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Richard Arnold Adama, 84, passed in the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Richard was born in Denver, Colorado to Henrietta and George Adama. He grew up in the Grand Rapids area with his brothers and sister. He joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1944 where he served as Motor Machinist 3rd Class during World War II. He was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946 and was a recipient of the Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal.
Richard returned to Grand Rapids where he met and married Doris Sherwood. They were married on Oct. 23,1948 in Fremont, Michigan. Richard and Doris were married for 50 years and resided in the Newaygo area where they raised their four children.
Richard was self-employed and did a wide variety of construction in the Newaygo and West Michigan area; including plumping, heating and electrical work. He also worked for Tri-Cities Construction as a supervisor for the construction of large steel buildings.
He has been an active member of the United Church of Christ in Newaygo for over 50 years where he served on many committees and also sang in the choir. Richard was civic minded and served the Newaygo community for many years. His community involvement included: Life Member of the VFW, and past commander of the Newaygo VFW Post 4249; worked for Newaygo County Community Services doing home repair for the elderly; volunteered for Habitat for Humanity; served on Brooks Township Board of Review; and was very active with the Jaycees in the early 1960’s.
Richard had many hobbies and interests which included: bowling, golf, fishing, square dancing, and going to the Grand Rapids Civic Theater. He enjoyed spending time with his family and taking family vacations to Cedarville in the UP. The many family gatherings with the aunts, uncles and cousins were always fun memorable times.
Richard will be missed for his willingness to help others, his sense of humor, and love of people. He is survived by his three children: Sally Adama and friend Charlie Deupree of North Muskegon; Dennis Adama and wife Barbara of Grand Rapids; and Beth (Adama) Keloneva of Newaygo. His five grandchildren: Anna (Adama) and husband Paul Papes of Grand Rapids; Mackenzie Adama of Grand Rapids; Emily Adama of Tiskilwa, Ill; Joanne (Adama) Benton and husband Scott of Grand Rapids; Jenny Bowen of Boca Raton, Fl; Two great grandchildren: Aaron Papes and Ivy Benton.
He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Adama on May 24,1999 and by his son Carl Adama on Sept. 26, 1996. He was the last surviving sibling of his immediate family which included his parents Henrietta and George Adama; sister, Helen (Adama) Streelman; and brothers: Marinus Adama, George Adama, Harold Adama; and step siblings: John Adama, and Theresa Heeringa.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 4th at the McKinley Funeral Home in downtown Newaygo from 6-9 PM. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 5th at the Newaygo United Church of Christ, 432 Quarterline, Newaygo, MI 49337. For memorial contributions, please consider the following:
Building Fund, The Newaygo United Church of Christ, 432 Quarterline, Newaygo, MI 49337, Earmarked for the project to make the church more energy efficient.
The Carl Adama Fund, Fremont Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box B, Fremont , MI 49412. This Fund was established to provide support for educational programs at the Newaygo Public Schools, particularly for the drafting curriculum or programs benefiting youth with physical challenges. All contributions to the fund are matched by the Foundation up to $500 per year per household.
Mr. Donald Lee Throop, Age 64 of Fremont, formerly of Grant, died Friday, February 25, 2011 in Fremont. He was born Donald Lee Throop in Fremont, Michigan the son of Ruth (Douglas) and Elmer Throop on July 11, 1946. He married Karen E. Pickerd on July 28, 1978 in Bailey, Michigan. He was a welder for Wilde Manufacturing & Steel Supply and Engineering until his retirement after 34 years. He was a member of Community Fellowship Church in Bridgeton and a member of West Central Two Cylinder Club. He is survived by his wife Karen Throop of Fremont, his brothers Jerry & Pat Throop of Grant, David & Ellen Throop of Grant, several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, and lots of friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the North Casnovia Baptist Church, Bailey on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 with Pastor Mike King officiating. Interment in Ashland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1‑3 & 7‑9 PM Monday at McKinley Funeral Home, Grant. For memorials please consider the Community Fellowship Church Building Fund. ‑ McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
Kenneth James Cox (“Bumpy”), of Grant, MI passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a brief illness on Tuesday, Feb 22nd at the age of 65. Ken was born on November 3rd, 1945 in New Philadelphia, OH to Ruby (Eash) and James Cox. He graduated from St. Peter and Paul HS, Saginaw, MI in 1963. On September 3rd, 1965 he married the love of his life, Karen Grierson. They moved to Freeland MI in 1973. Ken was a pipefitter with Local 85 in Saginaw MI and moved to Grant MI shortly after his retirement. Ken was an avid golfer , sports enthusiast and Michigan State fan. Ken’s number one passion was his family, especially his 16 grandchildren who adored their “Bumpy”. Whether taking them out for “hot dogs on the window”, riding the rollercoasters at MI Adventure or going for golf cart rides, Ken was never far from his grandchildren. A special blessing later in life was to become a part of a group of warm and loving friends and golfing buddies from around the lake. Surviving besides his wife, Karen are four daughters : Connie (Kevin) Wilson of Clarkston, MI,and their children Hayley and Hannah, Carrie (Tim) McCloskey of Ada, MI and their children Mike, Kelly, Kerry, Caden, Breck and Bodie; Corinne (Doug) Paccione of Saginaw, MI and their children Andrew, Meghan, Nick, Maddie, and Joey and Christine (Mike) Glass of Conklin, MI. and their children, Sam, Max, and Michael. He is also survived by two brothers: Jerry (Stephanie) Cox of Bakersfield, CA and Donald Cox of Saginaw, MI. many nieces and nephews and special lifelong friends James and Charlene Salesky of Bay City, MI and Bob Bissell of Mt. Pleasant, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, February 28th at 11 AM at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 599 W Brooks Street in Newaygo, Rev Peter Schafer will preside and burial will take place at St. Bartholomew Cemetery. Visitation with the family will take place on Sunday, Feb 27th from 2-4 and 7-9pm at McKinley Funeral Home, 45 E Main Street, Grant. A prayer service will take place at 7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw (1021 Burt St. , Saginaw, MI) or St. Joseph’s Catholic school (18768 8th Ave. Conklin, MI 49403).
Mrs. Helena Rose Witte, Age 90 of Grand Rapids, formerly of Newaygo, died Friday, February 18, 2011 in Grand Rapids. She was born Helena Rose Fix in Sparta, Michigan the daughter of Anna (Thomas) and William Fix on April 15, 1920. She married Bernard Gerard Witte on February 20, 1943 in Comstock Park and he preceded her in death on June 16, 2002. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. She is survived by her children Pat & Frank Klackle of Belding, Ray & Ginny Witte of Grant, Joan & Mike Weiler of Belmont, Rich & Bonnie Witte of Newaygo, Ben & Diane Witte of New Hartford, CT, Brian & Carole Witte of Auburn, Jerry & Annette Witte of Mt. Pleasant, Ron & Maria Witte of Jenison, her son in law Bill Maher of Coleman, 28 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, her brother John & Elsie Fix of Comstock Park, her sisters Ann Soules of Belmont and Mary Bergman of Sparta. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Marijean Maher. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM from the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Newaygo on Monday, February 21, 2011 with Father Pete Schafer officiating. Interment in St. Bartholomew Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday 2‑4 & 7‑9 PM at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. For memorials please consider St. Ann’s Home, 2126 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. Arrangements by McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo 231-652-5613.
Mrs. Beatrice Shepherd, Age 93, of Newaygo, died peacefully Thursday, February 17, 2011, in Grand Rapids. She was born Beatrice Gruich in Detroit, Michigan, the only daughter of Bessie (Popov) Gruich on May 23, 1917. She met Russell Lyle Shepherd while the two were attending Michigan State University. Russ and Bea were married on July 30, 1940, in Detroit, and spent thier lives together until his death on December 23, 1994. Bea was a homemaker and she utilized her bachelor’s degree in home economics to the fullest. She devoted her life to her family and was instrumental in the raising of her children and grandchildren. Bea was a member of Newaygo United Methodist Church and also devoted her time to many civic and social organizations. She is survived by her sons Jon S. & Emma Shepherd of San Francisco, CA, Dane (Cheko) & Inez Shepherd of Bridgman, MI, Timothy & Anne Shepherd of Dunedin, FL, 10 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Suzanne and son Sam Shepherd. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM from the Newaygo United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 20, 2011, with Pastor Pat Bromberek officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral service at the church. For memorials please consider the Newaygo United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Linda Carol Avery, Age 69 of Grand Rapids, formerly of Croton, died Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in Grand Rapids. She was born Linda Carol Wright in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Caroline Pauline (Strenlo) and Theodore Lyle Wright on July 05, 1941. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the American Legion Post #381 Auxiliary in Croton. She was an avid mushroomer and rock hunter and loved the outdoors. She is survived by her children David & Corena Avery of Newaygo and Kim Avery of Reno, NV, her grandsons Tyler Avery of Chicago, Ryan Avery of Muskegon, Kyle Alger, Sr. of Fremont, Kelly Alger, Jr. of Gillette, WY, 3 great grandchildren, her mother Caroline & Clare Oldham of Grand Rapids, her sister Janice & Bill Henkel of Grand Rapids, several nieces and nephews , her cat Callie and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her father Lyle Wright and her brother Ted Wright. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM from the McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo Chapel on Monday, February 21, 2011 with Mr. Jonathan Greene officiating. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2‑4 & 7‑9 PM Sunday at the funeral home. For memorials please consider the Kent County Humane Society.
Mr. John E. Jenkins, age 69 of Grant, died Monday, February 14, 2011 in Grand Rapids. He was born John Edward Jenkins in Gainesville, MO the son of Sadie Nina (Pursel) and Robert Quincy Jenkins on October 30, 1941. He married Marilyn Sue Schuler on April 5, 1986 in Ferndale. He was a Quality Assurance Specialist for the US Government until 1989 retiring after 20 years. He was a member of F & A Masonic Lodge #19. He was a veteran having served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era from August 15, 1960 to September 6, 1962 when he was discharged as a A3C.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Jenkins, his children Elizabeth Jenkins of East Lansing, John Q. Jenkins of Ferndale, Xiaoji Zhou of Grant, his brother and sisters Robert & Linda Jenkins of Saranac, Janice & Doug Haskins of Clinton Township and Barbara & Bob McHugh of Melbourne, Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Visitation will be held 6‑8 PM Friday and one hour prior to service. Please send condolences to www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
Mrs. Rosalinda Contreras, age 54 of Wyoming, died Monday, February 7, 2011 in Grand Rapids. She was born Rosalinda Contreras in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas , Mexico the daughter of Cenovia Trinidad (Tera) and Eleuteria Contreras Abundes on May 14, 1956. She was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.
She is survived by her parents Eleuterio & Cenovia Contreras of Mercedes, Texas, Felipe & Aurora Contrearas of Wyoming, Armando & Marta Contreras of Weslaco, Texas, Guadalupe & Roy Buentello of Grant, Juan Contreras of San Antonio, Texas, Marta Contreras of Oregon, Jose Contreras & fiancee Celstina Garcia of Grand Rapids, Jaime & Kimberly Contreras of Comstock Park.
Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 PM from the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Newaygo on Saturday, February 12, 2011 with Father Pete Schafer as celebrant. Visitation will be held One hour prior to Mass.
McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
Mr. Daniel A. Butler, age 23 of Grant, died Monday, February 7, 2011 in Grand Rapids and is now a super hero in Heaven. He was born Daniel Alan Butler in Seuol, Korean the son of Darlene Lois (Waite) and Jeffrey Scott Butler on January 22, 1988.
He is survived by his parents Jeffrey & Darlene Butler of Grant, his grandma Arletta Butler of Grand Haven, his brothers & sisters Amanda Kirk of Newaygo, Linda & Don Moraczewski, Shawn Butler, and Joshua Butler all of Grant.
Funeral services will be held along with his grandma’s services at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Funeral Home, Grant Chapel on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 with Pastor John Rager officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery near Manton. Visitation is one hour prior service. For Memorials please consider the Special Olympia.
McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
Mrs. Helen L. Waite, aged 74 of Grant, formerly of Manton, died Sunday, February 6, 2011 at her home in Ensley Township. She was born Helen Lois Rue in Grand Haven, the daughter of Ruth Helen (Jones) and William P. McKinley Rue on April 2, 1936. She married Elmo John Waite on January 18, 1955 in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on September 20, 1996. She was employed at the Zelinkas Nursery and for the Manton Industries.
She is survived by her children Steve & Jeanette Waite of Spring Lake, Larry Waite of Grant, Fred & Phyllis Waite of Manton, Darlene & Jeff Butler of Grant, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and was preceded in death by a son Louis and 4 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 with Pastor John Rager officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery near Manton. Visitation is one hour prior to service. For Memorials please consider the Mercy Hospice.
McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
