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Ronald Gene Antes
Ronald Gene Antes of Wacousta passed away March 28, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born December 23, 1946 in Maple Rapids, Michigan to the late R.G. and Eleanor (Soule) Antes. He graduated from St. Johns High School Class of 1964 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Ron worked for GM as a Pipe Fitter retiring after many years of service.
He enjoyed golfing, camping and was an avid accomplished bowler. Ron bowled numerous 300 games and participated in several Professional Senior Bowling Leagues. He made many lifelong friends and enjoyed the game and the comradery but most of all looked forward to spending time with his family and making memories with them.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Galeeta (Whitney); daughters, Cassandra Shong, Michelle (John) Robertson and Roxanne (Todd) Frantz; 5 stepchildren; 24 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and sister, Clarice (Bill) Schwansara. Ron was preceded in death by son, Ronald Antes and 4 sisters.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge with The Reverend Lyle Heaton, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday from 10-11:00 a.m. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Delta Township. Memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be given to Wacousta Community United Methodist Church, 9180 Herbison Road, Eagle, Michigan 48822 or the American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48 Memorial Honor Guard, 731 N. Clinton Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837.
Karen Maier Smith
Karen Maier Smith, 58, of Phoenix, Az. formerly of St. Johns MI. passed away on March 24, 2022 with her husband and daughter by her bedside.
Karen was loved by many, telling everyone they were her favorite!! Little did she know she was everyone’s favorite. She was often referred to as everyone’s second mom or nana Karen by the many kids she babysat. Most of her days were spent playing and cuddling with her grandchildren whom she loved more than anything. She married the love of her life, Mark Smith, on June 9, 1984. They celebrated 37 beautiful years together.
She is survived by her husband, Mark, daughter Mallory (Junior), son Travis (Kristen), and 5 grandchildren: Ellianna, Xander, Daxton, Maxwell and Ophelia. Also surviving are brothers Terry (Marti) and Tim; sisters Barb Harte (Robert), Cindy Keilen (Mike) and sister-in-law Kathy Maier; in addition many nieces and nephews who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clare and Rita Maier, sister Nancy and brother Tom Maier.
There will be a celebration of life held at a later date in St. Johns, MI. Donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes fund or to the Kidney Foundation.
Jill Heather Dunn
Jill Heather (Hickerson) Dunn of Verbena, Al died Nov. 1, 2021 at her Niece’s home in Kingston, TN. Born in lansing, MI to Joseph Clarence and Dortha Lucille (Newman) Hickerson on October 23, 1941.
She leaves behind sons, Matthew W. and Andrew W. Brady and grandson Rowland R. Brady. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Yvonne L Haviland 1932-2013 and brother Gary C. 1937-1984. The three siblings attended kindergarten through high school in DeWitt, MI.
Cremation has taken place, and her ashes were buried beside her husband Clarence D. Dunn in Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. AL.
Jeffrey Norman Adams
Jeffrey Norman Adams, age 63, of Saint Johns, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Jeffrey was born on February 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, to Caroline and Norman Adams.
Jeffrey is survived by his fiancée, Jennifer Olney; his Daughter, Sheena and son-in-law, Michael Daly; grandsons, Trey and Brooks Daly; his mother, Caroline Adams; siblings, Douglas Adams and Julie (Thomas) Hamp; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Norman Adams.
Jeffrey worked for and retired from General Motors in Lansing as a skilled trades welder. After retirement he went on to work as a self-employed contractor, aka do-it-all handyman for Capital Area Child and Family Services for over 15 years, which was very fulfilling for him. He absolutely adored and cherished his adventures with his best friend and life partner, Jennifer, and their cat, Bella. He loved being a father, the MSU Spartans, deer hunting, and metal detecting. He also enjoyed maintaining his beautiful yard, growing vegetables, mushroom hunting with his brother, sharing music with his sister, watching his grandsons grow up, and cruising in his golf cart.
Service details are pending for the near future from Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Virginia L. Zeeb
Virginia L. Zeeb, 85, died on March 23, 2022.
Ginny Zeeb. What a woman. A real go-getter. Capable of feats large and small. Both city mouse and country mouse…but mostly country mouse. She was a farmer’s daughter, a farmer’s wife, and a farmer in her own right; however, she was equally comfortable working in the political circles of Michigan government. She really did have it all: husband, children, and a career, all the while making it look like a piece of cake.
Born to Herb and Irma Hardtke on March 11, 1937, she helped her father on the farm when her mother went back to work as a nurse after her brother Stuart was born. There, she raised an assortment of livestock and participated in 4-H, where she eventually met her future husband, Bob Zeeb. He said it was love at first canoe ride, mainly because she was the only girl he’d ever met strong enough to carry her own end of the canoe. She graduated from Sexton High in 1955 and earned an academic scholarship to Michigan State, where she attended until she and Bob started their family.
Mothering skills were like second nature to Ginny. Her key to success was a vast amount of Outside time; play Outside, work Outside, and all fighting was definitely to be done OUTSIDE. And hugs. Lots of hugs. She taught her children, Pat, Chris, Mike and Karen, about plants, bugs, birds and critters. They learned of clouds, ponds, stars and Northern Lights. A trip to the grocery store was a course in economics and doubling the cookie recipe became a lesson about adding fractions. She didn’t just guide her own children either; Ginny always had time to be a Boy Scout or 4-H Club Leader, Room Mother, or whatever else the community needed.
Ginny welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. There was a constant flow of their friends, kid’s friends, Alvaro the foreign exchange student, grandkids, friends of grandkids, some guy named Trevor from Australia and a random college kid who needed a place to crash. She couldn’t help herself from taking in strays, be they cats, dogs or people. There are far too many “walk-on” pets than can be enumerated. Her kindness was inexhaustible.
Ginny returned to Michigan State when she was in her forties as she was a lifelong learner. She was nearly finished with her degree when she was tapped to become Deputy Director of what is now the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Her next gig was as Chief of Staff for State Senator Nick Smith. She was a walking encyclopedia of policy and legislation with a penchant for getting things done. As a political operative, Ginny was a force of nature who embraced the adage, “Diplomacy is the art of letting somebody else have your way.” She decided to retire when her boss moved up to Washington D.C. as she had no interest in spending any amount of time away from farm or family.
She settled in quite comfortably to her next role, that of Grandmother Extraordinaire. She took her skillset and turned it up to 11. Now she had time to dream up all sorts of activities for her grandkids: Andrea, Adam, Allison, Philip, David, Rachael, Ben and Sam. She was the OG for Dial 1-800-GRANDMA. Need a sleepover? Pool Party? A backyard campout? How about a bonfire? Watch a movie that parents don’t approve of? She had you covered and was an eager participant in the shenanigans. Once, when her grandkids ran out of the woods yelling that there was an ostrich running around, she said, “yeah right,” but humored them and grabbed her lasso, hopped into the Vista Cruiser and headed for the tree line. Surprised but nevertheless cool as a cucumber, she lassoed that bird, hog-tied it and stuffed it into the wayback. She exclaimed, “Told you there wasn’t an ostrich; this is clearly an emu.” She kept it in the barn until the owner was located…as one does.
She and Bob supported their grandkids in all sorts of ways but especially in their sporting activities. Ginny had a voice capable of cutting through hoards of spectators and she wasn’t shy about using it. Encouragement would ring in the ears of runners, infielders and point guards. Pole-vaulters had to learn to plant the pole to the sound of “whooooosh!” No one had more spirit than Ginny. She appointed herself Team Grandma and baked cookies for after game treats, sometimes taking those cookies to the other team if Bath High played especially terrible. Seriously. Ginny played to win.
Sometimes she would snag a grandkid to accompany her to the John Deere store on a parts run for her impatient farmer. But the ice cream parlor was right on the way, so they might as well stop, wherein she would see an old friend to chat with (she could never go anywhere without bumping into someone she knew) and of course they had to take the back roads to see how everyone else’s crops were coming along. Finally, they would make it to the store, acquire the needed part and return home just in time for the repair to continue. This was Ginny Zeeb’s greatest lesson to us all—never lose sight of the goal but always take the time to enjoy the side trips. We have no doubt that Ginny is fulfilling her favorite catchphrase, “Onward and Upward!”
No funeral services will be conducted but please join us for a Memorial celebration on 18 June 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 at Zeeb Farms 3200 E Herbison Rd, Bath. Wear your boots; we’ll be in the barn. Contributions can be made in Ginny’s honor to Clinton County 4-H c/o Corissa Harris 100 E State St. Suite G100, Saint Johns, MI 48879.
Paula Rae Vanderstow
Paula Rae Chess Vanderstow, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, Michigan.
Paula was born in Lake City, Michigan on February 2, 1929, the daughter of Thomas R. and Blanche E. (Smith) Chess. Paula Rae Chess married Harry A. Vanderstow, Jr. on November 23, 1945, when he returned from Europe at the end of World War II. He was nineteen and she was just sixteen years old. Paula has left this earthly life to be laid next to Harry, their son Brian, and Brian’s son Chad, whom they had adopted, in Sowle Cemetery in Essex Twp. Also gone before are her parents, sisters: Ina and Mary Frances; brothers: Berne, Thomas, and Josiah; and parents-in-law, Harry Sr. and Bregje (Debree) Vanderstow.
She is survived by her remaining sibling James Chess of Florida; her children: Peggy, Catherine, Bruce, Diane, Douglas, Francine, Bradley, Jeffrey, Gretchen, and Brian’s son, Jeremy, who was adopted by Paula and Harry. She also leaves eighteen grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Grace Haven caregivers and Angela from CorsoCare Hospice for their care of Mom.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 12-2 P.M. A private family burial will follow at Sowle Cemetery, Essex Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Corso Care Hospice, 950 Corporate Office Drive, Suite 150, Milford, Michigan 48381; or you can make a donation to a charity of your choice in Paula’s name.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Stanley Ray Wassa
Stanley Ray Wassa, of St. Johns, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 26, 2022 after a long, valiant battle with COPD. He was 88 years old.
Stan was born on May 1, 1933 in Elba, Michigan, one of five children born to Joseph and Pauline (Dunay) Wassa. He was a 1951 graduate of Elsie High School and served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he enjoyed a long career as a Tool & Die Maker at Federal Mogul until his retirement in 1995. Stanley married Mildred “Millie” Kollar on September 8, 1956 at St. Cyril Catholic Church in Bannister, Michigan and together raised three children in St. Johns, Michigan. He was a longtime active member of the American Legion Post 153 and was a proud member of the St. Johns Honor Guard.
Stan was a quiet man of many talents. He was a natural athlete who excelled at golf, football, and baseball, and especially enjoyed playing on bowling leagues. Stan was also a gifted woodworker and made many tables, chairs and cabinets for family and friends in his home shop. He was the lead singer of a quartet during his time in Germany and played the button accordion and guitar during family gatherings. He loved to listen to music and go out dancing with Millie. Stan loved the out-of-doors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He will be missed by many, especially his beloved wife of over sixty-five years, Millie Wassa; sons, Tom (Tina) Wassa, Steven Wassa; daughter, Kelly (Ralph) Berghorst; grandchildren, Ryan and Nathanial Wassa, Dianne (Andrew) and Mike Wassa, Ronnie Berghorst and Tami (Jay) Fradette; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Lydia, Naomi, Levi, Carson, Lynken, Teagan, Taylor and Danielle; 2 great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James, Frank and Albert Wassa and sister, Mary Jane McNutt.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, St. Johns on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 2-8 PM, with a Rosary at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St, St. Johns on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11 AM. The Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial and Military Honors will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in his name to: St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Johns Honor Guard or to ZCBJ Lodge #225, Bannister.
Charles Eugene Robinson
Charles Eugene “Charlie” Robinson, age 71, of St. Johns, Michigan formerly of Elsie passed away peacefully on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 27, 2022, with Mrs. Kathleen Silvers officiating. He will be buried next to his mother at Ford Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Charles was born in Flint, Michigan on April 11, 1950, the son Fred and Bernice (Chisman) Robinson. When he was younger, he enjoyed going to garage sales, fishing, and antiquing. Charlie really enjoyed visiting with people and he made friends where ever he went. He was a man of faith and had accepted the Lord into his heart. Charlie’s dogs: Carla and Carlie was his companion’s and brought him much happiness and joy. He also liked his daughter’s dog Scooby and watching TV at their home.
He is survived by children: Amy and John Likens, Candy Champlin, and Sandy Cole and fiancé Andrew Showers; several grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, fourteen siblings and a grandson.
Memorials may be made to Hazel Findlay Country Manor, 1101 South Scott Road, St. Johns, Michigan 48879. The family wants extended thank you for loving and caring for him the past seven years, also Compass Hospice Care for their end of life care. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Divorce decrees filed the week of March 21, 2022
Terrill, James A / Terrill, Robyn M.
Ceccato De Sanchez, Ana / Sanchez Haddad, Raul
Shelpman Suezana / Shelpman, Brent P
Hoppe, Shelby / Hoppe, Jonathan