Montcalm County, Michigan - Obituaries -W-

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WADLE, LEAH A.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, March 13, 1999
Edmore - Lea A. WADLE, 80, of Vanderbilt, formerly of Vestaburg, passed away Thursday, March 11, 1999, at McReynolds Hall in Gaylord. She was born May 12, 1918, in Ferris Township, to Fred and Myrtle HILLARD DYER. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert. Mrs. WADLE is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Lana BROOKS of Marlette, Linda and Bob SUCHEY of Vanderbilt; one son, Gordon WADLE of Mount Shasta, Calif.; five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Funeral services for Mrs. Wadle are 11 a.m. Monday at Stebbins-McCullough Funeral Chapel in Edmore. Interment will be in the Richland Cemetery in Vestaburg. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WALES, WILLIAM F. JR.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Friday, August 6, 1999
Lakeview - William F. WALES Jr., 57, of Lakeview, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999, at Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming. He was born June 26, 1942, in Iron Mountain, the son of William and June LARSEN WALES. On Nov. 27, 1965, he married Sandy GROENLEER in Lansing. Mr. WALES was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church, Howard City. He was secretary of the Lakeview Fire Department, involved with the department for 27 years. He was secretary of the local Lions Club and is on the district cabinet for the Lions Club. He was chairman of the county lake board. Mr. WALES was a teacher for 28 years and was a vocational director. He was preceded in death by his son, William F. WALES III and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and one daughter, Amy WALES, both of Lakeview; one brother and sister-in-law, Rich and Deb WALES of Quinnesec. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Youngman-McCullough Funeral Chapel, Lakeview. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Monday from noon until the service at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

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WALKER, DIANA M.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, May 6, 1999
Belding - Diana M. WALKER, infant, 191 S. Bridge St., Saranac, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 1999, at Spectrum Health Downtown Campus, Grand Rapids. She was born March 17, 1999, in Ionia, to Terisa D. CLAYTON and Donald A. WALKER, both of Saranac. She is survived by her parents; grandparents, Kenneth H. CLAYTON of Saranac, Antonia CLAYTON, Mario ALVEREZ, Cora WALKER, all of Grand Rapids; great-grandparents, Kenneth J. and Donna Mae CLAYTON of Ionia, Mildred YODER of Saranac, Melvina WALKER of Grand Rapids; great-great-grandparent, Virgie HUBBARD of Orleans; three aunts, Diana CLAYTON of Ionia, Kimberly CLAYTON of Grand Rapids, Kaylee CLAYTON of Portland; two uncles, Kenny CLAYTON of Saranac, Jacob CLAYTON of Portland; several more aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Huffman Funeral Home, Belding, with the Rev. Kendall Harger officiating. Interment will be in River Ridge Cemetery, Belding. Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WALKER, SARAH

WALKINGTON, FRED

WARD, EDWARD

Source: Stanton Herald Clipper, May 11, 1900

Our Neighbors, Langston:
Edward Ward, of this place, died April 25, 1900, at 5:30am. He was born in Perth, Ontario, November 17, 1826, came to Langston in 1873. Funeral service was held at the Catholic Church in Maple Valley and interment in the Roman Catholic Cemetery there. The Rev. Father Whalen, of Carson City, sang the requiem for the dead. He leaves one son and three daughters, Phonie Ward of Langston, Mrs. F.E. Moffatt of Stanton, Mrs. John Klees and Mrs. E.O. Bellows of Ferris, to mourn his loss.

Note from submitter: Several items in the account are inaccurate - the date of birth, which was actually 1825, and Mrs. Bellows was Mary Alice Peel, Edward's wife Mary's daughter by a previous marriage to John Peel in Canada. I have more information and would appreciate any contact from other descendants!

Submitted by Jim Ward

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WARREN, CLARENCE G.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, January 20, 1999
Midland - Clarence G. WARREN, 65, Auburn and Fenwick, died Monday, Jan. 18, 1999, at Mid Michigan Medical Center. He was born Dec. 16, 1933, in Bay City, the son of Clarence G. Sr. and Lena R. CHAPMAN WARREN. On April 26, 1958, he married Constance A. LA DUE. Clarence was raised and educated in Bay City. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was employed at Dirk Waltz Buick, Oldsmobile & Jeep as a service manager with more than 40 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Constance WARREN; one son, Christopher M. WARREN; one daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia S. and Timothy J. CHARTIER; and one grandson, Cody Joseph CHARTIER. Funeral services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Wilson Miller Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Road, Midland, with Dr. Orville H. McKay officiating. Friends may call today from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Midland.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WEBB, BEULAH M.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, April 15, 1999
Sheridan - Beulah M. WEBB, 85, 7303 S. Wicker Road, Sheridan, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 1999, at her home. She was born Dec. 15, 1913, in Crystal, the daughter of Lyman and Ina RICKERD GRISWOLD. She married Thomas WEBB on Nov. 25, 1930, at Stanton. He preceded her in death on May 29, 1985. She also was preceded in death by three brothers, Lyle, Warren and Cecil GRISWOLD; one sister, Ireta COOPER; and one son-in-law, Gerald AMES. Mrs. WEBB was a lifelong resident of the Crystal and Sheridan areas. She was a member of Vickeryville United Methodist Church and the VFW Post 5065 Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Vergelene and Asa BROOKS, Ina AMES, all of Pickford; five grandchildren, Darryl and Sue BROOKS of Sheridan, Darlene and Vic SIMON of Sumner, June and Joe PATTON of St. Ignace, Tom and Jane DOTY of Cedarville, LaDonna and Patrick DISKIN of Delton; 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene SHAULL of Shepherd, Beatrice LINDER of Lansing; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Stebbins & Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan, with Pastor Larry W. Nalett officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Sheridan. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial considerations to either the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Vickeryville United Methodist Church or Hospice.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WEDGE, JAMES L.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, February 3, 1999
Belding - James L. WEDGE, 50, Belding, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999, at his residence. He was born May 21, 1948, in Detroit to Thomas and Ethel B. WOODRUFF WEDGE. He was a machinist at Federal-Mogul and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his mother, one daughter, Jessica WEDGE, and one son, Jacob WEDGE, all of Belding; one brother and sister-in-law, William and Helen WEDGE of Detroit; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father in 1972 and a sister in infancy. Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home, Belding, with the Rev. Darwyn Hassert officiating. Intement will be in Otisco Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alcoholics Anonymous Program (ALANON).
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WEGER, MAXINE J.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, October 5, 1999
Greenville - Maxine J. WEGER, 62, of Greenville, passed away Monday, Oct. 4, 1999, at her home. She was born Nov. 1, 1936, in Barbeau, the daughter of Hermades J. and Leona HEDRINGTON BERGERON. She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville. She is survived by her husband, John; her daughters and sons-in-law, Deb and Greg HAMMAN of Greenville, Linda and Brian MARTIN of Muskegon, Julie and Mike MYERS of Cape Coral, Fla., Cynthia SKYTTA of Gowen; her sons, John and Jody, both of Greenville; her 13 grandchildren, Terha and Brett DE BOER and Jason HAMMAN of Greenville, Angela and Aaron ROBINSON of Phoenix, Ariz., Kristeen and Joe HULLIBURGER of Belding, Erica KENT of Grand Rapids, Jamie and Dan AYRES of Winter Park, Fla., Jacob REYNOLDS of Cape Coral, Fla., Allen SYKTTA of Grand Rapids, Kathleen SYKTTA of Gowen, Daniel Justin, Alex and Amelia WEGER, all of Belding; her great-granddaughter, Paigelyn HULLIBURGER; her sisters and brothers, Rose REED, Theresa MARLIN, Leo BERGERON, William BERGERON, Cathy DUKEMAN, all of Greenville, Dan BERGERON of Lowell, Robert BERGERON of Belding, Marge WOODS of Grant, Carole RING of Trufant, Chris BERGERON of Gowen, Herm BERGERON of Naperville, Ill. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Lou WEGER, in 1959. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Charles Catholic Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Fred Brucker as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with a scripture wake service at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Maxine's name to the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WEIERS, GERALD L. "JAY"

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, September 8, 1999
Greenville - Gerald L. "Jay" WEIERS, 74, of Greenville, passed away Monday morning, Sept. 6, 1999, at Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids. The son of Wally and Gertrude HARGER WEIERS, he was born March 3, 1925, at Sheridan. A veteran of World War II, Jay served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and received the Bronze Battle Star. He was a percussionist and played drums around the state of Michigan on the hotel-resort concert circuit. On May 7, 1959, at Grand Rapids, he married Dorothy CONKRIGHT, who survives. Also surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Fenton and Susan WEIERS of Howard City; one daughter, Kaleen KRUMMICK and her fiance, Michael KAPUSCINSKI of Greenville; one brother, Richard WEIERS of Sheridan; a very special nephew, Lloyd LUND of Sheridan; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James CONKRIGHT in 1997; and one granddaughter, Jamie CONKRIGHT-ENGLISH in 1997. Graveside committal services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Evergreen Township Cemetery, near Sheridan, with the Rev. Jerry Jones, pastor of the First Congregatiional Church, officiating. Private family visitation was held Tuesday evening at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville. Contributions in memory of Mr. WEIERS may be directed to the American Cancer Society. The Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, is serving the family.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WEIZOREK, ESTHER

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, December 28, 1999
Greenville - Esther WEIZOREK, 78, Fenwick, formerly of Greenville, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 27, 1999, at Metron of Greenville. The daughter of Solomon and Vicie ALLEN HENCY, she was born Sept. 29, 1922, at Elberta. Mrs. WEIZOREK retired from Metron of Belding (formerly Belding Christian Nursing Home) and for many years volunteered as a foster grandmother at Baldwin Heights Elementary School in Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burt WEIZOREK; a son, Jack Leonard CMELO on May 5, 1998; and nine brothers and sisters. Surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Becky and Ken KRICK of Fenwick, Sue THOMPSON of Grand Rapids, and Mary and Steve BOATWRIGHT of Waukesha, Wis.; three sons and a daughter-in-law, George CMELO of Ypsilanti, Tom CMELO of Coldwater, John and Cathy CMELO of North Carolina; 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Jerry Jones, pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating. In appreciation for the compassionate care Esther received from Hospice, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Michigan (Big Rapids office). Envelopes are available at the funeral home, where the family will receive relatives and friends today from 6 to 8 p.m.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WELCH, VERNON F.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, May 27, 1999
Greenville - Vernon F. WELCH, 73, of Greenville, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at his home. He was born July 31, 1925, in Manistique, the son of Floyd and Emily MATTIE WELCH. Vernon celebrated 35 years of marriage with his wife, Vivienne, whom he married on May 23, 1964. He was a member of American Legion Post 101 of Greenville and the Eagles. He is survived by his wife, Vivienne; one son and daughter-in-law, Budd and Sharon WRIGHT of Grand Rapids; two grandchildren, Dawn KOEWERS of California, Budd V. WRIGHT of Grand Rapids; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Margaret and Jerry WOLFERT of Florida, Evelyn ST. ANDRE of Alpena, Fron MCKENZIE of Manistique; nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Connie from Texas. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Albert WELCH. Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with Pastor Harry Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding. Pallbearers will be members of American Legion Post 101 of Greenville. Visitation will be today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Vernon's name to Visiting Nurse Hospice.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WELDEN, GEORGE

Greenville Independent, Greeville, MI, June 28, 1916
George Welden was born near Ontario, Canada, June 10, 1840, and departed this life in Montcalm county, June 9, 1916, aged 76 years on the day of his death. In the year 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Lake of Ontario. To this union was born six children, two sons and four daughters, his wife and 2 sons and two daughters having preceeded him to the Better World. He bore his illness with patience until the Savior took him home. He recently found peace with his Maker, as he was heard to remark a few days ago that the Lord had a better place prepared for him, and he wanted to go and be with the loved ones who have gone on before.

In 1880 he came with his family to Michigan and lived for a few years near Lansing, and from there he moved to Douglass and then to the old place in Belvidere, where he resided until three years ago, when he went to stay with his daughter, Jessie Saxton, near Greenville. He leaves to mourn his loss two daughters, Mrs. Fred Hull and Jessie Saxton, and one brother and one sister in Canada and a host of sorrowing neighbors and friends, What is our loss is his gain.

Precious Father, he has left us,
Left us, yes, forever more,
But we hope to meet our loved one
On that bright and happy shore.
Lonely the house and sad the hours
Since our loved one has gone,
But Oh! a brighter home than ours
In heaven is now his own.

Contributed by Paula Johnson

WEMPLE, PEGGY SUE MUSSER

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, September 4, 1999
Greenville - Peggy Sue MUSSER WEMPLE - 27, Trufant, passed away late Thursday evening at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The daughter of Grant Leon and Finetta SCOVILLE MUSSER, she was born June 24, 1972, in Lakeview. A 1991 graduate of Lakeview High School, she was employed as a medical assistant-patient coordinator with Integrated Medical Partners (I.M.P.) at the Maplewood office in Greenville. On Aug. 17, 1996, in Gowen, she married Duane WEMPLE, who survives. Also surviving are her mother, Finetta MUSSER of Trufant; two sisters, Janette MUSSER of Trufant, June CAREY of Stanwood; one brother, David Edward MUSSER of Pontiac; two nephews, Justin MUSSER and Stephen SZPIECH; two nieces, Molly and Stephanie POCSI; her father-in-law, Arthur TYGESEN of Gowen; and a god-daughter, Kaitlyn THEBO. She was preceded in death by her father, Grant "Leon" MUSSER on March 11, 1996, and by her mother-in-law, Lillian Marie WEMPLE, on Dec. 20, 1998. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Kurt Peterson, pastor of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Trufant Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Trufant Fire Department Scholarship Fund (in care of the Trufant branch of Huntington Bank). Envelopes are also available at the Brown-Teman Funeral Home, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WENDOL, MARY ELLEN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Monday, September 13, 1999
Greenville - Mary Ellen WENDOL, 68, of Greenville, passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 1999, at her home. The daughter of Thomas and Alice May LAKE FLANIGAN, she was born Nov. 12, 1931, in Montcalm County. Mary Ellen retired from Belding Fruit Storage and was a member of the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 Ladies Auxiliary, Greenville. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas FLANIGAN, in 1979, and her mother, Alice May FLANIGAN, in 1992. Surviving are her husband, Gene WENDOL of Greenville, one daughter and son-in-law, JoAnne and Chester NIELSEN of Greenville, one son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Laura DEAL of Greenville; one brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Harriette FLANIGAN of Cocoa, Fla.; one aunt and uncle, Pauline and Lawrence HANSEN of Lakeview; three grandchildren, Christine and Kirk MEDLAR, Corey NIELSEN, Alison NIELSEN; two great-grandchildren, Avery MEDLAR and Jordan MEDLAR. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with Pastor Dave Perry of the First Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Mills Cemetery near Gowen. Envelopes for memorial contributions to the Flat River Community Library are available at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, where the family will receive relatives and friends today from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WESTBROOK, THEODORE E.

WHITE, MARY L.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, March 20, 1999
Ionia - Mrs. Mary L. WHITE, 70, Ionia, passed away Friday, March 19, 1999, at her home. She was born Sept. 28, 1928, in Grand Ledge, the daughter of Burson and Nellie SCHRINER LOVELESS. She attended North Plains Community Church, which she loved and where she was very active. She was an avid bowler for many years in the women's league in Ionia and the Ada Beef League in Lowell. She loved country music, the outdoors, camping, gardening and her hobbies. She drove a school bus for 20 years for Ionia and Palo school districts, and was director of Palo school transportation for 10 years. For the last eight years, she drove a bus for children with disabilities and was a teacher's aide. She married Franklin White, who survives, on Jan. 28, 1950, in Ionia. Other survivors are five sons and three daughters-in-law, Lawrence and Jean WHITE, Danny WHITE, Frank S. and Paula WHITE, Matthew WHITE, all of Ionia; Luke and Lee Ann WHITE of Belding; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Kathy and Greg HILL, Nancy BOWNE, Melissa and Dan TRIERWEILER, all of Ionia; Patricia and Roberto CRUZ of Belding; 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Desirae HILL; two brothers, Herb and Ed LOVELESS; and two sisters, Emma and Delores SCHASARWAK. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at North Plains Community Church, 4022 Olmstead Rd., Ionia, with Pastor Robert Jourdan officiating. Interment will be in Tuttle Cemetery. Visiting hours are today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rich Street Chapel of Cook Funeral Home, Ionia. Memorial contributions may be made to Ionia Area Hospice in care of Cook Funeral Home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WHITE, JAMES K.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, May 20, 1999
Greenville - James K. WHITE, 68, Greenville, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 1999, at his home. He was born July 8, 1930, in Big Rapids, the son of William and Nellie FORTIN WHITE. He was a member of American Legion Post 101 of Greenville and VFW Post 5065 of Sheridan. Years ago, he worked at Gambles, Greenville, and was a meat cutter at Hill's Market, also in Greenville. He is survived by his wife, Margret; two sons and one daughter-in-law, James Timothy and Cindy WHITE of Vestaburg, Richard WHITE of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren, Richard Brandon, Ryan Michael and William Charles WHITE; one brother, Richard WHITE of Ionia; one sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Donald BIGELOW of Cadillac. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Joseph, Frank, Gordon, Howard and Roy WHITE; one sister, Evelyn PETERSON; and his parents, William and Nellie WHITE. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Pete Scarbrough officiating. Committal services, performed by American Legiion Post 101, will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation will be Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in James' name to Hospice of Big Rapids.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WHITNEY, DEREK JOHN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Friday, March 12, 1999
Crystal - Derek John WHITNEY, 16, Stanton, died Wednesday, March 10, 1999, in Stanton. He was born Aug. 4, 1982, in Alma, to Steven Loy and Deborah Lynne BECKER WHITNEY. He was a junior at Central Montcalm High School and was involved in many sports, including baseball, golf, cross-country, track, wrestling, football and hockey. He loved the out-of-doors and loved to hunt and fish. He is survived by his mother and her husband, Deborah and Chris CHAPIN of Stanton; his father and his wife, Steven and Michelle WHITNEY of Crystal; two brothers, Brandon Loy, Garrett Joe, both of Stanton; stepbrother and sister, Johnathan and Chelsea MC CRACKEN of Crystal; grandmother, Janet BECKER and husband James WARTHMAN, of Alma; stepgrandparents, Stephen and Marilyn CHAPIN of Stanton; grandmother, Marilyn WHITNEY of Crystal; great-grandmothers, Lucille SPACH of Crystal, Gertrude ESTES of Apopka, Fla., Margie BECKER of Carson City; great-grandfather, Hubert ROCKAFELLOW of St. Louis; many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandfathers, Loy WHITNEY, Joseph BECKER; and two cousins, Holly and Kerry MORELAND. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Crystal, with the Rev. Ried Martin officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Stanton. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the "Wishes of the Family" with a trust for Derek's brothers to be established later.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WHITNEY, GERALDINE G.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, August 28, 1999
Ludington - Geraldine G. WHITNEY, 84, of 2736 N. Pine Street, Tamarac, Ludington, formerly of Stanton, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 1999, at her residence following a brief illness. Geraldine G. REED was born Jan. 31, 1915, in Portland, the daughter of Fred and Nellie HANSON REED. She was married on Nov. 3, 1933, in Portland, to Paul J. WHITNEY Sr. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1988. Geraldine worked as a nurse for many years, first in Charlotte, and then in Sheridan, retiring in the late 1980s. She was a member of Nevins Lake Church of Stanton. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and gardening. She loved her dog "Peppy". Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Muirlyene and Gil HAYWARD of Hudson, Fla., Carol and Joe CAIN of Ludington; one son and daughter-in-law, Paul Johnathon Jr. and Phyllis WHITNEY of Mears; one sister, Loretta JACOTT of Palm Harbor, Fla.; nine grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by twin brothers, Fred and Frank REED. Funeral services for Geraldine G. WHITNEY will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Nevins Lake Church, Stanton. The Rev. Bob Goodenough will officiate. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Stanton, alongside her husband's grave. The family will receive friends at the Dorrell funeral Home, Ludington, today from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church in Stanton one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan for Mason County with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WHITTEN, DORIS M.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Friday, March 12, 1999
Greenville - Doris M. WHITTEN, 71, West Grove Street, Greenville, died at home on Wednesday, March 10, 1999. She was born in Greenville on Jan. 22, 1928, the daughter of Sylvester and Gladys Virginia VAN VLERAH LEFEVRE. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1946 and attended Aquinas College. She was married in Greenville on June 22, 1949, to Robert E. WHITTEN, and they have lived in the same home on Grove Street since. Doris was very active in the Greenville community with the Flat River Community Players, serving as secretary for 20 years and received the Outstanding Member Award. She also was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, where she was former activity director for the St. Charles School and Church. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Robert and their children, James and Terese WHITTEN of Farmington Hills, Michael and Cathy WHITTEN of Auburn, W. Va., Thomas WHITTEN of Greenville, Karen WHITTEN of Flagstaff, Ariz., Lawrence WHITTEN, Renee VERSTRATE and Johnathan WHITTEN, all of Greenville; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson; her two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Louise GIELCZWK of Escondido, Calif., and Eileen and Leo Charles BROSCHART of Columbus, Ohio; her brother-in-law, Jerry and Beverly WHITTEN of Grand Rapids; and sister-in-law, Patricia and Joe KURZYNOWSKI of Grand Ledge. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Fred Brucker officiating. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery. Visitation is today from 7 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 8:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, or the Flat River Community Players.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WIETSMA, JAYMI LYNN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Monday, November 8, 1999
Sheridan - Jaymi Lynn WIETSMA, 14, of 483 W. Fenwick Rd., Fenwick, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, where she was tragically taken at an early age as a result of an automobile accident on County Farm Road at Briggs Drive. She was born Aug. 3, 1985, in Belding, the daughter of Larry WIETSMA and Melody A. MORRIS. Jaymi Lynn was presently a freshman at Central Montcalm High School, where she was on the volleyball team. She previously participated in basketball, soccer and was a former Girl Scout. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Melody and L. John KENNEDY of Fenwick; her father, Larry J. WIETSMA of St. Louis; grandparents, Dan and Doris RILEY of Ohio, Richard MORRIS Sr. of Florida, Helen KENNEDY of Sandusky; two sisters, Jannelle WIETSMA of Grand Rapids, Sheila KENNEDY of Sidney; five brothers and one sister-in-law, Darrin KENNEDY of St. Louis, Gary WIETSMA of Stanton, Tarrey and Kelly WIETSMA of Greenville, Charles DICKENS and James DICKENS, both of Tennessee; several aunts, uncles, one niece, one nephew and numerous cousins. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Shiloh Community Church, Orleans, with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating. Interment will be in Woodard Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Stebbins and Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILBER, MONADEAN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, March 27, 1999
Lakeview - Monadean WILBER, 68, Morley, passed away Friday, March 26, 1999, at her residence in Deerfield Township in Mecosta County. Mrs. WILBER was employed at Leppink's Super Market in Lakeview for more than 20 years. She attended Stanwood Free Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Donald L. WILBER of Morley; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Loraine WILBER of Cedar Springs, Arnold and Lois WILBER of Belding; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Ron ANGER of Big Rapids, Sandra and Manuel LEAL of Morley; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Macil LARSEN of Door, Wilma MURTLAND of Morley, Reta and Bud BARD of Grandville, Evelyn and Ernie STINE of Lakeview. Mrs. WILBER was preceded in death by one brother, Arden JOHNSTON, and one sister, Dorothy JOHNSTON. Funeral services are Monday at 1 p.m. at Youngman-McCullough Chapel, Lakeview, with the Rev. Dennis Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Rustford Cemetery in Mecosta County. Visitation is today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILBUR, MELVIN H.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Monday, August 30, 1999
Greenville - Melvin H. WILBUR, 78, of Gowen, passed away Friday evening, Aug. 27, 1999, at Spectrum Health Downtown Campus, Grand Rapids. The son of Harry V. and Flossie M. HINKLE WILBUR, he was born July 13, 1921, at Portland. A veteran of World War II, Melvin served as an anti-aircraft artillery gun crewman with the Fifth Army and was a member of the Lester J. Sitts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5065 in Sheridan. In 1982 he retired from the former Gibson Refrigerator Co. after 36 years of employment and in his retirement served as a vounteer fireman in East Marion County, Ocala, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Archie and Harry; one sister, Lorna; and one great-grandson, Derrick Lee PETERSEN. On Nov. 22, 1947, at Ionia, he married Caroline MENO, who survives. Also surviving are one son, Ronald WILBUR and one daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Kevin THACKER, all of Gowen; his grandchildren, Melanie BROMLEY, Lisa and Melvin ABBOTT, Shaun THACKER, Jesse WILBUR; his great-grandchildren, Samantha and Sabrina ABBOTT, Dylan and Sierrah BROMLEY; 10 brothers and sisters, Leola KING of Greenville, Leon and Sandi WILBUR of Pensacola, Fla., Betty and Lyle KRUMRIE of Muskegon, Gerald and Dorothy WILBUR of Texas, June CHRISTENSEN of Florida, Jim and JoAnn WILBUR of Grand Rapids, Mickey and Bill FAUGHT of South Bend, Ind., Marilyn ELLSWORTH of Grand Rapids, Arthur and Belinda WILBUR of Pensacola, Fla., Joyce and Lupe RODRIQUEZ of Grand Rapids; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Kenneth Harger, pastor of Shiloh Community Church, officiating. Graveside military honors, rendered by the Lester J. Sitts VFW Post 5065 Honor Guard, will follow at Otisco Township Cemetery. Envelopes for memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoication or the American Cancer Society are available at the funeral home, where the family will receive relatives and friends today from 7 to 9 p.m.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILKINS, KATHLEEN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, July 8, 1999
Greenville - Kathleen WILKINS, 78, Edmore, passed away Tuesday morning, July 6, 1999, at Metron of Greenville. The daughter of John and Amelia STOIKA SZABO, she was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Rochester, N.Y. Until moving to the Edmore area, she had resided in Dunedin, Fla., for 23 years, where she and her late husband retired after moving from New Britain, Conn. She was preced in death by her parents; her husband, Donald E. WILKINS, on March 26, 1993; and her sister, Lillian ORCUTT, in April 1993. She is survived by her children, Susan WILKINS of Greenville, Tom WILKINS of Six Lakes, Dan PANOZZO, Marlene VENDRONE, both of Spring Hill, Fla., Daniel WILKINS of Pinnelas Park, Fla.; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Private services have been held. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Wilkins may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. The Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, is serving the family.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILKENSON, MINNIE BELL

WILKINSON, RONALD V.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, December 30, 1999
Belding - Ronald V. WILKINSON, 41, of Belding, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1999, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born March 8, 1958, in Greenville, to Dale and Lorraine TREAT WILKINSON. Ronald graduated from Belding High School with the class of 1976. He was a journeyman tool and die man at Frigidaire for 18 years, and was a member of the Local IATC 8. He was married Aug. 6, 1977, in Greenville, to Jo-Rae LAMB. She survives along with their children, Gina, Kara, Jeffrey and Kevin, all at home. He also is survived by his mother and stepfather, Lorraine and Gerald KELLOGG of Machesney Park, Ill.; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Linda and Dan SIMON of Fowler, Debbie and Ken PHILLIPS of Byesville, Ohio, Lori PETERS of Rockton, Ill.; one brother and sister-in-law, James and Marilyn WILKINSON of Owosso; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law, Max and Lisa WATTS of Orleans, Frank LAMB of Grand Rapids; two uncles, one aunt and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1980 and one daughter, Emily, in infancy. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Johnson Funeral Home, Belding, with Pastor Kendall Harger officiating. Burial will be in Palo Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Alvah N. Belding Library.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILLER, DALE ALLEN

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, May 13, 1999
Anchorage, Alaska - Dale Allen WILLER, 45, passed away Monday, May 10, 1999, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born Jan. 21, 1954, to Katherine TYLER and Marvin WILLER. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1972, and worked at Frigidaire for 1977 to 1988. He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine TYLER; his father, Marvin WILLER, his stepfather, Marvin TYLER; and his grandmother, Mildred R. COSTON. He is survived by his wife, Usenia; two daughters, Jenna WILLER of Greenville, Gianna of Anchorage, Alaska; one sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Steve PRETZEL; one brother, Nick TYLER; his aunts and uncles, Raejean and Chuck LOPER, Joyce and Dean ARNETT, Lorraine WILLER; his nephews, Jarod and Alec TOPPER, Jeremy and Benji TYLER; his niece, Kelly TOPPER; and cousins, Kylee LOPER, Jerry, Kathy and Jamie ARNETT. Donations in Dale's name may be made to the American Cancer Society. No local services are planned at this time.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILLIAMS, CLAYTON C.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Friday, November 5, 1999
Greenville - Clayton C. WILLIAMS, 79, of Gowen, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 3, 1999, at United Memorial Hospital, Greenville. He was born July 8, 1920, in Stanton, the son of Lewis and Elnora PARRISH WILLIAMS. Clayton served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a life member of the VFW Post 5065 in Sheridan, 32nd Division Veterans Association of Red Arrows and the Disabled American Veterans. He also was a member of American Legion Post 452 in Stanton and was retired from Northland Corp. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his sister-in-law, Winnie WILLIAMS of Stanton; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Pat and Jerry HOPPOUGH of LeRoy, Joanne and Bill LINES, Don and Julia MITCHELL, all of Washington, Maxine HICKS and Eva HICKS, both of California, Kay KILLIION of Elkton, Eugene and Donna MITCHELL of Kentwood, Dick WEIERS and friend Rose of Sheridan; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Thomas and Lester; two sisters, Vivian and Avelyn; one sister-in-law, June WEIERS; and one brother-in-law, Harold MITCHELL. There will be no memorial service or visitation. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be left at Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, to be given to the family.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILLIAMS, GERALD S.

WILLISON, MARY R.

Thursday, June 10, 1999
Lakeview - Mary R. WILLISON, 89, Lakeview, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 1999, at Spectrum Health - East Campus, Grand Rapids. Mrs. WILLISON was born June 27, 1909, in Winfield Township, Montcalm County, to Otto and Julia LARSEN. She is survived by her husband, Keith. Keith and Mary built their home on Tamarack Lake in Lakeview in 1940 and made their home there throughout their 60 years of marriage. Also surviving are one sister, Myla WING of Petoskey; one brother and sister-in-law, Erenus and Marian LARSEN of Big Rapids; a sister-in-law, Maxine LARSEN of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; a niece, Janice ARCHER of Prudenville; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold LARSEN. Mrs. WILLISON was a member of New Life United Methodist Church, Lakeview, past president of the United Methodist Women and a member of the Six Lakes Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Services are 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Youngman-McCullough Chapel, Lakeview, with pastors Larry Brown and Morris Bauman officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 - 11:30 a.m. Friday prior to services. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may make them to the New Life United Methodist Women or Spectrum Health-East Campus Burn Unit.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, CLAYTON R.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Thursday, April 1, 1999
Sheridan - Clayton R. WILSON, 75, 7174 S. Staines Road, Sheridan, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 1999, at Sheridan Community Hospital, Sheridan. He was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Sheridan, the son of Clay and Pearl ROBOTHAM WILSON. He married Lois I. BLISS on Oct. 1, 1943, in Greenville. Mr. WILSON was a lifelong resident of the Sheridan area where he farmed all his life. He was a member of Montcalm County Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife, Lois I. WILSON; one son and daughter-in-law, Marshal and Judy WILSON of Sheridan; two daughters and one son-in-law, Marjean and Dana WATTERS of Perrinton, Lynette SMITH and Jerry BECK of Sheridan; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ruth WING of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Bruce STEVENS; one grandson, Dusty WILSON; and one brother, Sherwin WILSON. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Stebbins & Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan, with the Rev. David Burton officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, ELMER A.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, March 16, 1999
Greenville - Elmer A. WILSON, 79, of N. Bridge Street, Belding, was sung home to glory by his wife and family Sunday evening, March 14, 1999, at his residence. He was born in Mount Vernon, Ind., on May 9, 1919, the son of Andrew F. and Effie M. PITCOCK WILSON. He worked in the oil fields from Pennsylvania to Texas until age 65. Then he worked for Hartco International making sheepskin products. He was a member of Green Corners Baptist Church. He married Elsie M. CAIN on Oct. 11, 1941, in Evansville, Ind. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Christine WILSON on Feb. 15, 1999, and his brother, Harold WILSON. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elsie, of Belding; their children, William WILSON of Grand Junction, Colo., Larry WILSON of Greenville, Steven and Nancy WILSON of Conifer, Colo., Patricia and Herman CARTER of Greenville, Andy and Ralph MILLER of Conifer, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilma LANCASTER of Evansville, Ind., Bonnie and Howard CAIN of Highland, Ill., Doris and Richard GATES of Evansville, Ind. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Paul Leslie, of Green Corner Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memory Gardens, Belding. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, ETHEL

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Friday, June 11, 1999
Rockford - Ethel WILSON, 74, Cedar Springs, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 1999. Mrs. WILSON was born April 12, 1925, in Big Rapids. She was a member of Wallin Congregatinal Church, Grand Rapids, and was a choir mom. She was a teacher's aide at Beach School, Cedar Springs, and prior to that was a teacher's aide and crossing guard in Grand Rapids. She loved to cook and bake for her family and firends. Going to Florida with her husband for 18 years and to the cottage that they built together were sources of great enjoyment for her. Wherever they went, "it was home." She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth P. WILSON, on March 11; her parents, Orville and Edith THORNELL MERCER; sister, Doris BALCOM; brother, Howard MERCER. She is survived by her children, Pauline and Dan VINCENT, Linda and Brad WHEELER, all of Rockford, Barb and Carl MUSSHORN of Muskegon, Patty and Ted BARBER of Greenville; grandchildren, Danny and Melissa VINCENT of Grand Rapids, Phillip VINCENT, Eric VINCENT and Cassondra WHEELER, all of Rockford, Heather and Ernie LANGE of Comstock Park, Nick BARBER and Becky BARBER, both of Greenville; her twin sister, Edith WIESEN of Greenville; sisters and brother-in-law, Beulah and Stan SPOONER of Big Rapids, Carolyn LUTJENS of Grand Rapids; nieces and nephews. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Monday at Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, with Pastor Gerald Wick officiating. Interment will be in Trufant Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Wallin Congregational Church, 1550 Oswego Drive, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Friends may celebrate Mrs. Wilson's life with her family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, IVA N.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Wednesday, September 1, 1999
Greenville - Iva N. WILSON, 89, of East Coffren Avenue, Greenville, passed away early Tuesday morning, Aug. 31, 1999, at United Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit, Greenville. The daughter of Peter C. and Emma C. JENSEN JACOBSEN, she was born Dec. 1, 1919, in Gowen. On June 22, 1940, in Stanton, she married Othel "Nope" WILSON. He preceded her in death in 1981. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Floyd JACOBSEN; one half-brother, Raymond JOHNSON; and one grandson, Edward BROOKS in 1977. Survivng are one daughter, Gladys BROOK of Nunica; one sister, Sarah COLLINS of Greenville; three grandsons, John and Rita BROOK of Grand Haven, Steven and Ruth BROOK of Jenison, Richard and Carol BROOK of Grand Haven; five great-grandchildren; two nephews, Howard and Patricia WILSON of Stanton, Dale and Mickey JACOBSEN of Belding; two nieces, Elma RYAN of Stanton, Shirley and Ray SAYLOR of Ashley; one sister-in-law, Ruth JOHNSON of Ashley. Funeral and committal services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Brown-Teman Funeral Home, Greenville, with the Rev. Jerry Jones, pastor of First Congregational Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memory Gardens. Envelopes for memorial contributions to the Long Term Care Unit at United Memorial Hospital are available at the funeral home, where the family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from noon until time of services.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, KENNETH P.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Saturday, March 13, 1999
Rockford - Mr. Kenneth P. WILSON, 80, of Cedar Springs, passed away Thursday, March 11, 1999
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific and received the Purple Heart. Mr. WILSON was a member of the Glenn Hill Post #287 in Cedar Springs and the Rockford Lodge #246 F&AM. During his senior year of high school, he was the school bus driver, and in addition, he played football, basketball and baseball varsity sports for all four years. For 43 years, he worked for American Seating as a welder, machine operator and truck driver. Visiting with people and seeing his family happy was his "style". Mr. WILSON is survived by his wife, the former Ethel MERCER, whom he married Sept. 3, 1949. He is also survived by his children, Pauline and Dan VINCENT and Linda and Brad WHEELER, all of Rockford, Barb and Carl MUSSHORN of Muskegon, Patty and Ted BARBER and Mary and Riggie TOWERS, all of Greenville, James and Bonnie WILSON of Midland; his seven grandchildren and their spouses, Danny and Melissa VINCENT, Philip VINCENT, Eric VINCENT, Cassondra WHEELER, Heather and Ernie LANGE, Nick BARBER, and Becky BARBER; his sister, Mrs. Ila KNAPP of Cedar Springs; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marion PHILIPS WILSON; and a sister, Doris KRANZ. The service for Mr. WILSON is 1 p.m. today at the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, with the Rev. Gerald Wick officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Interment is in the Trufant Cemetery. Friends may celebrate Mr. Wilson's life with his family before services today at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Wallin Congregatinal UCC Fund.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

WILSON, LOIS I.

Daily News, Greenville, MI - Tuesday, July 6, 1999
Sheridan - Lois I. WILSON, 78, 7174 S. Staines Road, Sheridan, was dead on arrival at Sheridan Community Hospital Monday, July 5, 1999. She was born June 23, 1921, at Sheridan, the daughter of Leo and Coral WEBB BLISS. Mrs. WILSON was a lifelong resident of the Sheridan area where she worked as a beautician for more than 40 years. She was a member of the Montcalm County Farm Bureau. She married Clayton R. WILSON on Oct. 1, 1943, at Greenville. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1999. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Bruce STEVENS; one grandson, Dusty WILSON; one sister, Marjorie WILSON, and one brother, Vernon BLISS. Mrs. WILSON is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Marjean and Dana WATTERS, Perrinton, Lynnette SMITH and Jerry BECK, Sheridan; one son and daughter-in-law, Marshal and Judy WILSON, Sheridan; eight grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Merlin and Fern BLISS, Belding. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Stebbins and Simpson Funeral Home, Sheridan, the Rev. David Burton officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top

Wingeier, Eva May (Velzy)

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 13 Apr 2002
May Wingeier, 103, of Fenwick died Fri., April 12, 2002 at United Memorial Health Center Long Term Care in Greenville.

The former Eva May Velzy was born Jan. 4, 1899, the daughter of Archibald and Emily Velzy in Grandville. She spent her childhood in Grandville, Richmond Va. (1907-1911) and Lowell, where she graduated from high school in 1917. She taught in Vergennes and Lowell Townships, Kent County, after attending summer sessions at Michigan State Normal School, now Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

She also operated a dressmaking shop in Grand Rapids prior to her marriage April 6, 1921 to Carl L. Wingeier of Lowell. He preceded her in death on Jan. 13, 1974.

The couple are survived by her four daughters, Ardith Westie of Mt. Pleasant, Carmen (Kenneth) Kistner of Largo, Fla., Janice (James) Bussard of Spring Lake and Carol (Christian) Harder of Fenwick; 18 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and four great, great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wingeier was a member of the Palo United Methodist Church since 1928 where she taught church school, acted as organist for 10 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was a district secretary of Christian social relations for the UMW, 1948-50. In earlier years, she was active in Ronald Center PTA and the Palo Modern Method Club.

She was a regular exhibitor in the Ionia Free Fair culinary department for many years, winning many prizes for her cakes. She entered ten varieties at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, baking the grand championship cake in 1930, for which she was awarded the Gov. Fred W. Green trophy, a silver plate. Gov. Green, a longtime Ionia resident, was in office then.

She enjoyed gardening, an influence of her English mother, Emily (Webb) Velzy, a native of London. Her grandfather, Milton Velzy, was a Civil War Veteran of the Battle Antietam. Injury in that battle resulted in his appointment as postmaster of Grandville, where he was an early settler.

As was often the case with farmers remote from fire protection, the Wingeiers suffered loss by fire, first of the large farmhouse in Ronald Township in March 1929 and later of two barns in November 1941.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday from Greenville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Harry R. Johnson and Rev. Connie Shatz officiating. Burial will be in Palo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday at Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Palo United Methodist Church or the Greenville First United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

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