Betty L. Wilbur, Gene Louis Burgess, Daniel S. Garcia, Anita J. (Hebeler) Roberts, Myrtle E. Root, Arthur D. Buckley
Betty L. Wilbur
Betty L. Wilbur, 91 of St. Johns died peacefully at her home on Tuesday January 15, 2013. Betty was born on July 30, 1921 in Ovid Twp. the daughter of Clarence L. and Geneva M. (Hebeler) Kaltrider. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1938 and received her teacher’s certificate from Central Michigan University. Betty started teaching school in 1940 at Rowell School and later at East Olive Schools, retiring from St. Johns Public Schools.
On October 4, 1940 she married Robert T. Wilbur in Clinton County. He preceded her in death on February 26, 1996. Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School and was President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She was a Girl Scout leader, member of Mint Country Garden Club, Clinton County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, and the Mid-Michigan Audubon Society.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Ann Marie (Donald) Zimmerman of St. Johns and Mary (Michael) Beaty of Laingsburg; grandchildren, Donald (Gail) Zimmerman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Karen (Wayne) Sumpter of Papillion, Nebraska, and Robert Wilbur (Katie) Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Jean Woodbury.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday January 19, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Ellen Zienert officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Friday, January 18, 2013 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, St. Johns Water Spray Park or Sparrow Hospice.
Gene Louis Burgess
Gene Louis Burgess, age 60, of St. Johns, MI died Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Karen Messmer officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Gene was born in St. Johns, Michigan on November 3, 1952, the son of Rex V. and Jennie B. (Garrett) Burgess. He graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1970. Gene married Bev Wing on May 4, 1974 in St. Johns, MI. Gene was a lifelong resident of St. Johns, and retired from Federal Mogul on June 12, 2008. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, and previously coached baseball in Eureka for several years. His dream was to travel to all 50 states; he was able to make it to the 48 continental states. Throughout many years, he became a grandpa figure to many generations of children. He will be missed and loved by Madi and Kaden Bensinger; Ian and Ty Smith; Rylee and Mason Miller; Norah Davis; and Audrey Brundege who all affectionately call him Grandpa.
He is survived by his wife Bev Burgess of St. Johns, MI, son Barry and Amy Burgess of St. Johns, MI, daughter Holly Burgess and boyfriend Anthony Dulimba of Washington Twp., MI, 2 grandchildren; Ashonte and Hunter Burgess, father Rex Burgess of St. Johns, MI, brother Bruce and Fran Burgess of St. Johns, MI, sister in law Sandra and Dave Boots of St. Johns, MI, nephew Troy Smith, nephew Todd Smith, niece Teresa Smith, nephew Ben Taylor, niece Rachel Boots, nephew Ryan Boots, nephew Ross Boots, and nephew Adam Burgess. He is predeceased by his mother, daughter Melisa Burgess, and sister Janet Burgess.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences can be sent to The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns, Michigan.
Daniel S. Garcia
Daniel S. Garcia died January 13, 2013 at the age of 85. Born in Middleton, Michigan on February 8, 1927, the son of Luciano and San Juana (Castillo) Garcia. Daniel was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid. On December 12, 1964, Daniel married the love of his life, Hortencia Cazares and she survives him.
Daniel is also survived by his brothers; John Garcia, Marsed (Irene) Garcia, Robert (Francene) Garcia, Randolph (Lois) Garcia and sisters; Rebecca (Benito) Garcia, Christina (Herminio) Roldan, Eva Zuniga and Frances Zuniga. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Susie Massey, brothers; Lewis, Edward and Roland Garcia.
Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday January 16, 2013 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid with Rev. Fr. Raymond Urbanek presiding. Burial will follow at DuPlain Cemetery with military graveside service provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 PM and Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. A rosary will be prayed Tuesday evening at 7 PM. The family is being served by Osgood Funeral Homes.
Anita J. (Hebeler) Roberts
Anita J. (Hebeler) Roberts, age 80, of St. Johns, MI died Thursday, January 10th, 2013 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Bob Prange will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI.
Anita was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 20, 1932, the daughter of Clyde and Hazel (Gidney) Pearson. On February 8, 1986 she married Gerald Roberts and he preceded her in death January 10, 2003. She worked as a bookkeeper in the proofing department at the former Clinton National Bank and Trust.
Anita is survived by 2 sons, Paul and Debra Hebeler of Elsie, MI and James Hebeler of St. Johns, MI, daughter, Shari and Albert Koenigsknecht of Fowler, MI; daughter-in-law, Deb Hebeler of St. Johns, MI, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, two sisters, Betty Count of California and Sharon and Phil DeMarais of St. Johns, MI and one brother, Gerald Pearson of Dewitt, MI. In addition to her parents and her husband, Anita was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Hebeler.
Memorials may be made to Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences can be sent to The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, Michigan.
Myrtle E. Root
Myrtle E. Root, age 99, passed away in Carson City, Michigan on January 9, 2013. Myrtle was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan September 21, 1913 the daughter of Nelson and Ida (Samson) Cook. Myrtle married Harold L. Root in the Soo on July 28, 1941 and he preceded her in death November 7, 1984. She was a longtime member of the Sault Ste. Marie Free Methodist Church and worked as a sales clerk at Woolworth.
Myrtle is survived by children, Eastman (Melody) Root of Helendale, CA, Patricia (Ray) Knapp of Alma, MI, Virgene (Gene) Rector of Nashville, TN and Thomas (Glenda) Root also of Nashville. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and her nephew, Otto (Karen) Schmiling of Green Bay, WI. Along with her parents and husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by her three sisters, Hazel, Bessie and Gladys and two brothers, George and Walter.
Funeral Services will be 1 P.M. Monday, January 14, 2012 at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns with Pastor Richard Fulkerson officiating, burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Her family will receive friends at the Osgood Funeral Home from 10 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sault Ste. Marie Free Methodist Church 505 W. 4th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Arthur D. Buckley
Arthur D. Buckley passed away January 8, 2013, at the age of 75. Born March 14, 1937, in Sidney, MI. He was the son of Edward and Reta (Minard) Buckley. Arthur married Alice (Goodwin) on May 5, 1956, in Greenville, MI and she survives him.
Arthur was a retired Farm Bureau Insurance Agent, a member of the Shiawassee Dog and Gun Club and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #851 in Owosso. He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and golf and he especially loved spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Alice, Arthur is survived by two children, Randy (Julie) Buckley of Ovid and Cindy (John) Buckley-Burleson of Sears, MI, grandchildren, Katral (James) Stevens and Kayla Buckley, great grandchildren, Tryton Stevens, Tehya Stevens, and Ariel Buckely, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dick Buckley and Edward Buckley.
Arthur’s wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Luncheon will take place Saturday January 19, 2013 from Noon until 3 p.m., at the Shiawassee Dog and Gun Club.
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
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