.
.
Carol Jean LaRue
Carol Jean LaRue, age 81 of St. Johns, formerly of Ovid and Houghton Lake, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at home.
The family would like to invite everyone to Carol’s home in St. Johns for a Celebration of Life Luncheon on Friday, August 27 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Carol was born on December 20, 1939 to David and Isabelle (Dalrymple) Houghton. She married Duane LaRue on February 23, 1957. They shared 56 years of marriage before he predeceased her on April 11, 2013.
During her life, Carol was a teacher and owner of LaRue’s Kilkare Restaurant and Bar in Houghton Lake, Michigan where she lived for many years. She also enjoyed crocheting, volunteering, entertaining guests and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her children Suzanne (Mike) Kobylarz, James (Shanda) LaRue; Grandchildren Jeremy (Marie) Kobylarz, Jamie Kobylarz, Ashley (Dylan) Ferguson, Dustin (Mitzi) LaRue, Megan (Jared) Wright; and 6 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents; Birth Mother, Lois Carr; Husband, Duane and Great Grandson, Rhett Ferguson.
The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Austin James Merriman
Austin James Merriman, age 24 of St. Johns passed away on August 19, 2021.
A funeral service was held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel in St. Johns. Visitation will take place that day from 12:00 p.m. until the service.
Austin was born on February 13, 1997 to Adam J. Harris and Billi J. Merriman in Lansing. He graduated from Everett High School in 2015. Austin worked for Martin Brower for the past 3 years, and he enjoyed his job.
During his life, Austin enjoyed fishing at the lake, riding quads, and playing video games. More than anything, he loved hanging out with his friends and family
Austin is survived by his parents, Billi (Kevin) Hetherington and Adam (Tara) Harris; his siblings, Madison, Christopher, Quentin, Regan, Haley, and Mataya; his grandparents, Karen and Tony Ginnta, Brian Merriman, James and Tonya Harris, John Hacker, Debbie Williams, and Michael Duweck; and his great-grandparents, Arvilla Hacker.
He is predeceased by his grandparents, Kathy Hacker, Paula Duweck, Patricia Hetherington, and great-grandparents, Jack Hacker, Dwight and Carol Schaber.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the family.
Barbara J. Jolls
Barbara J. Jolls, age 83, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021 with her family at her side.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will take place at Sowle Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Barbara was born on February 11, 1938, the daughter of Paul and Oretha M. (Halsted) Bissell. She graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1955. She was a Manager with the State of Michigan, Municipal Employee Retirement System, retiring in 1999. She enjoyed reading, animals and watching old movies. Her family was very important to her and she enjoyed spending time with them.
She is survived by her daughter: Krista and Scott Walton, of Perrinton, MI; 3 grandchildren: Samantha Walton, Logan Walton, and Ethan Walton; her sister-in-law Dorene Bissell; one nephew Rod and Sharon Bissell; niece Dori and Mike Townsend. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Bissell and one nephew Todd Bissell.
Her family would like to thank Connie Mayer and the staff at Connie’s Lakeside Elder Care for the excellent care Barb received.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Drive, #200, Okemos, MI 48864. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.