Lyle O. Rutgers, 83, of Mattawan passed away on Jan. 11, 2018, with his children at his side. Lyle was born on Dec. 19, 1934, to Herman and Mabel (Green) Rutgers. 

Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane, (269) 344-5600. A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. at the same location.

A gathering and small service is being planned in Marquette later this year at the First Presbyterian Church.  

Lyle’s family includes his children, Melinda Rutgers and Gregg (Shawn) Rutgers; his sisters-in-law, Janet Rutgers and Elizabeth Rutgers; one granddaughter Taylor Rutgers; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Ginger; and his siblings, Donald, Howard and Gale; and his sister that passed away at birth.

Lyle served proudly in the United States Army. 

Please visit Lyle’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online.

Memorial donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Marquette.

Gladys May (Kamps) Edgerton passed away quietly at the age of 93 in Lake Ariel, Pa., on Jan. 11, 2018. She and her husband, Donald Edgerton, who passed away in 2006, were longtime residents of Allegan.

Gladys Kamps was born in Kalamazoo on May 29, 1924, to Henry Hiriam Kamps and his wife Harriet L. (Loew) Kamps. Gladys was the oldest of a family of seven daughters and one son. She attended high school in Hopkins. 

After high school, she enrolled in the Army World War II Cadet Nursing Corps and graduated with her RN in 1945. Part of her nursing study involved working at Fort Custer in Battle Creek with wounded soldiers from the theaters of war. 

Gladys married Donald Avery Edgerton on June 23, 1948, in Hopkins. Don’s sister Margaret Edgerton was one of Gladys’ roommates in nursing school. Nursing was a significant part of Gladys life.  She returned to it over and over after having four children. 

As a nurse, she worked in Allegan General Hospital, did private duty nursing, worked in doctors’ offices, and finished her career working the Allegan County Department of Public Health running a children’s screening clinic. 

There were many incidents in her nursing career where she was instrumental in saving people’s lives. 

Gladys was a lifelong participant in the Harvard Nurses’ Study which is a widely referenced, highly reliable health study based on self-reporting of a nurse’s own medical conditions and outcomes. Gladys was a member of the MI Nurse’s Association and the Allegan District Nurses. For many years she was in charge of the District Nurses’ Scholarship Program. 

Gladys and Don had an active life working and raising their family. Both Gladys and Don were involved in the Boy Scouts of America program, with both their sons and for their grandsons. They enjoyed square dancing and were active with a square dance group for many years. 

Gladys was a very spiritual person. She was active with Hopkins Methodist Church and Allegan Baptist Church at various times during her life. 

Gladys was preceded in death by her oldest son, Donald Eugene Edgerton (DEE); her husband Donald Avery Edgerton; her parents; and many of her siblings. 

She is survived by her remaining children, Charlene E. Edgerton (PA), Douglas A. Edgerton (MI), and Deborah S. Edgerton (MI); her two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Nelson (Pete) (MI) and Mrs. Jean Mack (MI and FL); six grandchildren; plus many loving nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, 528 Trowbridge St. Allegan, MI where the funeral will be on Monday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. followed by interment in Miner Cemetery, Watson. There will be a funeral reception immediately following at the Grill House, 1071 32nd St. (M-40 South), Allegan, MI. 

Memorials on behalf of Gladys M. Edgerton may be given to Bronson School of Nursing Scholarship Program, part of Western Michigan University.

Earl Norman Miller, 95, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at his home.  His loving wife of 73 years, Ruth Elaine Miller, 91, joined her husband in Heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. 

Mr. Miller was born Jan. 21, 1922, in Allegan. He was the son of the late Charles Frederick and Lura (Miller) Miller.

Mrs. Miller was born May 19, 1926, in Eugene, Ore. She was the daughter of the late Hasty Brown and Velma Estelle (Vanderford) Bell. 

Earl and Ruth united in marriage on Feb. 12, 1944. In 1947, they joined First Baptist Church of Allegan and have remained active members for the past 71 years.

Earl participated in the Allegan County Medical Care Community and prison ministries and they were both very involved with the youth of their church and community. They enjoyed tutoring children with Kids Hope and Earl volunteered with the children’s church and Awanas.

He also enjoyed coaching youth sports, especially little league and basketball. As a former teacher for Allegan County Schools, he served on the Parent-Teacher Association where he was past president. Earl had served honorably in the United States Army during World War II where he had received two Purple Heart Medals and a Bronze Star. 

Ruth had been a bookkeeper for both Reynolds Chevrolet in Allegan and Grange Store.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, needlepoint and quilting. Earl also loved reading and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was an avid golfer throughout his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are survived by their children, Joan (Larry) Miller-Radcliff, Earl (Judi) Miller, Jr. and Roger (Debbie) Miller; grandchildren, Sarah Yasbin, Chunky Miller, June Foster, Lisa Radcliff, Angela Polando, Stephanie Moorehead and JD Miller; and 13 great-grandchildren. Earl is additionally survived by his brother Don Miller; and Ruth, by her brother Alton Leon Bell. 

Earl was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Miller, Paul Miller, Evelyn Lautenschlager, Maxine Stone and Lloyd Miller.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, Jan. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Allegan. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. 

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Allegan.

Karen Hartman (née Karen Elizabeth Pearce), 63, passed away peacefully at her home in Douglas on Jan. 14, 2018, after a two-and-a-half-year battle against stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Karen was born in Flint on Dec. 29, 1954, but moved to Grand Rapids at the age of 5. She attended Kenowa Hills High School, received a bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and her master’s at the University of Michigan.

She married Jack Hartman in 1980, in Ann Arbor. Karen and her family lived and worked overseas for 15 years in Yemen, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa and Italy.

Karen’s employers include the U.S. Information Service, the American University in Cairo, the University of Mary Washington, and the U.S. Department of State.

She published five textbooks over the years, one of which is still in use. In her last year with the U.S. State Department, she was Deputy Director of International Information Programs.

She was instrumental in launching “maker spaces” in Europe, Africa, and Asia where the use of U.S. information technology was demonstrated and taught.

The Hartmans purchased their home in Douglas in 2007 and spent their summer vacations there. They moved to Douglas full-time in 2015 after Karen’s diagnosis.

Karen enjoyed golf, tennis, hiking, snorkeling, reading and cooking, and her overseas posts gave her the chance to travel extensively, something she loved doing.

Karen is survived by her husband Jack; their daughters, Tracy in Yangon and Myanmar and Hilary in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo; granddaughters Charlotte, Lily, and Willa; sons-in-law, Dan Swift and Ben Mossberg; parents, Roy and Mary Pearce of Frankfort; and sisters, Janet Pomerleau of Frankfort and Sherry Calkins and her husband John of Montague.

A summer memorial is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org.

Mary Ellen Davis, 78, lifelong resident of Allegan, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at Allegan County Medical Care Community. 

Born Oct. 29, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Orville George and Mary Jane (Campbell) Bloom and she was the last surviving of their 14 children. 

On July 8, 1958, Mary married her high school sweetheart Ron. They were four months shy of their 40th anniversary at the time of his death in 1998. 

Mary graduated from Allegan High School in 1958. She had worked for Perrigo and Flashes for a few years, but mainly she was proud to be a stay-at-home mom. 

Mary was a member of the Assembly of God Church. She was a spunky lady who lived a great life and enjoyed being a grandmother, mother, wife, sister and friend. She was a woman of God who loved doing for others. 

Mary could make awesome pies, cinnamon bread and baked stuffed mushrooms. She was loved by so many and had touched so many at the medical care facility. It was heartwarming to see all the staff who came to see her on their breaks every day, especially during her last days.

Mary is survived by her children, Tracey (David) Newburry, John (Kathy) Davis and Rose Davis Olivari; granddaughters, Mary Olivari, Ashley Newburry and Emily Newburry; sisters-in-law, Sherrie Wertz and Donna Mead; and friends, Al and Mary Lambert.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, George Bloom, Fred Abbott, Ethel Grauman, Luella Boylan, Kay Newman, Winnifred Osbourne, Orville Bloom, Harold Bloom, Shirley Mudget, and four others who passed away near birth. 

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Allegan County Medical Care Community for their longtime care of Mary. They are a wonderful facility with a staff that truly cares.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, Jan. 26, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at which time a funeral service will be held.  Pastor Paul Hays will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Allegan County Medical Care Community, 3265 122nd Ave,, Allegan, MI 49010. 

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

Robert Lee “Bob” Stephenson, 80, of Osceola, Ind., formerly of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at 3:50 a.m. at the Creekside Village Nursing Home in Mishawaka. 

Robert was born June 14, 1937, in Plainwell, to the late Wendell and Irene (Kelso) Stephenson. After graduation from high school, Bob married Beverly Young in Plainwell. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. He later enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably until his discharge from active duty in August of 1956. 

Surviving is his wife Beverly Stephenson of Osceola, Ind. and their children, William Lee (Kirsten Malak) Stephenson of Portage, Danet Stephenson (John Hay) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Robert L. (fiancée Valerie Core) Stephenson II of Goshen, Ind. Bob is also survived by his sister Dolores Buffenbarger of Kalamazoo, and his grandchildren, Tisha Ann, Connor, and Kelsey. Surviving as well are several great grandchildren.

A celebration of life gathering will be held for Bob on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Plainwell Community Center, 798 East Bridge St., Plainwell, MI 49080.

Bob was employed for more than 26 years as a Customer Engineer at IBM until his retirement at age 50. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, and remodeling projects throughout his home. He and his wife had a booth at the Shipshewana Flea Market for many years where Bob shared his talent for whistling with others.

In his memory, donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.  To light a virtual candle, leave condolences for Bob’s family, or to view his online video tribute, please visit the Cruz Family Funeral Home website at www.Cruzfamilyfh.com.

Robert “Bob” Allen Ridlington, 69, of Battle Creek, passed away Thursday, Jan., 25, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Nov. 12, 1948, in Holland.

Bob graduated from Allegan High School. Shortly after graduation, Bob was drafted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Bob enjoyed collecting stamps and coins. He also enjoyed gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Winnie Ridlington; and brother Marvin Ridlington.

Robert is survived by his siblings, Roger (Alice) Ridlington, Nancy Flemming, Mary Lou (Lee) VanOrder, and John (Barbara) Ridlington; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date. 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 in South Haven, (269) 637-0333.

Lea Marie (Feck) Thrush wore out her earthly shell and peacefully returned to her goddess on Jan. 23, 2018.

Lea hailed from Traverse City. She was the daughter of Clara Belle Wilkins and Harold Feck. She moved to Saugatuck around 1977. 

She was an avid gardener, fisherwoman, lover of animals, reading, sewing, and football pools. An inspiring proponent of civil rights and women's rights, Lea even founded an Allegan County chapter of National Organization for Women in the early 80s.

She worked at J.E. Miles, Harris Pie, Haworth, and The Newsstand. She later restored and sold ceramics on ebay and had antique booths in Douglas. She also volunteered and collected donations for Covert Baptist Church and Christian Neighbors in Douglas.

Lea is survived by her children, Amy (Spanogle) Myers of New Orleans, La.,  Rebecca (Spanogle) Klapil of Grand Rapids, and Claudia Marshall of Charlotte, Vt.; her long time companion PG Walter of Douglas; and her six siblings, Al Feck of Grand Rapids, Neil Feck of Traverse City, Kelly Neff of Thornton, Colo., Theresa Renaud of Golden, Colo., Terrance Moore of Seattle, Wash., and Joe Moore of Beaver Island.

A remembrance, family reunion and burial will be held in August, on Beaver Island.

Olive R. Van Horn, 90, of Allegan passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Allegan General Hospital. 

Olive was born May 28, 1927, in Cheshire Township, the daughter of William and Alice (Wall) Brown and has lived the majority of her life in the Allegan, Bloomingdale area.

She graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 1947, and married her high school sweetheart, George, that year. Olive worked for the grocery store in Bloomingdale. 

In 1959 they moved to Allegan and ran George’s Citgo service station for 17 years and then drove semi coast-to-coast for 18 years with their beloved dogs, always saying that was the best time of her life.

After retirement they spent winters in Florida and summers selling roasted almonds at fairs. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts, crocheting, trips to the casinos, and spending time with her family.

Surviving are her three children, Richard Van Horn of Georgia, Ken (Roxann) Van Horn of Allegan and Patty (Mike Willover) Vaughn of Otsego; six grandchildren, Laura Van Horn, Chad (Jenny) Van Horn, Michelle Van Horn-Thompson, Kenny (Kelly) Van Horn Jr., Paul Vaughn and Joey (Mollie) Vaughn; granddaughter-in-law Ronda Van Horn; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; two sisters, Wilma (Leonard) Melvin of Bloomingdale and Arlene (Wilson) Branham of Allegan; a brother Melvin (Fran) Brown of Allegan; three sisters-in-law, Ann Brown, Carol (Gary) Begeman and Nelda Van Horn; brother-in-law Herbert (Cherry) Van Horn; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband George; daughter Ruth Ann Van Horn; daughter-in-law Linda Van Horn; son-in-law Marty Vaughn; two grandsons, Richard Van Horn Jr. and Jeffery Van Horn; two brothers, Don (Ella) and Ron Brown; brother-in-law Bob Van Horn; and sister-in-law Alta Jean and Dave Ruiz.

The family will meet friends on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home where funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, Bloomingdale Township.

To share a memory online, visit www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Gayle Ann (Cook) Demaray, 65, of Fennville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018.

Born in Allegan on Oct. 7, 1952, Gayle spent most of her years in the Allegan area where she met many of her close friends and her husband Royce Demaray Jr. In the spring of 1970, the two were wed and shared many years of love and happiness. 

Gayle was a loving, kind soul that always wanted to help. She enjoyed knitting, working at the Bravo Sunshine Thrift Store, but nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren. 

Gayle is survived by her husband Royce Demaray Jr.; her boys, Royce (Dale) Demaray III and Robert (Crystal Holtsclaw) Demaray; siblings, Janice (William) Snyder, Sue Cook, Harley (Kim) Cook Jr. and Kelly (Al) Wendt; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held at Bravo Community Church, 5587 113th Ave, Fennville, 49408, on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 12 p.m., with service starting at 1 p.m. A luncheon will follow after service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan or Bravo Community Church. 

Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  An online guest registry can be found by visiting www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

Robert “Bob” Eugene Shumaker, 71, of Hamilton passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. Bob was the child of the late William Raymond Shumaker and Halo Leota (Ellis) Shumaker. 

Anyone who knew Bob knew what a kind soul he was, always wanting to help, and he also had quite the sense of humor. He loved his job, building and maintaining boats of all kinds. 

Bob thought family was very important, and he especially cherished his rides along the country side on his Harley with his wife Julie Shumaker. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 18 years Julie Shumaker; stepchildren, Joseph Crawford, Joshua Crawford, Rebecca Crawford, David Crawford and Elizabeth Brackett; brother Albert (Nancy) Shumaker; brothers-in-law, Harv Brandt, Monte (Blanche) Booth and Van Booth; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Bob was preceded in death by his sister Beverly Jean Brandt. 

The family is especially thankful to the Tucker family, Jay, Nancy and Marv, who were such a great help in the later years.

Services will be held at a later date.

Donations in Bob’s name can be made to Faith Hospice of Holland. 

Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online guest registry can be found at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

Ross H. Rasmussen, 94, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 at Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan. He was born Dec. 19, 1923, in Atkins, Colo., the son of Henry and Christine (Neilsen) Rasmussen.

Ross was a graduate of Fort Calhoun High School in Nebraska. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II.

Ross and his wife Margery (McNair) moved to Trowbridge Township in 1948 and lived on a farm and raised livestock. He had also worked at Valley Metal in Plainwell for more than 15 years and at Rockwell International in Allegan for seven years.

Ross was a founding member of the Allegan County Snowmobile Club and was a member of the Allegan American Legion.

Surviving are his children, Larry Ross Rasmussen of Allegan and Richard “Dick” Rasmussen of Otsego; four grandchildren, Kristy, Jill, Barb and Sheri; nine great-grandchildren, Chase, Cole, Tara, Al III, Elayna, Tom, Matt, Corey and Stephanie; four great-great-grandchildren, Isaac, Noah, Rose and Parker; and sister-in-law Eleanor.

He was preceded in death by parents; wife Margery in 2007; a brother; and four sisters. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes will take place at Trowbridge Township Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Ross may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Lois Ann Minnick-Danno, a devoted mother and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly at home on Jan. 28, 2018.

Lois was a warm and caring woman who was immensely proud and dedicated to her sons and grandson.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband John Danno; her father Fred Grupp; and her first husband Bruce Minnick.

Lois had a passion for art in all forms and enjoyed being creative by painting, drawing, blowing glass beads and weaving on her loom. She had a fun and eclectic sense of style and her artistic expression was evident in her interior design skills. 

Lois previously owned Sign and Design studio in Douglas, and most recently was working as a special needs aide.

She expressed her love of nature by keeping her bird feeders stocked and her yard full of beautiful flowers, hanging baskets and imaginative planters. She enjoyed time at the beach and pool, either soaking up the sun, sipping on an Arnold Palmer or playing in the sand and water with her grandson.

Lois was an avid reader and had an impressive collection of books. Her compassionate heart adopted several dogs over the years and when she passed her loyal companion Lilly stood by her side.

Lois is survived by her loving sons, Blake Minnick and Tyler Minnick; her cherished grandson Chase Minnick and his mother Jessica DeLeon; her mother Ethel Grupp; her sister Joan Grupp Douce; and many close family and friends.

The memories of her generous soul, strong spirit and heart of gold will be treasured forever. To know her was to love her.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date this spring. Arrangements are being provided by Dykstra Funeral Home–Saugatuck Chapel.

To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com

Barbara Ann Hughes, 66, of Allegan passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.

Barb was born in Allegan on Aug. 11, 1948, the daughter of the late Donald V. and Betty Lou (Meade) Arndt. She was a retiree from the Life Savers Company where she was employed for 22 years.

Barb loved cooking and crafts. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and two sisters.

Barb is survived by her husband Larry D. Hughes; children, Amy (Rich) Rogers, Laura (Gordy) Replogle, Toni (Tim) Herpst, Douglas (Tami) and Sean (Kelly) Hughes and Bill (Aimee) Wells; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and her beloved dog Rowdy.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and no services are scheduled.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center, c/o the funeral home.

Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.

Arrangements are being provided by Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (269) 343-2628.

Margaret Clark Bennett, 76, of Fennville died Sunday, Feb. 4, after a brief illness.

She is survived by her daughters, Leora (Phil Sargent) Bennett of Fennville and Linda (Victor) Rodriguez of Saugatuck and Pittsburgh, Pa.; three grandchildren, John Paul Zigterman and Emily Zigterman of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Joseph Zigterman of Saugatuck; a brother Joseph (Ellen) Clark of North Charleston, S.C.; a sister Lucille (Kyle) Koppenaal of Holland; a niece Kory (David) Storey of Toledo, Ohio; two nephews, Kevin (Adriane) Clark of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Kristopher (Amanda) Koppenaal of Ganges; and her beloved cat companion Max.

She was preceded in death by her sister Alice Clark and her husband John.

There is a Celebration of Life planned for late April.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alice M. Clark Memorial Scholarship from Saugatuck High School.

For more information, please visit dykstrafuneralhome.com

Erwin Musolff, 93, of Saugatuck passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2018. He was born March 10, 1924, in Chicago, Ill.

Erwin worked for many years for Amerford Air Cargo dealing in imports and exports. Erwin was proud to serve his country as a member of the United States Army for two years. Following his retirement, Erwin moved to Saugatuck with his life partner of 53 years, Duane Newmeyer.  

Surviving are his partner Duane; his brother Frank Musolff (Leona); a sister-in-law Ann Musolff of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews.  

Erwin was preceded in death by both his parents and a brother. 

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Holland in memory of Erwin.  

Many thanks go out to the staff of Grace of Douglas for all their support and kindness shown to Erwin.  

Cremation has taken place. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Charles Luther Clifton, 62, of Pullman passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Nov. 23, 1955, to Luther and Helen (Whalen) Clifton.

Charles worked in Allegan at Perrigo for 10 years before his eventual retirement.  Charles enjoyed watching sports and the Detroit Lions and spending time with his grandchildren.

Charles is survived by his children, Charles Clifton of Holland, Jessica (Josh) Wells of Saugatuck and Joni; grandchildren, Gavin Beltran and Audriana Aaron; siblings, Donna, Sheila and Becky; and former spouse, Wanda Clifton of Pullman.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven.

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 in South Haven, 637-0333.

George Edward Cox, Sr., 88, of Kalamazoo, passed away Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at Alamo Nursing Home. Born August 18, 1929, in South Haven, he was the son of the late Jessie and Henrietta (Moomey) Cox and was the husband of the late Lulu Irene Cox. 

Mr. Cox had worked as a carpenter throughout his entire life and had built many beautiful homes. He had also worked at the Hoffman House for several years, had been the maintenance man for MOKA houses in the area and subcontracted for Brussee Real Estate in Kalamazoo. 

Some might remember Mr. Cox best for his work sharpening saws. He was a longtime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Otsego Lodge, having joined in 1974. He attended Otsego Church of God.

Mr. Cox is survived by his children, Ed George Cox (Patti Litherland), Karen Matthes (Buddy Brown) and Amy (Larry) Kaylor; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Jessie Cox; his grandson Joshua; and his great-grandson Calvin.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 16, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in Fennville Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE First Street, Miami, FL 33131. 

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

Karen Stegeman Miller, 84, Kalamazoo, died on Feb. 11, 2018. She was born March 28, 1933. in Hannibal, Mo., to Clyde and Angelin (Akerson) McGowan.

Karen graduated from Allegan High School in 1951. She was also a graduate of Stephen’s College, Columbia, Mo., and Michigan State University.

Along with her family, Karen’s source of joy was her long and successful career as an elementary school teacher for the Allegan Public School system. For 26 years, Karen guided her students with fairness, compassion and knowledge. Many years after her retirement, students remembered Karen and continued to reach out to her, sharing their cherished memories of her as their teacher. She simply loved her profession.

Karen was a long-time member of Allegan First Congregational Church, life-time member of National Education Association and member of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Allegan Chapter.

Karen is survived by her sons, John McGowan Stegeman, wife Linda and Thomas Clare Stegeman, wife Lori; and two grandchildren, Sean Stegeman and Paige Stegeman; her sister and only sibling, Neysa Geupel; and brother-in-law Carl Geupel; her nieces, Lauren Geupel and Leslie Stratton, husband Robert. She is also survived by her nephew Jeff Volker, wife Ellen; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Miller and Sally Titus; seven treasured Akerson cousins; her beloved toy poodle Ashley; and many dear friends. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 45 years, John L. Stegemen; and by her second husband Jack W. Miller.

Beloved by both her family and her friends, Karen will be remembered as outgoing, ethical and sincerely interested in the lives of others. At Karen’s request, her life will be honored in a private family service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rolling Dog Farm (for disabled animals), www.rollingdogranch.com or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission,  www.kazoogospel.org.  Arrangements are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence, www.gordenfuneral.com.

Myrna M. Creech, 65, entered the Kingdom of Heaven and into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, Feb. 6, 2018, after a valiant struggle. She was born on Nov. 16, 1952, to Walter and Harriet (Waldron) Creech, and was a lifelong resident of Allegan.

Myrna is survived by her family: one brother, Ron (Nancy) Creech of Plainwell; two sisters, Marsha (Larry) Keller of Gobles, and youngest sister, Deanna Haas of Allegan; nephews, Joshua Keller, Johnny (Jenny) Haas, Darin Creech and Joey Haas (Abby); one niece Rena (Murehiro) Ban; one great-niece Kaylee Haas; and one great-nephew Brayden Haas. Also surviving are one uncle A. Tildon Creech of Houston, Texas; one aunt Helen Waldron of Allegan; many cousins; and special friends, Barbara Starks, Lorna Russell, Candy Decker and Barbara Kollar; dear caregiver Brittany Ross; along with precious pet, Tabitha Lynn.

Myrna worked at Perrigo Company in Allegan for 25 ½ years prior to being diagnosed with an incurable muscle disease in 1996, forcing her into early retirement at the age of 44. She was informed she would be bedridden within five years of this diagnosis. Myrna’s unbelievable determination proved them all wrong.

As extremely difficult as it was for her to get around with her walker, she was never bedridden until the last few days of her life here. She was an absolute amazement to all who treated her. To know Myrna was to love Myrna. Her sweet sweet spirit, her kindness, compassion, generosity and ability to overcome the worst odds never ceased to amaze all around her. She never quit.

Myrna believed she survived for so long for one reason, she knew the Lord. Her relationship was a rocky one from time to time, but she never waivered in knowing it was because of His mercy and grace during such grim times that she remained here for as long as she did. She was a fierce prayer warrior, and the most important thing in her life was her family.

She never asked for prayer for herself, but never failed to pray, both morning and night for her loved ones. Our unconditional love for one another kept each of us going and was the glue that held us together. The void in our lives is already so very apparent, but we rejoice for her as she is running down the “yellow brick road” and living the joy she so richly deserves. No more canes, or walkers, wheelchairs or ramps. She is perfect. We were blessed beyond words to have this little giant as our sister. She is Home, and it is well.

Myrna was preceded in death by her father and mother; brother-in-law John Haas; and her beloved kitties, Babe and Corina Louise.

A celebration of her life will be Saturday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at Merson Church (Merson Corners) M-40, Gobles.

Arrangements are being provided by the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Myrna was a fierce advocate of all animals. She always said there were days she felt more comfortable with God’s creatures than some humans. Because of her deep love especially for cats, we are asking in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to Allegan County Animal Shelter, 2293 33rd St., Allegan, MI or Fried’s Cat Shelter, PO Box 241, Michigan City, IN 46361-0241. Envelopes will also be available on the day of the memorial service.