Terri Jean Burgess, 65, Vicksburg, passed away April 4, 2022. She was born on August 16, 1956, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Milton and Betty (Gardeneer) Burson. Terri grew up in Schoolcraft and was a graduate of Schoolcraft High School with the class of 1974. In 2000 she married Richard Burgess; they made their home in Vicksburg. Home was her happy place. She worked for over 20 years for Lear Corporation in Mendon. She loved to collect Native American artifacts and loved their culture, and she followed all the Detroit professional sports teams. Terri was proud of her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was a four-legged mom as well to her dogs. Terri’s family will remember her as quiet, kind, and loving. Terri is survived by her husband of 21 years, Richard; children Jason (Brittany) Jukes and Kristen (Brian) Shannon; stepchildren Joe, Lauren, and Grace; and 19 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Peggy Baldwin and mother-in-law Claudia Burgess. She was preceded in death by her siblings Robert, Louise, KC, Mike, and Marlene, and her special dog, Sergeant Carter. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Donald Lynn Crapo, 76, passed away on January 26, 2022, at his home in Clear Lake, Indiana after a difficult battle with lung cancer. He was born in Lansing March 12, 1945 to Donald Rexford and Enid Lucille (Davis) Crapo. After his mother’s death, his father remarried, and Maxine Alice Crapo became his stepmother. Don and his three sisters grew up on a chicken farm east of Vicksburg. A few years after graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1963, Don enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed at Spangdahlem AFB, Germany during the Vietnam War. Don was a staff sergeant serving as a bomb specialist. After completing his enlistment, he returned to Michigan and completed master’s degrees in accounting and finance from Western Michigan University, graduating magna cum laude. Don spent 20-plus years of his career at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. Don was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepmother and two sisters (Barbara and Carol). Survivors include sons Darryl Crapo and Greg (Lisa) Crapo, two grandchildren, and his sister, Sandy (Dan) Minger.
Otto Carl Decker, 88, Vicksburg, passed away on April 26, 2022. Otto was born January 22, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio to Frank and Marie (Eppler) Weitenauer. He attended Mendon Community Schools and graduated from Mendon High School in 1952. He joined the US Army and served from 1954 until 1956. Otto married Nancy Jean Brown on April 16, 1955. Otto worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company as a millwright. He also was the owner of Decker’s Auto Service. He was a volunteer fireman for 50 years. He was an active member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 13305. He loved sports, history, reading, discussing politics and target shooting. Otto is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy; children Anna (Scott) Cowherd, Tony (Monica Johnson) Decker, Mike (Kathy) Decker, Melanie (Andy) Boyd, Joe (Karen Warner) Decker, and Phil (Emily) Decker; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Decker Sr, Frank and Marie Weitenauer; son Paul Christopher Decker; sisters Joan Wales-Dixon and Delores Elkins; sister-in-law Helen Brown Horn; and parents-in-law Anna and Ralph Brown.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Otto on Friday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, with Monsignor Thomas Martin officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The family will lead a rosary at the church beginning at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Burial of Otto’s ashes will be held with military honors at Vicksburg Cemetery following the mass. Visit his page at amshfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, St. Martin’s Knights of Columbus Council 13305, and South County Fire Authority.
David A. Friel, Three Rivers, passed away quietly in his sleep November 26, 2021, the day after Thanksgiving. David was born May 21, 1943 in Kalamazoo, the son of Arlene and Lester Friel. He attended Vicksburg High School before leaving at 17 to join the U.S. Navy in 1960. He served on the USS Yosemite and transferred to the Reserves in 1964. Before being honorably discharged in 1966, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Medals for Berlin and Cuba, and the Bronze Star. After his discharge, he became a painter, eventually settling in Denver. In 2018, he returned to Michigan, settling in Three Rivers to be close to family. He is survived by his sisters Alice, Candy, and Marsha; brother Bruce; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.
Bonnie June Gose, 85, Greenville, passed away April 8, 2022 at her home. The daughter of Arnold E. and Minnie Ann (Haney) Gose, Bonnie was born on July 26, 1936 in LaGrange County, Indiana. She was raised on a farm in southern Michigan and graduated from Vicksburg High School. She worked at the Haas Corporation and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Aquinas College. In the late 1960’s, Bonnie moved to Southfield where she began her career at Federal Mogul corporate offices, transferring to the Greenville plant in 1979. She was active in the Greenville Community Church, and more recently attended the First Church of God in Greenville. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Janet Eihleen Gose and Doris Nelle Gose; brother-in-law Doug Truckey; sister-in-law Sharon Gose; niece Kimberlee Kay Aquiree; and nephew, Dennis Alan Truckey. Surviving are sister Janice Truckey of Vicksburg; brothers Bill Gose of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wilbur (Janice) Gose of Campbellsville, Kentucky; friends Wilma Stidham and Janet Delamater, both of Greenville; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews, and many special friends. Donations may go to Have Mercy. Visit her page at MichiganCremation.com.
Ronald E. Hambright Sr., 86, Vicksburg, passed away April 26, 2022. Ronald was born March 19, 1936 in Kalamazoo, the son of John and Lavada (Sharp) Hambright. Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army. After the military he went into the workforce and was in maintenance at the Kalamazoo State Hospital for over 32 years until his retirement in 1988. Ron enjoyed his morning rituals and most often could be seen at a local restaurant for breakfast and spent time solving the world’s problems with the rest of the guys at the table. He traveled to places like Branson, Mo. and Florida. Mostly though he loved to go hunting and fishing. Ron will be remembered by many as strong-willed and very independent. Ron is survived by his children, Phyllis (Jeff) Truckey, of Vicksburg and Richard “Rick” (Stephanie) Hambright, of Vicksburg; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren with one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia; son Ronald Hambright Jr; parents John and Lavada Hambright; sister Marilyn Ballard; and brothers Alvin, Melvin and Kenneth Hambright. A graveside service will be held with military honors Wednesday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the D.A.V.
Owen Hoyt, born on November 4, 1949, in Vicksburg, died April 8, 2022. He graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1969 and served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. Owen enjoyed spending time with his friends and working on steam locomotives, whether volunteering at the Little River Railroad or attending many steam engine shows around the area. He also spent many hours working the evaporators and making maple syrup at home, as well as with MSU at Kellogg Forest and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Owen is survived by his children, Cassidy, Camden, Ryley of Schoolcraft and Liam of Portage; sister Patricia Hoyt of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephew Robert (Kim) Northrop; niece Shannon (Greg) Bruner; and brother-in-law William Northrop of Schoolcraft. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ellen Hoyt, and sister Karen (Hoyt) Northrop. Services have been held. Donations may go to SPCA of Southwest Michigan, 6955 W KL Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visit Owen’s page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Ethel Kathleen Markan, 72, Vicksburg, passed away April 25, 2022. Ethel was born March 3, 1950, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Robert James and Florence Kathleen (Keener) Isaac. Ethel attended Vicksburg Community Schools and graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1968. After high school, Ethel attended Parsons Business School, now known as Davenport University. She earned her certificate in business. She also attended KVCC. She worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company in Vicksburg as a customer service inventory clerk for 10 years. On November 22, 1975, she married Ronald Markan. The couple had three daughters. Ethel temporarily left the workforce and was later employed by the Vicksburg school system as an elementary school lunchroom and playground supervisor. She retired from the system in 2017. Ethel gave more than she took and left her community a better place for all to live. Ethel is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ronald; daughters Kathleen (Douglas) Klostermann, Kristeen Markan, and Kourtney (Todd) Ellens; grandchildren Emily, Ethan, Rozlyn, Adelynn, and Rowan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathleen and Robert Isaac and younger brother, Norman (Debbie) Isaac. Services have been held. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to American Cancer Society.
Glenna Marie Momany-Hurst, 31, Scotts, passed away March 14, 2022. Glenna was born March 18, 1990 in Kalamazoo to Michael Glen Momany and Julie Morrow-Momany Prange. Glenna is survived by her parents; sister Kaylee Jo Hoeger; step-father Jeffrey Lee Prange; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a niece. She was preceded in death by grandparents Glen and Mable Momany and Richard and Joan Morrow. A Celebration of Life has taken place, and a private interment will be held at a later date. Donations may go to Kalamazoo Humane Society. Visit Glenna’s page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Patricia L. Ovens, 63, Portage, died on April 25, 2022. She was born October 6, 1958, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Bobby and Evelyn (Lyles) Elkins. She was a 1976 graduate of Parchment High School where she was a star track and field athlete and a flautist in the marching band. She later earned an associate degree in accounting from KVCC. Patricia was a hard worker, starting at Kmart in accounting and as a pharmacy tech, before moving to the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk for over 20 years. After retiring from the USPS, Patricia worked as an elementary school crossing guard and was employed by the City of Portage as a clerk at the time of her death. She married Michael Ovens on August 27, 1994. Patricia loved to travel, was an avid sports fan and loved to see her son, Bret, pitch when he played travel league baseball. Patricia enjoyed cooking meals for holiday family gatherings. In retirement, she frequently attended her grandchildren’s Little League games and recitals and later spoiled them with snacks and legendary grilled cheese sandwiches. Her family includes her husband, Michael; mother Evelyn Elkins; children Timothy (Sarah) Arkwright, Kelly (Cecil) Lenfield, Katie (Matthew) Wittenberg, and Bret (Halie Voss) Ovens; grandchildren Elliot, Nolan, and Cecilia Lenfield, Ian Wittenberg, and Kayden Ovens; brothers Mike (Vicki) Elkins and Jeff (Dawn) Elkins; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Lynn Elkins. Visit Patricia’s page at langelands.com.
Patricia May Paradine, 89, Schoolcraft, went to be with her Lord and Savior April 28, 2022. She was born on July 14, 1932 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Anthony and Meryl (Ellard) VanDerWeele. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1950. On January 8, 1955, she married Donald Paradine. After 28 years with the Upjohn Company, she retired in 1987. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, sewing, painting, reading and spending time with her family. In her retirement, she and Don lived eight years in Citrus Springs, Fla. before returning to Schoolcraft in 2003. Left to cherish her loving memory are her husband, Donald Paradine; children Kevin (Amy) Paradine, Charlie (Teresa) Paradine, Julia (Richard) Paradine-Rice, and beloved exchange student Anja Nijenkamp; grandchildren Shauna (Jeff), Tiffany (Spencer), Ethan (Abby), Tee, Trevor, and Anthony (Allison); great-grandchildren Soren, Sean, and Mina Patricia; sister-in-law Marilyn VanDerWeele; honorary daughter Karen Adams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Patricia was preceded in her passing by her parents and brothers Denton (Mary) VanDerWeele and Robert VanDerWeele. In accordance with Patricia’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, 342 North Grand Street, Schoolcraft, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, with a time for visiting beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon with Pastor Marty Cobb officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held following the service. Patricia will be laid to rest at Schoolcraft Cemetery on a later date. Memorials made in Patricia’s memory may be directed to the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Women. While at http://www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Patricia’s guestbook and share a memory with her family. The Paradine family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, Schoolcraft.
Dianna LaRue Ware Richardson, 73, Portage, formerly of Schoolcraft, passed away April 8, 2022. Dianna was born August 6, 1948 to Lester and Evelyn Ware. She was a 1966 graduate of Schoolcraft High School. She loved her family and friends and always stayed active outdoors. She enjoyed her job at Borgess/Ascension Health in the Patient Financial Services area. After retiring, Dianna worked in the deli at Harding’s to stay busy. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Richard (Dick) and Donald Ware. Left to cherish her loving memory are her sister Dorothy (Michael) Ganey of Arizona; children Lester Richardson of Portage and Elizabeth (Curtis) Walker of Holland; grandchildren Timothy Worline, Cameron (Kay) Richardson, Keegan Richardson, Justin Walker, Nickolas Walker, Kelsea Walker, and Riley Walker; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Kamdyn and Trinity; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Phyllis Mae Rosen, 86, Vicksburg, died April 6, 2022, at Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan. She was born in Vicksburg on September 1, 1935, the daughter of Fannie Irene Boyd and Brony Dombroski. She attended Mendon Schools and for a few years worked at Kaywood Manufacturing, making window blinds. She enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, and solving sudoku puzzles. Phyllis is survived by daughters Delores (Chris) Salter of Vicksburg, Martha Tice of Three Rivers, Debra Franks of Mendon; step-daughter Nora Rosen of Mayer, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Edward “Shorty” Hughes, daughter Mary Ellen Franks, son-in-law Robert Franks, and grandson Steven Franks. Donations may go to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.