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Marsha Swanson Edington
Marsha Swanson Edington, age 61, and a lifelong resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully with her family surrounding her on September 12, 2023 after a long hard-fought battle with cancer.
Marsha was born on July 9, 1962, the daughter of Warren and Doris (Coffman) Swanson and grew up in St. Johns where she was a graduate of St. Johns High School. After studying agriculture at Michigan State University she worked with Michigan Certified Seeds, at the Elevator in St. Johns, with Kirk & Fitzgerald Tax service, as a bartender at Knob Hill and Bob’s Bar, and for the last twenty-five years in the undergraduate department at Michigan State University where she assisted students in class and dorm placements. She loved her work there and treated the MSU students like her own, and did the very best for them.
Throughout her life, Marsha devoted herself, and all of her energies to being an amazing mom for her son Warren. She encouraged him in all the good ways—to do your best, to be kind and generous to others, and to pursue the enrichment of Boy Scouts, fencing, horse riding, and all the other experiences and goals that presented themselves. For her family she was the force behind holiday and family gatherings and relished living next to her brother for whom she was there to help.
Marsha battled cancer for many years and was able to share and chronicle her journey on her blog Marsha’s Journey. She was ever grateful to her family and friends who wrote and shared their loving, never-ending support— it kept her positive and strong to the end.
She leaves her son, Warren Edington; daughter, Bella Gallo; siblings, Dana Swanson, Jack Swanson, and Wesley (Carrie) Swanson; nephews and nieces, Wesley Swanson, Hailey Seibly, Casey Compeau, Lacey Swanson, Zach Jones, Brandon Geiersbach; dear friends, Margaret Morris, Deb Blankenship, Bonnie DePue, Deb Pinkle, and many other dear friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Monday, September 18 at 12 Noon. Friends may visit on Sunday, September 17 from 2-4 PM and on Monday, September 18 from 10 AM until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, CHUM Therapeutic Riding, or to Boy Scout Troop 763 in Mason.
Robert Francis Devereaux
Robert Francis Devereaux, age 73, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, MI.
Robert was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 18, 1950, the son of Robert W. and Stella (Miller) Devereaux. Bob graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1968. He married Beatrice “Beaty” Pope on July 31, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.
Bob owned and operated Robert Devereaux Builder from 1995 until 2015 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He continued to work with his brother and nephews until his passing. Bob enjoyed camping with his wife and family. He loved football and was an avid U of M fan. He enjoyed spending time outside, working in his yard, and raised cattle for many years. Bob always had a project going and could be found tinkering in his pole barn. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends in need. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Bob’s two grandchildren were the light of his life and there was nothing he loved more than spending time with them.
He is survived by his wife Beaty Devereaux, daughters: Rachel (Lloyd) Devereaux; Heather Devereaux; grandson Jacob (Paige) Devereaux, granddaughter Madison Vick; sister Jayne (Jim) French, brother Todd (Lorie) Devereaux; brothers-in-law: Gordon Harris, George Pope and Ed Parrish; sisters-in-law: Kathy (Terry) Dean, Lori Barrett and Brenda Devereaux. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and his dog Coco. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Bert” and Stella Devereaux, step-mother Helen Devereaux, grandson, Matthew Vick; siblings: Sharon (Jon) Bottom, Linda Harris, Gary Devereaux and Chris Devereaux.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Lyle G. Huguelet
Lyle G. Huguelet, age 89 and a native of DeWitt, died peacefully at his home on September 12, 2023 after battling his health for many years. He was born at home in St. Johns, the son of Newell and Arvena Rust Huguelet, and was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. He served in the U.S. Army during which time he was stationed with the 1st Battle Group, The Old Guard, at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. When he returned from service he worked at Diamond Reo and also cash crop farmed.
Lyle was very active with 4H, served as a 4H leader and along with Bob Schultheis, spearheaded the 4H woodworking classes. He later helped incorporate Farmco Distributing in DeWitt with which he assembled, sold, and delivered farm equipment throughout the Midwest. He retired in 2009 but continued doing the work he loved, with his ‘pride and joy’, his Dodge truck, delivering grain augers and various farm equipment, to friends and farmers throughout the region who enjoyed his great friendship and great conversation.
Lyle married Joan Johnson in 1970 and lovingly adopted her three children with whom he farmed and had many camping adventures. On December 7, 1999 he wed Shirley Rasmussen whom he’d known since childhood through her dad and uncle. He was an amazing husband, friend, and partner. Lyle was honest and honorable, served his country, worked incredibly hard for family, pushed through tough times with little complaint, was down-to-earth and fun, and will be dearly missed by all.
In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by children, Wendy (Keith) Potts, Bill (Sharon) Huguelet, Mark Rasmussen and Eric Rasmussen; grandchildren, Brandon, Khasondra, Zachary, Ryan, Nicholas and Jeremy Huguelet, Tasha, Shelby, Brian, Katherine, and Nate Rasmussen, and seven great grandchildren; his brother, Dale (the late Ethel) Huguelet, sister-in-law, Sandra Wong, and many extended family and dear friends who join his family in both mourning his passing and giving thanks for his life among them. He was preceded in death by his son Doug Huguelet (Kim) in 2017, step-son, Kirk Rasmussen, granddaughter, Samantha Rasmussen, and brother Lynn Huguelet.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, September 15, from 5-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis, St. Johns, on Saturday, September 16 at 11 AM with Pastor Jim Pearl officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral ceremony at the church. Following the luncheon a graveside service and military honors will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his name to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society.
For further information please visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Donald Arthur Legere
Donald Arthur Legere, 86 years of age, in Millersville Md passed away Thursday July 13, 2023 at home with his loving wife by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born November 2, 1936 to Althea Legere in Bangor Maine.
Don served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After he was discharged, he went back to his home state of Maine where he met and married his wife Letitia Neill on January 17, 1961. Don worked many years in Maine then moved to Michigan in 1977 where he worked as a Tool and Die operator for several years. Don went on to work in Lansing at John Henry. He retired in his late 70s due to health issues. Don and his wife later moved to Maryland where they resided with their Daughter and Son in Law Pam and Dave Curtis.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years Letitia Neill Legere. He also leaves behind 4 children Teresa Morrison of Fieldsboro New Jersey, Doris (RV) Allen Jr of Saint Johns Michigan Keith (Marianne) Legere of Murphy North Carolina Pamela (David) Curtis of Millersville Maryland as well as 1 brother Albert (Sharon) Keroack of Conn. Don is also survived by 9 grandchildren 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. Along with many nieces and nephews. Don was proceeded in death by his mother Althea Keroack, foster parents Marie and Charles Bryant, Sisters Janet and Loretta, brother Louise. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Doris and Thomas Neill, Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mark and Lyla Neill, Sister-in-Law Alice Neill, Brother-in-Law Wayne Eldridge, as well as his oldest Grandson RV Allen III.
Don will be greatly missed by his family and so many friends. Per Don’s request there is no service and any contributions may be made in his memory to your local Hospice.
Barbara J. Knight
Barbara J. Knight, a long time resident of Maple Rapids, died on September 10, 2023 at the age of 79.
Barbara was raised by her parents, Richard and Isabelle Meinke, in Utica, Michigan where she was a graduate of Utica High School. On September 30, 1966 she married the love of her life, Larry Joseph Knight, and they made their home in Lansing before settling in Maple Rapids. She was a member of the Perrinton VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Barb loved animals, especially her cats and dogs, and adoptive animals she befriended on the State land by her home. She enjoyed square dancing, bingo, and trips to the casino with Larry. Most of all she enjoyed family time, and watching her grandkids play sports. She will always be remembered as a kind and giving woman who will be dearly missed.
In addition to Larry, her beloved husband of fifty-six years, she is survived by her son, Bill Knight, and her grandchildren, Jacob (Whitney) Knight and Sarah Knight. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Knight.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, September 14, at 1PM with visitation beginning at 11AM. Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck to officiate. Burial will follow in Sowle Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to the Michigan Humane Society.
For further information please visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Michael Ray Nichols, II
Michael Ray Nichols, II, age 44, of Owosso, MI passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 17, 2023 with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Visiting with family and friends will be held on Sunday, from 1-3 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Michael was born in Indianapolis, IN on November 10, 1978, the son of Michael Ray Nichols, Sr., and Marcia Grace (Bancroft) Hodges. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School. Michael was a loving son, brother, husband, and uncle. He loved life and living it to the fullest. In high school, he attended the Junior Military Academy.
He is survived by his mother Marcia and Jan Hodges of Fernley, NV; his sister Tara Nichols and Doug Haas of Fallon, NV; and his brother Marco and Amber Nichols of Owosso, MI. Michael is also survived by a niece; eight nephews; many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family. Michael was preceded in death by his father Michael Nichols, I; his grandfather Bruce Bancroft; his grandmother Mary Louise Nichols; his grandfather Jerry Walker Nichols; his Uncles: Keith Briggs and Mark Nichols; and one Aunt Sonda Nichols.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Cecilia Martinez
Cecilia Martinez, age 88, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with a Vigil and a Rosary being prayed 7:00 P.M.
Cecilia was born in Seagoville, TX on November 22, 1934 the daughter Arturo and Josefa (Garcia) Sereseroz. She married Miguel “Kino” Martinez on December 4, 1954. Miguel passed away on February 29, 2008.
Cecilia worked and retired from Clinton Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed cooking and especially loved making tortillas for her family. While she wasn’t cooking, she could be seen dancing and singing. Planting flowers in her flower gardens brought her joy and she enjoyed watching the birds at her bird feeder. Cecilia loved to play Bingo with her kids and grand kids. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. Cecilia prayed for her family every night before bed. Her faith was an important part of her life and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns. Cecilia’s wish was to remain at her home, all her children helped to make that possible.
She is survived by her children: Maggie and Ken Matice, Anita and Terry Wright, Miguel and Connie Martinez, Jr., Tina and Allie Pohl, Alice and Ron Schueller, Becky and Jimmy Soria, Dody and Kurt Warren, Nina Christie, Lydia and Darrin Villarreal, Jessie and Laurie Martinez, Mark Martinez, and John Martinez; 48 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild on the way; two sisters and two brothers. Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years Kino, one son Tony Martinez, one granddaughter Kristin Pohl, and three brothers.
Memorials in Cecilia’s honor may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.