Leo Martonosi Jr., 94, of Gladwin, father of Allegan County sports writer Leo Martonosi III, was met at the gates of Heaven by his wife Helen, son Nick Martonosi, mother (Anna) and father (Leo Sr.), grandson Marc Leo Martonosi and several other family members on Wednesday, July 26, at Midland Hospital.

Martonosi, a World War II decorated hero, is survived by his son Leo III (Bianne) of Holland; daughter Tina Martonosi of Flint; daughter-in-law Kathy Martonosi of Holland; grandchildren, Lisa Wilson (Jim ) of Hopkins, Dena Martonosi of Hopkins, Nathan Juliano of Flint, David Martonosi (Jennett) of Jenison, Josh Martonosi of Holland, Sam Martonosi (Leah) of Holland and Heather Torres (Hector) of Boston, Mass., and 12 great-grandchildren.

Martonosi walked and carried the banners of the Holland Sentinel and Dutch Village for guests of Tulip Time on 25 occasions, the last being five years ago. His first and favorite guest was Detroit Tigers Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Michigan disabled veterans in Martonosi’s name.

A full military funeral celebration in Martonosi’s honor will be Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. at Hall’s Funeral Home in Gladwin. Visitation will be Monday, July 31, from 1 to 9 p.m.

In memory of Phyllis Henthorn (Batchelder) 1932-2017 of Allegan. Phyllis passed away at the age of 85 on July 18, after a wonderful weekend with her family. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carl Henthorn.

Surviving are her children Kenda (Richard) Levett, Garth (Jody) Henthorn, Kyla Bos, Keena Davis, and Drew (Lisa) Henthorn; grandchildren, Carrie (Jason) Hillman, Tom (Emily) Wright, David (JoEllen) Strey, Jesse (Kristin) Henthorn, Ashley Vaughn, Keysha (Adam)Hanes and Kristy Bos; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Phyllis was born in Grand Rapids and moved to Allegan in 1937 at 5 years of age. She had a great interest in the history of Allegan and loved to share her life experiences along the history of Allegan.

She enjoyed spending time with family and treasured the pictures she received of her children and grandchildren. Feeding the birds and squirrels, appreciating flowers of each season, and the Allegan gazebo music concerts made her life enjoyable.

Phyllis was an active, lifelong member of the congregation of Jehovah’s Witness.

Her family would like to thank everyone that took part in caring for her throughout her last years. We like to express appreciation for Allegan General Hospital, Allegan Medical Facility, Alliance Home Health Care Services, along with everyone else that added a bright memory to her history.

Phyllis was laid to rest next to her husband at Popular Hill Cemetery in South Monterey.

Paul James Peet, 85, of Farwell passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2017.

Paul was born March 5, 1932, in South Monterey, the son of George Jonas and Mary Melissa (Biddle) Peet. Paul graduated from Allegan High School in 1951.

On June 28, 1952, in Allegan, he united in marriage with Lillian Marie Smith. Soon after marriage, Paul was drafted into the army during the Korean Conflict.

Paul attended Central Michigan University of Mt. Pleasant and Garrett Theological Seminary on the Northwestern University campus of Chicago, Ill.

Paul became an ordained Methodist minister and served several churches throughout central Michigan.  Paul had resided in Farwell since 1986, coming from Clare, and originally from Allegan.

Paul was a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harrison Branch, where he also served as custodian and maintenance person for many years. He enjoyed reading and educating himself in religion.

Paul’s pleasures were caring for their home, yard, gardening, family gatherings, reading, and he fondly cherished the time spent together making memories. Paul had a passion for music, not only listening to it, but singing and studying the meaning of the songs.

Surviving Paul is his loving wife of 65 years, Lillian Marie Peet of Farwell; three daughters, Mary McArthur of Farwell, Paulette Peet (Mike Clouse) of Blanchard, and Cathy Misky of Mt. Pleasant; one son, Philip Peet and wife Elaine of Centralia, Wash.; daughter in law Barbara Peet of Saginaw; 19 grandchildren, 18 great-granchildren; one sister-in-law Blanche (Evans) Peet-Wilkinson of South Haven; plus many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one son James Paul Peet; two grandsons, Jamie Witbeck and Joseph McNerney; one sister Helen Roekle; and three brothers, Hollis Peet, Lowell Peet and George Peet.

Funeral services honoring Paul will be Saturday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Harrison Branch, 1125 Byfield Drive, Harrison, MI 48625. Military honors will be presented under the auspices of the Harrison American Legion Post 404-Honor Guard. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Stocking Funeral Home, 165 W. Oak St., Harrison. Burial will be in Salt River Cemetery in Shepherd.

Memorial gifts in memory of Paul may be considered to MidMichigan Home Care.

To share an online memory or condolence with Paul’s family, visit www.stockingfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are being provided by Stocking Funeral Home in Harrison.

David Charles Corkill, 89, of Sandy Springs, Ga., rose to heaven on July 29, 2017. 

David, the son of Dr. Clifford and Mrs. Lois Corkill; loving husband of Diane Corkill of 66 years; brother of Catherine Dolnick and devoted father of three children, Brad, Lesley and Shelley; as well as eight grandchildren, Emily, Nathan, Payton, Pierce, David, Taryn, Savanna, Diana and four great-grandchildren, Violet, Frankie, Etta and Sawyer, will be deeply missed by all.

Corkill was born in Fennville on April 24, 1928. He was an alumni of Michigan State University, a United States veteran and retired professionally from Georgia Pacific Corporation in 1990. 

He was an avid hunter, sports enthusiast and prolific World War II historian.  He was a kind, gentle man who thought of others before himself. 

Corkill lived a full, blessed life until the very end. He rose to be with the Lord in peace while surrounded by loved ones. 

Donations in his honor can be made to The Salvation Army of Atlanta.

Memorial services will be in Douglas to be announced at a later date.

Dallas James (DJ) Henderson, 1966-2017, surrounded by his adored wife, children, family, church family and friends, fulfilled his number one passion to meet the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 29, 2017.

DJ loved family. He is survived by his wife Patricia; his children, Dallas Dusten (Shelby) Henderson, Maranda (Tony) Brunelle, Jori Henderson, Erin Henderson, Charlie Ferraro and Sam Ferraro; his grandchildren, Rylyn, Charlee, Dakota, Liam and Dominic; his mother, Anita Turner; his sisters, Eva (Tom) Hoekstra, Charlene (Mark) TeGrootenhuis, Audra Henderson, Sharon Henderson, Pam (Bob) Miller, Vickie Henderson-East, Theresa (David) Nelson and Kathy Henderson; his many cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He longs to see you again beyond the pearly gates. Just believe and live your life serving God.

DJ’s favorite place to be is on the blueberry farm and it’s harvest season. Jesus harvested the cream of the crop. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life service for Dallas James (DJ) Henderson on Friday, Aug. 4, at 2 p.m. at the original family farm, Henderson Blueberry Farm, 215 63rd St., South Haven, MI.

A private burial service will follow where his body will be laid to rest at Stephenson Cemetery in South Haven next to his father, Dallas Zane Henderson, who preceded him in death.

DJ was also preceded in death by a brother, Dallas Dale Henderson.

Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, 528 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI, www.gordenfuneral.com.

William “Bill” C. Vandenberg III, 83, of Holland died peacefully in his sleep at the Vista Springs in Wyoming, Mich. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017.

Bill graduated from Culver Military Academy. After a year at Southern Methodist University he enlisted in the Marine Corp. He graduated from Hope College and was later employed as a student recruiter.

After retirement he turned his love of the outdoors into a modest landscaping operation. He worked with Port Sheldon Township to maintain Kiowa Park, as well as many private properties.

Bill was fond of ballroom dancing and took an interest in many sports, especially the Hope College Men’s basketball team, and he counted its coach as one of his closest friends. He could be seen at all of the Hope College football games, and once the women’s basketball program was established, he supported the women as loyally and ardently as the men. Bill was also an avid golfer and spent several years coaching Hope College’s men’s golf team.

Bill is survived by his brothers, Terry, Thomas, and Charles (Jory) Vandenberg; sister Kristy; nephews, Luke (Shelle) Vandenberg and Todd (Jennifer) Vandenberg; niece Tammy Vandenberg; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service at All Saints Episcopal Church in Saugatuck is being planned by his family for a later date.

The family is being served by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, www.langelandsterenberg.com.

Elry Junior Grigg, 64, of South Haven, passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born Feb. 27, 1953, to Roy Elry and Margaret (Burris) Grigg in Toppenish, Washington. Elry graduated from Fennville High School in the Class of 1970. He later attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Elry honorably served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War. Following his service, Elry worked as a machinist for Bohn Aluminum for 19 years until its closing in 1996. Elry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching sports, cheering for the Chicago Cubs and all of the Detroit teams.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Elry “Jacob” Grigg; and brother-in-law, Rickh Warchol.

Elry is survived by his wife Sherry Grigg of South Haven; children Rachael (Roy) Grigg of South Haven and Rich (Dara) Braunz of South Haven, siblings Cindy Warchol of Allegan, Alicia (Terry) Jeffrey of Fennville, Debi (Mark) Howe of Allegan, Tom (Nikki) Grigg of Norton Shores, Sam (Candie) Grigg of Lakeland, Fla., and Mike Grigg of Fennville; brother-in-law Gary (Cindy) Flora of Pullman; and grandchildren Mike (Cree-Skye) Eisner, Carly and Ava Braunz, and Elizabeth Neely. Several nieces and nephews and the family dog, Rico, also survive.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Casco United Methodist Church with Pastor Don Graham officiating. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, (269) 637-0333.

Alice Haak Haight, 83, died on Aug. 10, 2017, in Ganges. She was born Dec. 31, 1933, in Cambridge, Mass.

Alice was kind, intelligent, generous, creative, loving and just the right amount competitive. She loved games and her friends but mostly loved spending time with family.

She is fondly remembered and profoundly missed by husband Dick; daughters, Tammy and Betsy and their husbands, Ross Sweetman and Steve Bloom; grandchildren, Amanda, Jill (Nate Lada), Alison (Jim Caroll) and Casey; great-grandson Graham; brother Avery Haak; nieces, Anna and Andrea and their families; along with many close friends and a pack of family dogs.

To honor her memory—the family tried to think of some things she would like everyone to do. So … please be kind, pick up trash, always carry a sweater, support the public library, learn something new every day, don't use scented products, but mostly ... be kind.

The family is going to gather to “Remember Alice” at The Old Schoolhouse, 131 Center St., Douglas, on Aug. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Friends of the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library or The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Homes—Saugatuck Chapel.

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an online registry or to leave a memory.

Monte H. Lane, 89, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at home in South Haven.

He was born in Ohio on Aug. 7, 1928, and grew up in Kalamazoo where he met and wed his wife Gloria on Aug. 26, 1950. They spent 67 memorable years together growing their family and starting their business, Lane Soft Water in 1958 in Allegan. He was proud of his business, which continues with his son-in-law and grandson.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Terry; his grandson, Jason and wife Michelle; great-granddaughter Jenna; and grandson Cameron.  He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou; brother, Gene and wife Sheila; and several brothers- and sisters-in law and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Philip William; and daughter Kathleen Joy. 

At Monte’s request cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Memorial donations may be made to Congregational Kitchen of the First Congregational Church, 323 Cutler St., Allegan, MI 49010.

An online register book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

Monte H. Lane, 89, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at home in South Haven.
He was born in Ohio on Aug. 7, 1928, and grew up in Kalamazoo where he met and wed his wife Gloria on Aug. 26, 1950. They spent 67 memorable years together growing their family and starting their business, Lane Soft Water in 1958 in Allegan. He was proud of his business, which continues with his son-in-law and grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Terry; his grandson, Jason and wife Michelle; great-granddaughter Jenna; and grandson Cameron.  He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou; brother, Gene and wife Sheila; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.  
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Philip William; and daughter Kathleen Joy.  
At Monte’s request cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Memorial donations may be made to Congregational Kitchen of the First Congregational Church, 323 Cutler St., Allegan, MI 49010.
An online register book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

George Dennis Mercer, 68, died unexpectedly on July 19, 2017. He was born Jan. 23, 1949.
He was the loving husband of Connie Klix Mercer and inspiring father of Ian and Grant Mercer.
Founded on his strong Catholic faith, George’s exemplary way of life will continue to be a guiding light for his eight nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and -nephews.
He was preceded in death by brother Jeff and sister Karen Randazzo.
George Mercer was the chairman of the real estate department at the law firm of Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. where he specialized in commercial and multi-family acquisitions, sales and financing. He was known for his deep knowledge of real estate law, tough negotiating and especially his pleasant demeanor, even in difficult deals.
Clients relied heavily on his expert advice and new lawyers grew under his tutelage. George was a gentleman amongst gentlemen, known for his positive attitude, caring and thoughtfulness.
Connie, Ian and Grant were his first priorities. George developed a large circle of true friends spanning grade school to business. Always yearning for knowledge, George graduated from Bishop Gallagher High School, the University of Michigan and Wayne State Law School. He was a respected member of the alumni board of Sigma Phi fraternity, Ann Arbor.
As an avid sports fan, golfer and stellar left-winger with a world class slap shot, George generated tremendous friendships. His love of trains, both model and full scale is well known from Detroit to Omaha.
The Lake Michigan bluffs were a second home to George and those in his Saugatuck circle remember his warmth and kindness.
George’s sense of humor, quick wit, as well as loving and considerate personality endeared him to his family and friends. A man of such qualities will be sorely missed by all those with whom he came in contact.
Services have already taken place. George was laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Saugatuck Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019, www.yourcpf.org, or Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610, www.moody.edu.
Arrangements were by the Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, www.pixleyfuneral.com.
 

Alice Haak Haight, 83, died on Aug. 10, 2017, in Ganges. She was born Dec. 31, 1933, in Cambridge, Mass.

Alice was kind, intelligent, generous, creative, loving and just the right amount competitive. She loved games and her friends but mostly loved spending time with family.

She is fondly remembered and profoundly missed by husband Dick; daughters, Tammy and Betsy and their husbands, Ross Sweetman and Steve Bloom; grandchildren, Amanda, Jill (Nate Lada), Alison (Jim Caroll) and Casey; great-grandson Graham; brother Avery Haak; nieces, Anna and Andrea and their families; along with many close friends and a pack of family dogs.

To honor her memory—the family tried to think of some things she would like everyone to do. So … please be kind, pick up trash, always carry a sweater, support the public library, learn something new every day, don't use scented products, but mostly ... be kind.

The family is going to gather to “Remember Alice” at The Old Schoolhouse, 131 Center St., Douglas, on Aug. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Friends of the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library or The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Homes—Saugatuck Chapel.

Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an online registry or to leave a memory.

Dawn Iris Grigsby, 85, of Allegan went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Aug. 15, 2017.  She was born March 21, 1932, to Charles and Gladys Dell in Riverside. 

On March 24, 1950, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elmer Grigsby, who preceded her to Heaven in 1993.

Surviving are her children, Karen (Tom) Wright of Otsego, Mark Grigsby of Lawrence, Terri (Allen) Philley of Allegan, and Ernie (Pam) Grigsby of Hartford. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Audrey (Ron) Buzzell of Allegan and Sylvia (JR) Nolen of Moulton, Ala.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Elmer, Dawn was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Leo and Charles Dell, Jr.; sisters, Alice Reed and Joyce Nelson; and her daughter-in-law Connie Grigsby.

Dawn was a loving spirit with a servant’s heart. She was a generous caregiver, a lover of music, and above all, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Thursday, Aug. 24, from noon to 1 p.m., at which time a funeral service will begin. 

Burial will follow in Trowbridge United Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, www.alz.org. 

Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

David Charles Corkill, 89, of Sandy Springs, Ga., rose to heaven on July 29, 2017. 

David, the son of Dr. Clifford and Mrs. Lois Corkill; loving husband of Diane Corkill of 66 years; brother of Catherine Dolnick and devoted father of three children, Brad, Lesley and Shelley; as well as eight grandchildren, Emily, Nathan, Payton, Pierce, David, Taryn, Savanna, Diana and four great-grandchildren, Violet, Frankie, Etta and Sawyer, will be deeply missed by all.

Corkill was born in Fennville on April 24, 1928. He was an alumni of Michigan State University, a United States veteran and retired professionally from Georgia Pacific Corporation in 1990. 

He was an avid hunter, sports enthusiast and prolific World War II historian.  He was a kind, gentle man who thought of others before himself. 

Corkill lived a full, blessed life until the very end. He rose to be with the Lord in peace while surrounded by loved ones. 

Donations in his honor can be made to The Salvation Army of Atlanta.

Memorial services will be in Douglas to be announced at a later date.

Angeline Dornak, 94, of Fennvillle passed away on Friday Aug. 18, 2017, at Briarwood Assisted Living. She was born on May 30, 1923, in Czechoslovakia to Joseph and Andela Appl.

Angeline married Anthony Dornak Jr. on Jan. 18, 1948. She worked at Life Savers and the Mushroom Plant as well as picking fruit on the farm.

Angeline was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Douglas and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Anthony; and son Charles.

Surviving are children, Anthony and Teri Dornak, Joseph and Shirley Dornak of Fennville; grandchildren, Mike and Rachel Dornak, Alisha and Demajo Clemens, Leslie and Ryan Drenthe and Paul and Jeanette Dornak; great-grandchildren, Zackary, Dante, DeNasia, Ariana, Ramey, Taylor, Camden and Cecilia; and great-great-granddaughter Kyleigh.

Visitation will be Sunday Aug. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. at Chappell Funeral Home in Fennville. Funeral services will be Monday Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Douglas. Burial will be in the Fennville Cemetery.

Donations can be made either to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423 or to Christian Neighbors, 100 St. Peters Drive, Douglas, MI 49406.

Visit Angeline’s online registry book at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

Trayton Spencer Lull, 82, of Hopkins passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at his home.  Born Nov. 13, 1934, in Grand Rapids.

He was the son of the late Melvin Spencer Lull and Margaret Miller Lull and was the husband of Marrion Joyce Curtis Lull. 

Mr. Lull was a member of Hopkins United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years where he often served as a lay speaker.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. 

Mr. Lull was involved in the hardware industry for more than 45 years.  He started his career at Hopkins Hardware, which he owned and operated for 32 years.  Later he went to work part-time at Caledonia Hardware before purchasing Ace Hardware in Plainwell and operating it for an additional 10 years. 

Mr. Lull was a man of many talents and skills. He had a knack for electrical work and would share his knowledge by teaching in the public school systems twice a year for many years. He also installed new electrical and plumbing systems in new homes and would replace furnaces in established residences. 

In his spare time, Mr. Lull enjoyed spending time with nature by camping and hunting.

In addition to his wife of more than 62 years, he is survived by his children, Hal Alan Lull and wife Elaine, and Todd Spencer Lull and wife Kathy; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; along with one “dumb cat.”

Besides his parents, Mr. Lull was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Lull.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Monday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.  A funeral service will be at Hopkins United Methodist Church, 322 N. Maple St., Hopkins, on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m., Pastor Dominic and Pastor Joel co-officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. 

Flowers are welcomed, or memorial donations may be made to the Hopkins United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 356, Hopkins, MI 49328. 

Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Marilyn J. Runkel, 90, of Hopkins died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, at Morrison Manor (Hospice) of Scotland County in Laurinburg, N.C., where she had been residing since 2014 with her daughter, Ann Runkel Krotz.

Mrs. Runkel was born July 1, 1927, in Hopkins, the daughter of Harley and Marion (Stone) Sebright.  Marilyn graduated from Hopkins High School in 1944 and then graduated from Allegan County Normal.

On Dec. 5, 1947, Marilyn married Robert Runkel. Marilyn taught elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse before they were married.  After their marriage, she was a stay-at-home mother and full-time help to her husband on their farm in Monterey Township.  In later years, as her children went off to college, she worked at Hopkins Public School system in the superintendent’s office doing payroll and other secretarial duties.

Surviving are two children, Ann (David) Krotz of North Carolina and Steven (Linda) Runkel of Grand Rapids; daughter-in-law, Bonneta (Brian) Runkel of Allegan; sister-in-law Arlene Snoeyink of Lansing; nine grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Runkel; son Brian Runkel; her sister Norma Johnson; four brothers, Malcom, Robert, Clare and Russ Sebright; as well as her parents, Harley and Marion.

Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel. Funeral services will be Thursday,

Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at Burnips LifeChange Community Church (formally Burnips Wesleyan Church) where she was a member. Pastor Stephen Jones will officiate. 

Graveside services will be conducted at Poplar Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. A light luncheon will be provided at the church immediately following graveside services.

Barbra Jean Austin, 92, of Allegan, has gone to her mansion over the hilltop to be with the love of her life on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.

Born Nov.12, 1924, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Lillian Miller Truax and was the wife of the late Eugene Austin, who preceded her in death in 1997. 

Mrs. Austin was a former member of the Kalamazoo Gun Club.  She and her husband enjoyed spending time with each other hunting, fishing and camping in the Airstream they purchased to travel throughout their golden years. 

Mrs. Austin was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was a friend to many and will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Austin is survived by her daughter, Carolyn J. Rook and husband Larry; sisters, Betty Walters and Donna Hotchkiss; grandsons, Scott Armstrong, Rob Austin and Kevin Rook; and great-grandchildren, Lilly Armstrong and Xander Armstrong.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Ron Austin; and her sisters, Maxine Austin and Shirley Hoyer.

In accordance with her wishes, Mrs. Austin will be laid to rest beside her husband at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Kalamazoo.  A private graveside service will take place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made to Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.

Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Diane Lynne Morton, 65, passed away of kidney cancer at her home with her loving and supportive family and friends by her side. Diane was born and raised in Allegan. She graduated from Allegan High School in June 1970.

Diane met the love of her life, Michael Morton, when she was 13 years old. They enjoyed a loving 45 years of marriage during which they were blessed with three awesome children.

Diane is remembered for her contagious smile and welcoming spirit. She loved gardening, visiting her family farm and baking her mom’s bread recipe to share with her loved ones. Diane was fun-loving and enjoyed holidays with her children and grandchildren. She especially liked holding an annual Halloween gathering every year.

The Morton’s Miner Lake cottage was a summer home where she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, including trips around the lake on her pontoon. Diane also cherished sitting on her front porch enjoying family and friends, who gathered at “Cutler Close.” She was a woman of faith who was actively involved in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Diane is survived by her husband and their children, Hollie and Bishop Bartoni, Thomas and Jamie Morton and  Johnathon and Lacey Morton.; seven grandchildren, Matteo and Marx Bartoni, Baillie and Brodie Morton, and Bradley, Bennett and Brooklynn Morton;  siblings, Karen Golliver, Garth and Sue Maurer, Pam Haines and Bruce and Jo Maurer; brothers-in-law, Steve Melvin and Ron and Sandy Morton; sister-in-law Pam and Mike Miller; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Beatrice Maurer; her sister Kathy Melvin; brothers-in-law, Jerry Golliver and Emery Haines; and her parents-in-law Roger and Adeline Morton.

Friends may meet with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, with rosary recitation at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Allegan. The Rev. Fr. Simone Celebrant.  Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Council of Catholic Women or Wings of Hope Hospice.

Diane’s family wishes to express their deep-felt gratitude to their family, friends, fellow parishioners and everyone in Allegan who extended their love, support and prayers during Diane’s illness.