Obituaries
Rebecca Ann Thayer
Rebecca Ann Thayer, 82, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes- Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Rebecca was born in St. Johns, MI on August 7, 1936, the daughter of Roscoe Edward and Ruth Irene (Bandt) Rathbun. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. On August 20, 1978 Rebecca married Floyd Kenneth Thayer in Dewitt, MI. Floyd passed away on December 14, 2003.
Rebecca worked for 12 years as a cashier at Kroger in Lansing. She enjoyed working alongside her husband Ken on their farm for 25 years. She was an avid Michigan State & Detroit Tigers Fan. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, canning, playing cards, and practical jokes. She looked forward to family Christmas’ and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by daughter Chris Updyke of Saranac, MI; son Michael Raby of Lansing, MI; 2 step daughters: Linda and Sonny Abbott of Crew, Virginia; and Cindy of Durand, MI. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with one more on the way. Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, son in law Charles Midkiff, sisters and brothers in law: Rose and Vern Ames, and Mary and George Maron.
Memorials may be made to Sparrow Hospice House Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Paul Edward Hurst
Paul Edward Hurst, age 88 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2019 at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Douglas Osborn officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Paul was born in Laingsburg, MI on September 9, 1930 the son of John and Florence (Soper) Hurst. He was a graduate of Laingsburg High School. He married Margaret “Marge” Moore on May 19, 1956 and lived in St. Johns ever since. She passed away in January of 2005.
Paul retired in 1986 from General Motors. He was involved in the Pony League with St. Johns Youth Baseball for 12 years. Paul was also an avid fisherman. He enjoyed playing cards, woodcrafts and reading. Paul was a loyal Detroit sports fan. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns.
He is survived by his son Mark and Gail Hurst of Carlsbad, CA; daughter Laura and Steve Becker of Pottstown, PA; son Dave and Felice Hurst of St. Johns, MI; daughter Luanne and Chris Goffnett of Mt. Pleasant, MI; grandchildren: Anthony, Meagan, Caitlin, Sara, Dylan, Jeremy, Josh, Justin, Noelle, Skylar, Chloe, Chase, Scout and Colten. Paul is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including his special niece Janet Rourke. He was preceded in death by his wife Marge, son Rob Hurst on May 24, 2019, 9 siblings and his parents John and Florence Hurst.
Memorials may be made to Clinton Memorial Hospital. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Marlene A. (Sam) Hopko
Marlene A. (Sam) Hopko of St. Johns, MI died Friday, July 19, 2019 at the age of 85. She was born August 31, 1933 in Owosso, MI, the daughter of Earl and Margaret (Hagan) Goff. She was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns with the class of 1950. She attended Central Michigan Teachers College and graduated with a Teaching Certificate in 1952. In 1968 she earned her Bachelors Degree from Central Michigan University.
Sam was an elementary teacher for 33 years. She taught at St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Johns as well as Clinton County Rural District and St. Johns Public Schools. She was a volunteer with the Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, serving on the Executive Board and was President, as well as earning Auxilian of the Year Award. She also served on the Briggs Library Board of Directors. Sam Loved her family and enjoyed teaching, reading, flower gardening, dogs and sweet desserts. She embraced her Irish Heritage. On July 18, 1953 she married John T. Hopko and he preceded her in death in 2008.
Surviving to mourn her passing are her daughters, Kim Hopko (Tracy Simmons) of Lakewood, CA and Suzy (Rick) Drabek of St. Johns; grandson R.J. (Jamie) Drabek, greatgrandchildren Ellee Ann and Brantlee John of Fowler, and granddaughter Colleen (Nick) Howing of St. Johns; her sister Patricia Zuker, and brother Thomas (Delores) Goff all of Owosso, numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday July 23, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with interment to follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday at the funeral home. Memorials in Sam’s name may be made to Capital Area Humane Society or Briggs District Library.
Divorce decrees filed July 15, 2019
Hadley, Erinn E./Hadley, Christopher J.
Williams, Jennifer A./Williams, Roger D. II
Nabbefeld, Timothy J./Nabbefeld, Dana M.