Obituaries
Charles Root
A remarkable life ended February 18, 2019 when Charles A. Root passed away peacefully and pain-free at his home in Bath, MI. Charles was born in Flint, MI on November 20, 1930, the 10th of 11 children born to Bethel and Pauletta (Crocker) Root. Charles lost his father as a toddler but shared many funny and warm memories of his upbringing through the Great Depression. He always spoke with great affection for his mother and siblings. “Good thing we didn’t know how poor we were,” he’d say.
After serving proudly in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway, he returned to Michigan and eventually got into the printing trades as a photo engraver. He founded Central Michigan Engravers in 1960 and Spartan Printing a decade later. Charles was, rightly, proud of being a business owner. When he retired from his Michigan businesses, he designed, built and operated a full-service car wash in Edgewater, FL. He and his wife of 51 years, Shirley, also bought, renovated and sold many homes in Michigan and Florida.
Charles is survived by his wife, seven sons, Steve (Linda), Fred (Angela), Chris (Tina), Randy (Kim), Jim Pierman (Kathy), Blake Pierman and Eric (Geri) and his beloved dog, Mitzie. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren along with his sisters Ruth Justice and Laura Haugh.
The family would like to thank Erin Ford of Residential Hospice and special niece Sharon Schwab for her tender, loving care for “Uncle Chuck.” Both provided Charles with great comfort toward the end of his life.
There will be no services. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home .
Howard L. Sousley
Howard L. Sousley, 88 of St. Johns, MI passed away at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Howard was born on January 26, 1931 the son of William P. and Glema A. (Whitney) Sousley. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1948 and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army and on July 9, 1950 he married Dorothy Steffens. Howard was active in the First Congregational Church, a Stevens Ministry Minister, The American Legion, dedicated to his county and was a big Spartan Fan.
Surviving are his children, Sandra Buyak of Dimondale and Scott (Rhonda) Sousley of Rochester Hills; three grandchildren, Benjamin (Heather) Buyak, Bailey Buyak and Evan Howard Sousley; a great grandson, William Buyak, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, and sister Phyllis Anderson.
Funeral services will be held at First Congregational Church on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Friday, February 22, 2019, 4 to 8 P.M. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church.
Treva Marie Miller
Treva Marie Miller, 87 of Ovid passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor after a long illness. She was born on September 11, 1931 in Carson City, MI to Carl and Lela (Quimby) Rinckey and graduated in 1950 from St. Johns High School. Treva enjoyed her church, doing crafts, sewing, decorating, and painting.
She is survived by her husband, Royall Miller whom she married on May 12, 1951 and her sons, Douglas (Susan) Miller and Barry (Jan) Miller and daughter in law, Deborah Miller, sisters Wilma Therrian and Betty Rinckey and brother Jerry Rinckey as well as grandchildren, Amy Miller, Julie Metcalfe, Tracie Perkins, Troy Miller, Ryan Miller, Lindsay Miller, Sara Miller, Ben Miller, Amy Brudnyak, Lisa LeClair and 15 great grandchildren. Treva was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Miller, sister Reva Reynolds and brother Carl Rinckey and her parents.
Memorial services will be held at Shepardsville United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 23. 2019 at 11:30 P.M. with Pastor Judy Hazel officiating. The family will receive family and friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Memorial contributions may be given to Shepardsville United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Anthony P. Thelen
Anthony P. “Tony” Thelen passed away at his home in Portage Michigan on February 14, 2019 at the age of 63.
He was born in St. Johns, Michigan and was the son of Marvin and Eileen (Cook) Thelen. He was a 1973 graduate of Fowler High School and also earned a Bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University. He held a number of positions, including a career at Meijers, before retiring. He enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, visiting Petoskey MI, going for walks, and loved animals. He was a kind and gentle soul and a fine son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Surviving to treasure his memory is his mother Eileen Thelen; his sisters: Louise (Neil) Becker and Cheryl (Ken) Kyte; his brothers: Cliff (Gloria) Thelen, Glenn (Ruth) Thelen, Kurt (Julie) Thelen, and Tim (Kathy) Thelen. He is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Thelen.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Funeral Home – Goerge Chapel in Fowler, Michigan on Monday, February 18, 2019. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM with the Memorial Service at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in Fowler, MI.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.