{"id":3488,"date":"2019-01-24T20:56:49","date_gmt":"2019-01-25T01:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=3488"},"modified":"2019-01-24T20:56:49","modified_gmt":"2019-01-25T01:56:49","slug":"transitions-46","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=3488","title":{"rendered":"Transitions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Obituaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

Laureen Rae Smalley<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Laureen Rae Smalley (aka Lori Douglass), had a heart of gold and the kindest soul, left this world on Sunday, January 20, 2019. She was only 59 years young. Lori was born on September 22, 1959 to Carol (Murphy) and Mervin Douglass Sr. She married James (Jimmy) Smalley on August 31, 1991. Lori worked for Farm Bureau Insurance in Lansing for 40 years. Her most recent position was as a Forms Analyst.<\/p>\n

Her family and close friends were her greatest treasure. She attended so many family events, but the Murphy family St. Patrick\u2019s Day event was by far a favorite! Camping, especially at Buttersville in Ludington, was her favorite summer pastime. There she could spend countless hours with her favorite campers and her Mom on the beach, around the campfire and under the awning with friends and camping neighbors. She made many good friends over the years while camping. The beaches of Lake Michigan, trips to the UP, watching sunsets and moonsets with Jimmy always made her happy. Lori had a passion for Veterans, especially Vietnam Vets; her husband Jimmy is one. She spent many hours donating her time to the American Legion, Unit 153 where she was 1st Vice President of the Auxiliary. If ever there was a friend in need, she was there indeed! Her giving heart was endless.<\/p>\n

She loved her husband Jimmy with all her heart. He, as well as his son, Chris, wife Michelle and their son Avery survive her. Lori also leaves behind her mother, Carol Atkinson, who was her best friend, camping and travel partner. The two had a special bond and did so much together.<\/p>\n

She is also survived by her loving siblings, Bruce (Toni) Douglass, Julie Wager, Renee (Jeff) Conant, Mervin Douglass, Brian (Cheryl) Douglass, Julie (Jerry) Slocum, Doug (Amy) Atkinson, Bill (Karen) Atkinson; nieces and nephews, Natalie and Patrick Douglass, Heather (Andy) Christmann, Ashley Douglass, Tara Bellingar, Michael (Jamie) Bellingar, Shawna (Mike) Reese, Justine Conant, Baireid Slocum, Erik, Jake and Callie Atkinson and Pvt2 Coleton Atkinson. Lori adored her great nieces and nephews, Noah Brawner, Lilly Christmann, Bryce Douglass, Michael and Kayelynn Bellingar, Mason and Maddox Reese and Anastasia and Arthur Conant, along with numerous cousins, aunts and uncles especially the Murphy clan. Special friends, Lori Duncan, Sherri and Mike Falkenstein and Karen Bowerman were always very close to her heart. Many other friends survive her, Lori was so very loved by all! Lori was preceded in death by her father, Mervin Douglass Sr., her stepfather, Doug Atkinson, grandparents, Donald and Grace Murphy and Muriel and Harold Douglass; In-laws, Van (Doc) and Vera Smalley, brother-in-law, Steve Smalley, nephew, Simeon Slocum, cousin, Kyomi Culpepper and a dear friend, Debi Bauer.<\/p>\n

The family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home<\/font><\/a> , St. Johns. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 25, with Mr. Micah Murphy officiating. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to charities close to Lori\u2019s heart. Kyomi\u2019s Gift Foundation (Barry Community Foundation, Kyomi\u2019s Gift Fund, 231 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI 49058) (www.barrycf.org\/funds\/kyomis-gift-fund\/<\/font><\/a>) Volunteers of America Homeless Veterans or to the Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs. \u201cDeath leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Henry Albert Goerge<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Henry Albert Goerge, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, age 85, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019, at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.<\/p>\n

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Henry was born in Fowler, MI on July 9, 1933, the son of John Louis and Eleanor Catherine (Thelen) Goerge. He married Marcia Grace Buck on October 25, 1958, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Henry attended Most Holy Trinity School and graduated after 8th grade to work on his family farm where he was born and raised. Henry proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He retired from Sealed Power Corporation after 41 years of service. Henry was a handyman and did all of his own electrical and plumbing, as well as for family and friends. He was a blood donor donating 39 gallons over the years. Henry enjoyed time spent with his family and extended family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Fowler and St. Johns, and also a member of E.J. Werner VFW Post 3733. Henry was a lifetime member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI where he was also a lector and Eucharistic Minister.<\/p>\n

He is survived by his wife Marcia Goerge, 2 daughters: Margaret Goerge, Kathleen Lane; 2 sons: David Goerge, James (Judy) Goerge; 9 grandchildren: Kara, Andrea, Audrey, Aaron, Alex, Danielle, Abigail, Lily, Sadie; 6 great grandchildren: Nicole, Austin, Victoria, Hailee, Jake, Olivia; and 2 great great grandchildren: Viola and Grace. He is also survived by 2 brothers: Gene and Agnes Goerge, and Donald and Doris Goerge. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, son in law Darrell Lane, and siblings: Reynold, Robert, Anthony, Adeline, Arlene, and Janet.<\/p>\n

Memorials may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School, Sparrow Hospice Services or Alzheimer’s Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Marvin W. Smith<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Marvin W. Smith, age 72, of Maple Rapids, passed away after a short battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Marvin was born June 14, 1946 in Alma, the son of Lester and Harriett (Lepley) Smith. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1964 and then attended MSU graduating with his BA in 1968. Marvin married Dee Ann Stadlberger on June 10, 1967 at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. He served in the US Army. Marvin was a member of the New Haven Church of the Brethren, St. Johns Rotary, and Gideon’s International.<\/p>\n

Marvin worked various jobs over his lifetime including: teaching at St. Johns RESA, Ionia ISD, and MCC, a real estate broker, a sign business, Red Apple Caf\u00e9 Owner in Ithaca, and as an EMT. Marvin enjoyed reading and teaching the Bible, fishing, cooking, teaching, going to church, singing, music, camping, boating, watching Fox News and cheering for the Spartans. He was involved with the church as a youth group leader, deacon and ss teacher. He loved spending time with his family, attending all the grandkids sporting events and especially taking the family to the movies and getting a popcorn.<\/p>\n

He is survived by his wife Dee Ann, daughters Tamie (Jim) Barker, Stephanie (Jeremy) Dimmick, grandchildren Brittany, Matt, Seth, Mara, AJ, Cassidy and Ryan. Also brothers Shayne (Sandy) Smith, Mike Smith, brother-in-law Damen Jay (Barb) Stadlberger, mother-in-law Eloise Akin Stadlberger, nieces and nephews Kelly, Shelly, Shawn, Kristin, Leslie, Michelle, Chad, Stacy and many special cousins. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Graham Barker.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2 pm at the New Haven Church of the Brethren with Pastor Brian Ruth officiating. Interment will be held at New Haven Center Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Haven Church of the Brethren Youth Ministry Program. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home<\/font><\/a>, Carson City.<\/p>\n

\n

Doloris Joyce Richards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Doloris Joyce Richards, age 92 of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI.<\/p>\n

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Mona Kindel officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 5-8 P.M. and Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.<\/p>\n

Doloris was born in Gratiot County, MI on December 8, 1926 the daughter of Lamont Joy and Mahre (Martin) Litwiller. She graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1945. On May 4, 1946, she married her childhood sweetheart, Theron John “TJ” Richards in Boston, MA, while he was on shore leave when he was serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. TJ passed away on November 25, 2017. Doloris resided most of her life in St. Johns.<\/p>\n

She will be remembered as being a devoted and loving wife and mother. Doloris was an all around old fashioned homemaker. She loved to cook and bake for her family. Doloris enjoyed many hobbies including cross stitch and gardening. Doloris was an excellent seamstress and she made a lot of clothes for herself and her family over the years. She was a talented painter and enjoyed painting her husbands carvings. She had a career later in life driving cars with her husband for a local car dealership and at 92; she was considering retirement from her job as the call back person for customer service. She was a member of the Methodist Church in St. Johns.<\/p>\n

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Litwiller of Kalamazoo, MI; son Rodney and Karen Richards of Ovid, MI; grandchildren: Joshua and Jennifer Foote, Tod Richards, Casey Foote; 2 great-grandchildren: Elise and Tyler; and brother Monty Litwiller of Blanchard, MI. Doloris was preceded in death by her parents, husband TJ Richards, son Randy who was a twin, and her siblings.<\/p>\n

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice House of Mid Michigan, Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes<\/font><\/a> – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.<\/p>\n

\n

Greta Ruth Sali<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Greta Ruth Sali, age 89, of St. Johns, formerly of Perrinton, passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 at Hazel I. Findley Country Manor in St. Johns. She was born March 16, 1929 in Perrinton the daughter of Orley and Wealthy (Leddick) Chaffin. After graduating from high school she attended business school. On February 14, 1948 she married James E. Sali.<\/p>\n

Greta worked as a secretary for Klein\u2019s Fertilizer in Perrinton for over 30 years, retiring in 1994. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing dominoes and trips to the casino.<\/p>\n

Greta is survived by her children, Anne Lockwood (Richard) of St. Johns, Bob (Mary) Sali of Perrinton, Mark (Lisa) Sali of Perrinton, Jim (Kathi) Sali of St. Johns; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother, Hubert (Velma) Chaffin and a sister, Wreatha Chant.<\/p>\n

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James in 2011, three brothers, Robert, Alethan and Glee Chaffin, a son-in-law, Thomas Lockwood, daughter-in-law, Shelly Sali and a granddaughter, Sheryl.<\/p>\n

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 11 am at Dodge Funeral Home<\/font><\/a> , Middleton with Rev. Ried Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Fulton Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Obituaries Laureen Rae Smalley Laureen Rae Smalley (aka Lori Douglass), had a heart of gold and the kindest soul, left this world on Sunday, January 20, 2019. She was only 59 years young. Lori was born on September 22, 1959 to Carol (Murphy) and Mervin Douglass Sr. She married James (Jimmy) Smalley on August 31, Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-transitions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3488"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3488\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}