Major Don Robert Watson, Jr. US Army (Ret), of Rocky Mount, N.C., passed away on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018. He was born in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 3, 1943.

He was preceded in death by his mother Florence B. Watson, his father Don R. Watson, Sr. and his late wife Linda R. Kaylor Watson. 

Don was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. After graduating from Infantry Officer Candidate School and Flight School, and serving a tour in Vietnam, he was assigned to Ft. Rucker as a Tactics Instructor Pilot. Later tours of duty sent him to Ft. Benning, Ga., Ft. Jackson, S.C., Panama Canal Zone, Daytona Beach, Fla, Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ft. Campbell, Ky.

During his military career, he proudly served with Infantry, Aviation, and Military Police units. He was awarded several medals, including Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Soldiers, Air, Armed Forces Reserve, and Master Aviator Badge. He retired from the Army in 1986.

After leaving the service he was a VP with Granutec, Health Corp, and Pharm Star Pharmaceuticals, and also owned his own business.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 24 years Judy and his children, Don R. Watson, III and wife Sandra, Denise Ann Harris, and Michael Robbins Owen and husband Michael. He will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, Arden, Kate, Morgan, Clay, Jacob, and Annmarie; and by his brothers, Lt. Col. Jon Watson U.S. Army (Ret) and wife Cheri and Jim Watson and wife Patricia. 

Don’s kind heart, generosity and willingness to help everyone will be cherished for a lifetime. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, his annual trips to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association reunions, and he was always searching for new and interesting projects to busy himself with.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church Building Fund at 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC 27822.

Don will be laid to rest in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, on Friday, Feb. 16.

Family will receive friends at Gordon’s Funeral Home, 528 Trowbridge St., Allegan, on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m

Cornerstone Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Watson family and words of comfort may be shared at www.cornerstonefuneralhomeandcremations.com. Cornerstone Funeral Home is at 1052 South First Street, Nashville, NC 27856.

Terry L. Collick, 62, of Kalamazoo passed away Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, in Kalamazoo. He was born Aug. 15, 1955, in Allegan, the son of William and Barbara (Cronen) Collick.

Terry was a 1974 Otsego High School graduate. He was a big U of M fan and enjoyed skiing, golfing, flower gardening, drag racing and formula racing.

Surviving are his daughter, Nicole (Matthew) Romo of Schoolcraft; grandchildren, Dominick and Eleighana; his mother, Barbara (Gene) Keeley of Otsego; siblings, Bill Collick, Barry (Candis) Collick, Don Keeley and Gena (Marvin) Woods; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Barbara Collick.

His family loves him dearly and hopes that he has found peace. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held.

Contributions in memory of Terry may be made to the Allegan County Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.

Please note: Sunday, Feb. 18, is the memorial luncheon.

Cleo “Red” Belden, 93, of Allegan, died on Feb. 2, 2018. Born March 17, 1924, to Rachel (Julien) Belden and Leon Belden, Cleo lived in Otsego or Allegan most of his life. 

He was a hard working member of the Teamsters Union who later started Belden Sand and Gravel with his wife Margaret. He loved horses (He was also a member of the Pleasure Riders Club and the longest-standing member of the Allegan County Mounted Division), dogs, country music (He had a little crush on Barbara Mandrell and he could sing at least two lines of Woody Guthrie’s Oklahoma Hills), his family, and his friends (He may not remember your name, but he remembered everyone you ever dated and that place you used to go skinny-dipping back in 1943).

“Red” was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Margaret (Vote) Belden, and his daughter Terrie (Belden) Wood. 

He is survived by his son, Lawrence Belden; his daughter-in-law Sue Belden; his son-in-law Carl Wood; and his five granddaughters, Kathaleen Wood, Audra Belden, Tiffany Belden, Amanda (Wood) Burns and Sarah (Wood) Alling. Also surviving are his step-grandsons, Brett Harris (wife, Michelle) and Jason Moose; his great-grandchildren, Camille Pittman, Jeremiah Pittman, Abigail Pittman, Maryjane Alling and Broderick Thompson; and his step-great-grandsons, Dylan and Ross Harris.

A memorial luncheon will be on Sunday, Feb. 18,  from 1 to 4 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Otsego. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.

Janice Christman, 92, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at Ely Manor Nursing Home in Allegan. Janice was a very special woman.

Born Nov. 6, 1925, in Allegan as an Owens, she was adopted by Charles and Ellen Brooks. She met her husband Leroy Christman and they married in 1941. Together they had 22 children, 19 of whom survive. Janice took care of the children while her husband was in the Navy.

Janice loved to go camping with Leroy and the kids. Spending time with her family and enjoying nature, watching her children play, listening to the birds and watching the butterflies, meant the world to her. Some of her favorite pastimes were watching her game shows, talk shows (Steve Harvey and Dr. Phil) and listening to classic rock and some country ("not that hiccup music" as Janice would say) and doing crossword puzzles. 

She loved all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Spending time with them, either at their place or her place brought her great joy, even if they just watched TV together. 

She loved her special little guy, Bandit (her puppy), whom she thought about and worried about till the end. Janice was blessed to live to be 92 years old and was a very loved woman. She was not rich money-wise but was beyond rich with family and friends. She lived a good and prosperous life and made a positive impact on those lives she touched. 

Janice is survived by her children, Robert Christman, Albert (Diane) Christman, Mizpha (Edwin) Stebelton, Pam (James) Van Horn, Lillian (Richard) Hitchcock, Clifford Christman, Jesse Christman, Debra (Gary) Sanders, Russ Christman, Richard (Kim) Christman, Georgiana (Thomas) Haner, Anthony Christman, Bryant Christman, Leroy (Tina) Christman, Robin Sherman, Muriel (Dan) Goodrich, Zachary (Carrie) Christman, and Brett Christman; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leroy; her children, Kenneth Christman, Agnes Christman and Rosetta Van Horn; her granddaughter, Julie Van Horn; two infant grandchildren and one great-grandson; her sons-in-law, Gary Sanders, Earl Van Horn, and James Van Horn; along with her siblings, Charles Brooks, Glenn Owens, Thomas Owens, Buck Owens, Geneveve Tooker, Frances Owens and Julia Owens.

Friends met with the family on Monday, Feb. 19, at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral service followed. Internment was at Rowe Cemetery, Cheshire Township. 

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

June L. Brenner Moored, 92, of Jenison passed away peacefully Feb. 15, 2018, in Florida.

June was born March 31, 1928, in Monterey Township, the daughter of the late Daniel and Halla (Berens) Brenner. 

June was an elementary teacher, an elementary special education teacher, and served as Chairman of Special Education Department, all in Ann Arbor, encompassing a total of 43 years of dedicated service. 

Surviving is her husband Lyman; sisters-in-law, Margaret Conrad and Alice Brenner; and many nieces and nephews.

June was preceded in death by five brothers, Clayton, Earl, Vern, Russell and Kenneth; and her three sisters, Leona Lampen, Wilma Sebright and Eunice Loew. 

Friends may meet with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel on Friday, Feb. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at which time the funeral service will take place. Interment will be at Salem Township Cemetery in Burnips. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. 

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

Bruce W. Vander Kolk, 72, of Bonita Springs, Fla., and formerly of Oregon, Ill., died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.

He was born March 16, 1945, in Allegan, the son of Wiley and Violet VanderKolk. He married Donna Sue Townsend in 1968. Mr. Vander Kolk graduated from Hopkins High School in 1963, and from Michigan State University in 1967.

He received his Master’s Degree in 1977 from the University of Illinois at Chicago. While at Michigan State University he was a member of the ROTC program and upon graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

He served in the active Army from 1967 to 1969 and was a Vietnam veteran. Upon leaving the active Army in 1969, he remained in the Reserve Components and retired in 1994 from the Illinois National Guard as a Brigadier General. He received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

After leaving the active Army, he joined the Illinois State Police in 1969 and served in a variety of positions, retiring in 2001 as the Commander of the Forensic Sciences Command. He was an Emeritus member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists.

He was a member of Anchor Christian Church in Bonita Springs, Fla., where he and his wife lived. He was a prior member of Southside Christian Church in Springfield, Ill. While living in Oregon, Ill., he attended the Oregon Church of God.

He was a member of Oregon VFW Post 8739 and Oregon American Legion Post 97.

Mr. VanderKolk is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Donna Sue; his sons, Roger VanderKolk of Woodbury, Minn., and James (Shelia) VanderKolk of Oregon, Ill.; and seven cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Corey, Sean, Matthew, Nadia, Caelyn and Madilyn.

A funeral service will be Thursday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m. at Anchor Christian Church, Bonita Springs. Visitation for family and friends will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

A graveside service with military honors will be on Saturday, March 3, at 1 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Hopkins, Mich. Services will also be in Springfield, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Anchor Christian Church Building Fund, 11651 E Terry St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Mrs. Marie A. Miller, 70, of Tracy City, Tenn., passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at her home.

Marie was born on Oct. 6, 1947, in Plainwell, a daughter of the late Varsal Fales and Donnabelle Livingston Kissinger. She was raised in the Ostego/Plainwell and Delton areas, graduating from Plainwell High School in 1965.

She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo and was a member of the American Business Women’s Association for a number of years.

Marie started her employment during high school at the Plainwell Cafe then moved to Battle Creek where she worked for Battle Creek Public Schools, the State of Michigan, Community/Battle Creek Health System Hospitals and Med Service Walk-In Clinic.

After moving to Tennessee in 2006, Marie worked at the Anderson Mine in Sherwood for two years before health issues forced her to retire.

Marie was a member of First Baptist Church of Tracy City where she served on several committees. She loved to travel and enjoyed spending time fishing. She also enjoyed classic cars and car shows.

Survivors include her husband Robert G. Miller Jr.; son Robby Snowberger; step-son Robert G. Miller III; step-daughter, Kimberly (Tim) Baker; sisters, Donna Minshall and LuElla (Bill) Bromley; brothers, Leon and Robert (Edna) Fales; four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren, all of Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. Cumberland Funeral Home, Foster & Lay Chapel, Tracy City, Tenn. Brother Ben Curtis will officiate. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tracy City First Baptist Church, Van Fund, 531 Main Street, Tracy City, TN 37387.

On line condolences may be made by visiting www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements are by Cumberland Funeral Home, Foster & Lay Chapel, Tracy City, Tenn.

Leona Faye Carper, 82, of Douglas passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018.

She retired from H.J. Heinz in 2002 after 29 ½ years of service. She was a strong believer in hard work and being responsible. Before her loss of vision, her past times were reading, playing bingo, crosswords, puzzles and quilting.

Her children and grandchildren were her top priorities. She looked forward to Sunday dinners and having visitors in for coffee. The highlight of her week was listening to the radio broadcast of the Saugatuck High School sports. Her grandchildren were very involved with the sports and band program.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard E. Carper in 2011.

 She is survived by her children, Sheila and Michael Doucette of Douglas, Phillip and Annette Carper of Fennville, Keith A. Carper of St. Joseph and Jeffrey and Mary Carper of Holland; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. at the Dykstra Funeral Home–Saugatuck Chapel, 520 Lake St., Saugatuck. Rev. Jeff Messner will officiate. Burial will be at Douglas Cemetery.

Visitation is Monday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Saugatuck Chapel.

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

Esther H. Morris Hartgerink, 92, of South Haven, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at the South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.

She was born Feb. 24, 1926, to John and Minnie (Platt) Morris. Esther was born the 10th child in a family of 13 children.

Her early years were spent on the farm working in the gardens. She continued gardening her whole life. She went on to hold a variety of jobs in the secretarial field and ended her working years as owner of an antique store in South Haven.

She channeled her lifelong love of art into creating quilts. One of her greatest pleasures was working with her extensive doll collection. She was a member of the Kibbie Christian Reformed Church where she was a member of the quilting group and helped with the meditation garden.

She is preceded in death by her husband Elmer Hatgerink, and her brothers and sisters.

Esther is survived by her children, Cheri (Jon) Watson of South Haven, Nancy Mohler of Holland and Ted (Robin) Brindley of South Haven; stepchildren, Ron (Barbara) Hatgerink of South Haven and Houston, Texas, John (Cindy) Hartgerink of Baton Rouge, La., Ellie (Michael Huvane) Hartgerink of Santa Fe, N.M.; grandchildren, Christy Kubon, Jess Mohler, Jon Watson Jr., Joshua Mohler, Kent Brindley and Kate Brindley; five great-grandchildren; sister, Reva (George) Tuhacek of Grandville.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow visitation at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ken Kruithoff officiating at the funeral home. Esther will be laid to rest at Poplar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Esther’s memory to the Al Van Humane Society, PO Box 421, South Haven, MI 49090.

Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

David Bert Van Dis, 71, of Ortonville died Jan. 30, 2018.

He was born April 21, 1946, in Holland, to the late Bert and Jane (nee: Bird) Van Dis. He married the former Sharon Kerpan on Sept. 12, 1970, in Waukegan, Ill.

David is survived by his loving wife Sharon Van Dis; four children, Adam (Nikki) Van Dis, Alicia (Justin) Avery, Katrina (Michael) Scully and Aaron (Sarah) Van Dis; seven grandchildren, Krista, Nate, Michael and Shane Van Dis, Everly Avery, Aria and Aidan Scully; two brothers, Gary and Terry Van Dis; and one sister Marianne (Ken) Little.

He was preceded in death by one brother Michael Van Dis.

David was a member of the Ortonville Village Planning Commission and served as the chairman of the Ortonville Blackhawk Trail Committee. He was very active as a leader for church youth groups and Boy Scouts of America. He played in the Thursday night golf league at Goodrich Country Club.

David enjoyed camping, biking, touring lighthouses and hydroplane racing, but most important was his faith, family and friends.

Karen Frances Mellor, 77, of St. James City, Fla., formerly of Pine Lake, passed away Feb. 12, 2018, at Promise Hospital of Fort Myers.

She was born May 9, 1940, to Homer and Lola (Van Keuren) Jackson in Allegan. Karen graduated from Otsego High School, later embarking on a 30-year career in administration for The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo.

She was married to Lester John Mellor. They resided at Pine Lake until they made the permanent move to Pine Island, Fla., in 2004.

Karen was an active volunteer and member of the American Legion Auxiliary 136, and the VFW Post 4353 Ladies Auxiliary. Well known by those who loved her as “Ma Mellor” she was always the life of the party and will be sorely missed.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Lester Mellor in 2006, and a daughter Marsha Frie in 2011.

She is survived by her brother Harold Jackson; son Mark (Sandy) Mellor; her grandchildren, Nicole (Wade) Ford, Joshua (Carrie) Frie, Mackenzie (Beau) Gillespie, Kassie (Tyler) Lester, Kyle Frie, Jovi Mellor, and seven great-grandchildren.

As per her wishes there will be no service at this time.

Lamoine Ada Rank passed away at her winter home in Rockport, Texas, on Dec. 30, 2017. She was a bus driver for Saugatuck Public Schools for many years as well as a Girl Scout leader for the Saugatuck-Douglas area.

Robert Grats Rank passed away at The Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital on Feb. 14, 2018. Bob joined the Michigan State Police in 1955 and retired after 25 years of service in 1980 from the South Haven post. After retiring from the MSP, Bob became a part time officer for the Saugatuck Police Department.

Bob and Lamoine were married for more than 66 years. They had many memorable moments while raising their six children, Rebecca Ruth, Rita Rose, Robert Ray, Robin Renee and Aaron Lee. They are also survived by nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Saturday, June 23, at 12 noon at Douglas Community Church, 6874 Wiley

Road, Douglas, MI 49406.

In lieu of flowers, the Rank family would like any donations to be made in their name to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund. For information, please visit www.mspta.net/mstaf or mail to MSTAF, 1715 Abby Road, Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Roger Lee Brown, 67, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Roger was born June 5, 1950, in Harrisburg, Ark., to Alton and Catherine (Waldo) Brown. He married Marietta Ivins who preceded him in death Dec. 8, 2012.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sibling Tommy Brown and one brother-in-law Steve VanderHoff.

Surviving are three children, Nanette Brown, Reuben (Michelle) Brown and Catherine Hawkins; five grandchildren, Zachary, Shelby, Dillon, Luke and Marlee. Also surviving are three siblings, Sandra (Rick) Gilman, Dan Sanders and Patsy Brown; sister-in-law Nanette VanderHoff; several nephews and nieces, including one special niece, Jennifer Falcone; and numerous cousins.

Roger was a proud United States Army veteran who served in Vietnam; he loved his country and his family.

In his spare time, he enjoyed watching football and spending time with his family.

He will be remembered as an amazing dad and the world’s greatest grandpa.

A celebration of life service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give donations to any veteran’s charity.

Robert Alan Hyde, 73, of Meridianville, Ala., and formerly of Burnips, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018.

Robert was born Jan. 31, 1944, to Keith and Irene Hyde of Burnips. Robert was an Army veteran and medic in the Vietnam War, which led to managing and working for several ambulance companies and later opening his own Lifeline EMS in Allegan.

He was an avid fisherman and South Haven Riverbend boat club member who loved fishing on Lake Michigan with family and friends every chance he could; a lifetime member of the Allegan Radio Club; and enjoyed traveling and eventually trucking to all 48 states and Canada.

Robert loved his family and was so very proud of all their accomplishments; he thoroughly enjoyed their visits to Alabama and his trips back home to Michigan.

Surviving is his wife Gerry of 36 years; his sister Marlene Hooker of North Carolina; sister Kay (Leroy) Genther of Caledonia; brother Bruce (Mary) Hyde of Byron Center; sister Doris (Chuck) Mehlberg of Duluth, Minn.; sister Janice (John) Inghram of Grand Rapids; son David (Sherry) Hyde of St. Johns; daughter Susan (Jeffrey) Modrzynski of Rogers City; daughter Debra (Wade) Martindale of Saline; daughter Shelly (Terry) Wicks of Hopkins; daughter Deanna (Rick) DeVries of Caledonia; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Robert was cremated and will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Galesburg. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 2459 146th Ave. in New Salem (Byron Center) 49315, followed by a luncheon at St. Mary’s Visitation Hall in North Dorr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to a hospice of choice.

David Lloyd Martin, 84, of Bloomingdale, died on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

David was born in Allegan to the late Lloyd and Evangeline Martin on March 1, 1934, and was named after David in the Bible. He became a father to four sons. He worked as a foreman at Fuller Transmission, later Eaton Corporation, and was a Van Buren County Animal Control Officer.

Dave was a superb duck hunter and deer hunter. He was a loving man who loved the Lord. With his passing, our country has lost a patriot, his family has lost its patriarch, but Heaven has welcomed home a faithful servant.

Dave is survived by his wife Janice Martin; sons, Jeff Malarney, Eric (Lisa) Martin, Chris (Tanya) Martin, and daughter-in-law Cindy Martin; his sister Sue (Dale) Vote; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by son Kraig Martin and grandson Andrew Martin. 

The family thanks Bruce and Naomi Williams for all their help and care these past years, as well as Dale Vote and Penny Pratt. 

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. The funeral service will be Friday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at Merson Church, 3313 102nd Ave, Gobles, MI 49055. 

Merson Church is accepting memorial donations to assist the family with expenses.  Interment will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township.

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

Hal Alan Lull, 58, a Hopkins native, passed away Feb. 25, 2018, at a hospice hospital in England where he had resided for many years. 

Hal was the son of Marrion Joyce Curtis Lull and the late Trayton Spencer Lull. In his early years, he worked part-time for his parents while he attended school. Hal graduated from Hopkins High School and joined the United States Navy.

He served his country proudly and retired after 20 years of honorable service. During his time in the service, he met and married his wife, Elaine. 

After retirement Hal took on odd jobs until accepting a position with the United States Embassy. He was on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week and was responsible for overseeing 600 computers and seven employees. 

During the Bush and Obama administrations, Hal was tasked with maintaining the computer security before, during and after their visits to Scotland and England. For his work, President Bush sent him a certificate of appreciation.

In addition to his wife and his mother, Hal is survived by his children, Darren Richmond and wife Gemma and JoAnna Lull and husband Pete and Kim Lull; brother Todd Spencer Lull and wife Kathy; his mother-in-law Pat; three granddaughters; two grandsons; two grandpuppies; and a niece and nephew.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of Hopkins United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 13, beginning at 9:30 a.m. A memorial service will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Joel Fitzgerald officiating. 

Memorial donations may be made to Hopkins United Methodist Church, or to Elaine.

Marion Covault Newell, 100, of Hastings passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Pennock Hospital. Born April 27, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Emery and Bertha (Balch) Covault and was the wife of the late Fletcher Newell. 

Mrs. Newell is survived by her children, Mike (Lee Ann) Frampton, Carl (Karen) Frampton, Joyce Newell, Marilyn Newell and Paul Newell; grandchildren, Rob Frampton, Rick (Sandy) Frampton, Cheryl (Ed) DeGraff, Jon (Julie) Frampton, Elizabeth (Justin) Swaim, Tom Frampton, Michelle Frampton and Kevin (Dot) Frampton; and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Claude and her siblings, Clyde Covault, Louie Covault, Eunice Bolenbaugh, Ica Bronson and Pauline Ash. 

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Magnum Care in Hastings for the kindness and good care she received during her 11-year stay.

A funeral service will be Friday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, with Rev. Karen Fitz LaBarge officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hudson Corners Cemetery.

Marilyn Ruth Metz passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 2, 2018, at Treasure Coast Hospice House in Stuart, Fla.

Marilyn was born in 1959 in Allegan. She was the daughter of the late Ruth and Sidney Metz.

She will lovingly be remembered by her best friend and lifetime partner, Danny Noonan; siblings Rosanne and Ken Ferguson, John and Mary Metz, Don and Jackie Metz and Joyce and Scott Miser; and nieces and nephews, Carrie, Jordan, Michael, Steven, Matthew and Katherine.

Marilyn grew up in Michigan graduating from Fennville High School and went on to Grand Valley State College where she graduated with a degree in marketing. She worked for Lincare for most of her career.

Marilyn was outgoing and fun loving. She loved outdoor activities and could often be found perfecting her backyard landscaping or enjoying the beautiful Florida weather while boating or relaxing at the beach.

Marilyn loved to travel, especially with her mom Ruth. She leaves behind fond memories of trips spanning the globe from the Bahamas and Jamaica to exploring Europe.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Lupus Foundation of America.

In loving memory of Robert Eugene Shumaker, a service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090.

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

Robert John Parcher, 64, of Gobles, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2018, at Allegan General Hospital. Mr. Parcher was born July 12, 1953, in Saginaw, the son of John Henery Parcher and Barbara Grace Parcher.

Surviving are his three children, Robert H. Parcher and Peggy Evans of Allegan, John E. Parcher of Gobles and April and Troy Grimm of Allegan; his girlfriend Faith McLaughlin; two grandsons, Kyle Grimm and Dylan Grimm of Allegan; three brothers, John Henery Matznick of Owosso, Johnney Parcher and Rita Evans of Allegan and Lenard Parcher and Suzie Kiraly of Allegan; two sisters Jean Holzheuer and Rick Holheuer of Owosso and Shirley Parcher and Melvin Vanness of Allegan; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Betsy Lou Parcher, father John Henry Parcher and sister Lucy (Parcher) Sweet.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. at Allegan Assembly of God Church, 424 Delano St., Allegan. A luncheon will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the family.