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Donald A. Valentine  Donald "Don" A. Valentine, died
March 10, 2008, at Hazel I. Findlay Care Manor, St. Johns, MI, at the age of 68, from
complications due to Parkinson’s disease. He was born May 15, 1939, in Middleville,
MI, to Arthur and Roberta (Shaw) Valentine. He received a Master’s Degree from
Eastern Michigan University. He married Joan Katherine Baskins in 1961 and, after many
teaching assignments around Michigan and a brief time in Guam, they moved to St. Johns in
1970. Known to his students as "Mr. V", Don retired from teaching choral music
at St. Johns High School and Rodney B. Wilson Jr. High in 1998. He was a long-time member
at First Congregational Church, where he was choir director, and was also active in the
Michigan School Vocal Association.
Don is survived by two daughters, Kristin Valentine (Kevin) Shannon of Jacksonville, FL,
and Karin Valentine (Paul) Matlock of Valrico, FL; six grandchildren, Nick, Sam, Bridget,
Maggie and Jack Shannon, all of Jacksonville, FL, and Pierson Matlock of Valrico, FL. Also
surviving are his brothers: Richard (Jean) Valentine of Mulberry, FL, Dennis (Ann)
Valentine of St. Louis, MO, Ronald (Connie) Valentine of Hutto, TX, and his sister, Janet
Valentine, of Willis, MI; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass
St., St. Johns. A luncheon will follow at the St. Johns Banquet & Conference Center.
In lieu of flowers, a "Gift of Remembrance" can be made to the St. Johns Schools
Foundation for Excellence, P.O. Box 96, St. Johns, MI 48879 or the First Congregational
Church of St. Johns, 100 Maple St., St. Johns, MI 48879.
Music touches feelings words cannot. It’s the melody of the heart and the voice of
the spirit.
Mary Katherine
Melvin
Mary Katherine Melvin, age 79, passed away on Saturday,
February 23, 2008 at Ingham Regional Medical Hospital. She was born April 14, 1928 in
Wick, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Okay Cyrus and Zelma Faye (Hadley) Robinson.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters: Mrs. Viola
Elaine (John) Paulson, Ethel Virginia (Emmett) Freeland, Sylvia Geneva (Virgil) Lawson,
James Glen (Vala) Robinson, Raymond Ray Robinson, Gertrude Margaret (William) Sanford,
William George (Virginia) Robinson and Robert Neil (Jacquline) Robinson.
She is survived by her husband, Lunsford Richard Melvin,
whom she married on August 7, 1943 in Sparta, Wisconsin, while Luns was stationed in the
United States Army. They were happily married for 65 years. Also surviving are her
children: Larry Lunsford Melvin, Kathryn Lynn Melvin, and Stephen Ray Melvin. Twelve
grandchildren: Geoffrey Donald, Christopher Stuart, Chadwick Richard, Kathryn Lauren,
Lauren Mary Gibson; Ross Richard, Ryan Daryl, Sara Renee, Lara Katelyn Melvin; Jessie Ray
(Michael) Partridge, Nina Deborah and Michael Stephen Melvin. Two great-grandchildren:
Logan Michael and Merrick Ryan Partridge. Also surviving are one sister: Mrs. Shirley
Morine (James) Beagle of New Manchester, West Virginia and numerous nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Mary and Luns owned and operated Carter-Melvin Insurance
Agency and Melvin Antiques and Clocks in Elsie, MI for many years. Mary was an active
member of the Literary Club and boys Cub Scouts. Mary loved her children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren and spent as much time with them as she was able to. She enjoyed
her many friends and patrons who frequented their businesses over the years. We cannot
always put into words the loving feelings and thoughts we have towards a loved one, but
she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The inspirational smile and unforgettable
eyes, no matter where she looked. We give thanks to a woman who we are proud to call
"my wife, my mom, my grandmother, my great-grandmother and my friend." Her
beauty internal and external will never be forgotten. She was a diamond in the snow, the
glow of the sun and a gentle autumn rain. She is now the stars that shine so bright to let
you know she is happy and alright.
It was her wish to be cremated with no viewing. Interment
will be in the the Riverside Cemetery in Elsie, MI at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations may be sent and payable to: Ovid-Elsie Community Fund, in memory of
Mary K. Melvin, 6035 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48911.
Walter E. Dick
Walter E. Dick died March 8, 2008, at the age of 90. He was born in Lincoln Lake,
Michigan, the son of Royal and Martha (Smith) Dick. He was a retired pipe fitter for
General Motors, a veteran of the Army, a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in
Edenville, V.F.W. Post #7303 and the American Legion. Walter married Penny Brooks in
Gladwin County on May 17, 2007 and she survives him.
Also surviving are his sons, Walter Earl Dick of Beaverton and Frederick (Mary) Dick of
Merritt, daughters, Deanna (Daniel) Piggott of Fowler and Mary (Elias) Estrada of Lansing,
11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and sister, Patty (Charles) Gill. He was preceded
in death by his first wife, Beulah E. Dick, brothers, Austin, Larry, Cletis and Wayne Dick
and sisters, Irene and Lydia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:00 Noon Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at St.
Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden Ave., St. Johns, burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev.
Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Tuesday at
the Osgood Funeral Home, 104
E. Cass St., St. Johns. Military services provided by St. Johns Honor Guard. Sympathy may
be expressed in the form of memorials to the American Cancer Society.
Lorna Jean Good
 Lorna Jean Good age 77 of
Elsie, Michigan died Friday, March 7, 2008 at her home.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel Elsie, MI on
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Edwin Snook will officiate with burial at
Ford Cemetery Gratiot County, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008
from 6-8 P.M. and Tuesday, March 11, 2008 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and
6-8 P.M.
Lorna was born in Ashley, Michigan on December 5, 1930 the daughter of John and Maebell (
Rhynard ) Fisher. She resided most of her life in Chapin, Michigan and attended Ashley
Schools. Lorna married Charles Good on April 18, 1953. He died on March 24, 1995. Lorna
was the former owner of Hoover's Corner Tarven. She also worked for 34 years at the Maple
Valley Nursing Home in Ashley in housekeeping. She loved gardening her flowers, sewing and
traveling.
She is survived by her children; Michael and Nancy Good of Elsie, MI, Gary Good of Texas,
Cynthia and Johnny Easlick of Elsie, MI, Tracy Bywater of Elsie, MI, 14 grandchildren, 8
great grandchildren, 4 sisters and 1 brother; Lillian and Gerald Hoisington, Tom Fisher,
Linda and Tom Comis, Helen and Cecil Bowers, Frances Custard, and several nieces and
nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, son Charles David Good and 1 brother
Harry Fisher.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Shiawassee County
Humane Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie
Chapel.
Janet E. Smit
Janet E. Smit passed away March 9, 2008 on her 84th birthday. She was born in Hillsdale,
MI. on March 9, 1924, the daughter of Hoyt and Cora (Schultz) Miller. Janet attended
Hillsdale High School and in 1944 she married James Smit and they lived in St. Johns until
1972. She worked at Federal Mogul for 16 years and was an active member of the First
Congregational Church. In 1972, Janet and Jim moved to Columbus, Ohio where they lived
until moving to East Lansing in 1992. She enjoyed camping, traveling in the R.V. and loved
her Spartans and Pistons.
Janet is survived by her sons, James Smit of Bath, John (Cindy) Smit of Warren, Ohio;
grandaughters, Karri (Gene) Lambert of Troy and Jennifer (Joe) Anderson of Holland, and
one daughter in law, Linda K. Smit. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren, Joseph
Lambert, Julia Lambert, Charlotte Anderson and Anna Anderson and many nieces and nephews.
Janet was preceded in death by her husband James, brothers, William and Jack Miller,
sister Doris Dahl, sisters in law, Emma Jane Miller and Evelyn Miller, one brother in law,
Clarence Dahl and infant granddaughter Mary Ellen Smit. Sympathy may be expressed in the
form of a donation to The American Lung Association or The Capital Area Humane Society.
The family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. The family is
being served by the Osgood Funeral
Home.
Philip A. Simon
 Philip A. Simon, Fowler, MI. Born on
August 21, 1938 in St. Johns, MI. He passed away on March 7, 2008 at his home after a long
and heroic battle with cancer. Philip spent his whole life in Fowler. He married Joan
Nurenberg on October 25, 1958. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church. He worked for
Simon Brothers Trucking and retired from Michigan Milk Producers Association after 18
years. He was a member of the armed forces and affiliated with the V.F.W. He was active in
the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus and The American Legion. He also
served as mayor of Fowler for 11 years. Philip was an avid card player and loved fishing
and being at his cottage at Higgins Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur
and Cora (Cook) Simon, four brothers; Ronald, Leon, Bernard and Edward, sister in law
Josie Simon, and brothers in law, Larry Motz, Jerry Pung, Jerry Theis, and Joe Thelen.
He is survived by Joan, his loving wife of 49 years and five children, Gary (Joan) Simon,
Sandy (Jim) Piggott, Dale (Amy) Simon, Robert (Carri) Simon, Christine (Mike) Alexander,
and 17 grandchildren. Also surviving are 2 sisters, Frances Thelen, Dorothy (Marion)
Bradley, a brother, Clarence (Gen) Simon and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 11, at Most Holy
Trinity Catholic Church, 11159 Kent St., Fowler with Father Dennis Howard as celebrant.
The Rite of Commital will follow in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler. The family will
receive friends at Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler, from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Sunday and Monday
with rosaries at 3:00 and 8:00 P.M. Sunday and 3:00 P.M. Monday with a vigil service 8:00
P.M. Monday.
Dusty Griffin
 Dusty L. Griffin died March 7, 2008 at the age of 23,
as the result of an automobile accident. He was born in Lansing, MI on August 7, 1984 the
son of David and Deborah (McGarey) Griffin.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Desiree Griffin of Redondo
Beach, CA.,Destinee (Brent) Smith of DeWitt, grandparents, Gordon (Dorothea) McGarey of
Bath and Dale (Juanita) Griffin of Riverdale. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and
cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 P.M, Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass
St, St. Johns. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6-8 P.M. at the
funeral home.
Muriel E. Gilson
 Muriel E. Gilson died
Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the age of 96. She was born February 19, 1912 in Caledonia,
Minnesota the daughter of Adolph and Ada (Solberg) Eiken. Muriel graduated high school in
Minnesota and received her nursing degree on September 17, 1932 from LaCrosse Lutheran
Hospital School of Nursing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She then moved to St. Johns and started
working at Clinton Memorial Hospital. Muriel met Donald C. Gilson in St. Johns and they
were married March 3, 1935 in Fowler. Don preceded her in death in 1991.
Muriel worked as a registered nurse in the office of Dr.
S.R. Russell for many years. She was a member of First Congregational Church in St. Johns
and was a member of the former Clinton County Country Club where she played golf on
several leagues. She was a member of the Clinton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a
volunteer at Clinton Memorial Hospital. She was an avid sports fan and attended sporting
events for all the St. Johns schools. She was the Grand Marshall of the St. Johns
Homecoming Parade in 1992. Muriel was a very community minded person and because of her
community involvement she was the recipient of the 1992 William H. Patton Award.
Surviving is one son, Kenneth of St. Johns; two
grandchildren, Heather and Randy Theis and Patrick and Shelly (Gilson) Watts both of
Fowler; great grandchildren, Cole and Jayci Theis.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March
10, 2008 at First Congregational Church with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. The family will
receive relatives and friends 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Saturday and Sunday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, 989-
224-4422. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church or Clinton Memorial
Hospital.
Roy E. Thornton
 Roy E. Thornton age 88 of
Elsie, Michigan died Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Elsie, Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Duplain Church Of Christ St. Johns, MI on Tuesday, March
11, 2008 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Phil Beavers will officiate with burial at Maple Grove
Cemetery Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 6-8 P.M. and
Monday, March 10, 2008 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith
Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.
Roy was born in Duplain Township, Michigan on September 5, 1919 the son of Theodore C. and
Della ( Shinn ) Thornton. He resided most of his life in Elsie area and graduated from
Elsie High School with the class of 1937. Roy married Ila J. Spiegel on June 16, 1940 in
Rochester Colony. She passed away on April 1, 2003. Roy farmed on Hollister Road and
worked at Federal Mogal in St. Johns. He retired from farming in 1968 and from Federal
Mogal in 1980. Roy enjoyed fishing and hunting and he especially enjoyed his vegetable and
flower gardens. Roy was a member of Duplain Church of Christ where he was an elder. He was
very faithful to his church. He was also a member of the Elsie Lions Club where he was
very active.
He is survived by his children; Larry and Carolyn Thornton of Roscommon, MI, Kayla and Ron
Tipton of DeWitt, MI, Ronny and Kathy Thornton of Grand Ledge, MI, Judith and Ron Newman
of Oregon, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brother Elmer Thornton of Elsie, MI,
sister Mary and Russell Libey of Arizonia, sister-in-law Julia Thornton of St. Johns, MI,
and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, and one son
Darrell Lynn Thornton.
Memorials may be made to Duplain Church of Christ, St. Johns, Michigan. The family is
being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel.
Donald Leon Kelley
 Donald Leon Kelley age 85
of Elsie, Michigan died Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Clinton Memorial Hospital, St. Johns,
Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel Elsie, MI on
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM. Pastor Edwin Snook will officiate with burial at
Riverside Cemetery Elsie, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 from
2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M.
Donald was born in Sigma, Michigan on May 28, 1922 the son of Joe and Nora ( Buchanan )
Kelley. He resided most of his life in Elsie area and attended school in Kingsley,
Michigan. Donald married Dorothea O. Hoshield on March 22, 1947 in Elsie, Michigan. He was
the plant manager at Alcan Aluminum Corp. in Elsie, MI before retiring in 1993. Don
enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting and gardening. Donald was a member of Elsie Baptist
Church as well as a life time member of the Elsie American Legion.
He is survived by his wife Dorothea Kelley of Elsie, MI, children; Alan and Mary Kelley of
Florida, Dale and Penny Kelley of Elsie, MI, Connie and Wayne Underhill of Ovid, MI,
Rodger and Joy Kelley of Elsie, MI, several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great
great grandchildren, and several brothers and sisters. He is predeceased by his parents,
and 1 daughter Cindy Craig.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie
Chapel.
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