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Richard Francis Swagart
Richard Francis “Dick” Swagart, 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at his home.
Cremation has taken place and a public Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.
Richard was born in St. Johns, MI on August 28, 1939, the son of Frank A. and Frances M. (Roat) Swagart. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1957. Richard was an engineer for Oldsmobile for over 25 years prior to retiring in 1988.
On December 7, 1990, Richard married Neva Mae Wineland in St. Johns, MI. They celebrated 29 years of marriage prior to his passing. Richard enjoyed watching Westerns, and reading. He was interested in things about the Upper Peninsula. Most of all, Richard loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife Neva Swagart of St. Johns; daughter Julie Swagart of OH; son Raymond Swagart of Lansing; and 4 step-children: Kim Huguelet of St. Johns; Mark (Jill) Wineland of St. Johns; Laureen Wineland of St. Johns; and Kristin Milton of Middleton; 10 grandchildren: Scott (Val) Knickerbocker, Jamie (fiancé Chad) Parks, Heidi Parks, Geoff Parks, Alyssa (Jake) VanSickle, Cassidy Milton, Madisson Milton, Gavin Milton, Thomas Wineland, and Jack Wineland; and 4 great grandchildren: Avery, Joseph, Logan, and Weston. He is also survived by 3 siblings: Alan (Nina) Swagart, Gary (Merle) Swagart, and Cheryl (Tom) Moulbray; brother-in-law Bruce Carmon, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Barbara Swagart, sister Linda Carmon, son-in-law Doug Huguelet, and son-in-law Ronald Milton.
In memory of Richard, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org). The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Kenneth R. Coin
Kenneth R. Coin, a beloved father, son and friend, age 63, passed away on April 4, 2020, in Lansing, MI. He was born November 5, 1956 to Eugene and Marilyn (Staub) Coin and grew up in Dewitt, MI where he graduated school in 1975.
Ken served as DeWitt Historian for many years and loved sharing DeWitt History through articles in the DeWitt Bath Review as well as a published book, DeWitt Area History. He enjoyed many years of retirement in Florida and returned to Michigan in 2018. He loved spending time with his family and friends and his quick wit and humor will be missed by all.
Preceding him in death was his father, Gene Coin and Sister, Penny (Jack) Finney.
He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Coin and children, Sam Coin and Kaeyt (Greg) Rudawski.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be planned for a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com.
Mary Catherine “Kate” Fedewa
Mary Catherine “Kate” Fedewa, age 86, of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020, at her son’s home, where she was also born.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating.
Kate was born in Fowler, MI on July 8, 1933, the daughter of William and Mary (Smith) Piggott. She graduated from Fowler High School. Kate married Gerald Fedewa on September 9, 1952, in Fowler. Gerald passed away on January 3, 1997.
Kate worked for Beckers Bridal for many years as a seamstress. She was a previous 4-H leader; teaching sewing, cake decorating, knitting and rabbits. Kate loved visiting with people. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events; she was their number one fan. Kate was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Christian Mothers.
She is survived by her children: Duane and Anne Fedewa of Lansing; Mike and Wanda Fedewa of Fowler; Sandy and Dave Herta of Burton; Ruth Ann and Ron Fedewa-Frazee of DeWitt; grandchildren: Andy, Kaylee (Koady), Nicholas, Craig (Danielle), Kyle (Jillian), Darren (Tayler), Justin (Kara), Lance (Brittany), Amber (Chase), Ruby (Kenny), and Robby; 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by sister-in-law Alice Piggott, brothers-in-law: Tom and Rosemary Pung, Joe and Alice Fedewa, and sister-in-law Kathleen Bengal. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings: Ronnie (Opal), Bob, Gerald (Caroline), Gordon (Donna and Freida), Bill, sister and brother-in-law Germaine (Fred),and granddaughter Sarah.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
Cora Grace Goldman
Cora Grace Goldman, age 79, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.
A Family Graveside Service will be held at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI with her brother Preacher Howard Kirby officiating. A public Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Cora Grace was born in West Branch, MI on January 15, 1941, the daughter of Merlin Alvia and Pearl Arbutus (Serrels) Kirby.
Cora Grace spent her last 50 years serving God as a preacher and missionary seeking to win souls for Christ. She founded God’s Mission Outreach in Maple Rapids over 30 years ago to help people in need all over the United States. She was passionate about her love for God and others.
Cora Grace is survived by her children: Darrell Goldman of Perrinton, Wendell (Ruth) Goldman of Ovid, Tamera (John) Johnson of Middleton, Theresa (Mike) Crandall of Bath, and William (Yollymar) Goldman of TX; 13 grandchildren: Tiffany (Jessie) Rodriguez, Shannon (Jason) Highichue, Jona (Jason) Crosariol, Brittany (Aaron Sells) Goldman, Justin (Hannah) Johnson, Stephanie Marie Johnson, Jonathon (Heather) Johnson, Cheressa (Mike) Crandall-McLeish, Alichia (Larry) Crandall, Robert Alleva-Crandall, Nathaniel Alleva-Crandall, Kenny (Jessica) Goldman, and Cierra Goldman; and 29 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 siblings: Robert (Linda) Kirby, Sharon (Terry) Wagner, and Howard Kirby; and many nieces and nephews. Cora Grace was preceded in death by her parents, son Barry Lynn Goldman, and brother John Kirby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to God’s Mission Outreach (236 W. Clinton St. Ovid, MI 48866). To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Cora Grace’s obituary at Smith Family Funeral Homes. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.
Darrell Lee LaClair Sr.
Darrell Lee LaClair Sr., 68, of Bannister, MI, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Ovid Healthcare Center, Ovid, MI.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Darrell was born in Alma, MI on September 4, 1951, the son of Donald and Betty (Carter) LaClair. He attended Ashley Public Schools. Darrell worked for Mahle in St. Johns for over 30 years.
Darrell enjoyed fishing and camping. He always looked forward to the annual Salmon Derby with his friends.
Darrell is survived by 4 children: Jerri Kay LaClair-Good of GA; Kris (Tim) Lowery of Bannister; Darrell (Heidi) LaClair II of Ovid; and Kyle LaClair of Bannister; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 5 siblings: Barbara Conklin, Bill (Brenda) LaClair, Donna (Barry) Hamilton, Denise Goad, and Darlene Wynn; and many nieces and nephews. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, son Frank Warden, and daughter Danielle LaClair.
The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.
Lois Arlene Poff
Lois Arlene Poff, age 88, of Ashley, MI, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.
Cremation has taken place, a memorial service and time of visitation will be held at a later date at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.
Lois was born in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania on December 29, 1931, the daughter of Paul M. and May M. (Shetron) Myers. She graduated in 1950 from Enola High School, Enola, Pennsylvania. She married her high school sweetheart, Harold Kenneth “Pete” Poff on April 20, 1952 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Pete passed away on November 17, 2018.
Lois worked as an IBM key punch operator in Harrisburg, PA while her husband Pete attended Shippensburg State Teachers College. They then moved to Kirksville, MO where she ran a day care for children whose parents attended medical school. Later when they moved to Ashley she worked alongside her husband Pete for many years at the Ashley Clinic as the office manager.
She enjoyed knitting, crafting and golfing. She loved attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.
She is survived by her children: Cynthia Butler of Madison, NC; Douglas and Nancy Poff of St. Johns, MI; Mark and Tammy Poff of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren: David and Erin Poff, Danny and Abbey Poff, Matt and Monica Poff, Nick Poff, Casey and Karolynn Poff, Joey and Kristie Poff, Jenny and Brad Pruett, and Ashley Milhizer, 17 great-grandchildren and one more on the way. She is also survived by her sister Janet Kepler, her brother John Myers, and niece Emily Stambaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pete, son-in-law Shirley Butler, and sisters: Erva Mae, and Pauline.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 201 E. Cass Street St. Johns, MI 48879, Ithaca’s Senior Activity Building, 1011 E. North St., Ithaca MI 48847 or Ithaca Community Food Pantry, 218 E. Newark St, Ithaca, MI 48847. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.
David Fraser Starlin
David Fraser Starlin died unexpectedly Friday, April 3, 2020 at the age of 91. He was born of Scottish descent, March 14, 1929 in Lake City, Missaukee County, MI the son of Elzy and Elizabeth (Fraser) Starlin. David was an accomplished woodworker and his creations grace not only his home but the homes of friends and family. He loved spending time with family and friends at Bass Lake and was a talented handyman helping friends at the lake and in his neighborhood. David retired in 1987 from General Motors as a millwright with 37 years of service.
Surviving is his wife, Linda; step-son and daughter-in-law, Alan Biddinger, MD, PhD and Michelle Biddinger, MD; step-daughter Cheryl Biddinger; grandchildren Elaina and Aaron Biddinger, Sean (Jessica) Smith, Mitchell (Stacey) Smith; Johnathan (Sabrina) Pontius, and Bryant Pontius; great grandchildren, Sean Smith Jr., Irelyn, Anna and Melody Smith and Devonny Pontius; and sister, Joanna Schultz. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Crystal and three brothers, Larry, Jim and Gary.
A funeral service for David will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. A private interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1:00 PM until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Clinton Area Ambulance 1001 S. Oakland St. PO Box 203 St. Johns, MI 48879.
In following the CDC guidelines for COVID-19, gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 persons. Those who attend please practice social distancing, keep your time at the visitation as brief as possible and avoid personal contact.
Marie Catherine Weber
Marie Catherine Weber, age 93, of Fowler, Michigan, was welcomed home by the Lord on April 4, 2020. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family dearly. Mom was born in Fowler on March 18, 1927, the daughter of Andrew and Leona (Arens) Thelen. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler and the Christian Mothers. She married dad, Urban L. Weber, on March 18, 1945 and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2009 after 64 years of marriage.
Mom had a very strong devotion to prayer and her Catholic faith. She lived life with joy, selfless purpose and immense positive outlook. She loved children, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom was a great cook and homemaker. Raising eight children on a small family dairy farm in the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s required an immense amount of daily work and perseverance, yet she managed it with love and grace. She worked hard her entire life and did so with joy, an inspiration to all of us. Suffering from severe arthritis in her later years, she never complained and would always say, “one day at a time”. Her home was one of laughter and love!
She was preceded in death by her parents; son Kenneth, one sister Leonore Bengal, brothers: Daniel, Theodore, and Herbert Thelen. Surviving are her daughters: Carol and Thomas Huhn, Elaine Weber, and Janet McKeown; sons: Luke and Mary Jo Weber, Gary Weber, Stan and Julie Weber, Keith and Gail Weber; 24 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren; one brother Alphonse and Marie Thelen, in-laws: Helen Thelen, and Virginia Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to Kristine Falor for the special care and assistance she provided mom during the past few years.
Due to the current pandemic, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in Fowler, Michigan, with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. Her life will be celebrated with a Memorial Mass at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund or to the charity of your choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.
Shirley Osgood Culver
Everyone who knew her loved her. She was taken from her family and friends on November 2nd 2019 at the age of 91. Shirley Osgood Culver was the third of four children born to Glenn and Fay Osgood of St Johns, Michigan.
She leaves five children, Jenny Culver of Albuquerque, NM, Carrie Culver of Cookeville TN, Barbara (Larry) Gallick of Columbus, OH, Tom (Darla) Culver of Columbus,OH, and Amy (Matt) Adkins of Murfreesboro, TN. Also surviving are her husband of 69 years, Richard Culver, of Fairfield Glade, six grandchildren and one great grandson.
Shirley and Dick met at an early age in Sunday school and by age 10 she decided that he was the one she would marry. She did not tell him until he was 23. They finished college and married on September 10, 1950. She graduated with honors at Michigan and was president of her sorority her senior year.
The next thirty years were spent helping Dick build a business in Columbus,OH and raising a family. She was warm and friendly to all she met, had a fun sense of humor, and was very creative and clever. She was an accomplished seamstress creating costumes and wonderful dresses for her children and grandchildren making them the envy of the neighborhood. She generously donated her time volunteering at school, church, and for various causes over the years.
While searching for a place to retire, they discovered Fairfield Glade, a resort community In Tennessee. They agreed that it looked like a perfect place to live. One problem – she wanted a lake lot – he wanted to be on a golf course. They have enjoyed living on Lake Canterbury for thirty years. Shirley loved her home, filling it with antiques and collectibles that caught her eye. She would rather be outside, working on her rock garden down by the water. She would often have to be reminded that it was time to come in for dinner because she was the cook. She and Dick walked almost every day, holding on to each each other and always in step. That was their trade mark and they became familiar to everyone on their street for the better part of 27 years.
Unconditional love and support were paramount in her approach to guiding five children into the close knit, generous, loving group they are today. She was kind, gentle, loving, hard working, and the example of how she lived and loved is her legacy.