Visit the Osgood website

Brenda Mead

Karen Wineland

Lewis “Stub” O. Whitford

Marietta L. Baker

Luella M. Canfield

Archie R. Magsig

Robert R. Taylor

John Joseph Kusnier, Sr.

Donna M. Burton

Loyola Smith

Kurt Ludwick

Letha K. Bashore died Wednesday, January 05, 2005 at the age of 91. She was born in St. Johns, Michigan on October 21, 1913, the daughter of Ernest and Retta (Fesler) Kuhns and lived in St. Johns all of her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and the Ruth Circle. Letha married Donald Bashore February 6, 1937 and he preceded her in death November 30, 1991.

She is survived by one son, Gerald (Dorothy) Bashore of Lake, one daughter, Karen (Gary) Martens of Howell, 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren and her twin sister, Etha Eisler of St. Johns. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Hardman, one sister, Loraine Cornell, and four brothers, Gale, Dean, Lyle and Lawrence Kuhns.

Funeral Services will be 2:30 P.M. Saturday, January 8, 2005 at the Osgood Funeral Home, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with The Rev. Margery Schleicher officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday and 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ovid Healthcare Center.

Elden Greig Sillman

Elden Greig Sillman passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at the age of 81. He was born November 26, 1923 in Lebanon Township, Clinton County MI, the son of Charles and Angie (Allen) Sillman. Elden was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he held several church offices, The Fowler Conservation Club, Farm Bureau, and was active in Riley Township government
serving in several positions. He loved to play cards, go fishing and bowled on a bowling league until his death. He was a farmer and worked for the George Worthington Co. for many years. Elden married Lorina Horman on November 7, 1945 and she survives him.

Also surviving is one daughter, Suzanne (Thomas) Bourdon and one son John (Laurie) Sillman all of DeWitt; seven grandchildren, Ann Marie Bourdon, Valerie (Brian) Rush, Janette Bourdon, Dean Bourdon, Lisa Sillman, Jeffrey Sillman, Joseph Sillman; three great grandchildren Paige Robbins, Brady Rush, Jace Sillman; one sister, Nellie Nobis of Fowler; five brothers, Orville of Blissfield, M.Stuart (Lois) of St. Johns, Keith (Marge) of New Era, Evart (Bernita) of DeWitt, Vern of Mason and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were three brothers, Clarence, Bruce and Barry and two sisters, Catherine Sehlke and Emogene Sillman.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2005 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 8990 Church Rd. St. Johns with Pastor Jeffery Heimsoth officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Keck-Coleman Funeral Home 989-224-4422. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Building Fund or a charity of donor’s choice.

Brenda Mead

Brenda Mead passed away January 4, 2005, at the age of 85 surrounded by her family. She was born in Liverpool, England on September 1, 1919, the daughter of James and Jane (Beck) Whitehead. She was a member of the United Church of Ovid, honorary member of the Loyal Rebeccah Lodge, past member of Ovid Library Board and the Acme Society. Brenda married Harold Albert Mead in England in 1945 and he preceded her in death on June 28, 1990.

Surviving are her son, Barry Mead of Lansing, daughter, Beverly (Greg) Geisenhaver of Ovid, granddaughters, LaNiece (Brent) Densteadt of Lansing and Rebecca Geisenhaver of Ovid, grandson, Brent Mead of Lansing, Nana to Daniel, Shane, Rachel, Sami, Nick and Josh and many very loved nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and many special friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 8, 2005 at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, burial at Maple Grove Cemetery with Rev. Rob McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 P.M. Thursday and 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorials to Ovid Public Library.

Robert R. Taylor

Robert R. Taylor,  DeWitt, MI Born January 6, 1921 in Olive Township, MI; died January 2, 2005 at the age of 83. Robert was a charter member of the Catholic Community of St. Jude and participated in the Ushers Club at the Catholic Community of St. Jude. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree. Robert enjoyed hunting and fishing. He retired from Motor Wheel in 1979. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Smith) Taylor, parents, Charles and Viola Taylor, sisters, Evelyn Lapham and Zelma Felzke, brothers, Ronald Taylor and Alton Taylor.

Surviving are his daughters, Joan (Dan) Rademacher of St. Johns and Sharon (Larry) Eliason of Portland; sons, Gary Taylor, Raymond Taylor and Jim Taylor, all of DeWitt; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Taylor; brother-in-law, Gerald Lapham of DeWitt.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 5, at 10 AM at the Catholic Community of St. Jude Church, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt with Rev. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will follow in DeWitt Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Gorsline-Runciman DeWitt Chapel, 111 S. Franklin, DeWitt and on Wednesday 1 hour prior at the Church. The Rosary Service will be at 7 PM Tuesday. Those desiring may make contributions to the Sparrow Home Hospice, 1110 East Michigan Avenue, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986 in memory of Robert.

Karen Wineland

Karen Margaret Wineland passed away Friday, December 31, 2004 at the age of 50. She was born on October 17, 1954 the daughter of Harold and Letha (Winslow) Wineland and lived most of her life in the St. Johns area.

Karen is survived by her father, Harold Wineland of St. Johns. sister, Doris Lightner of Charlotte, brothers, Dale Wineland of Grand Ledge, Duane (Colleen) Wineland of Ithaca, Larry (Bette) Wineland and Laurence (Judy) Wineland all of DeWitt, and Keith (Vickie) Wineland of St. Johns, as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are a special aunt, Carrie Rhynard and cousin, Crystal Ley who took very good care of her. She was predeceased by her mother, Letha; brother, Lloyd; sister-in-law, Deanna Wineland; brother-in-law, Robert Lightner Sr.; nephew, Robert Lightner Jr.; and great nephew, Edward Felzke.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at the  Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns (989-224-4422) with Pastor Paul Daniels officiating. Interment will take place at Payne Cemetery in Gratiot County. The family will receive friends from noon until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Her family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1280 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915 in memory of Karen.

Lewis “Stub” O. Whitford

Lewis “Stub” O. Whitford age 90 of Laingsburg, Michigan died Friday, December 31, 2004 at Ashley Care Center, Ashley, Michigan.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel. Pastor Steven Higgs will officiate with burial at North Star Cemetery, North Star, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 3, 2005 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

Lewis was born in Ashley, Michigan on April 15, 1914 the son of James A. & Anna ( Kerr ) Whitford. He resided in Ashley in his early years, but lived in Laingsburg and Lansing for his adult life. Lewis married Alma B. Cook on November 11, 1933 in Ashley, Michigan. She died August 23, 2002. He retired from Motor Wheel in 1980 and was also a lifelong farmer. He loved his gardening. He was a member of Immanuel First Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan.

He is survived by his 4 children; Maxine & Robert Evans of Santa Ana, CA, Betty & Dick Green of Haines, FL, Erma King of Jackson, MI, ay & Pauline Whitford of Laingsburg, MI, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 sister Eva of California. He is predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers, and 1 grandson.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer Association. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel.

John Joseph Kusnier, Sr.

John Joseph Kusnier, Sr. age 90 of Elsie, Michigan died Friday, December 31, 2004 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 3, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI. Rev. Fr. Wolfgang Streichardt will officiate with burial at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie Michigan. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2005 6-8 P.M. & Sunday, January 2, 2005 2-8 P.M. Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed on Sunday, January 2, 2005 at 3:00 P.M., and a Scripture Service will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

John was born in Rafton Pennsylvania on October 23, 1914, the son of Martin & Anna ( Pavenick ) Kusnier. He resided most of his life in the Elsie Area. John married Anna M. Caudy on October 7, 1939 in St. Johns, MI. She died on October 27, 1991. He was a retired Farmer. He enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing cards. John was a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #13449, Farm Bureau, Jenota Lodge, and ZCBJ Lodge #225, and was Father of the Year.

He is survived by 3 daughters; Margaret Ann & Gerald Horak of Elsie, MI, Mary Jane Holmes of Elsie, MI, Anne Marie & Chris Anderson of Portage, MI, 4 sons; John & Diane Kusnier of Elsie, MI, Jerome Kusnier of Elsie, MI, Robert Kusnier of Owosso, MI, Rick & Carol Kusnier of Elsie, MI, 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 2 sisters; Katherine Zemla of Owosso, MI, Pauline Mead of Bath, MI, brother Tony & Joann Kusnier of Elsie, MI, and sister-in-law Hilda Kusnier of Elsie, MI. He is predeceased by his parents, 1 son Joseph, 2 sisters, & 3 brothers.

Memorials may be made to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.

Donna M. Burton

Donna M. (Braley) Burton,  formerly of Ovid, MI Age 73. Loving mother and grandmother went to be with her Lord December 29, 2004. Mother volunteered with Senior Companions and many activities at Washington Apt. Complex where she resided. Preceded in death by husband, Robert Braley and children, Catherine, Jeffrey and Gregory.

Mother will be greatly missed by her children, Linda (Marc) Wood, Roberta (Roy) Jones, Tracey Braley, Donald (Glenda) Ebright and Randy (Ruth) Ebright; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Monday, January 3, 2005 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. "Mother, your memory will be with us forever." Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

Marietta L. Baker

Marietta Louise Baker died at Burcham Hills Retirement Community in East Lansing, December 30, 2004, in her 82nd year. She was the daughter of Charles Byrd-Davis Palen and Ivah Lodema Morehouse and was born June 5, 1922 in Lansing, Ingham County, MI. She graduated from Ovid High School in 1940. As a young girl her family moved to Ovid, MI; and on November 6, 1941 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Rex Gordon Baker. He preceded her in death July 24, 2002, as did her son Rex A. Baker on April 30, 2003, and a brother Robert.

Marietta followed her husband in the Army living in California, Oklahoma and North Carolina before settling on a small farm in Ovid Township where she and her husband celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In her younger years she enjoyed hunting and fishing and being out doors helping with the farm work and raising 4 boys. She was a true farm woman, cooking for thrashers, canning food, and occasionally milking the cows. She had a vivid imagination and could really spin a yarn with the best of them.

Survivors are sons Ross & Rosemary and Gordon of Grand Ledge, MI, Jeffrey & Mary Ellen of East Grand Rapids, 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Charles Palen of Ovid and Daughter-in-law, Nancy Baker of Ovid.

The family will receive friends Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005 from 6-8 P.M. and Monday, Jan. 3, 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Funeral services will be at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-224-4422 on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Rob McPherson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Assn. or United Church.

Loyola Smith

Loyola Smith Westphalia, MI Age 93, the Lord reached out his hand and took Loyola home with him on Thursday, December 30, 2004. Mrs. Smith was born on December 2, 1911 in Beal City, MI the daughter of Joseph and Aurila (Straus) Elias, and had dedicated her life to caring for others. Loyola was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent, son, Joseph, and 2 infant daughters.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Agatha (Bill) Nurenberg of Lake Odessa, Ron Smith of Lewiston, Ed (Linda) Smith of Fowler, Chris, Mike and Hubert Smith, and Ann Schrauben, all of Westphalia, and Bob (Bev) Smith of Leslie; she also leaves behind 37 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren; two sisters; and two brothers.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 3, 2005 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, Westphalia, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Saturday and Sunday. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 PM Saturday, and 3 PM Sunday. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 PM Sunday. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland.

Luella M. Canfield

Luella M. Canfield of Ovid died December 28, 2004 at the age of 93. She was born in Antwerp, Ohio September 16, 1911, the daughter of Emil and Ona (Snook) Marten. She was a Registered Nurse with Sparrow Hospital, Clinton Memorial Hospital and retired from the Mid-Michigan District Health Department.

After graduating from Antwerp H.S. in 1930, Luella entered Sparrow Hospital Nursing School, graduating in 1933 with her Registered Nursing degree. She met Earl W. Canfield and they married January 8, 1934. Luella worked at Sparrow Hospital until 1945 when she and Earl moved to Ovid, where she began work at Clinton Memorial Hospital until 1952 when Luella became the first public health nurse for Clinton County, where she remained till her retirement in 1974. Luella volunteered at Red Cross blood drives and at Clinton Memorial Hospital for many years.
Luella was preceded in death by her husband Earl, and grandson Chris Canfield, (two sisters, Leota Beck, and Ruth Conner). She is survived by her three children, Ray (Wanda) Canfield of Ovid, Joan (Bruce) Otto of Chesaning and Ed (Cecilia) Canfield of St. Johns, (6) six grand children and (11) eleven great grand children.

Funeral Services will be Friday December 31, 11:00 AM at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Home, Ovid. Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery with Rev. Robert McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday 2 p.m. till 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Ovid. Memorial may be made to Clinton Memorial Hospital or your local chapter of the American Heart Association.

Archie R. Magsig

Archie R. Magsig,  DeWitt, MI The Lord reached out his hand and welcomed his faithful servant home on Monday, December 27, 2004. Archie Magsig, age 86, was born May 9, 1918 in DeWitt, Michigan. During his full and rich life Archie touched so any lives and enriched the world with his warmth and kindness. As a young farmer he and his brother operated and owned the first combine in Clinton County. He was employed by Motor Wheel Corporation as a tool and die maker and retired in 197 after 30 years of service. He was a Veteran of WWII as a Navy Seaman and also flew in the Civil Air Patrol. In 1962, he built Highland Hills Golf Course. Retirement could not keep Archie idle. Soon he began to restore antique tractors, especially the General Motors Samson, eventually restoring them to mint condition. Archie was a devoted and dedicated life member of the DeWitt Community Church, providing inspiration to so many with his tremendous faith in the Lord. He was preceded in death by his brother, Glen Magsig.

Surviving are his cherished wife and soul mate of 62 years, Donna; 3 children, Linda (Dennis) Kentfield of St. Johns, Nancy (Mortasa) Yazdanpana of Sydney, Australia and Dan Magsig (fiancee Heidi) of Lansing; sister, Ardith (Lloyd) Rosekrans of Bath; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sister-in-laws; numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends who will miss Archie very much.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 30, 11:00 AM at Northpointe Community Church (DeWitt Community Church), 505 Webb Road, DeWitt with Pastor Ed Short, officiating and assisted by Archie's close friend, Don Heikkinen. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. DeWitt Chapel, 111 S. Franklin, DeWitt Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and Thursday at the Church 1 hour prior to the service. For those wishing, contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, P.O. Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909 or the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 in memory of Archie.

Kurt Ludwick

Kurt Ludwick,  Mulliken, MI Age 51, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2004. He was born April 17, 1953, in St. Johns, MI, the son of Peter J. and Barbara A. (Bullis) Ludwick. Kurt was a registered umpire with the MHSAA for 20 years. Kurt was an avid hunter, especially pheasants, loved his dogs, and worked hard at everything he did. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ludwick.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Ludwick; 2 sons, Craig Ludwick and Joshua Schneider; 1 grandson, Nathan; his father, Peter J. Ludwick; siblings, Kim (Tom) Thelen, Kay Thelen, Kevin Ludwick and Kelly Ludwick; many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM Friday, December 31, 2004, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Portland, with the Rev. Larry King, Pastor, presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland, from 7-9 PM Wednesday, and 2-4 and 7-9 PM Thursday. The Rosary will be prayed at 8 PM Wednesday and 3 PM Thursday, and a Scriptural Wake Service at 8 PM Thursday.