| Jack Smit | Gertrude Lietzke | Roberta Miller | Back to Obits |
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Smit Jack J. Smit, 92, of Harlingen, Texas, and formerly of St. Johns, passed away Sept. 14, 1999. He was born July 7, 1907. He was a former mayor and fire chief of St. Johns, and owned Jack's Body Shop. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Ruth L. Smit; two daughters, Marilyn Guthrie of Willcox, Ariz., and Jacqueline Lawrence of Elk Rapids; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Services were held in his home. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Elk Rapids. Memorials may be made in Mr. Smit's name to the Cancer Foundation. The family was served by the Thomas National Funeral Service in SanBenito, Texas. Gertrude Julia Lietzke, 95, of Lawrence, and formerly of St. Johns, passed away Sept. 18, 1999 at her daughter's home. She was born July 31, 1904, in Riley Township, the first born of four girls to William and Lovina Zischke. The family only spoke German, so she had to take English in her first year at Simmons School. She became a member of DeWitt Emanuel Methodist Church at age 12. After completing her two years of high school, she attended County Normal in St. Johns for a year and was ready to begin her teaching career. She taught in Simmons and Brown School for three years. During her first year of teaching, she attended classes in both Olivet and Mt. Pleasant and received her B.A. degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University. She married Theodore Lietzke in 1925. In the years to follow she helped raise four children, had a big garden and helped with dairy and other farmwork. She could operate all of the farm machinery, help on any repairs and truly enjoyed being outside. She returned to teaching in the 1940s to supplement the family income. She taught in Gladden, Lemm, St. Johns and East Olive over a 31-year teaching career. She retired from teaching in 1972. She moved to Lawrence in 1973 to be near her daughter and there continued her church affiliation for 87 years. She was also a member of the WCTU Bible Guards, UMW and Retired Teachers. Having a fondness for children, she was a 4-H Leader for 25 years. In the 80s she became a volunteer grandmother, helping in the Lawrence Elementary School. She's been an avid rock collector and encouraged many children and adults in their rock projects. She taught crocheting and made nearly 100 afghans, giving them away to family and friends. She is survived by her children Harold (Betty) Lietzke of Lowell, Rachel (Robert) Garrod of Lawrence, and LaVern (Linda) Lietzke of Eaton Rapids; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore, March 15, 1945; a son, Alvin Lietzke; a grandson, Barry Waite; an infant grandson, Gerold Lietzke; her parents; and three sisters, Glenna Knapp, Grace Kroft and Mabel Bauerle. A celebration of her life was held Sept. 22 at the Lawrence United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Babcock officiating. Her place of rest is DeWitt Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence United Methodist Church, the Red Cross, Salvation Army or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Service of Southwest Michigan. The family was served by the Leonard Funeral Home. Roberta J. Miller, 64, of St. Johns, passed away Sept. 20, 1999. She was born Feb. 25, 1935, in Jackson, the daughter of Vincent and Maxine (Farley) Fleming. She lived most of her life in St. Johns. She retired from General Telephone Company as a clerk. She married Emerson Miller April 15, 1954, in Roscommon. He preceded her in death May 19, 1989. Surviving are one daughter Kathy (Wayne) Hettler, and one son Mike (Donna) Miller, all of St. Johns; four grandchildren, Rachel Hettler, Jason Miller, Justin Miller and Ryan Miller; and one brother, Larry (Norma) Fleming of Portland. A family service has been held. Memorials may be made to the Breslin Cancer Center. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Home. Violet M. Pope, 93, of St. Johns, passed away Sept. 21, 1999. She was born June 19, 1906, the daughter of Clark and Bertha (Benson) Thorne. She lived in St. Johns most of her life. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Order of Eastern Star #79, and was a retired Clinton County school teacher. She married Gerald Pope June 2, 1928. He preceded her in death April 24, 1980. She is survived by one daughter, Arlene Hoag of St. Johns; two sons, Darrell (Jerri) Pope of Florida, and C. Bruce (Beth) Pope of Las Vegas, Nev.; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Gerry Mae Smith; son-in-law, John Hoag; one sister, Agnes Cushman; and one brother, Clyde Thorne. The funeral service was held Sept. 24 at the Osgood Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial was at Mt. Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to O.E.S. #79. Corinne A. Erickson, 92, of Elsie, passed away Sept. 19, 1999. She was born Dec. 3, 1906, the daughter of Ervin and Effie (Gooch) Pankhurst. She lived most of her life in the Elsie area. She was a homemaker. She graduated from Owosso Bible College and attended Grove Bible Church. She married Elwood Erickson and he preceded her Feb. 2, 1985. Surviving are one daughter, Joanne (Clyde) Allends, and one son Wesley, (Patricia) Erickson, all of Elsie; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; and one sister Carol Jean Pankhurst of California. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Louise; one sister; and four brothers. The funeral service was held Sept. 22 at Smith Funeral Home, Elsie Chapel, with Pastor Larry Smith and Clyde Isham officiating. Burial was at Duplain Township Cemetery, Duplain Twp. Memorials may be made to Family Life Radio. |