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Pennie Lee Martin
Pennie Lee Martin passed from this life to her Eternal Home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 12, 2021. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 9, 1939 to the late Glen Don Herblet and Theda Grace Munroe Herblet. She was raised on a farm in Laingsburg, MI and graduated from Ovid High School in 1957.
Mrs. Martin worked as a pre-school and elementary school teacher, college secretary and for over 20 years worked for Pensacola Christian College, 11 of those years as the college registrar. She loved her family, her friends, flowers, being creative and watching baseball.
Mrs. Martin is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Susan Seelye (Jeff), Stacy Painter (David); a son and daughter-in-law, Seth Martin (Michelle); Grandchildren: Caleb Seelye (Amy), Cody Seelye (Leah), Hudson Seelye (Sarah), Andrew Seelye (Elizabeth Kline), Logan Seelye, Brandon Painter (Kristi), Benjamin Painter (Anna), Zachary Painter (Mary), Tyler Martin; brothers, Jim Herblet, Pat Herblet (Patty); a sister, Kim Herblet and 10 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by, her husband, Dennis W. Martin; her parents, her brothers, Jerry Herblet, Michael Herblet and Thom Herblet.
A celebration of her life was held on June 15, 2021 in the Mullenix Chapel at Pensacola Christian College with Rev. Josh Burdick officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Owosso, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers her wishes were that contributions be given to the Hodges family, missionaries in Honduras in care of The Campus Church.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, was entrusted with arrangements in Florida.
For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
St. Johns, Michigan.
Sandra Jo Ritz
Sandra Jo “Sam” Ritz, age 56, of St. Johns, MI, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Sparrow Health Systems Sparrow, Lansing, MI.
Sandra was born in St. Johns, MI on March 28, 1965, the daughter of Larry and Joanne (Trombley) Peck. She graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1983. Sandra married her high school sweetheart Jerry Ritz on January 7, 1983 in St. Johns, MI. Sandy and Jerry celebrated 38 years of marriage together. She was a former nursing home administrator for many years.
Sandra loved listening to country music, she was an avid reader, liked watching her SOAPS and loved her pets. Sandra had a love/hate relationship canning the produce from Jerry’s bountiful garden year to year. She also liked taking country drives and trips mushroom hunting with Jerry. She was spontaneous, up for anything and was always willing to help someone in need. Her world revolved around her family and she loved the time spent with them.
She is survived by her husband Jerry Ritz, children: Michael Ritz, Amber (William) Baker, Jacob (Morgan) Ritz, grandchildren: Cameron, Hailey, Noah, Willie, Bryant, Kaylin Sandra, Ethan, and Braelyn Jo and adopted grandchildren: Alexis Lobdell and Drake Ritter, her parents: Larry and Joanne Peck, siblings: Jeff Peck, Kelly (Tim) Williams, Rebecca Arambula, and mother-in-law Dorothy Ritz, brothers and sisters in law: Teri (Cliff) Oles, and Wayne (Vicki) Ritz. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Naomi and Earl Peck, Robert and Bernice Trombley, father in law Robert “Bob” Ritz and brother in law David Arambula.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI
Giles LeRoy Roehl
Giles Roehl lived a remarkable life. He was born on the family farm outside Odessa, MN on May 27, 1936, one of Ed and Elvira (Urban) Roehl’s six children. He came from a long line of pioneers.
From his earliest days, Giles gained the nickname “Buzz” because he was always busy doing one thing or another. Giles graduated from Odessa High School at age 16. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree to teach agriculture.
Giles and Phyllis were married on June 21, 1957. Giles and Phyllis raised three sons: Tim, Randy and Rick. He and Phyllis were married 54 years. He often told others how proud he was of his sons and their families, which grew to nine grandchildren (all girls!) and nine great-grandchildren. Giles had a long, fruitful career as a leader, educator, innovator, builder and pioneer. Everywhere he went, he brought positive change to people and organizations.
He taught agriculture in Sleepy Eye, MN for over 20 years. During those years, he raised up many FFA “Star Farmers” on the state and national level. In the 1970’s Giles pioneered Cottonwood River Vocational Center, an innovative vo-tech school that brought together students from five nearby communities. After twenty years as a high school educator, Giles served the University of Minnesota and Michigan State University as a County Extension Agent for nearly 20 more years. During those years he traveled internationally, working with educators and government leaders in Asia, Europe and Belize.
True to his name, Buzz enjoyed many interests . . . .
He could make or fix almost anything. He custom-designed and hand-made hope chests from black walnut for each of his granddaughters as a gift for their ninth birthday. He led his family spiritually, making sure God was honored at home and church. His walk with the Lord grew stronger as he got older. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Phyllis were Master Gardeners, known for their beautiful flower gardens. He loved providing different kinds of “mystery meat” to try at family holiday meals.
The only thing that managed to slow Giles down was a battle with Parkinson’s disease that lasted over 20 years. On January 12, 2021 at the age of 84, Giles left his earthly body behind. He’s now at Home with Jesus, his Savior, his beloved wife Phyllis and others who had gone on before. Giles is more alive now than he’s ever been! He also leaves behind a remarkable legacy of positive influence in countless lives and a heritage of faith and love for the generations that follow his remarkable life.
A short graveside service and burial will take place at Bellingham City Cemetery in Bellingham, MN on his birthday, May 27 at 11 a.m. His son Dr. Tim Roehl will officiate.
A Celebration of Giles’ life will take place at Hope Covenant Church in St. Cloud on Saturday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Hope Covenant will livestream the service on Facebook and YouTube.
He is survived by his sons, Dr. Tim (Shirley) of Blaine, MN; Dr. Randy (Lisa) of Burnsville; Rick (Aleen) of St. Cloud; brother, Noel Roehl of Griffin, GA; nine granddaughters and seven great grandchildren and two on the way . He is also survived by other brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, cousins and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis brothers, Arden and Darrell, sister, Gloria Graff and infant sister, Margorie.
Memorial gifts can be designated for Gideons International.
Edwin C. Cox
Edwin C. Cox, 93 of St. Johns, MI passed away Friday, June 11, 2021. He was born October 13, 1927 in St. Louis City, MO to Ruth W. Green and Francis G. Cox.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn A. Cox and 7 children and 9 step-children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Phyllis L. Cox.
Plans for a memorial will be announced by the family at a later date.
Therese Ann Blasen
Therese Ann Blasen, age 93, of Ovid, MI, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Therese was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 8, 1928, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Lynch) Sommer. Therese married Clarence Joseph Blasen on March 6, 1948 in Lansing, Michigan. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before Clarence passed away on July 6, 2009.
Therese loved crocheting and needle point. She enjoyed sharing her afghans and homemade crafts with family and friends. She was known for her homemade cookies she baked without a timer. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife and mother who was always there for her family.
She is survived by her children: Stanley Blasen of Holt, MI; Russell Blasen of Ovid, MI; Barbara Blasen of Lansing, MI; Floyd Blasen of Lansing, MI; Rose Blasen of Haslett, MI; Roger Blasen of Ovid, MI. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, one brother Raymond and Marge Sommer of St. Louis, MO, sisters in law: Irene Smith of Holland, MI and Anna Blasen of St. Johns, MI. Therese was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Robert Joseph, daughter Susan (Floyd) Stevenson, granddaughter Joyce Davis, and 5 siblings: Kathleen (Bob) Jones, Edward (Ila) Sommer, Dorothy (Lee) Anderson, Gerald (Jeanette) Sommer, and James (Joann) Sommer.
Memorials may be made to Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI 48879. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Terrence Lee Organek
Terrence Lee “Terry” Organek, age 60, of St. Johns, MI, entered into Eternal Life Friday, June 11, 2021, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 with a Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel.
Terry was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 5, 1961, the son Gus and Jennie (Bauman) Organek. He graduated from Waverly High School, Lansing MI with the class of 1979. In 1977 Terry began working co-op at Michigan Farm Bureau, Lansing. This was the start of a 42 year career which lasted until his retirement in 2019.
On June 26, 1982 Terry married Colleen Marie Fedewa at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lansing, MI. They were blessed with almost 39 years of marriage.
Terry was a hard working man and stayed active following his retirement. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed fishing with his family. Terry was a masterful cook and liked to grill. He and Colleen often went to auctions and estate sales. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Most of all Terry loved his wife and family dearly. He always looked forward to time with his grandchildren.
Terry is survived by his wife Colleen, son Jason (Tiffany) Organek of Grand Ledge, MI; daughter Kimberly Organek of Lansing, MI; 4 grandchildren: McKenzie, Soenya, Kaylee, and Michael; and great-grandson Ryder. He is also survived by 2 brothers: Gary (Nikki) Organek and Larry Organek; step-sister Sandra (Pat) Kelly; sisters-in-law: Debbie Rehmann, Linda (Bob) Shannon, and Cheryl (Gerry) Arens; and many nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his father Gus Organek, mother Jennie (Don) Carl, in-laws Steve and Marty Fedewa, brothers-in-law: Dan Fedewa and Richard Rehmann.
Memorials may be made to Clinton County Right to Life. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Gregory E. Pfaff
Gregory E. Pfaff died unexpectedly Friday, June 11, 2021 at the age of 74.
He was born April 9, 1947 in Albion, MI the son of Francis and Mary (Jarvis) Pfaff. Greg was a graduate of Albion High School and during his working career was a maintenance worker at the Lansing Sheraton Hotel.
Surviving Greg is his daughter, Megan Pfaff (Douglas Craig); his son Alex and grandsons, Jayden Pfaff and Ethan Craig. He is also survived by a sister, several nieces, nephews and friends.
A graveside service for Greg will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, June14, 2021 at South Bingham Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the cemetery from 1:00 PM until service time.
The family was assisted with these arrangements by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, St. Johns.
Ross E. Myers
Ross E. Myers, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 8, 2021. He was 84 years old.
Ross was born at home in St. Johns on June 28, 1936 to parents, L.G. and Virginia (Edwards) Myers. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1954 and served with the United States Army for one year, ten months and twenty four days. Ross worked for many places, including Cains Buick and enjoyed a long career as a checker/hilo driver with Meijer distribution.
Ross was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was generous and an excellent provider for his family. On January 1, 1990, Ross and Sharon met after his children strongly suggested into calling her– nine months later, on August 31, 1990, Ross and Sharon were married. For thirty one years, they truly enjoyed the blessings of a blended family. Ross was a homebody, always wanted unity and for everyone to get along and was known for being brutally honest. He loved to crash (and occasionally fly) his radio-controlled airplanes and impeccably detail his cars. He liked to watch the Detroit Tigers, Michigan State University sports and accommodated Sharon by reluctantly watching the University of Michigan and prayed the Lions would win the Super Bowl before he passed. He loved to tell sport stories, highlighted by the story of him striking out 4 batters in one inning. He was an avid golfer and an exceptional left handed bowler.
He was a member of the locally renowned Music Makers for over 25 years, playing the trumpet, trombone and singing vocals at many functions throughout the area. Later on, he used his musical talent in serving the Church.
He will be missed by many, especially his beloved wife, Sharon Myers; dear children, Mark (Lisa) Myers of Houghton Lake, Grant (Leslie) Myers of Minden, Nevada, Robin (Mark) Ingalls of St. Johns, Holly (David) Beveridge of North Port, Florida, Troy (Sara) Marquardt of Clinton Twp, Nikola (Michael) Brown of Kewadin; grandchildren, Kyle (Erin) Myers, Sara Myers, Bret Myers (Jayden Suttlemyre), Allison Motz (Matthew Saidla), Hannah Myers (Paul Coomer) , Nicholas Myers, Kelsey, Brooke and Mathew Beveridge, Taylor (Karl) Malinchak, Kylie Marquardt (Tavious Banks) , Madison and Kendall Brown; Ryan (Melissa) Ingalls of Columbus Indiana, Mallory Pline of Southfield, Morgan Pline (Sean Penney) of Mishawaka Indiana, great-grandchildren, Nora Rae Myers, Ellison and Brooklyn Malinchak and Zola Banks. He is survived by many extended family members and dear friends, especially, his loving dog, Princie. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Darwin Myers.
A Celebration of Life and Military Honors will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis Street, St. Johns on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 11 AM.
Memorials may by made in his name to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to the Capital Area Humane Society.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Jeffrey Stephen Miller
Jeffrey Stephen “Jeff” Miller, age 51, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, June 10, 2021.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, with Rev. Fr. Bill Koenigsknecht presiding. Visitation will be held 6-8 P.M. on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel. A Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 P.M.
Jeff was born in St. Johns, Michigan on May 25, 1970, the son of David Lynn and Ardith Anne (Schomisch) Miller. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1989. Jeff was a corrections officer for over 25 years, retiring from the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia on June 1, 2021. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler.
Jeff was passionate about hunting and fishing, especially with his girls. He was an avid Star Wars fan. He was a lover of all animals and never went anywhere without one of his dogs. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. He liked grilling and experimenting creatively with his smoker. Jeff loved making his girls laugh with his “Dad” jokes. Most of all he loved his girls, spending time with them and was always involved in their sports and activities.
Jeff is survived by his 3 daughters: Charlie, Stevie and Andie; and mother Ardith Miller of Fowler. He is also survived by 4 siblings: David (Bobbie) Miller, Jr., Brian (Elizabeth) Miller, Scott (Amie) Miller, and Jennifer (Scott) Katich; many nieces and nephews and special pets: Bruno, Axl and many reptiles. Jeff was preceded in death by his father David, and his grandparents: Ronald and Margaret Schomisch and Gordon and Betty Miller.
Memorials may be made to the family for his daughters’ college fund. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.