Carol Crouch (Fales) passed away peacefully at her home in Schoolcraft on December 17, 2022, following a short illness. Carol was born on August 3, 1948, in Allegan, to Virginia (Lewis) and Laurel A. “Bill” Fales. She was a 1966 graduate of Plainwell High School and KVCC. She worked several jobs ranging from secretarial pool at the Pentagon to chemical technician at Cyanamid, to office manager at Beaver Research, where she retired after 23 years. She married Paul Crouch on May 2, 1981. She enjoyed attending the games of her son and grandchildren and cheering on the MSU Spartans and the New Orleans Saints. She also took great pride in the fact that she was a recovering alcoholic who was 35-plus years sober. She is survived by her son, Jason; grandchildren Hayden and Chloe Crouch; brother Laurel A “Bill Fales Jr; and her daughter in law (Jason’s ex-wife), Yvonne Outman. She was preceded in her passing by her husband Paul; parents Virginia and Bill Fales; and sisters Betty Heilman and Marjorie Anson. Pursuant to her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be a celebration of her life on February 5, 2023, starting at 1 p.m. at her home at 6239 Sunshine Ave, Schoolcraft. All are welcome to attend. Donations may go to Schoolcraft Athletic Boosters or Centrica Hospice Care. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Frances “Fran” M. Davis passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, Kalamazoo with her daughter, Melanie, at her side. She was born October 4, 1934 in Paw Paw and was married to the late Marvin L. Davis for 69 years. Frances was employed by Gilmores and Upjohn until her retirement. She enjoyed crafting, garage sales, and being with her family. Frances is survived by her sister, Rosemary Hadley of Vicksburg, and her brother, William (Linda) Gleason of Georgia. Also surviving are daughters Carin Chipman and Melanie Farrington; son Larry (Marcel) Davis; grandchildren Kevin Zeller, Kelsey (Brady) Ellis, Kasey (Austin) Porter, Brittney Farrington, Brock Farrington, Brieann Farrington, and Jake Davis; great-grandchildren Kyllie (Victoria) Zeller, Cooper Ellis, Crew Ellis, Mya Ellis, and Kenlee Porter; and surviving relations Diana (Eddie) Chen, Jessy Wang, Tracy (Josh) Kuang, Michelle Wang and Arvo Kuang. The Davis family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes Vicksburg Chapel, Vicksburg.
William “Bill” F. Gehron, 74, Scotts, passed away December 22, 2022. Bill was born on April 24, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was the son of Vernie and Helon (Jackson) Gehron. He attended Northside High School and graduated with the class of 1966. After high school he went to DePauw University before transferring to Indiana University where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During this time, he also married the love of his wife, Kathy Puryear, on February 3, 1968. He became a deputy with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana. He was the supervisor of quality control and human resources at Dana Corporation for over 24 years. He was an avid golfer and achieved six holes in one. He was a volunteer for Kid’s Hope through the Methodist Church. Bill was honest and caring and had a great sense of humor. He loved and cared for his family. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy; children Abby (Keenan) Goolsby of Ohio and Adam (Kim) Gehron of Oklahoma; grandchildren Sunrise, Jake, Kadee, Jesse (Amber) and Davey. He is also survived by sisters Vernell (Peter) Fettig of Indiana and Martha Needling of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Kid’s Hope and Generous Hands.
David L. McMillan, 75, Schoolcraft, passed away December 2, 2022. David was born in Three Rivers on March 12, 1947, the son of the late Charles and Pheobe (Welcher) McMillan. David was a graduate of Schoolcraft High School, class of 1965. He was a hard worker and instilled that same work ethic in his two sons, whom he was extremely proud of. David was a life-long trucker and spent many years on the road as an owner-operator. Although he encouraged his children not to follow in his footsteps, both of his sons became truckers and worked alongside their dad for years. David was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also travelled the United States extensively, visiting 48 of 50 states. David was a member of the Kalamazoo Antique Tractor Club. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He is survived by two sons, Stephen (Andrea) McMillan and Douglas (Chantelle) McMillan; grandchildren, Aaron (Moly), Taylor and Emma; brothers, Dale (Bobbie Jo) and Tracy (Schelle); sister in-law, Marsha McMillan; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis and Terry McMillan. Donations may go to Truckers Final Mile or Autism Speaks. Visit his page at joldersma-klein.com.
Andrew Robert Munn, 43, Portage, passed away December 19, 2022. He was born in Kalamazoo on December 16, 1979, the son of Robert Munn and Nancy (Sehy) Baughan. He attended Vicksburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker College. He was the senior manager at Global Help Desk, where he oversaw multiple groups and countries. Through work he was able to travel to many countries and made many friends around the world, which he was very proud of. In 2003, Andy was united in marriage to Brandi Nieuwenhuis, and together they had two children, Addison and Dylan. Though Andy and Brandi later separated, they were proud of how they co-parented and blended their families. Andy enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was watching sports, camping, traveling, or game night. He also had a passion for family history and coin collecting. Andy was preceded in passing by his father, Robert Munn. brother Randy (Gina) Munn; stepsiblings Melissa (Doug) Vrba, Tabitha Sehy, and Matthew Sehy; grandparents Eugene and Philis Baughan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Services have been held. Donations may go to the Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Maxine Penar, 95, Vicksburg, passed away December 12, 2022. She was born in Morley, Missouri on June 12, 1927, the daughter of Marion and Myrtle (Dameron) Ladyman. In 1946 her love for dancing introduced her to the love of her life, Stanley Penar. The two were united in marriage on September 13, 1947, and together they raised two sons. In the early 1960s Maxine attended Tracy Beauty School and successfully opened and operated her own beauty shop in Vicksburg for several years. In the early 1970s Maxine and Stanley built a permanent home on Fisher Lake in Three Rivers. Maxine loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. When Stanley retired, they started antiquing as a hobby and became so successful they traveled the United States buying and selling items. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and attended spring training camps for several years. Maxine was preceded in her passing by her husband of 61 years, Stanley Penar; daughter Jean Buck; parents; and siblings Marie and Jane. Left to cherish Maxine’s loving memory are her children, Pat (Mike) Guilfoyle, Vince (Gayle) Penar, and Mitch Penar; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sisters Mavis and Joanie. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Parish. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Naomi Schroeder, 91, Portage, passed away December 17, 2022. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Alphonse and Caroline (Grolle) Lutz. Naomi had a passion for reading and teaching others. She served as secretary and vice president for the Vicksburg Ladies Library Association, chairman of the Vicksburg Book Study Group, and tutored reading through the Read Right Program. She worked hard to care for others working as secretary and card chairman for the blind with the Vicksburg Lioness Club, served as chair of the Portage Ecumenical Women, was a hostess for 23 years with the “Young at Heart” senior citizens group, assisted with Tender Care birthday parties, and served as president of the American Field Service International Portage Chapter. Naomi loved the Lord and joyfully served him in many capacities in several churches. She loved her family, dancing, singing, entertaining and socializing. Left to cherish her loving memory is her husband of 73 years, Victor; children Carolyn Gaus, Tom (Denise), Eileen Grostic, Vic (Diana); 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Naomi was preceded in her passing by her parents; sisters Elvera (Harry) Smith, Arlene (Bob) Neiss, Viola (Gilbert) Smith; and son in law John Grostic.Donations may go to the St. Michael Lutheran School. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Paul Schutter, 89, Vicksburg, passed away on December 11, 2022. Paul was born May 1, 1933, in Muskegon, the son of Herman and Grace (Hoeker) Schutter. On April 20, 1956, Paul married Marilyn McMaster, who survives. Also surviving are children Jeff (Kim) Schutter, Amy (Ray) Roach, and Susan (Matt) Howell; grandchildren Jason (Shannon) Schutter, Danielle (Stephen) McGinnis, Landon (Betsie) Schutter, Nathan (Miranda) Schutter, Morgan (Luke) VanderZouwen, Blake (Lindsay Carmoney) Appell, Clarissa (Bethany) Tap-Howell, Tyler (Emily) Howell, Wesley (Tara vanVeen) Howell; great grandchildren Evan, Camden, Adelynn, Nolan, Reid, Sawyer, Avery, Crew, Reese, James, Bruce, Xander, Rory, Cole, Liam, Jack, Chase, and Graham; and one sister, Marjorie Younts. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Ray and Marilyn. Paul was a graduate of Muskegon High School and attended K College. After serving in the US Army, he went to WMU, setting a shotput record. Paul earned a master’s degree and taught math at Vicksburg Public Schools. He was a driver’s ed teacher and coached football, track and golf. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to scholarship funds at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, Vicksburg Lions Club, or Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation.