Search Archived Marriage Records
STEELE, Flossie
Flossie's life began October 11, 1919 in Doster, Michigan and she had been a resident of this area all her life. She was a member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church and had worked at the Cunningham Nursing Home for 8 years. Flossie loved nature and enjoyed her flower gardens, feeding the birds and mushroom hunting. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister and her family includes her children and their spouses, Sharlene and Eric Black of Kalamazoo, James and Mary Ellen Steele of Martin, John and Joan Steele of Plainwell, 2 sisters and a brother and theirs spouses, Zelma Largent and Dale Cook of Plainwell, Mary Ellen and James Steele of Martin, Alvin and Linda Brower of Plainwell, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 1 great-great- grandson, several nieces and nephews. Flossie died Tuesday April 8, 1997 at the home of her daughter and was preceded in death by her husband Robert Steele in 1984, by her parents, James and Mabel Brower, 2 sisters, Bertha Brower and Alice Futrell, 3 brothers Glenn, Norman and Ray Brower. Friends, may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, Thursday 7-9 PM, where a scripture service will be held 8 PM. Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11 AM at St. Margaret's Church, Fr. Donald Klingler Celebrant. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo or the American Cancer Society.
DALRYMPLE, Emma A. (Thayer)
Emma's life began May 28, 1916 in Ganges Township, MI. She enjoyed crocheting and doing word search and crossword puzzles. Emma loved her family very much and also enjoyed nature and the outdoors. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Plainwell and liked to visit the Otsego Meal Site for seniors. Her family includes five children and spouses, Paul and Donna Thayer of Plainwell, Dawn and Ron Karslake of Vanderbilt, Clifford "Skip" and Linda Thayer of Hersey, Jo Ann and William Sheets of Kalamazoo, and Sandra and Mickey Greer of Allegan; a daughter-in-law, Lois Thayer of Tennessee; a son-in-law, Robert Nichols of Kalamazoo; five sisters and 1 brother and spouses, Florence and Sherb Stall of Bangor, Clara Gleason, Elsie and Royal Thayer, Roseanna Kirkland, and Lucille Madison, all of Allegan, and Joseph Norwood of West Virginia; a brother-in-law, Russell Sinkler of Newaygo; 30 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews. Emma died Saturday, March 15, 1997 in Allegan. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Paul J. Thayer and Henry Dalrymple; two sons, Forrest Leroy Thayer and Rufus A. Thayer; a daughter, Emma Jean Nichols; two sisters, Helen Wright and Edna Sinkler; a granddaughter, Karen Thayer; and a great-grandson, Joshua Little. Friends may visit with Emma's family 7-9 PM Monday and 2-4 & 7-9 PM Tuesday at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where a Celebration of Life service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday with Pastor Charles Grauer speaking. Emma will be buried next to her husband Paul Thayer in Millgrove cemetery, Allegan. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
DECKER, Erica Lynn
Erica Lynn had a loving family who were eagerly awaiting her arrival sadly however she was prematurely stillborn to Eric and Dora (Null) Decker. at Bronson Methodist Hospital Wednesday March 12, 1997. In addition to her parents Erica's family include her sisters Kassandra age 2 and Alixandria age 9 months. Also her maternal grandparents William and Lorelei Null of Delton, Paternal grandparents Rita and Carl Dwire of Mansfield, OH., paternal great-grandfather Wayne Decker of Otsego, maternal great-grandparents Doris and Dale Null of Gun Lake and her maternal great-great-grandmother Rose Marie Gregory of Salida, CO., as well as many Aunts Uncles and Cousins. A service to say goodbye to Erica will be held at Hillside cemetery Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Friends are encouraged to share a memory with the family either personally or on line at www.rdmg.com. Arrangements by Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home Plainwell Chapel, a Celebration of Life Funeral Home.
Foreman, Hazel
Hazel's life began February 20, 1913 in Newberry, Michigan, in 1930 she graduated from Newberry High School. On April 19, 1932 she married Fred Foreman and they moved to this area in 1943. She was a member of the Otsego Baptist Church and a founding member of the Wayside Chapel. She retired from the Kalamazoo State Hospital and for many years was a member of T.O.P.S. Hazel was a loving wife and mother and her family includes her husband, Fred, her children and their spouses, Dick and Shirley Foreman of Rockford, Daryl and Connie Foreman of Hickory Corners, Stephen Foreman of Kalamazoo and Cheryl Ann Foreman of San Francisco, CA, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was also a special friend and adopted mom and grandma to the Lyons family. Hazel went to be with her Lord March 24, 1997, and was preceded in death by her 4 sons, Robert James, Donald, William Jr., and Ronald Thomas Foreman, 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, today 7-9 PM and 2-4 & 7-9 Wednesday, where Celebration of Life services will be held 2 PM Thursday, with Pastors David Potts and Larry Dawson, officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside cemetery Plainwell. Memorial gifts may be made to the Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
FRITZ, Donald
Don was born in Wakeshma Township on April 28, 1916. He attended country school in this area through the 8th grade. Don then went to work on the family farm. Don also worked for Standard Oil Company for 8 years. While attending a prayer meeting in Vicksburg he met Ruth Knauss. He and Ruth were married one year later on August 11, 1935. They had five daughters, Marilyn and her husband Verlyn Borton of Vicksburg, Doneta who preceded him in death in 1937, Mary Joe Walker of Portage, Shirley and her husband John Moe of Vicksburg, and Carol Buyce of Portage. He began working for Dover Company in 1955, retiring in 1979. Don loved to play the harmonica and the guitar. He also enjoyed fishing with his wife, Ruth, gardening and farming. Don was very proud of his 7 grandchildren, Rodney Borton, Jody Nappier, Jerry James Walker, Tamarah Bish, Donald Buyce, Dina Waggoner, and Melonie Stewart and 9 great grandchildren. His favorite times were spent while on the farm and with his grand and great grandchildren. Don and Ruth both attended the Crossroads Missionary Church. His family also includes 2 brothers, Gordon and his wife Cora of Vicksburg, Stewart of Galesburg, a sister, Ellen and her husband Andy Broker of Three Rivers and a sister-in-law, Helen Fritz of Scotts. Don died in Kalamazoo on March 20, 1997. His parents, Walter and Ruby (Springer) Fritz, one brother, Tom and a sister, Eva Henderson, preceded him in death. Friends may spend time with Don's family at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel on Saturday from 6-8 and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow in North Fulton cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Crossroads Missionary Church.
GIDDEN, Hope Irene
Hope's life began in Kalamazoo September 10, 1994. Hope had been here such a short time but her family loved her more than anything. She cooed, smiled, and loved to be cuddled. Hope also enjoyed it when her loved ones read or sang to her. She loved attention from her mom, Shilo Glidden and her dad, John Ennis. Her grandparents, Esta Green, Dennis Glidden, and Terry Taylor, and great-grand parents, Albert and Bertha Engelman, Betty and Linn Glidden, Sherry Buell and Norma Perkins loved her very much. Hope's uncle, Andrew Green was very special to her. She also has several other aunts uncles and cousins. Hope died in Kalamazoo on Sunday March 23, 1997. Her twin sister, Charity, preceded her in death in 1994. Friends may spend time with the family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday at 1:00 PM. Interment will be in Leonidas cemetery. The family suggests that memorials may be directed to Bronson Hospital Pediatric Unit or The Children's Special Health Care Services.
HUGHES, Vera M.
Vera Wharton's life began in Summerfield, OH on April 5, 1910. She has been a life long resident of Ohio. Vera graduated from Summerfield High School in the spring of 1927 and was married to Kelly Hughes, a high school sweetheart, on September 3, 1927. Vera and Kelly moved to Zanesville, OH for Kelly's work. They had two children Joan and her husband John Bretz of Vicksburg, MI and Jim and his wife Linda Hughes of Zanesville, OH. Vera enjoyed being a homemaker. She loves to bake, cook, and take care of her family. She also held several part time jobs and worked building fuel tanks for the war effort during WWII. In 1960 they moved to Cambridge, OH where Vera was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a devoted church member and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Vera especially loved her grandchildren, Douglas, Dave, Reed, Jimmy and Josh and her great grandchildren Ben and Andy. In 1996 she moved to Vicksburg, MI to be with her daughter. They cared for her in their home until her death on Sunday March 16, 1997. Her parents, Alva and Nellie (Cunningham) Wharton, her husband Kelly, two brothers and three sisters preceded Vera in death. Friends may spend time with Vera's family at the Bundy - Law Funeral Home in Cambridge, OH on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Vera will be buried in the Eastern cemetery in Summerfield, OH. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo.
LEE, Rev. Lorne
Lorne's life began in Marlette, MI on October 26, 1915. Cap, as most people know him, lost his mother, Stella (Doreland) Lee, when he was 5 years old. His father, Joseph, then married Stella's younger sister, Ola two years later. Cap began working when he was 14 years old and has been a hard worker ever since. One evening he went on a blind date and the woman he met, Joyce Rowley, became his wife on September 4, 1937. They had two sons, David and his wife Joyce of Grand Rapids, MI and Donald and his wife Susan of Camden, MI. Cap began home schooling to be a pastor of a Nazarene Church and before completing his schooling he was asked to serve at a small church in Vasser, MI. That was only the beginning of his service to the Nazarene Church and the Lord. Cap served churches in Nashville, Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Reading, Battle Creek, Vicksburg and then out of Michigan to New Castle PA, returning to Michigan to Corey. He had a gift for helping churches grow and raise money. Cap and his wife Jo ended up retiring to the Nazarene Camp at Indian Lake outside of Vicksburg. He is a devoted member of Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene and had continued serving churches even after his retirement. Grandpa Cap was loved by his 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. His family also includes two half brothers, Joseph of Ohio, and Dean of Sterling Heights. Cap died in Portage on Thursday March 13, 1997. Also preceding him in death was a brother Grant. Friends may spend time with Cap's family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Interment will follow in Brady Township cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene or Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo.
OLDEBEKEN, Mr. Fred W.
Fred was born August 23, 1933 in Jamestown, Michigan. He had lived in this area most of his life and was an active member and Elder of the Martin Reformed Church. Fred graduated from Wayland High School and was a veteran of the US Army. Fred had experienced a disability resulting from Multiple Sclerosis and had retired from Simpson Paper Company in 1994. Fred had donated land for the establishment of the Son Life Camp in Wayland. The camp was dear to his heart, and it was his hope that through its use people would come to know the Lord. Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his family includes his wife Linda, his mother Katherine Oldebeken of Shelbyville, his children and their spouses, Nadine and Scott Wilkinson of Belvidere, Illinois, Jeff and Raina Oldebeken of Bradley, Nicole and Ric Wiessner of Kalamazoo, 5 grandchildren, Adam, Natealle, Christopher, and Katherine Wilkinson, and James Oldebeken, 2 brothers and a sister Arthur Oldebeken, Bernadine Foster, Alan & Carole Oldebeken, several nieces and nephews. Fred went to be with the Lord Tuesday March 11, 1997, and was preceded to heaven by his wife Daisy, his infant son Tommy and his father Arthur Oldebeken. Friends may call at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, today and Friday 7-9 PM. Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday 11 AM at the Martin Reformed Church, Pastor Jim Goldschmeding speaking. Burial will follow in the family lot in Elmwood cemetery, Wayland. Memorial gifts may be made to the Son Life Camp or the Martin Reformed Church.
POWELL, Mrs. Avis E. (Brinker)
Avis' life began July 9, 1900 in Three Rivers, MI. She was a member and organist at the Winchell Avenue Disciples of Christ-Christian Church. Avis retired in 1967 as an organist at Truesdale Funeral Home and had been an organist at the Kalamazoo Masonic Lodge. She was a Life Member and Past Matron of the Corinthian Chapter #123 O.E.S., a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem #18 and the Ladies Library Association. Avis enjoyed cooking, cribbage, and crossword puzzles. Her family includes her daughter, Lana Ocvirek and husband Charles of Indian Lake; four step-sons and their wives, Roger and Rose Crane of Kalamazoo, Sherwood and Mary Powell of Colorado, Russell and Eunice Powell of Mattawan, and Robert and Linda Powell of Comstock; two granddaughters, Deborah Mashni and husband Joseph of Schoolcraft and Rachel B. Packer of Mattawan; eleven great-grandchildren, Lana, Natalie, Liza, Adriana, Alexandra, Omar, Ashley, Kenny, Seth, Noah, and Katie; and several nieces and nephews. Avis died Tuesday, March 18, 1997 in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alphonso and Elizabeth (Buss) Elliott; two husbands, Harry A. Brinker in 1947 and Nathan Powell in 1981; a grandson, David C. Ocvirek in 1984; and a sister, Helen Brough. Friends may visit with Avis' family from 3-5 and 7-9 PM Thursday at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, where a Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 PM Friday. Avis will be buried in Mt. Ever-Rest cemetery. Memorial gifts in memory of Avis may be made to Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo or to the Disciples of Christ-Christian Church.
RICE, Howard E.
Howard's life began on October 17, 1917 in Muir, MI. Howard attended school in Muir and graduated from Walton Township High School in 1935. He was very proud of his high school diploma and his achievements in school which included winning the State Speaking Contest. In 1935 Howard married Mary VanDorne. They had one son, Jerry who preceded him in death in 1988 and two daughters, Darlene and her Husband Art Mortimer of Vicksburg and Delores Hegedus of Mattawan. During the depression years he farmed and also became a minister. In 1956 Howard took his first teaching job. He loved teaching school and taught schools for 27 years, retiring from Kalamazoo Public Schools in 1981. Howard also continued his own education during these years, first at Central Michigan College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1958 and then at Michigan State University where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in 1961. Mary died in 1972 and after this loss he remarried Helen (Armstrong) Cripe. Helen's children are Greg, David, Daniel, Gary, and Teresa Cripe, Cheryl Perry, Debra Wiese, Lorie Johnson, and Tammy Glass. Howard was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Portage, MI and in Melbourne, FL. He was a dedicated member and enjoyed teaching vacation bible school and other church activities. Howard also was president of the homeowners association where he and Helen live in Florida. Howard loved farming, square dancing, playing cards and hunting. He also loved his 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 21 step-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren. His family also includes a brother Oscar and his wife Ruth Rice of FL, and a sister Alice and her husband Frank Rhoady of Charlotte, MI. Howard died in Melbourne, FL on Friday March 21, 1997. Also preceding him in death were his parents, James and Zella (Gee) Rice, a brother, Russell; and 6 sisters, Harriett, Mary, Viola, Lucrecia, Artis, and Cathlene. Friends may spend time with Howard's family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the First Church of the Nazarene in Portage. Memorials may be directed to the Church. Howard will be buried in Vicksburg cemetery.
ROBERTS, Eilene H.
Eilene Abbott's life began in Lawton, MI on September 9, 1922. She attended Lawton schools graduating in 1939. After high school she worked for the Upjohn Company and for her uncle in Three Rivers. On April 9, 1947 she was married to Gradon Roberts. They had 4 children, Cyndy and her husband Jack Walker of Portage, Deb and her husband Doug Stafinski, Sandy and her husband David Standish all of Vicksburg and Steven Roberts of Kalamazoo. Eilene loved taking care of her family. Her happiness came from the time she spent with them. After she raised her family she went back to work for Upjohn Nursing home for several years. Eilene also was a volunteer for Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo. She loved to travel and in 1994 went to England with her family for a 10-day vacation. She loved to read, and to exercise; she even took aerobics and line dancing at the Portage Senior Center. She especially loved her 7 grandchildren, Mike and Melissa Walker, Eric and Katie Stafinski and Jaime, David and Kalie Standish. Eilene's three brothers, Hazen and Mildred Abbott of Marcellus, Dallas and Jerry Abbott of Lawton, Keith and Shirley Abbott of Maryland; two sisters, Maxine Bauer of Lawton, and Roberta and Wally Cooper of White Cloud, MI were very special to her. Her family also includes a stepson John Roberts, and his family Laurie, John and Megan; several nieces and nephews. Above all Eilene cherished her family, the time she spent with them gave her more enjoyment than anything else that she did. Eilene died Monday afternoon March 17, 1997 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ilah (Fox) Abbott and her husband, Gradon in 1977. Friends may spend time with Eilene's family on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Schoolcraft cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
VERHAGE, Ruth I
Ruth's life began on March 6, 1927 in Lafayette, IN. She married Robert P. VerHage there on July 12, 1945 and they came to this area 51 years ago. Bob and Ruth had three children, Ronald R. VerHage and his wife Anne of Lawton, Sharon M. Bartlett and her husband Halsey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and Roben Klocke and her husband Patrick of Vicksburg. Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed doing yard work and gardening at there home in Schoolcraft where they have lived for the past 22 years. Her family recalls that she also loved reading and was a good mother. Ruth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Schoolcraft Post #475, the Portage Eagles area 3531 and St. Joseph Catholic Church. In addition to her husband and children, other members of Ruth's family include 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, her brothers Edward Rock of Lafayette, IN., Donald Rock of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., her sisters Lillian Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., Marie Casey of Los Altos, CA., and Alberta Bagnel of Lafayette, IN. Ruth died Sunday March 23, 1997 at Hillside Lutheran Manor in Kalamazoo. Ruth's family will celebrate her life privately on Wednesday at Schoolcraft cemetery with Fr. Tom Martin of St. Martin Catholic Church in Vicksburg celebrant. Friends can make donations in Ruth's memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home Vicksburg Chapel.
WALL, M. Patricia
Pat was born in Kalamazoo, MI on March 19, 1929. She attended Kalamazoo Schools graduating from Nazareth Academy in 1947. Pat continued her education at Bronson Hospital School of Nursing and upon graduating went to work for Dr. Keith Currier at Portage Medical Clinic. Moving to Borgess Hospital, Pat held many positions including, Head Nurse in the ER, House Supervisor, and Co-Director of Nursing Services. She decided to go back to school at Nazareth College in 1976 and earned a degree in Behavioral Science following which she accepted a position as Inservice Director at Community Hospital in Battle Creek. This was followed by a move to Lakeview hospital in Battle Creek where she was Director of Nursing until that hospital Closed. When she retired in 1995, Pat was employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a Rehabilitation Nurse manager. In her retirement she volunteered for south county Community Players, becoming their treasurer. Pat was an energetic worker, always had a joke, and loved golfing, camping and animals; especially her 2 dogs Sammie and Bear. She will be sadly missed by her friend and traveling companion Ida Hill and by her family which includes 5 cousins, Linda Boorsma of Florida, Tom (Shirley) Barnes of Breedsville, MI, Bob (Terry) Barnes of California, Georgiana (Don) Boyer of Niles, MI, and Donald (Ellie) Sprague of Wisconsin. Pat died early Tuesday morning March 18, 1997 at Bronson Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Her parents Charles and Frieda (Snow) Wall preceded her in death. A Christian Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Martin Catholic Church in Vicksburg on Friday afternoon at 2:00 PM with Father Tom Martin Celebrant. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Humane Society or to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
