Obituaries

LaRue G. Spitler, age 90, passed away on March 18, 2016. He was born in Shiawassee County, on July 5, 1925, the son of John and Ruth (Sutton) Spitler. LaRue resided most of his life in St. Johns. He was a member of the Lansing Home Builders Assoc., Fraternal Order of Eagles and retired from Capital Savings and Loan Association. He married Eythel Willett on July 6, 1946 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2013.

Surviving are their children, Larry (Sandra) Spitler, and Cindy (Steven) Higgins, all of St. Johns, four grandchildren, Marc Higgins, Darrin Higgins, Greg (Danielle) Spitler, Jeff Spitler, half-sister Judy (Brian) McKee and several nieces and nephews. Along with his wife, LaRue was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Mary Spitler and half-brother Max Sutton.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Osgood Funeral Homes, 104 East Cass St, St. Johns, MI. 48879. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm prior to the memorial service.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Harriet D. Speidel passed away on March 13, 2016 at the age of 91. She was born in Sonoita, Arizona on November 18, 1924, the daughter of Frederick and Isa Jewel (Phillips) Barnett. Harriet married Roy M. Speidel on October 27, 1945 and he preceded her in death on December 28, 1998.

Surviving are her children, Alice (Roger) Moore, Shirley Vallin, Debra (Scott) Davis and Michelle (Dave) Fox, seventeen grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, cousin, Vernon Stein and many nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Bonnie Harper, granddaughter, Sharri Moore, sisters, Alice Turner and Irene Allen and brothers, Fred and Bill Barnett.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler, with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Jeanette Elaine Miller of Fowler, MI died Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the age of 71. She was born October 11, 1944 in Carson City, MI to Rensselaer and Margaret (Antcliff) Collins. Jeanette and her siblings grew up at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #3733, where she was President for over 25 years, and served as District President and Historian. Jeanette enjoyed genealogy and was a loving mother and grandmother to many. She loved all things involving her grandchildren. Jeanette married Hugh Miller on December 17, 1966 and he survives her.

Also surviving are their children, Lori Miller, Connie (Jeff) Lowery, Don Miller, Vicki (Jeremy) Schlak; grandchildren, Chelsea (Trent Feldpausch) Miller, Courtney Miller, Preston, Olivia, and Lewis Miller, Karissa, Hudson, and Molly Schlak; sister, Sharon Hope; and many nieces and nephews. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, one sister, and several in-laws.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, March 17, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler with Pastor Paul Clark officiating. Burial will follow at East Plains Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM both Tuesday and Wednesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home in Fowler. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #3733 in Jeanette’s name.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Gary L. Martens, Sr. of St. Johns, died March 10, 2016 at the age of 70. He was born November 29, 1945 to Howard J. and Leona (Behrens) Martens. Gary worked as a Tool and Die Maker at General Motors. He was a member of UAW #652, the National Corvette Owners Association, the National Rifle Association, and St. Peter Lutheran Church. On November 6, 1965 Gary married Karen Bashore and she survives him. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015.

Also surviving are their children, Marty (Dian) Martens of Wayland, MI, Mandy (Kevin) Badge of St. Johns, FL, Matt Martens of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren, Trey, Cassidy, KayeLee Martens, Meghan and Ty Badge, Hunter, Logan, and Lexi Martens; great granddaughter, Mia Martens; and brother, Everett (Ellen) Martens. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and great granddaughter, Macy Martens.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann officiating. A gathering of friends and family will take place following the service at the church hall. Those planning on an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Peter Lutheran School, 8990 Church Road, St. Johns, MI 48879.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Home.

Floyd Hayden passed away February 29, 2016 at the age of 72. He was born on August 11, 1943 in Sturgis, Michigan, the son of Harold and Jayne (Faust-Stayner) Hayden. Floyd married Nancy Brown on July 11, 1970 in Royal Oak, Michigan and she survives him.

He is also survived by sons, Jonathan (Candace) Hayden, Matthew Hayden and William R. Gerhardstein; grandchildren, Payne, Lara and Tess Hayden, Sarah and Isaiah Cady; his brothers, Bruce (Chris), Myron (Judith) and Maurice (Jackie) Hayden and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m.on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden Street, St. Johns, Michigan with Fr. Michael Williams presiding.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Richard Duane Tipton, Sr. passed away on March 2, 2016 at the age of 77. Born on December 21, 1938 in Fowler, MI, the son of John and Margaret (Townsend) Tipton, Sr. He married Judith DeYoung on October 30, 1959 and she survives him.

Also surviving are their children, Kery (Becky) Tipton, Richard (Deborah) Tipton, Jr., Valerie (Dennis) Vallette, Samantha Tipton, Rebecca (Donald) Longstreth, twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, siblings, Gerald Tipton, Margaret “Peg” Caesar, Sharon Halfmann and Linda Tipton. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, John Jr. and Robert Tipton.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, burial to follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoc.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

James “Jim” A. Dorman, Jr., passed away on February 21, 2016 at the age of 85. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on July 26, 1930, the son of James and Esther (Wooton) Dorman. Jim was retired from the United States Navy, the State of Michigan and was a member of Society of Broadcast Engineers. He was influential in starting a broadcasting program in Ovid-Elsie area schools. Jim loved country music and had an extensive collection of vintage records.

He is survived by daughter, Christine Ann Des Ormeau of Fruitland Park, Florida, son, Charles James Dorman of Leesburg, Florida, grandson, Jason Charles Jennings of Leesburg, Florida, sister, Phyllis Acre of Elsie, Michigan, brother, Darrel (Marion) Dorman of Junction City, Oregon and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and the mother of his children, Doris Hinson.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, with Dr. Donald Ferris-McCann officiating, burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Elsie. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to W.O.E.S.

The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Erwin L. Behrens passed away February 16, 2016 at the age of 81. He was born on September 28, 1934 in Ovid, Michigan, the son of John and Clara (Nolte) Behrens. Erwin married Evelyn June Wilhelm on August 14, 1965 in Flint, Michigan and she preceded him in death in 2005.

He is survived by his children, John of Lansing, MI, Nathan (Bridget) of Westmoreland, TN, Daniel of Lansing, Susan (Jason) Lapham of Wyoming, MI and Andrew of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren, Abigail Grace and Kaymin June Behrens, Gavin Lukas and Aubrey June Lapham; brother, Hans Behrens; sisters, Betty and Katherine Behrens and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Erwin was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Behrens and sister, Marianne Mattox.

Along with serving his country in the Army for four years Erwin devoted most of his life to doing God’s work in the ministry. He pastored many different Free Methodist Churches in Northwestern Ohio and Upper and Lower Michigan and even went on serving the Lord after his retirement from the ministry. A devoted husband and father Erwin held many jobs to provide for his family. He was known for his friendly demeanor with people and his passion for Michigan sports, especially football.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 East Oak Street, Ovid, MI with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from to 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Those planning on an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Parkinson Foundation.

The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

On February 11, 2016 Alice M. Hoeve was united in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus and with many friends and family who preceded her. She was born Mildred Alice Pettigrew to the former Gordon and Florence (Doty) Pettigrew. Alice retired from Chrysler Corporation. She loved to garden, knit, and travel; very much enjoyed traveling to far away and close places to visit friends and relatives.

Surviving is her son Darrell (Pamela) Hoeve, grandsons Bryan (Jennifer) Hoeve, Todd (Vickey) Hoeve, Chad (Jenni) Hoeve, Bradly Hoeve, Wayne (Diane) Hoeve, Jamey (Eunice) Hoeve; great grandsons Kyle, Jamison, Kaleb, Jacob, Brady, Caden and great granddaughters Heather, Alexis, Halie and Sydney stepson David (Cindy) Moon, step grandchildren Heidi, Amy and David. Preceding her in death are her husband George Hoeve and son George Lawrence (Larry) Hoeve. She was also preceded by her second husband Harry Moon.

Alice was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend; she will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alice Hoeve be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, call 1-800-227-2345 or online www.cancer.org
The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.

Ruth E. M. Dow of Ovid died Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the age of 77. Born September 18, 1938 in Northhampton, MA, Ruth was the daughter of Clyde W. and Ruth E. (Marion) Dow. She worked as a Supervisor with the State of Michigan. On January 25, 1957 Ruth married Howard Thurlby in Holt, MI.

Surviving are her sons, Ray and Joe Thurlby; grandson, Mason Dean Thurlby; and sister, Judith (Dennis Cullinan) Dow. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Howard Thurlby.

No services will be held. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.