Obituaries
Betty A. Halitsky
Betty A. Halitsky, 65 of Ithaca and formerly of St. Johns, MI died suddenly on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Betty was born on March 22, 1951 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Emil and Mary (Hornak) Kus. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1969 and attended Lansing Community College receiving a Medical Transcriptionist certificate. On October 3, 1970 she married Ted K. Halitsky in St. Johns. Betty loved feeding the birds, doing their home decorating and going antiquing.
She is survived by her husband Ted, her Mother Mary Kus of St. Johns, sons Kevin (Jenina) Halitsky of St. Johns and Matthew Halitsky of Boise, Idaho; Grandsons Jacob and Joshua Halitsky; Siblings, Emil Kus of Harrison, Dan Kus of Perrinton and Jerry (Yvonne) Kus of Montana. She was preceded in death by her father and brother David.
Memorial services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives beginning at 10:00 A.M. Memorial contributions may be made the the Humane Society.
Elizabeth Ann Kirby
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Kirby age 72, of Elsie, MI, passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Rick Bokinskie officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 6-8 P.M. and also on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI. A Special Time of Sharing will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M at the funeral home.
Elizabeth was born in Owosso, Michigan on June 21, 1944, the daughter of Andrew and Anna (Koreni) Minarik. She married John Alvin Kirby on September 11, 1965, at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Bannister, Michigan. Betty graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1962. She went on to attend Farthing Beauty College, graduating in 1963. Betty went back to school in 1993 to receive an Associate Degree in Human Services and Gerontology from Lansing Community College and also a Bachelors Degree in Community Health and Health Sciences from Central Michigan University in 1995. Betty was so proud of her Bachelors Degree, as she obtained it while raising her children and grandchildren.
Betty worked at many places including; Universal Electric, Federal Mogul, Julie K, Kirby’s Autobody and Sales since 1971 with her husband John. She was a member at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, St. Cyril’s Altar Society, Pastoral Council and Officer, Christian Mothers Confraternity, Phi Theta Kappa Int. Honor Society, Past Clinton County Hospice Volunteer and was very involved in her community. She enjoyed writing, quilting, baking, and cooking.
Most importantly Betty was an impeccable homemaker. She loved her family very much. The most important goal in her life was to raise her children for Christ, and to be a witness for her grandchildren so they would accept Christ as their savior. To have them all live their lives for Him and some day to all be together in heaven for eternity was her top priority.
She is survived by her husband John Kirby, children; Kathleen Kirby, Dianna (Kirby) Taylor, John II and Emily Kirby, David and Nicole Kirby, grandchildren; Jamison Hoeve, Alexis Hoeve, Jonathan Kirby, Breckin Kirby, Rian Kirby, Kalyssa Kirby, Kassidy Kirby, brothers; Joe and Viola Minarik of Fowler, MI, Andy and Marge Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Vincent and Margo Minarik, of Eureka, MI, sisters and brothers in law; Barb Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Judy Minarik of St. Johns, MI, Cora Goldman, Sharon (Terry) Wagner, Bob (Linda) Kirby, Howard (Jeannine) Kirby. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and special friends; Joann Burnham and Alyce Moon. She is also survived by many special family members in Czechoslovakia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Anna Minarik, In-Laws Merlin and Arbutus Kirby, brothers; Paul Minarik, Steve Minarik, nephews; Ron Minarik, Mike Minarik, Bobby Minarik, and Gary Minarik.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice of Clinton County. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.
Marjorie Lea Erickson
Marjorie Lea Erickson, 65 of rural Ashley, MI passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 after battling cancer. She was born May 22, 1951 in Carson City, MI the daughter of Richard and Leatha (Hinton) Troub, and they preceded her in death. Margie graduated from Fulton High School with the Class of 1969. She resided most of her life in the Ashley area. She married Michael Erickson October 25, 1969, and they lived in Georgia for ten months after Mike’s return from a tour in Vietnam, they then returned to Ashley and their employment. Margie was a devoted daughter, wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed camping and golfing, but most important were Sunday BBQ’s and time spent at their cabin with family. Her grandchildren have been her pride and joy. Marjorie retired from the State of Michigan Lottery Division after 14 years of service.
She is survived by husband Mike and their two loving children, Scott (Deanna) Erickson of Ashley and Staci (Shawn) Grover of Middleton, as well as grandchildren; Amber (Gary) Long, Nathan (Megan) Erickson, and Makayla and Hailey Grover, great grandchildren, Rylie Mickelson and Kendall Erickson. Two brothers; Richard Troub (Sue Plowman) of Ovid, and Randy (Danielle) Troub of Texas, and also by several nieces and nephews and friends.
A memorial Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 22, 2016 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. A committal service will follow at Payne Cemetery Gratiot County, MI. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice 2597 S. Meridian Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
Shirley Ann Benedict
Shirley Ann Benedict, 82, beloved wife of Gerald Benedict (Jerry) passed away on July 15, 2016 in Sandpoint, Idaho following several months of increasing health problems.
The Vigil Rosary will be said at 7:00 pm, Monday, July 18, 2016 in St. Josephs Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 19, 2016 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Dennis C. Day officiating. Inurnment will be at the Sowle Cemetery near Maple Rapids, Michigan at a later date.
Shirley was born on November 17, 1933 in St. Johns, Michigan to Orla and Wilma Clark (Bolton), and graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns in 1952.
She was the wife of Gerald for over 61 years. They met nearly 68 years ago when they both entered the 9th grade in high school. Following graduation, Shirley lived briefly in San Bernardino, California returning to Lansing, Michigan where she was employed at an office supply store.
She married Jerry on April, 23, 1955 at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing. Her children are Allan (Kathleen), Northville, MI; Susan Benedict (Jay Caroll), White Salmon, WA; Jeffrey (Cathy), Dunedin, FL; Elizabeth, Seattle and Robert, Sandpoint. She leaves four grandsons, David Hardesty, Allan and Ryan Benedict and Jesse Huttman and granddaughter, Breanna, as well as several nephews and nieces. Shirley was preceded in by her parents and two sisters, Donna Love and Glenna Stackable.
Shirley was active in her church, serving as the president of the Altar Society. She also was a member of the retired federal employees association and served as the treasurer, secretary and vice president of the Sandpoint Chapter. She was an animal lover and in her youth as a farm girl, she raised many injured animals, turning them into household pets, such as pheasant, raccoons, rabbits and even a sparrow hawk. She also had the usual farm pets such as lambs, piglets, chickens and of course cats and dogs. Shirley enjoyed working in her flower and herb gardens and was an avid reader of mystery stories. She and Jerry moved to Sandpoint in 1989 from Kentucky following his retirement in 1983 from the US Department of Treasury. During Jerry’s 24 year service as a special agent with the ATF, Shirley had to move seven times and she became adept at setting up new households and making new friends.
Memorial may be made to the St. Joseph’s building fund or the Panhandle Animal Shelter.
Bernard Clarence Neller
Bernard Clarence (Bernie) Neller, 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church , St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, with Pastor Brian Salminen officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 18, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel.
Bernard was born in St. Johns, Michigan on August 17, 1922, the son of Clarence W. and Helen Neva (Bartlett) Neller. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He was a member of Michigan Sheriffs Association, National Rifle Association, Hub Antique Car Club, Lansing Model A Club, Lansing Model A Restorers Club, AARP, Farm Bureau and Shooting Stars Square Dance Club. Bernard married Beulah C. Ley on October 10, 1959. He was retired from Oldsmobile as a mechanic. Bernard was also the former owner of the Sinclair Service Station in St. Johns, MI. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church St. Johns, MI.
He is survived by his sons; Gary and Helen Neller, Lynn and Kay Neller, Jack Neller, and brother Paul Neller. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters.
Memorials Contributions may be made to the St. Johns Lutheran Church 511 E. Sturgis Street, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, 104 East Cass St, St. Johns, Michigan.
Marriage licenses filed the week of July 11, 2016
Jay Brian Krefman, 31 of East Lansing and Paula Veronica Yevilaf Neira, 29 of East Lansing
Skyler James Medis, 23 of DeWitt and Amy Renee Estrada, 37 of DeWitt
Benjamin John Glynn, 31 of Westphalia and Jose Francisco Basurto Quintero, 31 of Westphalia
Corbin Ross Feldpausch, 24 of New Hope, Minnesota and Kassondra Marie Fox, 24 of New Hope, Minnesota
Nicholas Larry Alan Grassel, 23 of St. Johns and Kelsie Christina Sell, 23 of St. Johns
Jonathan Thomas Bloemers, 24 of DeWitt and Michelle Renee Vervaeke, 23 of South
Lyon
Steven Lonnie Stone, 29 of St. Johns and Catherine Elizabeth Millar, 28 of St. Johns
James Austin Winnie, 49 of Lansing and Kelli Jo Noecker, 46 of Lansing
Joshua Louis Klein, 24 of Kentwood 49508 and Elizabeth Rose Thelen, 22 of Fowler
Thomas Leroy Miller, 39 of DeWitt and Molly C Redemsky, 33 of Holt
Brandon Kyle Hempel, 42 of Lansing and Jessica Lacy Hobson, 38 of Highland, MI
Kyle Sherman Toman, 28 of Washington DC and Samantha Irene Spedoske, 30 of Washington, DC
Andrew Lee Lerg, 24 of St. Johns and Kelli Lynn VanderSteen, 24 of DeWitt
David Andrew Williamson, 31 of La Vergne, Tennessee and Amanda JoAnne Beaufore, 24 of St. Johns
Motown Legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in Concert – an album
Vacation Bible School
A Look Back – Gamble Store
Summer breezes will carry the sound of light classical and popular music when the Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra performs July 20 at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park as part of the weekly Concert in the Park series. There is no admission for the concert that begins at 7 p.m.
The Friends of The Maple River will host a field/float trip on Wednesday July 20 on Muskrat Lake in Clinton County. Time: 7:00 PM. This field/float trip is to highlight the water stabilization project and it’s impact on wetlands. Bring your canoe, kayak or outboard boat. 
Pauline B Feldpausch age 92, of Fowler, MI, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at her daughter’s home.
Elma G. Cockrum, 85, of St. Johns, MI passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. Elma was born on October 26, 1930 in Moorehead, KS the daughter of Warren and Birdie (Martin) Peck. She graduated from Thayer High school in KS with the class of 1948 and that year she married John W. Cockrum. Elma was a homemaker and enjoyed her family and helping her husband for several years of operation of St. Johns Motel, Clinton Theatre, Golf Carts by Cockrum, Family Drive-In Theatre and other local businesses. 
Richard G. Wenzlick, 89, of rural St. Johns died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 10, 2016. He was born on August 13, 1926 in Lansing, MI the son of Joseph and Josephine (Wonneberg) Wenzlick. He married Stella Swalec on September 2, 1950 in Lansing. and worked at Motor Wheel from which he retired in 1986.
Roy Arnold Frechen age 96, of Fowler, MI, passed away Friday, July 8, 2016 at Grace Haven Assisted Living, St. Johns, MI.
Arlene H. Schrader, 90, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Arlene was born March 14, 1926 in Watertown Twp., MI to Herbert and Mable (Craun) Ingalls. 
Lee Thelen is a life-long resident of Greenbush Township. Lee, along with Marilyn, his wife of 28 years, raised their children in this area. Lee began farming in 1981 on the family farm and has grown the business over the years. In 1996, he opened Thelen Ag Products, an agriculture parts and equipment business which he still owns and operates today. Lee’s over 35 years of experience farming and operating a business have provided valuable and practical knowledge of state and local laws as well and a good understanding of financial management.
As a lifelong resident of Greenbush Township, Ramona Smith would like to see and achieve positive change for her Township. With many years of working on Township elections and her employment of working with the public, she feels this is a great opportunity to serve her Township! She has the support of her husband Scott and their family whom feel that this clerk position is a positive for Ramona. 
Denise Roof has lived a total of 27 years in Greenbush Township. She and her husband of 41 years, Tom, have raised their 3 children in this area. 
Larry and his wife Cynthia have lived in Greenbush Township since 1979, where they have raised their 2 sons and are farming. Larry retired from the Clinton County Road Commission in 2010 after 20 years of employment. He was President of the Road Commission Road Employees Union for 15 years. Larry served as a 4-H Board member for 9 years, six as president. He has been serving as board member for the Eureka Christian Church since 2003. He is also a Vietnam Veteran.
Kyle Graham has been a lifelong resident of Greenbush Township. He has been married for 15 years to Angela (Beck) Graham and has two children, a daughter Brooklyn and a son Bryer. 
Bomb threat at HIFCM found to be misunderstanding
Motown Legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in Concert – July 13
Car show Cruise In is July 13
Avenue of Flags
As we enjoy these activities in the great outdoors, we need to be mindful of our surroundings and know that something dangerous could be right under our feet.