.
Liane Fay Tyler
Liane Fay Tyler, age 91, of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at her home.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 22, 2023 with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Burial will take place at Sowle Cemetery, Essex Twp, MI at a later date.
Liane was born in Clinton County, Michigan on April 3, 1932, the daughter of Clare and Maxine L. (Smith) Floate. She graduated from Fulton Schools in 1951. Liane married Carroll Tyler on April 12, 1953, in Maple Rapids. He passed away in March of 1999.
Liane was the Maple Rapids Village Clerk for 25 years. She enjoyed sewing and later in life made many quilts. Liane was very interested in genealogy and enjoyed her flowers. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Congregational Christian Church in Maple Rapids.
She is survived by her children: Debra and Ron Warner, Jeffrey and Tammy Tyler, and Terry and Bill Collins; grandchildren: Amanda and Steve Bolen, Alexander and Jessalyn Cooper, Joseph Collins, Angela Collins and Chris DePue, Melinda and Nate Seelhoff, Ty Collins and Rachael, Kelsey Tyler, and Makayla Tyler. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Cade, Addison, Ryan, Garrett, Lilah, Cynthia, and Lawson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons: Gavin and Donald Tyler, brothers: Lawrence (Birdie) Floate and Lyle (Marge) Floate.
Memorials may be made to The Village of Maple Rapids for Christmas Decorations. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Edith Juel Schroeder
Edith Juel “Eydie” Schroeder, age 82, of St. Johns, MI passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Duplain Church of Christ, St. Johns, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, with Dr. Dan Cameron and Pastor Tyler Barlage officiating. Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 5-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Edith was born in Osceola, Arkansas on June 22, 1941, the daughter of Elton Rufus and Mary Louise (Brinkley) Jeffries. Eydie moved from Arkansas to Wyandotte, Michigan in the third grade. As a teenager she was gifted a scholarship from Wyandotte Church to the Baldwin Conservatory of Music. She was “double promoted” and graduated from Wyandotte High School at the age of 16. She married Ernest Dennis Schroeder on July 2, 1960 in Wyandotte, Michigan. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage prior to his passing on February 6, 2017.
Music was a lifelong passion. She provided lessons in her home for more than 30 years and continued to give lessons even while at Hazel Findlay until shortly before her passing. Eydie enjoyed sewing, crocheting and made many gifts for family and friends. One of her greatest joys was having her family all together and spending time with them. She was a member of Duplain Church of Christ, St. Johns, MI. She was also the creator and director of CrossBearers choir at Duplain.
She is survived by her children: Renee’ and Lon Gibson of DeWitt, MI; Eric and Carol Schroeder of Lansing, MI; Bert and Hilleke Botter of Netherlands; others she considered as her children: Barb Longoria, Terry Simison, and Chuck and Debbie Pelton; grandchildren: Trevor and Amy Gibson, Nicole Gibson, Shelby and Joe Peiffer, and Zach Speckin and great- granddaughter Eleanor Lynn Gibson. She is also survived by her half-brother Bobby Jeffries, half-sister Wanda Ellis, lifelong friend Cheryl Sutliff and many others who considered her Mom and Grandma. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis, two children: Tony Huff and Becky Sue Schroeder, step-sister Dorothy Polczynski and one brother Jim LeClair.
Memorials may be made to Rock Lake Christian Assembly. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Ronald Joseph Geller
Ronald Joseph Geller of the Fowler area died on December 17, 2023. He was 72 years old.
Ron was born on May 24, 1951 in St. Johns, Michigan, the second of eleven children born to Roman and Geraldine (Schueller) Geller.
Ron had an affinity for the Detroit Tigers, found tranquility in hunting and fishing and enjoyed collecting trinkets and antiques.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Geller; children, Jennifer Olney, Matthew Geller, Sandra (Josh) Geller, Nicole (Patrick) Martin, James Geller; grandchildren, Hunter Olney, Remi Hicks, Logan Cook, Shea Cook, Rowan Martin, Koda Martin; siblings, Diane Owen, Joyce (Barry) Parrott, Barb (Dale) Thelen, Linda (Gary) Rademacher, Nancy (Gery) Rademacher, Karen (Don) Taylor, Kathy Geller, Kevin (Cindy) Geller, Lorie (Tim) Bullen and Brian (Val) Geller; as well as extended family members.
Services will be held privately.
For further information please visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Phyllis Marie Michels
Phyllis Marie (Holton) Michels was born on June 28, 1927 to Ardnel Holton and Bonnie (Westall) Holton.
She was happily married to her sweetheart, Bud (Homer) Michels for 62 years until his passing in 2008. Together they created a beautiful family through their sons Douglas (Pauline) Michels and Richard (Pamela) Michels. Bud and Phyllis had four grandsons: Brent Michels, Matthew Jolly, Scott (Melanie) Michels, and Ryan (Carmen) Michels. She was very active in the lives of her twelve great grandchildren (Taylor, Nicholas, Brooklyn, Noah, Tyler, Derek, David, Mariah, Zachary, Dylon, Ali, and Sophia). Phyllis also had the great fortune of being a great-great grandmother to six little Michels, a statistic that brought her a lot of pride. She was known to play soccer, dance, and even ride a tube behind a boat at an advanced age with her family. Anything for her kids.
Phyllis was well known in St. Johns, Michigan, where she worked for nearly 30 years at Sealed Power, raised her family, and lived independently in her family home until the past year.
She is survived by her sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, her youngest sister, Patricia Droste, brother-in-law, Jim Archambault, many nieces and nephews, and friend/neighbor, Melissa Moyer.
Phyllis was warmly welcomed in Heaven on December 16, 2023 by the love of her life, Bud, her beloved daughter-in-law, Pamela Michels, her sister, Jean Archambault, brother-in-law, Art Droste, and many other family members and friends.
Perhaps Phyllis’s greatest accomplishment and the legacy that she leaves behind is her unwavering, unconditional, supportive love for the family that she created. She was the true matriarch and every family member’s “person.” There was nothing she loved more than time with her family. Phyllis lived a full and happy life over the past 96 years, and her loss is already felt immensely. She will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew and loved her.
The family would like to thank Hazel Finley Manor and Phyllis’s special friend, Goodness, for her exceptional kindness and humor while caring for Phyllis during the past year.
A Spring 2024 graveside memorial service is being planned.
For further information please visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Grace Marie Thelen
Grace Marie Thelen, age 72, of Fowler, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2023 with family by her side.
Grace was born in St. Johns, Michigan on August 4, 1951, the last born of 13 children to Herman and Mira (Sims) Myers. She was a graduate of Fowler High School class of 1969. On May 1, 1971 she married Leon R. Thelen. “Aunt” Grace worked as a bookkeeper/cashier at Schmitz Service in Fowler for over 45 years. Over the years she met a lot of great people. Some she will miss more than others. In her free time she enjoyed going to flea markets, antiquing, cross stitching, bird watching, socializing with friends, and tolerated camping.
Grace is survived by her husband of 52 years, Leon R. Thelen; two sons: Ryan Kenneth (Tina) and Nicholas Daniel (Jamie); granddaughters: Sydney Girl and Kennedy Mira, special second family Dean, Cindy, and Dylan Schmitz along with Kasey Falor and Dee Dee (Weber) Hoppes; siblings: Jack (Maxine) Myers, Fay Schmitz, Susie (Tom) Goerge, Mark Myers, Alvin Myers, Ernie (Rosemary) Myers; in-laws Mary Ann (Mike) Schneider, Allan Thelen, Barb (Kenneth) Thelen, Charles Thelen, Linda Hoppes, Dale (Barb) Thelen, Sharron Droste, and Daniel Thelen; as well as too many nieces and nephews to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Mira Myers; siblings: Norma Claeys, Eloise Brown, Richard Myers, Gerald Myers, Charles Ray Myers, Karen Myers; in laws Alvin R. and Loretta Thelen, Kenneth Thelen, Sandra Thelen, Bob Hoppes, Richard Schmitz, Arlene Myers, Perry Claeys, Nancy Myers, and Phyllis Myers.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Terry Lee Juhas
Terry Lee Juhas, age 76, of St. Johns, MI, devoted husband and father, passed away after a courageous battle with renal cancer Friday, December 15, 2023 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
Terry was born in Alma, Michigan on January 3, 1947, the youngest son of Andy Frank and Lula Helena (Hahn) Juhas. He graduated from Breckenridge High School with the Class of 1966. It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Diane (Mizer). On May 24, 1968 Terry married Diane Mizer at the Breckenridge Methodist Church after proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Terry and Diane resided in Breckenridge where Terry worked for International Harvester for 10 years before working in Skilled Trades for General Motors; and moving to St. Johns in 1984. Terry retired from General Motors and spent time working for the Community Outreach Program where he helped at Gateway Elementary, Woldumar Nature Center, and Hazel Findlay. He later worked at Kurncz Farms as a part-time mechanic.
From his early childhood on Terry was always found outside, enjoying nature in all its forms. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends and family. Terry was very proud of his garden and sweet corn patch. He was a gifted craftsman that could make anything with his skillful hands, his tools, and his many lathes. Terry was a talented mechanic and was always willing to help others by fixing their cars or tractors. He loved garage sales and collecting many treasures. Terry liked riding his motorcycle and driving around the countryside in his golf cart looking for wildlife and enjoying the out-of-doors. He was known for his mischievous nature, quick wit, and strong sense of humor, which made everyone laugh and smile. He could carry on a conversation with anyone and often did.
Terry, whose first priority was always his family, is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Sheila Remenar, son Brian (Carrie) Juhas, six grandchildren: Daniel Remenar, Paige Remenar, Sharla Juhas, Clayton Juhas, Ava Juhas, and Dana Juhas; sister-in-law Barbara Juhas, close cousin Gary (Leona) Maylee, many nieces and nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Marvin Juhas and Harold (Maryann) Juhas; and infant sister Mary Lou Juhas.
In keeping with Terry’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a celebration of Terry’s life will take place at a later date.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Gene Allen Dunsmore
Gene Allen Dunsmore, 85, of St. Johns Michigan passed away peacefully in his home December 15, 2023. Gene was born December 22, 1937 to Leroy and Irene Dunsmore. On June 1, 1957 Gene married the love of his life, Helen Bohil.
Gene was a master carpenter, a jack of all trades. When you wanted it built right, Gene was your man. He and Helen shared 65 years together.
They raised three children, Leroy (Carol) Dunsmore, Gene (Sue) Dunsmore, and Marea (late Joe) Menovske. Three brothers: John Dunsmore, Gordon Dunsmore, and Kenneth Perry. He enjoyed 9 grandchildren, 7 great grand children, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Special thank you to hospice of Lansing.
A memorial service will be held January 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Fellowship Church on Price and Chandler Rd with a small luncheon to follow.
Phyllis Charlene Acre
Phyllis Charlene (Dorman) Acre, age 90, a longtime resident of Elsie, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023.
Phyllis was born on December 29, 1932 in Berthoud, Colorado, the second of three children born to James and Esther (Wooton) Dorman. She grew up in Missouri and moved to Elsie as a teenager with her family, graduating from Elsie High School in 1950. It was in High School that she met the love of her life, Sydney Ray Acre, and the couple married on June 19, 1954. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University and taught at the Colony Schoolhouse and E.E. Knight for a time.
A creative and artistic spirit, she found joy in the simplest things in life and loved being outdoors. She started painting in her 70s, penned poems, and was a proficient baker and gardener. Phyllis loved to knit, sew, read and do crafts. She handcrafted her children’s clothing, stayed up late making Easter dresses, and crafted magical Christmas villages. Known for her thoughtful and loving nature, she raised four children with unwavering devotion and love.
She had a passion for singing and was a proud member of the Sweet Adelines for over thirty years, where she was a part of River Castles Chorus in Owosso and Song of the Lakes Chorus in Davidson. Phyllis was a fervent fan of MSU basketball and football, and also followed the Detroit Tigers’ games keenly.
She was a hard worker, not only managing the household but also assisting her husband in caring for their farm for over thirty years. Her commitment extended even to her husband’s later years when she served as his dedicated caregiver. Phyllis was a steadfast member of Duplain Church of Christ, where she participated actively in the choir and Missions programs. She had an infectious smile and bubbly personality that could light up any room, and her gentle, patient nature made everyone feel welcome and cherished.
She is survived by her four children, Wendy Acre of East Lansing, MI, Tim (Joy Ellyn) Acre of Hoffman Estates, IL, Lori Acre of Rogers City, MI and Keri Acre of Kansas City, MO; grandsons, Kyle (Annie) of Blair, NE and Timothy James “TJ” of Owosso, MI; great-grandchildren, Levi, Olivia and Lila; her brother, Darrel (Marion) Dorman of Junction City, Oregon, as well as extended family members and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sydney Ray Acre; parents, James and Esther Dorman and brother, James Dorman Jr.
A Funeral Service will be held at Duplain Church of Christ, 5565 E. Colony Road, St. Johns on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11 AM. Family and friends may visit at the church on Tuesday from 9 – 11 AM. Burial Riverside Cemetery, Elsie. A luncheon will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Duplain Church of Christ Mission Programs or to Sweet Adelines.
For further information please visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Joan Elaine Derby
Joan Elaine Derby, age 80, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Schnepp Health Care Center, St. Louis, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery at a later date.
Joan was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 25, 1943, the daughter of Donald Charles and Rose Marie (Bacigal) Keck. She graduated from Ashley High School with the Class of 1961.
Joan loved all children and had a daycare in her home for many years. She enjoyed baking and cooking for everyone. Joan was an avid reader and always liked to play games with her family. She was very involved in ministries of the Edgewood Church of God for many years. She was always ready to help with church dinners.
She is survived by her daughter Melissa (Ronald) Dettloff of Ithaca, MI; son Michael (Jenni) Derby of Ithaca, MI; three grandchildren: Aaron (Jaimie) Dettloff, Jordan Miller, and Alli Derby; great-grandchildren: Landon, Makayla, McKenzie, Anastasia, Audrey, and Lillian; two sisters: Janet (Robert) Garcia, and Joyce (Jim) Skaryd; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, great-grandson Oliver Dettloff, infant brother Terry, and one brother Richard Keck.
Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.