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Woodrow J. Woody Eber
April 19, 1935 - June 30, 2008
Woodrow ("Woody") Jennings Eber, 93, of Mt. Pleasant, died on Monday, June 30th, 2008 at his home. He was born on Monday, April 15, 1915 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to John Eber and Henrietta Weber Eber. He was the youngest of six children. He obtained his B.A. from Western Michigan University in 1937, his MA and MBA from the University of Michigan in 1942, and his CPA in 1955. On June 25th, 1938 he married
Linnea Harvey Eber, who preceded him in death on September 24, 1999. From 1944-1946 Mr. Eber was a Communication Officer in the 7th Fleet in the Philippines.
Mr. Eber was a Commercial teacher and Superintendent of Schools in Caledonia and West Dearborn in the 1940s. In 1948 he joined the faculty at Central Michigan University and was an Accounting professor from 1948-1975.
Since 1948 Mr. Eber was active in the First Presbyterian Church as an elder and a choir member. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club since 1955, the Michigan Association of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs and of the Masonic Lodge of Caledonia and West Dearborn. Over the years, he planted 38, 000 trees on two farms in Central Michigan.
Mr. Eber is survived by two daughters, Linda Laughlin of Borrego Springs, California and Christine Eber of Radium Springs, New Mexico, and three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a special friend, Lucille Wysong.
Memorial Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at ll a.m. with Dr. Stephen Shugert officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church and the Salvation Army. Envelopes are available at the Helms Funeral Home and at the church of the day of the memorial service.
Ruth L. Eckart
October 18, 1940 -- June 3, 2009
Ruth Lorraine Eckart, age 68, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at her home. Ruth was born on Friday, October 18, 1940, in northern Isabella County, near Clare, Michigan, the daughter of James and Pearl (Gary) Taylor.
A memorial service celebrating Ruths life was held on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel in Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens with Rev. Ron Vredeveld officiating. Friends were asked to consider the needs of the family with memorials.
Ruth was a lifetime resident of the area. She was employed for over twenty two years as a supervisor for Pelchers Adult Foster Care Home in Mt. Pleasant. She enjoyed traveling, including to Las Vegas. She was a very big NASCAR fan, both at the track and at home when she no longer was able to travel. Her grandchildren and her dogs were a big part of her life.
Ruth is survived by her children, Larry (Kelly) Watson of St. Louis, MI, and Lori Waidler of Mt. Pleasant; step-children, Bonnie Duffia and Brett Eckart, both of Mt. Pleasant; eight grandchildren; a great granddaughter expected in October 2009; and her sister, Bonnie Pelcher of Mt. Pleasant. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Joleen Watson, and two brothers.
William Jay Walker
August 28, 1917 -- May 30, 2009
Jay Walker, age 91, of Farwell, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Woodland Hospice House in Mt. Pleasant. He was born August 28, 1917 in Pennville, Indiana, the son of Elmer J. and Lella Fay Paxson Walker.
A celebration of Jays life was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Mr. Gene Beavers, of the First Church of Christ, officiating. After the service, interment took place at Riverside cemetery, next to his wife, Helen. The family greeted friends on Tuesday, June 2, from 2 to 4 pm, from 6 to 8 pm and on Wednesday from 1:00 pm until the time of services at the Helms Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Woodland Hospice, The First Church of Christ, or Community Cancer Services. Envelopes are available at Helms Funeral Home.
In 1929, Jay and his family left Arkansas looking for work and discovered there was an oil boom in Michigan. He married
Helen Prout of Rosebush on December 1, 1938. They had three sons, William (Bill) Walker, James (Jim) Walker, and John Jay Walker. Jay worked in the oil business as a gauger for 44 years, retiring from Total Petroleum in 1980. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing a good game of cards, and being with his family and grandchildren. He had a good singing voice and enjoyed singing old hymns. Jay and Helen made their home over the years in Mt. Pleasant, Barryton, Sears, and Farwell.
Jay is survived by his son, Bill and daughter in law Diane (Sue Giddings) Walker of Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren, Darrel and Shelly (Crowley) Walker of Mt. Pleasant, Karla and Gene Gorczyca of West Olive, Brenda and Serg Osterberg of Rockford, and Todd and Jennifer (LeClaire) Walker of Cedar Springs; nine great grandchildren; and very special family friends, Janice Maxwell of Paris and Chris Hundey of Farwell. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and a brother; his wife, Helen in 2004; a son, Jim in 2006; and an infant son, John in 1948.
The family expesses a thank you to Central Michigan Hospital Emergency Room, The Meijer Heart Hospital in Grand Rapids, and Woodland Hospice for their kind care.
Michael Nicholas
January 26, 1915 - May 28, 2009
Michael Nicholas, age 94, of Elwell, Michigan formerly of Mt. Pleasant (Leaton area), passed away Thursday, May 28, 2009 at his home. Michael was born on January 26, 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Nick and Mary Prybursky Nicholas.
Funeral services for Michael were held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Jon Pohl officiating. Interment followed the service at Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. The family greeted friends at Helms Funeral Home on Friday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday from 1 pm until the time of services. Memorial contributions were suggested to Woodland Hospice or Community Cancer Services. Envelopes are available at Helms Funeral Home.
On January 5, 1979, he married
Esthol Welch after his first wife, Mildred M. Beweski died in 1977. Michael worked for Ferro Manufacturing as a Die Setter for over 30 years and retired in 1975. He served in the US Army Air Corp from June of 1941 to September of 1945 in Tunisian Central Burma as a Staff Sergeant.
Michael is survived by his three children, Janice Sebenick of Elwell, Robert Nicholas of Virginia Beach, VA and Tim (Darcel Butterfield) Nicholas of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter in law, Kendra Nicholas of Battle Creek; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Mildred in 1977 and Esthol in 2003; a son, Michael Patrick in 2002; his two brothers, John and Ronald; and a sister, Elizabeth.
The family expresses and extra Special Thank You to Gary and Diane for all the help the last two years and to Woodland Hospice for their care.
Norma Jean Veit
February 9, 1929 - May 13, 2009
Norma Jean Veit, age 80, of Clare, Michigan, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Norma was born on February 9, 1929 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Rollie R. and Effie J. Wirick Durham.
A celebration of Normas life was held on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 3:00 pm at the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. William Stough officiating. Interment took place at a later date in Union cemetery, Winn, Michigan. The family met with friends on Saturday, May 16 from 6-9 p.m. Memorial contributions were suggested to the Community Cancer Services or Woodland Hospice.
On April 23, 1949, Norma and John Roger Veit were married
in Mt. Pleasant. She was a lifetime resident of the area and was a mental health worker at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center. Norma enjoyed knitting, crocheting, making doll clothes, arts and crafts, and making clothes for her grandchildren.
Norma is survived by her husband, John Jack Veit; eight children, James R. and Billie Ann Veit of Brooklyn, MI, Jacqualine R. and Don Mead of Hopkins, MI, Jerry R. and Karol Veit of Shepherd, JoAnne R. and Doug Painter of Mt. Pleasant, Judith R. and Russell Brittain of Mt. Pleasant, John R. Veit of Mt. Pleasant, Jeffery R. and Julie Veit of Mt. Pleasant, and Joseph R. and Kristina Veit of Coleman; 15 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and a brother, George W. and Bobbye Jo Durham. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lucille McNutt; and a brother, Ray Jr. Durham.
William L. Swan
December 19, 1927 -- May 13, 2009
William L. Swan, age 81, of Sanford, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at his home. Bill was born on Monday, December 19, 1927 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of William L. and Wreatha P. (Dowel) Swan. On January 20, 1951, he married
Lew Ella Blizzard in Mt. Pleasant. She preceded him in death on Thursday, January 24, 2008.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. from Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Dr. Frederick L. Weaver of North Point Ministries officiating. Friends called at the Helms Funeral Home on Friday, May 15 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Interment took place in Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens with Veterans Honor Guard Services provided by the Borley-Hanel VFW Post 3033 and the American Legion Post 110. Memorial contributions were suggested to The Zachary Swan Fund.
Bill was retired from Dow Corning, where he worked for over 30 years as a chemical operator. He was a member of the North Point Ministries in Midland. Bill was a veteran of both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion. Bill enjoyed his Wii bowling league at the Sanford Senior Center, camping with his family, being outdoors, reading, and especially puttering in his workshop. He was a resident of Sanford since 1953.
Bill is survived by his children, Michael and Christine Swan of Midland, and Michelle and Glen Wilmes of Pillager, MN; seven grandchildren, Teryn, Zachary, Garrett, Dylan, Shawn, Naomi, and Michael; and his sister, Leona and Walt Sherwood of Houghton Lake, Michigan. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lew Ella, both parents, and two brothers, Robert and Francis (Frenchy) Swan.
Barbara J. Thayer
May 28, 1924 -- April 28, 2009
Barbara J. Thayer, age 84, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Woodland Hospice House near Mt. Pleasant. Barb was born on Wednesday, May 28, 1924 in Grand Haven, Michigan, the daughter of Dr. Milan and Mildred (Jones) Crapo. She married
George Lincoln Thayer in 1948 at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant. George preceded her in death on August 18, 1964.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 11 a.m. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. John Boley of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment took place in Riverside cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, beside her husband, George. Friends gathered with the family on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends were asked to consider memorial contributions to the Commission on Aging, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or Woodland Hospice.
Barb was a Mt. Pleasant area resident most of her life. She was the Director of the American Heart Association of Isabella County for many years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, was a Girl Scout Leader and on the Girl Scout Board of Directors, a Cub Scout leader, Red Cross volunteer, a member of the Eastern Star, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a volunteer for the Commission on Aging, and a delegate to the Michigan Republican Convention in the 1960s. Barb was a charter member and helped write the by-laws for BPW, a member of the General Federation of Womens Club, a member of the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society, and worked with Welcome Wagon. Barb was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School in 1943, and was a graduate of Stephenson College in Colombia, Missouri. She also attended Central Michigan University and Kent State University.
Survivors include her children, Pamela (Pam) and Lee Klopfenstein of Dolan Springs, Arizona, and Richard L. and Catherine Coleman Thayer of Las Vegas, Nevada. Her grandchildren, Melissa and Scott Thorn, Trevor and Kristy Marshall, and Gavin and Courtney Marshall; great grandchildren, Taylor, Casey, Avary, Majerle, and Xaylia. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, a brother, Robert Crapo, and a sister, Nancy Martin.
Edward James Bonnell
August 17, 1914 -- April 27, 2009
Edward James Bonnell, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died at Prestige Center, Mt. Pleasant, April 27, 2009. Born in Saginaw in 1914, Ed moved with his parents to Mt. Pleasant, where his father, Ed Senior, was selling silos before becoming a partner in Mt. Pleasant Hardware and Furniture Co. at the corner of Broadway and Main.
From 1942 to 1946, Edward served in the United States Army Corps, Pacific Theater and then in the Army of Occupation in Japan. After service, he joined his father at the furniture and hardware business. In 1956 Ed bought Superior Furniture Co. from Bill Davidge. About 1980, Jim Bonnell became the third-generation owner of Bonnells Superior Furniture.
Ed belonged to the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, CMUs Century Club, Mt. Pleasant Historical Society and was president of Pullen Elementary P.T.A. and The Methodist Mens Club when the new church was built in 1969. Annual beef dinners at First United Methodist Church supported African CMU students, sponsored by coach Lyle Bennett.
Ed was the sole survivor of the 1932 Mt. Pleasant High School championship basketball team, coached by Arlie Osborne. An outstanding athlete, Ed excelled at football and tennis, and enjoyed golfing til age 92. He was inducted into Mt. Pleasant High Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
As an active member of the Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis service club for 70 years, a state record, Ed will miss the upcoming May 4th celebration, honoring his contribution to the Kiwanis Clubs international goals. Even after losing his sight, Ed sold dozens of Kiwanis roses by phone. Earlier he was scoutmaster with Ted Foley, sponsored by Kiwanis.
In 1947 he married
Auburna Bonnell of Traverse City. They have two sons and two daughters, James Bonnell (Kay) of Mt. Pleasant, Bruce Bonnell of Portland, Ore., Helen Maienknecht (Gilbert) of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Jean Abraham of Melbourne, Fla.; grandsons Peter and Brian Maienknecht, Troy Abraham and Spencer Bonnell, granddaughter Dana Kay Bonnell and great-granddaughter, Amaya Maienknecht. Surviving Ed besides his wife and children are sister Grace Merrill, sister-in-law Pat Bonnell of Midland and brother Robert Bonnell of Muskegon.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Dr. Jane Bonnell of Grand Rapids, and a brother, David, of Midland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodland Hospice, First United Methodist Church, or Isabella County Commission on Aging. A memorial in Eds honor will be announced later, entrusted to Helms Funeral Home and officiated by the Rev. John Boley.
Patricia Ann Krout
February 2, 1945 - April 26, 2009
Patricia A. Krout, age 64 of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Central Michigan Community Hospital. Patricia was born on February 2, 1945 in McDowell County, West Virginia, the daughter of James and Leona Ratliff Dillon.
Funeral services for Patricia were held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. from the Helms Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Connie Bongard of the Farwell United Methodist Church officiating. Following the service, interment took place at Forest Hill cemetery in Weidman. Friends called at Helms Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:30 A.M. until the time of services. Memorial contributions were suggested to the wishes of the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Patricia was a resident of the area for 29 years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and crafts.
Patricia is survived by her three children, Crystal Beutler of Weidman, April King of Sheridan, and Jessie Poffenberger of Maryland; eight grandchildren, Samantha, James, Reese, Joseph, Chelsea, Autumn, Brandon, and Lexi and Jeffrey Poffenberger; three great grandchildren, Hayden, Cameron, and Jersey; two brothers, George and Herman Dillon both of Tip City, OH; and a sister, Phyllis Ward of Columbus, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, ten brothers and sisters and a grandson Jackson Poffenberger.
Mildred Millie Thomas
March 14, 1920 -- April 22, 2009
Mildred Millie Thomas, age 89, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Laurels of Mt. Pleasant. Millie was born on Sunday, March 14, 1920 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of William and Pauline (Whitwer) DaLee. On March 15, 1944, she married
Alfred Stanley Thomas at her home in Birmingham, Michigan.
Millie was a resident of Mt. Pleasant since 1949. She was a homemaker who was very active in the community. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a Past President of the Mt. Pleasant Womens City Club, and was very active with mental health issues in the community. She served on the Behavioral Management Committee at the Mt. Pleasant Center for many years, on the Mt. Pleasant Health Advisory Committee, and also on two other mental health committees. She was very proud of her memberships on the mental health committees.
Funeral services was held on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Boley officiating. Following the funeral service at the church, Millie was interred in Riverside cemetery, beside her husband, Al. Friends gathered with the family on Sunday, April 26 from 5-7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church and again on Monday from 10-11 a.m. Memorial contributions in Millies memory may be made to the Alfred and Mildred Thomas Faculty Leadership Award at Central Michigan University. Envelopes are available at the church and at Helms Funeral Home.
Millie is survived by her two daughters, Carolyn Kitty Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, and Marilyn and Don Price of Northville, Michigan; two grandsons, Daniel and Will Price; three sisters, Nancy and Byron Ellis of Indianapolis, Indiana, Dorothy Willison of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Janice Foster of Plymouth, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Al, both parents, and a brother.
Allen John Ewell
July 5, 1955 -- April 20, 2009
Allen John Ewell, age 53, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2009 at Woodland Hospice House near Mt. Pleasant. John was born on Tuesday, July 5, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Arvil and Mary Ann (Smillie) Ewell. On May 21, 2005, he married
Marilyn G. Kerkau in Shepherd.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Helms Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Siedlecki officiating. Following the funeral service, interment took place in Memorial Gardens cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. The family gathered with friends from 9 11 a.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions were suggested to the family to help with funeral expenses.
John was a resident of the Mt. Pleasant area since 1975. He was a direct care worker for McBrides Homes and Central Michigan Non-profit. He attended Destiny Ministries. John enjoyed building and creating things, working with wood, computers, camping, and anything to do with the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; children: Kacey and Kimberly Ewell of Mt. Pleasant, Starla and Roger Woodward of Mt. Pleasant, step-children: David and Heidi Kerkau of Weidman, Michael Dale and Jessica Kerkau of Mt. Pleasant, Amanda Bebee and Warren Altman of Mt. Pleasant, and Donald Bebee, III of Hancock, Michigan. His father, Arvil Ewell of California; grandchildren: Logan, Alize, Kiara, Isabelle, and Aiden; eleven step grandchildren; two brothers: David and Charlene Ewell of Utah, and Raymond Ewell of Utah. He was preceded in death by his mother, and a sister.
