Thomas Earl Cook, Jr., 60, Schoolcraft, died unexpectedly April 11 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born on June 26, 1958 to Thomas Sr. and Virginia (Rutz) Cook. Tom obtained an engineering degree from WMU and was in sales at Durametallic/Flowserve for 40 years. He played bass guitar and often hosted parties with his band providing entertainment. With quiet faith, Tom also served as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church for the past 10 years. He and his Therese, his wife of 10 years, were involved in the music ministry at church – he played bass guitar while she played percussion. They also served their community. Theresa was appointed clerk of Prairie Ronde Township where Tom served as deputy clerk. Members of his family include his wife, Theresa (Rosneck) Cook; daughters Kaylee (Jeremy) Trinkle and Kendra Cook; grandchildren Leland and Naomi and another grandson expected in August; his parents, siblings David (Cheri) Cook, Linda (Jeff) Dehn and Carrie (Matt) Selbee; his aunt, Phyllis Hall and his uncle Marshall Rutz; his former wife, Judith Joubert; in-laws Leo and Ellen Rosneck; brothers and sisters-in-law Cathy (John) Robertstad, Jim Rosneck, Patty (Jim) Wood and Leo (Stacey) Rosneck and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by uncles Larry Hall and Jack Cook. Cremation has taken place. Services were held Saturday, April 20, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Please visit Tom’s personal web page at http://www.betzlerfuneralhome.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Allan Ray Decker, 82, Vicksburg, died April 23, at his home following a long illness. He was born in Colon on Jan. 16, 1937, the son of Clair and Frances (James) Decker. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1955. Allan enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea with the Signal Corps. He was married to Geraldine Spealman on April 5, 1959 in Leonidas; they moved to Vicksburg in 1962. Allan worked for Lakeside Refining Company in Kalamazoo for 35 years. He earned his associate’s degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1975. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Allan is survived by his children, Tammy Decker of Fulton, Karla (Bill) Hodge of Huntersville, N.C., Rod (Christina K.) Decker and their family, and Mark Decker both of Vicksburg; grandchildren Thomas (Rebecca) Decker, Jessica (Jeremy) Shepherd, John Tiller, Ed, and Joe Hodge; a brother, Bruce Decker of Athens; two sisters, Susan Glass of Selina, Ohio and Linda Cubbernuss of Mendon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jerry in 2011; and by brothers Lewis, Wayne and Ronald Decker. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at the Crossroads Missionary Church in Mendon with Pastor Bryan Balasa officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Leonidas Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials be directed to the Deacon’s Fund at Crossroads Missionary Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Mary Martha Denney, 98, Sherwood, died April 6, at Drew’s Place in Coldwater where she had resided the past 18 months. She was born in Grant County, Ind. on Jan. 22, 1921, the daughter of Frederick and Goldie Mae (DeHoff) Denney. She was a graduate of Athens High School and attended Augerbright Business College. Mary had been employed at Hillsdale Manufacturing, where she made uniforms for the Army. Later she worked at Eaton Manufacturing, polishing valves for aircraft engines. After the war she worked at Lamb Knit in Colon and after its closing, worked at Boyer Lumberyard. Finally, she worked at the Haas Corporation in Mendon where she retired after 24 years. Mary was a member of the Fulton Christian Church. She is survived by four sisters, Bertha Smith of Fulton; Patricia Shepler Carter of Athens, Mable (Elwin) Holtz of Fulton, and Delores (Bruce) Loker of Vicksburg; sisters-in-law Doris Denney and Darlene Denney; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters Alma Guthrie and Doris Denney; and brothers Arthur, Frederick, William, and Pete Denney. Donations may go to the Fulton Christian Church, 14108 East W Avenue, Fulton, MI 49052. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Stanley Ray Gose, 63, Vicksburg, died April 10, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born in Sturgis on June 18, 1955, the son of James M. and Leona R. (Gorsline) Gose. Stanley graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1973. He was employed at Simpson Paper Company in Vicksburg for 23 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. He was a big Detroit Tigers fan and always looked forward to trips to the ballpark. Stanley was married to Susan Elizabeth Abbott on Aug. 6, 1977 in Vicksburg. She survives along with three children, Michael Gose, Michele (Dan) Ochko, and Melissa Gose, all of Vicksburg; and special friend Joe (Cecilia) Fritz. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; baby brother, Robert Gose, and close friend, Art Schultz. Graveside services were held Monday, April 15 in Vicksburg Cemetery with Rev. Chris Salter officiating. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements were by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Donald O. Lash, 89, Vicksburg, passed away April 12. Don was born on November 4, 1929 in Vicksburg. He was the son of Earl and Nora (Lunger) Lash. He served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps for three years. After he returned from the service, he married the love of his life, Doris Eilene McClish. Don is described as a generous, strong-willed, good and endearing man. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors, deer hunting and mushroom hunting. He also loved to play cards and enjoyed woodworking. Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris Eilene; children Patricia (Phillip) Prichard, of Centreville; Betty (Rick) Mayo, of Scotts; Gerald Lash, of Vicksburg; Ron (Pam) Lash, of Vicksburg; Terri Simmons, of Vicksburg; 13 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Rose (Floyd) Moore, of Vicksburg and June Potter, of Vicksburg. He is preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. Funeral services were held at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, Vicksburg, on Tuesday, April 16. Visit Don’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Reverence Hospice.
Ronald J.E. “Ron” Myers, 86, Scotts, died April 9, at his home. He was born in Comstock on April 5, 1933,c the youngest of three children born to Ralph and Alison (Spealman) Myers. After high school, Ron served in the National Guard. He was married to Marian D. “Pete” Homan on May 29, 1952 in Leonidas. Ron was a carpenter at Miller Davis in Kalamazoo for 7 years. He later became a millwright at the General Motors plant in Kalamazoo where he worked for 27 years. Ron was a Mason and life member of the Portage Brady Lodge #34. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. When his children were young, he was a 4-H Leader and taught woodworking and coached softball. Ron is survived by a daughter, Pamela Borsodi of Osceola, Ind.; a son, Philip Myers, of Pampa, Texas; grandchildren Mary (Todd) Franks, Rachel (Ian) Hamilton, Jonathan (Isabella) Borsodi, Emily (Ashton) Anthony, Adam Borsodi, and Matthew Borsodi; great-grandchildren Leah Franks, Reed Hamilton, Gavin Franks, Kayleigh Hamilton, Mia Borsodi, Ania Borsodi, Emerson Anthony, and Braxton Anthony; daughter- in- law, Judy Myers; friend and caretaker, Sue Porter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, sons Jerry Eugene Myers and Glenn Myers; brother James Myers; and a sister, Virginia Dunn. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 13, in Leonidas Cemetery. It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to either Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 1502 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Richard Eugene Nielsen, 82, loving great-grandfather of 16, grandfather of 17, father of five and husband of one, went to be with his Savior on March 30. Richard was born on July 6, 1936 in Vicksburg and graduated from Vicksburg High School and Western Michigan University. He taught business at Vicksburg High School, was Dean of Business at Glen Oaks Community College, and served as Assistant Superintendent of Business for the Vicksburg school system. He moved to Reston, Virginia in 1984 to help pastor a church. He used his business and fatherly skills to counsel countless people in both finances and life. He was a member of the Vicksburg and Reston Rotary Clubs for 45 years, and led teams of Rotarians on several medical trips to help the people of Haiti. On September 4, 1954, he married Ardith Barnes, a marriage that lasted 56 years until Ardith’s passing in 2011. They raised two daughters and three sons. Richard loved to travel and visited many countries. He frequently visited his out-of-state children and grandchildren. He hosted many guests in his Washington DC area home. Of utmost importance to Richard was his faith. He leaves a great spiritual legacy, as his children and grandchildren love the Lord. Richard was proceeded in death by his wife, Ardith, and his grandson, Benjamin. He is survived by his children, Rodney (Jeannie), Cindy Champion (Bruce), Bradley (Tonya), Deanna Sturgeon (Craig), and Kent, his sister, Sandy, his niece, Michelle, and nephew, Daniel.Donations may go to KARIS (sowingkindness.org).
Janet L. Noonan, 80, Vicksburg, passed away April 14. She was born on March 30, 1939 to David and Hazel (Mandoka) Mackety. The family was proud of being members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Pine Creek Reservation. She graduated from Athens High School and went to nursing school for her career, working in several hospitals in the area. She loved her women’s Bible study groups, her flowers and gardening. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Vincent; children Leah (Curt) Wiser of Kalamazoo, Albert Sprague of Kalamazoo, Scott (Mary) Sprague of Wayland, Marilyn (Larry) Schmidt of Portage; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by stepchildren Anthony (Carrie) Noonan, of Florida; Jo (Terry) Heath, of Vicksburg; Ron (Vicki) Noonan, of Marcellus; Polly Noonan, of Florida; sisters Ann Mackety, of Tekonsha and Lynne Guess, of Athens; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents David and Hazel Mackety and a brother, Jim Mackety. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
Clarence “Bernie” Root Jr., 80, Vicksburg, passed away March 18. He was born on June 16, 1938. Bernie was one of seven children born to Clarence Root Sr. and Helen Ames. He graduated from Kalamazoo Public Schools, joined the Army and was stationed in Germany. Bernie is survived by his sons, Jeff and Brian; a daughter, Jennifer; grandchildren Johny Foote, Sara Foote, Andy Foote, Ryan Root, Bobby Root, Jerry Root, Erica Root, Jesica Miner, and Gabby Miner; and several great grandchildren. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents; and his oldest daughter, Kelly Root. Bernie was married to Sharon Lewellyn for over 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and living the farm life until his later years, when he resided in Vicksburg on Sunset Lake. A memorial service will be planned in May at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Visit Bernie’s page at mccowensecord.com. The family is being assisted by McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes.
Martha Taylor, 72, formerly of Marcellus, passed away March 25. She was born in Albion on January 31, 1947, the daughter of Rev. Kenneth Jacobs, Sr. and Louise Owen Jacobs. Martha graduated from Marcellus High School in 1965 and resided in Marcellus until she married Ronald Taylor on March 28, 2001. Martha worked for Cass County Sheriff Department and Three Rivers Police Department, then retired from St. Joseph County Central Dispatch in 2012, after 20 years. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Women’s Auxiliary in Portage/Schoolcraft. She and her husband were snowbirds for the last four years in Destin, Florida. Along with her loving husband, Martha is survived by her son, John (Kathi) Carney of Sturgis, daughters Amy (Brian) Taylor Johnson and Jennifer Johnson, both of Vicksburg; sister Faith (Mike) Harris of Marcellus, brother Andrew (Pam) Jacobs of Niles, grandchildren Jayson Wallace, Dru Carney, Kristopher Leeder, Sam Carney, Benjamin, Cloe, Lucas, Jaidyn and Brady Johnson, 14 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James Jacobs and Kenneth Jacobs, Jr., and a sister, Ruth Jacobs. Donations may go to the Eagles Club 3531 – Ladies Auxiliary in Portage/Schoolcraft. Visit her page at materralstonfuneralhome.com.
LeRoy VanMaanen, 80, Portage, passed away suddenly at Bronson Hospital on March 27, sadly on his birthday. He was a firefighter for 35 years. LeRoy was the fire chief at Westwood Fire Station and also a fire fighter for the City of Kalamazoo. In addition, Leroy owned several side businesses, A1 Laminating and Roy’s TV. He also worked for Hoekstras Greenhouses and Long John Floral, delivering flats of flowers around southwest Michigan. He was very devoted to his church, Lakeland Reformed, and his family. LeRoy’s family includes Gloria VanMaanen, his wife of 13 years; his children Debra Comstock, Barbara VanMaanen, Nancy (Joe) Fink, Gary (Dawn) VanMaanen, and step children Sherri (Mike) Pence, Steve (Elva) Arend, John (Sue) Arend and Wendy (Robb) Rittner; 21 grand children and nine great grandchildren; a sister, Helen (John) Rishel; and cherished friend Dick Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Phyllis VanMaanen, his brother and sister-in-law Jack and Kathy)VanMaanen and his sister, Sondra Madsen. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 30, at the Lakeland Reformed Church. Please visit LeRoy’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the family to help cover funeral expenses or to Lakeland Reformed Church in memory of LeRoy.
Gail Nadine Wade, passed away on March 28. She was born on Oct. 4, 1937 to Emily “Grace” and Fredrick Guy Phinney. Growing up in Detroit, she was active in Voice of Christian Youth and worked as a carhop in her teenage years. She graduated from Cass Tech High School with a major in nutrition. In 1955, she and her family moved to Lake City, Michigan where she began working at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac in the dietary department. She also met and fell in love with Bill Wade. They were married on May 18, 1957 and had three daughters. Besides raising a houseful of girls, she worked for a while part-time at Vicksburg Schools and eventually started working at Triple S Plastics in Vicksburg. She enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a member of the Gold Wing Association. In the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident almost a year ago, she was residing at Masonic Pathways in Alma, where she passed away. She had also been in the Long-term Acute Care unit at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell for a lengthy period of time. It seemed that no matter what was thrown her way, she would always have a smile on her face. Preceding her in death were her parents, sisters Jeanne Phinney and Patricia Phinney, daughter Beverly Taylor. Surviving are her loving husband, William Wade, daughters Kathleen (Greg) Yarworth and Tracey Wade, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and sisters Jo (Darrold) McKeown and Judy (Gordon) Lydic. Cremation has taken place. There will be a gathering for family and friends at a later date.