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Herbert Irving Parrott Died Jan. 30, 2001 Herbert Irving Parrott, age 78, of Sun City West, Ariz., died Tuesday, Jan. 30. Herbert I. Parrott was born April 6, 1922, in Springfield, Ill. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II. He received a master s degree in music education from Michigan State University and was a music teacher for 33 years at Boyne City and Waterford Schools, retiring in 1980. He moved to Arizona in 1980 from Waterford. He was a trumpet player in dance and concert bands, was a member of the Lansing VFW band, the Glendale Concert Band, the Sun City Concert Band and a charter member of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, Sun City West, Ariz. Surviving are his wife, Faith Ione (Brabbs) Parrott; two daughters, Mary Jo Parrott of Lansing, and Nancy (Gerald) Hampton of Clarkston; two sons, Tim (Judy) Parrott of Grand Blanc, and Scott (Sandra) Parrott of Clarkston; one sister, Margaret Parrott of Ludington; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 in Sun City West, Ariz., and in Waterford at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, 13459 W. Stardust Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375-2548. The Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Marie Smith, age 85, of Oakview Medical Care Facility, passed away early Friday, April 27. Helen M. Miller was born March 25, 1916, in Ludington to Nickolas and Mabel Miller. She lived in Ludington all her life and was married Sept. 8, 1936, in Ludington to William O. Smith. He passed away April 15, 1989. She graduated from Ludington High School and was a member and past president of Pere Marquette Home Extension Club, the Pere Marquette Ladies Aid Society and the Nine We Are Club. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Herbert (Barbara) Tacktor of Ludington, Mrs. Laval (Anita) Freeland of Ludington, Mrs. Frank (Carol) Schiepek of Flushing; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice DeVette of Muskegon; two sisters-in-law, Irene Miller of Owosso, and Beatrice Smith of Ludington; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one grandson, Christopher Schiepek, two sisters, Jessica Hazekamp and Rosemary Miller. Private family services will be held Tuesday, May 1 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne E. Buskirk officiating. There will be no visitation; burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Oakview Medical Care Facility Diversional Fund with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Paul P. Balavitch Died May 1, 2001 Paul P. Balavitch, age 75, of Fruitport, died Tuesday, May 1 at a Muskegon hospital following a short illness. He was born May 26, 1925, in Weare and moved to Fruitport in 1952. He married the former Donna M. Gillespie at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Weare on July 31, 1948, and she preceded him in death on Nov. 29, 1989. Mr. Balavitch later married the former Winifred M. Gillespie Christensen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on June 30, 1990. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a life member of the NRA. Mr. Balavitch was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed attending Muskegon Catholic Central Crusader football games and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Mr. Balavitch was employed at Muskegon Potato Company as a truck driver and co-owned Adams Camper Sales for over 30 years until his retirement. Survivors include his wife, Winnie; three sons, Justin E. Balavitch of Fruitport, Paul P. (Cindy) Balavitch of Buena Park, Calif., and Gary A. (Ronda) Balavitch of Fruitport; three daughters, Suzanne M. (Greg) Miller of Norton Shores, Lee Ann (Jeff) Frame of Fruitport, and Linda A. Rivers of Fullerton, Calif.; two stepchildren, Richard (Sue) Christensen of Rothbury, and Mary Louise (Bill) Gokey of Ludington; two sisters, Helen Lynch of Detroit and Julia (Lester) Shaner of Hart; 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, especially Petie, Tom and Dan Balavitch. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Summit, Muskegon Heights, with the Rev. Norman Droski as celebrant. Interment will be in Fruitport Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 this evening and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lee Funeral Home 2812 Fifth St., Muskegon Heights, where a prayer vigil will begin at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association.

Ruth Ann Bettys, 91, of Walkerville, died Aug. 7 at Memorial Medical Center, Ludington. She was born Nov. 5, 1909, in White County, Ind., the child of Benjamin S. and Ethel J. (Whisler) Bond. She was a homemaker and lived in Walkerville most of her life. She was a member of the Walkerville United Methodist Church. She was married to George Bettys Nov. 28, 1930, in Walkerville and he died Nov. 11, 1982. Surviving are two daughters, Harriet Lathrop of Walkerville, and Helen and Harold Cronk of Scottville; three sons, Charles Bob and Sally Bettys of Walkerville, George Ben and Susan Bettys of Ovid, and David and Linda Bettys of Grand Ledge; 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; two great-grandsons, Jack and Joe Lathrop; a brother, Albert Bond; and a sister, Beulah Drum. The funeral for Mrs. Bettys will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10 at the Walkerville United Methodist Church with the Revs. Roger Warmuskerken and Kenneth Tabor officiating. Burial will be in Abson Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to the church. The Tate Funeral Home of Hart is in charge of arrangements.

James F. Johnson, 36, of Reed City, died Wednesday, Aug. 29 in Chase. He was born Sept. 7, 1964, in Ludington and was a resident of Branch before moving to the Reed City area 15 years ago. He was co-owner of J & J Auto Salvage in Chase. He is survived by his mother and step-father Marsha (Peter) Merklinger of Reed City; his daughter, Jenni Johnson of Custer; life mate Judy McCain of Reed City; stepdaughter Becky (Jeff) Miller and stepson Brandon Couture, both of Reed City; his brother, Jeffrey (Jackie) Johnson of Reed City; stepbrothers Randy Merklinger and Kevin Myall, both of Florida, Marty Myall of Baldwin, Eric Myall of Nashville, Loren Merklinger and Lonnie Merklinger, both of Reed City; stepsisters, Tammy Merklinger of Reed City and Theresa Myall of Baldwin; three nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Pruitt-Livingston Funeral Home, Reed City, with the Rev. Jack Kleeves officiating. Burial will take place at the Wilson Cemetery. Funeral home visitation was held Friday evening.

Richard G. McLain, age 75, of 2825 Lena, Tamarac Village, Ludington, died Friday, Aug. 31 at his home following an extended illness. Richard Gerald McLain was born Nov. 4, 1925, in Free Soil, the son of Joseph and Irma (Cameron) McLain. He grew up in Mason County attending Free Soil and Ludington schools. He was married Dec. 8, 1972, in Ludington to Evangeline Mary Stewart and she survives. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. Following his military service Rich worked on the Great Lakes with the Merchant Marines and then for the carferries in the engineering department. He retired in 1991 after almost 40 years of service. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching western movies. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Ann (Ken) Fortin of Manistee, Kathy (Randy) Engblade of Midland, Ellen (Duane) Kissell of Ludington; two sons, Joseph (Lucinda) McLain of Ludington, Tim (Tish) McLain of Kentucky; two step-sons, the Rev. Ralph J. (Judy) Wheaton and Terry Vernimo, both of Ludington; one brother, Robert (Miriam) McLain of Ludington; and sister, Gertrude Bentz of Virginia; 29 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The funeral for Richard G. McLain will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 at the Dorrell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Pelfrey of the Lighthouse Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service to receive friends. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan with envelopes available at Dorrell Funeral Home.

Estella Marie Hendrick, 94, of Manassas, Va., died Friday, Oct. 12 at Marshall Manor in Marshall. She was born Estella Marie Kronlein in Ludington Nov. 28, 1906. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald A. Hendrick. She is survived by her children, Joan (and Robert) Parrish of Manassas, and Jerry (and Carolyn) Hendrick of California; her grandchildren, Steven (and Donna) Parrish, and Gerald (and Carrie) Hendrick; and two great-grandchildren. Inurnment will be at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura, Calif. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer s Association, 10201 Lee Highway, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Arrangements are by Lee Funeral Home of Manassas, Va.

Vernon Ricklefs Keiser, 86, of Brandon, Fla., passed away quietly at his home Wednesday, Oct. 10. Coming from his native Michigan, he resided in Florida for 42 years. A University of Michigan Law School alumnus and member of the Order of the Coif, Mr. Keiser retired from the practice of law in 1999. He served his country during World War II as a special agent for the FBI. He was also a Rotarian, member of the Clearwater Exchange Club and sang with SPEBSQSA in many barbershop quartets. Predeceased by his son, Vernon Vorce Keiser, Mr. Keiser is survived by his wife, Mary V. Keiser; daughter and son-in-law, Lianne and Charles S. White, Brandon; brothers, Howard A. Keiser, Loraine, Ohio, Ted R. Keiser, Hiawassee, Ga., Don Keiser, Saginaw; and grandchildren Andrew White, Greenville, S.C., Erin White, Gainesville, Fla., and Amanda and Meredith White, Tallahassee, Fla. All who knew Mr. Keiser recognized his complete devotion to family, passion for music and art, appreciation of great conversation, and love of sailing and cherished pets. A private family service will be held in honor of Mr. Keiser s life in his hometown of Ludington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either LifePath Hospice, the National World War II Memorial, or the charity of your choice. Serenity Meadows Funeral Homes of Riverview, Fla., is in charge of the arrangements.

Linda Dawn Kelly, age 28, of Ludington, died Oct. 11 from injuries she sustained in a pedestrian automobile accident in Muskegon County. Linda Dawn Kelly was born July 22, 1973, in Muskegon to Jerome and Betty (Rose) Fitch. She was married to Ray Thomas Kelly in Ludington, and he survives. She was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. She enjoyed life and good times with her friends. Linda loved her family and spent much quality time with her daughter, Samantha, and her sister, Tracy. In her spare time she loved to read and crochet. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Ray Thomas of Ludington; four brothers, Michael Rose of Texas, Ed Mydlo of Illinois, Dale Fitch of Ludington, and Brian (and Angela) Fitch of Manistee; two sisters, Elaine (John) Ramsy of Illinois and Tracy Fitch of Muskegon; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister. Funeral services for Linda Dawn Kelly will be conducted 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at Dorrell Funeral Home with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians conducting the ceremony. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Custer. The family will be present at the Dorrell Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 to receive friends. Memorials may be directed to the family with envelopes available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lisolette Lis Reimann, age 77, of Scottville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 14 at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. Lis was born to Mr. and Mrs. Karl Kirshner May 21, 1924, in Mannheim, Germany, and married Robert Willi Reimann April 22, 1953. They moved to the United States in 1954. Together, they owned and operated the Reimann Bakery in Free Soil and later the Reimann Grocery in Ludington. Willi and Lis lived in Scottville, where Lis was active at St. Jerome s Catholic Church and where she was past president of St. Helena s Altar Society. Willi preceded her in death July 2, 1994. Lis will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jack (Cindy) Reimann of Grand Rapids, Klaus (Debra) Reimann and Nancy (Daniel) Soneral, both of Ludington, and Lorraine (Keith) Avery of Walhalla; her grandchildren, Kelly and Jason Reimann, Brad Gilchrist, Eric, Nichole and Brooke Avery, Lacey and Amanda Reimann, and Jessica and Jacob Schmock; her great-granddaughter, Morgan Gilchrist; and her sister, Ursula Kirshner of Germany. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mrs. Reimann 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 at St. Jerome s Catholic Church in Scottville with Father Isidro Gargantiel as celebrant. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery. Friends may meet with the family Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stephens Funeral Chapel in Scottville. The Rosary will be prayed 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral chapel. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at Stephens Funeral Chapel.

Joan L. Moranty, age 69, of Summit Township, died Saturday, Oct. 20. Joan was a member of Art on the Town Gallery. Surviving are her children, Geoffrey (Nicolle), Beth (Timothy), Martha and Michael (Roxanne); her grandchildren, Kathryn, Jessica, Kelsey and Rachel; her brother, Michael Caffery; and her sister, Patricia Kennedy. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Dearborn Chapel of the Howe-Peterson Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan.

Retired Mason County Sheriff Stanley I. Jansen, 77, of Ludington, died early Saturday morning at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon following an apparent heart attack. Stanley Ivan Jansen was born Aug. 30, 1924 in Eden Township, Mason County, the son of Joseph L. and Julia Marie (Goosen) Jansen. He grew up in Eden Township and attended Wiley School. He was married on July 26, 1947 to Evelyn M. Newhoff and she survives. Stanley was employed by the Mason County Sheriff s Dept. as a deputy and was elected Mason County sheriff in 1968, a position he held until his retirement in 1976. He also served as Pere Marquette Township supervisor and was currently a trustee for Pere Marquette Township. He was also an accomplished carpenter. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and trapping. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and the Michigan Sheriff s Association. Stanley will be sadly missed by his wife of over 54 years, Evelyn, his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Jennifer Jansen of Jackson, his grandson Andrew and his granddaughter Anne, also of Jackson. Survivors also include two sisters-in-law, Helen Jansen of Fountain and Martha Jansen of Scottville, one brother-in-law, Michael Edel, also of Scottville, and many good and special friends. He was the last surviving sibling of seven, preceded in death by his brothers Al, Frank, Bill, a brother who died at birth, and two sisters, Mary and Johanna. Mass of Christian Burial from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with the Rev. Dennis O Donnell as celebrant. Stanley s family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dorrell Funeral Home where the rosary will be prayed at 8:30 p.m. with O Donnell. Contributions in memory of Stanley I. Jansen may be directed to the organization or charity of the donor s choice with envelopes available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Leo C. Barnum, 81, of Baldwin, died Friday, Dec. 14 at Grand Oaks Nursing Home in Baldwin. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17 at the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with the Rev. David Bogda officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan may be left at the funeral home where Leo s family will greet Friends Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and on Monday prior to the services.

Betty M. Brown, age 79, of 3940 W. Kistler Road, Ludington, died Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Memorial Medical Center following an apparent aneurysm. Betty Marion Lindquist was born May 29, 1922, in Ludington, the daughter of John Fredrick and Edith Sophia Hildegarde (Johnson) Lindquist. She grew up in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School. She was married to George Ellsworth Brown on Aug. 22, 1942. Her husband of almost 60 years survives. Betty was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church where she had been Sunday School secretary for over 35 years. She was also a member of the women s society and the choir, taught vacation Bible school and served on many church councils. In her free time, she enjoyed participating in swimnastics at West Shore Community College. Her greatest joys in life were times shared with her family and she will be sadly missed by her husband, Ellsworth; her daughters, Janice (and John) Hill of Madison, Ala., Cathy (and Ronald) Kudich of Westerville, Ohio, Nancy (and Jay) Hill of Portage, and Wendy (and Timothy) Marek of Custer; her sons, Bruce (and Christine) Brown and Wayne (and Kathy) Brown, both of Ludington; her grandchildren, John (and Janice) Hill III of Sparta, Todd (and Michelle) Hill of Hudsonville, Julie (and Tom) Benjamin of Dorr, Brad and Barbara Brown of Ludington, Robert (and Abby) Kudich of Jacksonville, Fla., Jeanne Kudich of Columbus, Ohio, Jason Hill of Knoxville, Tenn., Amy Hill of Saginaw, Kristen Brown and Kendra Brown of Ludington, and Kimberlee and Sara Marek of Custer; her great-grandchildren Jasper, Jackson, Tessa and Elise Hill, Alexis Benjamin, and Connor and Jeffrey Hill and Hunter Brown; her sister, Winifred Anderson of Montgomery, Ala.; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marilyn and Donald Bierman of Louisville, Ky. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Lindquist and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edison and Marie Brown. The funeral for Betty M. Brown will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at St. Paul s United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Slattery officiating. Interment will be in Center Riverton Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Dorrell Funeral Home this afternoon and evening from 3 to 7 p.m. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Paul s United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Barbara Ann Schroeder, age 72, of 400 Sherman Oaks Drive, Apt. 407, died Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon. Barbara Boguszewski was born Nov. 29, 1929, in Ludington where she lived all her life. She attended St. Simon High School and was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. On July 10, 1948, she married Jack Schroeder, and he survives. She owned and operated Bobbie s Hair Salon in her home for many years. She is survived by two sons, Mike (and Terry) Schroeder of Muskegon and Paul Schroeder of Ludington; one daughter, Jennifer (and Mike) O Herron of Ludington; five sisters, Frances Kolanowski and Monica Olson of Manistee, and Victoria Piotrowski, Caroline Fisher and Josephine Carlson, all of Ludington; seven grandchildren, Heather (Roger) Vernier, Ian and Derrick Schroeder, Erika (and Scott) Fairfield, Laura (and Shawn) James, Heather (and Andrew) Wittbrodt, and Christopher O Herron; five great-grandchildren, Kaira and Rae Ann Vernier, Morgan and Abigail James, and Tyler Fairfield; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Harriet Bogus Sr., her brother Ted Bogus Jr., and her grandson, Joel Christian Schroeder. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. There will be no funeral services. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Forrest S. Reed, age 75, passed away Feb. 2 in Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, N.J. Forrest was born Oct. 26, 1926 to Perry and Maggie Reed in Pentwater where he spent his school years. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in Japan from 1945 to 1949. He was a merchant seaman for a number of years, then retired in 1992 from New Penn Motor Express as a New York inter-city truck driver after 25 years. He married Mary Pinzelik in New York City in May 1952. She preceded him in death in April 1987. Two brothers also preceded him in death, James of Muskegon and Richard of Benton Harbor. Mr. Reed was an usher, Holy Name Society member, and Catholic Youth Organization volunteer at St. Mary s Byzantine Rite Church in New York City. He also was a member of the Garden Club at Covered Bridge in Manalapan, N.J., where he lived. Survivors are a son, James (Maureen) of Englishtown, N.J.; a daughter, Dianna (Ray) Cassidy of Scotch Plains, N.J.; five grandchildren who were the light of his life; three sisters, Sylvia (Bill) Van Brocklin of Pentwater, Wanda (Ted) Jeffries and Janet (Joe) Geisler, both of New Era; and a brother, Glen (Sharon) of Hillman.

Berton H. Erzen, age 56, of 1205 South Sherman St., Ludington, died unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 16. Berton was born July 14, 1945, in Saginaw, the son of Matthew James and Helen Elizabeth (Enos) Erzen. Bert attended Ludington High School, graduating with the class of 1963. He was married June 21, 1969, in Ludington to Susan Marie Comstock and she survives. Bert served with the United States Air Force just prior to the Vietnam era and was a member of the Ludington Moose Lodge and the Moose Legion. He was the chairman of the local Moose golf league and had served as Governor of the Moose. He was employed by Harrington Tool for the past 15 years, and in his free time he enjoyed hunting, golf, traveling, and especially his grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his daughters, Lonna (and Richard) Oomen and Lynnette (and Aaron) DeCauwer, both of Elkhart, Ind.; his son, Michael Erzen of Ludington; his grandchildren, Ryann Oomen and BayLee DeCauwer; his brothers, Donald Erzen and Matt Erzen, both of Ludington; and one sister, Helen Punky (and Stephen) Storm of Ludington. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Diana L. Erzen. The funeral for Bert will be conducted 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Dorrell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Christensen officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 this evening at the funeral home where the Moose will conduct a memorial service at 8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Bert s family with envelopes available at the Dorrell Funeral Home.

Joanna M. Ray, age 93, of 310 N. Harrison St., passed away Feb. 15 at her home while surrounded by her family. Joanna Mason, the daughter of Edward B. and Susan B. Mason, was born May 19, 1908, on her parents farm near Sonora, Ky. She graduated from Sonora High School and Western Kentucky University and received her MS in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1961. She was married on July 12, 1929, in Princeton, Ky., to Edward M. Ray, and he preceded her in death on March 17, 1973. She taught school in Kentucky before raising her family, and in Michigan she taught and served as high school librarian in Milan, Roscommon, Fraser and Scottville. Joanna was a member of the United Methodist Church of Ludington and the United Methodist Women. She was also a past member of AAUW, the Women s Literary Club, the Literary Study Club, the Ludington Garden Club, the Retired Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (and William) Sutter of Ludington and Emily Moore of Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren, Pamela (and Ralph) Christensen of Marquette, Susan (and Allen) Andersen of Ludington, Laura Munch of Lockport, Ill., E. Eric (and Wendy) Sutter of Scottville, and Jennifer Moore and Joshua Moore, both of Minneapolis; six great-grandchildren, Abigail and Alexa Christensen, Scott and Joanna Andersen, Claire Munch and Alexandria Sutter; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Louella Mason and Sue E. Davis; and one brother, E.L. Mason, all of Kentucky. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Joanna s life will be conducted at the United Methodist Church of Ludington 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 in the sanctuary. The family will be present in the church at 10 a.m. to receive visitors. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the United Methodist Church of Ludington or Hospice of Michigan. Envelopes are available at Dorrell Funeral Home.

Glen W. Bentz, age 80, of Ludington died Feb. 15 at the Oakview Medical Care Facility following an extended illness. Glen was born Dec. 30, 1921, in Amber Township, the son of William and Bertha (Adams) Bentz. He was married on Nov. 3, 1945, in Ludington to Maxine L. Eichler and she survives. The couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past November. Glen was a hard worker and was employed over the years by Laird Construction Company in Amber Township, the Shoe Factory, the Austin Construction Company, Continental Motors in Muskegon, and the Mason County Road Commission. From 1946 to 1948 he worked for Campbell Wyant and Cannon in Muskegon. In 1948 Glen went to work for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Systems where he worked for 36 years, retiring as a first mate on the City of Midland in 1983. He made his last trip across Lake Michigan on June 23, 1983. His free time was spent hunting, fishing and woodworking. In addition to his wife, Maxine, who provided loving care for him during his long illness, he is survived by three daughters, Glenda (and Terry) Fox of Cadillac, Gwen Baxmeyer of LaPorte, Ind., and Glenette (and Jerry) Keson of Farwell; four grandchildren, LeAnne Fox Bush, Adam Baxmeyer, and Andrew and Jeffrey Keson; and one great-grandson, Gregory Michael Bush. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Thurow; his brother, Richard Bentz; his sister-in-law, Marie Bentz; his brother-in-law, Fred (and Lucille) Eichler, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. The funeral for Glen W. Bentz will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Dorrell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mr. B. Douglas Niemi of Bethany Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon until the time of service.