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Thomas Edward Swisher
Thomas Edward “Tommy” Swisher, age 52, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at his home.
Tommy was born in Owosso, MI on June 23, 1969 to Paul Henry and Martha May (Johnson) Swisher. He went to school at Ovid-Elsie High School. Tommy worked at Ashley Salvage and Maple Rapids Auto Parts for over 30 years. He enjoyed deer hunting, riding quads and motorcycles, working on vehicles, helping on the farm, tractor pulls, as well as hanging with his nephew. Tommy was known for being an extremely hard worker and dependable. He loved his family and spending time with them.
Tommy is survived by his brother Jimmy Joe Swisher of Maple Rapids, MI; his brother Russell (Lucy) Swisher of Ovid, MI; his sister Sally (Brian) Horton of Lansing, MI; his nephews: Bill (Beth) Wilson of Ovid, MI; Dillon Simmons of Louisiana; Bryan (Kaleasha) Black of Portland, MI; and Brandan (Katlyin) Black of Ovid, MI. He is also survived by his great-nieces and nephews: Payton, Henry, Morgan, Arabella, and Ayden. Tommy was predeceased by his baby sister Toni Swisher, his parents, and many aunts and uncles.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Keith Ernest Dalton
Keith Ernest Dalton, age 80 of rural Fowler, died on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at his home, surrounded by family.
Keith was born on July 27, 1941 to Ernie and Waynetta (Castle) Dalton in Ionia. Following graduation from high school, he served in the United States Navy from 1961-1965. Keith married Pauline D. Tiede on June 18, 1988 and enjoyed twenty six years of marriage until her passing in 2015. Keith worked as a mechanic for many years which included time with Fowler Public Schools and Meijer. In “retirement” he enjoyed tinkering and working at this home repair shop where he helped fixed cars and tractors for family and friends. He loved to dance, grill, enjoy a beer, and spoil his cats.
Keith is survived by his children, Fran Dalton of Ionia, Keith Dalton Jr. of Washington State and Tracy Dalton of Ionia; step-children, Becky (Kevin) Torrey, Debra (Thomas) Thurlby and Louis Bennett; twelve grandchildren and many great grandchildren; sisters, Marylynn (Tom) Barnwell, Freida (the late Ron) Bachman, and Nola (the late Jerry) Dalecke. He was preceded in death by brothers, Jack, David (Marsha), and Fred “Robin” Dalton.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Tuesday, August 10, at 2 PM. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Friends may visit on Tuesday from 12 Noon until the time of service.
Grace Ann Ormston
Grace Ann Ormston (nee Hazelton), 89, of State College, PA, gained citizenship in heaven on August, 2, 2021 at Juniper Village, Wellspring. Adored wife for 65 years of R. Lee Ormston (deceased), dearest mother of Lori O. Roberts (William) of Lyndhurst, OH and Lisa J. Bontrager (Gary) of State College, PA; loving grandmother of Russell Roberts (Rachel), Jill Martin nee Bontrager (Phil), Jana Auman nee Bontrager (Brandon) and Evan Roberts; beloved great-grandmother of Wesley Martin, dear sister of Robert Hazelton (deceased), Alan Hazelton (Linda), Billy Hazelton (deceased), and Bethany Hack (Steven).
Born September 10, 1931 in Port Huron, MI, she was the daughter of Merle and Irma (nee Schantz) Hazelton. She graduated from Memphis, MI High School in 1949, Spring Arbor Jr. College in 1951, and received a BS from Michigan State University in 1954.
Upon graduation Grace immediately embarked on her dual careers of homemaker and teacher. She and Lee set up their home at Meadow Gold Farm near St. Johns, MI and she began a 33-year teaching career with St. Johns Public Schools that fall, primarily as a high school Home Economics instructor.
Teasingly described by her daughters as “Super Mom,” she grew and preserved most of the family foods, sewed her daughters’ clothes, maintained beautiful flower gardens, volunteered regularly, and entertained guests frequently, all while maintaining a full-time teaching career. Her natural ability to nurture extended from her family into the classroom, where she was a popular, trusted, and effective teacher.
Always impeccably attired, she managed to combine dignity and refinement with approachability and affection. Her adventurous spirit resulted in many wonderful travel experiences for her husband and extended family. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, she often arose before school to swim laps, insisted on fat free milk in everyone’s diet (on a dairy farm no less!) and preached “use the stairs, not the elevator.” She was a “hands-on” grandma who delighted in engaging with her grandchildren’s interests and celebrating their achievements.
Grace loved the Lord, travel, gardening, swimming, music, crossword puzzles, and her family.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 22 at 3pm at Duplain Township Cemetery, 5044 E. Colony Rd., St. Johns, MI. The service will be followed at 5 p.m. by a meal for family and friends at the home of her sister, Bethany Hack, 6540 Stone Brook Lane, Flushing, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advancement Office, Ormston Renovation Fund, Spring Arbor University, 106 E. Main Street, Spring Arbor, MI 49283; or Brandon and Jana Bontrager Auman’s teaching ministry at the Black Forest Academy through One Challenge, PO Box 36900, Colorado Springs, CO 80936 or secure.onechallenge.org (Memo: Mission Worker: Auman)
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit them on Facebook.
Rhonda M. Dildine
Rhonda M. Dildine, age 59 of St. Johns passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Sparrow Hospital after fighting an eight month battle with cancer.
Rhonda was born on November 4, 1961 to Arthur M. and Joann (Wieber) Post in St. Johns. She married Charles “Chuck” Dildine on April 14, 2018 after many years of a loving courtship.
Rhonda spent her early life as a devout, loving and nurturing stay-at-home mom. When her children had grown, for several years she worked as an Administrative Assistant at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and then to follow was her next endeavor at the Diocese of Lansing serving our Lord and the parishes, priest and clergy of our community. She resided as an accountant at Sparrow Health System as long as her health allowed. Rhonda, proud owner with her husband Chuck were and still are entrepreneurs of local business, Auto Gem Distributing in St. Johns.
Throughout her life, Rhonda enjoyed camping and traveling with her circle of friends and family, including their most recent years as seasonal campers at Just in Time Campground in Ithaca. She especially enjoyed her annual trips up north and to Florida. You would often see her dressed in her attire; being an avid sports fan of the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Tigers. Rhonda cherished being a grandmother and always had a sparkle in her eye when they spent time together. She also became a loving “Pug” mom to Bailey and most recent Bella.
Rhonda is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Dildine; her parents, Arthur and Joann Post; her children, Andrew Henning and Kelly (Corey) Reck; step-children, Therese (Jon) Richardson and Madison Dildine; grandchildren, Connor and Kinsley; step-grandchildren, Hunter, Payton, and Avery; her siblings, Sue (Mike) Barrett, Alan (Laura) Post, Tony Post, and Carole (Steve) Desprez; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. Rhonda is predeceased by her sister, Cathy.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel. The family will receive friends that day from 12:00.p.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions can be for the family’s wishes.
Dennis Michael Mullen
Dennis Michael Mullen, age 39 of St. Johns, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Dennis was born on July 26, 1981 in Traverse City, Michigan. After graduating high school, Dennis worked for various car dealerships fixing and detailing cars, and in sales. During his life, he loved fixing things and tinkering with electronics. Dennis was a history buff; he especially loved learning about war times and military battles. He also enjoyed cooking, shopping, and helping decorate.
Dennis is survived by his mother, Kimberly Mullen, several aunts and uncles, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Mullen, his grandparents, and his sister, Amber Mullen.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 2 PM atMcGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. Friends may visit the funeral home on Monday, August 2, 2021 from 2-8 PM. Burial will take place on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1 PM at Gilmore Township Cemetery, Benzie County, Michigan.