Obituaries
Gregory A. Kirby
Gregory A. Kirby died Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at the age of 66. He was born October 9, 1951 in St. Johns, MI the son of Arthur and Dorothy (Palmer) Kirby. Greg was a graduate of St. Johns High School, Class of 1970. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was an avid U of M fan. Greg retired from General Motors in 2001 with 31 years of service. On July 21, 1979 he married Darlene Dunkel and she survives him.
Also surviving is a son, Josh (Samantha) Kirby; daughter, Brooke (Tony) Smith; grandson, Henrik Kirby and granddaughter, Lyola Smith; sister, Judy (Cesar) Medina; father-in-law, John Dunkel and several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Following Greg’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering and celebration of his life on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the St. Johns VFW Hall Post # 4113 2847 N. US 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. The family was assisted with these arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns.
Ronald E. Milton
Ronald E. Milton died suddenly Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the age of 45. He was born July 21, 1972 in Lansing, MI the son of Don and Sharon (Calhoun) Milton. Ronald was a graduate of St. Johns High School Class of 1991. He was a carpenter during his working career and a member of the Carpenter Union # 1004. Ronald enjoyed time outdoors hunting and fishing and was an enthusiastic Redwing Hockey fan. He loved spending time with his children playing catch and PlayStation with his son Gavin and watching all of them participate in their sporting events.
Surviving is his wife, Kristin; four children, Alyssa (Jacob) VanSickle, Cassidy Milton, Madisson Milton and Gavin Milton; a grandson, Weston VanSickle; his parents, Don and Sharon Milton; a brother, Phillip (Melanie) Milton; parents-in-law, Neva and Richard Swagart and Dale Wineland.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Interment will follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home.
Mary Elizabeth Babcock
Mary Elizabeth Babcock, age 71 of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 at her home. Mary was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 9, 1947, the daughter of Clarence LaVern and Geraldine (Ludwick) Bennett. Mary married Jack Babcock on June 26, 2004 in St. Johns, MI. Mary resided most of her life in Maple Rapids. Mary loved music and danced all the time. Her pets were very important to her. Mary also enjoyed going to garage sales. She will be remembered for always wearing her jewelry. But most importantly, her family was a big part of her life. Mary was fun loving and full of life. Mary was a past member of the Truth Rebekah Lodge #157 and a member of Eureka Christian Church.
Mary is survived by her husband: Jack Babcock of Maple Rapids, MI; son: Jack and Christa Babcock of Sheridan, MI; daughter: Ruthann Babcock of Sumner, MI; 8 grandchildren: Michael (Mary), Jennifer, Cheri, Jerry, Charlieann, Alyshia, Jeremy and Ricky; sister: Dorothy and Jerry Bayshore, of Lake, MI. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, also great-great nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, daughter: Brenda Babcock, her sisters: Jean Dutton, Edith Marble, Patricia Nemetz, and Diana Bennett, and also her brother: Robert Bennett.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Eureka Christian Church, Eureka, MI with Rev. Keith Whipple officiating. Meorials may be made to the wishes of the Babcock Family. Online condolences can be sent to . The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Mary Rose Bricker
Mary Rose Bricker, 61, passed away at McLaren Greater Lansing on Thursday, May 24, 2018. She was born on August 29, 1956 in Marshall MI, the daughter of Lee and Hazel (Boehmer) Dunn. Mary graduated from Marshall High School and Michigan State University with a BA degree. On May 12, 1984 she married Steven J. Bricker in Lansing, MI. Mary was a member of St. Johns First Baptist Church, was an avid knitter and loved being with her family.
She is urvived by husband, Steven, sons David (Sarah) Bricker of Byron Center, MI; Benjamin (Erica) Bricker of Lansing and Peter Bricker of DeWitt; grandchildren, Karlie, Torrey, Jordan and Noelle; sisters, Dr. Margaret Dunn of Houston, TX and Nancy (Ken) Bekkering of Haslett, MI.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Wednesday, May 30. 2018, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, St. Johns on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial will follow at DeWitt Cemetery. Memorials may be given to The Gideon’s or the Beacon of Hope.
Marriage licenses filed the week of May 21, 2018
Justin Dyer Carroll, 24 of St. Johns and Justice Paige Rivett, 22 of Owosso
Shane James Brenton, 22 of DeWitt and Claire Marie Miller, 22 of St. Johns
Evan Robert Fedewa, 22 of Pewamo and McKenzie Patricia Wieber, 22 of Westphalia
Cody Lee Connors, 26 of Ovid and Hannah Ann Chapko, 24 of Ovid
Nicholas David Theis, 24 of St. Johns and Alexandra Fay Hallenbeck, 24 of St. Johns
Nicholas Gregory Miller, 24 of Elsie and Tiffany Rose Gillespie, 29 of Elsie
Ty Wesley Maneval, 45 of St. Johns and Nicole Marie Auten, 45 of St. Johns
Craig Edward Pitchford, 18 of East Lansing and Angelique Syria Lott, 18 of East Lansing
Jacob James Bense, 24 of DeWitt and Molly Elizabeth Chinevere, 26 of DeWitt
Raymond Joseph Dancer, 45 of St. Johns and Shaya Lyn Feeley, 45 of St. Johns
Divorce decrees filed the week of May 21, 2018
Cole, Bridget Lynn and Scott Lawrence