Robert Gzym
BIG RAPIDS -- Roberty Gzym, 29 of Big Rapids, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at Mecosta County General Hospital. He was born June 20, 1970, in Muskegon and attended schools in Muskegon and Big Rapids. He had worked in construction and was an avid fisherman. He is survived by two sons, Jacob and Jerid of LeRoy; his father, Tom Gzym; grandparents, Jan and George Gzym; a half-sister, Erica Weston; step-father, Tom Weston -- all of Muskegon; two aunts and uncles, the Dryers of Midland; and his fiancee, Lisa Wilkinson of Big Rapids. He was preceded in death by his mother, Karen (Dryer) Weston. Funeral services will take place today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at the McDowell Funeral Home in Reed City, with Rev. Donald DeVlieger officiating. Burial will be in the West Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until the time of services.

Hugh E. Hodges
BIG RAPIDS -- Hugh E. Hodges, 70 of Big Rapids, died Thursday, April 6. He was born Nov. 29, 1929, in Ionia, the son of Elliott and Elizabeth (Beecher) Hodges, and graduated from Ionia High School in 1948. After high school, Hugh served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1948-52, and in the Ionia National Guard from 1955-58. In 1957, he married Elaine M. Stout, who preceded him in death in 1999. After his stint in the military, Hugh served several years as a Boy Scout leader in Ionia. Hugh was employed by Ferris State University as an electrician until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Portland V.F.W. Post #409, Big Rapids American Legion Post #98 and the Big Rapids Elks Lodge #974. Along with his wife, Hugh enjoyed music and houseboating on the Muskegon River. Surviving are his step-son, David (Marilyn) Cope of Rogers Heights; a grandson, Kenneth (Denise) Cope of Cutlerville; a granddaughter, Karen Cope of Lansing; and a sister, Betty Jane (Harold) Gundy of Alabama. Cremation has taken place, with memorial services to be held at a later date. Arrangements are through the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home.

Richard L. "Dick" Worth, Sr.
BIG RAPIDS -- Richard L. "Dick" Worth, Sr., 68 of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 8, 2000. He was born June 14, 1931, in Big Rapids to Charles and Alice M. (Fetterley) Worth. Dick served in the National Guard. He owned and operated "Dick's Aluminum and Appliance Sales and Service," which was located on Fourth Avenue in Big Rapids, for many years. He later was employed for the city of Big Rapids as a firefighter until his retirement. Dick was an active member of the Big Rapids Antique Tractor Club. He is survived by two sons, Richard L. Jr., (Therese M.) Worth of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Thomas Hudson Worth of Big Rapids; five brothers, Lawrence Worth of Chippewa Lake; Robert (Melva) Worth of Arizona; Ray Worth of Barryton; Ed (Nina) Worth of Big Rapids; and Harold (Joanne) Worth, of Big Rapids; two grandchildren, Ryan T. and Jessica A. Worth, both of Chattanooga, Tenn.; one uncle, Leonard Worth of Big Rapids; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Jennifer and Mykayla of Big Rapids. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duane "Punk" Worth in 1985. Funeral services will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will be at Chippewa Lake Cemetery. Visitations are Tuesday, April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.

David M. Gates
SIX LAKES -- David M. Gates, 85 of Six Lakes, passed away April 11, 2000. Arrangements are being made by Crittenden-Hansen Funeral Home of Remus.

Elsa Margaret "Marge" VanAuken
BIG RAPIDS -- Elsa Margaret "Marge" VanAuken, 84 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, Feb. 20, 2000, at Metron of Big Rapids. She was born March 19, 1915, in Sebewaing to Herman and Ella (Stock) Gallow. A graduate of Sebewaing High School, Marge married Dr. Edward W. VanAuken on Oct. 15, 1946. They made their home in the Detroit area until moving to Big Rapids, where Dr. VanAuken had a medical practice for 33 years and they made their home for over 50 years. Marge had a talent for and loved interior design. She was active in this community, serving on various charitable communities. Marge was an avid golfer and accomplished seamstress. She was a member of the United Church of Big Rapids. She is survived by her children, Gail Barrie and her husband Robert Willette of Denver, Bruce L. Barrie and his wife Rosemary of Oregon, and Peggy Ann VanAuken of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Molly and her husband Marty Moore of Denver, Michael Ryan and his wife Patti of Richmond, Vir., Heidi Barrie of Woodstock, Ill., Ian Barrie and his wife Suzanna of Alto, and Amanda VanAuken Szot in graduate school at the University of Michigan; and five great-grandchildren. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Edward W. VanAuken on Jan. 20, 1994, and a brother, Leland Gallow. Memorial services will take place 1 p.m. Saturday at the United Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Jon Fleming officiating. The family will receive guests at the church from noon until time of services. Memorial contributions in Marge's memory may be made to Home Hospice of Mecosta County.

Lucille H. Hall
SIX LAKES -- Lucille H. Hall, 93 of Six Lakes, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Jan. 3, 2000, at the Alma Masonic Home. She was born May 1, 1906, in Lansing to William and Adlaide Cline. Mrs. Hall is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jalene and Bob Fettig of Marne, and Ardith and Bernie Johnson of Big Rapids; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Donna Hall of Six Lakes; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; maternal nephew, Donald Hefferan of White Cloud; and many paternal nieces and nephews. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; a daughter, Theda Wassing; a son, William Hall; and a sister, Gertrude Hefferan. Mrs. Hall was a member of the Lakeview New Life United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star of Big Rapids and Six Lakes and was Worthy Matron of the Six Lakes Chapter. She was an avid bowler and served as secretary/treasurer for many years. Services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Youngman-McCullough Chapel in Lakeview, with Rev. Larry Brown officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to the service, 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery. Those who wish to contribute to a memorial in Mrs. Hall's memory may make them to the Alma Masonic Home or New Life United Methodist Church building fund.

Clara W. Draper
BIG RAPIDS -- Clara W. Draper, 82 of LeRoy, died Wednesday, April 12, 2000, at Alter Care in Big Rapids. She was born Feb. 24, 1918, near LeRoy and lived her entire life in the area. On Jan. 23, 1936, she married Jasper Draper, who died in 1986. She is survived by one son, Kenneth (Bethel) of LeRoy; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Esther Kilgore of Cape Coral, Fla., and Bernice Demory of Reed City; one sister-in-law, Carol Draper of Sheridan. She was predeceased by a son, Ernest. Services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2000, at 2 p.m. from the Pruitt-Livingston Funeral Home in Reed City, with Rev. Thomas Tock officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Mary Elizabeth Badgley
VESTABURG -- Mary Elizabeth Badgley, 81 of Vestaburg, passed away April 16, 2000, at Kelsey Memorial Hospital. An 11 a.m. Thursday service will be held at the Crittenden-Hansen Funeral Home of Remus.

Mike Solis, Jr.
BIG RAPIDS -- Mike Solis, Jr., 63 of Big Rapids, died Tuesday, April 18 at his residence. He was born Sept. 13, 1936, Laferia, Texas, the son of Miguel and Consuela (Shaw) Solis, and moved to Big Rapids in 1973. In 1979, he received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in social work from Ferris State College and while there, was honored for exemplary service by the Mexican-American Student Organization. Mike began service for the Oceana County Department of Social Services (later Family Independence Agency) in 1975, and worked with migrant services and later assistance payments until he retired in 1989. On Sept. 18, 1985, Gov. James Blanchard honored him for "his civic-minded efforts and outstanding work with Michigan's Hispanic community." On April 11, 1955, he married Elena Chapa, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Miguel (Tammy) of Reed City, Marisa of Stanton, and Marcos (Elizabeth), David (Margaret), Jesus (Jennifer) and John (Daphne), all of Big Rapids; his grandchildren, Isidra, Mike IV, Ross, Spencer, Justin, Joseph, James, Jacob and Evan Solis, and Anthony Seaborn; his sister, Angie (Ken) Green of Sparta; his step-mother, Francisca Solis of Laferia, Texas; his brother-in-law, Jesus (Gracie) Chapa of Laferia; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. today (Thursday), April 20 at the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home, with Fr. Tom Page officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. His family will greet friends today from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association may be left at the funeral home.

Lorenzo Willard Doke, Sr.
Lorenzo Willard Doke, Sr. was born July 24, 1917, in Atlanta to Clarence and Tressie Doke. He was the third of four children born to this union. Lorenzo was the father of four children from his first marriage, Lorenzo Willard Doke, Jr., Wendell Woodson Doke, Sr., Shirley Dianne Watters and Ronald Doke. At the age of 34, Lorenzo married Aleatha Maxine Penman. From this union, six children were born, Charles Edward Doke, Elizabeth Ann Hall, Horace Benjamin Doke, Lawrence Frederick Doke, Philip Edgar Doke and Erick Tracy Doke. Lorenzo was preceded in death by wife Aleatha; his mother and father; three sons, Lorenzo Willard Doke, Jr., Horace Benjamin Doke and Lawrence Frederick Doke; and one granddaughter, Tressie Doke. Lorenzo departed this life on Sunday, April 16, 2000, and leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Shirley Dianne Watters of Illinois, and Elizabeth (Douglas) Hall of Maryland; five sons, Wendell (Pat) Doke of Illinois, Ronald Doke of Washington, Charles (Carol) Doke of California, Philip Doke of California, and Erick (Mary) Doke of Michigan; 18 grandchildren, Michelle, Wendell Jr., Kim, Eddie, Nichelle, Chanelle, Brandon, Loalizitha, Corde, Cheyenne, Dana, Samantha, Stacy, Tina, Erick Jr., Lorenzo, Claudia and Ericka; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Hazel E. Hill
MECOSTA -- Hazel E. Hill, 72 of Mecosta, passed away April 19, 2000, at Mecosta County General Hospital of Big Rapids. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Crittenden-Hansen Funeral Home of Remus.

Liguori "Corky" Shortsle
LAKE CITY -- Liguori "Corky" Shortsle, 52 of Lake City, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac on Friday, April 21, 2000. He was born Aug. 22, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, to Liguori F. and Dolores (Pollock) Shortsle. On April 8, 1983, he married Carolyn, who survives. He was a supervisor at the Reed City School Bus Garage and farmed. He was a ham radio operator and belonged to the Wexford-Missaukee Ham Radio Club. He attended Covenant Life Church in Lake City and loved hunting, fishing, and camping. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Deann (Monte) Fryett of Gulfport, Miss., and Ashley Shortsle, Carrie Shortsle, and Danielle Shortsle, all of Lake City; four step-children, Steve (Tracy) Reitz, Kelly (Doug) Valk, Chris (Martina) Reitz, and Tisha Oglesby, all of Lake City; his mother Dolores Shortsle of Paris; one brother, Tom (Fran) Shortsle of Mecosta; 13 grandchildren; two nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his father, Liguori F. Shortsle in 1994. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today (Tuesday) at the Covenant Life Church, with Pastor Scott Goodwill officiating. Visitation was held 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home in Lake City. Burial will be at St. Anne Cemetery at 3 p.m. in Paris. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Christian Schools.

John W. Bush, III
PARIS -- John W. Bush III, 54 of Paris, died Sunday, April 23, 2000, at his home. He was born Sept. 12, 1945, in Flint to John and Cleo (Bressler) Bush. He attended schools in Birch Run and later Central Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He had served in the U.S. Army for two years and had been married to the former Trudy Blasdell from 1965 to 1986. He had lived in Paris for the past 25 years and had been a special education teacher at MOARC and schools in Whaley and Walkerville. He had enjoyed hiking and biking and also had done some farming. He is survived by one daughter, Trudy (L.J.) Herzog of Paris; his mother, Cleo Bush of Birch Run; three brothers, Dennis (Bette) Bush of Burt, Thomas (Sandra) Bush of San Antonio, Texas, and Michael Bush of Birch Run; three sisters, Julene (Roger) Locke of Clio, Doranne Ringle of Birch Run and Johneeda (David) Belfort of San Antonio, Texas; a special friend, Carol Wood of Paris; and her sons, Andrew Wood of Kalamazoo and Russell (Virginia) Wood of Virginia; and two granddaughters, Rebecca Herzog and Roxanna Wood. He was preceded in death by his father. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. There was a memorial service on Monday, April 24 at the McDowell Funeral Home, with Pastor Lou Jurva officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mecosta and Osceola counties or to Walkerville Special Education.

Carl Albin Anderson
ELMHURST, Ill. -- Carl Albin Anderson, 88 of Elmhurst, Ill., went to be with his Lord on April 21, 2000. He was born June 24, 1911, on the family farm near Paris. He was the beloved husband of Ruth (nee Ryden); father of C. Robert (Patricia), Donald A. (Lola), Linda R. (Michael) Bagby, Alan R. (Patricia); dearest grandfather of Michael, Michele, Dawn, Keith, Janice, Laura, Eric, Erin, Kristin, Erika, and Alissa; and loving brother of Martha Carlson and Arthur Anderson. He served his country with distinction as a member of the U.S. Army 96th Infantry Division Combat Engineers during the Leyte and Okinawa campaigns of WWII. He founded Carl A. Anderson Excavating in Elmhurst, Ill., in 1971. Carl loved his family, his life's work, and his gardening (especially sharing its bounty). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl O. and Alma (nee Larson) Anderson; one brother, Gustaf; and four sisters, Clara, Hildur, Anne, and Dorothy.

Frances S. Pomeroy
BIG RAPIDS -- Frances S. Pomeroy, 85 of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2000, at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born Nov. 23, 1914, in Pennsylvania to William and Catherine (McDonald) Geisert. Frances had made her home in Gary, Ind., and later in Dallas, Texas. She came to Michigan in 1972 and was employed by Klines Department Stores (currently Stage) in Big Rapids until her retirement in 1981. Frances was a past matron of the Gary, Ind., Chapter of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Pomeroy of Big Rapids; two sons, Jerry (Ronnie) Salmi of Hobart, Ind., and Robert (Lori) Salmi of Mission Beijo, Calif.; one daughter, Cindy Zang of Mishawaka, Ind.; and one sister, Edith Berve of Aurora, Ill. At Frances' request, there will be no public services. Arrangements by Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home of Big Rapids.

Margaret M. Weld
STANWOOD -- Margaret M. Weld, 83 of Stanwood, died Wednesday, April 26 at Altercare Nursing Center. She was born Oct. 19, 1916, in Stanwood, the daughter of Peter and Myrtle (Sharp) Cain. In 1935, she married Charles H. Weld, and they lived in the Flint area until returning to Stanwood in 1971. Margaret attended the Northland United Methodist Church, and enjoyed playing cards, bowling and the mornings outdoors. Her husband preceded her in death in 1996. Surviving are three sons, Robert (Donna) of Clio, Gerald (Mary Ann) of Swartz Creek, and Phillip (Lena) of Stanwood; one daughter, Frances Dalziel of Clio; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 28 at the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home, with Rev. Ed Slate officiating. Burial will be in the Stanwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association may be left at the funeral home, where her family will greet friends today (Thursday) from 2 to 8 p.m., and prior to services on Friday.

Karen J. Spedowski
CHARLOTTE -- Karen J. Spedowski, 56 of Charlotte, died Wednesday, April 26, 2000. Mrs. Spedowski was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Roy and Helen (Berg) Adams. Karen was employed as judicial secretary to Hon. David W. McKeague, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan. Mrs. Spedowski was affiliated with the Federal Judicial Secretaries Association; former member of Lansing Legal Support Professionals, as well as the Michigan and National Associations; Michigan Ducks Unlimited, serving that organization as recording secretary, 1993 Annual Meeting Chair, and its first Ladies State Coordinator, establishing seven new "ladies" fundraising events throughout Michigan. Karen was also an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, serving as a member of the Parish Council and Trustee of St. Mary's Educational Trust. She also served as a member of the Lansing Diocese Pastorial Council. Mrs. Spedowski was predeceased by her husband, James, in 1996 and both parents. She is survived by her daughter Denise E. (Keith) Droscha; one son Paul A. (Cheryl) Spedowski of Charlotte; four granddaughters, Kaelyn and Whitney Droscha, Amelia Jimenez of Charlotte, and Beth Spedowski of Watersmeet. Also surviving are three sisters, Nancy (Steve) Starks of Coopersville, Nancy (Jerry) Wright, and Sandra (Alvin) Eastlund, both of Reed City; four brothers, Gary (Janet) Adams of Mecosta, Kevin (Portia) Adams of Clermont, Fla., Michael Adams of Mount Pleasant, and Bruce (Patty) Goldammer of Alpena; her father-in-law Joseph A. Spedowski of Irons and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Nancy) Spedowski, Joseph (Nancy) Spedowski, Jeffery (Barbara) Spedowski of Big Rapids, and Jordan (Jackie) Spedowski of Reed City; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend Rebecca Bell of Ann Arbor. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2000, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Father Thomas Nenneau officiating. Burial will be in Center Eaton Cemetery in Eaton Township. Visitation will be Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., with Rosary recited 7 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Educational Trust Fund. Further information is available at www.legacy.com. Arrangements are by the Pray Funeral Home, Inc.

Kenneth J. Serr
RODNEY -- Kenneth J. Serr of Rodney, formerly of Lansing, died April 25, 2000, at the age of 49. He was born Sept. 11, 1950. Kenneth was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Air Force, and had been employed with Motor Wheel Corporation for 13 years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy J. Serr in January 2000. Surviving are his wife Jodie, one daughter, Shelby (Calvin) Williams; three sons, Seth (Jamie), Casey (Roxanne) and Clinton (Sibbie) Serr, all of Lansing; eight grandchildren; his father, George Serr of Lansing; one brother, Randy (Diane) Serr of Potterville; one sister, Reta (William) Alexander of Lansing; two nieces; one nephew; and his faithful companion, "Charlie." Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing. Interment will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Okemos. The family will receive friends at the chapel on Friday, one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Diabetes Association, Wege Center for Health & Learning in Grand Rapids in memory of Kenneth Serr.

Ellen C. Helms
LAKEVIEW -- Ellen C. Helms, 87 of Lakeview, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at United Memorial Hospital in Greenville. She was born Jan. 8, 1913, in Millbrook Township to Ez and Ida (Decker) Kelley. Mrs. Helms is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Glenna and Lyle Adams of Mecosta, and Margaret and Roger Hagen of Orleans; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Carolan Helms of Ruskin, Fla., and Max and Susan Helms of Mecosta; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister, Esther Kohler of Mount Pleasant; a sister-in-law, Barbara Kelley of Lakeview; and a brother-in-law, Clare (Donna) Helms of Sand Lake. Mrs. Helms was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn W. Helms in 1995; three sisters, Lucille Rose, Ione Franklin and Mina (Carr) McKinney; and one brother, Jack Kelley. Services will be held Friday, April 28, 2000, at 2 p.m. at Youngman-McCullough Chapel in Lakeview, with Pastor Jim Hulett officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday evening, April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will take place at Hinton Cemetery in Hinton Township.

Lucille K. Anderson
CANADIAN LAKES -- Lucille K. Anderson, 93 of Canadian Lakes, formerly of Flint, died Thursday, April 27, 2000, at the Altercare Nursing Center. She was born August 19, 1906, in Henderson, Ken., the daughter of James and Lela (Faulkner) Kinnamon. In 1929, Lucille moved to Flint, after her marriage to Earl Anderson in 1926. Earl preceded her in death in 1972. Lucille was employed by A.C. Spark Plug for over 30 years, retiring in 1971. She was an active member of the First General Baptist Church in Flint, the Missionary Society and the Women's Society. Surviving are her daughter, Lela (Bill) Walker of Canadian Lakes; her son, Johnny (Betty) Anderson of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jesse Kinnamon of Kentucky; her two sisters, Rose McDonald of Missouri, and Margie Miller of Gladwin; and several nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, Lucille also was preceded in death by four sisters and a brother. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Today (Friday), April 28 at the Rogers-Mohnke Funeral Home, with Rev. Ed Slate officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint. Memorial contributions to the First General Baptist Church in Flint may be left at the funeral home, where friends may call today from 2 p.m. until time of services.