Maxine (Kime) Bowditch
Zephryhills, Fla. — Maxine (Kime) Bowditch, age 82 years, of Zephryhills, Florida, formerly of North Adams and Somerset, passed away December 18, 1998 in the home of a daughter, Thanna Oechsle in Onsted. She was born April 10, 1916 in Hillsdale, the daughter of Ernest and Mildred (Kurtz) Kime. She was a graduate of North Adams High School and married B.T. Bowditch on August 3, 1935 in Waldron. He preceded her in death April 15, 1986. Mrs. Bowditch lived in Zephryhills, Florida since 1979. She formerly was employed in the accounting department of Consumers Energy; was a member of the Faith Baptist Church at Zephryhills and was a founding member of the Christian League for Handicap at Zephryhills. Surviving are 2 daughters, Joan (Maynard) Schoen of Berrien Springs and Thanna (Larry L.) Oechsle of Onsted; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and by a son Gary Ernest Bowditch at birth.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday in the Gateway Community Church (Formerly the Onsted Baptist Church) in Onsted with Pastor Philip A. Jones officiating. Interment will be made in the Northlawn Cemetery in North Adams. The visitation will be from 6-9 P.M. Monday in the Dunn Chapel, Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Onsted and from noon Tuesday until time of service at the church. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee or to the Gateway Community Church.

Miriam R. Bashore
TECUMSEH — Miriam R. Bashore, 88, of Tecumseh, died Tuesday, May 18, 1999. She was born March 25, 1911, to the late Marcus and Pearl (Gormley) Ingle in Marshall, Okla. On May 4, 1935, she married Blair O. Bashore in Chicago, Ill. He preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1984. Mrs. Bashore and her late husband, Rev. Blair O. Bashore, had resided in this area since 1943. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh and belonged to the PEO, Bible Study Group and the Women’s Society of the Church. She is survived by one daughter, Marcia (John) Simpson of Perry, MI; a sister, Pearl Wilson of Mesa, Ariz.; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Lou; a son, James Mark; three sisters and two brothers. Friends may call at the Couture-Handler Funeral Home in Tecumseh on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, at the First Baptist Church, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Douglas Winters and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Boyd officiating. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh. Memorials may be made in Mrs. Bashore’s memory to the B. O. Bashore Scholarship Fund, Judson College.

Donald Lee Bettis
SWANTON, Ohio — Donald Lee Bettis, 54, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999, at Flower Hospital in Sylvania. He was born Feb. 20, 1945, in Adrian, Mich., the son of Donald A. and Madonna (Untreiner) Bettis. He served in the Sea Bees during the Vietnam War. On Nov. 12, 1982, he married Carol Augustus. She survives. Mr. Bettis was a millwright. He had been employed by Daimler-Chrysler of Toledo for 15 years. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Ohio. In addition to his wife, Carol, he is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Bettis of Adrian and Tammy Bettis of Blissfield; two stepsons, Rob Emahiser of Ida and Don (Marcie) Emahiser of Kendallville, Ind.; one stepdaughter, Jenifer Emahiser, at home; his parents, Donald and Madonna Bettis of Lillian, Ala.; two brothers, Tom Blanks of High Point, N.C., and Jim (Jennifer) Bettis of Pensacola, Fla.; one sister, Sue (Don) Turkington of Salem, Ore.; two grandchildren, Alexia and Ethan Emahiser of Kendallville, Ind. A Day of Praise Service for Mr. Bettis is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 1999, at Bethany Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, Ohio, with Pastor Timothy Coley officiating. Burial will be at Riga Township Cemetery, Riga, Mich. There will be no visitation. Wright Funeral Home, Liberty Center, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Baptist Church.

Anna J. Bickham
ONSTED — Anna J. Bickham, 94, of Onsted, passed away on Nov. 28, 1998, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian.
She was born on Jan. 9, 1904, to John C. and Rosa B. (Long) Smith in Azalia, Mich. Anna was raised in Tecumseh and later lived in the Morenci area before moving to Onsted in 1948. She loved to crochet and work in her yard and garden. Anna married Max Bickham on Oct. 29, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1987. Surviving are her daughter, Dorothy (James) Gooding of Tipton; two sons, William (Arline) Bickham of Napoleon and Donald (Deena) Bickham of California; 14 grandchildren, Ann (Donald) Wolff of Florida, Sharon (Robert) Shadewald of Adrian, Vernon (Lisa) Bennett of Adrian, Cynthia (Jim) Bammer of Jackson, Tom (Denise) Bickham of Grass Lake, Steve Bickham of Jackson, Ronald Bickham of Jackson, Kathleen (Ted) Petrakovitz of Concord, Denise (Carl) Bunker of Leslie, Brenda (Joe) Barenscheer of Belleville, Donald Bickham of Kincheloe, Debra (Art) Campbell of Adrian, Judith Gooding of Tipton, Mitchell (Kristine) Gooding of Onsted; 25 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vernon Bennett; her son, Vernon J. Bennett and daughter-in-law Eleanor Bennett; five brothers and one sister. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, at Maple Shade Cemetery in Onsted with the Rev. Jonathon Stern officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 7-9 p.m. at the Dunn Chapel, Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Onsted. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Salvation Army or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Ruby M. Barden
ADRIAN — Ruby M. Barden, 81, of Adrian, passed away Nov. 26, 1998, at Bixby Medical Center. At her request, Ruby has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998, with the Rev. Steve Samonek officiating, at theBraun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Patricia M. Bates
BRITTON — Patricia M. Bates, 71, of Britton, died Nov. 30, 1998, at home. She was born May 6, 1927, in Palmyra, the daughter of Christopher and Bernice (Rosenbaum) Meyers. On Sept. 25, 1948, she married Herman Bates in Palmyra. She lived in Britton the past 43 years and worked at Herrick Manor for 19 years. Patricia is survived by her husband, Herman Bates; three children, Sue (Leon) Sokol of Manchester, Samuel (Teresa) Bates of Britton and Christopher (Pauline) Bates of Blissfield; six grandchildren, Samantha Bates, Valerie (Edward) Jones, Patrick, Carly, Nicholas and Lesley Bates; two great-grandchildren, Jesse and Callie Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Ray Hansen officiating. Burial will be in Ridgeway Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Muriel Berghuis
TWIN LAKE — Muriel Berghuis, 75, of Twin Lake, died Monday morning, Nov. 30, 1998. She was a member of the Fifth Reformed Church of Twin Lake. She and her husband were residents of Adrian from 1956 to 1978 when they moved to Holland, retiring to Twin Lake in 1986. Survivors include her husband, Dr. John Berghuis; children, Mary and Bob Ramsey of Grandville, John and Cheryl Berghuis of Holland, Chuck and Jill Berghuis of Hudsonville, Mark Berghuis of Holland, Betsy and Steve Webbert of Holland and Jim Berghuis of Seattle, Wash.; 14 grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Ralph Ten Have of Grand Rapids, Bill and Shirley Ten Have of Redlands, Calif., Jean and Art Ophoff of Grand Rapids, Ruth and Bob Hoekstra of Holland. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland, with the Rev. Norman Swier officiating. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Rev. Charles A. Baker
MONTGOMERY, ALA. — Rev. Charles A. Baker, Lt. Col. USAF Ret., age 76, of Montgomery, AL, died Saturday, December 5, 1998, at his home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12, 1998, at 10:00 a.m. from the First United Methodist Church in Adrian with Reverend Maurice Sharai officiating. Burial will be in the Palmyra Cemetery with Full Military Rites conducted by the V.F.W. Annis-Fint #1584. Friends may call at the Anderson Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Adrian. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Jane I. Berger
Jane I. Berger 80, died 8-27-1998.She was born in Harbor Beach, Mi. on 3-3-1918. The daughter of Herman & Mary (Grice) Rook. She married William H. Berger, who proceeded in death in her 1988. Survivors include; daughters, Sue (Gary) Clift and Jan (David) Miller. (Adrian, Mi.)

Donna Leona Bailey
BLISSFIELD — Donna Leona Bailey, 86, of Blissfield, went to be with her Lord August 2, 1999. She was born April 4, 1913, in Brooklyn to George and Cora (Rodesiler) Sayers. Donna graduated from Blissfield High School in 1930, County Normal in 1931 and later Siena Heights College. On March 12, 1955, she married Richard P. Bailey of Jasper. He survives. Donna taught for Jasper School from 1946-1957 and for Sand Creek Schools from 1958-1960. She was an active member of Berean Baptist Church and the Missionary Society in Adrian and enjoyed winters in Cortez, Fla. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ as well. She will be sadly missed as the loving wife, mother and grandmother of her husband, Richard; children, Marcia (Harvey) Souders of Adrian, Harold R. (Von) Bailey of Adrian, Bill (Crystal) Bailey of White Pigeon, Howard (Karen) Bailey of Schoolcraft, and Paul (Marci) Bailey of Vicksburg; twin sister Doris McComb of Fairfield, and sister Evelyn Long of Jasper; grandchildren, Tammy Hicok, Randy Faust, Rodney Faust, Jim Souders, Jackie Wilt, Jeff Bailey, Courtney Bailey, Laura Daniels, Amy Stanton, Jill Edstrom, Karla Alley, Richard H. Bailey, Jennifer Bailey, Joshua Bailey, Aaron Bailey, Amanda Bailey, and Betsy Bailey; 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and numerous family members and friends. She was preceeded in death by her parents, brother Millard Sayers, daughter Sandy Etter and granddaughter Roxanne Bailey. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Berean Baptist Church, 751 W. Maumee St., Adrian, with Pastor Toby Weaver officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield. Friends may call at the Tagsold Funeral Home, Blissfield. Visitation will be Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Baptist Church of Adrian. Envelopes are available at the Tagsold Funeral Home.

Margaret Bennett
MONROE — A memorial service for Margaret Bennett, 64, of Monroe, will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 1999, at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, with the Rev. Bruce Strine officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington Cemetery. Visitation is from 3-9 p.m. Thursday, with a Women of the Moose service at 7 p.m. Mrs. Bennett passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1999. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Oncology Department. Envelopes are available at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Earl V. Benner
WEST UNITY, OHIO — Earl V. Benner, 84, died Saturday morning in Harborside Healthcare, Bryan. He was born December 27, 1914, in Melbern, Ohio, the son of Carrie G. (Yagley) and Creston Benner. He had lived in West Unity since 1949 moving here from Williams Center. He was a member and former treasurer of the Brady Grange and a former Boy Scout leader in West Unity. He was a retired farmer and had worked at LaChoy Food Products Company in Archbold for 26 years.
December 24, 1936, he was united in marriage to Velma (Brown), and she survives. Also surviving is one son and wife, Duane and Mary Benner, West Unity, one daughter, Mrs. Glen (Phyllis) Harden, Kissimmee, Florida, one sister, Marjorie O’Brien, Texas, three grandchildren, Steve Benner, Scott Harden, Colette Benner, three stepgrandchildren, Kammie Scherer, John Joseph and Jay Joseph, three stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gordon and Donald Benner, one sister, Marvel Knotts, one granddaughter, Kayleen Benner, one son Bruce Benner. Services will be Tuesday, June 8, 1999, at 2:30 P.M. in the Hollingshead Funeral Home, West Unity, with Rev. Gene Rupp officiating. Interment will be in Brown Cemetery, Bryan. Friends may call in the funeral home from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Monday, June 7.

Erma D. Barnaby
BERKEY, OHIO — Erma D. Barnaby, 75 yrs. of Berkey, OH, passed away June 4, 1999, in Flower Hospital unexpectedly. She was born March 4, 1924 to Elbin & Elizabeth (Kline) Iffland in Metamora, OH. Erma had provided 23 yrs. of dedicated service to the Evergreen Community Library retiring December 30, 1993. She has touched the lives of so many people over the years through her work at the library and her love for helping family and friends. Erma was a member of the Metamora United Methodist Church and was involved in the church as well as community activities. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Surviving is her loving husband, Wayne, Children; Cheryl (Edwin) Pawlicki of Jefferson City, TN, Brent (Melony) Barnaby, Brian (Luann) Barnaby, all of Berkey, OH. Brothers/Sisters; Barbara Benner of Berkey, OH, Wilma Jackson of Jasper, MI, Betty Rowe of Toledo, OH, Clair Iffland, Norris Iffland, both of Blissfield, MI, Meredyth Lorenz of Britton, MI, Corky Bille Betz of Morenci, MI, Margaret Monyagal, Inez Cox, both of Toledo, OH, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Visitation will be in the Biehl-Malone Funeral Home, Metamora, OH on Monday, June 7, 1999, from 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Metamora United Methodist Church. Burial in Amboy Twp. Cemetery.

Ruth E. Boomer
ADRIAN — Ruth E. Boomer, 88, passed from this life on Saturday, May 15, 1999, at Bixby Medical Center. She was born Sept. 11, 1910, in Adrian, to Charles F. Derby and Edith (Eggleston) Derby. She attended country school until the eighth grade and then completed high school in Tecumseh and Adrian. On June 20, 1929, Ruth married Francis Allen Boomer. They made their home in Adrian and two children were born to their marriage. Ruth was a long time member of the Berean Baptist Church in Adrian. She involved herself with Sunday School teaching, Pioneer Girls, nursery work and playing the church piano and organ. She will be remembered for years and years of teaching piano lessons. Two words that best describe Ruth are “Faithful Servant.” She was a faithful mother and servant of the Lord. She is survived by her son, Robert (AnnaBelle) Boomer of Farwell, Mich.; daughter, Dorothy (William) Alfrey of Adrian; a sister, Maitle Taff of Grandview, Wash.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Derby in 1949; a granddaughter, Brenda Boomer in 1980; her father, Charles Derby in 1982; and her husband, Francis Boomer in 1983. Funeral services for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 10 a.m., at the Berean Baptist Church in Adrian with Pastor Toby Weaver officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 18, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home. Burial will be in Tipton Cemetery following the Church service Wednesday morning. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Goldie Blodgett
ADRIAN — Goldie Blodgett, 85, of Adrian, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998, at Lynwood Manor. She was born Oct. 27, 1913, in Webb, W.Va., to Joseph and Nancy (Salmon) Vinson. Goldie had been the owner and operator of the Blodgett AFC Home for 30 years. She enjoyed her flowers and loved to garden. Goldie is survived by a son, William C. Blodgett Jr. and his wife, Joan, of Roswell, N.M.; six daughters, Bonnie Jordan and her husband, Ed, of Onsted, Rosali Wood and her husband, William, of Wauseon, Ohio, Florence Limbacher and her husband, John, of Reading, Mich., Nancy Buschmann and her husband, Richard, of Newport, Mich., Dianne Schwab and her husband, Gordon, of Adrian, and Deborah Sauter of Adrian; two sisters, Zena Bruce of Huntington,W.Va., and Alva Smith of Williamson, W.Va.; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Vena Jeannette Blodgett; a grandson, Kevin Wood; and her former husband, William C. Blodgett. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 1998, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Dave Burnett officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Anderson Funeral Home tonight from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society of America or the charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Albert B. Bender
ADRIAN — Albert B. Bender, 67, of Adrian, passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at his home. He was born Oct. 28, 1932, in Addison, Mich., to Theodore C. and Eva (Murphy) Bender. He was a graduate of Addison High School. On Jan. 31, 1953, he married Della “Dotty” Griewahn in Jasper, Mich. She survives. Albert was a truck driver for Jackson Iron & Metal, retiring after 20 years of service. Al belonged to the White Dragons Motorcycle Club and participated in the 7th Infantry Civil War Reenactment. He loved going fishing and flying his J5 Piper Cub plane. Besides his wife, Dotty, survivors include his sons, Ted Bender of Adrian and Paul Bender of Baltimore, Md.; three daughters, Joanna Janish of Morenci, Cathy Spangler of Vancouver, Wash., and Glenda Hassinger of Barnett, Texas; two brothers, Theodore Bender of San Antonio, Texas, and Jerry Bender of Florida; one sister, Pat, of Jackson; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Patricia Kay Whittaker-Bettis
ADRIAN — Patricia Kay Whittaker-Bettis, age 49 years, passed away Friday, Jan. 28, 2000 at the home of her daughter Tammy in Adrian. She was born Jan. 4, 1951 to Robert Rex and Lorene (Curtis) Whittaker in Hudson. She attended Hudson Area Schools. Class of 1969. She married Donald Bettis in 1968. Pat enjoyed her new granddaughters and fought to live and spend each day with them. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. She had her own secret chapel in the woods as she just loved the outdoors. Pat had a quick, sunny smile and will be missed by her family and many friends she made while working. Pat worked at Knight’s Grocery in Clayton, Palmyra Party Store, 127 Party Store in Hudson, she managed North Main Total in Adrian for two years and worked at Ventures Packaging in Adrian before she became ill.
Pat is survived by her mother, Lorene Ely of Hudson; daughters, Tammy Kuhl and Jennifer Bettis; granddaughters, Samantha and Savanah, all of Adrian; a sister, Sue Hornbuckle of Epharata, WA; brothers, Robb Whittaker of Union City, TN, Ronald and Clairinda Whittaker of Osseo, MI and Lee (Amy) Ely of Hudson; a half-sister, Barbara Hewitt of North Adams; three nieces and eight nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Rex Whittaker, in 1952 and a half-sister, Phyllis Kyser in 1996. Funeral services for Pat will be Monday, January 31, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Hudson with Pastor Rick Bloom officiating. Interment will be made in Maple Grove Cemetery in Hudson. Visitation will be from noon until time of service. Memorials may be made to the family or to Hospice of Lenawee County. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Frank A. Bowles
CLINTON — Frank A. Bowles, 80, of Clinton, formerly of the Wayne-Westland area, died Wednesday, Feb. 2000. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; a son, Jon and Pat Bowles of Clinton; a daughter, Carol Niedzielski and Mike Morgan of Canton, Mich.; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two sisters. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the Clinton Masonic Scholarship Fund or Clinton Community Schools. Arrangements were entrusted to the Couture-Handler Funeral Home, Clinton.

Herman E. Boike
Feb. 12, 1912-Jan. 9, 2000-NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP - Herman E. Boike, 87, of Northfield Township, formerly of Monroe, died Sunday at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor. Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight in the Nie Funeral Home, Ann Arbor, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Evangelical Church, Ann Arbor, with the Rev. Eugene Andrus, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

E. Jean Bowerman
ADRIAN — E. Jean Bowerman, age 62, of Adrian, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at her home. She was born Oct. 17, 1937, in Adrian, to Albert and Estella (Koder) Baker. On Aug. 2, 1958, she married Billy Bowerman in Adrian, and he survives. Jean was employed as a medical assistant for 35 years until starting Cake Creations 13 years ago. She had been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Adrian for more than 25 years. In addition to her husband, Billy, she is survived by one son, Clint Bowerman and his wife, Lisa, of Brooklyn; one daughter, Carla Foster and her husband, David, of Adrian; her grandson, Erik Ryan Bowerman, who was the light of her life; two brothers, Robert Baker and his wife, Louella, of Monroe, and Richard Baker and his wife, Robbie, of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Lucille Sheperd, and one brother, Albert Baker, Jr. Funeral services for Jean will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Maurice Sharai and the Rev. Robert Boley officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 6-8 p.m and on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Myrtle Merillat Barber
ADRIAN — Myrtle Merillat Barber, 87, died Saturday, Dec. 1998, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian. Myrtle was born August 31, 1911 in Fayette, Ohio to John and Clara (Grime) Merillat. Formerly of Grove St. in Hudson, Myrtle worked for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit, taught adult education in Hillsdale and was a certified grapho analyst also in Hillsdale. Myrtle was a member of Sacred Heart Church, an honorary member of Federated Garden Club of Michigan and a member of Hillsdale Garden Club. Myrtle is survived by her son, Gaylord D. (Peggy) Cunningham of Camden, Tenn.; sisters Mrs. Elmer (May) Marry of Hudson, Mrs. Robert (Marie) Marry of Hudson, Mrs. Frederick (Velma) Schaffer of Morenci; brothers Dale (Dorothy) Merillat of Hudson, Paul (Della) Merillat of Leesburg, Fla., Doyce (Roberta) Merillat of Hudson, James (Margaret) Merillat of Hudson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Betty Merillat; two brothers, Junior Merillat and Donald John Merillat Sr. and a son, Clifford. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1998, at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson with Fr. H. Paul Ruddy officiating. Interment will follow at Lime Creek Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday with a Vigil Prayer Service at 8:30 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of donor’s choice.

Billy Gene Bostick
HAMILTON, Ala. — Billy Gene Bostick, 68, of 437 Red Bird Rd., Hamilton, Ala., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1999, at Marian Baptist Medical Center in Alabama. He was born Aug. 11, 1930, in Mississippi, the son of Euell and Beulah (Dickerson) Bostick. He was retired from the Tecumseh Products Company. Billy is survived by his wife, the former Sally McDonald; four children, Gwen Parsons of Adrian, Wayde (Lynn) Bostick of Hamilton, Ala., Matthew (Kelly) Bostick and David (Lorie) Bostick, both of Adrian; 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; one sister, Peggy Bostick of Mobile, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Virginia Dean and Kathy Palmer.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999, at the Hamilton Funeral Home with the Terry Baty officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Memorial Gardens in Gu-Win, Ala.

James G. Brehm
GRAND RAPIDS — James G. Brehm, age 47, of Grand Rapids Township, formerly of Waldron, passed away unexpectedly to be with the Lord at home July 24, 1999. He is survived by his wife Debbi (DeWall); stepdaughter, Lindsey DeVoogd; mother and stepfather, Elaine (Strauss) and Mervin Wilson of Waldron; brothers, Rodney (Barbara) of Ada, Lester (Lori) of Waldron, William of Auburn, Ind., Maynard of Hudson; stepbrother, Paul (Laura) Wilson of Hudson; also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Galen A. Brehm. Jim was a graduate of Waldron High School and Cornerstone University (formerly Grand Rapids Baptist College). While attending college, Jim was a youth leader at Thornwood Baptist Church and participated in other youth activities. He was a sales representative for F. D. Lake of Grand Rapids and attended Ada Bible Church. He will be missed for his zeal for life, his love for children, as he was an adoptive Dad to many, his servant heart and commitment to God. Jim enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska with friends, loved gardening with his wife, and teaching his stepdaughter to drive. Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church, 6595 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. For those who wish, contributions can be made to an educational fund for the family.

Edward D. Booher
PITTSFORD — Edward D. Booher, age 68, of Gilbert Rd., Pittsford, died, Monday, July 26, 1999 at Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, Ohio. He was born May 5, 1931 in Ransom Township, Mich., to Leland and Dorothy (Stuck) Booher. He was married Agnes Brown on May 25, 1968 in Jackson, and she survives. Edward retired in 1970 from Farm Bureau Services as Co-op Manager in the Michigan area. Surviving besides his wife, Agnes, are three daughters, Pamela (Dwayne) Brown of Van Wert, Ohio, Nancy (John) Jones of Osseo, and Mary (Todd) Carmean of Orlando, Fla; two sisters, Bertha (Thomas) Grubb of Hudson and Janice (Merle) Lockwood of Hudson; and five grandsons. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Connie Sue Booher. Funeral services for Edward D. Booher will be Thursday, July 29, 1999 at 1 p.m. at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson with the Rev. Douglas Plunkett officiating. Interment will follow at Waldron Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson.

Ruth E. Boomer
ADRIAN — Ruth E. Boomer, 88, passed from this life on Saturday, May 15, 1999, at Bixby Medical Center. She was born Sept. 11, 1910, in Adrian, to Charles F. Derby and Edith (Eggleston) Derby. She attended country school until the eighth grade and then completed high school in Tecumseh and Adrian. On June 20, 1929, Ruth married Francis Allen Boomer. They made their home in Adrian and two children were born to their marriage. Ruth was a long time member of the Berean Baptist Church in Adrian. She involved herself with Sunday School teaching, Pioneer Girls, nursery work and playing the church piano and organ. She will be remembered for years and years of teaching piano lessons. Two words that best describe Ruth are “Faithful Servant.” She was a faithful mother and servant of the Lord. She is survived by her son, Robert (AnnaBelle) Boomer of Farwell, Mich.; daughter, Dorothy (William) Alfrey of Adrian; a sister, Maitle Taff of Grandview, Wash.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Derby in 1949; a granddaughter, Brenda Boomer in 1980; her father, Charles Derby in 1982; and her husband, Francis Boomer in 1983. Funeral services for Ruth will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 10 a.m., at the Berean Baptist Church in Adrian with Pastor Toby Weaver officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 18, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home. Burial will be in Tipton Cemetery following the Church service Wednesday morning. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Carmel James “Jim” Bays
ADRIAN — Carmel James “Jim” Bays, age 62, went to be with the Lord with his family at his side on March 1, 2000, at Herrick Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born Dec. 17, 1937 in Adrian, to Estel and Maggie (Williams) Bays. On Sept. 7, 1968, he married Barbara St. Clair. Jim was a lifelong Adrian resident, making his home with his loving wife and mother-in-law. Jim served in the Armed Forces with the United States Army. He was a truck driver for more than 35 years. He was an avid fisherman and camper. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his dog, Molly. Jim enjoyed CB radios and was known as the “Red Rider.” In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Erma St. Clair; two sons, David (Sharon) Garcia and Kenneth (Michelle) Garcia; one daughter, Trine (Chris) Corcione; two brothers, Skip (Sue) Bays and Carl (Fran) Bays; one sister, Emma (Richard) Henry; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Shelly) St. Clair and David (Judy) St. Clair; one sister-in-law, Gloria Goodman; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; six special nieces and nephews, Susan Bays, Jennifer St. Clair, Brian Gruber, Richard St. Clair II, Christopher St. Clair and Hope Holton, all of Adrian, who cared for him at home; several other nieces and nephews; his special friends, Brian and Robert Bettinger and families. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one brother, Donald Bays, and two sisters, Mary Ellen Schumate and Shirley Marie Bays. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2000, at 2 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with the Rev. George Sleeker officiating. Burial will be in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian, with Full Military Rites conducted by the VFW Annis-Fint Post #1584. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the V.A. Hospital in Ann Arbor, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Sandra Renee Brown
TECUMSEH — Sandra Renee Brown, 19, of Tecumseh, died June 26, 2000, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born March 15, 1981, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Mitchell and Tracie (Magee) Brown. She lived in the Tecumseh area the past 10 years and was a 2000 graduate of Tecumseh High School. She was a member of the Tecumseh High School choir and her hobbies were fishing and camping. Sandra is survived by her parents, Mitchell and Tracie Brown of Tecumseh; one sister, Sara Renee Brown of Tecumseh; grandparents, Paul and Jane Brown of Belleville, Margaret and Don Coskie of Romulus and great-grandparents, William and Evelyn McDonald of Belleville and Rosemary Magee of Spring Hill, Fla. She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Del C. Magee, and a great-grandfather, Perry R. Magee. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in the Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Richard Bruce officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Harold W. “Harry” Brown
BLISSFIELD — Harold W. “Harry” Brown, 89, of Blissfield, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio. He was born on Feb. 21, 1911, in Blissfield Township, the son of Edward and Madge (Smith) Brown, and was married on June 29, 1946, to Dorothy Roberts. Harold served in the U.S. Army at the 23rd Field Hospital in New Guinea during World War II, and worked as a farmer until retiring in 1977. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield. Surviving is his wife, Dorothy Brown of Blissfield; one son, William “Bill” Brown of Blissfield; one daughter, Susan Brown of Troy, Mich.; two sisters, Jeannette Ogden and Kathleen Sheldon, both of Blissfield; four grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield, with the Rev. Robert Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Crane Cemetery in Blissfield Township. Friends may call at the Tagsold Funeral Home from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Organ Fund, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Alice Elizabeth Bailey
ADRIAN-Alice Elizabeth Bailey, 77, died Saturday, July 1, 2000, at the Provincial House Nursing Home in Adrian. She was born Dec. 19, 1922, in Bluefield, W.Va., the daughter of Albin and Myrtle (Rose) Johnston. During World War II, she worked as a librarian for the Oak Ridge Project, where the atomic bombs that ended the war were assembled. After the war, she and her husband, Carey L. Smith, moved to the Lenawee County area where she worked at Stubnitz Greene and Emma L. Bixby Hospital before becoming a full-time mother. In 1975, she went back to work managing the Adrian bus station, then worked as secretary for Coca-Cola distributors. She retired as matron of the Charlotte Stevenson Home. Alice was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. She was married to Harry Campbell of Tecumseh and Wallace Bailey of Princeton, W.Va. Both preceded her in death. Surviving Alice is her son, Gregory Smith of Grand Rapids and daughters, Kimberly Whitcher of Adrian and Jacqueline Weidig of Battle Creek. She is also survived by six grandchildren and three sisters, Ida Miller, Una Phillips, and Clara Wynn, all of Florida. Funeral services for Alice will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2000, at 2 p.m. at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Boley officiating. Burial will follow in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call on Thursday from noon until the time of the service at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Mary E. (Schuch) Buckles
ADRIAN — Mary E. (Schuch) Buckles, 87, of Adrian, passed from this life on June 17, 2000, at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility. She was born Nov. 28, 1912, in Fayette, Ohio, to Clarence and Louise (Marzolf) Schuch. On Dec. 31, 1933, she married Leland Buckles. He preceded her in death on June 11, 1987. Mary was a member of the Jasper Bible Church. She was also a member of the Ridgeville Homemakers Extension Club and served as secretary of the Medical Center Advisory Council. Mary also loved to garden. Survivors include her sisters, Mildred Hoover, Vera Bayles, Grace Booth, all of Union City, Mich., Ellen Palmer of Battle Creek, Audrey Peterson of Kissimmee, Fla.; brothers, William Schuch of Adrian, Charles Schuch of Lyons, Ohio, Paul Schuch of Toledo, Ohio, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Luella Gilbert, and a brother, Ivan Schuch. Funeral services for Mary will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2000, at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home with the Rev. Earl Cross officiating. Burial will follow at the Ridgeville Cemetery. Friends may visit the family Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leland C. Buckles and Mary E. Buckles Memorial Scholarship Fund. Envelopes are available at the Braun Everiss Wagley Funeral Home.

Donna M. Bixler
ST. HELEN — Donna M. Bixler, 65, of St. Helen, passed away June 16, 2000, at the WB Regional Medical Center in West Branch. She was born in Adrian, Oct. 23, 1934, the daughter of Dewey and Mary (Tiede) Vescelius. She was married to Max D. Bixler. Donna lived in St. Helen since 1989, moving from Adrian. She retired from American Chain and Cable after 34 years of service. She was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Adrian and enjoyed crafts, sewing, puzzles and baking. In addition to her husband, Max, she is survived by two sons, Donald Vescelius of Adrian, William E. (Jamee) Davis of Weston; five grandchildren, Vincent Paul and Michael J. Vescelius, Shawn, Melissa and Ryan Davis; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Delores Kidney and Susan Jiran, both of Battle Creek, Jo Ann West of Mt. Morris; three brothers, Ronald Brehmer of Manitou Beach, James and Richard Brehmer of Adrian, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services have taken place. Arrangements were by the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home, West Branch.

Jeannette L. Buehrer
HUDSON — Jeannette L. Buehrer, 61, formerly of Deerfield and Blissfield, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2000, at her home in Hudson. She was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Deerfield, the daughter of Albert H. “Abe” and Francis F. (Bieber) Cannon. She worked at Crop Production Services in Blissfield and was a member of the Blissfield American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are five children, Jefferee J. Simon of Blissfield, Jac D. Simon of Remus, Mich., Jeanee M. Gilson of Deerfield, Jamee L. Simon of Swanton, Ohio, and Jodee F. Smith of Fairfield; three brothers, John Cannon of Owosso, Mich., Robert A. Cannon of Deerfield, Ronald D. Cannon Adrian, and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Tagsold Funeral Home in Blissfield, with burial in Deerfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. Monday, 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.

Chester D. Baker
TECUMSEH — Chester D. Baker, 96, of Tecumseh died Thursday, March 30, 2000, at Provincial House in Adrian. He was born May 21, 1903 to the late Henry and Genevieve (Willcot) Baker in Ford County, Illinois. On August 18, 1925 he married Dorothy Daniels. She preceded him in death on June 6, 1990. Mr. Baker lived in this area since 1918. He was a local farmer and many remember him as the grain manager at Hayden Mills in Tecumseh, retiring in 1968. He was a member of the Tipton Community Church, a life member of the Tipton Knights of Pythias, former Chancellor Commandre, life member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge #175, F&AM, former Tipton Grange member and he held various Franklin Township positions. He is survived by a son, Bruce Baker and his wife Frances of Cadillac; two daughters, Carolyn “Connie” Greenfield-Grant and her husband James of Tipton and Shirley Cannon of Perrysburg, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Cheryl Greenfield, Chet (Janet) Greenfield, Robert Greenfield, David (Diana) Cannon, Tammar (Sidney) Klinksiek, Nancy (Bruce) DeWitt, Sara (James) Nordlund, Eric (Sue) Baker and Dian (Rudi) Lamia; 18 great-grandchildren; and an aunt, Faun Platt of Adrian. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, a sister, and two sons-in-law, Charles Greenfield and William Cannon.The family will receive friends at the Tecumseh Chapel of the Couture-Handler Funeral Home on Sunday, April 2, from 2–4 and 6–8 where there will be a Masonic Lodge Service at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Tipton Community Church with Rev. Edward Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow in the Franklin Twp. Cemetery, Tipton.

Emeline C. Blaker
MEDINA — Emeline C. Blaker, 62, of Medina, passed away March 31, 2000, at her home. Emeline was born Jan. 18, 1938, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Gordon and Nancy A. (Converse) Van Nest. She lived most of her life in Medina, coming from the Adrian area. She graduated from Sand Creek High School in 1956. She married Ralph Blaker Jan. 18, 1957, in Morenci. He survives. She was an active member of Canandaigua Community Church, 4-H Club and Madison Grange. She worked at SKD Corporation in North Adams. Emeline had also worked at Morenci Rubber Company and Falver Molding in Morenci. Emeline enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening and her church family. Surviving besides her husband are five children, Ralph Wayne Blaker, Jr. of Medina, Wesley R. and Valerie Blaker of Medina, Arthur S. and Lisa Blaker of Mentone, Ind., Beth Ann and Todd Graf of Tecumseh, and Christopher B. and Rebecca Blaker of Morenci; five grandsons, seven granddaughters and three sisters, Geraldine Hulbert of Quincy, Nancy and Carl Pickles of Adrian and Virginia and Norman Schutte Jr. of Adrian. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services for Emeline will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Hudson with Pastor John Poole officiating. Interment will be made in Medina Cemetery in Medina. Visitation will be Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee County or to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Hudson.

Bertha Louise Bair
Jan. 24, 1924-March 28, 2000
LAMBERTVILLE – Bertha Louise Bair, 76, of Lambertville died Tuesday of natural causes at Flower Memorial Hospital, Sylvania, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 11 this morning at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lambertville. The Rev. Ronald P. Scheer will officiate. Interment is in Bedford Memorial Cemetery. Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, Ohio, is in charge of the arrangements.

Francis Emi Brancheau
June 8, 1920-March 30, 2000 DALLAS – Francis Emi Brancheau, 79 of Greenville, Texas, and Roswell, N.M., a former Monroe resident and McLouth Steel Co. worker, died Thursday at Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 9 p.m. Monday in Rupp Funeral Home, where a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Monday by the St. Anne’s Prayer Group. Funeral services will be at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Anne Catholic Church. The Rev. Robert Mossett will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery under the auspices of Monroe Post 1138, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mollie Lucille Ball
Jan. 26, 1918-Aug. 29, 2000 LaSALLE – Mollie Lucille Ball, 82, of LaSalle died at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Beach Nursing Home, Monroe. She had been seriously ill for three weeks. Friends may call from 6 to 9 tonight at Rupp Funeral Home, Monroe, and from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home, Harrogate, Tenn. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gibson Station Primitive Baptist Church, Gibson Station, Va. The Revs. Bill Rhymer and Spurgeon Thompson will officiate. Burial will be in Shoffner Cemetery, Harrogate, Enn. Surviving are three sons, Rondold (Ocie) of LaSalle, Douglas of Erie and Gregory (Ann) of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Clarence William Bussell Jr.
Dec. 12, 1943-Oct. 16, 2000 TAZEWELL, Tenn. – Clarence William Bussell Jr., 56, of Tazewell, formerly of Monroe, died Monday. Services were held this morning at Claiborne Funeral Home. The Rev. Hoye Bussell officiated. Burial was in Craine Cemetery. Surviving are a son, Corey (Niki) of Lambertville; two daughters, Robyn (Bryan) Hoffer of Munice, Ind. and Wendy (Frank) Pezzino of Temperance; three brothers, Sam of Rockwood, Lamen of Tazewell and Fuston of Monroe; two sisters, Mrs. Archie (Hazel) Cosby of Monroe and Ganiel Abrams of Tazewell, and four grandchildren.

Gerald I. Brooks
Feb. 24, 1923-Oct. 14, 2000 Services have been set for Gerald I. Brooks, 77, of Monroe, who died Saturday in his home. He had been in poor health for five years. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 today at Earle Little Funeral Home, Bacarella Chapel, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday. The Revs. James Hosch and Kevin Hosch of Monroe Apostolic Church will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, South Rockwood. Surviving are a son, Thomas J. of Woodhaven; a daughter, Charlotte E. (Nihil) VanderHoning of Sand Lake; a sister, Mrs. Jack (Ocie) Cavanaugh of Taylor; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Norvell Richard (Bud) Barnes Jr.
July 14, 1928-Oct. 14, 2000 FLAT ROCK – Services have been set for Norvell Richard (Bud) Barnes Jr., 72, of Flat Rock, who died Saturday at Garden City Hospital, Garden City. Friends may call until 9 tonight at Arthur Bobcean Funeral Home, where a prayer services will be held at 8 tonight. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Roch Catholic Church. The Rev. Frederick Misiolek, pastor of the church, will officiate. Cremation will take place, under the direction of Southern Michigan Services. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Noreen Borawski of South Rockwood, Margaret Lee of Merkel, Texas and Angelia Darty of Flat Rock; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Janice Blomgren
Feb. 6, 1933-Oct. 11, 2000 FLAT ROCK – Janice Blomgren, 67, of Flat Rock died at 1:34 p.m. Wednesday at Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Ind. She had been traveling in the area when she suffered an apparent heart attack. Cremation has taken place, under the direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, Ind. Interment will be in Michigan.
Surviving are her husband; a son, Kris (Carol) of Carleton; a daughter, Joyce Blomgren of Flat Rock; two grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Sarah E. Bijarro
Dec. 17, 1909-Oct. 10, 2000 ERIE – Services have been set for Sarah E. Bijarro, 90, of Erie, who died at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Erie location of Bennett Funeral Home. Services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Plawecki, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Surviving are six sons, Henry Bijarro of Luna Pier, Tony Bijarro of Chicago, Manuel Bijarro and Reinaldo Garcia, both of Monroe, Johnny Orosco of Erie and Alidno Bijarro of Oregon, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. Lalo (Gloria) Martinez of Erie; two sisters; Mrs. Frank (Juanita) Grando of Texas and Tomasa Dietz of Texas; 32 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren, and 30 great-great-grandchildren.

Earl F. Becker
Oct. 5, 1919-Oct. 13, 2000 Services have been set for Earl F. Becker, 81, of Monroe, who died at 12:45 a.m. Friday at Mercy Memorial Hospital. He had been ill since Monday. Friends may call from 6 to 9 today and from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rupp Funeral Home, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday. Dr. Geoffrey G. Drutchas, pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle. Born Oct. 5, 1919, in Taylor, he was the son of Charles and Tracie (Hinzman) Becker. He married Beverly B. Gaeth April 24, 1981, in Taylor. For 30 years, he worked for Ford Motor Co.’s Monroe plant, retiring in 1981 as a quality control inspector. He also was a lifelong resident at Becker Farm, located on S. Custer Rd., the family’s farm since 1927. He was the last of seven brothers to oversee operations, which included livestock, vegetables, grain and apples. Each fall he made cider in the orchard. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ and Monroe Lodge 884, Loyal Order of the Moose. Surviving are his wife; a stepson, Olin White Jr. of Ottawa Lake; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Hal (Cheryl) Gillespi of Radford, Va. and Mrs. Jon (Jayne) Berger of Lambertville; 12 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Benjamin B. Ball
March 27, 1936 – Oct. 13, 2000 Benjamin B. Ball, 64, of Stearns, Ky., a former Dundee Township supervisor and who left government for the ministry, died Friday in Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Somerset, Ky., where he had been for two weeks. Mr. Ball served as Dundee Towship supervisor from 1972 to 1986 and as township assessor from 1972 to 1990. He was instrumental in getting a new Dundee branch library built and creating new government offices for the township. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. funeral services Wednesday at Dundee United Methodist Church. Rev. Sherry Parker and Rev. David Gregg will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dundee. Pine Knot Funeral Home, Pine Knot, Ky., is in charge of the arrangements. Born March 27, 1936 in Monroe County, he was the son of Stephen and Geraldean (Bruce) Ball. He married Rev. Martha Gregg on Sept. 21, 1986 in Britton. Mr. Ball was retired as a technician from Tecumseh Products Co. where he worked for more than 35 years. He resigned as Dundee Township assessor in 1990 to become pastor of the Wellsville United Methodist Church near Blissfield. At the time, he wife was pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church in Britton. A 1954 graduate of Britton Macon High School, he was active in the United Methodist Church in Dundee, where he was named outstanding layman in 1971. He taught Sunday School, was a lay leader and managed boys’ basketball teams. In Kentucky, he and his wife were co-pastors of the Mill Creek United Methodist Church in Parker’s Lake, Ky., and he was a volunteer for the Hospice of Lake Cumberland. Surviving are his mother, Geraldean Ball Rankin of Dundee; his wife; three sons, Stephen of Lambertville, Andrew of Monroe, and David Gregg of Chicago; two daughters, Tamara Douge of Riga and Sara Gregg of Evanston, Ill; a brother, Doug of Sand Lake; two sisters, Janet Wagoner of Tecumseh and Donna Pilbeam of Dundee; and 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
July 10, 1952-Nov. 25, 2000 WATERFORD – Harold Paul Ballough, 48, of Waterford, formerly of Carleton, died Nov. 25 in his home. He had been ill for several years. Coats Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Surviving are his parents of Clarkston; a daughter, Sarah Ballough of Carleton, and a brother, Matthew of Clarkston.

Ralph Baughey Jr.
HARTFORD CITY, Ind.: Ralph Baughey Jr., 73, widely known and prominent Hartford City businessman, died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2000, at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Ind., following an extended illness. He was born Dec. 20, 1926, in Adrian, Mich., the son of Ralph Baughey Sr. and Ruth Marie (Betz) Baughey. He was a 1944 graduate of Adrian High School and attended Albion College on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1950. While at Albion, Mr. Baughey was also the captain of the football team and was elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1947-48 basketball team. After his graduation from Albion College, Mr. Baughey attended graduate school at Michigan State University. He married Mary Weeks in Angola, Ind., on April 17, 1947. She survives. A resident of Hartford City since 1962, Mr. Baughey was formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of HP Products Inc. of Hartford City, and was President and owner of Paint and Assembly Corporation, Elwood, Ind. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, the Blackford Country Club and had been active in various community organizations. He had also played professional baseball for the Toledo Mud Hens. Mr. Baughey was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by a daughter, Vickie (Nick) Seat of Nashville, Tenn.; three sons, Daniel (Susan) Baughey, Michael (Beth) Baughey of Hartford City and Mark (Sue) Baughey of Elwood, Ind.; one brother, Jack C. (Nancy) Baughey of Adrian; two sisters, Betty Jane Wagoner of Milan, Mich., and Gladys Sue (Tom) Prange of Adrian, Mich.; 11 grandchildren, Scarlett Broothe, Ryan McIntire, Betzie Baughey, Leigh Anne Baughey, Andrew, Brian, Nathan, Nicholas and Evan Baughey, Jason and Angie Kleinbub, and five great-grandchildren, Britanny Boothe, Chelsea Boothe, Tammy Baughey, Kourtney and Konnor Kleinbub. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David, the twin brother of Michael; a daughter, Cynthia Baughey, and a brother, Richard Betz Baughey. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, Ind. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Blackford County Community Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 327, Hartford City, IN 47348.

S. Lee Bender
ADRIAN: S. Lee Bender, age 55, of Adrian, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2000, at his home with his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 10, 1945, in Wauseon, OH, to Elden and Glenna (Clark) Bender. On March 23, 1962, Lee married Darlene Tuckerman in Hillsdale, and she survives. Lee was employed by Federal Mogul as a regional sales executive. In addition to his wife, Darlene, Lee is survived by two sons, Trevor Bender and his wife, Wendy of Adrian, and Timothy Bender and his wife, Michele of Tecumseh; three daughters, Tina Brooks and her husband, Don, Sr., Teresa Sackett, and Shannon Clark, all of Adrian; one brother, Scott Bender of Waldron, MI; four sisters, Sandra Warner and her husband, Don, of Morenci, Sharon Horn and her husband, Art, of Adrian, Sheila Craft and her husband, Ray, of Toledo, OH, and Sue Goulette of Bryan, OH; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Not only did he love and enjoy his grandchildren, he also enjoyed his many nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Elden and Glenna Bender. Funeral services for Lee will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci. Visitation hours will be at the Anderson Funeral Home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m., and Monday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. There will be no visitation hours on Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hickman Cancer Center. Envelopes are available at Anderson Funeral Home.

Lorraine M. Bliesner
ADRIAN: Lorraine M. Bliesner, age 80, of Adrian, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2000, at Bixby Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born June 23, 1920, in Pikeville, Ky., to Ance and Maxine (Lowe) Hackney. Lorraine married Robert Lyons in 1954, and he preceded her in death in 1959. On April 30, 1965, Lorraine married James A. Bliesner in Tecumseh and he survives. Lorraine was employed at Blissfield Community Schools in food service, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Blissfield Presbyterian Church. Lorraine enjoyed family and friends and working with the children at school. Surviving Lorraine, in addition to her husband, James, are two sons, Charles Lyons and his fiancŽe, Janet, of Jackson and Patrick Lyons and his wife, Beverly, of West Bloomfield, Mich.; two daughters, Delores Lyons of San Diego, Calif., and Catherine Hamilton and her husband, Tom, of Tecumseh; two sisters, Billie Jean Doning of North Carolina and Juanita Edmiston and her husband, Dewey, of New Mexico; one brother, Francis Hackney of Florida; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death, in addition to her first husband, were her parents, a daughter and a brother. Funeral services for Lorraine will be Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Kurt Bjorklund officiating. Interment will be in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian. Visitation hours will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ogden Bible Church, American Heart Association or Make a Wish Foundation. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Anna Elizabeth (Sullivan) Beebe
ADRIAN: Anna Elizabeth (Sullivan) Beebe, age 86, of Adrian, died Friday, December 22, 2000, at Adrian Health Care. She was born April 20, 1914 in Adrian, to George and Florence (Baker) Sullivan. She was married to William Lyle Beebe on January 15, 1937 in Wauseon, OH. he preceded her in death on December 25, 1994. She is survived by two sons, Richard L. Beebe and Francis W. Beebe Sr. both of Adrian; a daughter, Elizabeth Delight (Dee) Heineman of Gibralter, MI; a sister, Florence Alzada Snyder of Coldwater, MI; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Judson Johns. Funeral services will be held Wednesday December 27, 2000 at 11 a.m. from the Anderson Funeral Home with Reverend Lloyd Jewett officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 26, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Anderson Funeral Home. memorial may be made to American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Frank "Frankie" Briggs Jr.
BLISSFIELD: Frank "Frankie" Briggs Jr., 18, of Blissfield, died suddenly Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2000, in Bensalem, Pa.
He was born Jan. 11, 1982, the beloved son of Frank and Kathleen Briggs; brother to Kathy, Char and Vinnie. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Blissfield. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Peter the Apostle Church.

Fredrick Eugene Black
McBAIN: Fredrick Eugene Black, 82, of McBain, Mich., passed away Jan. 17, 2001, at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1918, in Washington Court House, Ohio, to Edith and Jesse Black. On Feb. 16, 1952, he married Virginia Graham. Fred was a member of the American Legion in Blissfield and Voiture 997, 40 & 8. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and three daughters, Lajuana (Roger) Franken, Grand Rapids, Mich., Donnis (Jim) Hudson, Salisbury, Md., Debra (Larry) Alcock, Blissfield, Mich.; grandchildren, Christine (Tim) Bridson, Tracy (Mike) Persely, Bud (Chris) Lohrfink, Jeff (Shauana) Lohrfink, Andrea Lohrfink, Michele Madsen, Bob Alcock and his fiancee, Jenaca Hayford; great-grandchildren, Nuel, Walker, Ferron, Tabatha, Natasha, Tara, Megan, Jerimah, Haley, Bethaney, MacKenzie, Colin, Alex, Tabatha and Caylob; one brother, Jesse Black of Hillsdale, Mich., and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001, at the Voiture 997, 40 & 8 clubhouse on Laberdee Road in Adrian.

Janice Lynn Holt Barnett
HUDSON: Janice Lynn Holt Barnett, age 40, died Friday, Feb., 16, 2001, at her home. She was born Nov. 4, 1960, in Adrian to Henry H. and Donna B. (Lowe) Holt. Janice was a devoted mother to her six children. She enjoyed crafts, and talking on her computer with her friends.
Janice is survived by her six children, Jeff, Toby, Cory, Jessica, Cody and Adam Barnett all at home; her parents; Henry and Donna Holt of Clayton, one brother, Keith Holt and his wife Lorraine of Adrian; two sisters, Charlotte Prater of Mason and Teresa Wampler and her husband, Fred of Hudson. She was preceded in death by an infant sister and her grandparents, John and Lula Clark Holt and Truman and Elisa Sands Lowe. Funeral services for Janice will be held on Monday, Feb., 19, 2001, at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with the Reverend Rick Bloom of the Open Door Bible Church officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial of cremains in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian, at a later date. Visitation will be held in Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jan Barnett Family. Envelopes are available at Anderson Funeral Home.