Search Archived Marriage Records
JAMESON, Mrs. Lois F.
Lois's life began March 10, 1913 in Montgomery, Alabama and she had been a resident of this area most of her life. She was a member of the Plainwell Church of Christ and the Grand Rapids Doll Club. Lois and her husband Clint built their home east of Plainwell and while there enjoyed their gardens, the birds and wildlife. She was a good seamstress and especially enjoyed garage sales and salvaging treasures from the junk heap. Her family includes 2 sons, Virgil and Edward Jameson, both of Plainwell, 7 grandchildren, Kenny Gordon, Rick Jameson, Sherry Jameson, Edward Jameson Jr., Josh Jameson, Katrina Bixler and Charles Bixler, 2 great grandchildren, Christy Jameson and Matthew Witt, a brother Paul Woodruff of Montgomery, AL, several nieces and nephews. Lois died Thursday September 18, 1997 at her home in the care of her family, and was preceded in death by her husband Clinton in 1989, a brother, Robert Woodruff and a sister Alene King. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, Saturday 6-8 PM, Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday 1 PM, with Pastor Gary Kline speaking. Burial will follow in the family plot in Hillside cemetery Plainwell. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
KALAMARAS, Mary Ellen
Mary Ellen's life began November 11, 1942 in South Bend, Indiana. She had been a medical transcriptionist at Bronson Hospital and was a member of the Disciples of Christ-Christian Church. Her family includes a son, Andrew Kalamaras of San Fransisco, CA; her father, Arthur Boberg of South Bend, IN; a sister, Barbara Trigillo of Capistrano Beach, CA; 3 nieces and 1 nephew; and her good friends, Bill and Sharon Dietsch of Vicksburg and Joe and Sharon Yantis of Portage. Mary Ellen died at her home Tuesday, September 30, 1997. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude (VanPeenen) Boberg. Cremation has taken place and a private gathering to celebrate her life will be held later. Memorial gifts may be made to her Church or to the American Diabetes Association. Friends may share a memory of Mary Ellen with her family online at www.rdmg.com. or at Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, Lovers Lane at Milham.
KECKLER, Ira W. "Ike"
Ike's life began November 15, 1941 in Kalamazoo where he grew up. On October 21, 1961 he married the former Ruth "Laurie" Peake. After their marriage Ike worked as a Journeyman Moulder for several different companies which allowed him and Laurie to live in several different cities in Southwestern Michigan. In this area he worked for B & L Aluminum Foundry and later for Simpson Paper Mfg. Co. in Vicksburg. In 1981 he received his GED from Plainwell Adult Education and graduated from Plainwell Public Schools. Starting in1982 Ike became the Headstart Bus Driver, which Laurie said he enjoyed most of all. He drove the bus until 1996 when he had to stop due to his illness. Ike who also was affectionately called Popeye had several different interests including building dune buggies, fishing and birdwatching. His family recalls that he just enjoyed nature. Many times he traveled to the East Jordan area and Charlevoix in search of petoskey stones. His family also recalls how he enjoyed dickering for and trading automobiles. In addition to his wife members of Ike's family include his son Larry A Keckler of Kalamazoo, a daughter Shelly M. Keckler of Kalamazoo, his grandchildren Larry Ike Keckler, Amanda Grace Keckler, Cody Allen Hofacker, Levi Wesley Keckler, Vincent Ira Keckler, Lynn and Jennifer Hodgeman, Bradley Petrowsky, and Sherry Hough. He also had brothers and sisters, Charles H. Keckler of Sarasota, FL, Rose Liddell of Kalamazoo, Frances Payne of Parchment, Betty Benson of Parchment, Ernest Keckler ofKalamazoo, Cindy Petrowsky of Martin, Charles W. Keckler of Parchment, Lloyd Keckler of Kalamazoo, Tena Langdon of Kalamazoo, and Danielle Smith of Kalamazoo. Ike was preceded in death by two sisters Janet and Wendy Lynn Keckler. Ike died peacefully at his home Tuesday evening September 30, 1997. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home Plainwell Chapel Saturday at 3 p.m. Ike's cremains will then be buried at Hillside cemetery in Plainwell. Friends may make contributions in Ike's memory to the Allegan County Resource Development Committee Senior Citizens Bus Fund.
KELLOGG, Bobby Ray
Bobby Ray's life began August 7, 1929 in Paris Arkansas. He moved to Detroit with his family as a young boy where he attended school. Later his family moved to Benton Harbor where he eventually met his wife Betty L. Abraham. They were married July 19, 1947. While in Benton Harbor Bobby Ray worked as a roofer for over 40 years for several different companies including Hoekstra Roofing Co. In 1968 he and Betty moved to Plainwell and after being on disability from his roofing work he was employed by the Otsego Public Schools as a custodian. After retiring from the school Bobby Ray worked for Wal-Mart in Plainwell. His family recalls that Bobby Ray wasn't one to join several organizations. He preferred just spending time with his family although he and Betty did attend the Pullman Country Chapel. In addition to his wife of 50 years other members of Bobby Ray's family include his children Dixie Helms and her husband Francis "Jack" of Otsego, Dennis and Darrell Kellogg both of Plainwell and Donna Morrissette and her husband Mike of Kalamazoo, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition Bobby Ray had two sisters Frances Hysell and her husband Don of Paw Paw, Mae Reeves and her husband Gene of Haiti, MO. And Betty's mother Emma Ragsdale and her aunt Esther Abraham of Coloma. Bobby Ray was preceded in death by his brother Owen Kellogg, his daughter Debra Finley and a granddaughter Kimberly Sue Hull. Bobby Ray died peacefully in his sleep at home early Tuesday morning September 30, 1997. Friends may spend time with his family Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home Plainwell Chapel where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. Pastors Don Marsh and Glenn Lutz speaking. Bobby Ray will be buried near his daughter at Hillside cemetery in Plainwell.
MCELROY, Pastor William
Pappy's life began in Petrolia, Pennsylvania on November 7, 1925. After graduating from Petrolia High School he joined the armed forces on August 28, 1944. During his military service he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and was decorated for good conduct. After Pappy's tour of duty he continued his education at Malone College and while at "Malone" he met Carolyn Seelye. He and Carolyn were married 7 months later in 1950. After graduating from "Malone" he continued his education at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. He began serving a Nazarene Church in Greenville, PA and then to Waltersburg, PA, Muncie, IN, Ridgeville, IN, Kendelville, IN, Kalamazoo, MI, Lansing, Muskegon and finally retiring to the Nazarene Camp on Indian Lake in Vicksburg. He and Carolyn began their family while they were in college. They have four children, Debby and her husband Daniel Giamario of Oregon, Mary McElroy of California, Bill and his wife Linda McElroy of Grand Rapids and Ann and her husband James Olson of Muskegon. Pappy enjoyed riding his bicycle and gardening. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting and just being outside with nature. Most of all Pappy loved the Lord. He loved serving his churches and spreading the word to his friends and neighbors. Pappy was blessed with five grandchildren, Michael, Katie, Jordan, Jeremy, and Joseph Daniel. His family also includes a brother Dean and his wife Marge McElroy of North Carolina and a sister Betty McElroy of Florida. He was a member of Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg. Pappy went to be with the Lord on Thursday September 18, 1997 in Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hazel (Oppelt) McElroy and a sister Geraldine. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel on Saturday from 6-8 PM and Sunday from 2-5 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 11:30 AM at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene or to Gideon's International.
MARKLE, Nora
Nora's life began June 15, 1940 in Gilmer, West Virginia. Nora had been a resident of this area most of her adult life and had operated Nora's Day Care in her home for over 30 years, retiring in 1996. Her family remembers her as a giving person who was concerned for others. Nora loved children, especially her grandchildren. Her family includes her children and their spouses, David and Bonnie Markle, Karen and Tom Phillips, and Art and Jane Markle Jr. all of Plainwell, Sherri and Don Ferguson of Otsego, 7 grandchildren, Sara and David Markle, Lindsay and Stephanie Phillips, Samantha Markle, Brittany Ferguson and Christy Jameson, 6 brothers and sisters, Gail Collins and Helen Carson both of West Virginia, Fred Collins, Darrell Collins, Betty Lloyd and Carol Reese all of Ohio, many nieces and nephews. Nora died Monday September 1, 1997in Kalamazoo and was preceded in death by her husband Art Markle Sr. and her parents Wayne and Susan Collins. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel today 6-8 PM and Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 PM, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday 1 PM, Rev. Dan Minor speaking. Burial will follow in Hillside cemetery, Plainwell. Memorial gifts may be made to the Kalamazoo Cancer Center.
MAYO, J.R.
J.R.'s life began in Henderson County Tennessee on July 30, 1924. As a boy he worked on the family farm in Jackson, TN. and enlisted in the US Army in 1943. During his tour of duty during W.W.II he earned a Purple Heart along with several other medals. He was very proud of his military service. J.R. began working in a sawmill in Nashville, TN in 1946. While in Nashville he met and married Ida Belle Taylor. They moved to LaPorte, IN where they began their family, which includes two sons, Rick and his wife Betty Mayo of Augusta, MI and Tony and his wife Julie Mayo of Vicksburg, MI. In 1957 they moved to Vicksburg, MI where they built and operated the Vicksburg Sawmill. J.R. and Ida Belle were divorced in 1975. J.R. was a renowned fiddle player. He loved to play the fiddle and would play for many benefits and also in several bands. He played with the Echo Valley Boys and was on Cold Water radio for many years. The last 20 years of his life he spent with Dessie Mansfield. They enjoyed spending time together and shared the love of music. Dessie and her children were a very important part of J.R.'s life. His family also includes a brother, John of Tennessee and a sister Annie May and her husband Burton DeYoung of St. Charles, MI. He was also very proud of his three grandchildren, Tyler, Jason, Aimee and her husband Mike Johnston. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. J.R. died on September 26, 1997 at his home in Vicksburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Georgia (Crowe) Mayo and 4 brothers, Lloyd, D.L., Edward and Thomas. Friends may spend time with J.R.'s family today from 2-5 where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow in Vicksburg cemetery. Memorials may be directed to South County EMS.
NEWHOUSE, John A.
John's life began August 19, 1913 in Kalamazoo and he had been a resident of this area all his life. He was proud of his country and had served in the Army Air Corps during WW II. John attended the Otsego Church of God, and worked for the James River Co. for 28 years before his retirement, but his joy was working on his farm. On May 26, 1949 he married Elizabeth Burd, who survives him, he was a loving husband and father and his family also includes his children and their spouses, David Newhouse of South Bend, Sarah and Raymond Dendel Jr. of Plainwell, Timothy and Sarah Newhouse of White Lake, MI., 10 grandchildren, Daniel, David, Anna, Joseph and John A. II, Newhouse, Elizabeth, Kathrine and Raymond III, Dendel, Alexi and Benjamin Newhouse, 2 great grandchildren, Avery and Morgan Wolfe, a brother Rev. Adrian and Ella Newhouse of Jennison, a sister Angeline Simmons of Scotts, several nieces and nephews. John died Tuesday September 23, 1997 in Alamo Twp., and was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Cornelia Newhouse, and a brother Richard W. Newhouse. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, 2-4 & 6-8 PM today, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday 11 AM, Pastor Timothy Foreman speaking. Burial will follow in Hillside cemetery Plainwell. Memorial can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
PERRYMAN, Victorine M.
Victorine's life began June 17, 1911 in DuQuoin, IL. in her parents home. Her mother named her "Victory" due to the long and difficult labor. She was the sixth of nine children.Victorine grew up in DuQuoin and graduated from high school there. In 1937 Victorine married Virgil Perryman and they moved to Massillon, OH where she worked as a nurse at the State Hospital. Later Victorine and her family moved to Kalamazoo where she worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Kalamazoo State Hospital until her retirement in the mid 1960's. After retirement Victorine and her husband opened up their home to provide a home for veterans. She enjoyed cooking and caring for them. Victorine loved family gatherings and especially visiting her sister and her nieces and nephews in Illinois. She used these get-togethers as a time to laugh and give of herself to her family. She enjoyed socializing, travelling, and being on the go. She loved to drive and would often go to Meijer Thrifty Acres for just one item. Her motto for driving was "I wait so long, I give it gas and go!" In addition she especially enjoyed being with her dog "Ty". Victorine had 2 sons, Fred Hemmer and Paul Metten who preceded her in death. In 1978 Victorine's husband Virgil died and she moved to Delton to be close to her niece. She lived independently until her health began to fail at which time she made her home with her niece Randy Armintrout and her husband Richard whom she was always especially close to. In addition to her niece Randy, other members of Victorine's family include her sister Mary Raben of Harrisburg, IL. As well as several other nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Her family recalls that "We all called her aunt Vic, friends and nurses called her Vicky, nieces and nephews from Illinois called her Vicky Baby." Victorine died Saturday morning September 6, 1997 at Borgess Medical Center. She was feisty and full of life. She was indeed "victorious." Friends may spend time with her family Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home Portage chapel where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. Rev Dan Minor speaking. Victorine will be entombed with her husband at Mt. Ever-Rest cemetery Mausoleum. Friends who wish may make donations in Victorine's memory to the Humane Society.
WOODS, Thelma Jean
Jean's life began April 21, 1909 in Grand Rapids, MI. She received a Bachelor Degree from Western Normal School with a major in French and Mathematics, and a Life Certificate in Teaching. Jean was a member of the North American Mycological Association and the Kalamazoo Geological Mineral Society. Her family includes her husband, Oliver R. Woods, whom she married November 11, 1933; two sons and their wives, Dr. Douglas R. Woods, Ph.D. and Donna L. Hankey-Woods of Silver Spring, MD, and Lawrence E. and Frances H. Woods of Saline, MI; two brothers and their wives, Hale and Betsy Harrington and Dr. Kirk and Phyllis Harrington, M.D., all of California; four grandchildren, Paul, Julie, Ryan and Gregory Woods; and several nieces and nephews. Jean died Sunday, September 14, 1997 in Portage Tendercare Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elsie (Hoodemaker) Harrington, and a sister, Nancy Walker. Friends may visit with Jean's family 6-8 PM Wednesday at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, Lovers Lane at Milham, where a Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday. Burial will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of choice.
YEOMANS, John E. "Ted"
Ted's life began September 18, 1918 in Winnipeg, Canada and he moved to this area as a young child. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell and farmed in the Richland area until his retirement. Ted greatly enjoyed playing and restoring violins. He was a loving family man and his family includes his three children and their spouses, Thomas and Esther Yeomans, Debbie and Shawne Boe all of Richland, Sandy and Jim Jones of Mattawan, his brother Robert Yeomans of Richland, a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Jack Welborn of Kalamazoo, 5 grandchildren, Raymond Flynn, Carey and Andrea Schoneboom, Kathy and Michael Boe, several nieces and nephews. Ted died Monday October 6, 1997 in Plainwell after a short illness, and was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Yeomans in 1984, whom he married on April 5, 1952 and by his parents, John and Harriett Yeomans. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, Wednesday 6-8 PM and Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday, where services will be held Friday 11 AM, Rev. Charles Grauer speaking. Burial will follow in the family plot in Prairie Home cemetery, Richland. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.
