Norma Sherwood, former South Haven resident, passed away at the age of 101 on April 24, 2019.  Norma was surrounded by family and friends when she passed peacefully at her retirement residence in Florida.  Norma was born on March 27, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo., to Stanley and Mary Catherine Severinghaus. 

Norma was the third oldest of six siblings, many of whom enjoyed longevity similar to Norma’s. The brothers and sisters remained close throughout their lifetimes; and Norma took pleasure in traveling out of state to visit her siblings, and routinely did so right up to her 100th birthday. 

When Norma was an infant, her family moved to South Haven, where Norma would eventually be courted by Dudley Halford Sherwood. The school sweethearts married in the mid 1930s. Norma and Dudley were the ever-proud parents of Dixie Lee Sherwood, born in the winter of 1936. 

For decades, Norma lead a full and productive life in South Haven, where husband Dudley worked as a master carpenter and Norma worked as a hairdresser at home, in a beauty shop built by Dudley. 

The family of three resided on Kalamazoo Street in South Haven for years, and spent summer vacations on Hutchins Lake in Fennville, and winter vacations in Florida.

Norma’s interests were many. She enjoyed the hobby of dance, the art of painting, the gratification of long walks, the wonder of lakes, oceans, and deserts, and the blessings of a warm circle of family and friends.

To those who knew her well, her greatest love was for her beloved husband Dudley and daughter Dixie, both of whom preceded her in death during the last decade of her life.  Norma had a notably strong and meaningful relationship with her son-in-law Larry Ridley. She was held in the highest esteem by her three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom shared deep affection for Norma. 

In the years leading to her passing, Norma valued a touchingly warm and close relationship with granddaughter Cynthia and great-granddaughter Avery, both of whom dedicated time and attention to Norma’s well-being. 

Norma will be remembered for her unfailingly positive spirit, her penchant to care deeply, her quick wit, and her joy in living. She lived a wonderful life of more than 100 years and used her steadfastness and resiliency to touch others kindly and genuinely. 

Norma is survived by grandchildren, Brent (Denver), Rick (Scottsdale) and Cynthia (Austin) and great-grandchildren Mason and Kylie, Avery and Kalie. 

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Casco United Methodist Church with Pastor David Meister officiating. Norma will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery 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.

Stella Mae Mckeown Vahue passed away on Aug. 10, 2019, at the age of 89.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry L. Vahue.

She is survived by her children Garry Vahue and Janice Vahue Ofalla and also by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 323 Cutler St., Allegan, MI  49010.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Congregational Church.

Thelma J. Smalla, 83, passed away Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, at Wings Home in Allegan. She was born April 5, 1936, in Allegan the daughter of Hugh and Beatrice (Clawson) Taylor.

Thelma had been a secretary at Tru Heat in Allegan for 10 years retiring after her marriage to Steven Smalla on Jan. 28, 1989. She was active in the Otsego Church of God as a prayer warrior and was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years; her five children, Cindi (Dan) Witt of Gobles, Bill Jr. (Diana) Doest of Allegan, Sharon (Bruce) Milhiem of Otsego, Ron (Louellen) Doest of Allegan and Rick (Dawn) Doest of Plainwell; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister June and brother Ivan.

Friends may visit with Thelma’s family from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego and starting at 12 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23, at Otsego Church of God until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Stephen Burrow officiating. Burial will follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery in Monterey Township.

Contributions in memory of Thelma may be made to Wings Home of Allegan and/or Otsego Church of God.

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

Halbert Stanton Sands, 90, passed away Monday, August 12, 2019, at Sentinel Pointe Senior Living in Grand Rapids.

Hal was the only child born to Herbert and Gladys Sands. He grew up in Springfield, Missouri, graduating from Springfield Central High and Southwest Missouri University where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Hal served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Jeanne on Oct. 8, 1950.

After college and military service, Hal and Jeanne moved to Plainwell. Hal served as teacher, coach and administrator at Plainwell High School from 1955 to 1985. Hal and Jeanne retired to Naples, Fla., until 2015, when they moved back to Michigan to be close to family.

Hal is survived by his wife Jeanne; sons, Mark and Charles; and granddaughters, Alicia, Laurel, Amanda and Holly.

Hal was visited by most of his 13 adoring great-grandchildren in his final days and hours. He was able to return many smiles and kisses during this sweet time. Hal leaves his beautiful paintings, genealogy research, and wonderful stories to remember him with.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Paula and Abby; and granddaughter Elizabeth.

A family graveside gathering will be at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.

Gladys Mae Bynum, 98, of Fennville passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, at her home with family and friends by her side.

Born May 10, 1921, in Marianna, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Queen Victoria (Scott) Franklin. She was the matriarch of the family and the oldest living survivor of 20 siblings.

Gladys moved from Marianna, Ark., to Detroit in 1945. 

Gladys was a devoted servant of Jehovah God and was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for more than 70 years. With a smile and kind words, Gladys enjoyed and loved people. In turn, all who came into contact with her throughout the years loved her back.  She was very open to talking to people and people felt just as comfortable in opening up to her. 

Not only did she open up her heart, but she literally opened up her home to many as well. Gladys was a jokester with a great sense of humor. She was not one to mince her words and she told you exactly what was on her mind.

Gladys worked at Allegan General Hospital. She was a foster parent to a few but a parental figure to hundreds. She enjoyed traveling inside and outside of the United States and also enjoyed dressing to the T.   

Gladys is survived by her son, Robert N. Hearn; eldest granddaughter Tasha Tyler; four grandsons, Anthony, Jeffrey, Christopher and Spencer Flournoy; and three additional granddaughters; her sisters, Eonia Smith, Ora Gibson and Shariotta Hackney; special niece Rudeine Flournoy; special nephew Rudolph Franklin; and numerous other nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and extended family members and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Hearn and Conie Bynum; and 16 siblings.

The family of Gladys Bynum wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Life Circles of Holland for her exceptional care. 

“We saw you getting tired, and saw you fading fast, your days of pain, suffering and sleepless nights are now a thing of the past.”

Gladys was affectionately known to her family as “Ainnee.” We are happy that your worn-out frame has found rest at last. You will be sincerely missed.

“From the family and friends.”

The family of Gladys Bynum acknowledges with sincere appreciation all of the acts of kindness shown at this time.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 24, at 1 p.m. at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2199 Taft Road, Allegan, MI 49010. A reception will follow.

Jim F. Menck, 79, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, at Allegan General Hospital. He was born Jan. 31, 1940, in Kalamazoo, the son of William Menck and Edith (Savage) Cannom.

Jim had worked at Michigan Gas Utilities until his retirement in 1994. After retiring Jim went to work at a well drilling company in the area. He had been the Trowbridge Township Supervisor and Assessor for many years.

In his spare time Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, woodworking and gardening. He loved spending time with his family, farming together and taking trips up north.

On Nov. 8, 1958, in Kalamazoo, he married Katheryn Riley who survives. Also surviving are his children, Deborah (Lynn) Philley of Plainwell and Patricia Grebner of Texas; grandson Peyton Grebner of Texas; and siblings, William (Shirley) Menck, Janene (Fallyen) Fitzpatrick, Sharon Cubitt, Tom (Nan) Menck, Jerry (Lynn) Menck and Karen (Ken) Schuemann.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Kathy and Susan.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to At the Master’s Feet Discipleship Ministry.

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

Shirley L. Smith, 90, of Saugatuck died Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, at Holland Hospital.

Shirley enjoyed gardening and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband Phillip Smith in 1978.

She is survived by her children, Bruce Smith of Saugatuck, Gale Gilliam of Douglas and Larry and Deb Smith of Saugatuck; grandchildren, Evan and Jennifer Gilliam, Elaine and Jordan Arens, Nicole and Gordy Fitch; great-grandchildren, Jennavieve, Ethan, Kaya, Nicolai, Lily and Cali; sisters, Phyllis Baranoski of Plainwell, Beverly Anderson of Marcellus, Carol Booth of Dowagiac and Maxine Kemp of Holland; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home - Saugatuck Chapel.  To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com

Margaret Ellen Bridgeman, 73, of Allegan passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, at Allegan County Medical Care Community.

Born Sept. 9, 1945, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Anker and Mary Theresa (Tanczos) Smith and the widow of the late Daniel Ward Bridgeman. 

Margaret lived most of her life in Allegan except for a few years spent in Fennville and four years in Lansing while studying at MSU where she graduated in 1968 with a BA in Education. She taught first, second and pre-first grade from 1968 to 2005. Teaching was a true love of Margaret’s.  She thoroughly enjoyed watching the children and marveled at their enthusiasm for learning. 

The most challenging and rewarding part of Margaret’s life was being a mother to her beautiful daughter Kylin, sharing that responsibility with her first husband Bill Cronkhite, and her second husband of 23 years Dan Bridgeman. 

Margaret enjoyed cooking, traveling with her sisters with whom she shared a special bond, and reading. She was a member of the Allegan Jaycee Women and the Immanuel Lutheran Church. She also was on the Allegan Public Library Board.

She will be missed for her giving spirit and loving nature.

Margaret leaves behind her wonderful daughter Kylin Mary Elizabeth Cronkhite and Kylin’s father William (Jessie) Cronkhite; two sisters, Karen (Max) Nelson and Lillian Peet; 19 nieces and nephews; and 19 great-nieces and nephews. 

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Hale.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Friday, Sept. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow in Poplar Hill Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made in Margaret’s name to Allegan County Medical Care Community or Dollars for Scholars.

Rex J. Burkhead, 64, of Allegan passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at his home in Allegan. He was born Nov. 9, 1954, in Plainwell the son of Charles and Betty (Fuller) Burkhead.

Rex had worked at Perrigo for 21 years until his retirement in 2000. He had also delivered the Flashes in Allegan for many years. In his free time he liked working with ham radios and spending time with “the gang,” his family.

Rex enjoyed volunteering at DHS for more than 10 years. He was a member of the National Federation of the Blind and had attended the School for the Blind.

On Feb. 12, 1983, he married Lorna Livingston who survives. Also surviving are his daughter Norene (Paul Preston) Burkhead and son Daniel Burkhead; special side kick, Jayce; sister Judy Burkhead; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Carl; sister Marie; and a niece and a nephew.

Friends may visit with Rex’s family starting at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Merson Church in Gobles, until the time of the service at 12 p.m., with Pastor Alan Carson.

Private family burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Orangeville.

Contributions in memory of Rex may be made to Merson Church or the National Federation of the Blind.

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

Robert Joseph Carey, 91, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2019.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marty; his children, John, Robin, Christine, Jacqueline, Kevin, and Michael; and a plethora of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rob was a military veteran who served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He worked in advertising at the Leo Burnett agency in Chicago on accounts like Green Giant, Wrigley and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

After relocating to Saugatuck, he became the editor-in-chief for the West Michigan Tourist Association. He was an avid tennis and volleyball player, and a skilled photographer.

In the course of his life, he experienced almost every natural disaster known to man, including dust storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, and made it through all of them.

He loved music and knew the lyrics to a surprising number of Katy Perry songs. He was extremely tolerant of his children’s tendency to bestow ridiculous nicknames upon him, and occasionally ambush him with snowball fights.

He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

On Friday, Aug. 30, Ralph Siddell passed away peacefully at his Fennville home at the age of 89.

Ralph was preceded in death by his loving husband of 54 years William (Bill) Johnson.

Ralph was born in Detroit, on April 17, 1930. He received his horticultural certificate from Michigan State University and ran his own florist shop. He later joined human resources at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit.

Ralph and Bill lived in Indian Village during their Detroit years. Using their entrepreneurial skills, Ralph and Bill ran a successful bar named The Deck on Jefferson Avenue and Alter Road in Detroit. The Deck was a favorite for Grosse Point locals.

Ralph and Bill found their dream retirement community in the Saugatuck/Fennville community in the 1980s and moved there full time upon retirement.

Ralph was generous in supporting charities with his time and creative spirit. He was involved in many organizations such as the Lakeshore Garden Club, Saugatuck/ Douglas Historic Society, West Shore Aware, Christian Neighbors, and Friends of the Library. Ralph was also a founding member of 4 Paws Lakeshore.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday Sept. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saugatuck Yacht Club, 15 Park St., Saugatuck, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Wishbone Pet Rescue or Hospice of Holland.

For more information, or to sign an online register book, please visit dykstrafuneralhome.com

Carolyn Theresa VanPatten, 79, of Allegan went to be with the Lord, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at her home.

Born Dec. 24, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Theresa Koy Baranski. On Oct. 2, 1976, she married Donald VanPatten and enjoyed 40 years of marriage.

Mrs. VanPatten had worked in Social Services for 10 years and then started the Swan Lake Store and Campground for 35 wonderful years, which brought her great joy. She enjoyed puzzle books, lottery tickets, and shopping. Many knew her for her funny and unique facial expressions.

She is survived by her nine children, Gary Fuss, Terry and Dorothy Fuss, Lori and Tim Green, Lisa and Mitch Blackston, Robert Fuss, Terry and Michelle VanPatten, Dale and Dawn VanPatten, Debora Markins, David and Dianne VanPatten; and several lovely grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. VanPatten was preceded in death by her daughter Donna Button.

The family will receive friends and family at Gorden Funeral Residence - Allegan Chapel, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. for visitation. The funeral will take place Thursday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Lindsley Cemetery, Cheshire Township.

Janina Wait, 94, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Friday, Aug. 31, 2019.

Janina “Jani” Wait, was born May 30, 1925, in Kalamazoo. She graduated from Michigan State University, and was employed by Allegan General Hospital as a Medical Technologist. 

She is survived by her niece, Karen (Stuart) Hartlep of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grand-niece Leah Hartlep of Garden City, Iowa; nephew James (Roberta) Grimes of Pasadena, Calif.; and niece Peg (Patrick) Wolf of East Lansing.

Jani was preceded in death by her husband Claude Wait; her parents, John and Stefania (Klosinska) Dzialowski; sisters, Stefania (Robert) Rue, and Marya (Merwin) Grimes,;brother Mieczyslaw Dzialowski; niece Victoria Rue; and nephew Stefan Rue.

Jani enjoyed traveling, leading a quiet but eventful life, caring for others and her canine companion Ladybug. 

The family would like to thank Susie and Ben Woodhams for their caring friendship, and the wonderful staff at the Allegan County Medical Care Community.

What a glorious day for Wildarene E. “Wid” Sheffer on Sept. 7, 2019, as she entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, seeing her loved ones and many friends again.

Wid was born to parents, Harry and Ann Pickitt of Allegan on Nov. 23, 1922. She graduated from Allegan High School with the class of 1940, then attended Wheaton College. During World War II, she worked many volunteer hours for the Red Cross.

Wid was a member of First Baptist Church of Allegan for 82 years, where she sang with the choir and also taught Sunday School classes.

After the war on June 18, 1947, she married Charles Sheffer of Allegan. They later became owners of Sheffer Cheese Company in Allegan. They were blessed with two daughters and two sons, Roxanne (Roger) Cornelius of Richland, Ron (Yvonne) Sheffer of Allegan, Mark (Pam) Sheffer of Kalamazoo and Debra (Mark) Jevert of Kalamazoo.

Wid lived in Allegan for 81 years, and then moved to Richland. Surviving are her four children and their mates; one sister, Lois (Bill) Smith of Allegan; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Wid to Heaven are her parents, Harry and Ann Pickitt; her soul mate Chuck; two sisters, Miriam (Boone) Cook of Allegan and Reva (John) Miller of Marco Island, Fla.; and one granddaughter Lindsay Cornelius of Richland.

Friends may visit with the family at Gorden Funeral Residence, 528 Trowbridge St., in Allegan, on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. A family graveside service will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan. A memorial service will be at First Baptist Church, 1290 32nd St., Allegan, on Monday, Sept. 16, at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.

Contributions in Wid’s honor can be made to First Baptist Church of Allegan/India Missions Fund.

Services are being provided by Gorden Funeral Residence.

Wid will know Him

As redeemed by His side she will stand

She will know Him

Eugene Donald Zelmanski, 83, of Kalamazoo.

Starting line May 24, 1936, Detroit; finish line Sept. 5, 2019, Alamo Township.

Son of Edward “Hap,” Stella, and Eleanor Zelmanski; brother of Louise, James, and Ronald. Proud father of Susan and Pamela. Even prouder grandfather of Jayson Ramesh, Nathan Eugene, Margaret Jeanine, Abigail Mary, and Sean Patrick. Loyal uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend to many.

And there’s much more: Fisherman, paratrooper, proud pond owner, golf course builder, WMU graduate, 35 years Parker Hannifin engineer, passionate nature lover, beekeeper, wild bird enthusiast, hummingbird tracker, chicken and duck owner, expert soup maker, drinker of massive amounts of coffee, hunter, racehorse owner, charter fishing business owner, bar and restaurant owner, Army veteran, bicycle enthusiast, never missed a breakfast out-er, scuba diver, sky diver, box wine lover, multiple Ragbrai participant, ABBA lover,  half-shirt fashion trendsetter, Thanksgiving chef, fishing camp leader, ingenious fixer of all things, lifelong Lions fan. And an excellent dancer. It was QUITE a ride!

Family and friends are welcome to join us at his home (Lions attire and fishing poles recommended) to reminisce and celebrate a life lived to its fullest on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made to the Kal-Haven Bike Trail (269) 637-2788 or http://igfn.us/vf/GIVE.

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

Larry Gene Curry, 77, of Martin passed away at his home on Sept. 4, 2019, surrounded by family.

Larry was born to Russell and Florence (Knight) Curry on Aug. 22, 1942.

He joined the Air Force in 1962 where he served four years as a firefighter, stationed in Bossier City, La. He worked for General Motors for 30 years until his retirement.

On April 17, 1964, he married Sharon (Chick) Martin and they spent the next 55 years together, whom survives. 

He is also survived by his children, Brenda (Bobbie Jo) Ritchie and David (Julie) Curry; grandchildren, Adam (Jen) Dill, Morgan Dill, Garrett Dill, Tanner Curry, Cayden Curry, Teagan Curry and Zoie Ritchie; great-grandchildren, Brantley, Ryker, Grayson and Isabella; and his siblings, Jerry, Shirley and Jack.

He had two favorite pastimes, mowing the fields behind their home with his 1949 tractor and watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing sports. The sport didn’t matter, the child playing was what mattered.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Russ and Bob.

It is Larry’s wishes to be cremated with no visitation or memorial. If you wish to donate in his honor, please donate to Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan or Martin High School Athletic Boosters.

Geraldine Louise Krotz, 89, of Hopkins passed away Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at her home. 

Born Sept. 26, 1929, in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Emily Letha (Abbot) Grauman and was the wife of the late Robert Krotz. 

Mrs. Krotz was highly intelligent and extremely organized. Both attributes combined to allow her to graduate high school early at the age of 16 as well as helped her to never need a personal computer. Her mind and a piece of paper was all she needed. 

Mrs. Krotz was a dedicated homemaker and farmer as well as a talented seamstress who typically made all her sons’ clothing. She loved camping and was a member of the Good Sam Club. She traveled just about everywhere that her travel trailer and, later, motorhome would carry her. 

Mrs. Krotz is survived by her children, Roger (Kelly) Krotz, Wayne (Daisy) Krotz and Kevin Krotz; daughter-in-law Ann Krotz; siblings, Duane Grauman, Donna Wells and Patricia Leversee; grandchildren, Corey, Tracy (Nick), Brooke, Rachel, Amanda (Eric), Marty, Katie (David), Andrew, Travis, Cyndi, Jennifer and Josh; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son David Krotz; and her siblings, Paul Grauman and Wanita Waigand.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Friday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Hopkins Township. 

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

Phyllis Ann Moored, 75, of Allegan passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, at her home. 

Born March 14, 1944, in Grand Rapids, she was the daughter of the late Marian (Pickett) Wiseman and was the wife of the late Larry Moored. 

Phyllis had worked for Perrigo for 30 years prior to retirement. She loved riding her VW trike and Harley Davidson motorcycles with her friends in the Phara-Dice Motorcycle Club, of which she was a lifetime member. She also enjoyed spending time at Beach Paradise over the last 20 years. 

Phyllis’ other hobbies included sewing and making ceramic Christmas ornaments for her family.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Cathy Vredevoogd, Lonald Wiseman and Tracy Wiseman; a brother Robert Wiseman; grandchildren, Casondra Fontaine, Amber Wiseman, Justin Wiseman and Tracy Wiseman Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Gene Wiseman and Jaxson Emmons. 

Along with her mother and her husband, she was preceded in death by her grandchildren, Josh Wiseman, Joseph Ratulowski and Lance Wiseman; a sister; and two brothers.

The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at which time a memorial service will begin. Burial will follow in Hudson Corners Cemetery.

Eula Mae Bocage was born July 19, 1923, in New Orleans, La., to Frederick Bocage and Estelle Duplessie. Mom had three siblings; Sterling (Toni), Elaine (Clarence) and Elton (Ruby). All have preceded her in death.

Mom married the love of her life, David Merlin Thomas on Oct. 10, 1943. They had a total of eight children; Betsy (Elfrid), Melva (Roland), Gwendolyn Judy, James (Rebecca), David (Holly), Terry (Michelle), Sherry (Tim) and Elton (Katherine). 

Later in life she met two daughters she claimed as her own; Sharon Patterson and Christine Cherry. We would also like to acknowledge mom’s dearest friend, Dolly Payne.

Our mother gave her total life to supporting and caring for her family. She was a dedicated wife and mother; her very nature was to be kind to everyone.  She would give you whatever she had even if she had to sacrifice to do it.

Mom loved God and even in her worst pain she was heard praying, “thank you Jesus for everything.”

Our mother had a positive impact on everyone who knew her including the nurses, staff and residents at Ely Manor where she lived the last few years. She was proud of the fact that she had been voted “President” of the resident association.

Our mom was very proud of all her grandchildren and always had a listening ear and encouraging words for them.

Our mom loved to cook and feed anyone who came to our home. She was a great cook that brought “creole” cooking to Allegan.

Mom had a great sense of humor and would always laugh when she beat you at cards as she often would.

We will always remember her spirit, kindness, generosity and deep love she had for all of us.

Mother Teresa once said that we draw our circle of family too small.  For our mother – everyone was her family!

We know that she is in heaven, probably dancing with our father right now and we can imagine him saying “What took you so long?”

For those of us who are left behind, we will live on to cherish her memory until we see her again.

A memorial service will take place at Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Ave., Allegan, on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m.

Assisting the family with arrangements is Gorden Funeral Residence.

Norma Cabot, 89, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Cabot; parents, George and Nadine Wenzel; daughter Jeanne Telfare; son George Cabot; and her sister Barbara Halliday.

She will be remembered and missed by her children, William Cabot, Thomas (Victoria) Cabot; son-in-law Willis Ronald Telfare III; daughters-in-law, Jennette Cabot and Olenka Hubickyj; grandchildren, Alex, Eric, Chase and Clara; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Norma was a homemaker for most of her life. She enjoyed adventure through her many travels from Africa, Galapagos, Svalbard, New Zealand, Solomon Islands and many more. She was an avid bird watcher as well.

Norma graduated from Purdue University in 1950 with a 4.0 in chemistry and was offered a position at Johns Hopkins Medical School, but turned it down to marry her beloved Charles Cabot and raise a family with him. Norma’s philosophy was to choose happiness rather than bitterness.

In memory of Norma and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcook.com.