Transitions

.
.
Rosalie Ann Sharpe

Rosalie Ann (Fink) Sharpe passed away on October 25, 2022 at the age of 84. She was born to Rose Halfmann and Victor Fink and raised in St. Johns, Michigan

She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the Class of 1956. She graduated from Michigan State College with a degree in music education and went on to receive a master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Rosalie made her home in Warren, Michigan after graduating from Michigan State College. She was employed with the Warren Consolidated School District for 39 years.

Rosalie was a teacher, administrator and fine arts coordinator. She was a member of the National Music Association, the Warren Cultural Commission, and was the coordinator of youth programs for the Warren Symphony Orchestra. She also assisted with Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and district art shows. She was the recipient of numerous awards for her tireless work and dedication to the fine arts.

She loved spending time in Traverse City every summer with her friends at the Beach Haus. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She also enjoyed orchestral concerts, the theatre, Christmas, reading, movies and visiting the casino.

She is survived by her sister, Maralyn Fink Woodbury and two nieces, Kimberly Brown (Sam Martinez), Becky Fuller (Jim Fuller).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts in Sterling Heights: to the Sharpe Scholarship Fund, the Friends of the Warren Public Library in Warren or the Paine Gilliam Scott Museum at 106 Maple Street in St. Johns.

Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Monday, October 31, from 11 AM – 1 PM. A Celebration of Life, time of sharing and luncheon will follow beginning at 1 PM. Burial services will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 11AM at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan.

Rest in peace, sister.


Wende J. Vsetula

Wende J. Vsetula went to his new home in Heaven on October 25, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 69 years old.

Wende was born on December 21, 1952 in Lansing, Michigan, the second of three sons born to Frank and Ernestine (Kabelitz) Vsetula. Following graduation from Eastern High School in Lansing, Wende went on to enjoy a forty-six year career with General Motors as a heavy underbody repairman. On September 22, 1990 Wende married the love of his life and best friend, Diann L. Duffield. They enjoyed thirty-two years of marriage, spending time together and making each other happy.

Wende loved to ride his Harley and get away to the family cabin on Chippewa Lake, where he enjoyed his pontoon boat and being on the water. Ever happy and helpful, Wende made friends easily and was well loved by all who met him. Knowledgeable and a problem solver, he loved to help those in need and would give advice if asked. He was hardworking, active, passionate, and caring. Wende was also selfless and put others’ needs and happiness above his own – it was his mission to make his angel, Diann, happy. He was positive and courageous, and lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diann; his daughter, Lisa Vsetula; his son, Anthony Vsetula; grandsons, Joseph and Steven Vsetula; brothers, Richard (Nonie) Vsetula and Jerry Vsetula; mother-in-law, Georgia Duffield; father-in-law, Bill (Thea) Duffield; in-laws, Billy Duffield, Sandy (Laura) Duffield, Mary (Kelly) Wilcox, Sandra (Dale) Ellison, Jimmie (Mia) Davidson, Greg (Patti) Davidson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him and close friends who were like family.

Services have taken place privately.

For further information please contact McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel.


C. John Phelps

C. John Phelps, age 79, of Ovid, MI, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Shiawassee County Medical Care Facility in Owosso, MI.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date. .

John was born in Ovid, Michigan on January 6, 1943 the son John C. and Edith W. (Robinson) Phelps. He was a graduate of Elsie High School with the Class of 1963. John loved fishing, was an avid Detroit Lions and Tiger fanl he also loved MSU Sports. He married Nina M. Walker on October 4, 1969 in Owosso, MI, and she survives him.

He is survived by his wife Nina Phelps, of Ovid, MI; daughter Tracie and Edward Stewart of Aubrey, TX; son Brad Phelps of Ovid, MI; son Ryan and Bridget Phelps of Frisco, TX; six grandchildren: Kaylee Phelps, Kendra and Justin Hayes, Austin Stewart, Khyra, Elysse and Avynn Phelps; two great-grandchildren: Beckett Phelps and Pepper Hayes; brother Arthur Phelps of Florida; sister Sandra Kimmel of Brant, MI; two sisters-in-law: Deena Knutson and Darlene Patten; brother-in-law Brett Walker. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws: Ray and Gerrie Walker and grandson Michael Stewart.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.


Anne Marie Ryan

Anne Marie Ryan, age 73, a lifetime resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died on October 21, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital.

Anne was born on July 5, 1949 in St. Johns, Michigan, one of two children born to Carl and Doris (Cox) Shinabery. She graduated from Rodney B. High School and worked for over twenty years in Human Resources at MSU. Anne thoroughly enjoyed her work with the youth programs through an MSU Extension (HABIT).

Anne raised three children in St. Johns and was proud of their accomplishments. In 1994 she married Nigel Ryan, and he preceded her in death. Anne was a firecracker and a caregiver. She was a mom and confidant to many and loved to help others. She enjoyed hosting family dinners and keeping holiday traditions. Anne was a hunter and a fisher, enjoyed the out-of-doors and participated in Search and Rescue with her beloved bloodhound, Tracker. She enjoyed sewing as well as watching and attending MSU sporting events. Most of all, Anne loved her family, and especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She will be missed by many, especially her daughters, Christine Gilroy and Melissa (Scotty) Thompson; her son, Carl “Ed” (Becky) Purvis; grandchildren, Tylor (Adrianna) Gilroy, Kathrine Gilroy, Tori Gilroy, Shaelynn Dusseau, Brandon Dusseau, Bree Purvis and Rex Purvis; great-grandchildren, Dean Gilroy, Olivia Smith and Grayson Smith; niece, Rhonda (John) Pinkerton and family, as well as many dear extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim Shinabery and granddaughter Tara Gilroy.

Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel on Monday, October 24, 2022, from 11 AM – 2 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at Lowe Cemetery, Essex Township on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 2:30 PM. A luncheon will follow at Lowe United Methodist Church.


Sherry Lee Hine

Sherry Lee Hine, age 67, of Owosso, MI, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Memorial Healthcare.

A cremation has taken place. There will be a Celebration of Sherry’s life on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 1-4 P.M. at 9163 South Barry Road, Bannister, MI.

Sherry was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 11, 1955, the daughter of Dean Leroy and Jeanette Hazel (Lake) Bellingar. On July 9, 1983 Sherry married Daniel John Hine at the family farm. They have been married 39 years.

Sherry was a devoted fan of Elvis. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially camping and fishing. She loved her 3 dogs: Abby, Elvis, and Kieko. She loved her family and family events. Her children and grandchildren were her life!

Sherry is survived by her husband Daniel, five children: Crystal (Shayne) Sadler of St. Johns, Bonnie Thornton of St. Johns, Deanna Hine of St. Johns, Greg (Brooke Washburn) Bishop of Haslett. and Raymond (Ashley) Hine of St. Johns; son-in-law Fritz Carlson of St. Johns. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren: David (Rachel), Dakota, Bernita (Justin), Kaylee, Brittney, Dustin, Rebecca, Draven Austin, Jason, Johnathon, Tori, Madison, and Braidan; four great grandchildren: Lily-Ann, Alden, Jace, and Noah; sister Anna Elnora (Gale) Taber, two brothers-in-law: Patrick Sump and Jerry (Tamara) Hine; sister-in-law Jean Hine, and brother John (Tammie Wood) Douglas. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Janet Carlson, son Jason Hine, sister Wanda Sump, and brother-in-law Robert Hine.

Memorials may be made to the family to assist with Sherry’s funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.


Jon Michael Riley

Jon Michael Riley, Fruitport, Michigan, age 60, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022. He was born on September 10, 1962, in St. Johns, MI, grew up in Westphalia, and graduated from Pewamo-Westphalia High School in 1981. He was the son of Eugene and Audrey (Witgen) Riley.

Jon was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and worked at Federal Mogul for 20 years, in addition to several more years in manufacturing and operations at various locations. Jon loved hunting, fishing, camping, planting trees (especially pine trees), cooking for friends and family, and anything involving the outdoors and entertaining. He was passionate about conservation and loved taking people on “habitat evaluations”.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Colleen Riley; children, Damien (Shawn) Vella of Caro, MI, Kolina (Kent) Dell of Fowler, Keegan (Marissa) Riley of Fowler, Kayla (Kwabe) Ekye-Addai of Lansing, Kameron Riley of Fowler, and Milah Riley-Trevino of Mexico; 15 grandchildren; mother, Audrey Riley; siblings, Steve (Karen) of Stevensville, MI, Sandy (Luke) Kowatch of Westphalia, Jayne (Glen) Klein of Portland, Pat (Stacey) Riley of Fowler, and Perry (Shirley) Thelen of Westphalia. Preceding him in death were his father, Gene Riley; twin sister, Jan Thelen; godmother, Janet (Riley) Burns; and several in-laws.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, MI, with Rev. Eric Weber presiding. Rite of Committal will be at St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022 at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia, with the rosary being prayed at 4:00 p.m.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.


Divorce decrees filed the week of October 10 and 17, 2022

Ackels, Todd / Ackels, Pamela

Martin, Joseph / Martin, Kristel

Wade-Marlatt, Tammy / Marlatt, Steven

Meredith, Heidi / Meredith, Alvin

Garcia, Rudy / Garcia, Melissa

Eddy, Sam / Eddy, Jenna