Lyle E. Powelson died January 22, 2003 at the age of 45. He was born in St. Johns on January 28, 1957, the son of Gerald and Helen (Ackels) Powelson, residing in Gratiot County before moving to Clinton County. He graduated from Vestaburg High School, received an Associates Degree from Lansing Community College, later obtained a journeymans card in precision machine and was employed by Olympian Tool in St. Johns as a tool and die maker. Lyle loved antique tractors, machining, cats, his dog “Lacy” and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Lyle married Crystal L. Wood on May 5, 1979 and she survives him. 

Also surviving are his son, Bradley, daughter, Alyssa, both at home, brothers, Raymond (Martha) Powelson of Alma, Gary (Pat) Powelson of Riverdale and Jerry (Laura) Powelson of St. Louis, sisters, Shirley (Craig) Hearn of Breckenridge and Lorraine Powelson of Waterford, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Russell Powelson. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25, 2003 at Duplain Church of Christ, burial at Duplain Cemetery with Pastor Dan Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Thursday and Friday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to his children’s education fund.

Forrest “Frosty” Snyder

Forrest “Frosty” Snyder age 62 of Elsie, Michigan passed away Monday, January 20, 2003 in Chapin Township, Michigan. He worked for Midland-Ross Corp. in Owosso for 22 years; he also was a logger for 6 years and retired from Tipton Trucking Company in 2002. Frosty also farmed all of his life.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, 2003 at 3:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Pastor Billie Lou Gillespie-Brown of the Chapin United Methodist Church will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday 6-8 and Thursday 2-8 with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Forrest was born in Chapin Township on October 11, 1940, the son of Edward & Elizabeth (Smith) Snyder. He graduated from Chesaning High School with the Class of 1958. On September 23, 1961 he married Pat Gosman at the Chapin United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Chapin United Methodist Church and also a member of the N.R.A. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially in Wyoming. He resided most of his life in Chapin Township.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Snyder of Elsie, MI, two daughters, Laurie Snyder of Elsie, MI, Kimberly Snyder & fiancé Cliff Luchenbill of Elsie, MI, one son, Dale Frederick Snyder of Seeny, MI, one grandson, Joshua Forrest Snyder of Elsie, MI, and one sister, Joan & Sonny Miller of Merrill, MI. He was predeceased by his parents, one niece, Peggy Miller & one nephew, Steven Ray Downs. Memorials may be made to the Chapin United Methodist Church. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Dorothy E. Campbell

Dorothy E. Campbell,  Lansing, MI Beloved mother and grandmother, age 79, passed away January 15 with family at her bedside. Dorothy was born October 20, 1923 in St. Johns, MI to Chester and Ethel Crosby. She began her working career in the Clinton County Sheriff Department doing clerical work, where she eventually became a Deputy Sheriff.

In 1950, she began a 23 year career as Secretary to the Vice President of Research and Development, Milton Meulder, who was also Dean of the Graduate School at Michigan State University. During this time, she has been described as an enormous force in helping MSU through it's transition from a good to a great university. She began yet another career with the State of Michigan as Administrative Secretary to then State Representative Jackie Vaughn, and also worked for him during his years in the Senate. During this time, she wrote numerous resolutions on behalf of the Michigan Legislature, honoring many notable individuals. These works can be found in several public buildings, including the City Hall of Chicago, the Pentagon and also in the Vatican. Dorothy's inquisitive mind was always eager to learn something new. Her passions included studies of vitamins, nutrition, religion and philosophy. She also loved gardening, playing the organ and was an excellent seamstress. Her smile and wonderful sense of humor will be dearly missed by her family.

She is survived by son, Roger "Bill" Dixon (Susan); grandson, Matthew R. Shelton; great-grandson, Tyler Shelton, all of Lansing; and sister, L. Ardis Hamer of Scottsdale, AZ. She made an anatomical gift of her body to Michigan State University Medical School.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 1:30 PM at Tiffany Funeral Home, Lansing. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the employees at Sparrow's Dimondale Center and Willow Wood Adult Foster Care for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Daniel J. Martin

Daniel J. Martin,   Westphalia, MI Age 64, loving husband, father, grandfather went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2003, in Florida. He was born on April 18, 1938, in Westphalia, the son of Ambrose and Helen (Hufnagel) Martin. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, K of C #2890 St. Jude Thaddeus Council, St. Joseph Society, Westphalia Jaycees, and several Antique Tractor Clubs. He retired from Michigan Bell-Ameritech after 36 years of service. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Ambrose and his wife, Carol (Ringle) who passed away on May 14, 1999. They were married on May 2, 1959.

Surviving are their children, Laurie (Bill) Kemp, Doug Martin, Jeff Martin, Diane (Kirk) Schaibly, Dan Martin and Sandy (Tad) Drake; grandchildren, Erik Gronner, Joey, Ian and Colton Martin, Casey and Bill Schneider, Trenton Schaibly, Samantha and Max Drake, and Kammy Martin; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Ethan Smith; mother, Helen Wirth; brother, Ed (Pat) Martin; sisters, Clara Twitchell, Mary (Larry) Smith, and Susan (Jack) Miller; mother-in-law, Dorothy Ringle; brother-in-law, Bob (June) Ringle; sister-in-law, Linda (Al) Schneider; several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor, at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 23, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. from 7-9 PM, Tuesday and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Wednesday. The Rosary will be prayed at 8 PM Tuesday and 3 and 8 PM Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fr. Al Miller Trust Fund, or to Westphalia Fire Dept. in memory of Dan.

William Judson “Bill” Morriss Jr.

William Judson “Bill” Morriss Jr. died Sunday, January 19 at Tender Care South in Lansing of pneumonia. He was 81 and had been suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease for the last few years. 

Morriss moved to Saint Johns in 1952 and lived with his family at 208 West State Street for almost 50 years. He was a patent attorney in private practice and taught patent law at Cooley Law School until his retirement about 10 years ago.

Morriss cultivated many hobbies and interests. He loved art, Martinis, and all things French. He believed in God and the Democratic Party. He was an avid angler and sailor.   He was a gifted raconteur and never let the facts get in the way of a good story. He was beloved by his family and friends for his lighthearted spirit and a well-honed sense of curiosity, which remained remarkably intact -- even as his mind was ravaged by the scourge of Alzheimer’s. 

Morriss was born January 4, 1922, at Harper Hospital in Detroit to William J. Morriss, Sr., and Inez Nelson Morriss. He attended Detroit public schools, graduating from Central High School around 1940.

Morriss was studying to be a mining engineer at Michigan Tech in Houghton when he cut his studies short to enlist in the Army to fight in WWII. Stationed in Germany and France as a Private, First Class with the 863rd Field Artillery Battalion, he served as a forward observer and radio operator. 

After being discharged from the army, he wired his sweetheart, Dolores Shifflet: “Call me ‘mister,’ darling,” he wrote.  They married on Groundhog’s Day -- February 2, 1946 – in Akron, Ohio. 

Later that same year, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and enrolled in classes at the University of Michigan to finish his undergraduate degree. One of his elective classes was Art History, which kindled a life-long passion for the arts. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he enrolled in Law School and graduated from the U. of M. Law School in 1952.

Following graduation, he moved his family to St. Johns to practice Patent Law with Dean Lawrence. Within a week of taking the State Bar Exam, Morriss was stricken with polio. He had a good recovery and within a few years he and Winston Miller left Lawrence’s Firm and formed their own law firm, Miller and Morriss in Lansing – expanding to become Miller, Morriss, Pappas and McLeod. Their office was located on West Grand River next to the Men’s City Club in downtown Lansing.

In 1955 then-Governor G. Mennen Williams appointed Morriss to fill an un-expired term as a Judge of Probate for Clinton County. Around 1967 Morriss lost a very close race to Timothy Green.

While serving out his judgeship, Morriss was appointed to serve as an officer in the Salvation Army and served for years as one of the few “civilian” officers in that organization.

Morriss was active in many other organizations, including:

• The Chief Okemos Boy Scout Council. He was awarded that organizations most prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 1965 for dedication and service.
• The Masonic Temple in St. Johns.
• The St. Johns Planning Board for many years.
• The St. Johns Episcopal Church, serving variously as its Sunday School Superintendent, a teacher of child and adult classes, Senior Warden and as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention. He also, for many years, directed the Church Christmas Pageant, written by Hila Bross.
• Morriss was one of the charter members of the St. Johns Men’s Art Group and took life-drawing classes at MSU for many, many years. He and his wife also belonged to the Crystal Lake Sailing Club.

Besides his wife, Dolores, Morriss is survived by his four children: Jane Morriss of Groton, Mass.; Carol Morriss of Milwaukee, Wis., Lee Morriss-Mueller of Atoka, Tenn., and William J. Morriss, III, (Jud) of Spring, Texas; Grandchildren: Jeremy Miller, 32, of Ohio; Jesse Simmons,21, a junior at U-Mass. Dartmouth; Heather,5, and William J. Morriss, IV, 9, of Texas; and great grandchildren: Cory, Kyle, Tyler, Travis and Nathan Miller of Hanoverton, Ohio. Morriss is pre-deceased by a sister, Margaret Morriss Gates, who lived for many years in Port Huron.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 23, 2003 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Howard Simpson officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Osgood Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Rhea Lancaster

Rhea Lancaster, died January 17, 2003 at the age of 92. Born July 21, 1910 in Pittsford, MI, the daughter of Frank and Irene (Holloway) Beecher. Rhea was a teacher, homemaker and belonged to the Hospital Grey Ladies and the Women’s Club.  She married Earl Lancaster on July 28, 1934 and he preceded her in death on August 30, 1988.  

Surviving are daughters, Carol (Neil) Frisbie of Rose City, Christine (Hoyt) DeGroot of Auburn Hills, son, James Lancaster of Houston, Texas, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. 

Funeral Services will be 1:30 P.M. Monday, January 20, 2003 at Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Hugh Banniga officiating.  The family will receive friends Sunday 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice for Clinton County or Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor.

Aric Stephen Luckhurst

Aric Stephen Luckhurst, Age 22 of Owosso, Michigan passed away Thursday, January 16, 2003 at his home. He was a rural newspaper carrier.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel. Rev. Lance Ness will officiate with burial at Marion Springs Cemetery, Marion Springs, Michigan. Visitation will be Monday 1-8 P.M. with the family present from 1-4 and 6-8 P.M.

Aric was born in Owosso, Michigan on June 23, 1980. He attended Ovid-Elsie Schools. He enjoyed sports and going to car races. He resided most of his life in the Owosso and Ovid-Elsie areas.

He is survived by his parents, Robin & Michael Wilbur of Owosso, 2 brothers, Robert Wilbur and Joseph Wilbur both of Owosso, grandparents, Rosemary Wilbur of Chesaning, and Robert & Doris Luckhurst of Crystal. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Marvin.

Memorials may be made to the family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Ronald Lee Taylor

Ronald Lee Taylor,  DeBary, FL Formerly of DeWitt, MI Age 70. A retired carpet installer and carpenter, born January 8, 1932, Lakeview, MI., went to be with his Lord, January 7, 2003 at his home with his family at his bedside. Mr. Taylor was a veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include wife, Shirley (Schrubbe) Taylor; 2 sons, Brad (Lynn) of Osteen, FL., and Brent of Orange City, FL; 2 grandchildren, Jessica and Justin; 2 sisters, Bonnie (Glenn) Olger of Bath and Deanna (Dale) Collins of Perry; 2 sister-in-laws, Violet Taylor of Bath and Betty Young of Holt. Preceded in death by father, Donald Taylor, mother, Marie Taylor Hunt, and brother, Gerald Taylor of Bath. Arrangements by Tri-County Cremation, S. Daytona, FL

Dolores Louise Burkholder