Obituaries

Christine Brown

Christine M. Brown, dearly beloved mother, died July 27, 1998, at the age of 83. She was a resident of Middleton, and formerly of Maple Rapids. She was born Feb. 28, 1915, in Jonesboro, Ark., the daughter of Anton and Irene (Brusse) Verhulst.

Christine married John L. Brown Aug. 21, 1940, in Holland. He preceded her in death Oct. 6, 1997.

Christine was raised in Holland, where she graduated from Hope College. She lived most of her life in the Maple Rapids area, moving to Middleton in 1993.

Her affiliations in Maple Rapids included being a member of the Maple Rapids Congregational Church, Women's Fellowship, and a leader in the Junior Choir; Maple Rapids Eastern Star in which she held a state office; the Amica Club; the Sorosis Club; and the local Farm Bureau. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for many years, enjoyed square dancing, and entertaining family and friends. One of her last community efforts was helping to plan the Maple Rapids Sesquicentennial. She was a teacher for 20 years at the Maple Rapids, Sherwood, and St. Johns schools.

Surviving are two daughters, Pat (Raymond) Fricke of Middleton, and Mary (Frank) Martilik of Summerland, Fla.; two grandchildren, John (Karen) Fricke of Middleton, and Laurel (Ron) Frederick of Clayton; three great-grandchildren, Johnathon, Jeremy, and Joseph Fricke; and one sister, Patsy (Earl) Purchase of Richmond, Virg.

The funeral service was held July 30 at Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. Tom Mercer officiating. Burial was at Sowle Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Abbott Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Maple Rapids. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Clinton County, or the music department of the Maple Rapids Congregational Church.

Cindy Leigh Miller

Our beloved Cindy Leigh Miller, 31, died peacefully in her sleep July 28, 1998, at the home of her mother in Ovid. Born April 29, 1967, in Pontiac, Cindy changed the life of nearly everyone in the vast circle of family and friends who came to know her.

Services and interment were held July 30 at Rosebush Cemetery, Rosebush, with her uncle, the Rev. Howard Lindsay officiating.

Cindy is survived by her mother, Susan Miller, and Willard Verdun of Ovid; her father, Donald Miller, and Bonnie Miller of DeWitt; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Jon Seeger, and nephew, Benjamin Paul Seeger, of Walled Lake; her grandmother, Millie Ambler of Venice, Fla.; and many aunts, uncles, and significant others who loved her.

Contributions may be sent to the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association, 8181 Professional Place, Suite 110, Landover, Md., 20785-2226, Attn: Vickie Whittemore; or The Ronald McDonald House of Mid Michigan, Dept. of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, 545 W. Fee Hall, East Lansing, 48824-1316.

Gerald Kirchen

Gerald L. "Jerry" Kirchen, 59, of DeWitt, died July 25, 1998. The funeral service was held July 28 at Redeemer United Methodist Church. Burial was at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were by Gorsline-Runciman Co., DeWitt Chapel.

Gary Bailey

Gary A. Bailey, 54, of DeWitt, died July 25, 1998. The funeral service was held July 28 at Gorsline-Runciman Co., DeWitt Chapel.

Bernice Apthorp

Bernice P.M. Apthorp, 84, of DeWitt, died July 27, 1998. The funeral service was held July 30 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Riley. Burial was at DeWitt Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Gorsline-Runciman Co., DeWitt Chapel.

Marjorie Duncan

Marjorie B. Duncan, 86, of East Lansing, died July 28, 1998. The funeral service was held July 31 at the Gorsline-Runciman Co., DeWitt Chapel. Burial was at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bath.

Mable Dennis

Mable E. Dennis, 87, of St. Johns, died July 24, 1998. She was a homemaker, and was retired from MMPA, Ovid. The funeral service was held July 27 at Smith Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.