Harriet L. “Pat” Bacon, 87, Fulton, died Sept. 20, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She was born in Fulton on March 25, 1932, one of 10 children born to Jonathin D. and Effie May ((Huffman) Parsons. She attended Fulton Elementary School. She was married to Donald W. Bacon on June 25, 1949 in Hastings. Donald died in 2001. Pat had been employed as a nurse’s aide at the Kalamazoo County Rest Home and the Alamo Nursing Home. She enjoyed cooking for her family and appreciated all kinds of music. Pat is survived by four children, Robin (Richard) Lafler of Fulton, Cookie Gettys of Kalamazoo, David (Kristine) Bacon of Colon, and Lori Coville of Vicksburg; 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Bacon; son, Russell Bacon; daughter, Carol Terry; sons in law Thomas Gettys, Lee Coville, Sr, and J.C. Terry; and by siblings Sylvia Woodell, Mary Dubbeld, Addie Mason, Margaret Shook, Paul, George, Bill, John, and Chauncy Parsons. Donations may go to the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Mary Catherine Brandt Beebe, was born to Rufus Lewis and Tena Anna (Roberts) Brandt in Ohio City, Ohio on June 14, 1944. She married Ronald Edward Beebe, better known as Gus, on November 20, 1965 in Vicksburg. Together they raised 12 children and fostered around 25 children. Aunt Mary was the name that she was often called not only by nieces and nephews, but by daycare kids as well. She also hosted five-day clubs and invited neighbor kids as well. She gave out several candy bars for scripture memorization. She even gave rides to many kids for church. Mary passed away on September 4, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Mary Beebe was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Anna Brandt, a granddaughter, Destiny Beebe, and eight siblings. She is survived by her husband, Gus Beebe, children Tena (Rod) Bartholomew of Belding, Mich., Ron Beebe Jr. of Vicksburg, Michelle Perez of Port Huron, Mich., Patty (Randy) Graham of Almont, Mich., Don (Kyeong) Beebe of Kalamazoo, Tom(Jenny) Beebe of Palatine, Ill., Ralph(Tammy) Beebe of Mendon, Sherri(Jeremiah) Coe of Portage, Veronica Mickaels of Kalamazoo, Dawn, Howard, and Amber, 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, siblings Martha Pride of Scotts, Don (Lovina) Brandt of Geneva, Ind., and Charles (Joyce) Brandt of Sarasota, Fla., many nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and great nephews. Donations may go to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Memories may be shared with the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Guy Jay Bowen, 63, Marcellus, formerly of Schoolcraft, passed away September 7. Guy was born on October 25, 1955 in Sturgis, Mich. He was the son of Charles and Shirley (Bawden) Bowen. Guy graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1974. He owned and operated Guy Bowen Plumbing and Repair and was a member of Local 357, Plumber’s and Pipefitter’s Union. His family described him as a funny, hardworking, generous, kindhearted, gentle but tough-when-needed kind of guy. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his three children, Scott (Lana) Bowen of Marcellus, Amy (Joshua) Wright of Mattawan and Laura (Zachary) Nizen of Paw Paw; grandchildren Brynn, Tucker, Olivia, Oliver, Ally and Milo. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Dozeman, June Morand, and Sherry Dorko, all of Schoolcraft; step-brothers Jim, Dan and Mike Struble, all of Ohio. Visit Guy’s page at avinkcremation.com. Donations may go to the SPCA.
Larry Couch, 70, Dayton, Ohio, passed away September 14. Larry was born March 17, 1949 in Hazard, Kentucky, the son of John and Jane (Wooten) Couch. He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, the huge smile he shared with everyone he met and for being one of the funniest people you’d ever meet. Larry is survived by daughters Joddie (Toby) Neusbaum, of Vicksburg, Jamie Alleshouse, of Vicksburg, and Joni (Chad) Gervers, of Rapid City; grandsons Kaleb and Jared Neusbaum and Logan Alleshouse; great grandchildren Emma Jo and Jace Neusbaum. He is also survived by his mother, Jane Couch of Dayton; a sister, Donna (Freddie) Phibbs of Dayton, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John Couch, and his little brother, Butch Couch. Larry has been cremated and a celebration will be held at a later date. Visit Larry’s page at mccowensecord.com.
Scott Allan DeYoung, 52, Vicksburg, died Sept. 17, at Rose Arbor Hospice following a long illness. He was born in Kalamazoo on Dec. 10, 1966, the son of Frederick and Eleanor Mae (Copenhafer) DeYoung. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1984 and furthered his studies at Career Quest in Kalamazoo. He was a machinist by trade and worked at X-L Machine of Three Rivers for 10 years and briefly at Stryker Corporation until his health forced him to retire. Scott had a life-long love of camping. He enjoyed yardwork, computer games, watching all sports, and fixing and repairing things. He especially looked forward to family reunions. Scott is survived by his mother, Eleanor Cooley; his father, Frederick DeYoung; children Chelsea (Nickolas DeRyke) DeYoung of Schoolcraft and Michael (Melanie Morello) DeYoung of Grand Rapids; granddaughters Emarie, Nora, and Daisy; three brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard Cooley; a sister, Kay Katie DeYoung; paternal grandparents Harm and Arlene DeYoung; maternal grandparents Westley and Louisa Copenhafer. Donations may go to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Carol J. Ennis, Schoolcraft, passed away September 17. Carol was born July 11, 1947 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of John and Trena (Kiel) VanderRoest. She worked for several years as the office manager of Stannard’s Music. Carol was an active and faithful member of Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and many other times with family and friends. On April 15, 1966, she was united in marriage to Glenn Ennis Jr., her loving husband of over 50 years, who survives. Also surviving are her daughters, Lisa (Jim) Goble, Dawn (Jeff) Jackson, Kim (Michael) Crampton; grandchildren Austin (Lauren) Jackson, Alyssa Jackson, Josiah and Lydia Goble, Sadie Crampton; great grandson Ellis Jackson; sister-in-law, Brenda VanderRoest; sister and brother, Marcia (Rick) VanDyke and Tom (Char) VanderRoest; and several nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Jim VanderRoest. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, or Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church. Visit Carol’s page at langelands.com.
Eileen Margaret Goldberg, 95, Vicksburg, passed away September 18 at The Laurels of Galesburg. Eileen was born on September 3, 1924 in Roseville, Mich. She was the oldest of five children of Eddie and Martha Marshall. She met Harry Goldberg at Peniel Bible Institute in Stanton, Ky. In March, 1950 they eloped in marriage. In 1952 they settled in Vicksburg, where Eileen enjoyed being a homemaker, sewing dresses for her daughters and making meals from scratch. Eileen was preceded in death by all her siblings, and a daughter, Sandra Lynn Wirth, in May, 1982, and, more recently, her husband Harry Goldberg in April, 2017. She is survived by a daughter, Marjorie Ann (Mark) Newhouse, of Augusta; a son, Paul William (Kitti) Goldberg, of Vicksburg; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The family will be having a private graveside service at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visit Eileen’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Southern Care Hospice.
Thomas B. Holt, 68, Athens, passed away September 18. Tom was born to Theodore and Bernice (Weimer) Holt on February 5, 1951. He was a 1969 graduate of Vicksburg High School. After high school he served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He is described by his family as a gentle, very tender hearted and giving. In his spare time he enjoyed watching television and caring for his cats. Tom is survived by his sister, Marilyn (David) Baird, of Fulton; nine nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Theodore Holt; and his grandniece, Megan Holt. A graveside service to bury Tom’s ashes will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at the North Fulton Cemetery. Tom will be buried with military honors. On Tom’s webpage at mccowensecord.com, sign his guestbook and share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veteran’s (D.A.V). The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel.
Jacqueline “Jackie” E. Hunt, 86, Vicksburg, passed away September 6. Jacqueline Elaine Ringler was born in Kalamazoo on June 20, 1933 to Rose and Harold Ringler. She married Douglas R. Hunt after knowing him for only two weeks. They were married almost 50 years. She worked as a visiting nurse for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug; son, Dougie; sisters Joanne Powell and Barb Kuilema. Surviving are her children, Deb (Larry Britten); Jill Siljander; Steve (Diane) Hunt and Greg (Laura) Hunt, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Jim (Sandy) Ringler and Terry Ringler. She will be remembered for her love of animals, fishing and her humor. The family had a memorial gathering on Thursday, September 12, at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, Vicksburg. Please visit Jackie’s webpage at http://www.mccowensecord.com where you can read her obituary, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to the Ronald McDonald House.
Terry Lee McMillan, 69, Schoolcraft, passed away September 2. Terry was born on January 22, 1950 in Three Rivers. He was the son of Charles and Pheobe (Welcher) McMillan. He graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1969. Terry is described as an outdoorsman who was one with nature, lived life to the fullest and didn’t worry about tomorrow. Terry is survived by his wife, Marsha; stepsons Robert (Wendy) Lash, of Three Rivers and Nathan (Kelli) Lash, of White Pigeon; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers David McMillan, of Schoolcraft; Dale (Bobbi Jo) McMIllan, of Schoolcraft; and Tracy (Schelle) McMillan, of Schoolcraft and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis McMillan. Terry has been cremated and a memorial gathering will be held for Terry at a later date. Visit Terry’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Southwest Michigan Coonhunters Organization: 306 E. Edgar Bergen Blvd, Decatur, MI 49045.
Anna L. Merriam, 80, Vicksburg, died under hospice care at her sister’s home September 11. She was born December 20, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Claude Hoogakker and Fannie Ruth (Goble) Burr. Ann graduated from high school in Portage. On January 10, 1959, Ann was married to Allen E. Merriam. For over 45 years, she was a devoted member of the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, where she assisted in the office and the nursery. Ann enjoyed photography, painting, reading and word searches. Her family includes her children, Gail (Robert) Feister, Terry (Dorothy “Jake”) Merriam, and Jerry (Marie) Merriam; her daughter-in-law, Marcia Merriam; her nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Bonnie (Jim) Nelson and Nona Tucker; step-sister Kathy and several nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; her son, Jody Merriam; and her sister, Claudia Hill. The family suggests memorials be directed to Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Visit Ann’s page at langelands.com.
Caryl Jeanne Miller, 80, Schoolcraft, passed away September 27. Caryl was born on March 26, 1939 in Three Rivers. She was the daughter of Ralph and Louise (Swem) Lillie. She was a graduate of Three Rivers High School and a member of the Class of 1957. On September 5, 1959 at Three Rivers Bible Church she married Jacob “Jake” Miller. Caryl’s family describes her as creative, kind, giving, loved people and selfless. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, card making, and china painting. She was a great cook who loved trying new recipes and was an avid reader. She was a member of Three Rivers Bible Church. Caryl is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jacob “Jake”; children Lynette (Tim) Wolthuis, of Vicksburg and Mark (Mary) Miller, of Kentwood; grandchildren Philip (Alicia) Miller, of Hudsonville; Holly Miller, of China; Amy Miller, of Kentwood; and Levi Miller, of Kentucky; a great granddaughter, Sidney Miller. She was preceded in death by her son, Matthew in 1995. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Visit Caryl’s page at avinkcremation.com. Donations may go to Southern Care Hospice.
Evelyn M. Watson, 89, Scotts, passed away September 17. She was born to Charles and Mildred (Blackburn) Davis on December 17, 1929. She married Joseph Wrather right out of high school. A daughter, Connie, was born in 1953 and, unfortunately, Joe died later that same year. She later married Richard Watson and they moved to Michigan from Indiana. Evelyn’s career as an RN was celebrated when she retired from Bronson Hospital after 17 years of service. In retirement, as her own health became more challenging, Evelyn was fortunate to welcome her special caregiver into her life. Not only did Deborah Morphew afford Evelyn quality care, the two quickly became both friends and family. Evelyn was a devoted member of the Scotts United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husbands, son Richard James “Jim” Watson; and siblings Mable Jones, Raymond Vetor and Pat Slagele. She is survived by her children, Connie Decker of Vicksburg, Phyllis Smith of Vicksburg, John (Diane) Watson of California, Dennis (Laura) Watson, of Kalamazoo; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special caregiver and friend, Deborah Morphew, of Vicksburg. Visit Evelyn’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Scotts United Methodist Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
William Francis West, 92, of rural Vicksburg, died Sept. 13, at his home. He was born in Olney, Ill. on Dec. 13, 1926 the son of Harley and Mattie (Delzell) West. After graduation from Athens High School, he worked at the Oliver Plant in Battle Creek and for Wolf’s Feed and Grain in Athens. For many years he worked at Hydreco of Galesburg, and after retirement worked at the Felpausch Grocery in Vicksburg. Francis had been a member of the Wakeshma Community Church, the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, and West Leroy Bible Church. He was always busy, raising cows and sheep, fixing and repairing equipment, and collecting antiques. He was a representative for Dekalb Seed Corn, and enjoyed photography. Francis was married to Margaret A. Loker on June 22, 1947. She survives along with their children, Linda (Lee) Crotser of Scotts, Mary Lou (Sal) Cali of Sturgis, Diane Blain of Portage, and Alan F. West of Sherwood; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Clifford (Sue) West of East LeRoy; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eugene and Charles West; and a sister, Coyla Dornton. Donations may go to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Charles Lowell Woodhams, 69, passed away at his home in Cottonwood, Ariz. September 6 after a brief illness. He was born to Francis and Bessie (Lemon) Woodhams on August 6, 1950 on his parents’ 20th wedding anniversary. He graduated from Schoolcraft High School, attended KVCC, joined the Navy and served in Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marcelle “Bobbi,” and his son, Steven. His living siblings are Marjorie Rowden McCauley, Mary Ritter, Elizabeth Shearer, Joyce (Kenneth) Hamming, James (Margaret) Woodhams, Linda (Daniel) Garrett. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly and nephew P. John Hamming. Charles has 18 nieces & nephews and 28 great nieces and nephews. Donations in his memory may be made to a favorite charity.
Jerry Yoder, 79, Vicksburg, passed away September 18. Jerry was born on December 8, 1939 in Burne, Ind., the son of Aaron and Fern (Young) Yoder. He was a 1968 Vicksburg High School graduate. He married Rosemarie Powers on February 6, 1959. Jerry worked until his retirement at Kalamazoo Stamping & Die. He was outgoing, giving, and observant. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Yoder and brother, Jacob “Lee” Yoder. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemarie; children Bob (Vicki) Yoder, of Vicksburg; Barb “Babs” (Mark) Forward, of Galesburg, Patrick (Angela) Yoder, of Tennessee; five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a step-brother, Kyle Taylor, of Portage and several nieces and nephews. Visit Jerry’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the American Heart Association or West Michigan Cancer Center.