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Maria Elena Villarreal
Maria Elena Villarreal, age 88, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 10, 2023 with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Maria Elena was born in Asherton, TX, on December 3, 1934 the daughter of Gregorio and Hilaria (Vega) Medina. She attended St. Johns Public Schools. On January 30, 1954 Maria Elena married Cosme Villarreal in St. Johns, MI. Cosme also passed away earlier the same day as Maria.
Maria Elena worked at Kroger for many years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Maria loved vacationing in Traverse City and in the Suttons Bay Area. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Maria enjoyed working in her yard. She and Cosme enjoyed going on car rides together and eating out.
She is survived by her son Thomas and Teresa Villarreal; grandson Nicolas Villarreal and Jessica Spagnuolo; grandson Zachary Villarreal and Samantha Gross; great-grandson Kaden Villarreal; sister Otilia Beebee. Maria Elena is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Maria Elena was preceded in death by her sisters: Julia Laycock, Refugia and Pete Petrick, Pauline Diaz, SanJuanita and Carl Smith, Hilaria Medina, Dionicia and Antonio Rositas, also her brothers: Natividad and Romana Medina, Miguel “Mike” and Felicitas Medina.
Memorials may be made to American Alzheimer’s Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Cosme Villarreal
Cosme Villarreal, age 88, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023 at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 10, 2023 with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at a later date at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Cosme was born in New Braunfels, Texas, on August 29, 1934, the son of Jose and Concepcion (Villarreal) Villarreal. He attended Rosebush Schools in Rosebush, MI. On January 30, 1954 Cosme married Maria Elena Medina in St. Johns, MI, Maria Elena also passed away later the same day.
Cosme was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns where he served as an usher. He was a member of the St. Johns Knights of Columbus. Cosme worked for Motor Wheel for 37 years, retiring in 1989. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening, growing watermelons and pumpkins. He was well known for his sweet & juicy watermelons, selling them at the Farmer’s Market and sharing with friends and family. Cosme shared his gardening secrets with his grandsons and loved to be at the farm with his brothers, son, and grandsons. Kaden, his great-grandson, brought great joy to his heart.
He is survived by his son Thomas and Teresa Villarreal; grandson Nicolas Villarreal and Jessica Spagnuolo; grandson Zachary Villarreal and Samantha Gross; great-grandson Kaden Villarreal; brothers: Joe and Mary Ann Villarreal, John and Kara Villarreal, Jesse and Kay Villarreal, David Villarreal, Richard Villarreal, Albert Villarreal; sisters: Chris Rodriguez, Rosie and Dave Vallin, Frances and Ramiro Cavasos, Mary Helen and Bill MacKorell, Gloria Santellan, Mary Ann Gillespie, Carmen and Kevin Thayer, Carolyn and Dean Karber; sister-in-law Patty Villarreal. Cosme is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Concepcion Villarreal, Jose and Josephina Villarreal; sisters: Alice Green and Bea and Larry Stoimenoff; brothers: Don Villarreal, Eugene Villarreal, and Julian and Jo Villarreal; in-laws: Lisa Villarreal, Rudy Rodriguez, Joe Santellan and Al Gillespie.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Charity of Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Ann Louise Green
Ann Louise Green, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully in the care of her family and Hospice House of Mid-Michigan after having suffered a stroke in February. She was 67 years old.
Ann was born in Lansing on April 16, 1955, the daughter of Cecil Lawrence Smith and Joan Fedewa Smith, and grew up in St. Johns where she was a 1973 graduate of St. Johns High School. For the last forty years she enjoyed her role in the St. Johns community as a beloved daycare provider.
Ann was an amazing cook and loved opportunities to entertain friends and family at her home. She had an open door policy, and everyone knew they were welcome to visit at any time. Her favorite time of the year was her annual three week vacation to Beaver Island. Ann was an anchor for many people, and her moral compass, guidance, care and concern will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Charlie Green; her daughters Jennifer Lynn Green and Laura Ann (Mark) Valente; her son, Steven Charles Green (Becca Meyer); siblings, Lee (Dori) Smith, Cheryl Lowe (Bob Barber), Eric (Stephanie) Smith; sister-in-law, Kathy Green and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mark Smith.
Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns on Thursday, March 9 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and on Friday, March 10 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM with Rosary at 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 11 at 11 AM with Fr. Anthony Brooks officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials are encouraged to the Wounded Warrior Project and Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
Theresa Ann Brewbaker
Theresa Ann Brewbaker, age 91, of St. Johns, Michigan passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Hospice of Lansing Residence, Lansing, Michigan.
Our wonderful mom, Theresa “Terry” Ann Sobula, was born to polish immigrants Andrew W. and Mary K. (Zieliga) Sobula on May 10, 1931 in St. Johns, Michigan, and remained there her entire life.
Terry was a good natured outgoing young lady who immensely enjoyed time with her family, friends and activities of her generation. She spent lots of quality time laughing and chatting with her mom and four sisters all speaking fluent Polish and making amazingly delicious authentic Polish kolache’s, Christmas candy, pies, and pierogis.
She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1948. She began her work career as a personal secretary to Mr. Sleight in his insurance business where she eventually met her future husband, Leon Brewbaker, who she married on May 2, 1953. Together they built a fine life and brought four wonderful children into the world – three sons; Kim (Cindy), Martin (Debra), William (Jennifer), and one daughter Mary (Don). Terry was the backbone of the Brewbaker family raising their children and managing the home along with working part-time.
Keeping ahead of three rambunctious boys is no easy task but she made it work. Often times they needed some strong “encouragement” to mind their P’s and Q’s but they eventually grew up into fine young men. Thankfully they didn’t burn down the barn, and managed to douse a potential electrical fire and live to tell about it. When it came to daughter Mary, she seemed to never be a problem much to mom’s relief. She has her mom’s patience and sweet nature. At a very young age Mary developed a deep love for animals of all kinds but especially horses. The boys had all their sports, and endless entertainment to keep them occupied. They taught Mary how to throw a softball and football… which she became impressively good at… and helped watches over their tiny little sis doting on her along with mom. Not surprising, Mary’s love for horses blossomed as did moms. As such, adding to her many talents, mom easily took to caring and working with horses along with her only daughter. All in all, Terry was extremely proud of all her children. Her naturally good nature served her well throughout life.
In addition to rearing the family, refereeing conflicts, helping out with paper delivery, Cub Scouts, football and track mom, taking kids to swim, equine riding lessons, etc., and keeping the home-front running semi-smoothly, Terry was also rather crafty. In one of their houses all the woodwork was painted; she spent months stripping off all the paint then refinishing the wood to its original glory (it was beautiful). She was also a fine seamstress, artist, gardener, fed and watched songbirds took care of horses, cats, dogs, lawn work, and managed to keep the house clean! Ahhh, but the story does not end here. As life moves on the family grows and so does her already impressive resume’. She then adds treasured mom-in-law as she warmly welcomed in-laws to the family, and then icing on the cake, the ever popular beloved “Gramma Nana”… she adored her precious grands! Life is ever so good.
Of course as was to be expected, there were bumps and potholes throughout her life’s journey but with her intensely deep faith in God and unflappable resilience, she weathered it all like a trooper, earning her way to Heaven. A super-mom/mom-in-law/grand-ma to be sure! We all appreciated and adored her as much as she adored us. We will miss our dear mom yet she will forever occupy her space in our hearts. In the truest sense, she was the most gracious and loving mom a family could ever hope for; we were generously blessed to have her in our lives.
Terry is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and special friend Fran Foltz. She was predeceased by her parents, four sisters: Ann, Rose, Mary, Connie, and three brothers: Frank, Eddie, and Joe.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. John MacDonald for his many years of taking care of our mom; her special friends and in-home caregivers Donna, Tracy, Vonda, Carol, Jan, and Kathy; and Hospice of Lansing, Nurse Ashley, Dr. James LaBerge and their caring compassionate staff.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, Michigan, on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan, on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 2-8 P.M. with a Vigil/Rosary prayed Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910; OR, St. Joseph Educational Trust Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden Street, St. Johns, Michigan 48879.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Rollin August “Ron” Huard
Rollin August “Ron” Huard, Jr., a long time resident of St. Johns, Michigan died at his home in the care of his loving family on March 1, 2023 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 91 years old.
Ron was born on December 26, 1931 in Bay City, Michigan, the son of Rollin August Huard and Doris (Graveline) Huard. He was a 1949 graduate of St. Phillip High School in Battle Creek, Michigan where he was quarterback for the football team. Following high school, he served as a Corporal with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. When he returned from service, he attended Western Michigan University and later Michigan State University where he obtained his degree in journalism.
When he was on leave from the Air Force he met Jeanette Mehan in Battle Creek. They fell in love and married in Battle Creek on February 5, 1955. They made their home in Battle Creek, Lansing and later Illinois before moving to Charles City, Iowa. In Charles City Ron began his career with the Charles City Press, moving from photographer, to reporter, to editor and eventually publisher.
In 1968 he and Jeanette moved to St. Johns, Michigan where he took the position as publisher of the Clinton County News. He later served as a trust banker with Clinton National Bank and retired in April of 1989.
Ron and Jeanette loved the city of St. Johns where they were very involved in community groups and loved being of service to the community. They were ever kind, warm and welcoming to all, and loved to host dinner parties at their home. Ron was a devoted husband, an amazing caregiver to his wife, a guiding father, and fun grandpa, whose home was a haven for his grandchildren who always stopped there first on their way into town — and who with his great sense of humor and quick wit always enjoyed great banter.
Ron will always be remembered as fair, genuine, friendly and a down-to-earth friend. Though highly respected, impressive in his accomplishments, and in his impact in the St. Johns community, he was ever humble; and his strong, quiet presence will be dearly missed.
In addition to Jeanette, his beloved wife of over sixty-eight years, he is survived by his daughters, Theresa Huard, Carol (Gary) Altergott, and Ann (Marc) Hufnagel; his son, Joe Huard (the late Carrie); grandchildren, Kassie (Brice) Murphy, Elise (Jon Brooks) Altergott, Eric (fiance Melissa Hernandez) Altergott, Kyle (Dora Malech) Stine, Kevin Stine, Aaron (Nicole) Stine, and Nick Huard; siblings, Mary Quinn, Edward Huard, Kay-Win Reichel, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends who join his family in both mourning his loss and giving thanks for his life among them. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Huard.
A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date. For further information visit McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel