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Leo Alan Rowell
Leo Alan “Lee” Rowell, age 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Memorial Healthcare, Owosso, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 17, 2022, with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will take place at Sowle Cemetery, Essex Twp, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Lee was born in Fowler, Michigan on September 24, 1942, the son of Carl and Elizabeth (Weitzel) Rowell. Lee graduated from Fowler High School. He married Sally Melton on August 1, 1987 in DeWitt, MI.
After serving his country in the United States Navy, Lee returned to his hometown and started work at General Motors retiring as a supervisor after 30 years of service. He was also a lifelong farmer raising crops and livestock. He enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing. Lee also enjoyed trips to the casino with his wife and friends. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Sally Rowell of St. Johns, MI; children: Brenda and Robert Tipton of Maple Rapids, MI; Beverly Rowell of Lansing, MI; Bette and Jeff Workman of Elsie, MI; Christopher and Rebecca Melton of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Tonya and Nate Monroe, Trina and Chad Pontack, Jeremy and Sarah Denison, Courtney Workman and Austin VanZee, Victoria Workman, and Guiliana and Andrew Melton; great-grandchildren: Mia, Blake and Brenden Monroe, Carley, Hayden, Landon, and Elijah Pontack. He is also survived by his siblings: Ray and Cathy Rowell of Fowler, MI; Betty Montague of Lyons, MI; Shirley and Paul Weber of Fowler, MI; and Gale and Mary Rowell of Fowler, MI; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Lois June Fonger
Lois June Fonger, a long time resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully at Hazel Findlay Country Manor on October 11, 2022 at the age of 93.
Born on September 22, 1929, the daughter of Sydney and Jean (Kriens) Rozema, Lois grew up in Grand Rapids where she was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School. In St. Johns she served at the preschool, in the attendance office at the high school and was a faithful member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church. She was a devout Christian and loved her church where she selflessly served and made herself available to assist in church functions, missions, and drive fellow congregants to church who were in need of a ride to Sunday services. She loved traveling, camping, the out-of-doors, and her pets over the years. Most of all, her family was her pride and joy, and she adored time spent with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, David (Dawn) Fonger and Robert Fonger both of St. Johns; grandchildren, Joshua, Raelynn, and Garret Fonger, Scott (Ashley) Everett, Greg (Danielle) Everett, and eight great grandchildren; her brother, Robert (Jan) Rozema, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dawn Jallah.
A Memorial Service will be held at Pilgrim United Methodist Church, 2965 W. Parks Rd, St Johns on Saturday, October 15 at 11 AM with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Friends may gather at the church from 10 AM until the time of service. Memorials may be made in Lois’ name to Hazel Findlay Country Manor or to the Pilgrim Church youth ministry.
For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Jeanne Lynne Hosking
Jeanne Lynne Hosking, age 66, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at her home with her family by her side.
In following her wishes, a cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Jeanne was born in Clinton County, MI on December 19, 1955, the daughter of Norma (Caesar) Romanczuk. She married Dale Hosking in April, 2002. He passed away on October 5, 2020.
She is survived by two sons: Andrew (Pam) Romanczuk of Lansing, MI; and Cody (Chelsie) Romanczuk of Owosso; two grandchildren: R.J., and Maverick; and number three, Paizleigh, on the way. She was preceded in death by her mother, husband Dale, and infant daughter Jennifer.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Urban L. Weber
Urban L. Weber, age 93, of Fowler, MI, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2022.
Urban was born in Fowler, Michigan on May 12, 1929, the son of William and Catherine Theresa (Goerge) Weber. He resided his entire life in the Fowler area and worked for General Motors for over thirty years.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Sylvester Eugene Sherrill
Jesus called Sylvester Eugene “Gene” Sherrill, of St. Johns, to come unto Him and rest on Friday, October 7, 2022, peacefully at home. He was 82 years old.
Gene was born on December 9, 1939 in St. Clair Shores, to Ira Sherrill and Gertrude (nee. Dresden) and had seven siblings. Following graduation from Roseville High School, Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army. A jack-of-all-trades and self-starter, Gene was self-employed the majority of his life and enjoyed working with metal. Gene possessed a strong faith, was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and was a permanent board member of Capital Area Community Services (CACS).
On February 23, 1991 after a fifteen year courtship, Gene married Carol (nee. Battermann) and they enjoyed the blessings of a blended family. Gene was social and happy, a problem solver and possessed a gentle soul. He was friendly to everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. All who met Gene instantly liked him.
In 1999 Gene was first diagnosed with cancer and in 2016 he lost his ability to speak. He was a fighter and found new ways to communicate. Despite all of life’s challenges, Gene faced extreme adversity with a positive attitude and an extraordinary demeanor. He enjoyed being outdoors and found great joy in tending to his flowers and vegetable garden. Gene loved his cats, going to the movies and making people smile. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Sherrill; children, Ralf Sherrill, Cindia (Mike) Willis, Jeff (Lisa) Arrell, Darin (Jeni) Arrell, Robbie Arrell-Sherrill, Wes Sherrill and Sara (Mark) Moore; grandchildren, Austin, Heidi, Kodie, Tyler, Jason, Sherie, Chase, Tori, Katherine, Christopher, Alex, Daniel, Ethan, Bainette, LeAnn, Corinne, Cody, Christopher, Payton, Riley, Trent and Jaxon; over thirty great-grandchildren; brother, Dick Sherrill, as well as extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis Street, St. Johns on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Capital Area Community Services, 1001 S Oakland St, St Johns, MI 48879.
For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Stuart Lynn Fitzpatrick
Stuart Lynn Fitzpatrick, age 81, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Hospice House of Shiawassee County, Owosso, MI.
Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Stuart was born in St. Johns, Michigan on June 9, 1941, the son of Glendon Hayes and Helen Louise (DeVries) Fitzpatrick. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1959. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force. On April 30, 1966 Stuart married Sharon Kay Motz at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage.
Stuart enjoyed cold coffee and playing cards, especially Pinochle, Cribbage and Solitaire. He always looked forward to the family trips to the Lodge in Colorado to see family and friends. Most of all he loved his family and faithfully supported his grandchildren’s school activities.
He was member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and involved in many their activities. His family was recognized as International Family of the Year for the Knights of Columbus. He was very active in his community, served on many boards, and involved in many activities. He was a very caring person and had many friends in the community.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, four children: Sean (Amanda) Fitzpatrick of Waterville, OH; Soni (Chris) Ambrose of Lansing, MI; Shannon (Amy) Fitzpatrick of DeWitt, MI; and Sharissa (Nate) Canfield of St. Johns, MI; thirteen grandchildren: Brendan Fitzpatrick, Kieran Fitzpatrick, Corbin Fitzpatrick, Emily Armstrong, Joe Ambrose, TJ Havens, Landon Fitzpatrick, Ella Fitzpatrick, Greyson Fitzpatrick, Austin Clark, Clare Fitzpatrick, Connor Fitzpatrick, and Logan Bearden; and three great-grandchildren: Leilah, Jordan, and Trip. He is also survived by one brother Bruce (Norma) Fitzpatrick, five sisters-in-law: Sally Fitzpatrick, Gail Kohlhase, Jane Motz, Barb (Mark) Parbs, and Deb (Jeff) Wilcox; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Stephen Fitzpatrick, four siblings: Shirley (Henry) Attwell, Norman (Diane) Fitzpatrick, Roger Fitzpatrick, and David Fitzpatrick; in-laws: Edward and Genevieve Motz; and Sharon’s siblings: Betty (Barry) Bauer and David Motz.
Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul or Hospice House of Shiawassee County or American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Ronald James Wakefield
Ronald James “Ron” Wakefield, age 77, of Ovid, MI, passed away from an aggressive case of lung cancer on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Owosso Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI at 3:30 P.M. on Monday, October 10, 2022. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. At Ron’s request everyone is asked to wear casual attire; jeans and plaid shirts are welcome.
Ron was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 8, 1945, the son of DO and Georgia (Thompson) Wakefield. He had three sisters: Jeanette Gruesbeck, Donna Faye Allen, and Baby Connie. Ron lived his entire life in the Ovid area. He attended Ovid Schools, but soon decided school wasn’t for him. He needed to be a free spirit. He soon went to work. He worked at all three Ovid gas stations in one week, finally ending up at Howard Applebees’ Standard Station where he became manager. He continued working there for two years before going to Mitchell Bentley in the spring of 1963.
During this time Ron met the love of his life, Suesanna Mabie, from St. Johns. From the day they began dating they were never apart from each other for almost fifty-nine years. Also during this time, Ron was hired at General Motors, Fisher Body division in Lansing.
After eight months together, Ron and Sue pledged their love for each other at their wedding. They were married on November 30, 1963 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, Michigan. They started their married life in Ovid where they rented their first house for $1.00 a day. After fifteen months, they purchased Ron’s parents’ house and continued to live there for nine years. During this time Ron and Sue happily welcomed into their lives three beautiful girls: Jill, Tammy and Becky. With their growing family complete, they purchased their current home. They have lived there for forty-nine years and made many wonderful memories there together.
Ron retired from Fisher Body after thirty-four years. He and Sue have spent their last twenty-five years maintaining their home and yard. Ron was especially proud of his beautiful flowers and was always happy to share his knowledge of them with anyone. He gladly shared with his family, and now he has three generations carrying on his love of all things green. He and Sue maintained their home, always “freshening” it up. They loved to go to antique shows and bought many old pieces and re-did many of them together, turning them into pretty “antiques.”
Ron also raised and showed pigeons for over twenty years. If anyone in the area found a stray pigeon, Ron was the man they came to. He and Sue attended the National Pigeon Shows in Kentucky for many years. He was extremely proud that he won the national award for his Helmet pigeons in October, 2000. He truly loved to see his birds “grow up.”
Ron was proud of all of his accomplishments. However he had the most pride in raising his daughters. He taught them to drive, make correct change and to become successful, independent women. Nothing was more important to him than that. He was very successful at that. His love for them and his seven beautiful grandchildren is unending. He also found room in his heart to welcome Sue’s son, Terry, and his entire family. He finally got a son even if it took over fifty years!
Ron was preceded in death by his entire immediate family. He is survived by his loving wife Sue and his daughters: Jill (Dean) Gilbert, Tammy (Chris) Marshall, and Becky (Ed) Purvis; and stepson Terry (Shari) Ide. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Kaitlynn (Jintaro) Mikami, Kameron (Shianne) Gilbert, Michael (Whitney) Marshall, Matthew Marshall, Bree Purvis, Rex Purvis, and Brandon (Allyse) Ide; and his only great-granddaughter Cecelia “Cece” Ide. Ron will be missed by many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews, and his only living aunt, Hazel Seelhoff.
Ron was a very quiet man with a very dry sense of humor. Just when you thought he wasn’t listening, he would come up with some “information” pertaining to that conversation. He could make you think twice about some things; just ask his “Coffee Buddies” at Mary’s Country Kitchen. Ron was a man who loved Chevys, genealogy, MSU sports, plaid shirts, a good olive burger, and ice cream. He was loved by many, especially Sue.
“HE WAS A GOOD MAN!”
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
Linda Lee Howard
Linda Lee Howard, age 84, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Grove Bible Church, St. Johns, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, with Dr. Brendan Holmquist officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. Visitation will be held from 6-8 P.M. on Monday, October 10, 2022 at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Linda was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 17, 1938, the daughter of Elmer and Josephine (Cleveland) Reese. She graduated with honors from Rodney B. Wilson High School, St. Johns with the class of 1956. On August 6, 1960, Linda married Arthur LeRoy Howard at the Duplain Church of Christ. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage.
She loved her husband and family and devoted her life to them. Her children and grandchildren were her life! She talked to different ones each night. She adored her great-granddaughter Marley. Linda and Art enjoyed their annual trips to Mackinac Island. She liked to watch Gunsmoke and Roy Rogers. She loved lilacs and her birthday dinners at the Bavarian Inn. Linda’s faith in Christ was the foundation of her life and her hope in death. She and Art were long time members of Grove Bible Church. She lived her life according to the motto “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
She is survived by her husband Art, daughter Celeste (Kraig) Ehm of Laingsburg, MI; son Grant Howard of Georgetown, KY; six grandchildren: Ryan (Taylor) Ehm, Erica (Steve) Davich, Josh (Jess Urch) Ehm, Corey Howard, Jessica Howard, and Courtney Howard; and one great- granddaughter Marley Ehm. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Terry (Joyce) Reese, and one sister Judith Reese.
Memorials may be made to Grove Bible Church for youth ministries. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Divorce decrees filed the week of September 26 and October 4, 2022
Ramsey-Randall, Kyle / Randall, Adam
Dingee, Mark / Dingee, Holly
Coffey, Deana / Coffey, William
Merrill, Amanda / Hartsuff, Kyle