Obituaries
Sharyl Ann Powers
Sharyl Ann Powers, 74, of Grand Ledge passed away December 28, 2016. She was born September 24, 1942 in Lansing, the daughter of the late Paul and Florence (Bigelow) Bauer. She was a 1961 graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. She was the consummate nurse during her 45 years of working. Sharyl was a loving and caring person who loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her friends. Sharyl will be missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are husband of 48 years, Harry; son Craig (Stanlyn) Powers; grandchildren, Hailey, Brayden, Allyson, and Kiley; brothers, Darwin Beaufore; Richard Bauer; Barry (Betty) Bauer; Douglas Bauer; and sisters, Elyse (Dick) Fogel; sisters-in-law Aggie Beaufore and Jerry Ann Beaufore. Sharyl was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wayne and Lynn, sister-in-law Hila Beaufore and sister Coleen.
There will be no services.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel.
Eugene Whitford
Eugene Whitford of Ashley, MI was born to Richard and Lula (Pearson) Whitford on December 21, 1916 in Gratiot County, MI. He lived in that area his entire life and his ancestors were the first Anglo settlers in that township about a mile from where he lived his entire life. Gene died on December 26, 2016, five days after his 100th birthday. He left his family and friends an excellent example of living a full life of integrity and love.
Gene had a sister, Elizabeth and brother, Olin who predeceased him in death. Gene married Dorothy Slagell on December 4, 1937 and they were married for 78 years when she died this past March. Together they farmed, as they would say, “Not for a living, but as a way of life.” Gene loved farming from his childhood until his death. Together Gene and Dorothy raised four children on their farm, Son, Leslie and his children, Jose, Luanne and Kelly; daughter Barbara Elaine Slagell (Gene) and their children, Faith and Steve, daughter-in-law, Judy and her children, Marianne, Kristi, Tim and Jeff, and son Eldon (Ann) and their children, Angi, Michelle and Josh. Gene and Dorothy have 20 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Son Gary and Daughter-in-law, Marilyn preceded him in death. Gene lived his life for his wife and children and their families.
He loved to have children around him and was especially remembered by those children for his quiet sense of humor. He openly offered friendship to anyone who would reciprocate and was an integral part of his community. Gene was greatly respected as a person who always did his own thinking and a person of very high ethics and his quiet humility. Gene held many jobs o provide for his family including, farming, truck driving, tractor mechanic, fertilizer sales to other farmers, welding for farm implement builders and building experimental farm equipment for Michigan State University, commercial hay bailing until he got his arm in his bailer and was a rural mail carrier.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns on Thursday, December 29th from 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, Ashley, MI where he was a member, on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Steve Slagell, his grandson, officiating. Burial will be at Collier Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Lance Parmelee
Lance Parmelee, 58, of Bellaire MI passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016.
He was born on November 22, 1958 and was the son of Floyd and Maxine Parmelee.
He was a graduate of St. Johns High School. He last worked for Shanty Creek Resorts.
Marriage licenses filed the week of December 19, 2016
Mark Ryan Beard, 36 of East Lansing and Alexandra Yuryevna Polovinka, 31 of East Lansing
Randy Lee Johnston III, 19 of Maple Rapids and BreAnna Jeanne Deming, 19 of Bannister
Divorce decrees filed the week of December 12, 2016
Spagnuolo, Natasha J and Matthew A
Smith, Alyssa and Andrew
Dethlefsen, Barbara L and Kirk Owen
Thelen, Daniel Harold, Jr and Debrah Sue
Bolles, Angela Marie and Gregory Miles
Muladore, Andrew J and Meghan K
Allshouse, Jeffrey Scott and Wendy Darlene
Collins, John Morrey, Jr. and Mary Carol
Burns, Katherine S and Cory D
Sproul, Sarah Kee and Michael James
Eilene Marie Cole age, 79, of Oxford, AR passed away Friday, December 2, 2016, at her home.
Richard Cleo Williams, age 67, died at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing on December 16, 2016. He was born on May 2, 1949 in Ionia MI the son of Roman C. and Catherine (Hattis) Williams. Richard served in the U.S. Army and on September 1, 1978 he married Sharon L. Schneider in St. Johns, MI. He worked for the railroad industry as a trackman and retired after 31 years of service. 
Betty Lou Hull, age 77, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at her home.
Anthony David Bontrager, age 14, the youngest of 11 children was born on February 11, 2002 to Henry and Ida Bontrager. On December 11, 2016, at approximately 1 P.M., he was tragically killed in a weather related auto accident.
Marie Helen Bezemek, age 56 of DeWitt, MI, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016, at the DeWitt Road AFC Home.
Mark William Smith, age 47, of Ashley, MI, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2016, at his home.
Our amazing and loving Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, Charles L. Garner, left this earth on Dec 7, 2016 and joined the love of his life, Betty J. Garner, in heaven. He was born in Golden, IL on June 26, 1928. Chuck was a Christian man who loved life and was extremely proud of all his family. His happiest times were when everyone was together. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard. He was a past member of Lansing First United Methodist Church where he and Betty enjoyed joining many church friends on camping trips and traveling with the youth groups on mission trips. He was very proud of his service as a Boy Scout leader and lived by the Boy Scout Creed. He always wanted to make this earth a better place and made it his mission to pick up any trash he would find on the ground. 
Randy Lee Doyen age 59 of Trufant, MI, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at his home.
Jane W. Hulbert, 76 of Ashley, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 5, 2016 at the age of 76. Jane was born on April 13, 1940 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Charles and Esther (Smith) Gardner. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1958 and was employed at GTE as a service representative, from which she retired. On September 29, 1962 she married Douglas Hulbert in Harrison, MI. He preceded her in death in 2016. Jane was an avid reader, Sunday School Teacher, and served on the Salem Church board.
Margaret Blood, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 in Lansing, Michigan. She was born in Lansing to Bert A. and Bethel (Pratt) Schultz, and spent much of her life in the Lansing and DeWitt area. A gifted and avid gardener along with her husband, Margaret’s yard was always beautiful and well kept. She planted flowers, trees, and vegetables, and enjoyed canning the fruits of her labor. Margaret loved having company to her house, until her family grew so large that they simply couldn’t fit any longer! Even when they outgrew her house, Margaret loved to keep in touch and talk with her family, and while they enjoyed talking with her, they will treasure her voicemail message reminding them to “always remember, God loves you”.
Norma I. Berkhousen of St. Johns was born on May 1,1925 in Perrinton, MI the daughter of Russell and Lucy ( Reynolds) Ayers, passed on to her eternal heavenly home on November 29th, 2016 at the age of 91 to be rejoined with her beloved husband Charles Berkhousen of 70 years who preceded her in death on March 3, 2015.
Richard Joseph Schueller age 73, of Lyons, formerly of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Gunner Steven Thelen, age 2 months old, of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI after complications due to Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome).
Jack Gordon “Jasper” Craig age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016 at Rosewood Adult Foster Care, Ithaca, MI.
Mary Virginia Anderson age 60, of Perrinton, MI passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at her home.
Susan Kay Scarchilli, age 49, beloved wife of Francis for 20 years, died November 21, 2016. She was born on August 17, 1967 to Frank and Janet Glowacki in St. Johns. 
Janice G. Baatz passed away Monday, November 21, 2016 at the age of 69. She was born February 15, 1947 in Detroit, MI the daughter of Scott and Dorothy (Willey) Buckner. Janice was a nurse at Ovid Health Care for several years retiring in 2007 and when she was not working she loved spending time with her family. 
Leola Mareen Thurston age 92, of St. Johns, MI passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at her home.
Jerry A. Motz, 70 of rural St. Johns, MI died at Sparrow Hospital on November 12, 2016. Jerry was born on March 22, 1946 in St. Johns and was the son of Arthur and Rita (Sturm) Motz. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1964. Jerry was a farmer who was always there to help his neighbors. He enjoyed the outdoors and tending to his cattle. He found joy in providing food to senior citizens kitchens with his father Art. He always looked forward to family get-togethers at the farm, and was an avid MSU fan. Jerry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. 
Susan Jane Bertram died November 12, 2016 at the age of 65. She was born January 24, 1951 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Russell and Florence (Crowley) Reynolds. Susan was a Graduate of Lansing Gabriel High School, Class of 1969. She is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. She was employed with the State of Michigan and retired from the Attorney General’s Office in 2009. On October 15, 1976 she married Ken Bertram and he survives her. 
Brenda M. Miller age 66, of St. Johns, MI passed away November 7, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Jo Ann Sperry Rubin, age 80 of Morrice, passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Memorial Healthcare Center in Owosso. 
Gerald W. Pearson died Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the age of 74. He was born December 4, 1941 in St. Johns, MI the son of Clyde and Hazel (Gedney) Pearson. Gerald was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church in St. Johns and a member of the N.R.A. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cutting wood. He loved dogs and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Gerald was a retired foreman from Sealed Power Corp. and also farmed his family farm. 
Mervin S. Chamberlain, 87 of rural Ovid MI passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at his home. Mervin was born on September 27, 1929 in Clinton County the son of Roy and Neita (McBride) Chamberlain. He graduated from Ovid High School in 1947 and was a veteran of the US Air Force. Merv was a farmer and worked at MSU in the Crop and Soil Services Dept. from where he retired. He had worked with his brother, Duane, at the lumber yards in Ovid and Kingsley. Merv was a devoted member of Carland United Methodist Church, Ovid Masonic Lodge and was one of the first members of Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Joyce Elvaretta Marten age 90, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Masako Simmons died Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the age of 67. She was born December 10, 1948 in Japan and came to the United States in 1972. Masako loved her dog “Willie Nelson”, enjoyed listening to music especially Elvis and liked her trips to the casino. She found great joy in watching and hand feeding the squirrels around her home. She had names for them all. Masako was Catholic and attended Mass whenever her health allowed her to. 
Michael F. Trebesh, age 66, died Thursday, October 27, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 13, 1950 in Brighton, MI the son of Robert G. and Frances W. (Albrecht) Trebesh. Michael was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, the Knights of Columbus Council #3281 and Fourth Degree Knights, Assembly #1509. He was a former Bingham Township Treasurer and very involved in politics at many levels. Michael was active in the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns Lions Club. Michael worked as a Certified Public Accountant and did consulting. He was a professor at Alma College for over 26 years and also taught at Central Michigan University and Lansing Community College. 
Ida K. Croley, 77 of St. Johns, MI passed away on October 28, 2016 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor. Ida was born on November 23, 1938 in Riley Township, MI the daughter of Alfred B. and Velma (Cornwell) Pitchford. She was married to John Croley and he preceded her in death, as did her daughter Cindy. She was a homemaker and enjoyed doing crafts, going to garage sales and knitting. She especially loved being with her grand children and family.
Charles R. “Charlie” Mueller passed away Friday, October 28, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born September 8, 1931 in Clinton County, MI the son of Herman and Mary (Meehan) Mueller. Charlie was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Prudenville and the Eagles Lodge Aerie # 3201 in Houghton Lake. He was an Army Veteran and life member of American Legion Post # 153 in St. Johns. Charlie retired from General Motors in skilled trades and was a member of UAW Local #652. 
Vernon M. “ Tex” Lance, at the age of 91, of Rodney, MI, passed away October 27, 2016, at Autumnwood of McBain, MI. 
Lawrence J. Heibeck, age 101 of St. Johns, MI was born on November 9, 1914 in Olive Township the son of William and Mable (Hicks) Heibeck. He died on October 24, 2016 at Grace Haven in St. Johns. He lived all his life in Clinton County and was a member of the First Congregational Church and St. Johns Lions Club. Lawrence was a farmer for 30 years, worked for the St. Johns Public Schools as a bus driver and bus garage supervisor, and in his retirement worked for LeVeck’s Small Engine Sales and Service. He married Alice Ormes on January 29, 1936 and she preceded him in death on May 29, 2003. 
Warren C. Baird, age 66 died on Friday, October 21, 2016 resulting from a deer/motorcycle accident. Warren was born on June 18, 1950 the son of George and Helen (Snow) Baird. He graduated from Bath High School in 1968 and on April 30, 1983 he married Suzanne A. Schneeberger. Warren was an avid sportsman, enjoyed antique tractors, was a motorcycle enthusiast, and loved cabinet making so much he made his living as a custom woodworker.
Thomas P. Bishop, age 73 died at Hazel Findlay Country Manor on Friday, October 21, 2016. Tom was born on June 22, 1943 in Stockbridge, MI the son of Paul and Edith (Thomas) Bishop. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1961 and worked at Federal Mogul from which he retired. Tom was a veteran of the US Army and was married to Karla Hansen. 
Blake A. Anthes died Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the age of 57. He was born October 19, 1959 in St. Johns the son of Allen and Jean (Derey) Anthes. Blake was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1978 and continued his education at Michigan State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree. Blake was an avid MSU Spartan fan, attended Trinity Church in Lansing and was currently working as a substitute high school and middle school teacher, primarily in St. Johns.