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Frances Doreen Nelson
On Friday evening, December 18, 2020, Frances Doreen Nelson (nee Bush) went to be with the Lord from her home in Greenville, North Carolina. Having celebrated her 95th birthday she was diagnosed with a terminal condition just three days later and immediately began completing pet projects, telling family and friends, “I will be joyful every day and more so thereafter,” a phrase that fittingly describes her zeal and gratitude for life.
Frances was born in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada on October 17, 1925, the second child of Archibald Franklin Bush and Elizabeth Edna Bush (nee Parker). After completing grade 13 at Burlington High School, Burlington, Ontario, Frances earned her R.N. at The Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Religious Education at London Bible Institute, London, Ontario. She and Alfred Edric Nelson (July 6, 1920-April 6, 2007) met at LBI and married at Freeman Gospel Tabernacle, Burlington, on August 25, 1951. Fran actively supported Alf’s pastoral ministries to Michigan churches including First Baptist Church, Rochester, Alaska Baptist Church, Kingsley Baptist Church, and Parr Memorial Baptist Church, Petoskey; together as MARBC State Representative and “Mrs. Shepherd,” and in his role as Seniors Pastor at First Baptist Church, St. Johns.
Frances is preceded in death by her husband Alfred E. Nelson, parents Archibald F. and Elizabeth E. Bush, sisters Marguerite, Barbara, Betty, and brothers Leonard and Graham. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters Helen McKercher (Burlington, Ontario) and Shirley Davy (Parry Sound, Ontario), children Judy Barber (Chuck, Greenville, NC), Dan (Nancy, Raleigh, NC), Ron (Glenda, Dayton, OH), Steve (Miko, Fukuoka, Japan), Paul (Elizabeth, New Canaan, CT), and Susan Page (Easton, PA), and her 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Frances Nelson’s earthly tent will be laid to rest beside those of her husband and parents at White Chapel Memorial Gardens & Cemetery in Hamilton, Ontario. A celebration of her life will be held at Grace Church, 3551 Charles Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858. It would be her wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations which can be sent to Grace Church for the Bibles for Asia ministry.
Funeral services are under the direction of Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, Wilson, NC.
Donna Snyder
Donna Snyder, 86, of Ashley died on Monday, December 27, 2020 at home after a short illness.
She was born on June 16, 1934 to Lois (Brown) Woodbury and Richard Woodbury in St. Johns MI.
Survivors include her husband Clifford Snyder; one sister Phyllis Studer of St. Louis, MI; one son David (Tammy) Snyder of Ft. Wayne, IN; three daughters: Vickie (Don) Layman of Goshen, IN; Karen Snyder of Elsie, MI; and Patricia Snyder of Middlebury, IN; twelve grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters Betty Kellogg and Barbara Scott.
Donna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her life and she especially loved the babies. Both her father and husband were farmers, so she spent countless hours helping in and around the farms. She was an amazing cook and her sticky buns contributed to many diet failures. Her absence will leave a hole that cannot be filled, but because of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we look forward to being reunited one day.
There will be no services held at this time.
Memorials may be made to Youth Haven Ranch, 3796 Perrine Road, Rives Junction, MI 49277. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Susan J. Ferguson
Susan Ferguson’s full and adventurous journey came to its end on Monday, December 28, 2020. Her lifelong pursuit of knowledge and learning, stilled by cancer. She fought valiantly until the very end and told her family she had a “great life”.
Susan was born on April 28, 1947 to Don and Pauline Powers in St. Johns, Michigan. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1965 and completed her Bachelors of Arts Degree from Spring Arbor University in 1990. She married the love of her life, Lynn Ferguson, on January 8, 1966. Together, they traveled the world in part thanks to the United States Army. They had two sons, Scott (Lori) and Tim (Jeff); six grandchildren, Lydia, Becca, Samantha, Skye, Robert and Sydney and two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Crew.
The family wishes to thank Susan’s lifelong friend, Chris Leavitt for all her help and support. Chris was a light during their darkest days. Following her wishes, Susan was cremated and no services will be held due to COVID-19. Memorials may be made to the charity of donor’s choice. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Bernadette Esther Foerch
Bernadette Esther “Bernie” Foerch, age 74, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at Ovid Healthcare Center, Ovid, MI with her husband Butch at her side.
Bernie’s wishes were to be cremated and to be returned home to be with her husband, until she is buried at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. A memorial service will take place at a later date.
Bernie was born in St. Johns, Michigan on December 7, 1946, the daughter of Joseph John and Eva G. (Glowacki) Bohil. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson, with the class of 1964. On May 6, 1967, Bernie married Glenn “Butch” Foerch at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI. They were blessed with 56 years of life together and many wonderful memories.
Bernie was a devoted wife and mother. She worked at the Clinton County Courthouse for 37 years before her health forced her to retire in 2003. She and Butch loved sprint car, short track racing, and NASCAR. They enjoyed watching races together. They also enjoyed bowling and snowmobiling.
Her husband Butch would like to thank all of you for being concerned and understanding. Thank you to everyone who went to see her during her 15 years at Ovid Healthcare Center and the staff there for their wonderful care of Bernie.
She is survived by her husband Butch, son Kevin Foerch, granddaughter Lillian Foerch, and two sisters: Julie Bohil and Christine Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Barbara Lewis.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Michael John Ferency
Michael John Ferency, age 72, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020, at his home.
A private memorial service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Michael was born in Detroit, MI, on April 18, 1948, the son of Zoltan Anton and Ellen Jane (Dwyer) Ferency.
Michael was a civil servant for over 20 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Ingham County. He was on the nursing board, bar association and adjunct professor for Michigan State University and Cooley Law School. He loved hunting, rock collecting, and was an overall adventurer. Michael was a conservationist and a great arborist, knowing the Latin name of all the trees. In his spare time, Michael was an avid reader, excellent cook and loved to play Bridge. His gigantic presence was evident from the moment he entered the room. Michael’s personality was characterized by his high intellect, his integrity with an extremely high moral compass and his honesty. He called things as they were.
He was known to tinker and work on his Ford tractor. Michael was a carpenter and built his house from the roof to the basement. He created many wood working projects and loved giving them to others. He was a great gift giver, including a set of tractor tires and a tool belt for his wife.
Michael was a loyal and steadfast son to his 94 year old mother. Cherished and terrific husband, father, grandfather, uncle and mentor too many; but most of all loved spending time with his grandchildren and did so with all of his heart.
Michael is the beloved husband of Linda, loving father of Sarah (Timothy) Hodsdon, Stephanie Quinn, Matthew (Jennifer) Ferency, Megan (Steve) Ludwig and Peter Ferency; cherished grandfather of Ben, Noah, Abigael, Alexander, McKenna, Xia, Logan, Ashlie, and Connor; dear son of Ellen and the late Zoltan; brother of the late Mark Ferency. He is also survived by a niece and a nephew, “sister” Cathy and many loving cousins.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Marie Smith
Marie Smith, age 99, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020, at her home with her grandchildren at her side.
Marie was born in Chesaning, Michigan on July 4, 1921, the daughter of Guy R. and Velma Belle (Smith) Georgia.
Marie was a custodian for St. Johns Public Schools for many years. She was a talented piano player, playing with several bands and in many clubs over the years. Along with her sisters, she played competitive fast pitch softball with their father as their coach. She was a Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed watching baseball up until the day she died. Marie liked feeding the all the animals outside her house; she felt no one should go hungry. Her positive attitude and humor will be missed by all who loved her. Most of all, Marie loved her family.
Marie is survived by grandchildren: Michael (Sheryl) Ludwick of Lansing, MI, Michelle Ludwick of Lansing, MI, and Jordan Hiebert of St. Johns, MI; and great-grandchildren: Jarrod Barkley and Micheala Ludwick. Marie was preceded in death by her 4 sons: Michael Ludwick Sr., Ron Prowant, Jon Prowant, and Sam Prowant; siblings: Mike Georgia, Gigi Elsea, Irene Pope, and Daisy Jury.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
David William Boak
David William Boak, age 68, of Fowler, MI, passed away Friday, December 25, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 2-8 pm with family present 2-4 and 6-8 pm.
David was born in St. Johns, Michigan on July 5, 1952, the son Charlie and Edna Mae (Jastram) Boak. He was the husband of Judy (Feldpausch) Boak. On September 15, 1972, they were married at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI.
He graduated from Fowler High School in 1970. Dave was a proud member of the UAW and retired from Federal Mogul after 30+ years. He loved spending time at the cottage on beautiful Houghton Lake while entertaining family and friends.
Dave appreciated spending time in his man cave where everyone was welcome. He was an avid MSU fan and crossword fanatic. Dave was a proud Papa and could often be found on the sidelines cheering on his grandchildren in their various activities.
He is survived by his wife Judy, son Shannon (Jenny) Boak, and two daughters: April (Monty) Kilpatrick, and daughter Jennifer (Mike) Fenning. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Serena, Grace, Donovin, Everett, and Thatcher, his siblings: Duane (Mary Jane) Boak, Denny Boak, Diane (Dave) Thurston, Denise (Jim) Weber, Dale (Jane) Boak, Dwight (Christine) Boak, and the late Daniel Boak. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Edna Boak.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.