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Howard R. Straub, Sr.

Victoria Arias

Orvis O. Holm

Maxine Francis Gallagher

Wendell H. Brewbaker

Doris Marie ( Stevens ) Nichols

Iva Mae Stephens

Alfred Nelson

William M. Smith

Leon Charles “Ken” Kentfield, 88 died Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at Hazel Findlay Country Manor. Leon was born in St. Johns, MI on Sept 30, 1918 the son of Raymond and Anna (Casper) Kentfield. He enjoyed sports in high school, playing softball for Dean’s Hardware and recalled breaking his nose in a state championship football game and continued to play football for the rest of the game. He was an avid golfer and once had 2 eagles in 9 holes of golf. He was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Army, a member of the American Legion and a member of the Elks Club of Pontiac, MI. Leon loved playing cards and was a top notch Bridge player. He was an accomplished Master Electrician out of IBEW Local #58. He was one of a select few to write a perfect score on him Master Electrician Exam. He had been retired for over 26 years.

Leon is survived by his wife Angeline “Bunny” of over 58 years, brother Dick, sister Kay, son Jeffery, daughter Cindy, daughter-in-law Gail and granddaughter Carrie. His guidance, companionship and love will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422 on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, with Military Honors by V. F. W. Post 4113 and American Legion Post 153. Memorials may be made to the Donors Choice.The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday and Friday, 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Bernice Mae Marten

Bernice Mae Marten died April 10, 2007, at the age of 76. She was born in Hillsdale, MI on September 19, 1930, the daughter of Fredrick and Geraldine (LaFollette) Mohr. She was a homemaker and a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church. She married Harold C. Marten on June 10, 1961 in Lenawee County, and he preceded her in death on June 24, 1995.

She is survived by her children, Debra McDeavitt of St. Johns and John C. Marten of Savannah, GA and her brother Robert Mohr of Morenci, MI.

A Memorial graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, April 13, 2007 at South Bingham Cemetery with Pastor Kenneth J. Bremer officiating. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Ingham Regional Medical Center, Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, and/or Sparrow Hospice. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Home.

Wendell H. Brewbaker

Wendell H. Brewbaker, age 92 of  Williamston, MI passed away on Friday, April 6 at his residence. Wendell was born in Duplain Township on January 17, 1915, the son of Vernard and Blanche (Holbrook) Brewbaker. He was a graduate of St. Johns High School and earned a B.S. Degree from MSU. While at Michigan State, he was in ROTC and upon graduation began his military career as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. After Pearl Harbor, Wendell was stationed at Fort Devins, MA. It was there he married Beth Love on April 4, 1942 and left the following day for the South Pacific where he served for 2 ˝ years. Upon his return to civilian life he was employed as Chief Chemist by the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Beth; daughter, Marlene; son, Kevin (Diane); grandson, Douglas (Sarah) Brewbaker; granddaughters, Marlena (Jeff) Miller and Sheila (Matt) Estes. Wendell will also be missed by five great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle Street, Williamston with the Rev. Desmond Bell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 in honor of Wendell.

Howard R. Straub, Sr.

Howard R. Straub, Sr. died April 7, 2007, at the age of 81. Born in Leslie on November 21, 1925, the son of Loya and Ada (Smith) Straub. He was a dairy farmer for 46 years, a member of Clinton County Farm Bureau and Back Porch Pickers. He enjoyed camping, jamborees and traveling. Howard married Dorothy Doyle in Leslie on November 20, 1945 and she preceded him in death on November 18, 1985.

Surviving are his daughters, Lauree “Sue” Straub of St. Johns and Gloria Kirkbride of Lansing, son, Howard (Mary Jo) Straub of St. Johns, very special friend, Irene Addis of Sheridan, 12 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, sisters, Edith Musser of Belding and Hilda (Jack) O’Berry of Mason, brothers, Phillip (Lillian) Straub of Elsie, Richard (Eva) Straub of Richmond, KY and Donald Straub of Lansing, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Doxtader.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing, with Pastor Wayne Baerd officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Clinton County 4-H.

Doris Marie ( Stevens ) Nichols

Doris Marie ( Stevens ) Nichols age 93 of St. Johns, Michigan died Thursday, April 5, 2007 at Clinton Memorial Hospital St. Johns, MI.

Memorial Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel St. Johns, MI on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11:30 AM. Pastor Tim Cockroft will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007 from 10 - 11:30 A.M. prior to the service at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

Doris was born in Clinton County, Michigan on October 24, 1913 the daughter of Claude and Lottie ( Gordon ) Stevens. She resided most of her life in Clinton County, Michigan and attended South Riley Country School, Clinton County, Michigan. Doris married Lloyd W. Nichols on July 27, 1933 in St. Johns, Michigan. He died on December 23, 2000. She and Lloyd were avid hunters and fisherman, RV traveling the U.S. in their retirement. They were lifelong Riley Township farmers. She also enjoyed a variety of crafts. Doris was a member of the Busy Bee's Ladies Club, TOPS, and South Riley Grange.

She is survived by 4 children; Verna and Milan R. Thurston of St. Johns, MI, Janet and Karlis Dakers of Higgins Lake, MI, Gerald and Vernie Nichols of DeWitt, MI, Lyle and Beverly Nichols of DeWitt, MI, 22 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Leta Nichols of St. Johns, MI, brother-in-law Mahlon and Lois Nichols of Weidman, MI. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, one daughter Wilma Barnhart, one son-in-law Ray Barnhart, great grandson Robert Smith, one sister Dortha White, and one brother Nelson Stevens.

Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

Iva Mae Stephens

Iva Mae Stephens, Holt, MI, age 94, died on March 20, 2007. She was born on October 7, 1912 to Raymond and Cora (Wolford) Irish in Wolverine, Michigan. The family moved to St. Johns, Michigan, where she attended Rodney B. Wilson High School. She and her family farmed in Lapeer County, Michigan. She later worked at the Welton Style Shop in Imlay City and retired from the State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources in Lansing. Iva was a member of the Lansing Mayflower Congregational Church and bowled on the church league for about 25 years. She was also a member of the Imlay City American Legion Auxiliary #35 and served as a volunteer for several organizations. Iva was honored as Hospice Volunteer of the year in 1993. She loved to travel and had visited several states and many foreign countries. Iva was preceded in death by: her husband, Earl; son, Clare; brother, Loren Irish; and sister-in-law, Delores Renshaw.

She is survived by: 2 sons, Lyle of Punta Gorda, FL and Kenneth of El Segundo, CA; daughter-in-law, Jeannet Barton of Phoenix, AZ; special cousin, Carol Rountree of Holt, MI; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Inurnment will take place in Imlay Township Cemetery, Imlay City, Michigan. Those desiring may may make donations to the Mayflower Congregational Church Memorial Fund.

Alfred Nelson

Alfred Edric Nelson went home to be with the Lord on Good Friday, April 6, 2007. Pastor Nelson was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 6 July 1920. He served for five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force as Deputy Bandmaster during World War II, and following the war he played solo euphonium with the Toronto Symphony Band. In 1951 he completed his course of pastoral studies at London Bible Institute, London, Ontario, and on August 25 of that same year he married Frances Dorene Bush. Pastor Nelson served the Michigan congregations of First Baptist Church, Rochester, as pastor of youth and music, and Alaska Baptist Church, Alaska, Kingsley Baptist Church, Kingsley, and Parr Memorial Baptist Church, Petoskey, as senior pastor. Subsequent to these pastorates he was for eight years the State Representative of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches, and more recently served on the staff of the First Baptist Church of St. Johns, Michigan. 

Alf and Fran were married for fifty-six years, and are the parents of six children: Judy and Chuck Barber, Dan and Nancy Nelson, Ron and Glenda Nelson, Steve and Miko Nelson, Paul and Elizabeth Nelson, and Susan and David Page, twenty grandchildren and one great-grandson, all of whom survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank J. Nelson and Florence “Daisy” (nee Osborn) Nelson, sisters Claire Smith and Mildred Watterson, and brothers Frederic, Earl, and Stanley, of Toronto, Canada. Pastor Nelson passed away at his home in Ovid, Michigan.

Memorial services will be held at Westside Baptist Church, 261 Whitney Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. and at First Baptist Church, 512 S. U.S. 27, St. Johns, Michigan, on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. Interment will be at White Chapel Gardens, Hamilton, Ontario.The family will receive friends at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns, MI, Saturday April 7, 2007 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., and on Sunday, April 8, 2007 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.

We will dearly miss Alf’s example of a godly life, his love and service for the Lord and for people of all ages, his irrepressible sense of humor, and his appreciation and knowledge of music. His life verse was, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6. Those who loved him rest in God’s promise that, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.Memorial gifts may be made to The Gideons International or Sparrow Foundation Home Hospice Care.

Victoria Arias

Victoria (Vicky) Arias, 73, our loving mother and grandmother left us unexpectedly to dance with the angels in Heaven. Our mom was everything we aspire to be. Mom was, loving and caring, hard-working and fun-loving, gentle yet firm, always offering words of wisdom and encouragement. Mom welcomed everyone with open arms. She will always be family to many who knew her. Mom was a remarkable woman of great faith and strength. She was, and always will be, the foundation of our family and what we are today. Mom loved her flowers! She spent hours in her yard, nurturing her gardens and enjoyed sharing her flowers with friends and neighbors. Oh, Mom! You will be so missed! Our consolation is that you are now with those who have gone before you, but especially that you are with our beloved sister, Abi.

Mom is survived by her children: Lydia (Pedro) Guerrero, Fernando Zamora, Maria Elena (Hector) Trevino, Yolanda (Rogelio) Pena, Francisco (Yolanda) Zamora, all of Texas; Norma (Joe) Caudy of Freeland, and Estella (David) Sturgis of St. Johns; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by her husband, three brothers, one grandson and beloved daughter, Abigail Arias.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy as celebrant. Rite of Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 pm, Sunday and Monday with a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm on Monday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422.

Orvis O. Holm

Orvis O. Holm, age 80, of St. Johns, MI was born to eternal life on Thursday, April 5, 2007 in Lansing, MI after a brief illness. He was born in Chicago, IL the son of Walter Holm and Elsie Boyce Holm Cowman. He grew up in Manistique, MI enjoying summers on his grandparents’ farm on Washington Island, WI. He attended Manistique High School where he excelled in sports and vocal music, graduating in the class of 1945. After high school he served his country in the U.S. Army, 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Europe. Orvis attended Michigan State College, now MSU, graduating from there in 1950 with a degree in Dairy Science. After managing several dairies in Michigan and Wisconsin he began a career with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Dairy Division as a dairy plant specialist retiring in 1989 after 22 years of service. He was an active member of St. Johns Lutheran Church and volunteered in several community activities.

On August 21, 1948 he married Ethel Ericson, in Manistique and she survives him. Together they raised four children; Richard (Cindy) of Holt, MI Christine Grimes (Mark) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Susan Fess (Larry) of St. Johns, Julie Day (Joel) of Holt, MI. He was a proud grandpa to Jessica Kohagen (Bryan), Troy Looney (special friend Kylene Smale), Andrew Grimes, Emily Grimes, Alissa Holm (special friend Nate Benzin), Erik Holm (fiancé Katie Koch), Rachel Day, Caleb Day, and great grandchildren Aliyah Hethorn and Ashton Kohagen. Also surviving is one brother, William Holm of Lady Lake, FL, sister-in-law Carol Carlson of Manistique, stepfather, William Cowman formerly of Manistique and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Jim. He was honest, hardworking and generous; a man of integrity. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful singing voice.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, April 11, 2007at St. Johns Lutheran Church 511 E. Sturgis St. Johns with Rev. George F. Brinley officiating. Interment will take place 12:00 noon Friday, April 13, 2007 at Fairview Cemetery in Manistique, MI with Rev. Ingmar Levin officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns 989-224-4422. Memorials may be made to the St. Johns Lutheran Church Altar Guild 511 E. Sturgis St. Johns, MI 48879. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

William M. Smith

William M. Smith, long time Clinton County resident, passed away at his home in Chula Vista, California on Monday, April 2, 2007. He was born in the Smith family home, east of Fowler, of his parents John Smith and Margaret Piggott Smith, on February 10, 1910. He recently celebrated his 71st wedding anniversary with his wife, Marian (Frey) Smith and his children and many of his grandchildren. His family celebrated his 97th birthday with him in an afternoon of his story telling and recollections of his long life with the changes that he has witnessed over a period of 9 decades.

Mr. Smith retired from his employment at the Agriculture and Soil Conservation Service Office, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, in St. Johns, in 1974 where he was the field office manager. He previously had worked in Wayne County and had owned a farm in Essex Township where he raised his family. Mr. Smith was a member of the St. Johns Rotary Club, St Joseph Catholic Church and the Michigan Association of Retired ASCS Employees. In 1994, he and Marian moved to Chula Vista, California after spending many retirement winters there, near his son's and daughter's homes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Hungerford, brother Stanley H. Smith and one great grandson, Charlie Fenner. He is survived by his wife Marian, his brother Donald J. Smith of St. Johns, daughter and son-in-law Shirley and David Fenner of San Diego, son Douglas Smith, of Vista CA, and 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. His love, friendship and steadfast devotion will be missed by all.

Viewing and a Rosary will be held at the Community Mortuary in Chula Vista, California on Sunday evening April 8th. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 9th at the Church of Most Precious Blood in Chula Vista where he was a member. In St. Johns a viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 11th from 2-4 P.M. and from 6-8 P.M. at the Osgood Funeral Home. Graveside services and interment will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, on the following day, April 12th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Village, 3350 E. St. San Diego, CA 92102, OR to Sharp Hospital Hospice Care, P.O. Box 3739, La Mesa, CA 91940.

Maxine Francis Gallagher

Maxine Francis Gallagher of Maple Rapids, age 83, died on April 4, 2007 and was born on June 26, 1923 in Lansing, Michigan. She lived her whole life in Maple Rapids in the home she was raised as a child. She was the daughter of Ormel and Mable (Martin) Riker. She graduated from Maple Rapids High School in 1941. She retired as a State of Michigan social worker after many years of service. Maxine was an avid golfer and actively involved in the subvets. She enjoyed quilting, painting, baking, gardening, crossword puzzles, and spending time poolside at her Florida vacation home. Maxine was a very loving, giving person who touched everyone she met.

Maxine is survived by her son, Patrick Gallagher of Mason and daughter, Colleen (William) Blossey of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Michael (Lynn) Gallagher of Grandville. Maxine is also survived by her brother, Maurie (Esther) Riker of Carson City; four granddaughters, Lyndsey (Eric) Lovejoy of Sterling Heights, Ashley Gallagher of Holt, Erin (Todd) Miller of Hudsonville and Betsy (Chad) Ham of Hudsonville; and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive family and friends on April 7, 2007 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Home 509 E. Main St. Maple Rapids, MI. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to the National Alzheimer's Association.