Obituaries
Dolores Marie Houghton
Dolores Marie (Simmons) Houghton was born December 11, 1937 in Saginaw, MI and passed into heaven on March 21, 2016 in St. Johns, MI.
Parents, Pete and Mary Simmons predeceased her, as well as brothers Kenny and Duane. Dolores is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Larry; her sister, Donna Brown, of Alma, MI; sister-in-law, Joanne Simmons of Wausau, WI; son Larry “Rick” Houghton II (Noel) of St. Johns, MI; son David (Elizabeth) of Simpsonville, SC; daughter Karla Hull of Fenton, MI; grandchildren: Peter of Elkins, WV; Shane of Los Angeles, CA; Christopher of Los Angeles, CA; Alec of Greenville, SC; Craig of Simpsonville, SC; Hannah, Shelby and Cooper Hull of Fenton, MI; and nephews and nieces: Greg, Mitchell and Joe Simmons, Paula (Simmons) Kostuck; Kurt and Kevin Brown and Kimberly (Brown) Solomon.
Dolores was happiest when surrounded by family, nourishing them with both food and memories. She made an unforgettable and wonderful impression on everyone her life touched. Dolores was a dedicated, active member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She was an ideal Christian wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 11 am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor John Eich officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Alma. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22nd from 6-8 pm at Lux-Moody-Wolfe Funeral Home, Alma.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7400 Begole Road, Alma, MI 48801, gslcalma@gmail.com.
LaRue G. Spitler
LaRue G. Spitler, age 90, passed away on March 18, 2016. He was born in Shiawassee County, on July 5, 1925, the son of John and Ruth (Sutton) Spitler. LaRue resided most of his life in St. Johns. He was a member of the Lansing Home Builders Assoc., Fraternal Order of Eagles and retired from Capital Savings and Loan Association. He married Eythel Willett on July 6, 1946 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2013.
Surviving are their children, Larry (Sandra) Spitler, and Cindy (Steven) Higgins, all of St. Johns, four grandchildren, Marc Higgins, Darrin Higgins, Greg (Danielle) Spitler, Jeff Spitler, half-sister Judy (Brian) McKee and several nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, LaRue was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Mary Spitler and half-brother Max Sutton.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Osgood Funeral Homes, 104 East Cass St, St. Johns, MI. 48879. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm prior to the memorial service.
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.
Marriage licenses filed the week of March 14, 2016
Brian Gene Kirschensteiner, 41 of Ovid and Heather Lanette Good, 33 of Dexter, MI
Gordon Michael Blackmer, 55 of Grand Rapids and Laurie Lynn Ballinger, 48 of St. Johns
Brandon Lewis Hardy, 24 of Fowler and Ashley Leeann Watson, 23 of Fowler
Divorce decrees filed the week of March 14, 2016
Guerre, Barbara L. and William D.
Elliott, Marc William and Devin C.
Owens, Jennifer Lynn and Caleb Daniel Rice
Rood, Kathy L. and James W.
Logan-Rees, Mary Ann and Tammy Sue
Townsend, Alison and Travis
Conradi, Mark Daniel and Linda Catherine
Scott, Amanda Lynn and Thomas Ernest
Rubey, Scott Roland and Melissa Jane
Simonds, Rachael Lea and Jarrod R.
Stallings, Kristen Marie and Gregory Scott
Moody, Brandi E. and Thomas E.
Doris Maxine Riddle, age 91, of St. Johns, MI passed away Monday, March 14, 2016 at her home.
Harriet D. Speidel passed away on March 13, 2016 at the age of 91. She was born in Sonoita, Arizona on November 18, 1924, the daughter of Frederick and Isa Jewel (Phillips) Barnett. Harriet married Roy M. Speidel on October 27, 1945 and he preceded her in death on December 28, 1998.
Jeanette Elaine Miller of Fowler, MI died Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the age of 71. She was born October 11, 1944 in Carson City, MI to Rensselaer and Margaret (Antcliff) Collins. Jeanette and her siblings grew up at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #3733, where she was President for over 25 years, and served as District President and Historian. Jeanette enjoyed genealogy and was a loving mother and grandmother to many. She loved all things involving her grandchildren. Jeanette married Hugh Miller on December 17, 1966 and he survives her.
Gary L. Martens, Sr. of St. Johns, died March 10, 2016 at the age of 70. He was born November 29, 1945 to Howard J. and Leona (Behrens) Martens. Gary worked as a Tool and Die Maker at General Motors. He was a member of UAW #652, the National Corvette Owners Association, the National Rifle Association, and St. Peter Lutheran Church. On November 6, 1965 Gary married Karen Bashore and she survives him. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015.
Dorothy Whitford died on March 9, 2016 at age 96, a life well-lived, well-loved, and an inspiration for all who knew her. Dorothy was born to Sam and Barbara (Zehr) Slagell on May 1, 1919 in Gratiot County, MI. She lived in that area for her entire life. Her family had moved from Illinois to Michigan to farm and were one of the founding families of the Bethel Mennonite Church where she participated her whole life. Dorothy was a person of devout faith, who committed each day to living what she believed. Family, friends, neighbors and strangers were always welcomed at her home where they shared in her kindness, good cooking laughter, and music. Dorothy was an excellent musician from her early childhood and throughout her adult life, a love she passed on to her children. Her infectious sense of humor was always present.
Maurice (Maury) Horski, 94, died March 4, 2016. He was born to Louis and Mary (Swider) Horski on August 10, 1921, in Locke Township. He grew up in the Owosso area with his siblings Joseph, Edward, Margaret (Sherman), Elizabeth (Figg), and Barbara (Page) who all predeceased him. He graduated from Owosso High School, received a B.S. from MSU, and earned a Masters in Education from Univ. of Minnesota. Maury served as a 1st Lt. in the Army Infantry in WW II. While in the army he met his future wife, Eloda Felber, in La Crosse, WI. 
Together they had four children: David (Millie) Horodynski, Susan (David) Droscha, Sandra, and Jean (Stan) Walker. He spent most of his working life as a high school teacher in Mich. and Minn., his most memorable being in St Johns, MI. Later in life he worked as a pharmaceutical salesman. He also enjoyed spending time and helping out at Riverwood Golf Course in Mt. Pleasant. 
Paul Edward Droste, age 73, our loving husband, father, and grandfather went home to his Lord on March 3, 2016. Born September 17, 1942 in Fowler, MI. Paul begin his work career at age 9, working in the mint fields in St. Johns, and later at Andy’s IGA. Paul began his 46 year career at M & M Distributing as a truck driver and salesman, then as the warehouse manager, and later became an owner, until his retirement. Paul was an active member of St. Therese Church for 49 years. He enjoyed boating, trips to the casinos, playing cards, and remote controlled boats and cars. Most important to Paul was his family and spending time with his grandkids.
Floyd Hayden passed away February 29, 2016 at the age of 72. He was born on August 11, 1943 in Sturgis, Michigan, the son of Harold and Jayne (Faust-Stayner) Hayden. Floyd married Nancy Brown on July 11, 1970 in Royal Oak, Michigan and she survives him.
Richard Duane Tipton, Sr. passed away on March 2, 2016 at the age of 77. Born on December 21, 1938 in Fowler, MI, the son of John and Margaret (Townsend) Tipton, Sr. He married Judith DeYoung on October 30, 1959 and she survives him.
Jerry Harold Weaver, age 75, of St. Johns, MI passed away Monday, February 22, 2016 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI with his family by his side.
Nellie Frances (Valance) Dickinson passed away peacefully at Grace Haven Assisted Living in St. Johns, Michigan on February 22, 2016. Nellie and her twin sister, Dellie, were born on October 23, 1927, to parents Floyd and Lillie (Mikesell) Vallance in Newark Township, MI. Nellie grew up in rural Gratiot County, MI, where she attended Fulton High School and was the editor of the school’s newspaper, The Pirate’s Patch. It was here that she met her high school sweetheart, Homer “Wayne” Dickinson, to whom she would marry on November 17, 1945. They established their home in Middleton and raised two children, Shirley and Duane.
George J. Hazle of St. Johns died Monday, February 22, 2016 at the age of 87. He was born September, 3, 1928 in Ovid, MI the son of Wesley R. and Helen (Hoeve) Hazle. He graduated from Fowler High School, (1946) and Michigan State College Agricultural Short Course (1947 & 1948). George was the proud owner of Golden-Knob Holsteins from 1963 to 2013. George also worked for Michigan DHIA as a supervisor and was an AI Technician for MABC. George was active in County and State 4-H dairy programs for 75 years as a member and leader. George was in many dairy and agricultural organizations. He was a member of the National and Michigan Holstein Association. George was a member of MMPA, NorthStar Co-op and Farm Bureau. He served on the Victor Township Board of Review and was a past member of the Clinton County Fair Board. On November 25, 1950 he married Shirley Parker and she preceded him in death in July of 2014. 
James “Jim” A. Dorman, Jr., passed away on February 21, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on July 26, 1930, the son of James and Esther (Wooton) Dorman. Jim was retired from the United States Navy, the State of Michigan and was a member of Society of Broadcast Engineers. He was influential in starting a broadcasting program in Ovid-Elsie area schools. Jim loved country music and had an extensive collection of vintage records.
Conrado Dominguez, 49 of St. Johns, Michigan died Thursday, February 18, 2016 at The Willows of East Lansing after a short bout with cancer. Conrado was born on April 21, 1966 in San Lorenzo, Hildalgo, Mexico the son of Elfego and Yolanda Dominguez. He was a high school graduate and worked in the warehouse at Martin Brower in St. Johns. On December 27, 1991 he married Jennifer Kuenzli in St. Johns. He was an avid runner, bicyclist, enjoyed woodworking and loved attending sporting events that his children were in.
Jimmy C. Easterling, age 83 of St. Johns passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 at his home.
Erwin L. Behrens passed away February 16, 2016 at the age of 81. He was born on September 28, 1934 in Ovid, Michigan, the son of John and Clara (Nolte) Behrens. Erwin married Evelyn June Wilhelm on August 14, 1965 in Flint, Michigan and she preceded him in death in 2005.
On February 11, 2016 Alice M. Hoeve was united in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus and with many friends and family who preceded her. She was born Mildred Alice Pettigrew to the former Gordon and Florence (Doty) Pettigrew. Alice retired from Chrysler Corporation. She loved to garden, knit, and travel; very much enjoyed traveling to far away and close places to visit friends and relatives.
Mary Jane (Ochis) Gillson died Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the age of 93. She was born in Fowler, MI October 30, 1922 the daughter of Ben and Amelia (Schafer) Castner. Mary Jane married John Ochis on August 29, 1940 and he preceded her in death on July 27, 1962. She married Robert Gillson on September 29, 1973 and he preceded her in death on November 19, 1992. 
Bernard J. Feldpausch, age 91, passed away on February 11, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was born in Fowler on March 18, 1924 the son of Raymond and Armella (Pohl) Feldpausch. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a veteran of WWII. In 1964 Bernard founded Bees Chevy and Olds and Bees Sports. He was a Soap Box Derby coordinator and one of the main supporters in creating the St. Johns Little League Assoc. to benefit the youth of Clinton County in 1965. Bernard was a great promoter of Hazel Findlay Country Manor and co-initiated with friends the Transit Bus. He had the best honey and the biggest heart! Bernard was always looking for the person in need. He married Adeline Smith on July 18, 1950 and she survives him.
Linda J. Evitts of Laingsburg died Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the age of 72. She was born June 1, 1943 in Grayling, MI the daughter of George and Mabel (Eisenhower) Ostling. Linda was an insurance agent for the McPhail Insurance Agency in Laingsburg for over 30 years. She married Larry Evitts in 1960 and he survives her. 
Jacqueline A. Bratton of Flint died Friday, February 5, 2016 at the age of 84. She was born in Flint October 7, 1931 the daughter of Basil and Geraldine (Cady) Harvey. Jacqueline enjoyed playing bingo and was a waitress, working for several restaurants during her career. She married James Bratton in 1947 and he preceded her in death in 2012. 
Petra Martinez passed away with her family by her side on February 4, 2016 at the age of 87. She was born May 19, 1928, in Gonzales, TX, the daughter of Jesus and Julia (Camarillo) Guerrero. Petra was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. She married Francisco Martinez on May 8, 1948 in St. Johns, MI and he preceded her in death on April 16, 2013.
Russell D. Hunt, 1981 retiree from General Motors where he worked in the Experimental Engineering Department, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the age of 86. He was born December 21, 1929 in Owosso, Michigan to K.C. and Beulah Hunt. Russell grew up in Ovid, Michigan as a child. He entered the army and served in the Korean War. 
Pamela Page passed away January 29, 2016 at the age of 50. She was born on July 13, 1965, in Merced, California, the daughter of Fredrick and Sandra (McEntire) Fisher. Pamela married Don Page on March 15, 1986 in Eureka, Michigan.
Maury was born in 1933 at home in Zeeland and raised in Holland, Michigan. He was the third of four boys of Martin O Witteveen and Grace Stam Vandenbrink. His higher education started at Hope College and continued with the Signal Corps of the Army and the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan. Later, the Michigan Department of Transportation sent him to Yale University for a Masters degree. Back in Kalamazoo, then St. Johns, work took him to several offices. Rotating among divisions, Maury retired as the head of the Maintenance Division of MDOT in 1991, He moved to Suttons Bay because he loved the Big Lake so much. 
Patricia Ann Gomulinski, age 78, of Petersburg, Michigan, passed away January 24, 2016, at her daughter’s home with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of Dr. Robert E. Benson and Elizabeth K. Bancroft. She was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 5, 1938. She grew up in St. Johns and attended Ferris State University. She worked for the Michigan Department of Health Division of Laboratories for 10 years.
Lynn Paul Ruestman passed away on January 23, 2016, at the age of 56. He was born in St. Johns on July 8, 1959, the son of Delmar and Gladys (Silm) Ruestman. Lynn was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army.
LaVelda I. Lentz died January 21, 2016. Belle was born in Fort Wayne, IN on February 22, 1928, to Clifford C. and Dorothy (Biggs) Smith. She spent her very early years in Fort Wayne before moving to Churubusco, IN with her parents, two sisters (Joy and Nancy) and one brother (James) where she graduated from Churubusco High School then moved back to Fort Wayne. After high school Belle secured a secretarial position at a Department of Defense war material manufacturer in the Fort Wayne area. 
Arthur O. Curtis Jr. 84 or rural Elsie, MI died at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 21. 2016. Art was born on November 17, 1931 in Fairfield Township the son of Arthur O. Sr. and Ellen (Croxen) Curtis. He graduated from Ovid High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Army. On November 11, 1950 he married Lois M. Pixley in Carland, MI. Arthur owned and operated C & D Chevrolet in Elsie for several years. Prior to that he worked for Miller Ford in Owosso, Pierce Motors in Durand, Backus Ford in Owosso and lastly at St. Johns Ford in St. Johns, from here he retired. He loved being at Higgins Lake, and he cherished time with his friends and family, and going deer hunting. He was a life member of American Legion Post 57 in Owosso and life member of St. Johns/Ovid Masonic Lodge. He was active as a youth counselor with the United Methodist Church.
Rick Hawbaker passed away on January 20, 2016 at the age of 36. He was born on March 26, 1979 in Waynesboro, PA, the son of Ronald and Carol (Barnhart) Hawbaker. Rick enjoyed farming, N.T.P.A. tractor pulling, Ford Trucks, I.H. tractors, his sheep and chickens, the Dukes of Hazzard, but most of all spending time with his family and friends. Rick was a dedicated volunteer for Clinton County 4-H and a member of the First Church of God. He married Terri Jo Straub on March 31, 2001 and she survives him.
John Lawrence “Larry” Andrews, age 87, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away Monday, January 18, 2016 at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing, MI.
Lewis E. Schavey passed away January 12, 2016 at the age of 96. He was born June 12, 1919 in St. Johns, Michigan, the son of Fred and Edna (Bartlett) Schavey. He married Edith Eisler on July 28, 1944 in Clinton County and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2014. 
Roy J. Weber of Maple Rapids, died Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the age of 65. He was born January 14, 1951 in St. Johns, MI the son of John and Rosalyn (Smith) Weber. Roy loved to hunt and fish, was a member of the Fowler Conservation Club and worked for Mathews Elevator Co. in Fowler for 40 years. 
Richard Eugene “Dick” Sovereign of Dunnellon, Florida, formerly of St. Johns, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the age of 85, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 24, 1930 in Boone, Iowa the son of George and Chloris Sovereign. Dick graduated from Boone High School in 1948. He served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952. He was a technician for MABC in Tuscola Co., Genesee Co. and Clinton County for 22 yrs. He worked for MMPA of Ovid, was a farmer and retired as a supervisor for Howmet Corporation of Plymouth, MI.