Front row from left: Sandy Welch, Sheri Louis, Kay Anderson; back row from left: Danna Downing, Madeleine Fojtik, Paula Schriemer, Anne Liggett, volunteer Emily Russell; not pictured: Jan Modderman-Hui, Carole Conley-Boal, Brittany Hagen
Generous Hands has been operating in Vicksburg since 2004, and is serving more hungry children than ever before. Nearly 350 kids receive weekly Power Packs, and their families also take advantage of monthly grocery vouchers for our local Family Fare as well. It takes LOTS of people doing LOTS of different jobs to make this happen. Here are some of the people who make Generous Hands happen, in their own words:
Sheri Louis, executive director: I have served as executive director at Generous Hands since May of 2011. I enjoy the relationships made with our GH families and have a passion for working with children of all ages. I previously taught preschool at Lakeland’s Creative Beginnings and Kids Crossing Learning Center.
I am married with two married daughters and four grandchildren. Active member at Lakeland Reformed Church, previous Stephen Ministry leader and teacher, hospice volunteer and a Kids Hope mentor.
I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy nature, hiking, raising chickens and being outdoors.
Jan Modderman-Hui, president: I have been involved with Generous Hands prior to 2010 as a fundraiser for the organization. I was offered a position on the Finance Committee, then made the leap to a board member position. Following Paula Schriemer’s decision to step down as board president, I took on that role in 2015 and have served in this capacity since. I have embraced the mission of Generous Hands from the very beginning, the wonderful community support and involvement and every single family we serve. Over time I have become even more passionate about this organization and the board members. I do my very best to share our mission with those unfamiliar with us.
I am married to Frank who I met through our days at Upjohn. We have two children who make Colorado their home. We find ourselves spending a good amount of time there with them. Our son and daughter-in-law have two children and our daughter and her husband are expecting their first child in September.
Anne Liggett, assistant treasurer: I love children, having fun, helping out, and the occasional bit of mischief. I graduated from WMU and spent most of my career as an accountant. Living the retired life now and enjoying it. Generous Hands is more than just a place I volunteer, it is a passion. It’s the people we serve and serve with, helping children in any way we are able. What started as a weekend food source for hungry children has become much more. Yes, the peanut butter, granola bars, and oatmeal go into Power Packs each week, but we also provide period products, school supplies, books, new school shoes, three local Blessing Boxes, and Christmas parties. At board meetings, a need is brought up, and usually, a solution is proposed and passed on the spot. It is that nimble of an organization. As assistant treasurer, I see firsthand donations ranging from coins to incredibly large amounts. Every donation is given and accepted with the intention of enriching a child’s life. I am grateful that I am a part of such a worthwhile organization.
Danna Downing, board member: Danna is a teacher, healthcare educator and advocate for persons working to improve the quality of their lives in the face of challenges, especially in the South County area. Now in her retirement, she has become a board member for Generous Hands, an agency which is uniquely focused on the health and well-being of families with children.
Sandy Welch, Treasurer: Fred and I will have been married 50 years in June; we have three boys. We have lived in southwest Michigan the last 30 years and in Portage since Nov., 2019. I have a BA in math/science education and an MBA, both from U of M.
I worked for IBM as a systems engineer for 12 years, was a stay-at-home mom for nine years, and worked part-time in accounting and tax preparation from 1995 until I retired in 2017. I was a volunteer treasurer of Fairplain Presbyterian Church, Benton Harbor for 20-plus years and held various volunteer positions in a few other organizations. I currently serve as the treasurer of GH.
I think every community needs a generous Hands — people who care.
Madeleine Lakatos Fojtik, board member: I am most content to be behind the scenes, I have been working with GH since 2013 providing graphic design—digital and traditional technology support.
I work full time at Western Michigan University for the VP of Marketing and Strategic communications. This involves creative graphic design for on a variety of marketing materials, including the W Magazine, photography and video art direction and UI support for web projects and project management.
Being an oma is a new role, spending time with my four young grandchildren take up most of my free time.
Carole Conley-Boal, board member: I first became aware of Generous Hands when volunteers would deliver backpacks with food for the weekends to the lockers of students in my classroom. For several years, I attended the Fall Extravaganza and learned more about the program. In 2020 I joined the GH Board. I have been involved in helping with the Back to School Bonanza and the Blessing Box program. I have worked for Vicksburg Community Schools since moving to this area in 2007. I teach kindergarten at Tobey Elementary School and love seeing firsthand the direct impact made on the lives of children.
Paula Schriemer, M.D., consultant: I was one of the founders of Generous Hands way back in 2004. I served as president of GH for 10 years, and since then have remained a consultant to the board, mostly working on special projects, starting the Period Project to supply menstrual products to our families and the Blessing Box program, for example. Generous Hands has grown and changed over the years, but has still retained its primary focus to feed hungry children. I have been exceedingly grateful over the years for the Vicksburg community’s unwavering support!
My husband David and I have lived in Vicksburg since 1989. I am an anesthesiologist in Kalamazoo and delight in seeing our three grown kids (and their spouses) thrive as they find their way. We look forward to welcoming our first grandchild in May!
Kay Anderson, vice-president: I joined Generous Hands as a volunteer in 2010 and as a board member in 2011 after retiring from teaching at Vicksburg High School. Currently I serve as vice-president, and am committed to serving students and families in need in our community. I welcome the opportunity to use my language skills in communicating with our Spanish-speaking clients. One of Generous Hands’ strengths continues to be our ability to adapt to meet the changing needs of the students and families we serve.
Brittany Hagen, secretary: As a child, I grew up volunteering at Generous Hands through my various school and community activities. As an adult, I moved away from the Vicksburg community for quite a few years and when my husband and I moved back we really wanted to re-engage in the community in a meaningful way. An opportunity to volunteer with Generous Hands came up and ultimately I was reinvigorated with the passion and purpose of Generous Hands and serving the families and children of the community. I especially adore the community events we get to cohost and be a part of! Engaging with the families we serve is SO rewarding!
Clockwise from top left: Diana Haring, Melissa Jamerson, Jody Young, Laurie Jancarz, Christina Kosiba, Ronda Vanderkamp, Eric Teall (in back).
By Jef Rietsma
Eight Vicksburg Community Schools employees will say goodbye when the school year ends June 9. Three of the eight employees retiring have 30-plus years of experience. The collective longevity of all eight equals more than 200 years of experience.
“As always, when we have employees retire, we wish them well in their retirement, and we thank them for their service and dedication to Vicksburg Community Schools,” Superintendent Keevin O’Neill said. “We offer our best wishes to eight retiring employees who were faithful to the district and, day in and day out, contributed positively in various capacities for the good of our district’s students.”
The eight soon-to-be former employees are:
Diana Haring, Indian Lake third-grade teacher, 34 years of employment with VCS. Melissa Jamerson, Indian Lake second-grade teacher, 33 years. Jody Young, Vicksburg Middle School language arts, 32 years. Laurie Jancarz, Vicksburg High School aide, 29 years. Nancy Spicketts, operations director, 29 years. Eric Teall, Vicksburg High School language arts, 24 years. Ronda Vanderkamp, athletics department and Vicksburg High School administrative assistant, 21 years. Christina Kosiba, Vicksburg High School language arts, 20 years.
The 32-2-1 Vicksburg varsity softball team dropped only its second game of the season in a thriller of a split against rival Edwardsburg at home.
The first game of the doubleheader looked like it was over early as the Eddies’ bats were blazing hot in the top of the second. A grand slam home run was quickly followed by a solo homer, and then a three-run homer to make it 10-0 early in Edwardsburg’s favor. Most teams would have given up in this scenario, but according to Head Coach Paul Gephart, that’s just not how this year’s squad is built.
“They just always battle back,” Gephart said. “They always believe there’s a way they can come back and win, and they showed it in that first game.”
The Bulldogs started off the bottom of the second with a couple of walks and then a single by Kayla Chisholm to load the bases. Delaney Monroe scored from third on an Edwardsburg error to prevent the shutout and then Kennedy Davis popped out but brought Peyton Smith home to make it 10-2.
Edwardsburg responded in the top of the third with a solo home run to make it 11-2, but the Vicksburg defense kept grinding and prevented any more runs. In the bottom of the third, Brooklyn Ringler got a base hit when Monroe stepped up and smashed a homerun over the center field fence to make the score 11-4.
Vicksburg managed to take advantage of two errors by the Eddies in the bottom of the fourth to advance runners. Some heads-up play and hard base running by Monroe and Maddi Diekman made things 11-6. In the bottom of the fifth, Chisholm smacked a big solo home run over the fence to close the gap to four.
In the bottom of the sixth, the girls really poured it on. After an early walk by Diekman, Ella Luegge laid out a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second. Ringler stepped up and hit a big double RBI to make it 11-8. Monroe batted next, hitting another double.
During some miscommunication by the Eddies’ defense, Luegge made a diving slide at home and was called safe to make it 11-9 with one on and one out. Peyton Smith then hit another double RBI to make the score 11-10. Unfortunately, Smith ended up stranded, and the girls couldn’t get any more runs in the seventh to complete the comeback.
“It shows a lot of character, and a lot of mental strength for us to fight and come back, and we actually maybe had a chance to win in that last inning,” Gephart said.
The Bulldogs took the momentum of the first game and turned it into a rout in the second. Luegge and Smith both had base hits to drive home runners to make it 2-0 early. Defensively the team showed up too. Monroe had a nice catch and throw to first double play in the top of the second. Vicksburg then scored two more runs in the bottom of the second to make it 4-0.
Edwardsburg hit two solo home runs in the top of the third to make it 4-3, but from there senior pitcher Kennedy Davis and the outfield shut down the Eddies’ efforts. The girls scored eight more runs in the bottom of the third to make it 12-3. The team scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth after advancing runners on a combination of great batting and Edwardsburg errors.
The Bulldogs put all the pressure on Edwardsburg in the top of the fifth after an excellent catch and throw double play from Diekman to start things out. When the Eddies failed to score, the game was mercy called.
“Some of those double plays are huge, that takes people out of scoring position,” Gephart said. “We ran the bases hard this second game and they made some errant throws.”
The loss against Edwardsburg was only their second of the season. The first came in tournament play earlier in the year against Watervliet. Otherwise, it’s been a dominant, high scoring season, with the team cracking off 44 home runs. The Bulldogs are in great position going into the last part of the season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these young ladies to come out fired up to get that second one, and score 14 runs and mercy a good team like that,” Gephart said. “Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the districts after the games we have next week, and just keep building on the momentum we’ve had all season.”
The “Burg Days of Summer,” a live-music series that village officials anticipate will draw a considerable number of people to downtown Vicksburg, kicks off its inaugural season June 14.
Village Manager Jim Mallery said expectations are high for the nine-week series.
“The goal is to give people reason to come to downtown Vicksburg, get exposed to the stores, the restaurants, and experience the walkability and safe environment of the social district,” Mallery said. “We’re confident that once they come for the first time, they’ll come back and they’ll bring friends with them.”
Burg Days of Summer will take place Wednesdays through Aug. 16, though the series will take the night off July 5. Music acts will perform from approximately 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on two stages – one on Main Street, the other on Prairie Street.
Mallery said the village was fortunate to have some help from David Bauman, a local musician who booked almost every act participating in Burg Days. Mallery conceded that landing relatively local talent and genres with broad appeal would be the biggest challenge in organizing an event of this nature.
Bauman, Mallery noted, provided the direction Burg Days needed to overcome that potential obstacle.
Mallery said the impetus for Burg Days of Summer came last July while at a conference in Holland, where he later had dinner with Holland’s city manager.
“On their 8th Street on Thursday nights, they close it down to vehicular traffic and have a lot of family activities and different acts …they’re into their seventh or eighth year of it and it has really grown,” Mallery said. “His advice was it works best if you do it weekly on the same day every week, not just once a month.”
In addition to live music, Burg Days of Summer will also feature seven food trucks and family-friendly activities such as an inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, mechanical bull, a rock-climbing wall and other attractions on a rotating basis.
Mallery said $26,000 of the $40,000 budgeted for the summer-long series is being covered through grant money.
Burg Days of Summer will also provide an opportunity for local charities, civic groups and other benevolent organizations to be a part of the event, providing exposure and fundraising opportunities.
“This really has the potential to become a major event, positively impacting our downtown businesses,” Mallery said.
David Wilmarth BluntPhyllis Louise CarpenterDana Sue (DeGraaf) ErbJames Edward FessRuth Ann Marie (Hoeksema) HiskesRandall A. JensenDonald M. LemleyBeth Anne MillerTricia Rose MillerMary Jane PetersGwendolyn Lee (Oswalt) ShermanJack Duane SteeleShirley A. Valencourt
David Willmarth Blunt passed away May 7, 2023 after living with pulmonary fibrosis for more than a decade. David was born September 29, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio to Robert and Dorothy (Leubin) Blunt. The family moved to California where he attended Escondido High School. At University of Oregon, he ran track for the founder of Nike and majored in economics. He was vice president of sales for Harborlite Corporation. Dave married Martha Page in 1966. They divorced in 1989, but remained close to parent their children: Christopher, Rob, and Kathleen. In 1993, Dave married Debra (Beauchamp) Wagnitz, and welcomed her children, Sarah and Aimee, into his life. Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Bob, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Deb; children and step children Christopher (Kerstin) Blunt, Dr. Robert (Danielle Walters) Blunt, Kathleen (Colby) Richards, Sarah (Hank) Avink, and Dr. Aimee (Tim) Simpson; grandchildren Elonna, Henry, Jeffrey, Simonne, David, Sophia, Corbin, Molly, Charlie, Nathan, Julian, Gabriel, and Tessa; honorary grandchildren Zainab, Nazli, and Zarifa; brother Bill (Diane) Blunt; many beloved extended family members, and his ex-wife, Martha (Bob) Greene. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators.
Phyllis Louise Copenhafer, 81, Fulton, passed away May 15, 2023, at Ascension Borgess Hospital. Phyllis was born on March 23, 1942, a daughter of Ray and Nedra (Norris) Wolfe. She was a graduate of Colon High School and later graduated from Ferris State University with an associate degree in accounting. On August 23, 1964, Phyllis married Stanley F. Copenhafer at Leonidas Bible Church. Stanley preceded her in death 56 years later, on April 12, 2021. Phyllis was a lifelong member of the church where she served as treasurer for many years. Phyllis also worked as a secretary for Vicksburg Public Schools, and later as an accountant for Comstock Public Schools where she retired in 2005. Phyllis was also a member and leader of the Leonidas Do-Best 4-H Club. She also enjoyed traveling, playing the piano, and was a proud lover of stray cats. Surviving Phyllis are her sons, Alan (Linda) Copenhafer of Vicksburg and Dean (Connie) Copenhafer of Clinton Township, Michigan; grandsons Jeffery (Karen) Copenhafer and Mikel (Janessa) Copenhafer; and great grandson Royce Copenhafer. Besides her parents, Ray and Nedra Wolfe, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Copenhafer, and brother Royce Allen Wolfe. Donations may go to Leonidas Bible Church. Visit her page at schipperfuneralhome.com.
Dana Sue (DeGraaf) Erb, 63, Portage, passed away April 14, 2023, at Bronson Hospital. Dana was born October 24, 1959, in Kalamazoo to Edgar J. and Doris E. (VanOstran) DeGraaf. Dana graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1978. At the time of her passing, Dana was managing the Horizon Bank branch on West Centre Street. Previously, she was branch manager at Kellogg Community Credit Union and Mercantile Bank in Kalamazoo, where she was a member of the Oakwood Business Association. Dana volunteered as treasurer for Building Blocks of Kalamazoo and frequently provided financial planning to area high school students. Dana enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Dana loved the beach in South Haven, as well as traveling to visit her sons in The Netherlands and New York City. Dana is survived by her partner, Michael Evans; sons Jason (Amélie), Joshua (Eric) Hecksel, and Dustin (Will) Chen; grandchildren Adriana, Hugo and Lucas; mother Dorie (VanOstran) DeGraaf; siblings Angela DeGraaf, Michael (Lisa) DeGraaf, Edward (Lee) DeGraaf and Michelle (Barry) Gray; and many nieces and nephews. Dana was preceded in death by her father, Edgar DeGraaf. Donations may go to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or American Lung Association.
James Edward Fess, 91, Vicksburg, passed away April 14, 2023. He was born December 9, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Theodore and Agnes (Jones) Fess and the youngest of four siblings. James retired from Pfizer (formerly Upjohn) after 55 years. He made a living building houses, having even built one for himself on Portage Lake. He was preceded in his passing by his parents; siblings Robert “Bob” Fess, Roberta Steward, and Anna Gutierrez; sons James Fess Jr. and Jonathan Fess; daughter Jacqueline Springston (Fess); and two grandchildren, Lil Jon Davis-Fess and Holli Davis-Fess. Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife, Diane (Ridenour) Fess, and daughters Melanie, Nancy, and Pat. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Ruth Ann Marie (Hoeksema) Hiskes, 85, Vicksburg, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 13, 2023. Ruth was born in Chicago on June 22, 1937, the daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Kramer) Hoeksma. Ruth was a graduate of Chicago Christian College and Kendall School of Art. A homemaker and devoted mother, she raised three children and spent much time gardening. She enjoyed watercolor painting and photography. Antiquing and fairy-gardening were some of her favorite pastimes. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Donald Hiskes; children Scott (Sheryl) Hiskes, Heidi (Kenneth) Dykstra, and Mark (Julie) Hiskes; grandchildren Jason Swaagman, Justine (Brandon) Budz, Joel (Amanda) Hiskes, Adam (Jessica) Dykstra, David (Mariah) Dykstra, Jamilyn Hiskes, Brian Hiskes; seven great grandchildren; siblings Henry Hoeksema, David (Maryalice) Hoeksema, and Donald (Patty) Hoeksema. Ruth was preceded in passing by her parents, Dr. Henry and Henrietta Hoeksema; grandchild Benjamin Dykstra; brother Karl Hoeksema; and in-laws Dr. John and Dolores Hiskes, with whom she had a special relationship. Visit her page at http://www.amsfuneralhomes.com.
Randall A. Jensen, 62, Vicksburg, died May 13, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Kalamazoo on March 15, 1961, the son of Albert and Kathleen (Reilly) Jensen. He was a state champion wrestler at Vicksburg High School and was inducted into the hall of fame. After graduation, he served in the U.S Army Rangers. Randy worked at Stryker Corporation, and then at Redline Manufacturing. He was a welder at work as well as at home, creating and repairing things in his barn. He enjoyed the outdoors. Randall was married to Raquel “July” Laurente on Sep. 14, 2012 in Kalamazoo. She survives along with a daughter, Miranda (Jacob Stevens) Jensen of Vicksburg; a son, Randall Jensen Jr. of Chicago; grandchildren Isaiah, Edison, and Ophelia; a brother, Richard (Heather) Jensen; and sister, Robin (Mark) Welch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Kay Jensen. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Donald M. Lemley, 69, Vicksburg, passed away May 17, 2023, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Don was born May 26, 1953, in Huntington, New York, the son of Donald and Susan (O’Leary) Lemley. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1971 and enlisted in the US Army. He served for a total of four years, two years in the Korean DMZ as munitions expert with nuclear training. He returned to New York where he worked as a police officer and an EMT. He began his career in security in Milwaukee at Alexian Village Senior Living. He attended Milwaukee Area Technical College, earned a degree in accounting and became a certified fraud examiner. In 2000, Don met his future wife, Francesca Bartocci online. Don ended up moving to Michigan and on July 7, 2001, they were married at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. He continued his career in security at the Battle Creek Federal Center, where he retired in 2007. Don enjoyed New York Yankees baseball, was an avid Strat-O-Matic player, and liked reading non-fiction. Don is survived by his wife, Francesca, and his niece, Victoria Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Roger Scott. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Wounded Warrior Project or to the ASPCA.
Beth Anne Miller passed away on April 10, 2023 with family at her side. She was born May 24, 1948, in Vicksburg to Howard and Bethel (Lamerson) Sult. Beth graduated from Vicksburg High School in the class of 1966 and went on to become an LPN. The most rewarding time in her career was providing in-home healthcare to disabled children and teens. Beth was a longtime faithful member of South Church where she served as a deaconess. She also provided marriage counseling and helped lead bible studies with her husband, Paul. Beth was proud of her grandchildren and cherished her role as their Grammy. She is survived by her daughters, Marna Miller and Angie (Darren) Wear; grandchildren, Austin Miller, Savannah (Sequoia) Wear-Farrell-Williams, Lucas, Hope, Isabella and Aiden Wear; siblings, Arden (Penny) Sult, Dale (Marty) Sult, Bernie Sult and Barbara (John) Hoffman; in-laws, Vickie (Bud) Kline, Darlene (David) Hammer along with several nieces and nephews. Beth was preceded in death by her husband Paul; grandsons Zachery Wear and Jonah Miller; and sister-in-law, Sharon Bobb. Donations may go to Lansing City Rescue Mission.
Tricia Rose Miller, 16, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 4, 2023. She was born in Kalamazoo on May 4, 2007, the daughter of Amy Miller. Trish enjoyed Dora the Explorer, chocolate pudding, riding the bus at Woods Edge Learning Center, and playing with empty chip bags. Trish loved her Poppy and listening to his oldies music. She enjoyed her siblings, especially playing the piano with Tiffani and any of Jake’s shenanigans. She was preceded in her passing by her grandmother, Patricia Rose Buell. She is survived by her mother, Amy Miller; siblings Stephanie (Marvin) Smeal, Lisa (Andy) Kitzmiller, Tiffani (James) Leonard, Thomas Miller, Johnathan Miller, and Jacob Miller; nieces and nephews Lilah, Kristen, Alec, Adam, Carson, Lilianna, and Levi; grandparents Bob Moughton and Edd (Poppy) Buell; aunts and uncles Scott (Kimberly) Buell, Bill (Jessica) Cox, Steve (Lynne) Buell, and Rob (Jessica) Moughton; and several cousins. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Mary Jane Peters, 96, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2023. Mary was born on July 20, 1926, to Harry and Gladys (Cody) Eno. Mary attended Kalamazoo Central high school and graduated in 1944. Mary met Michael on a double date right after he returned from the Navy. They were at a dance, but they didn’t hit it off. But he was persistent, and he won her over. They were married on April 26, 1947. Mary was an active member of her church and involved in the church choir. She was a brownie and girl scout leader when her daughter was involved. Mary loved to garden and was an avid book reader. She also painted china dishes. Mary is survived by her husband of 76 years, Michael; their children, Linda Peters and David (Laurie) Peters; grandchildren Melissa Reyes, Sarah (Jereme) Smith, Justin Peters and Michael (Jayme Hart) Peters; great-grandchildren Gizelle Enriquez, Bella Enriquez, Addy Smith, Kinsley Smith, Hadley Smith, Grace Peters, Archer Peters and Rickey Peters, as well as very special friends, Karen and Dick Randall, Diana Dobson and Bev Porter. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Russ, Larry, George, Margaret. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Elara Caring Hospice, Kalamazoo.
Gwendolyn Lee (Oswalt) Sherman, 84, Vicksburg, passed away on April 28, 2023, after a prolonged Alzheimer’s affliction. Growing up on a dairy farm near Vicksburg instilled an appreciation of hard work that served her well throughout her life. As a voice music major at MSU, Gwen’s mellow mezzo-soprano singing voice showed star potential but life in the big city was not to her liking. She switched to a teaching major and became a second-grade teacher in Lansing. She and Gary were married in 1961 and eventually landed in Minneapolis. There she crossed paths with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay Ash recognized Gwen’s potential and became a mentor, business advisor, and champion. By the time she retired in 2005, Gwen had received many awards, including pink Cadillacs to drive the last 24 years and 19 Top Director trips to all corners of the world. She leaves behind her husband Gary; sons Geoffrey M. and wife Megan (Clore), Garth W. and wife Alison (Stensrude); grandchildren, Blake, Rachel, Chase, Max, Nathan and Cooper; and brother, William Lewis Oswalt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Martin and Gertrude Viola (Markle) Oswalt. Services have been held. Donations may go to Youth Haven or Centreville Baptist Church A special memorial service is being planned. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Jack Duane Steele, 95, passed away on April 2, 2023. He and his twin brother, Jim, were born on May 24, 1927, the sons of Clifford and Ethel (Baker) Steele. Jack and Jim enlisted in the US Navy in the spring of 1945. Fortunately, WWII ended before they were deployed. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Jack married Marie Slover on Thanksgiving Day 1949. He worked as a technician crafting partial plates at Fitch Dental Lab. After that, Jack worked at Upjohn for over 30 years. Marie died in 2014. In 2016, Jack and Jan Fess were married. Jack was an avid wood carver and stayed active. Jack is survived by his wife, Jan Steele; children Kirk (Elaine) Steele and Kim (Jorge) Steele; stepchildren Bob (Robin) Fess, Ted (Kim) Fess, and Jeannine (Deon) Brown; grandchildren Jennifer (Sam) Willoughby, Tyler (Kattie) Steele, Karlie (Garrett) Batten, Jessica (Glenn) Fess, Samantha (Kevin) McIntosh, Deon Jr. (Maria) Brown, Skylar (Maxine) Brown, Jazzlyne (Jordan) Ardoin, Lilliana Fess, and Penelope Fess; great-grandchildren Brayden, Emery, Brynn, Rylee, Mateo, Gabriella, Shia, and Jonah; niece Connie (Herman) Devries; and nephew Gary (Maria) Steele. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Marie, and twin brother Jim. Donations may go to West Mendon Community Church or National Audubon Society. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Shirley A. Valencourt, 95, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away May 18, 2023. Shirley was born March 28, 1928, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Everett and Anna (Ritter) Haynes. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1946 and on September 27, 1946, she married William Valencourt. Shirley worked for Upjohn for 20 years, retiring in 1986. Shirley and Bill wintered in Texas for 15 years. She loved to play cards, crochet, knit, read and dance. She enjoyed puzzles and most recently enjoyed playing bingo at the Vineyards. Shirley attended Vicksburg United Methodist Church, was a member of Portage Senior Center and enjoyed taking bus trips with her daughter, Bonnie. Shirley is survived by four daughters, Judy (Charlie) Fitzsimmons, Barb (late Charles) Skuza, Bonnie (Phil) Goodman, and Linda (Terry) Johncock; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters Elaine Barringer, Ruth Bartholomew and Donna Reames; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Billie Andres. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and several siblings. Cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park in Kalamazoo. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Barry County Animal Shelter or the Vineyards Assisted Living.
Mandy Miller (left), owner of Vicksburg’s Cutting Edge Salon, drops off a client’s hair donations to Denise James (right).
A diagnosis of stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018 was both frightening and devastating for Denise James.
She was forced to quit working and began a difficult series of chemo sessions to combat the disease. “Rob, my husband, proposed to me despite knowing of the diagnosis and the battle ahead,” Denise says, “and that along with the support of family and friends got me through.”
The treatments were effective against the cancer but took her hair and the stamina to return to work full time. In 2020 the cancer returned. “I knew it was back, but there was no point in telling anyone until we knew for sure.” This time around chemo treatments were not effective, so T-cell therapy began.
The American Cancer Society describes T-cell therapy as, “a way to get immune cells called T cells (a type of white blood cell) to fight cancer by changing them in the lab so they can find and destroy cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy is also sometimes talked about as a type of cell-based gene therapy, because it involves altering the genes inside T cells to help them attack the cancer.”
The treatments were effective but eliminated Denise’s hope of ever regrowing her own hair. Denise explains, “There was never a thought of not going through a second difficult fight, and when I did get down my husband pointed out that I beat it once, and I would do it again.”
When Sheryl Oswalt, owner of Vicksburg’s Dawg House, needed additional help at the store due to family health issues, Denise stepped up to help part time. Denise’s warm personality, her quick smile and her genuine desire to make people happy, leaves a big and very positive impression on customers.
Her engaging presence makes a lack of hair quite easy to overlook. It was somewhat of a surprise when Sheryl learned that a neighbor had donated hair to make a wig for Denise.
But Vicksburg stepped up big. Sheryl posted on social media about the situation and donations of both hair and money flowed in.
Denise says she would like a human hair wig. “I want something that belongs on the head of a human being. People seemed surprised that I wanted to do this, because I think sometimes those of us who have gone through something like this feel a need to always be ok, but sometimes we’re not quite as ok as we would lead you to believe.”
Denise believes that once the required amount of hair is collected it will take three to four months for the wig to arrive. Sheryl says, “Any addition hair collected will be donated to help others going through the same difficult situation.” Denise meanwhile is looking forward to wearing the wig to work, “I’ll get to reintroduce myself to all these wonderful people all over again, because no one will recognize me.”
