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George Jacob Ball
George Jacob Ball, age 50, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, December 13, 2021, in Delta Township, MI.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
George was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 4, 1971, the son of Dennis Martin and Noreen May (Brown) Ball. George graduated from Milford High School. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time on the family farm with the animals. He loved his nieces and nephews and spending time with them. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns.
He is survived by his sons: Marcel Ball and Cameron Ball; mother Noreen and Earl Vincent; siblings: Denise and Trevor Oski, Dana and John Woodend, Martin and Melissa Ball, Kathryn and Dennis Walker, Grant and Ariel Fish, Emily and Kevin Brown, and Caleb and Diana Brown. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents: George and Ida Brown and Marian and Ora Ball and one cousin Kevin Rapelje.
Memorials may be made to Suicide Prevention or AA. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
Buddy Lee Anderson
Buddy Lee Anderson, a resident of Lansing, died on December 14, 2021 from complications of Covid 19. He was 49 years old.
Born on March 9, 1972 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Betty Mae and Larry Lee Anderson, Buddy grew up in Lansing where he was a graduate of Lansing Everett High School. He enjoyed working at the Lake Lansing Kroger for many years and in recent years with Meijers in Bath.
Buddy’s greatest joy came in his producing content for his YouTube Channel “The Traveling Buddy”. He loved opportunities to travel throughout Michigan and gave him great joy to share the nature and hidden gems the state had to offer. He documented unique gatherings, festivals, cemeteries, waterfalls, sites of historical significance and “boon-docking” excursions where he camped and shared special places to stay off the beaten path. He also dedicated his time to honoring fallen soldiers and placed flags, named, and thanked each of them in videos honoring them. He held many friendships with fellow bloggers and enjoyed many trips around Michigan and other states with his ‘YouTube Family’. Buddy had a golden heart and was selfless, giving, genuine, and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Mae Anderson; his sisters, Annette Mae (Darrin) Huntoon, Charmin Fay (Timothy) Goughler, and Diana Lynn (Kevin) Cornell; his son-by-heart, Hunter Mathis; nephews, Zachery Allen Anderson, Paul Leroy (Miranda) Anderson, Shane Allen Briles, Austin Michael Briles, and Nathaniel James Cornell; great niece, Evee Anderson; step-grandma, Neoma Clymer, uncle, William Crandell; aunt, Arlene Anderson Vincent and many dear friends within his YouTube family. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Lee Anderson in 2011; nephews, Evan James Cornell and Alex Allen Anderson; niece, Emma Nevaeh Cornell; grandparents, Kenneth Randall, Violet Mae Crandell, and William and Harriett Anderson; uncles, Glen Leroy Randall and Paul Eugene Randall.
A Memorial Gathering will be held in 2022. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Kathryn R. Sparkes
Kathryn R. “Katie” Sparkes, a resident of Palmetto, Florida, native of St. Johns, Michigan, and retired long time operator and supervisor with GTE in St. Johns, died on December 14, 2021 at the age of 92.
She is survived by her husband, Norman Sparkes; sons, Larry (Wanda) Fifield and Glenn (Mary) Fifield; step-daughter, Sandra (Sonny) Roberts; grandchildren, William Fifield and Tina Alberts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Laura (Ernst) Bashore, and a husband, Glenn Fifield.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, Michigan, on Monday, December 20 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns.
Jeane Irene Hansen
Jeane Irene Hansen, age 66, of Perry, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 in Perry, Michigan.
Cremation will take place and there will be no services at this time.
Jeane was born in Frankfort Germany, on July 27, 1955, the daughter of Ernest and Jeanette (Miller) Gibbs. She graduated from St. Johns High School. She was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting and crocheting.
She is survived by 3 daughters: Rachel and David Flewelling, Heather and Greg Harper, and Karen Griffith; 4 grandchildren: Jared, Lauren, Lilly-Ann, and Alden. She also is survived by her brother Roy Gibbs. She was predeceased by her parents, and one brother Harry Gibbs.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.
Rebecca Mae Pavalock
Rebecca Mae Pavalock, 67, of Holly, MI, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in Grand Blanc, MI, after a brief battle with COVID-19. Family and loved ones were present with her as she passed.
Becky was born May 13, 1954 in Gibraltar, MI. Her parents are Sarah Anne Ormerod (Pavalock Nierman) and the late Louis Dodge Pavalock.
Becky began her nursing career in 1987, earning her LPN and RN licenses. She worked with an Amish community hospital, moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI, and then worked for Mid-Michigan Hospice for many years. Later, she moved on to educate and train a new generation of CNAs. She focused her students on treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Becky struggled to balance her passion as a nurse and her love for her children. Even as a child herself, she would reach out and say, “Take my hand, I’ve got you.” Her very essence was the desire to fix and heal people.
Her step-brother, Mike Nierman, commented “Hey, it’s getting a little crowded up there, don’t you think?”
She will be lovingly remembered by her significant other, Floyd Finch; two surviving children, Andrew Devereaux (Rachel) and Lydia Peck (Joe); and her mother, Sally Pavalock Nierman.
Becky gave birth to four beautiful children. The following is in her own words:
“Tyara Norine Devereaux, Sunday’s child, July 1, 1973 at 9 pm. God Sweetly Blessed me. Abundantly.
Justin Hezzie Devereaux, Monday’s child, July 22, 1974, 4:31 am. God Richly Blessed me. Absolutely.
Andrew Kenneth Devereaux, Monday’s child, March 6, 1978, 7:52 pm. God Joyously Blessed me. Resoundingly.
Lydia Johanna-Cheri’ Pavalock, Monday’s child, July 4, 1994, 7:53 am. God so very beautifully, Graciously Blessed me. Prayerfully.
Eternally. Forever Blessed. Not for a moment do I forget.”
Becky’s grandchildren include: Alex (Taylor), Corey, Kyla, Noah and Emily. She was also a great-grandmother to Elizabeth Ann.
Becky is survived by siblings, Stephnie Ganser (Mary Sober), Andrea Pavalock Cook, Michelle Pavalock Brophy (Jim), James Nierman (Nancy), Michael Nierman (Val), Matthew Nierman and Sarah Nierman Hellner (John). She had many nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family that love her and will miss her dearly. Preceding her in death were her father, Louis Dodge Pavalock; her daughter, Tyara Norine Devereaux Korbel; her son, Justin Hezzie Devereaux; her step-father, Robert James Nierman; and her step-sisters, Lydia Nierman Cornwell and Gail Nierman Delapel.
Becky was a member/associate of many motorcycle clubs. She was loved by many club members around Onondaga and Holly, as well as many other places across Michigan. For some, she was their “Ride or Die.” Becky claimed and loved her many “brothers and sisters.”
Her mission was to heal the world one person at a time. Her passion touched many lives. Along the way, she befriended many people, whom she never forgot.
The funeral service will follow at a later date.
For further information contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Rebecca Jo Deuel
Rebecca Jo “Becky” Deuel, age 64, of St. Johns, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 10 2021. She was surrounded by family, including her two loving sisters, as well as her two sons who held her hand as she passed.
Per Becky’s request, a cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Becky’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 2-4 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Becky was born in Owosso, Michigan on January 3, 1957, the daughter of John and Ann (Tomanica) Reagen. She graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1975 and earned her LPN from Lansing Community College.
Becky, as she liked to be called, was a devoted nurse for over 30 years and dedicated herself to her craft. She specialized in elderly care, but she mastered in love and compassion. Numerous times through her nursing career she created bonds with some very special people, people who would help mold her two sons into the men they are today. Even after her nursing career was cut short due to her long time health problems, she still devoted her time to taking care of her ailing mother.
Becky was also the best mother two wild sons could ask for. She loved her sons unconditionally, teaching them that Love is All You Need (She loved The Beatles!!!) and that a mother’s love is eternal. She also showed that same love to her sons friends, letting numerous friends stay with them when they needed it most.
When Becky was growing up; her favorite place to go to was Mackinac Island. She loved it so much that she worked on the Island at a bike shop for 2 summers when she was a teenager. Eventually she would take her sons to the island and it would become their favorite place to go to with her. Even though her final years resulted in numerous hospital and rehab stays, she always stayed positive and fought like a Warrior for her family. Her retirement years were spent helping raise her grandson who she loved more than anything in the world and enjoying the time she was finally able to have with her sons.
She is survived by her two sons Richard and Jonathan Deuel as well as her grandson Jonathan Deuel ll. She had two loving sisters: Peggy (Michael) Smark and Carol (Brian) Rumzek who gave her 3 nephews, Chris Leslie, Jason Leslie and Rick Sevenski as well as a niece, Breanna Sevenski. Becky is preceded in death by her parents John and Ann Reagen, infant brother Patrick Douglas Reagen and infant twin sister Joan Christine Reagen.
Memorials may be made to Michigan Lupus Foundation – 30200 Telegraph Rd. Suite 170, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Jerome Joseph Schafer
Jerome Joseph Schafer, 87, of St. Johns passed away on December 8, 2021. He was born on February 8, 1934 in Fowler, Michigan to Edward and Laura Schafer. He worked at General Motors for 39 years, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed playing cards, rides in the country, watching the Andy Griffith show and Gunsmoke and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Connie Marie Schafer, sister Theresa Stump, his children Sandy (Kevin) McMahon, Sheila (Lars) Rolandson, Sharon (Dan) Jegla, Suzie (Pat) Schneider and Steve Schafer, seven grandchildren; Amy (Eddie) Buonopane, Melissa (Mike) McIntosh, Kyle McMahon, Ryan McMahon, Brendan McMahon, Laura (Michael) Dainton, Eric Jegal, seven great-grandchildren; Annabella and Cora Buonopane, Lillie and Leo McIntosh, Scarlett, Cora and Silas Dainton and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral will be held at Most Holy Trinity Church on Monday, December 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. No visitation is scheduled.
In lieu on flowers donations may be made to Most Holy Trinity Church or Clinton County Right to Life.
Dennis Alan Baese
Dennis Alan Baese, age 65, of Elsie, MI, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, Michigan.
Memorial Service at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
Dennis was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 28, 1956, the son of Herman Harry Baese and Lyla Jane (Walker) Brush. He graduated from Ovid Elsie with the class of 1974. On January 18, 1975 he married Pamela Jeanne Hufnagel at Duplain Church of Christ.
Dennis enjoyed working on his farm and with the cows. He also enjoyed spending time with young people, his grandchildren were very important to him. He served on many boards, FSA in Clinton County, Elsie Food Bank Board, and was a Duplain Township Board member. His community was important to him also. He was a man of strong faith.
He is survived by his wife, Pam Baese; 2 daughters: Christine Baese, and Elizabeth Baese and Robert Nemeth; his son Will and Renee Baese; 7 grandchildren: Arlexis, Clarissa, Ella, William, Maxwell, Lucas, and Kordell; mother Lyla Brush; sister Michele and Bob Powers; and brother David Baese. He was predeceased by his father, Herman, brother Glen, and step father Rod Brush.
Memorials may be made to Elsie Area Food Bank P.O. Box 311 Elsie, MI 48831. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.
David Charles Moritz
David Charles Moritz, age 70, of Elsie, MI, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fowler, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 13, 2021, with Pastor Paul Clark officiating and Randall Moritz assisting. Burial will take place at Duplain Township Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI. Visitation will also be held on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the church.
David was born in St. Johns, Michigan on April 5, 1951, the son of Louis T. and Mary Ellen (Damon) Moritz. He graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1969. Dave married Susan Hess on February 19, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dave retired from General Motors as a millwright in 2006. Dave and Sue enjoyed successful hunting together on their farm. They enjoyed traveling together to many places including Alaska, Europe and various places in the United States. They loved spending time at their log cabin in Northern Michigan.
He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fowler. He was also a member of National Society Descendants of American Farmers. Dave and Sue was the first Michigan Ambassador’s for the society.
He is survived by his wife Susan Moritz of Elsie, MI; sisters: Kathy and David Mensing of Tucson, AZ; Ann Becker of Potterville, MI; sister-in-law Ann Moritz of Grand Ledge, MI; brother-in-law Richard and Debbie Hess of Elsie, MI; nephews and niece Randall Moritz of Grand Ledge, MI; Janet Moritz of Grand Ledge, MI; Jacob and Sarah Mensing of Tucson, AZ; and Marc and Jessica Mensing of Tucson, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Mary Moritz, one brother Clare Moritz, infant sister Nancy Moritz, and brother-in-law Alan Becker.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fowler, MI, 48835. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.