Rockford artist will be missed

Phil Glass remembered

Phil was a bit of a character around town. So many people knew him. He organized an art group that painted outside. I was one of those artists that he invited. Kathie Kalinowski was another of the outdoor painters. She said, “Phil had a wonderful sense of humor, was kind, humble, and thoughtful of others. He took great joy in painting with friends. He will be greatly missed in this artist community.”

Another of the painters, Nancy Liszewski said, “Phil was a special guy. He worked hard to keep our paint-outs interesting and going.”

One of his friends Eric McLaughlin said, “In his own inimitable way Phil was always true to himself and had the courage to speak his mind.”

Mary Dagley said, “Phil was an intellectual! Had great ideas, was always kind – went out of his way to be considerate. He will surely be missed.”

Phil met with a group of friends in Rockford, for coffee every week. His friend Jim Finney said, “Phil Glass was a high school classmate of mine. (Creston 1959) and a classmate at Kendall School of Design. Phil was a positive influence on me and my life is richer because of his friendship. I will miss him greatly.”

Perhaps his closest friend was local artist Michael Callahan. Mike said, “You can’t help but get to know somebody after having conversations over coffee for one to two days a week for 17 years. Phil was also a talented and unique artist. Two paintings that I purchased from him remind me of the work of the great painter, Henri Matisse.”

I have heard that when a life ends, that we need to speak their name out loud to set their spirit free to go to God. It will be hard saying Phil’s name out loud. It will be hard to let Phil go.

Mrs. Dolores “Dee” Maksim, age 89, was called Home on Thursday, February 21, 2013. She grew up on a farm in Courtland Township and was a graduate of Greenville High School . Dee worked as a secretary, and then met Bernie, whom she married in 1947. She was a stay-at-home mom until Bernie was injured, and then worked at Metal Craft, Wurzburg ’s Department Store, and later at Meijer’s. Her children have many memories of vacationing at Deer Lake and Munising. Dee was an excellent cook and baker, and she prepared food for funeral lunches and functions at Assumption BVM Catholic Church. Her church and faith were very important to her. She was a dedicated prayer warrior, regularly watched religious television programs, and was a former member of the Consolata Guild. Dee is survived by her children, Ann and Ron Thompson, Ed and Cheryl Maksim, and Mrs. Mary Shingola; grandchildren, Carey Thompson, Andrea and Gustavo Garcia, Matt Shingola and Rick Clements, Tara and Rodney Murphy, Jer Shingola and Kim Babins, Bill and Shanna Maksim, Chris and Nicolette Maksim, Carly and David Warrelman; 7 great-grandchildren with the anticipated arrival of one more; sister, Mrs. Agnes Tyrell; sister-in-law, Mrs. Cecilia Pyard; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie, her daughter, Eleanor Jean, her son, Tom, her grandson, Tony Shingola, son-in-law, Jerry Shingola, and brothers and sisters. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Maksim will be offered on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Belmont with the Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Interment in Assumption BVM Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, 1806 Bridge St NW , Grand Rapids , MI 49504 .

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Hood

Mrs. Vivian C. Hood, age 94 of Grand Rapids , passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2013. Mrs. Hood is survived by her children, Donald and Maria Hood, Lynn and Steven Buccella; 16 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley on July 30, 1985 and her sons, Charles Hood and Thomas Hood.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Hood will be announced at a later date. The family wishes to thank both the staff at Porter Hills and Hospice of Michigan for the exceptional care rendered their mother.

Those planning an expression of sympathy, are asked to consider Porter Hills Benevolent Fund, 3600 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids MI 49546 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada MI 49301 .

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Brenda Sue Miller, passed away so suddenly Jan.13, 2013 in Florida.

Brenda is survived by her mother and stepfather, Sandra and James Wiersma of Belmont and her brother, Ernest Ray White of Phoenix, AZ. Brenda was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Walker and her father, Ernest R. White.

Please join Jim & Sandy for a Celebration of Life Service on May 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. Following the service a light lunch will be served at Leisure Village Club House, 5601 Chauncey Dr. NE, Belmont.

To share a memory or a photo and to sign Brenda’s online guest book visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Brenda’s name may be made to Hope Network Foundation, 3075 Orchard Vista Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

HORNBACH, Charles Rittman – passed away on February 23, 2013.  There will be an informal memorial for the family and friends of Charles Hornbach at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1025 Three Mile Rd., Grand Rapids, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013, with a light luncheon to follow.

Charles Rittman Hornbach, 81, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2013. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene, and his sister, Letty Kermode. He leaves behind his wife, Ann; three children: Kim (Anne) of Naples, Florida, Mark (Connie) of Rockford, Illinois, and Jean Magnelli of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; three grandchildren, Leigh, Charles, and Ellie; one great granddaughter, Madelyn; and his brother Jack (Darva) of Little Torch Key, Florida. He loved them dearly and was extremely proud of them. He was a graduate of the

University of Michigan School of Architecture and was a Registered Architect in six states, with offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Naples, Florida. In his younger years he was active in the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Architectural League, Lions Club, French Society of Michigan, and US Naval Reserve. An Episcopalian, he was a member of the Executive Council, Conference Board, Building Committee and a Deputy to the National Convention for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. An avid sailor, he was a member of a National Geographic

expedition in the South Pacific studying plate tectonics. He traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean, British Isles and Europe. More recently he was active in the Rockford Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow). Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be announced at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3940 Peninsular Dr. #180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (re: Hornbach Memorial).

Shane Ryan Brickey, age thirty five (35), beloved son of Charlie and Pam Brickey of Rockford, and cherished brother of Justin Brickey of Comstock Park passed into the arms of our Savior and Lord early Friday morning, May 24, 2013. Shane is also survived by two adopted care givers Amanda Helmer and Tamra Finkbeiner, several aunts and uncles; Tom and Sue Huizinga of Grand Rapids , Bill and Michelle Brickey of Rockford , Larry and Patty Dubinshak of Grand Rapids, and Pat Carrol also of Grand Rapids, and a multitude of loving and caring cousins scattered throughout the United States.

Shane endured a life long battle with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and was a valiant warrior to the end. It was a privilege to care for him and he was a blessing to his family as he touched many lives with his warm and loving personality.

Visitation will be at the Pederson Funeral Home Tuesday May 28th from 2-4 and 7-9PM. The service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Shane will be on Wednesday May 29th at 11AM at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church, 6727 Kuttshill Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341 , preceded by a one hour visitation.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider either Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 750 , Silver Springs , MD 20910 or Lincoln Developmental Center , 862 Crahen Avenue, NE , Grand Rapids , MI  49525.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Carol J. Van Noller aged 74 went to be with the Lord, Monday May 27, 2013.

Mrs. Van Noller was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Gertrude Slater and her husband Ernest, Sr.

Surviving are her children, Ernest (Marge) Van Noller, Jr., Roger Van Noller, Christine (Kenneth) Selleck; six grandchildren, Brian, Rachel and Jeremy Van Noller, Brandon, Kyle and Parker Selleck; brother, Thomas (Susan) Slater; several nieces and nephews.

Carol and her husband were long time members of Woodview Christian Church in Wyoming.

Funeral Services were held 11 AM Friday May 31, 2013 at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont.

To share a memory, photo, sign the family’s online guest book or view photos of the service, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Our incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Arthur Rosenberger, answered the call to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 2, 2013. He was surrounded by his loving family and with the assurance of his salvation. Our father was first and foremost a wonderful example of God’s unconditional love toward his children. He was a very strong, quiet man of understanding in our lives. Our father served in many capacities at Oakfield Baptist Church. Always a farmer at heart, Art loved working with his hands whether it was with the soil or in his small woodshop on Christmas presents for the grandchildren. He served the Rockford Public School System for approximately 25 years, first as a Janitor/Maintenance man and then as the Supervisor of Building and Grounds. Art will be dearly missed by his wife of 53 years, Sue Eulyn (Van Liew) Rosenberger; and his children, Karen (Rosenberger) Everest of Sparta, Alan (Cyndy) of Newaygo, Scott (Karen) of Sparta, and Christopher (Mari Alice) of Branson, MO; his thirteen grandchildren; and numerous family and friends. We are celebrating our father’s home going and our Savior’s love for us all at Oakfield Baptist Church on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Daryl Crawford and his longtime friend, Pastor Cliff Owens. Interment in Rockford Cemetery . Visitation will be at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the service at Oakfield Baptist Church on Thursday.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakfield Baptist Church, 11128 14 Mile Road , Rockford , MI 49341 .

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Richard “Dick” J. Remmelts, age 79 of Rockford passed away, Friday, May 31, 2013. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years, Marjorie; their two daughters, Jill Fitzhugh and Jayne Remmelts and one granddaughter, Julie Fitzhugh. Also surviving are his brother, Dale (Sherri) Remmelts; sister in law, Barbara Remmelts; and brother in law, Thomas Stuit and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded by his parents; his brother, Jaymes; his sister, Joan Stuit.

Dick retired from Country Fresh and was the owner/operator of Van’s Dairy. Honoring his wishes cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at Blythefield Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to Bishop Hills Elder Care, 4951 11 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford, MI 49341.

To share a memory, photo and sign the family’s online guest book, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Theresa Spaulding

Theresa Renée Spaulding (Leazier), age 47, of Rockford, MI, went peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior in her home on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 with family and friends at her side. “Terri” was born November 19, 1965 in Grand Rapids, MI and grew up in Ada, MI, where she was a 1984 graduate of Forest Hills Central High School. Cut short was her 22-year career as a Resident Care Aide at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where her kindness, sincerity and devotion served her and our Veterans well.

Gone before Terri are her brother, Clifford Jr., her grandparents, Otto and Theresa Finch, her grandfather, Clifford W. Leazier and her father-in-law Thomas Cook.

Left behind with sweet memories are her husband, Jim Spaulding, their children, Rebecca and Matthew Spaulding, her parents, Clifford and Jane Leazier, her grandmother, Doris Leazier, her brothers, Paul (Maureen) and Joseph (Tina) Leazier, her nieces, Erika, Lindsey, Stacey, Anna, and Isabella, her nephews, Joseph, Gabriel, Joshua, Evan, Reese, Graham, Duncan, Gray and Ridley, her godchild Hannah, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving are Terri’s mother-in-law, Dawn Cook, father-in-law, Neal (Mary) Spaulding, brothers-in-law, Tim (Ann), Tom, John (Suzan), and David Spaulding, and Bob (Nikki) Cook.

Terri enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and felt that her friends were part of her family. Vacations, camping, dinners, and time with people she cared for were things she cherished. She was an avid reader, movie and music lover, loving wife, devoted daughter and caring mother who would light up the room with her smile and the sparkle in her big brown eyes. She loved her pink and purple, fairies and unicorns, painted nails and perfume; she was your de facto girly girl and is already missed.

Her fellow caregiver “family” was there for her with support, calls, visits and hands-on care to the end. Her family is grateful for this and prays for good fortune in their future. Her family also extends much gratitude to the entire staff of the Lacks Center of St. Mary’s Hospital for their exceptional care and effort in Terri’s battle with breast cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, June 12, at her church, St. Robert of Newminster in Ada, MI.

Smith

GREENVILLE – Vernon James Smith, 69, Howard City, passed away Saturday June 29th at his home in Howard City, Michigan.  He was born September 17, 1943 in Central Lake, MI.  The son of Willet S. and Zora Smith.  Vern started and operated Vern’s Wooden Nickel in Sand Lake for many years.  He is survived by wife Pamela, sons Kurt (Shelly) Smith, Glen (Veronica) Smith and daughter Kimberly (Dennis) Moline, brother Willet J (Jane) Smith and sisters Dixie (Gary) Fifield and Tracy VandenBrink and eight grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Victoria and son Harvey Smith.

A Memorial service is planned for Monday July 8th at the Heckman-Mohnke Funeral Home in Howard City, MI including a visitation/gathering starting at 11 a.m. with a Memorial service at 12 p.m. and a luncheon following at the Howard City VFW hall.  The family would like to thank Great Lakes Caring Hospice and all who so freely gave of themselves with love, caring, comfort and prayers during Vern’s long battle with heart disease and cancer. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.

Davis

Mr. Jerry L. Davis, age 74, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. He was a 1958 graduate of Rockford High School . Jerry retired from Herman Miller in 2000 and continued with his love of farming. He served as Trustee on the Courtland Township Board before being elected as Treasurer for the township. He also served on the Rockford Ambulance Board. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Beulah whom he married on July 1, 1967; children, Scott and Jenn Davis, Brad and Jennifer Davis, Kevin Davis; grandchildren, Kyle, Casey, Cameron, and Payten; brother, Dennis (Cora Lee) Davis; in-laws, Shirley and Don Braun, Richard and Pat Bradley, and Linda and Judd Johnson; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Bernita and Merton. The service for Mr. Davis was on Friday, June 28, 2013, at Rockford United Methodist Church , 159 Maple St. , Rockford , with Pastor Dick Riley officiating. Interment in Courtland Township Cemetery . Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Rockford Ambulance Service, 8450 Shaner Ave Ne, Rockford , MI. Relatives and friends met with the family on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home and prior to the service at the church on Friday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Okemos, MI (formerly of Rockford, MI). Connie Chamberlain, beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, died July 6, 2013 at the age of 66. She was born February 16, 1947. A Memorial Service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2013, at Cornerstone Church, 3654 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in honor of Connie to Cornerstone Church. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.

Mrs. Delores May Quinn, age 77, passed away on Monday morning, July 1, 2013 while under the care of her loving family and staff at Sanctuary at Saint Mary’s. She was born in Walker , Michigan , the daughter of Walter and Dorothy (Kuete) McClellan. Delores served as a registered nurse for 30 plus years as well as giving her time and talent to schools, churches, Camp Fire Girls groups, was a choir member for many years, and a volunteer worker for St. John’s Home and the North Kent Service Center . Being a faithful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, crafts, and get togethers with family and friends. Delores was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael, her son, John, her grandson, Jonathan Collins, her parents, Walter and Dorothy McClellan, her sister, Susan Rienks, and an infant brother.  Delores will be sadly missed by her children, Margaret Mary and Larry Collins, Dan and Jana Quinn, Kathleen Quinn and Rob Lutzke; her grandchildren, Naomi Collins, Joseph Quinn, Kirsten Felty, Nicole Felty, Kirstin Ruud, Erika Ruud; her great-grandchildren, Holly, Abigail, Michelle, Charlize and Amory; her brother, Tim McClellan; her sisters, Linda (John) Schwartz and Christine Potes; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Quinn will be offered on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church with the Rev. Anthony Russo presiding. Interment in Assumption Cemetery . The Rosary will be prayed on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Consolata Missionary Sisters, 6801 Belmont Ave. , Belmont , MI 49306 . Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

(Cedar Springs) Aaron D. Rogers, age 42, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. Aaron was a 1988 graduate of Rockford High School . As a young boy and throughout his life, he had a natural talent for art. In 1994 he wrote a letter to his mom telling her that he had accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He used his gift as an artist and worked for Baker Furniture Company as a decorator for their high-end furniture products and recently re-entered the furniture industry as an employee of Nucraft Furniture.  Aaron was a very tender-hearted person. His love for his Lord and his family were of utmost importance in his life. He is survived by his parents, Edwin and Terri (Burham) Rogers; brother, Adam Rogers; sister, Audra van Haren (Brian); nieces, Darion, Mallory, and Maiya; aunts, uncles, and cousins. The service for Aaron will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Craig T. Owens officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Wounded Warriors Project, 33737 Snickersville Turnpike, Suite 201 , PO Box 309 , Bluemont , VA 20135 . Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Friday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Merrill Vander Syde, age 75, passed away at his residence on July 7, 2013. Merrill was born on June 11, 1938 in Matlock, Iowa. He was employed with Keeler Brass as a machine operator for 33 years. Mr. Vander Syde was the proud owner of Vander Syde Motor Sales in Rockford for 20 years. He was a 40 year member of the Buick Club of America (BCA). Merrill was a good father, hard worker and he inspired others to work hard. He loved to travel and was an ‘enthusiastic car guy’. Mr. Vander Syde is survived by his loving wife, Ruegina; children, Dennis Lee (Roberta) Vander Syde, Gregory Alan (Nancy) Vander Syde, Donald Ray Vander Syde, and Geffery Dean Vander Syde; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Henrietta (Garrett) Tilstra; several brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Minnie; sisters, Katherine Vander Syde and Magdalene; grandchildren, Eric and Caleb; and brother, Tony. The Funeral Service for Mr. Vander Syde will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ronan-Vanderpool-Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Ave., Wyoming, with Rev. John Paepke officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the Vander Syde family at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel (note: Belmont location), 1601 Post Dr. on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the Wyoming Chapel. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Mel Trotter Ministries.

Mrs. Louise Foster, “Our Energizer Bunny”, at age 97, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. She was a graduate of Otsego High School . She met Charles Edwards Foster, they were married in 1937, and lived together for 56 years. Louise became a stay-at-home wife and mother; but when her children were older, she worked in Medical Records at Blodgett Hospital . Her greatest pleasure was in caring for her family. Louise became involved with the Rockford Seniors and their activities, was a member of GLOW Ladies (God Loves Older Women), and attended church regularly at Rockford Baptist Church . She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, sister, Edith Clark, her brother, Charles Kennedy, and great-granddaughter, Lizzie Shae. Louise is survived by her children, Janice and Edward Besemer, Joyce and Gareth Wright, Edith Thompson; grandchildren, Charles Besemer, Edward Besemer, Anne and Glenn Cunniff, Shellie and Jonathan Campbell, and Jeffrey and Natasha Thompson; 8 great-grandchildren. Erin, Evan, Catie, Max, Steve, Roma, Ava and Bella; and two nephews. The Service for Mrs. Foster will be Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford MI with Pastor James Ankerberg officiating. Interment in Gun Plains Township Cemetery . Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and prior to the service on Saturday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

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Mrs. Donna Claire Cornell, age 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 11, 2013, following a long battle with cancer.  Surviving is her husband of 48 years, John; three children, Charlene (David) Yonker, Janet Cornell, and Jay Cornell; one sister, Colleen (David) Webber; six grandchildren, Colin (Luisa), Justin, Jason, Chloe, John, and Sarah; three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Louise Freel; sisters, Berna Zimba and Kathleen Morris; brothers, James Freel and Robert Freel. She was a 1962 graduate of Catholic Central High School, attended Grand Rapids Community College, and was self educated on many subjects. She assisted her husband in his accounting practice. In retirement, she and her husband were enthusiastic bikers and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Alaska and Canada on their BMW motorcycle. Donna’s family feels blessed that she was a part of their life, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. The Mass of Christian Burial for Donna was offered at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Belmont, with The Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Interment in Solon Township Cemetery. The Rosary was prayed at the funeral home on Tuesday evening. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Educational Endowment Fund at Assumption BVM School, 6393 Belmont Ave., Belmont, MI 49306 or God’s Kitchen, 303 S. Division St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday and prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

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Phyllis VanKeuren

Our loving mother, Mrs. Phyllis Lorraine (Steffens) VanKeuren, age 79, of Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. She is survived by her children, Jerry and Deb Martin, Brent and Dawn Alber, Jim and Denise VanKeuren, Ken VanKeuren, Mark and Sally Warner, Steve and Pam VanKeuren, Lee and Barb VanHoose, and John and Jackie Klinge; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and the much anticipated arrival of three more; brother, Fred and Christine Steffens; sisters-in-law, Ima Steffens and Marge Steffens, and Marcia and Rick Rinal; and her many wonderful friends from Assumption Parish and Richter Place. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobbie VanKeuren, her special grandson, Christopher VanKeuren, her special friend, Walt Henry, her brothers, Al, Ed, Art, and her sister, Mary Ann. Phyllis and Bobbie were the former owners of the Halfway Store on 14 Mile Road. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. VanKeuren will be offered on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Belmont with The Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Interment in Assumption Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Education Endowment Fund at Assumption BVM Catholic School. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Wilma Ingham

Mrs. Wilma J. Ingham, aged 94 of Belmont, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Villa Maria Retirement Community, her loved home for the past year. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul M. Ingham, Jr.; 3 sisters, Evelyn, Mildred and Lillian and their spouses; and 3 brothers, Fred, Ed and Bob and their spouses. Surviving are her children, David (Rosalyn) Ingham, Bob (Carol Guppy) Ingham, Linda (Rick) Rector, Steven Ingham; grandchildren, Lori Talo, Scott Talo, Rebecca (Nick) Giroski, Jodi Ingham, Jenifer (Tim) Millonzi, Shawn Lutz, Brian (Sarah) Ingham, Dustin (Sarah) Ingham, Melissa Ingham, Seth (Janet) Piccolo, Kim Loeckner, Lisa White, Josiah Ingham, Isaac Ingham, and 8 great grandchildren; sister, Edna Patton of St. Clair Shores; sister-in-law, Maryann Schultheiss of South Carolina. She was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church (currently Rock Pointe) in Belmont, since 1979. She volunteered for many years at Meijer Gardens and sang with the Northview Seniors Silvertones. She was a retiree from the Michigan Veterans Facility. She was deeply loved and a blessing to us all. Funeral services were held 11:00 AM Friday, July 19 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE. The family will greet relatives and friends Thursday 6 to 8 PM and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Private interment will be held at Blythefield Memory Gardens at a later date.

To read more about Wilma’s life, share a memory or photo and to sign the family’s online guestbook, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Frederik Meijer Gardens.