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Crystal Mae Maneval
Crystal Mae Maneval, a resident of Bath, and native of St. Johns, Michigan, died in the care of her family and Sparrow Hospice on September 14, 2023 at the age of 77. Born on September 27, 1945, the daughter of William and Elma (Plumstead) Kasper, Crystal grew up in St. Johns where she was a graduate of St. Johns High School. Following high school she managed rental properties for many years and sold real estate. Crystal was always looking at other opportunities; she sold Amway in the early years, was involved with opening a couple of bars, and started Crystal’s Dating & Love Connection service.
When talking about her life, she always referred to “her chapters”, and her many chapters were full of adventures, family and good friends. She was always “very real” in her counsel, and in what she shared. She was ever open and honest with everything she was going through — whether it be on Facebook or a good, long phone call. She was unforgettable, and her colorful personality will be dearly missed by all. Her smile, laugh and stories will forever be in our hearts.
She is survived by her children, Todd Renee Maneval, Tara (Ed) Paksi, Ty (Nikki) Maneval, Tazia (Renzie) Milarch, and Tab (Amy) Maneval; grandchildren, Allison Paksi, Wyatt and Colton Maneval, Brianna, Dustin, and Dylan Auten, Clara and Macy Milarch, Kenton Koneval, Anna and Lauren Maneval; great grandson, Cason Bazan; her sister, Bonnie Wilson; nephew Troy (Rick Harden ) Wilson and many extended family members and loving friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tabatha; her parents; brothers, Gary and Joe Kasper, and brother-in-law, Tom Wilson.
A Celebration of life will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Wednesday, September 27 at 1 PM. Friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Following the ceremony at the funeral home, a gathering will be held at Swany’s, 310 N Clinton Ave, St Johns. Memorials may be made in her name to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
John David Smith
John David Smith, a lifelong resident of DeWitt, died on September 14, 2023 at the age of 59. He was born in Lansing on February 1, 1964, the son of John Wesley Smith and Loreen Kay (Filkins) Smith and grew up in DeWitt where he was a 1982 graduate of DeWitt High School. He was a talented drummer and enjoyed being a part of the high school band. Following high school he obtained his mechanic’s license and was a great mechanic who could fix anything including small engines and automobiles.
John dearly loved his job with Michigan United Conservation Clubs and worked with the company for many years. He worked the printing press, instituted computers, cared for the Wildlife Center and helped to maintain the field vehicles. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing for bass with his best buddy, his dad. Some of his most favorite times were spent with his parents and family at Bass Lake in Vestaburg where he enjoyed grilling and fishing and boating.
At home he took great pride in his landscaping and meticulously cared for his beautiful plants and flower gardens. He was a member of the Episcopal church in Dewitt where he kept fellowship and was an altar boy for many years. His faith was important to him, and it served him well as he traversed the trials of struggle and strove to embrace the things he loved.
He is survived by his parents, John and Loreen Smith; siblings, Mitch (Karen) Smith, Cheryl (Rick) Longstreet, Dan (the late Rachelle) Smith; nieces and nephews, Georgia Smith, Wesley (Heather) Smith, Alyssa Bernardi, Emily (Zack) Rodgers, Nicole (John) Zaborney and Jacob Longstreet; aunts, Carole (the late Francis) Gardner and Janice (the late Ed) Nordman. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Randy Gardner.
Services will be held privately interment in DeWitt Cemetery. The family is beings served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.