Verlyn Leonard Borton, 89, Three Rivers, passed away on January 9, 2023, at Beacon Pointe in Richland, Michigan. Verlyn was born October 14, 1933 in Vicksburg to Leonard and Erma (Martin) Borton and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1951. He married Marilyn Fritz on June 19, 1954, a union that lasted for 66 years until Marilyn’s passing in 2020. Verlyn was in the Army before a long career at the GM Fisher Body plant in Comstock. He liked gardening, fishing, travel, music, and rescuing the occasional stray cat. Verlyn was preceded in death by his wife and parents; sisters and brothers-in-law Wanda (David) Burris, Ardith (Earl) Metty, Everett Denning, Marilynn (Jack) Sawyer, Dolores and Francis (Lavern) Smith; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Jo Walker, Shirley (John) Moe, and Carol Buyce; and life-long friend, Earl Combs. Verlyn is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rodney Borton and Debra Ball-Borton; sisters and brother-in-law, Fern Denning, Charlyn (Wallace) Matthies; special life-long friends Carol, Suzie, and Robbie Combs; and numerous nieces and nephews. A gathering to celebrate the lives of both Marilyn and Verlyn (Marilyn’s service was postponed due to the pandemic) will be held at noon on March 21, 2023, at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at 2 p.m. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Retired Lt. Col. Jeffrey Fred Brownlow, 76, Vicksburg, passed away January 20, 2023. He was born in Walton, England on June 18, 1946, the son of Isaac and Jean (Yates) Brownlow. He attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in New Jersey, graduating in 1964. He went on to the Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduating in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He entered the US Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant and graduated from pilot training a year later. He served as a B-52 bomber pilot during Vietnam. He was an active-duty officer for 25 years before retiring in 1993. On March 8, 1985, he married Lynne Zdanowicz at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Jeff worked in human resources at Tawas Plating and Powder Coating for 17 years. After his second retirement Jeff and Lynne moved to Vicksburg in 2017 to be closer to family. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, reading, spending time next to the ocean, and vacationing on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Jeff was preceded in his passing by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynne Brownlow; children Lori (PJ) Lambertsen-Wolocko, Lisa (Josh) Yoder, Allison (Tracy) Brownlow; grandchildren Noah, Abigail, Wyatt, and Levi; and his loyal dog, Stewey. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Michael David Descheneau passed away on January 3, 2023 after a battle with Lewy body dementia and Parkinsonism. Mike was born September 29, 1947 in Manchester, NH to Raymond Descheneau and Geraldine (McRae) Descheneau. Mike graduated from Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester in 1966 and got a teaching degree from WMU in 1973. In 1976, he graduated from the KVCC Police Academy. Mike started his police career at Kalamazoo County, then went to police departments in Parchment and Augusta. From 1985-2010 Mike worked for the Vicksburg Police Department and was chief of police from 1989-2010 before a final stint with the KVCC Police Department until 2016. Mike is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathy; children Gregory (Denise Baker), Angela (Dave) Michael; step-children Ryan (Lisa), and Randy Brown; granddaughters Ava and Macey Brown. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie (Darrell) Lamper, brother-in-law Reverend Jim (Sue) Goldschmeding, and sister-in-law Barb Goldschmeding. He was predeceased by his parents and step-parents, sister Penny Bisson, parents-in-law, John and Dorothy Goldschmeding, brothers-in-law Roger and Dick Goldschmeding, and his granddaughter Hailey Grace Brown. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators and Vicksburg Family Home Care.
Letha “Lee” M. Evensen, 82, Vicksburg, passed away January 14, 2023. Lee was born September 8, 1940, at home in Comstock, the daughter of Paul C. and Dorothy Emmons, and grew up in Portage. She married Kenneth “Ken” Evensen on August 16, 1958, shortly after graduating from Portage High School. Ken and Lee lived on Long Lake from 1958 until 1991 when they moved to Ewe-Sta-Be-A-Farm. Lee mentored “little sisters”, taught quilting and sewing, visited and read to senior citizens, and was a Girl Scout and Brownie troop leader. Lee is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ken; daughters Laura (Bill) Sandahl, Peggy (Todd) LaPorte, and Patsy (Jerry) VanSchoick; grandchildren Tyler Sandahl, Alex (Courtney) LaPorte, Kelsey (Nick) Allen, Aaron LaPorte, and Mitchell VanSchoick; many loving nieces and nephews, and family friends Chuck and Cathy Emrick, Judy Preston, and the Heath kids. Lee was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Frances Thornton and Patricia (Bill) MacPherson; infant daughter Kathy; grandson Taylor VanSchoick; and her friends, Sheila Thompson and Louise Laughlin. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators.
Nancy Mary Frey, 85, Schoolcraft, passed away December 20, 2022. She was born August 18, 1937 in Kalamazoo to the late Alfred Richard and Grace Ulynn (Williams) Johncox. She was a graduate of Schoolcraft High School. She married Paul Frey on September 30, 1957, in Schoolcraft. She was a teacher at Schoolcraft Elementary School for 25 years where she loved leading and witnessing the growth of her beloved students. Nancy was a very kind, caring, and selfless person who loved her walks around town, chatting with friends, and visiting with her family. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Randy and Richard Johncox. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Edward Frey; children, Kris Frey, Jeff (Julie) Frey, and Lisa (Mike) Jarrett; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit her page at langelands.com.
Edward C. Harrison, Schoolcraft, passed away January 8, 2023, after a brief illness. Ed was born January 15, 1953 in Kalamazoo, the son of Neil and Eva (Geddings) Harrison. Ed graduated from Portage Central High School in 1971, where he played football, basketball and track. He retired from Peterson Spring in 2020 after 35 years. In 1993, Ed began volunteering as an announcer for the Schoolcraft High School marching band during home football games and competitions, and for JV football, wrestling, and cheer, eventually adding basketball and volleyball. His deep, distinctive voice became familiar to the community and he always made sure to pronounce players’ names correctly. He was looking forward to announcing future games of his grandchildren who attend Schoolcraft Community Schools. He was also proud for the opportunity to emcee the 2022 Schoolcraft 4th of July Parade. Ed enjoyed going to short track races on the weekends, camping, and playing golf. He was an avid bowler until 20 years ago, focusing on golf. Ed was a single father who was very proud of his three daughters. He was a loving and supportive stepfather and Pawpaw. Every new grandchild brought joy and love into his life. On November 19, 1999, Ed was united in marriage to Michelle (Olive), who survives. Also surviving are his children, Melissa (James) Hodges, Christine Harrison, Stephanie (Jeff) White; step-children, David (Nicoshi) Brockman, Amanda Brockman, Havilah MacInnes, Michael Brockman; and 20 grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons Dominic Brockman and Joshua Williams; and a sister, Deborah Sabattis. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft High School Athletic Department for the “Turf Fundraiser.” Visit his page at langelands.com.
Margaret Elaine Johnson, 84, passed away January 23, 2023. Margaret was born December 14, 1938, to Clark and Vivian (Craw) Peters in Sturgis. Margaret leaves behind her children, Michael Donley, Marilyn (Fred) Bingaman, Tracy Dimmick, Teresa Dimmick, Marion Johnson and Scot (Jennifer) Johnson. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles Johnson, and her sister, Janet McClain. Margaret enjoyed reading, doing word searches, and watching game shows. She retired from Felpausch after many years of service. She will be deeply missed. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Dominick Paul Lindsley, Vicksburg, passed away in Centrica Care Hospice on January 24, 2023, at Northwoods Village in Kalamazoo. Dominick was born on July 17, 1955, in Kalamazoo to Ronald and Bertha Lindsley. He worked for many years at his family’s business, Central Elevator Company, until his retirement. He loved hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, and watching football, especially Notre Dame. He valued spending time with his family and friends. Dominick is survived by his children, Dominick II (Amanda) Lindsley, Annabeth (Kevin) Lindsley-Heard; grandchildren Emmaline, Addie, Preston, Lyric, Henry, Harlow, Iris and Hunter; mother Bertha Lindsley; siblings Christine O’Dell, Susie (Andy) Schulz, Vickie (Tim) Martin, David Lindsley, Ronnie Lindsley, Lisa (Eric) Rood, and Tony (Jill) Lindsley. He was preceded in death by his son, Tyler; father, Ronald Lindsley; and his wife, Lori Lindsley. Dominick’s family would like to give a special thank you to Brian Root for being such a caring friend and companion for the last two years of Dominick’s life. Donations may go to the Vicksburg Community Center or the Centrica Care Hospice. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Peter Fay Mathews, 81, Mendon and Frostproof, Florida, passed away January 8, 2023 at his home. Pete was born May 23, 1941, in Fawn River Township, a son to the late Fay and Mary (Sanders) Mathews. On April 4, 1960, Pete married his wife of 62 years, Geraldine (Gerry) Mears, in Kalamazoo, at Fay and Mary’s home. Pete worked for Conrail for 25 years. Pete loved playing slow pitch softball. He played on and managed men’s, women’s and coed slow pitch softball teams in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties in Michigan and Highland County, Florida. Pete is survived by his wife, Geraldine Mathews; children Gerry Jo (Steve) Brown, Sandy (Dale) McNees, Dianne (Dan) Lettsome, Danny (Robin) Mathews, David (Linda) Mathews, Holly (Allen) Robinson, daughter in law Johanne Mathews; sisters Mary (Lloyd) Tyler and Dawn (Gerald) Selders; 30 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Fay and Mary Mathews, Pete was preceded in death by his son, Peter Fay Mathews II, brother Rick Mathews, sister Ruth Lilly, and in-laws Bud and Lucille (McClish) Mears. Donations may go to the Mathews family. Visit his page at schipperfuneralhome.com.
Mary Jeanette Ridgley, 80, Three Rivers, passed away January 8, 2023. She was born September 25, 1942 in Vicksburg, the daughter of Leslie G. and Dorothy M. (Roberts) Greenman. After graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1960, Jeanette attended Ferris College and met John Ridgley II, whom she married on June 17, 1967. They shared nearly 30 years together before his passing in 1996. She raised her girls and became “the lunch lady” at several Three Rivers area schools. Jeannette was a deacon, part of the Jeanne LeFranc Circle, and was honored with a Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, crafts, and time with the “Breakfast Club,” a group from her high school graduating class. She’s survived by daughters Diane (James) Blades and Nancy Ridgley; grandchildren Emily Fletter, Colin Fletter, and Brendon Blades; sister-in-law Noreene Greenman; several nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, James Greenman. Donations may go to the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville. Visit her page at hohnerfh.com.
Sara Patricia Robertson passed away on January 19, 2023. She was preceded in death by her brother John, her parents, her husband Charles, and her infant son Michael. Sara arrived in the world on April 26, 1936, the only daughter of John M. O’Brien and Donna Lemon O’Brien. She was a Vicksburg High School graduate and became an RN at Borgess Hospital after graduating from St. Camillus Nursing School. Sara leaves behind a family to remember sour cream chocolate cakes, macaroni salad, soft sugar cookies and dill bread. She participated in fundraising for the Vicksburg Historical Village by baking banana bread, cookies, and one year a very big chocolate layer cake for the holiday bake sale. She was also interested in genealogy and gardening. Family members left to miss her zingy one-liners are Donna (Steve) Weinberg, Mark (Lisa) Robertson, Laura Van Sweden, and Rita O’Brien; grandchildren Daniel (Wendi) Weinberg, Hannah (Adam) Tissue, DJ and Rigglee Fischer, Travis Robertson, and Lydia Van Sweden; great-grandchildren Landon, Logan, Colton, and April Weinberg. Donations may go to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, 10332 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Marion Vickery, 83, Vicksburg, passed away December 18, 2022, while in Batesville, Arkansas. Marion was born November 20, 1939, in Three Rivers to John Earl and Leona Eva (Yeomans) Simpson. She married Wayne Carl Vickery on November 29, 1958. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who will be missed by all who loved her. She was preceded in death by both her parents; her husband, Wayne; son, Mark; brothers, Jack, Robert, Patrick and Raymond; sisters, Claribel, Dorothea, Joan and Joyce; and longtime partner, Roger Jennings. Surviving are two daughters, Vickie (John Ritsema) Smittendorf and Lorie (Freddie) Mohlke; grandchildren Derek (Ashley) Smittendorf, Darci (Nathan) Heath and Jordan (Alanah) Mohlke; great-grandchildren Liam, Makena and Maisyn; and one on the way; siblings Linda (James) Reed and Melvin (Sukie) Simpson. Services have been held. Memorials may be made to Generous Hands, 606 N. Spruce St., Vicksburg, MI 49097. Arrangements by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes, Vicksburg. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at: www.amsfuneralhomes.com.