Marilynn Brown, 83, of Otsego passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Life Care Center in Plainwell.  She was born Dec. 23, 1933, in Grand Rapids the daughter of Charles and Jeanette (Henry) Lacey.
For more than 15 years she had worked at Kal-Equip until her retirement in 1987. In her spare time Marilynn enjoyed crocheting, doing word puzzles, watching horse racing, bird watching, and spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her dog Maggie.
On Dec. 7, 1951, she married Raymond Brown who passed away in 2013.
Surviving are her children, Ray (Char) Brown of Otsego, Len (Terri) Brown of Adrian, Edward (Penny) Brown of Otsego, Cindy (Dennis) Burnham of Kalamazoo, Wendy Evans of Gobles and Robert (Stephanie) Brown of Otsego; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray; son-in-law Mike Evans and sisters, Joan and Phyllis.
Friends may visit with Marilyn's family Sunday, May 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a funeral service will be Monday, May 15, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jim Collison officiating. Burial will follow at Hicks Cemetery, Watson Township.
Contributions in memory of Marilynn may be made to Reverence Home Health & Hospice or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
 

Linda Kay Tiller, 74, of Gobles passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Born June 17, 1942, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Clare and Hilda Smith Ashley and was the wife of Delbert Tiller.  
Mrs. Tiller had been involved with the 4-H Club for many years and had also been a member of the Allegan County Draft Horse and Mule Association where she was known as the secretary "Linny Benny." Being outdoors riding horses, gardening and working in her yard were among her favorite pastimes.  
Mrs. Tiller was also a big thrill-seeker, though, and enjoyed riding motorcycles, flying airplanes and skiing in the mountains.
In addition to her husband of 55 years, she will be missed by her son Mark Tiller and his children, Aryn, Alliee and Hannah, and their mother April Tiller; son Matt Tiller and his wife Debby and their two children, Jacob and Madeline; and two brothers, William Ashley and Ronald Ashley.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A funeral service will be at the funeral home on Monday, May 15, at 11 a.m. followed by a procession to Poplar Hill Cemetery for interment.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, P.O. Box 124, Douglas, MI  49406.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Harold Amos Lown, 79, of Valley Township, Allegan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Mr. Lown was born July 28, 1937, in Saginaw, the son of the late Amos and Louise (Wheaton) Lown.  
Harold was the owner and operator of D & L Used Merchandise for more than 40 years.  He loved anything to do with tractors and enjoyed buying and selling them also.
When he was ready to relax, watching TV was always a great pastime for him. Spending time with his grandchildren brought much joy to his life.  
Surviving are his wife, Phyllis (Keeley) Lown; seven children and their spouses, Donald and Naomie Shears, Ruth Hungerford and James Gardner, Gary and Linda Curtis, Jacqulyn Walker, Jack and Denise Shears, Lorn Shears and Nancy Jacobsen, and Johnny and Debra Keeley; 30 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.  
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris (Spencer) Lown.
Friends may meet with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel on Tuesday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where the funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Pastor Jim Butler officiating. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, Heath Township.  
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold's name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.  
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Saugatuck lost a grand lady on May 23, 2017, when Grace Evelyn Cappelletti, 78, died peacefully from the effects of cancer.  
Born in Chicago to Rosie Ryan and Al Potter on March 5, 1939, young Grace was soon visiting the Saugatuck cottages of great aunts and uncles who'd been vacationing and putting down roots there for decades. Through the years Grace would regale us with a personal history of the homes, restaurants and bars she'd occupied and made memories in.  
In July 1953, at age 18, Grace married the love of her life, John Cappelletti. On their first holiday to Saugatuck, a child was conceived at the original Arrowhead Cottages.  
Jenny was followed by four other children, Julie (deceased), John, Nick and Melody; 10 grandchildren complete Graces' descendants to date.
From 1972 until 2015, Grace owned several permanent Saugatuck residences where she enjoyed hosting friends and family.  
A private remembrance will be at Davenport Funeral Home in Barrington, Ill., on Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m. A memorial reception will in Saugatuck at a yet to be de-termined date and place.  
The woman known to so many of us as mother, dear friend, loyal customer, generous philanthropist or life of the party, who taught us so much, will be "greatly missed" yet will live on in our memory and spirit.

That's how Grace would want it.  

Cindy S. Decker, 61, Allegan went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 23, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Cindy was born April 27, 1956, in Battle Creek, the daughter of the late Raymond "Ike" and Shirley McKinley and had lived in the Allegan area for the majority of her life.
Cindy and her husband Floyd owned the Chicora Country Store and most recently had worked the last several years at the D. L. Miller Funeral Home.
Cindy truly loved life and cherished time spent with family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Surviving is her husband of nearly 42 years Floyd, Jr., whom she married on June 20, 1975; son Floyd III (Sara) Decker; grandsons, Gabriel and Anson; brother-in-law, Bob (Kimmy) Decker; her special sister, Barb (Gene) Marr; and special friend, Robin (Rob) Blake; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Steve McKinley. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place.
No service is being scheduled at this time.
Arrangements were provided by the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

William Doyle Chadwick, 85, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017, at his home in Holland.
Bill was born in Nettletown, Ark., on Aug. 28, 1931, to Albert and Katie Chadwick. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict.
Bill married Rita Ann Ruesewald on Nov. 20, 1955, in Hernando, Miss., after which they moved to Michigan. He was employed by Baker Furniture, Lear Siegler, and retired from Nelsen Steel.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita; six children, Katie (Steven) Van Slooten, William "Bill" Jr. (Lori) Chadwick, Tina Yancy, Sheila (Jeff) Hoshor, Steve (Deborah) Chadwick and Brittany James; 17 grandchildren, Jessica Van Slooten (Gregg Novachek), Luke (Kyra) Van Slooten; Kayleigh, Eric, Samantha, and Savannah Chadwick; Rachelle (Curt) Scholten, Jeffry Hoshor and his fiancée Emily Simonson, Jonathan (Katie) Hoshor, Nicholas Hoshor; Meagan Yancy, Claire (Chase) Wing; Robert Chadwick; Nathan James and his fiancée Meredith Jongekryg, Franchesca, Adrianna, and Solomon James; and 11 great-grandchildren, Kendall and Lauren Van Slooten; Christian and Breana Blauwkamp; Easton and Carter Scholten; Jordan and Dominick Hoshor; Aryssa and Colten Knikelbine and Jackson Hoshor.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Bill donated his body to the Willed Body Program at Michigan State University.
A private family service has been planned at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.  
Arrangements are being provided by Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory, please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.
 

Kristin Slimmer (Chicky Wilson), 72, was welcomed to her eternal home on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.  
Chicky was born at the Douglas Hospital, was raised and resided in Saugatuck for most of her days. She was a graduate of Saugatuck High School and continued to be a fixture on the bleachers of SHS sporting events-supporting her children, grandchildren and her many "adopted" grandchildren.  
Chicky attended Ferris State University and retired from Hart & Cooley after more than 30 years. In addition to her love of basketball, she loved having coffee, dinners out, and walking with her lifelong friends.  
The best way to express the essence of Chicky is to say she LOVED life and was CHERISHED by many-she lived every day to the fullest. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Preceding her in death was her parents; her husband Norman Slimmer (2004); her son Garth (2008); and sister Peggy (2011).  
Chicky is survived by daughter, Michelle (Missy) Hines and her husband Kirk Hines; brothers David (Linda) Wilson, Tim (Sue) Wilson and Joel Wilson; grandchildren, Ryan Zomermaand, Meaghan O'Brien, Brooke Hines and Hayley-Kate Zomermaand; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and extended family and friends.
Visitation is Saturday, June 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel, 520 Lake St. No services are scheduled. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
For an online registry, visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.

Nora H. Anderson, 86, of Allegan, MI passed at Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Born January 21, 1931 in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Laura Fargo Cook. She was the wife of the late Denver “Denny” Anderson, who preceded her in death on November 16, 2013.  Mrs. Anderson was a graduate of Allegan High School in 1948, attended County Normal College and then earned her Teaching Degree from Western Michigan University. She had dedicated 21 years to public education as a second and third grade teacher for Fennville Public Schools until her retirement in 1989.

She is survived by her children, Timothy (Debra) Anderson, Scott Anderson, and Wendy (Carl) Malish; grandchildren, Shawn (Megan), Nathan (Lynne), Sarah, Michael, Megan, and Nicholas; and her great-grandchild, Reid. Along with her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Stewart, in 1985; and her sister, Betty Todd.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Monday, June 5, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Inurnment will take place in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Watson Township.

Memorial donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Allegan or Allegan County Medical Care Community.

Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marian Louise Tansky, 98, of Logan, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Fairfield Medical Center on Friday, June 2, 2017.
Born June 26, 1918, on a farm in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Leroy and Bernice Mallery (Porter) Morgan.
Marian learned about hard work during the Great Depression. After graduating from Allegan High School in 1936, she attended County Normal Teachers College in Kalamazoo. From 1937 to 1942, earning $80 a month, she taught at Baseline School and Clifford School, both one-room school houses in Allegan County. It was while attending Western Michigan University for continuing teacher's training that Marian met the love of her life and future husband, John Tansky at the Tally-Ho in Kalamazoo.
Marian vividly remembered the evening when the attack on Pearl Harbor was announced. She joined the war work effort in 1942 and was employed by RCA in New Jersey making top secret radar equipment for the military. She returned to the family farm while John was overseas during World War II.
In 1946, Marian and John moved to Logan, Ohio, and started Tansky Motors, a Dodge Dealership where they lived above the business. They would later start another dealership in Jackson, where they would live for several years before permanently returning to Logan in 1960.
Marian enjoyed attending church, antiques, traveling, reading, family time and discussing world events over a martini. She especially enjoyed spending her summers in northern Michigan.
Marian loved the people of Logan and was a supporter for fixing the city pool. As a member, she also loved St. John Catholic Church and School and loved hearing Bible messages.   
She is survived by four sons, Thomas John (Judy) Tansky of Columbus, Ohio, Stanley Seeley and John Joseph Tansky both of Logan, and Todd Hollis (Charlene) Tansky of Raleigh, N.C.; two daughters, Constance Jo Drake of Harbor Springs and Suzanne Morgan (Robert) Crunelle of Columbus, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Katherine Chial of Chicago, Ill., Christina Drake of Harbor Springs, Katrina and Nate Tansky of Columbus, Ohio, Amy Strouse, Theresa Miller and Rebecca Chandler of Columbus, Ohio, and Leanne Crunelle of Cedarville, Ohio; and 13 great-grandchildren.  She could not have done it without caregiver Vicki Rooker and Troy Eaton.
Besides her parents, Marian was preceded in death by her husband, John Paul Tansky (1999); one son, Rawleigh Scott Tansky (1960); one son-in-law, Peter Drake (2005); one brother, Hollis Morgan; brother and sister-in-law Bo and Donna Morgan; and sister and brother-in-law Maxine and Merril Woodhams.
A funeral service will be at St. John Catholic Church in Logan, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 7, at 11 a.m. with Father William J. Ferguson officiating.
Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Logan Ohio.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home with a Christian vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation may be made to St. John Elementary School, 321 N. Market St., Logan, Ohio 43138; the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org; or the charity of one's choice.
Letters of condolence may be left at www.robertsfuneralhomelogan.com.

Gay Elaine Butcher, 69, of Allegan passed away at Borgess Hospital on June 2, 2017.
Gay was the loving wife of Larry Butcher Sr. for 52 years. She was the treasured mother of Larry Butcher Jr. (Nancy Green), Holly Butcher and Willard Butcher (Barb Madison).
Gay worked as a seamstress at Haworth of Allegan for more than 20 years before they closed and was well liked by her coworkers. Her nickname at work was "Smiley" because she always had a smile for everyone. Before Haworth, she worked as a seamstress for many years at Friedlens.
Gay was a very special person who loved easily and unconditionally. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, playing Bingo, going to concerts, visiting the U.P., and hunting morel mushrooms. Her highlight every year was the mushroom trip she took with her husband, daughter and sister-in-law. She also received a nickname from her mushrooming. She was always spotting them while driving down the road so people started calling her "Hawk Eye Mama."
The other family she leaves behind includes her sisters, Karen (Russ) Wells and Betty Scofield; her sisters-in-law, Marion Strickfaden, Mary Strickfaden, Char Burt and Karen Brooks; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Katherine Strickfaden; two brothers, John and Bill Strickfaden; and one sister Janice Holloway.
Per Gay's wishes, there will not be a funeral service.
Gay will be loved and missed by many.
 

(Updated to include services on June 17)

Cindy S. Decker, 61, of Allegan, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 23, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Cindy was born April 27, 1956, in Battle Creek, the daughter of the late Raymond "Ike" and Shirley McKinley and had lived in the Allegan area for the majority of her life.
Cindy and her husband Floyd owned the Chicora Country Store and most recently had worked the last several years at the D. L. Miller Funeral Home.
Cindy truly loved life and cherished time spent with family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Surviving are her husband of nearly 42 years, Floyd Jr. whom she married on June 20, 1975; son Floyd III (Sara) Decker; grandsons Gabriel and Anson; brother-in-law Bob (Kimmy) Decker; her special sister Barb (Gene) Marr and special friend Robin (Rob) Blake; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Steve McKinley.
Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will meet friends on Saturday, June 17, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon at the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com. Pastors Carol Newman and Gary Napp will officiate.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.
 

Freda J. Allison, 78, of Otsego passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the Wings Home in Allegan. She was born Oct. 28,1938, in Climax, the daughter of Frederick and Maxine (Goulette) Caffrey.
Freda was a 1956 Otsego High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area. For 26 years she had worked at Parker Hannifin until her retirement.
In her spare time she enjoyed taking rides in the country, working puzzles, watching movies, going out to eat, and playing computer games.
In 1990, she married Albert Allison who passed away in 1999.
Surviving are her children, Taffy, Steve, Mike, Tim, Keith Town and Karen Myers; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Fred Caffrey Jr., George Rogers and Mike Caffrey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Robert Caffrey and Betty Collick.
According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes will be at Mountain Home Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Freda may be made to Wings Home of Allegan.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
 

Ann D. Bullock, 80, beloved wife, mother and grandma, passed away peacefully at her beloved home on Goshorn Lake in Saugatuck on Saturday, June 10, 2017.
Ann was born in Portland, Mich., graduated from Portland High School and attended Davenport University. Though it was Charlotte where Ann raised her family, for the past 25 years, she enjoyed life on the west side of the state in Saugatuck.  
Ann enjoyed cooking, yearly treks north to hunt morel mushrooms, taking care of her family, and ANYTHING to do with her grandchildren who were the loves of her life; she couldn't be more proud of each and every one of them!  
Boating on the Great Lakes with Richard was a large part of her life for many years and provided her with a plethora of wonderful friendships. She enjoyed having a few spins at the casino, a chilled glass of chardonnay and a good laugh.
She was preceded in death by her mother Ione (Barry) Vogt and father Fredrick Vogt.
Surviving are her husband Richard of 60 years; children, Susan Bullock of Gila, N.M., Nancy Henry and Tim Rice of Traverse City, Judi and Bill Bohr of Richland and Charles Bullock of Zeeland; and six grandchildren, Eric and Macy Henry, Jordan, Morgan and Matthew Bullock and Cari Rice.
Ann is survived by two brothers, Fred (Brenda) Vogt of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Juan Romagosa of Cape Coral, Fla.
A small celebration of life for family will be at a later date. Great appreciation goes out to the wonderful team of individuals at Hospice of Holland.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be to Hospice of Holland, hollandhospice.org.  
For an online registry, visit dykstrafuneralhome.com.
 

Shirley Mae Michaels, 74, of Allegan lost her battle to cancer Sunday, June 4, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born Dec. 29, 1942, in Fennville, the daughter of Fred and Madeline Beagle.
Shirley enjoyed guns, crocheting, sewing, reading, fishing, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Shirley is survived by four children, Frank (Carla) Michaels, Steven Michaels, Sheila (Brian) Hartman and Sherri Michaels; six grandchildren, Josh (Ashley) Michaels, Nathan (Katherine) Lane, Serena Luke, Blaine Michaels, Maci Michaels and Madeline Michaels; two great-grandchildren, Arylana Michaels and Quorbyn Michaels; four sisters, Sandra Hottsclaw of Green Valley, Ariz.; Donna (Arlee) Horn of Fennville, Nancy (Monroe) Childress of Holland and Patricia Brimhall of Holland; five brothers, Gary (Dorine) Beagle of Georgina, OT,  Richard Beagle of Florida, Larry Beagle of Chicago, Ill. Phillip (Gaby) Beagle and Donald Beagle of California.
She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Madeline Beagle, and her friend of 20 years, Dan Phillips.
A celebration of life will be July 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at 1176 54th St., Fennville.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center.
 

Dorothy M. Hanson, 94, of Schaumburg, Ill., (formerly of Allegan) passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017, at her home.  
Mrs. Hanson was born on Jan. 21, 1923, in Bloomfield, N.J., the daughter of the late Fred and Elvira (Zannelli) Moglia. She married her true love, Theodore H. Hanson, and together raised their daughter Carlene.  
Dorothy was a wonderful example of motherhood and showered her love on her daughter, and later her grandchildren. Her love and caring nature will be missed.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Carlene Niedermeyer; her three grandchildren, Robert and Amanda Niedermeyer, Darren Niedermeyer, and Allison Niedermeyer; and her brother Fred Moglia.  
She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore and her two sisters, Helen and Irene.
Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral services will be at 1 p.m.  Memorial donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Honor Flight Michigan (www.honorflightmichigan.com), or Talons Out Honor Flight, P.O. Box 280 Portage, MI 49024 (www.talonsouthonorflight.org).  
Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.
 

Anthony F. "Tony" Novak, 84, of Fennville, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Grace of Douglas. Born Jan. 10, 1933, in Cook County, Ill., he was the son of Anthony and Frances (Pushanea) Novak.
Tony was a United States Navy veteran, and retired from Bohn Aluminum and Brass, of South Haven, as a design engineer. After his retirement he enjoyed being a driver for the Interurban bus serving the Saugatuck Township area.
Tony lived in the Fennville/Douglas area for more than 50 years, and enjoyed boating, bowling, and spending time with friends and family.
Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou (Brell) Novak; sons, Michael (and Teresa) Novak and Robert (and Leslie) Novak of Fennville; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, June 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Chappell Funeral Home, 637 W. Main St., Fennville. Funeral services are Saturday, June 17, at 1 p.m. at All Saint's Episcopal Church, 252 Grand St., Saugatuck, with Father G. Corwin Stoppel officiating. Burial will be at Fennville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church of Douglas.
An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.
 

Maymie Olive Rietkerk, 97, passed away Thursday, June 15, at her home in Plainwell. She was born Sept. 8, 1919, in Welland, Ontario, Canada.
Many will remember Maymie as the receptionist/vet assistance at the Plainwell Pet Clinic where she worked from 1970 to 1985 sharing her love of animals with many in the community.
In 1976, Maymie proudly went through the process to become a naturalized citizen of the USA. She loved being able to finally vote in our nation's elections.
Maymie is survived by one brother, George Marlatt of Kalamazoo; two sisters, Ethel (Al) Folk of Kalamazoo and Cecelia Miller of South Dakota; her children, Rozann (Danny) Osborn and Douglas (Pamela) Rietkerk of Minnesota; daughters-in-law, Darline Rietkerk and Kay Watson; grandchildren, Joyce (David) Amato of Arizona, Seven Osborn, Greg (Patti Callum) Osborn, Ceili Robinson, Anneke (Mark) Riess of Minnesota, Liesl Rietkerk of Hawaii, Sarah Austin of Kalamazoo, Clayton Rietkerk of Plainwell, Tamara Dressler, Rebecca (Erik) Colwell; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Dailey, Kaitlyn Watson, Asher Riess, Ashley, Nathan and Ashton Yablonsky, James, Michael, Genevieve and Isabella Colwell.
Maymie was preceded in death by her husband Bernardus "Bill" Rietkerk; her parents, Harry and Myrtle Marlatt; step-mother Frances (Honeywell) Marlatt; brothers, Howard, Clarence "Bud" and Harry Marlatt; her son, Rodger Rietkerk; and a granddaughter Diane Osborn.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and loyal friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and eternally loved by all.
On Wednesday, June 21, visit her family at the viewing from 4 to 7 p.m. at Life Story Marshall-Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. Her funeral will be at the funeral home on Thursday, June 22, at 11 a.m. followed by a small graveside service.
 

Kathleen Marlene (Karban) Stephenson, 74, of Allegan went to live for eternity with
her heavenly father on Saturday, June 3, 2017, while being given superior care at Wings Home in Allegan.
Kathleen was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with no real cure, on Feb.
16, 2017.
Kathleen graduated from West Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in June of 1960, and from Kalamazoo Valley Community College nursing program in 1980. She held a Critical Care Registered Nurse designation, as well as ACLS certification. She worked in intensive critical care units at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, until retiring at the age of 69.   
Kathleen was very spiritual and heavily involved at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Allegan participating in Council of Catholic Women functions, as well as playing piano and singing in the choir at the 11 a.m. Mass for many years.
One of her favorite activities was helping to make hundreds of fruit pies every summer with the "CCW Pie Ladies" group that were sold at the Holiday Bazaar each November.
Music was one of Kathleen's greatest passions. She began playing piano at age 3 and played in the school orchestra and as a soloist, as well as accompanying other students in their competitions.
Kathleen loved to attend musical theatre and watching movie musicals. Kathleen's love for music became a large part of her relationship with her granddaughter, Madissen. Kathleen's love of music engendered the same love of music in Madissen, who has become not only a pianist, but also a talented cellist. This provided Kathleen untold pride, satisfaction, and happiness.   
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward H. and Eleanor A. Karban; her older brother Edward; her younger brothers, David and
Daniel; and her older sister Marie (Karban) Lamberg.
Kathleen is survived by her husband of more than 41 years, Michael K. Stephenson; her daughter Lorell K. Vacha; and her son, Vincent T. Vacha, along with Vincent's wife Sharon E. Vacha and their daughter-Kathleen's granddaughter Madissen A. Vacha. She is also survived by her older sister Eleanor D. Karban; her brother, Joseph Karban and his wife Kathie.   
Kathleen's life was one of compassion and generosity. She always made time to help her family and friends. She was a lady of grace and gentility, loving her family and friends unconditionally and completely.
She lived her life with deep spirituality and faith in God our heavenly Father. She did not abandon her beliefs throughout her illness, but continued to remain calm and steadfast in her beliefs because she knew she was going to live life eternal in heaven with God her father.   
A rosary will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 110 N. Cedar St., Allegan, MI 49010, on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m. A memorial mass will be at the church on Wednesday, July 12, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.   
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of their beloved Kathleen to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI  49010, marked for their Wings Home.
 

Rodney Gerald Belden, 76, of Allegan passed away Friday, June 16, 2017, at Wings Home surrounded by his family. Rod was born on Nov. 21, 1940, in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Gerald and Kathryn (Slater) Belden.  
After high school, he served his country in the United States Army, of which he was very proud. Upon returning from the Army, Rodney took a job at Rockwell International in Allegan, retiring after 30 years of service. After retiring, he worked part-time for The County Post and AutoZone.  
Rod was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed tinkering with vehicles.  If it had a motor, he could usually fix it. Racing ponies at the Allegan County Fair, Rod felt it was much more economical to shoe his own horses than pay someone else, so he taught himself how to shoe a horse. He was great at learning how to do things on his own.
His love for music led him to teach himself how to play the guitar and he and his friends would play at McDonalds and Walmart on Sunday nights.  
For 20 years, Rodney attended the Dulcimer Music Funfest in Evart, having his grandchildren accompany him for many years. Rodney was also something of a packrat-if he bought something, you can be sure that it was still around, as well as the receipt for it!  
He was a person that was easy to like and will never be forgotten.  He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.  
Rodney is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Janice; their daughter Kathy Tyo; two grandchildren, Josh Schafer and Tyler Schafer; his sister, Linda and Richard Beilby; and his brother, Larry and Debbie Belden.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Kathryn Belden, and his brother Dan Belden.
Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 28, at 11 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made in Rod's name to Wings Home, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. Interment will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township.
Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.  
 

Carrie Jane Terrel Nielsen, 90, of Allegan went to be with her Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017. She was born July 25, 1926, near South Haven, in Allegan County, the daughter of the late Berce and Helen (Kreigh) Terrel.  
She met Harry E. Nielsen working at the Fennville Canning Factory. They were married Sept. 23, 1950, and celebrated 59 years of marriage.
During her life she cared for many elderly people, including her parents and grandparents. She worked at various places harvesting fruits and vegetables for markets.  She worked at Rhodes Dairy and also Sealtest for several years, along with riding for Shady Trails Riding Stable.  
Carrie volunteered a great deal through her life. She taught Sunday school, woman's Bible class and vacation Bible school along with Friend Ways at the First Church of God in Allegan and the Allegan Christian Reformed Church. She was the head Calvinette leader at Allegan Christian Reformed Church.  In her later years she was a member of the First Congregational Church of Allegan.  
Carrie was also the WAOP Radio Station Mother of the Year for Allegan County.  
Carrie enjoyed crocheting, sewing clothing and quilts, embroidery, crafts, oil painting, growing and arranging flowers, cooking, baking and crossword puzzles. For many years she won ribbons for her entries in all categories at the Allegan County Fair.
The lives of her family and friends were enriched by her generosity and love.  
Carrie will be missed by her three children, Elsie Jones, Harry and Lois Nielsen, and Saree and Butch Miller; five grandchildren, Shannen Jaglan, Jacob and Angela Miller, Cassie and Luke Avink, Monica Owsiany and Beth Tucker; five great-grandchildren, Anella Avink, Jared Avink, Nicolas Owsiany, Harrison Owsiany and Alyssa Tucker; her sister Cliffadena Demaray; and numerous relatives and friends.  
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Harry Nielsen; her parents, Berce and Helen Terrel; her son-in-law Billy Jones; and three siblings.
Friends met with the family on Sunday, June 18, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service was held on Monday, June 19. Pastor Barry Lucas officiated. Interment took place at Millgrove Cemetery, Valley Township.   
Memorial donations may be made in Carrie's name to the First Congregational Church, Wings of Hope Hospice or Allegan County Medical Care Community.
Arrangements were provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.