You are currently browsing the monthly archive for May 2012.
Kurt Ronald May, 26, of Rockford, died Friday, May 25, 2012. He was born Kurt Ronald May in Grand Rapids, the son of Ann (Norris) and Ron May on December 2, 1985. He was a member of the Chinese Association of West Michigan.
He is survived by his parents, Ron & Ann May of Grant, brother, Gary May of Rockville, MD, nieces, Grace & Abigail, brother, Justin & Amanda May of Cedar Springs, niece & nephew, Adler & Kyla, brother, Chad May & Ashley Nichoson of Rockford, niece, Rakia, and sister‑in‑law, Amy May of Rockville, MD.
Funeral services will be held at Noon from the McKinley Grant Chapel, Grant on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of services at the funeral home. For memorial contributions please consider the GVSU Study Abroad Program. Please leave online condolences at http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
‑ McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613.
HOWARD HUBBARD, 78, entered into the presence of his Lord on May 24, 2012. Born on June 9, 1933 in Coral, Howard grew up, raised his family, and retired in Newaygo County. A graduate of Newaygo High School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired as a toolmaker from Fisher Body after 38 years, then made his “snow bird” home in Bowling Green, Florida. He was a life-long member of Grant Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, bowling, shuffleboarding, playing games, and gardening. He is survived by his love of 56 years, Ruth (Derogee); his children, Sherry & Kedric Koeppe of Leo, IN; Julie & Keith Houser of Chesterfield, VA; Dave & Lisa Hubbard, and Terry & Shari Hubbard of Newaygo; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; his siblings, Rev. Keith & Clyda Hubbard of Bay City; Lawrence & Ilene Hubbard and Marie Brown of Grant; Leon & Jean Hubbard of Twin Lakes; Elaine & Chet Ring of Mentor, OH; Kenneth & Naye Hubbard and Virginia & Dave Evans of Grant; Roger & Marie Hubbard of Newaygo. He was preceded in death by his sister Ruthy Ida Hubbard, and parents Frank and Alma (Ketner) Hubbard.
Service is 3:00 on Sunday, May 27, 2012, at the Grant Wesleyan Church. Rev. David Mizelle, Rev. Stephen Hubbard, and Rev. Aaron Pontious, grandsons, will officiate. Calling will be at the McKinley Funeral Home in Grant on Saturday, May 26 from 7-9 p.m. and two hours before the service at the church. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Grant. Memorials to Grant Wesleyan Church and ACS Hope Lodge, Grand Rapids.
Mrs. Winnona Bessie Ludlow, Age 87 of Grant, died Thursday, May 24, 2012 in Fremont. She was born Winnona Bessie Workman in Muskegon, Michigan the daughter of Winnona (Parks) and William Workman on July 6, 1924. She married Albert Norman Ludlow, Sr. on June 1, 1945 in Fremont and he preceded her in death on December 24, 2007. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her children Diana Ludlow, Janet & Howard Chilson, Albert, Jr. & Linda Ludlow all of Grant and Timothy & Dreana Ludlow of Bouse, AZ; her grandchildren Tammy & Lavern Fisk, John Ludlow, Thad Ludlow, Amanda Ludlow & Shawn Smith, Mark & Julie Chilson, her great grandchildren Holly & Woodrow Fisk, Carson & Lucas Chilson, Megan Ludlow and Thad Ludlow Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Funeral Home Grant on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 with Pastor Wes Smith officiating. Interment in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral. For memorials please consider River Valley Community Church in Newaygo.
Mr. Carl Hilbrand, Age 73 of Grant, died Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at home. He was born Carl Hilbrand in Grant, Michigan the son of Sena (Schumaker) and Henry Hilbrand on December 4, 1938. He married Dixiana May on March 3, 1961 in Grant. He was a foreman for Ply-Curves in Grand Rapids until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of Grant Christian Reformed Church. Carl loved his church, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. Carl has gone home to be reunited with his family and will be missed by his wife Dixiana Hilbrand, his sons Carl Hilbrand, Jr., Michael Hilbrand, Paul William & Julie Ann Hilbrand, Vincent Hilbrand, John Hilbrand, 4 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, his siblings Dorothy Scholtens, Henry & Bernie Hilbrand, Simon & Sharon Hilbrand, Donald & Joan Hilbrand, is sister in laws Bonnie Hilbrand, Lois Hilbrand, Fredith Hilbrand, brother in law Alfred Walters, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at noon at the Grant Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, May 24, 2012 with Pastor Adam Noordyke officiating. Interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held 10:00 AM to Noon on Thursday at the church. For memorials, please consider Grant Christian Reformed Church Building Fund and/or Grant Christian School.
Louise Lester, born Louise Ryn in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 7, 1925, lived her life giving to others, her home, her heart and everything in the middle. Louise spoke her mind and loved with her whole heart, she will be missed. To know her was to love her, let us remember her endless giving, and as she taught us, do the same. A memorial service will be held for Louise on June 16, 2012 from 1-4 pm at 109 Pleasant Ave, Battle Creek, Michigan. Please join her family and friends to share her story, the laughter and the joy that Louise shared with us all. She is survived by her daughter June Babcock of Battle Creek, her daughters Dong Hui & Myongson Ko, her granddaughter Maria & Mark Willis of Newaygo, her great grandchildren Tyler and Ryn Purcell, her brother Carl Censke and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Katie Censke, her husband Dale Lester, her brothers Chet Ryn, Wally Censke, and Tom Censke. Her grandson Troy Babcock, and her daughters Candy Lester and Judy Badger.
Price, John Franklin, 86, of Grant, passed from this life on May 19, 2012. He was born on November 5, 1925 in Muskegon to Charles and Hulda (Phelps) Price. He joined the USMC and served in WWII in the South Pacific. He retired from S.D. Warren Div. of Scott Paper in 1988 after 32 1/2 years. He was a member of Newaygo Masonic Lodge F&AM 131, Scottish Rite of Grand Rapids. He was a member of Civil Air Patrol for 57 years and was a local farmer. He wed Pauline Calvet in 1946. From this union was born John Richard of California. She passed in 1950. In October 1951 he joined Lucille Pikaart in marriage, who survives, along with their children Barbara & James Loe of Grant, Janet & Timothy Quick of Grant, Tim & Connie Price of Grant, Cheryl & Don Rodgers of Grant, Bill & Gloria Price of Mattawan, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Fred and Charles N., 4 sisters, Lois Taylor-Burkett, Winona Pothoff, Joyce-Mary Witter and Carol Price, daughter-in-law Ardythe Tym Price and son-in-law Walter H. McInturff IV. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM from the McKinley Funeral Home, Grant on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 with Pastor Vern LaFeber officiating. Visitation will be held 2‑4 & 7‑9 Monday at the funeral home. For memorials please consider the Masonic Home and/or the Civil Air Patrol, GRR Senior Squadron. Condolences may be left online at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
Gladys Louise Brown, 79, was born in St. John’s, Michigan on October 28, 1932 and was called home by her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2012.
Gladys married Alden Leroy (Lee) Brown in 1952. They lived in Gulliver, Michigan for many years, where they built their own log cabin while living in a tent and starting their family. She assisted her husband in his masonry business, Brownie Construction, while raising their two children. In the 1960s they moved to Marquette so she could attend Northern Michigan University. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Negaunee, Michigan where she taught first grade for over 30 years. Her joy and passion was teaching children to read, giving them a solid start on the road to success. Many will remember her for her special hands-on unit she taught about Japan. She developed this curriculum after a trip to Okinawa in the mid 1970s. Gladys enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, reading and camping. In the early years they explored many campgrounds until they found the perfect camp on Dead River Basin near Negaunee. She and Lee spent many happy summers living at camp. Gladys loved poking in a campfire, floating on a tube in the water, cruising in the boat and reading on the beach. Her favorite book and most treasured possession was her BIBLE. She always said stood for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. She believed in Christ as her Savior and therefore was a member of God’s Church/Family. She was also well known for her collection of quotes and her one line cracks of humor, which caused everyone to smile. The last two years of her life were shared with the wonderful caregivers at Fountain View Nursing Home in Grant, Michigan. It was here that she put her hand in the hand of Jesus and departed this world to travel to her heavenly home. Her family would like to thank the Fountain View staff as well as the Hospice of Michigan staff for their loving care of Gladys during this time.
She is survived by two children, David Alden Brown (Jean) of Marquette, and Sandra Louise Bassetto (Sergio) of Newaygo, Michigan; a grandson Matthew Brown (Mary) and great-grandchild, Laura Smith of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a grandson Andrew Brown (Mandy) of Marquette; a foster granddaughter Tracey Rae Johnson-Duquette and two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Hunter Johnson-Duquette of Negaunee, Michigan. She is also survived by nine brothers and sisters: Duane Baley, Roger Baley, Robert Baley, Brian Baley, Sharon Jensen, Sallie Franks, Nellie Garvie, James Baley and Susan Allward.
Gladys is preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Gertrude Baley; her husband, Alden, who preceded her in death in the year 2000; her brother Bruce Baley and her foster daughter Mary Johnson (Rudy).
A memorial service will be held in Marquette and will be announced at a later date. Her final arrangements were provided by McKinley Funeral Home in Grant, Michigan. Condolences can be left online at http://mckinleyfuneral.com
Mr. Gary Lee "Buck" Cole, Age 74 of Newaygo, died Thursday, May 17, 2012 in Grand Rapids. He was born Gary Lee Cole in Muskegon, Michigan the son of Evelyn Mae (Church) and Lester Nelson Cole on March 24, 1938. He was owner/operator of All Metals Welding in Newaygo. He is survived by his son Steve Cole of Lake Elizabeth, CA; his brothers Ron & Kay Cole of Grant, and Ted Cole of Fremont, his nephews Jason & Sarah Jager, Ryan & Sarah Cole, and niece Missy & David Root, and his life long friends Louise Presler & Florence Barry. Per Buck’s wishes, there will be no services. Condolences may be left online at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
Mrs. Olga Nagy, Age 97 of Grant, died Thursday, May 17, 2012 near Fremont. She was born Olga Simeneta in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Johanna (Rhineholtz) and Nick Simeneta on March 20, 1915. She married Anton "Tony" J. Sutake on June 1, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan and he preceded her in death on December 31, 1983. She then married William P. Nagy in April 1985 in Grant, Michigan and he preceded her in death on October 23, 2003. She was the owner/operator of Tony’s Coffee Cup and a cook at Grant Hospital. She was a member of Grant Assembly of God. She survived by her daughters Janet & Larry McClain of Grant, JoAnn & Gerald DuBois of Fremont, Bonnie & Roger Krolof Grant, her son David & Cindy Sutake of Iowa, 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her son William Sutake. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the Grant Assembly of God, Grant on Monday, May 21, 2012 with Pastor Glen Jeffrey officiating. Interment in Parkview Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church the hour before the funeral. For memorials please consider the Grant Assembly of God. Condolences can be left online at http://www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
Gertrude Alice (Sweet) Docter born September 17, 1914 went to her heavenly home May 16, 2012 after an awesome Mother’s Day Celebration surrounded by her family.
The daughter of Dora (West) and Louie Sweet, she shared a happy childhood with brothers Don & Austin in Ashland Center where she met the “love of her life” Hartley Docter. She graduated from Grant high School in 1932 as class secretary and a member of the glee club. She worked for prominent families in Muskegon before marrying Hartley on June 12, 1936. Two days later she “set up household” in a two room schoolhouse in Dansville while Hartley attended a short course at MSU. When they returned to Muskegon, they built their first home and welcomed Marcia Rae, the “joy of our life”.
Gertrude cared for Hartley’s mother when they moved back to Grant. As a farmer’s wife, she gardened flowers and vegetables, picked raspberries and “put up” some of the best asparagus around.
Times kept her from attending nursing school, still she fulfilled part of that dream as a nurse’s aide at Grant Hospital, assisting in the delivery of many Grant babies.
Gertrude was a faithful member of Grant Reformed Church. She loved music, played the piano, washboard and up until her passing hour, the organ. She sang solo and duets at many special occasions for friends and performed poetic and comedic skits in the church and community.
Like her mother before her, she was a ready hostess for family, friends and guests alike and passed this skill to Marcia.
Marcia was the joy of her life and that joy grew with her legacy of 4 grandchildren who enjoyed memorial visits to the farm.
When her mother became ill, again Gertrude put her caring nursing skills to use.
As grandchildren and great grandchildren grew the family, Hartley and Gertrude time became centered on their activities and church. After celebrating 60 years of marriage, Hartley passed. Gertrude then moved to Grand Rapids where she was a neighbor to Marcia.
She returned to Grant in 2008 to live at Fountain View, the familiar old hospital. The excellent caring staff cared for her as family and she was one of the most active and witty residents.
Gertrude’s life was committed first to the Lord, then her family and community. Her generosity, joy and stewardship will be missed.
Besides her parents, brothers, beloved Hartley and baby Jane, she was proceeded in death by her son-in-law Dale Clay.
This Mother’s Day was special, surrounded by Marcia Rae and her husband Jerry Beard. her grandchildren Rick and Allison Clay; Lori & Doug Taylor; Dan and Lauri Clay; Brenda Clay and her great grandchildren, Morgan, Alex, Spencer and Eric Clay; Paul, Jennette and Samuel Taylor.
She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM from the Grant Reformed Church on Friday, May 18, 2012 with Pastor Mik Sutton officiating. Interment will be in Parkview Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm at the McKinley Funeral Home in Grant.
