Norma Byrn Phelps
April 5, 1930 - July 10, 2002 
Norma Byrn Phelps, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant died Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at Central Michigan Community Hospital.   Norma was born on April 5, 1930 in Farwell, Michigan to Roy and Leora (Blakley) Coffell.  Norma lived all of her in the Mt. Pleasant area.   She is survived by Raymond J. Phelps; children,  Donald (Denise) Phelps and Michael (Kay) Phelps of Mt. Pleasant; 11 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; brothers, Bonnie (Laura) Coffell of Muskegon, Owen (Tootie) Coffell of Muskegon, and Bernie (Judy) Coffell of Weidman; sisters, Ida Spooner of Alma, Lilas Thornton of Lansing, Lola (Rick) Ricker of Florida, and Audrey Gaskill of Farwell; and special friend, Florence Benaske.   She was preceded in death by both parents; brothers and sisters, Linus, Gaylord, Gerald, Carl, Elsie, Louise and Fern; children, Pam, Rick, Gina and Micky Phelps.   Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 13, 2002 at 2 p.m. at Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Gordon Rydman officiating.  Visitation was on Friday, July 12 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Charles Jacob Wichmann 
March 11, 1939 - July 11, 2002 
Charles Jacob Wichmann, age 63, of Lake Isabella, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2002 at  Edward W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.   Mr. Wichmann was born on March 11, 1939 in  Detroit the son of Charles and Anna (Sautter) Wichmann.  On October 1, 1969 he married Geraldine Welke in Detroit.  He lived at Lake Isabella for 12 years, having moved there from St. Johns.  Charles served in the United States Air Force.  He was a manager for Instantwhip Foods from 1970 to 1987.  He collected sports cards, milk bottles, milk caps and enjoyed fishing and old vehicles.   Charles is survived by his wife, Geraldine of Lake Isabella; children, Diane (Duane) Pendell of Remus and John (Lisa) Wichmann of Eastpoint, MI; grandchildren, Amanda and LaNette Sloan, Michael, Holly, Jessica and John II Wichmann; sisters, Mary Ann Wichmann of Harper Woods and Fran (John) Grier of Geneseo, IL.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   Funeral services were held on Monday, July 15, 20002 at 11 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating.

Robert William Boughner 
January 5, 1926 - July 18, 2002 
Robert William Boughner, age 76, of Stanton, Michigan, died on Thursday, July 18, 2002 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.   Robert was born on January 5, 1926 in Ferndale, Michigan the son of William and Anna (LaCroix) Boughner.  He had lived in the Stanton and surrounding area for 4 years and   previously lived in the Remus and Edmore area.  Robert served in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict and was a lifetime member of the Sheridan VFW Post 5065.  He was a farmer and member of the Colonial Village Baptist Church in Lansing.   He is survived by his children, Cheryl Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Nancy Griffin of Muskegon, Tina Darling of Ben Lomond, CA, and Denise Betham of Stanton; 15 grandchildren; 13 1/2 great grandchildren; a brother, James Boughner of Port Huron; and two sisters, Lucille Shipman of Bellvue and Loretta Damoth of Rochester.   Robert was preceded in death by his parents; 2 daughters, Linda and Kathleen; and 2 brothers, Leonard and Thomas.   Funeral services were held on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. from the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Owen White-Pigeon of the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment was in Broomfield Township Cemetery in Isabella County, MI.

Ernest O. Aho 
January 11, 1915 - July 20, 2002 
Ernest O. Aho, age 87, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2002 at DeVoss Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. John Boley officiating.  Interment was in Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church.   Ernest was born on January 11, 1915 in Hancock, Michigan, the son of Swan and Ina Linja Aho.  He married Pauline Ledebuhr on September 28, 1940 in Capac, Michigan.  He lived in Mt. Pleasant from 1946 until November of 1999 when he moved to Grand Rapids.  Ernie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant and retired from Dow Chemical in 1978.   Ernie is survived by five children, Janet (James) Moore of Grand Rapids, Ronald Aho of Unionville, Linda Shirely of St. Louis, MI, Douglas (Dawn) Aho of Midland, and Alice (Dean) Baij of Columbis, MD; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two brothers, Willard (Lempi) Aho of Hancock and Jack Holzhauer of Hancock; and a sister, Joyce (Earl) Saarela of Brighton.   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline in 1999; son, Richard in 1995; a grandchild, Damon Aho in 1979; and three brothers, Martin, Edwin and Arvo.   The family was served by the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Anthony A. (Bud) Brant 
February 7, 1921 - July 23, 2002 
Anthony A. (Bud) Brant, 81 of Mt. Pleasant died July 23, 2002 at the home of his daughter in Sanford as a result of complications from an automobile accident in March.   The son of the late Anthony (Tony) and Christina (Krebs) Brant was born February 7, 1921 in Avon, Ohio.  Bud married the former Pauline McDermott on April 28, 1941 in Fostoria, Ohio.   He is survived by his son, David (Kathy) Brant of Mt. Pleasant, his daughter, Paulette Bird of Sanford; grandchildren, Eugene Brant, Robert (Lisa) Brant, Deanna (Robert) Marshall, Ryan (Danielle) Brant, Sarah (Troy) Henrie, Christine Brant, Janine Bird, Jannette (Keith) Christnagel; great grandchildren, Justin & Robert Cherry, Bryan Evans, Kyle & Caleb Marshall, Bailey & Blake Brant, Madalynn & Gracie Henrie, Hannah Brant, John Bird, Kathleen & Claire Christnagel; sister,  Evelyn Stuber.   Bud's family moved from Avon, Ohio to Fostoria when he was seven years old.  He attended St. Wendelin Catholic Church and was educated at St. Wendelin Schools.  He also attended St. Leo's Catholic Church in Winn, MI.   At 16, he rode the rails thru Michigan and later returned to the Coleman area with his wife where he lived for 20 years.  In 1962, he moved west of Mt. Pleasant and built a home on Vandecar Road where he lived the rest of his life.  Bud was a self-employed carpenter following the family tradition of his father and grandfather.  From the time Bud bought his first gun at 12 years old (a 45/70 trapdoor for $5) he was fascinated with guns the rest of his life.  He had his own gun shop at his home where he bought, sold and traded thousands of guns.  He was a member of the National Rifle Association since 1942.  He was an avid outdoorsman all his life and enjoyed hunting and shooting with his family and friends.   In addition to his parents and wife, Bud was predeceased by his sister Ernestine  Butler.   A Celebration of Bud's life will be shared on Friday, July 26, 2002 from his church, St. Leo's in Winn.  Bud's family will received friends at the Helms Funeral Home, 330 S. University Ave., Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, July 25, 2002 from 1-5 and 6-8 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association.  

Phyllis Marie Krackow 
June 29, 1903 - July 29, 2002 
Phyllis Marie Krackow, age 99, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at her Maplewood Assisted Living residence of fourteen years in Mt. Pleasant.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl A. Krackow; her daughter, Earleen K. Vannorsdall; a sister, Eleanor W. Lierman; and a brother, Fred A. Wescott.   Phyllis is survived by her son in law, Charles Vannorsdall and his wife, Suzanne Kane Vannorsdall; a grandson, Scott Vannorsdall and his wife, Sue of Appleton, Wisconsin; and a great granddaughter, Kimberly Vannorsdall.   Phyllis was born in Almont, Michigan on June 29, 1903.  She married Earl Krackow in Almont, Michigan in 1926 and has enjoyed her many friends and relations while living in Almont, Toledo, Beaverton, and Mt. Pleasant.    Phyllis was a lovely gracious lady who enjoyed music, books, and cards.  She loved Maplewood, where the staff was a part of her family.   Family graveside services were held at the Hough Cemetery in Almont, Michigan on Saturday, August 3, 2002.   A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., August 17, 2002 at Maplewood located at 1945 Churchill, Mt. Pleasant with Deacon John Wilberding officiating. 

Berenice H. Hicks 
October 30, 1909 - August 1, 2002 
Berenice H. hicks, age 92, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2002 at her home.  Berenice was born on October 30, 1909 in Chicago, Illinois to Henry and Mamie (Henritte) Krausman.  She married Claude Amos Hicks on April 28, 1956 in South Bend, Indiana.  She had lived in the area since 1987 having come from Bandalia, Michigan.  Berenice was an executive secretary for Pillsbury in Three Oaks.   She is survived by her two step-children, James C. Hicks of Remus, Michigan and Barbara Ann Makepeace of Niles, Michigan; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 31 years in 1986.   Burial was in Newago City Cemetery in Newago, Michigan.  Memorial contributions were suggested to the Isabella County Commission on Aging. 

Thomas A. Johnson 
November 3, 1910-August 3, 2002 
Thomas "Del" A. Johnson, age 91, of Rodney died Saturday, August 3, 2002, at his home.   He was born in Freemont Township, Isabella County, to Clayton and Isal Johnson.  He graduated from Beal City High School.   Tom married Elizabeth "Betty" Benn of Weidman on August 20, 1938.  They lived in Pontiac for 30 years where he worked for General Motors.  After retiring in 1970, they moved to a home he built on Horsehead Lake near Rodney.   Tom enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing cards.  He and Betty lived in Florida during the winter months.   Tom is survived by his wife, Betty of Rodney; three children, Wilbur "Benn" (Carol) Johnson of Weidman, Jeanne (Bill) Rohloff of Rodney, and Duane (Mary Macumber) Johnson of Naples, FL; seven grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his sister, Leila Klumpp; and brothers, Clifford, Russell, and Marion.   Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 5, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the New Hope United Methodist Church on 9 mile Road in Mecosta with Rev. Craig Adams officiating.  Interment was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Sherman Township, Isabella County, Michigan.   The family requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Hospice of Michigan in Big Rapids, Michigan or the New Hope United Methodist Church in memory of Thomas A. Johnson.

Daniel G. Coyne 
August 30, 1925-August 5, 2002  
Daniel G. Coyne, age 76, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan died Monday, August 5, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant.   Daniel was born on August 30, 1925 in Rosebush, Michigan, to Lorne and Elsie Mae (Fenner) Coyne.  He married Melva Kathleen Krogman on November 18, 1950 in Iva, Michigan.  He was a lifetime resident of the area.   Dan worked for Standard Oil Company as an agent for 22 years and served in the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves for 27 years.  He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the American Legion and Alpha Phi Omega.  Dan was a graduate of Central Michigan University.  He was also a 4-H leader and enjoyed motorcycles, model airplanes and walking.   He is survived by his wife, Melva of Mt. Pleasant; children, David D. (Linda) Coyne of Mt. Pleasant, Dana L. Coyne of Grosse Pointe Park, and Mark K. Coyne of Mt. Pleasant; and grandchildren, Daniel, Michael and Kelsey Coyne.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   Funeral services were held on Friday, August 30, 2002 at 2:00 PM at Helms Funeral Home with Pastor Samuel Reith officiating.  Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant on Wednesday, August 7, 2002.  Memorial         contributions were suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, the Mt. Pleasant Model Airplane Club c/o Norm Eifler, or to the American Diabetes Association.  

Mark George Hreno 
January 7, 1956 - August 7, 2002 
Mark George Hreno, age 46, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at his home.   Cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan or to the Pardee Cancer Fund.   Mark was born on January 7, 1956 in Libertyville, Illinois to John and Elizabeth (Anstett) Hreno.  He lived in the area for the last year and a half.   Mark was a factory worker and had served in the United States Army during Vietnam.  He loved to fish and tied his own flies.  He enjoyed Bingo.  Mark had a very cheerful attitude and was a good-hearted and sensitive person who enjoyed his family.   Mark is survived by his parents, John and Elizabeth Hreno of Lake Havasu, AZ; brother, Robert Hreno of Gurnee, IL; and sisters, Pam (Steve) Collins of Mt. Pleasant, MI and Marlene (John) Bjorkquist of Lake Villa, IL. 

Berniece L. Champlin 
May 25, 1930-August 11, 2002 
Berniece L. Champlin, age 72, of Mt. Pleasant died Sunday, August 11, 2002, at her home.   Berniece was born, the daughter of Filles and Thelma   (Thompson) Losey, on May 25, 1930 in Weidman.  She married William "Bill" Champlin on January 20, 1947 in Remus.  She was a lifetime resident of the area.  Berniece was a waitress for many years at the Country Kitchen and Andy's.  She enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards with her family, and especially enjoyed being with her children, grand children, and great grandchildren.  She attended the Remus Assembly of God Church.       Berniece is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Bill and Linda Champlin of Winn, Ruth and Ray Houlihan of Big Rapids, Joann and David Butler of Charlotte, Bob and Ruth Champlin of Blanchard, Albert and Jackie Champlin of Remus, Terry and Terry  Campbell of St. Louis, Charles and Patti Champlin of Remus, Rex and Brenda Champlin of Mt. Pleasant, and David Champlin and friend, Kelly Forbes of Lake Isabella; 39 grandchildren; and 34+ great grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Mrazek of Shepherd, and Carol Mead and Ken Beattle of Shepherd; brothers, Bernard Losey of Morley and Raymond and Gerry Losey of St. Louis;    numerous nieces and nephews;  and a special friend Barb Riggle.   She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rosella  Mullins; sister in law, Crystal Losey; and brothers in law, Johnny Mrazek and Ronald Mead.   Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Norm Hall of the Remus Assembly of God officiating.  Cremation followed with interment in Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant, at a later date.

Minta Gelander 
August 7, 1907-August 13, 2002 
Minta Gelander, age 95, of Mt. Pleasant died Tuesday, August 13, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital.   Minta was born in Paintsville, Kentucky, to McCoy and Amanda (Estep) Cantrell.  Minta married Harry Gelander on June 25, 1931 in Salyerville, Kentucky.  She worked at Post  Pharmacy and the Dime Store.  Minta also loved to garden and read.  She attended the Westside  Gospel Tabernacle and the Central Baptist Church.      Minta is survived by her son, Harry Duane (Mary) Gelander of Flushing, MI; 5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Mae Bond of Mt. Pleasant; and nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Mala Marsh and Stella Bevins; brother, Ellis Cantrell and both parents.   Funeral services were held on Friday, August 16, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Gordon Rydman officiating.  Interment was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant. 

Cecil Milan Kile 
January 29, 1922-August 14, 2002 
Cecil Milan Kile, age 80, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 14, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital, Mt. Pleasant.   Cecil was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Otis and Addie (Campbell) Kile on January 29, 1922.   Cecil married Jean Kimball in April 1947 in Remus, MI.    Cecil was a self employed farmer and milk truck driver for 10 years, and worked for Bader Milling driving a semi for 9 years, and also was an auto line assembler for Fisher Body BOC in Lansing for 20 years.  He enjoyed people, farming, working at Fisher Body, and was a square dancer who enjoyed dancing.   Cecil is survived by his children, Carol (Ron) Bissell of Winn, Sandy (Jim) Wentworth of Mt. Pleasant, John (Jan) Kile of Shepherd, Larry (Kim) Kile of Mt. Pleasant, Connie (Mel) Allen, Gary Kile, Duane (Peggy) Kile, Lori (Donnie) McArthur, Allen (Sharon) Kile and Randy Kile all of Dade City, Florida; 17 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Bellinger of Middleton, MI.   He was preceded in death by both parents; a brother, Dale Kile; and a second wife, Doris Lauer who preceded him in death in January 1999.   Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 17, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Jones officiating.  Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.  Memorial contributions were suggested to       Parkinson's Foundation or to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

Betty Mae Krauss 
February 25, 1925 - August 16, 2002 
Betty Krauss, age 77, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Friday, August 16, 2002 at Tendercare.  She resided in Mt. Pleasant her entire life.  Before retirement, Betty worked at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility and as a ward clerk at the Mt. Pleasant Hospital.  She was a member of the Ladies Moose and the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary.  She loved bowling, gardening, dancing, and visiting with friends.  Betty's proudest achievement was being a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She enriched the lives of several.   She will be missed, especially by her son, Dick and his wife Pat of rural Mt. Pleasant; granddaughters, Mari (Tom) Gunderson of Fishers, IN, Anissa Krauss (fiancé Eric Lukowski) of Pendleton, NY and; great grandchildren, Allissa Anne and Reid Vernon Gunderson.  Betty was predeceased by her husband Richard and her brother, L.D. Griffin.   Following cremation, Helms Funeral home will conduct private graveside services at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Humane Society or to Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant.  Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant. 

Mary Patricia Wichar 
February 26, 1917 - August 14, 2002 
Mary Patricia Wichar, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, died Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at Tendercare Nursing Home in Mt. Pleasant. Mary was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Fred and Anna (Janyk) Sokoluk. She married Eugene Wichar on May 9, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. Mary worked in the Trust Department at the National Bank of Detroit. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Wichar of Mt. Pleasant, MI; children, Denis Wichar of Vancouver, WA, and Donna (Gary) Fuller of Mt. Pleasant, MI; six grandchildren, Alan Wichar, Eric (Recina) Wichar, Kenneth Marten, Gregory (Deborah) Marten, Jennifer (Brent) Bevan, and Jason Fuller; twelve great grandchildren; a sister, Olga "Olly" Harper of Warren, MI; and a sister in law, Stella Prybyla of Clinton Township, MI. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Gary.
Funeral services were held on Monday, August 19, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John's Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Rev. Patricia Green and Rev. Nancy Casey Fulton, officiating. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Detroit, MI on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Goodrow Fund or the St. John's Episcopal Church.

Maxine Elliott 
November 29, 1910 - August 22, 2002 
Maxine Elliott, 91 of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, August 22, 2002 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. Maxine was born November 29, 1910 in Saginaw to Walto A. and Georgia McIntyre. She married Kenneth Elliott on March 10, 1934 in Owosso. He preceded her in death on February 19, 1979. She has been a resident of this area since 1945. Maxine was the owner and operator of Elliott's Greenhouse. She was the last charter member of the Mt. Pleasant Zonta Club, which chartered on October 1, 1952. Maxine is survived by her son and his wife, Paul and Linda Elliott of Mt. Pleasant; two granddaughters, Amy Foor-Noland of Livonia and Kristen Ritsema of Grand Rapids; and two great grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters. Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 24, 2002 at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Burial was in the Oakhill Cemetery in Owosso, Michigan. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

David Earl Lavern Kinney 
August 26, 2002-September 21, 2002 
David Earl Lavern Kinney, age 26 days, infant son of Janet Jackson and Carl Kinney, died on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. David was born on Monday, August 26, 2002 at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, MI. Survivors include his parents, Janet Jackson and Carl Kinney of Weidman; a half brother Justin DeWulf; grandparents, Beverly and Gordon Jackson, Sr., and Rose and Gary Mast; great grandmother, Carolyn Brown; aunts, Bonnie, Elizabeth, and Carolyn Jackson, and Jamie Mast; uncles, Arthur, Terry, and Harry Jackson, William Loonsfoot, Sr., Dan Thrush, and Briten Bailey; cousins, Jeff Jackson and Katherine Jackson; along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church with the Rev. Owen White-Pigeon officiating. Interment followed in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. The family met with friends at the Helms Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions in David's memory were suggested to the family. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home. 

Roy H. Barratt, Jr. 
October 26, 1920 - September 16, 2002 
Roy H. Barratt, Jr., 81, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, September 16, 2002 at Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant. Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Sheridan, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant. Roy was born October 26, 1920 in Evergreen, Michigan, the son of Roy H. and Eva (Swiger) Barratt, Sr. He spent most of his life in the central Michigan area. Roy was a self-employed truck driver for many years, and then drove for Liquid Transport for 9 years. 
He is survived by his children, Thomas Gregory Barratt of Buttes Bluff, Oregon, Marilyn and Mike Schnepp of Carson City, Michael and Linda Baratt of Nunica, Michigan, Patricia and Craig Showalter of Mt. Pleasant, Leann and Greg Smith of Carson City, and Phillip and Maria Baratt of Florence, Alabama; 13 grandchidren; 17 great grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Kincaid of Florida. He was preceded in death by both parents; two wives; a son, Timothy Scott in 1955; and a brother, Robert.

Georgiana Helen Sanders 
January 11, 1929-September 15, 2002 
Georgiana Helen Sanders, age 73, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2002 at her home. Born on January 11, 1929 in Mt. Pleasant, she was the daughter of Peter and Alice (Fronsway) Bennett. Georgiana was a lifetime resident of Mt. Pleasant, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and a member of the Chippewa Indian United Methodist Church. Georgiana married William Sanders in April, 1948. To this union 7 children were born. She was survived by a daughter, Elsie Pelcher of Mt. Pleasant, MI, a son, William Sanders, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, MI; and a daughter, Madonna Sanders of Detroit, MI. 25 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Private family funeral services were held on Thursday, September 19, 2002 from the Helms Funeral Home with Rev. Alvin Chamberlain officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery, Rosebush, Michigan.

Merritt L. McBride 
March 13, 1918-September 14, 2002 
Merritt L. McBride, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2002 at home with his family near to comfort him. Funeral services were held at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation was on Monday, September 16, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Burial took place in Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Merritt was born on March 13, 1918 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Johnnie Jack and Minnie (Frasher) McBride and lived in the area his entire life. He married Vivian (Leiter) McBride on July 9, 1945. Together they enjoyed their 57 years of marriage and special love from their two sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Merritt served three years in the Army during World War II and although he worked as a carpenter for some time, his interest was always with automobiles. He was a Michigan Automobile Dealer for over 40 years, owning Hilltop Collision and later Discount Auto Sales until his retirement in 1986. Merritt liked to hunt and fish and was a long time member of the local Moose Lodge. He especially cherished the time spent with his family. Merritt is survived by his wife Vivian his son, Jack McBride and wife Barbara; granddaughters, Stacey (Steve) Shaner, Kari McBride and grandson, Bryan McBride. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger, in 1973; his parents; two brothers, Emmett and Hugh; and two sisters, Clara and Nettie.

Kerry Randall Barnes 
July 11, 1957-September 14, 2002 
Kerry "Randy" Barnes, age 45, of Waterford, Michigan died Saturday, September 14, 2002, at Lake Isabella, Michigan. 
Randy was born on July 11, 1957 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Della (Galloway) Barnes. He was a self-employed plumber for many years.
Randy is survived by his parents, Gerald and Della Barnes of Waterford; two brothers, Gerald and Lorie Barnes of Waterford and Ronald and Kim Barnes of Lake Isabella; two sisters, Patricia Mavrogiorgis of Holly, Michigan and Kimberly Barnes of Pontiac, MI. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 3:00 PM at the home of his brother and sister in law, Ronald and Kim Barnes, 983 Pueblo Pass, Lake Isabella, Michigan with Rev. Stephen Shugert of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant officiating. Cremation took place at the Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan Memorial contributions were suggested to Hospice of Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

John William Hart, Sr. 
April 3, 1937-September 10, 2002 
John W. Hart, Sr., age 65, of Rosebush died Tuesday, September 10, 2002, at Central Michigan Community Hospital. 
John was born April 3, 1937 in Beal City to Paul and Nancy Francis Simon. He married Joyce Collins in Grand Rapids where he lived for 24 years and the balance of his life he resided in the Rosebush area. John was a cement finisher. He was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and served as the Sub Chief and Treasurer on the Tribal Council for many years. He served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957. John is survived by his wife, Joyce Hart of Rosebush; six children, Debra (Vicente) Vidana of Chicago, Kathleen Hart of Mt. Pleasant, Angela Wemigwans and George Sprague of Mt. Pleasant, Paula Alexander of Grand Rapids, John Hart, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, and Paul Hart of Mt. Pleasant; seventeen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters, Louella Martinez of Warsaw, IN and Delilah Brown of Randalman, NC; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two grandsons, Alexander Towns and Nick Bush. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 13, 2002 at 2:00 AM at the Chippewa Indian Tribal Gymnasium in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Joe Sprague officiating. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery in Rosebush.

 
 

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