of service. Shirley was a member of the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, Women of the Moose Lodge, A.A.M.A. and WLIS.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Robyn and "son"-in-law (Rick) Shore; four grandchildren, Charles H. Foresman of Holt, MI, Jennifer A. (Rich) Suntken of Sunfield, MI, Rachel and Ryan Shore of Brooklyn; two great-grandchildren, Chase and Shyanne Suntken of Sunfield, MI; brother, Claude E. and "Sis" (Martha) Miller of Jackson; nieces and nephews, Karen Sue (Chuck) Walker of Napoleon, Jacqueline Doty of Jackson and Todd Miller of Canton; great-aunt, Alida Yagley of Birdsnest, VA; sisters-in-law: Virginia (Mort) Schackow of New Haven, IN, Rosemary (Gerald) Shaffer of Homer; special daughters, Sue Clark and Patty Ledbetter of Brandon, FL; special friends, Juanita Loomis and Thais McIntosh. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia A. Foresman and parents.
Arrangements were by Jenter & Braun Funeral Home, Brooklyn Chapel with a funeral service held Saturday, July 27, at the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Robert Malsack officiating. Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Assn. or the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church.
Vivian A. Dresselhouse
Vivian A. Dresselhouse, age 93, of Napoleon died July 23, 2002 at Countryside Care Center. She was born July 26, 1908 in Ganges, MI the daughter of Albert and Lillian (Sparrowk) Nye.
Vivian was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Nursing and worked 22 years at W. A. Foote Memorial Hospital as the Employee Health Nurse. She was a member of the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, an avid gardener and loved cooking, canning and crafts. Her husband of 60 years, Merle, who died in 1998, her parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Surviving are two children, Gary (Joan) of Ann Arbor, Allen (Penny) of Brooklyn, two grandchildren and one great grandchild. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at Brooklyn Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert Malsack officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church. Envelopes are available at the Jenter-Braun Funeral Home.
