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BRENNER -- Clayton "Bud", Hopkins, died Saturday, December 13, 2003 at his home. Mr. Brenner was born June 10, 1912 in Salem Twp., the son of Daniel & Hallie (Berens) Brenner. Bud worked for over 31 years at Rockwell Int. before retiring in 1974. Surviving are 2 children and their spouses, Evonna "Bonnie" and Otto "Sonny" Beard of Dorr and Clayton "Shorty" and Joan Brenner of CA, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and their spouses, Ken & Alice Brenner and Earl & Doris Brenner all of Hopkins, 4 sisters, Leona Lampen of Holland, Eunice Loew of Byron Center, Wilma Sebright of Grand Rapids, and June & Lyman Moored of Jenison, 1 sister in law, Audra Brenner of Allegan, several nieces & nephews, and a special friend Dorothy McCormick of Wayland. He was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia, his son, Daryl and 2 brothers, Vern & Russell. Friends may meet with the family on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 am. Pastor Kenneth Reeves & Mr. Comer Skinner will officiate. Interment will be in Poplar Hill cemetery, Monterey Twp. Memorials may be made to Monterey Center United Methodist Church.
WILLIAMS -- Ralph P. Williams, 85, died Wednesday morning, December 10, 2003, at MidMichigan Stratford Village, Midland.He was born on November 22, 1917 in Allegan, son of the late Ralph and Mabel (Hoekstra) Williams and graduated from Kalamazoo High School. Mr. Williams served with the United States Army during World War II as a Tech Sergeant under the leadership of General George Patton. On April 8, 1941, he was married
to Irene Culver in Bryon, Ohio. She predeceased him February 17, 2002. He retired from the Keeler Brass Company in Grand Rapids in 1982 after 28 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #78 F & AM in Otsego, and received his 50 year award in 1996. Surviving is his son, David Williams; three grandchildren, Michael Williams and his wife Tonya, Marsha Williams and Michelle Williams, all of Midland; and two great-grandchildren, Katie and Karly Williams. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Williams was predeceased by one brother and two sisters. Graveside services will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at the Elmwood cemetery in Wayland. Elder Don Studebaker will officiate. Mr. Williams' family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland, on Monday from 6-8 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider MidMichigan Stratford Village or MidMichigan Hospice. You may share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, cemetery or through waresmithwoolever.com.
KLINESTEKER -- Eleanor E. Klinesteker (Vander Kolk), aged 86 of Salem Township, our precious mother, wife and grandmother, passed from this life and went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 30, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Hollis VanderKolk; her children, Lee and Susan Klinesteker, Carl and Gail VanderKolk; her children, Scott and Kathy VanderKolk; grandchildren, Susan VanderKolk, Kimberly and Jake Schut, Scott VanderKolk, Jill and Mike Thomas & Jackie an d Doug Lautenbach; great-grandchildren, David Thomas, Scott & Kerry VanderKolk Jr., Timothy VanderKolk & Nathan VanderKolk & Craig VanderKolk. Also surviving are her sisters, Ethel Warren, Irene Selby, Esther Selby & Donna Wicks; brother, Junior Goodman; her very special friend, Norma Schipper. Eleanor worked for 25 years at the Kessler's Clothing and at the Wayland Livestock. We want to thank the nurses and staff at Allegan General Hospital for the excellent and loving care given our mother during her illness. Also special thanks to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County. Funeral & Committal Services were held Thursday with Pastor Kenneth Reeves of Burnips United Methodist Church officiating. Interment at Elmwood cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan Co. Arrangements made by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Dorr Chapel.
HALL -- Ronald Hall, aged 75 of Hudsonville, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 23, 2003. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Todd) Jensen; sister Carole (Mike) Arbuthnot; sister-in-law Marie Hall and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Dorothy Hall and brother Dale Hall. Ron was a US Navy veteran and a Steelcase retiree. He enjoyed woodworking and growing tomatoes in his garden. Memorials to Ottawa County Humane Society. Funeral and committal service was held Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Keith Dragt of RiverTree Community Church officiating. Interment Star cemetery. Arrangements made by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
SCHAFER -- Floyd H. Schafer, aged 60, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2003 at home. He was born on May 29, 1943 in Grand Rapids. Floyd was a lifelong member of the Monterey community where he was raised on a farm with his parents, Herman and Ila (Hudson) Schafer along with his siblings, Gerald (Florence) Schafer of Allegan and Mary Phillip of Louisiana. Farming was his way of life until he retired and later took up the hobby of crafts to pass the time of day. He loved spending time with his nine grandchildren, Jessica, R.J., Jennifer, Dylan, Erica, Brandon, Devin, Joshua and Tyler. Surviving are his spouse of 39 happily married
years, Dawn (Christman), one daughter, LouAnn (Frank) Collins of Hamilton; three sons, Russell Schafer of Allegan, Steve (Kathy) Schafer of Allegan and Rick (Vicki) Schafer of Hamilton; several nieces and nephews; cousins and many friends. The funeral was held Wednesday at Gorden Funeral Home, www.gordenfuneral.com, Hopkins with Mr. Comer Skinner officiating. Interment Poplar Hill cemetery. Paul Bearers are: Russell Schafer, Steve Schafer, Rick Schafer, Mark Schafer, Frank Collins and Harold Boylan. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the family.
VAN SOLKEMA, EUNICE (HOLLEY), Martin, MI. Eunice was a woman who devoted her life to her family, friends and her church. She was born October 4, 1926 in Martin to Robert & Elsie (Losure) Monteith. After graduating from Martin Schools, Eunice worked at the Martin Diner where she meet David Holley, a truck driver, who often stopped in. The couple fell in love and were married
in 1948 and enjoyed 35 years together until his death in 1983. For 20 years Eunice worked as an office clerk at the Martin Public Schools, until 1991. Eunice found love with a man named Gilbert VanSolkema, and they were married
in 1994. She was very involved with the Martin United Methodist Church, playing the organ for 30 years, directing the choir and serving on almost every committee. During her time as a life member, she also served with the Stephen Ministries. Her family includes her children: Jean Holley of Perry, Shirley & Dale Noteboom of Shelbyville, Robert Holley of Martin, Roger Holley of Martin, and Mary Bazan of Plainwell; sister Janet & Cleon Root of Plainwell; stepson Gary & Deb VanSolkema of Byron Center; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Eunice died at her home at Gun Lake on November 24, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband David and husband Gil in 2002. Friends visited with her family on Tuesday, November 25 and Wednesday, November 26 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, November 28, at 1pm at the Martin United Methodist Church, with interment at the South Martin cemetery. To read Eunice's life story, share a memory with the family or make memorial contributions to Martin United Methodist Church, please visit her personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com
VELDERMAN -- Ted, passed over on November 4, 2003 from a heart attack. He was born on September 24, 1949, Ted enjoyed playing football in high school and then followed his heart by working as a cook/chef, enjoying the challenge of a busy kitchen and personal contact with the customers. Ted had a kind heart giving to others for the enjoyment, his service and support. He never kept you guessing where he was coming from, speaking freely on almost any subject. When nagged by his family and friends to take care of his health, his reply was "I never expected to live this long". So he was with us for longer than he expected. We love him dearly. Even though his life was driven by an inner restlessness most of this life, at the end he was enjoying his life being with his children and grandchildren in Traverse City, and watching cooking shows. Ted was cremated with a service to be held on November 18, 2003 at 2PM at the Lake Ann Methodist Church Children's Christian Ed Ctr, 6583 First St, Lake Ann, MI.
HELLWIG -- Shelly E., Monterey Twp., Allegan, MI, died Thursday, October 30, 2003. Shelly was born June 27, 1987 in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Karl and Brenda (Bussey) Hellwig. She was a student of Hopkins High School, attending the 11th grade, and had been employed at Enza's Pizza in Dorr. Surviving are her father and stepmother, Karl and Theresa Hellwig of Hopkins; mother, Brenda Bussey of Walker; sister, Nicole Hellwig of Chicago; stepbrother, Sean Wozniak of Hopkins; stepsister, Tera Wozniak of Grand Rapids; Grandparents, Karl and Joann Hellwig of Florida, Elizabeth Yoder of Spring Lake and Edward Bussey of Grand Rapids; several aunts, uncles and cousins; boyfriend, Christopher Riedl of Dorr. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 3 at the Hopkins Community Reformed Church with Pastor Sean Rippy officiating. Interment Poplar Hill cemetery, Monterey Twp. Memorials may be made to the Shelly Hellwig Education Scholarship. Gorden's - Hopkins www.gordenfuneral.com
PITCHER - Frances Ann Pitcher, aged 75, of Wayland, passed away on Monday October 27, 2003. She is survived by children, Dick (Gerda) Pitcher, Alice (Ed) Hoffius, Ron (Ruth Anne) Pitcher and Roger (Rene) Pitcher; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty Baxter and Lorraine Hall; sisters-in-law Betty Paepke, Ruth Bishop, Lois Jancha, Ilene Paepke, Tom (Dorie) Pitcher, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Richard Pitcher in 1998 and three brothers. Ladies Auxiliary Post #7581 conducted a memorial service Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Thursday at the United Church of Wayland with Pastor Nancy Zerban and Pastor Jeff Smalla officiating. Interment at Elmwood cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wayland Area Ambulance or Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County. The family would like to thank the staff of the Laurels of Sandy Creek for their loving care. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
DEVEREAUX -- Thomas G. Devereaux, aged 51, of Wayland, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2003, after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer. Tom was welcomed into heaven by his newly found Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tom is survived by his mother, Earlleah Devereaux; brothers, Robert Devereaux, Jim (Sandy) Devereaux; daughter Jessica (Antonio) Benavides; granddaughter Isabella Benavides; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his father, George Devereaux. Tom was employed by Dean Foods for eight years where he had many friends who stood by him and his family throughout his illness. Tom is best remembered for his quick wit and keen sense of humor. All his life he enjoyed classic cars, sports and fishing. In recent years, Tom followed in his parent's footsteps and became a great gardener. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the funeral home with Pastor Richard VanNorman of Calvary Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, officiating. Interment at Hooker cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wayland Area Ambulance. The family greeted relatives and friends 6-9 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
BELKA, WILLIAM LEE -- William Lee Belka, age 70, of Battle Creek, formerly of Wayland, passed away Oct. 18th, 2003. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl & Howard Jager; sons Randy Belka, James & Shelly Belka, Thomas Belka; also 8 grandchildren. His cremains will be interred at Fort Custer cemetery, Battle Creek, Mon., Oct. 27, 2003 at 1 pm. Graveside memorial at that time. Arrangements by Forley, Estes & Dowale, Battle Creek.
LEDBETTER -- Colleene. Colleene Ledbetter was a strong-willed woman who had the patience and understanding to live her life as God would have wanted her to. She was born Oct. 31, 1918 in Floral, Arkansas to Commie and Mamie (Sandefur) Nicholson. Growing up in a large family. Colleene worked alongside her brothers and sisters in the fields and around the house. She met a man named Johnnie Ledbetter through church and the couple was married
on July 9, 1938. They moved their family to Michigan in 1941, where the couple eventually settled in Martin. Until her retirement in 1980, Colleene worked at Kessler's, and infant clothing manufacturer. God was always an important part of Colleene's life and she attended the River of Life Church. She was also a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star #169. For the last 18 years, her winters were spent with her friends in Bushnell, FL. Colleene was a devoted mother and friend to her family, which included her children: Barbara & James Merchant of Martin, Bonnie & Ed Slate of Bushnell, FL, Betty & Carroll Bartholemew of Wayland, Brenda & Ron Conley of Shelbyville, Donald & Emalou Ledbetter of Searcy, AR, and Pauline Ledbetter of Kiel, WI; siblings include Audrey, Arvita, Unadale, Dean and Shelby (John); 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Colleene died at her daughter's home in Shelbyville, surrounded by her family on Oct. 19, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband Johnnie in 1988, son Leonard Ertell Ledbetter, and siblings Buck, Jack, Orville, Juanita and Agnes. A Celebration of Life service was held on Wed., Oct. 22 at 2 pm. To read Colleene's life story, share a memory with the family, or make a memorial contribution to the Martin Youth Center Building Fund of Wings of Hope Hospice, please visit her personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com
HARNISH -- Adeline Harnish, age 103 of Dorr, passed away into heaven on Oct. 14, 2003. One of eleven children, she was born June 5, 1900 in Byron Twp. to Anton and Catherine Homrich. Adeline lived a faith-filled and full life as a homemaker, skilled in baking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, as well as gardening. She will be remembered by all her family for her quick-witted humor and love of the Lord. Adeline was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Joseph, who died January 22, 1990; infant daughter Rose; daughter Marian Schumaker; daughter-in-law Florence Harnish; and sons-in-law Harold Schumaker and Martin Miklusicak. She is survived by her children, Art (Genevieve) Harnish of Wayland, Lucile (Otis) Arndt of Sebring, FL, Louis (Annabelle) Harnish of Wayland, and Norene Miklusicak of Dorr; a very special niece, Laura Junglas; 43 grandchildren; 97 great grandchildren; 39 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Parish Rosary was on Oct. 16 at the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial was on Friday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Hilliards with Fr. James Vinh Le as celebrant. Interment was at St. Stanislaus cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus' Education Fund, Right to Life of Allegan County or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Dorr, MI.
WHITTOFF -- Herbert Whittoff, aged 82 of Wayland Twp, passed away Oct. 8, 2003. He is survived by his children, Roy Whittoff, Yvonne (Leroy) Smith; grandchildren Marie Smith, Rachael & Jeremy Weber; great grandchildren Alisha & Taylor Weber. Mr. Whittoff was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Besemer officiating. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Association. Arrangements by Archer, Hampel & Kubiak, Wayland Chapel.
