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Judith Pauline Skea
Judith Pauline “Judy” (Mosne) Skea, age 94, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 27, 2021, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor in St. Johns, MI.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, with Rev. Shawnthea Monroe, of The People’s Church, will be officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 2-8 p.m. with the family present 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Judy was born in St. Johns, MI, on October 20, 1927, the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Lajda) Mosne. Judy was one of six sisters who grew up on a farm in St. Johns. She was a spunky gal by nature, and loved having a good time, and joke with people. People admired her tenacity and strength. She cherished her family and would give anyone in need a helping hand. She was a member of The People’s Church in East Lansing, MI.
During and after graduating from Rodney B. Wilson High School, Judy worked as a telephone operator for the St. Johns Telephone Company, and loved her work. Later she took a job for the State of Michigan as a Secretary at the Lewis Cass Building in downtown Lansing. She adored shopping at Jacobson’s in East Lansing, and Knapp’s, Arbaugh’s and Hudson’s department stores. Judy always dressed to the tee in expensive clothing, shoes, and purses to wear to her jobs working for the State Highway Department for several years in Lansing, and then in Saginaw. She married Warren Rex Skea in 1959 in St. Johns, MI.
In her later years she was employed at Michigan State University, working at different departments on campus, including: Rather Dorm, where she made many friends. She retired from Michigan State University’s History Department at old Morrill Hall, after 15 years. After retirement, Judy enjoyed going to summer concerts in the park in St. Johns, and watching parades in town. She also loved watching softball games at the park, watching the Detroit Tigers on TV, and going to a few Lansing Lugnuts baseball games in Lansing, with her family.
Her hobbies were antiquing with her sister Ann, and enjoying craft shows with her sister June, and niece Stephanie; her favorite place was attending her sister June’s yearly birthday, and Christmas parties, where she brought her famous potato salad, and Spanish rice dishes. Judy loved taking her sister Emily, her great-nephew Michael, and his dog Molly the Schnauzer for rides in the car.
Judy is survived by her sister June Toth of St. Johns, MI; nieces: Joan Martin of Lake Worth Florida; Sharon Donovan of Middleton, MI; Delana (Charles) Lewis of Owosso, MI; Stephanie (David) Skeels of St. Johns, MI; her nephews: Dennis (Donita) Sykora of New Hudson, MI; Stephen Toth of St. Johns, MI; great-nieces and nephews: Chad Lewis, Denise Sykora, Michael Sykora, Richard Donovan, Janae Cooper, Jamie Donovan, Steve Klaver, Christopher Klaver, Melissa Di Pasquali, and Katie Bradley. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and wonderful hardworking staff of Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor and hospice workers. God Bless You All!
Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601, or The American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Carl W. Hufnagel
Carl W. Hufnagel, a resident of St. Johns, and former resident of Lansing and DeWitt, Michigan, and Lehigh Acres and Stuart, Florida, died at his home on December 26, 2021 at the age of 89.
Born on November 6, 1932, the son of Roman Anthony and Dolores Frances (Droste) Hufnagel, Carl grew up in St. Johns where he was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during the Korean War. When he returned from his service time, he went to work with General Motors for a short time before joining the Lansing Fire Department. He went on to serve with the Lansing Fire Department for over twenty-six years before retiring as a Captain. It was in high school that he met Marcia Joan Rice in English class. They wed on May 3, 1952 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and were blessed with five children.
Carl loved God, his family, his life, and everyone that touched it. In addition to his work with the fire department he worked as a real estate salesman, helped with his condo associations, and enjoyed working on the local golf course. He enjoyed his cottage on Chippewa Lake for many years and for the last thirty-six winters he and Joan enjoyed their homes in Lehigh and Stuart, Florida. In Carl’s words, “I’ve had a great life, a great family, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
In addition to Joan, his beloved wife of over sixty-nine years, he is survived by his son, Gary (Karol) Hufnagel; his daughters, Gail (Tim) Hebert, Cindy (Renan) Fontus, Sandy (Dave) Denison, Carla (Bob) Davis; grandchildren, Roman (Amy) Hufnagel, Kyle (Jen) Davis, Kaan (Abby) Davis, Chad Davis, Chet (Jen) Davis, Amanda (Brian) Day, Alexandra (Cale) Piper, Andrea (Terry II) Tyson, Kaitlyn (Paul) Mulder, Skylar (Austin) Koneval, Sarah (John) Buchholz; twenty great grandchildren; siblings, Gerald Hufnagel (Diane Duflo), Larry (Gale) Hufnagel, Karen (the late Larry) Schafer, Frank Hufnagel (Becky Capetillo); brother-in-law, Sheldon Parker, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Elon (Wanda) Hufnagel, John (Nancy) Hufnagel, Ann Marie (Fred) Pahl, Janice Parker, and a grandson, Joseph Hufnagel.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Wednesday, December 29, from 5-8P M with a Vigil Service at 7:30 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St., St. Johns, on Thursday, December 30, at 11 AM with Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Military Honors will follow.
Lorinda Jo Dunning
Lorinda Jo Dunning, of Chesaning, died on December 24, 2021. She was 52 years old.
Lorinda was born on December 14, 1969 in Hudson, Michigan. She was raised in St. Johns, Michigan by Duane and Betty Williams and was a 1988 graduate of St. Johns High School. Lorinda loved Harley-Davidson, music and friends and had the biggest heart. She was a giver and would help anyone in need. She loved spending time with her family, friends and her dogs.
Lorinda is survived by her parents, Duane and Betty Williams; her sister, Tabitha (Alan) Sjoberg; niece, Rebecca Sjoberg; nephew, Alan “AJ” Sjoberg; great-nieces, Luna and Stella; grandmother, Sally Patterson; her canine companions, Chuck and Sebastian and many dear friends, including her special friend, Robert Perkins and best friend, Viva Ritenburg. She was preceded in death by her nephew, Zander; grandfathers, Glen Patterson and Lewis Williams; uncles, Gary Deck and Leo Williams.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Michigan Humane Society or to SafeCenter, 1300 N. Hickory Street, Owosso. The family is being served by McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Colleen Van Nuck
Colleen Van Nuck went to be with her Lord on Dec. 24, 2021. She was surrounded by family and passed away peacefully at her home. She was 94 years old. She was born Colleen Theresa Moore to Harry and Elsie (Hatzenbuhler) Moore on July 20, 1927 in Mt. Clemens, MI. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School at 16 years old. She entered the St. Joseph School of Nursing and Graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1948. She worked at St. Joseph’s and for Dr.’s Rifkin and Morris in Mt. Clemens.
She married Allen Joseph Van Nuck on Oct. 16, 1948 at St. Peters Church, and was married for 69 years. They had 10 children: Heidi (Dennis) Rogge, Terrence “Buzzy” (Nancy), Richard, Christine Morris-Silvestro, Christopher, Tamara, Pete (Martha), Paul (Dee), Craig and Kelly (Gary) Campbell. She had 16 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren and 1 -Great-Great Grandchild. She is preceded in death by her 8 siblings; husband Allen, son Terry, and grandson John Ashby.
Al and Colleen moved to Grayling, MI in 1972, where she worked at Mercy Hospital. They lived there 10 years and then spent 3 summers in Alaska. They moved to Sebring, FL. and lived there for 27 years, before moving to St. Johns, MI. in 2011. Colleen was a devout Catholic and enjoyed playing Bridge and Euchre, doing crossword puzzles, camping, singing, but most of all; she loved spending time with family and friends.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Elizabeth Enright
Elizabeth Enright, age 70, died on December 23, 2021 in St. Johns, Michigan.
McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.
Jacquelin Elizabeth Ruthruff
Jacquelin Elizabeth Ruthruff, a resident of DeWitt, died at her home on December 23, 2021 at the age of 89.
Born on August 17, 1932, the daughter of Vernon J. Tissue and Mildred E. (Phelps) Tissue, Jacquelin grew up in Sidney, Michigan, where she was a graduate of Stanton High School. She enjoyed working at the grocery store in Bath for many years and later with Bath Elementary School as a teacher’s aid and secretary. On August 27, 1950 she married Keith Ruthruff and they were blessed with three children. Jacquelin loved animals and her many cats and dogs and birds over the years. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and wintering in Florida with her husband.
She is survived by her daughters, Chari Bell and Jeri Ruthruff of Lansing; her son, Robert (Deb) Ruthruff of St. Johns; grandchildren, Michael and Tim (Andrea) Ruthruff, Amber Ruthruff and Jacob Bell; great grandchildren, Savannah and Kaden; brother-in-law, Allen (Vivian) Ruthruff, and many nieces and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Keith in 2013 and her parents, Vernon J. Tissue and Mildred E. (Phelps) Tissue.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 12 Noon with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Friends may gather from 11 AM until the time of service. Graveside Services will be held at Sidney Township Cemetery in Sidney, Michigan on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 2 PM.
Carol Jean Cornell
Carol Jean Cornell, age 87, of St. Johns, MI, passed away, November 17, 2021, at home with her family. She was born February 7, 1934 in St. Johns, MI, the daughter of Arthur and Beatrice (Rowe) Munro. She married Keith Harvey Cornell in 1955, and he preceded her in death on December 1, 2002. Carol was a graduate of St. Johns High School. She had a strong nurturing side to her, showing it in her position as a teacher’s aide at St. Johns High School and also as a nurse’s aide at Clinton Memorial Hospital and Hazel Findlay Care Facility.
Carol was still active in her Lutheran church by attending her weekly Ladies Bible Study. She was so fortunate, she said, to have a new group of wonderful friends at her age! Carol loved people and loved her Lord. Carol also participated in the Owosso Christian Singles group for many years. Carol was private about her faith in younger years, but she and Keith raised their children in the Episcopal Church. It was her strong faith and family that enabled Carol to survive the devastating loss of her son, Mark, last year.
Carol wanted her children to be the best they could be. And gave all she could to them. She was generous with her time with her children and their friends. She shared her talent for having fun. Playing games with them, teaching them to cook, and creating scavenger hunts. Even her sons, Mark and Keith, enjoyed cooking as adults. Carol provided her children with opportunities to explore their own passions, such as music, writing, painting and sculpting. Carol would join her family in sledding during snowy winter days on Crow Mountain with their Dad Keith, despite her well known dislike of cold weather! We all remember her baking hundreds of Christmas cookies for her children, grandchildren, and their friends to decorate.
Carol was an avid reader, and delighted in swimming, and gardening. She loved entertaining for family gatherings and traveling with her husband, Keith. They visited their daughters, Connie and Suzy, in Texas many winters. Their husbands, Kirk and Pat, chauffeured them all to Rodeos, concerts, and musicals. They explored caves, went on abundant bluebonnet wildflower road trips, and dined out with gusto. Carol’s son, Keith, and his wife, Michelle, lived nearby. Carol was tickled by the energy of their young children and enjoyed their birthday celebrations. Michelle and Keith were both kind caregivers for Carol during her later years.
Carol and her lifetime friend, Marlene, shared many creative endeavors. They designed clothing, decorated for family graduations and weddings. And spent many joyful times together redecorating Carol’s home. Carol expressed that she just loved beautiful things, nature, birds and especially flowers. She was a classy lady. She took pleasure in dressing up sharp with all the accessories, and making people smile with her unique and surprising wit. Shopping with her daughters and granddaughters was a special treat for Carol. She liked to keep up with fashion; they had no trouble convincing her to buy a pair of blue jeans with sparkles on her back pockets! Carol was feisty and determined. She enjoyed getting out and experiencing it all. She really loved to live life to the fullest. Her friends, Dorella and Dale, were often cohorts in adventures.
Carol’s niece, Beth, visited with her often, savoring special cookies and tea, bringing pretty gifts, and sharing their tender hearts. Carol could become frustrated when her body wouldn’t do what she wished. But she was not one to complain about her pain and illnesses. Carol was blessed to have a very intuitive physical therapist, and they had a great rapport, going back and forth with jokes and silly come backs.
Carol was always up for new experiences. But she also taught us to revel in the simple things in life. Spending quiet time with family. Watching television with a big bowl of popcorn and a beer. Making homemade fudge or other treats to go with that popcorn! She fostered a competitive spirit in her children during games of Monopoly, Clue, and card games. Her recipe for soothing us from a troubled day, was ice cream or chocolate cake or both! Some of her many enjoyments included swimming and floating on the lake, playing cards, a summer bonfire and camp outs. Carol made people laugh with stories of her life adventures. She was a talented writer and artist. We look forward to rediscovering her writings and artwork.
Carol is survived by her children, Constance E. (Kirk) Deatrick, Suzanne K. (Patrick) Palmer and Keith M. (Michelle) Cornell; her grandchildren Shelly (Jeff) Neifert, Kelly (Irl)Lutz, Heather (Justin) Eldridge, Mark A. Cornell, Keith F. Cornell and Matthew Cornell; and her great grandchildren, Lyndon Lutz, Aidan Lutz, Brendan Eldridge, Mallori Eldridge, Kadrian Neifert, and Riley Cornell. In addition to her husband Keith, she was preceded in death by her eldest son Mark Douglas Cornell; her parents; and her siblings, June, Phyllis, Bruce and Kay.
A memorial service was held at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis in St. Johns, Michigan on Saturday, December 11. Visitation from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Church Service at 12 noon, Luncheon and Remembrances 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life and Sharing Memories 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis in St. Johns, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s family for final expenses.
The family was served by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home.