Obituaries

Obituaries
of
Ionia County

CALCOTTE, Mary Ernestine (HESS)

Lake Odessa - Mary Ernestine Calcotte, 82, of Lake Odessa died Sunday, March 13, 1988 at Pennock Hospital.

Mrs. Calcotte was born on March 23, 1905 in Campbell Township, the daughter of Frederick and Martha (White) Hess. She graduated from Clarksville High School in 1922.

She was married to Harold J. Calcotte in December 22, 1923 in Ionia. He preceded her in death January 7, 1982. They loved in Lansing until moving to Lake Odessa in 1951. She was a member of the St. Edwards Catholic Church in Lake Odessa.

Mrs. Calcotte is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Jack (Doris) Lambert of Lake Odessa, Marilyn West and Lois Calcotte both of Lansing, one son, John of Lake Odessa; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma Garland of Totawa, Mew Jersey, Ester Birman of Everett, Washington and Frances Anderson of Muskegon Heights, Michigan.

Preceding her in death were one son, Howard; two brothers, Rowland and Thayne and one sister, Mildred.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 1988 at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa with Father James Bozung officiating. Burial will be at the Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Odessa Ambulance Service.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

Caldwell, Mrs. Eliza (Williams)

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Sunday, 5 September 2004, at 3:51 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; THURSDAY, JAN. 19, 1888: "CITY AND COUNTRY. - Hon. Albert Williams received Tuesday a telegram informing him of the death of his sister, Mrs. Eliza Caldwell of Pulaski, Oswego county, N. Y. She was 72 years old, and visited Mr. Williams here in the fall of 1881, and he says of her, that to be religiouly and humanely right, kind and useful was ever the guiding star of her life."

Camp, Minnie (Howison) Mrs. W. N.

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Sunday, 5 September 2004, at 5:53 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; January 26, 1888: "CITY AND COUNTRY. - From the Grant county REVIEW published at Milbank, Dakota, we glean the following facts regarding Mrs. W. N. Camp, who died there recently, and who was well known to many of our citizens. "Mrs. Minnie Howison Camp was born in Perthshire, Scotland, Aug. 11, 1847, and was married to W. N. Camp, in Cincinnati, on Christmas 1872, and shortly after this removed to Ionia where they lived for nearly 14 years. In November 1886 they removed to Milbank, Dakota, hoping to check the ravages of the dread disease, consumption, but it was too late, and last summer she began to fail, and from that time declined rapidly, and died January 11, 1888. She was the mother of five children, four of whom survive her."

CARROLL, Jennie

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Thursday, 23 January 1941

Mrs. Jennie Carroll, 79, died Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward D. Kilduff, 635 West Washington Street. She was born in Lyons township and when she was 12 years old she moved with her parents to Bloomer township where she spent most of her life. For the past twenty years she has lived on a farm north of Muir. In 1894 she married Seymour J. Carroll. He died three years ago.

Surviving are: three sons, Harry of California, Will of Ann Arbor, and Don Carroll of Muir; three daughters, Mrs. Lewis Siegel of St. Johns, Mrs. Kilduff of Ionia, and Mrs. Howard Dick of Muir; and eight grandchildren.

Services will be held from the home of the son, Don, in Muir, Saturday, January 25, at 2 p.m.

**Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Monday, 27 January 1941

Funeral services for Mrs. Jennie E. Carroll were held from the home of her son, Donald Carroll, in Muir Saturday at 2 p.m. Interment was held at Bloomer cemetery. Rev. C. A. Brady officiated.

Bears were Bradley Dinehart, Lyman Crane, James Kelley and Herbert Dennis.

Surviving are three sons, Harry of California, Will of Ann Arbor, Don of Muir; three daughters, Mrs. Lewis Seigel of St. Johns, Mrs. Edward D. Kilduff of Ionia, Mrs. Howard Dick of Muir; one brother, E.B. Rich of Holland; and eight grandchildren.

Those attending the services from out of town were Mrs. Louis Siegel of St. Johns, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Rich, Edward and Don Rich of Grand Rapids, Mrs. and Mrs. Robert Harrington of Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Conner of Lansing, Mrs. Owen Munow of Greenville, Mr. and Mrs. James Ranger, Frank Huyck, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Grace of Carson City.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CARROLL, Seymour J.

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Thursday, 1 July 1937

Seymour J. Carroll, 74, of Lyons township died at his home Thursday morning at 2 o’clock after an illness of several weeks.

He was born in Bloomer township in Montcalm County, September 27, 1863, where he lived until he moved to his present home in Lyons township 20 years ago. On April 3, 1894 he was married to Miss Jennie Rich, daughter of a pioneer couple, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Rich, who came to this vicinity from New York state.

Mr. Carroll was a former member of the Maccabees and his entire life was spent in farming.

Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Jennie Carroll; one step-daughter, Mrs. Louis Siegel of St. Johns; two daughters, Mrs. Edward Kilduff of Ionia, and Mrs. Howard Dick of Muir; three sons, Harry Carroll of Chicago, William Carroll of Ann Arbor, and Don Carroll at home; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, July 3 from the home north of Muir at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Interment will be at Bloomer cemetery.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CARTER, Kyle

Posted By: Pam Swiler
Date: Friday, 20 April 2001, at 12:48 p.m.

Age 38, died February 3, 2001. Mr Carter was born November 11, 1962 in Charlotte, MI, the son of Lyle and Judy Carter of Charlotte. He was a corrections officer for the State of Michigan, Ionia Maximum Facility for 12 years and was a former firefighter for the Muir-Lyons Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Hamilton), son, Josh, daughter, Alicia, his parents, Judy and Lyle Carter of Charlotte, sisters, Tessa (Ned) Stoltzlus of Charlotte, Tammy Lewis of Florida; brother-in-law, Russ (Shelly) Hamilton of Charlotte, sisters-in-law, Cindy (Bill) Fabijancic of Lansing, Carrie (Scott) Hansen of Charlotte, brother-in-law, Steve Hamilton of Lansing, father-in-law, Russell (Susan) Hamilton of Lansing, and mother-in-law, Nancy Hamilton of Charlotte. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2001 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a Trust Fund for the children. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Cassel, Frank

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Tuesday, 24 July 2001, at 8:49 p.m.

PORTLAND, MI, REVIEW AND OBSERVER, Thursday, June 28, 1956 (front page): "To Hold Services Friday For Frank Cassel - Frank Cassel, 79, died at his home on R-1 Portland Wednesday morning after a seven month illness.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mapes Funeral home in Sunfield, with burial in East Sebewa cemetery.

He was born May 11, 1877 in Ontario, Canada and had lived here since the age of one. He was a farmer and at one time operated a thresher.

Survivors include his wife, Florence; a son Joseph and a daughter, Mrs. Elta Hoffman, both of Portland; three other daughters, Mrs. Jennie Brundage and Mrs. Emma Knisely of Lansing and Mrs. Julia Whorley of Saranac; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; four brothers, Vernie, Asa and Oscar of Portland and Winfield of Yakima, Washington."

Cassel, Oscar Carlton

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Tuesday, 24 July 2001, at 8:37 p.m.

PORTLAND, MI, REVIEW AND OBSERVER, March 12, 1970: "OSCAR CARLTON CASSEL - Oscar Carlton Cassel, 81 years, 316 Quarterline Street, Portland, born September 6, 1888 in Alberta, Canada, passed away March 9, 1970 at his home.

He is survived by his wife, Ava, one son, Clare Cassel, Route 3, Portland, eight grandchildren and one brother, Verney Cassel, of Route 1, Sunfield.

Funeral will be Thursday (today) at 2:00 p.m. from the Neller Funeral Home with Rev. Cozadd officiating. Burial will be in the Portland cemetery.

Mr. Cassel was retired from the State Health Department and was a Veteran of World War I."

Castle, Joseph

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Tuesday, 24 July 2001, at 8:28 p.m.

South Dakota newspaper, August, 1930: "This week we must pass to you the obituary of one of the oldest residents of this part of the state, in the passing of Joseph Castle.

Joseph Castle, one of the most prominent and well-to-do farmers of Lowell township, passed away at the local hospital Wednesday morning after an illness of a little over two weeks. Having always been in the best of health and apparently well for one who had passed his eightieth year by two years, his death came as a surprise to many, but to the family, who has been watching at his bedside, it was known for several days that there was no hope, and that his strength was slowly ebbing and paralysis creeping on.

Joseph Castle was born in Burgess, Lanarak County, Prov. of Ontario, Canada, April 21, 1848, and died in Britton, August 20, 1930. He was married to Anna C. Root on January 17, 1871, and they came to the United States settling in the state of Michigan in 1881. Moving to South Dakota in 1883, when the territory was opened to settlers, they homesteaded on the quarter of land upon which he now lived. Enduring all the hardships of the early pioneer, Mr. Castle and his wife, who preceded him in death several years ago, amassed considerable of this world's goods, and he stood as one of the wealthiest farmers of the county at the time of his death. He was known for his thrift and business ability.

He leaves to mourn his loss one brother, James, of Portland, Mich.; one sister, Elizabeth English, of Brockvill, Ont., Canada; two sons, T. Edwin and J. Fred, of Britton, and four daughters: Mrs. Chas. Fisher, of Sisseton; Mrs. F. Hemen, of Custer; Mrs. S. Osness, of Britton and Mrs. J. C. Caldwell, of Los Angeles, Cal., as well as twenty-six grandchildren and one great grandson. The two sons and three daughters were at his bedside at the last. One son, William R., preceded him in death on Aug. 3, the funeral being held the day after he was taken to the hospital.

He was one of the first members of a local Methodist church and was a staunch supporter of that institution.

A queer coincidence happened at 8:00 o'clock a.m., at the moment he breathed his last, the folks report that the old clock in his farm home stopped at that hour. Mr. Castle will be greatly missed by his neighbors and relatives. We extend sympathy to the bereaved faimily. - Journal."

CHAPMAN, Brenda (WRIGHT)

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 5 Apr 2002

Brenda Lynn Chapman, 39, of Belding passed away Tues., April 2, 2002 at United Memorial Health Center in Greenville.

She was born Feb. 16, 1963 in Greenville, the daughter of John and Nancy (Lee) Wright. Brenda graduated from Belding High School with the class of 1981. She worked as a medical records clerk at United Memorial Hospital.

Brenda liked to draw and enjoyed collecting miniature clocks. She was a loving daughter, wife and mother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 11 years, Craig C. Chapman of Belding; their children, Heather and Heidi Joslyn of Hawaii, and Ryan Joseph Chapman of Belding, Lovie Ann (Matt) Senna and their daughter, Mercedes all of Muir; her parents, John and Nancy Wright of Belding, one sister, Diana (Sam) Faasen of Belding; grandmother, Iris Wright of Sebring, Fla,; special friends, Ron and Scarlett Seigel of Belding and Shelly Warner of Belding; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Brenda will be at 1 p.m., Saturday at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding with Rev. Jim Carpenter officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Belding Bible Church. Interment will be in River Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Association or the family’s intentions.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

CHAPMAN, Mrs. Fred A.

Ionia County News, Thursday, 25 August 1949

A solemn requiem high mass was sung by the Rev. Fr. John S. Fons at 9:00 a.m. Monday for Mrs. Fred A. Chapman, who died suddenly Friday morning at her summer cottage on Long Lake.

The funeral was held following a prayer service at the Boynton Funeral Home at 8:30 a.m. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The pall bearers were Edward McGrath, John McGrath, Clayton Paquette, Elmer Rheaume, Louis Davis, and Henry Peabody.

In charge of the flowers were Mrs. Edwin Houghton, Mrs. George Coe, Jr., Mrs. James Hilton and Mrs. Martin D. McNamara.

Mrs. Chapman’s death was entirely unexpected even though she had not been in good health for some time. Death was attributed to a heart attack.

She was the widow of the late Fred A. Chapman, former mayor of Ionia, former warden at Michigan State Reformatory, and former partner of the late ex-Gov. Fred W. Green.

Mrs. Chapman was born in Detroit, Dec. 13, 1891, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Denk. She was one of 13 children. On April 10, 1928 she married Mr. Chapman and moved to Ionia. She lived here until his death on Oct. 18, 1938, and then she divided her time between her summer cottage on Longe Lake and her winter home in Miami, Fla.

Mrs. Chapman was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Church of Miami and a former member of the Ionia SS Peter and Paul parish. In Miami she was a past president of the Altar Society of St. Rose of Lima Church. While a member of SS Peter and Paul Church of Ionia she was a regent of the Daughters of Isabella.

Surviving are a daughter, Aurelia C., and a son, Frederick Jr., both at the Long Lake cottage; a brother Eugene C. Denk of Detroit; three sisters, Mrs. Lora McGrath and Mrs. Autilla Scanlon, and Mrs. Agnes Paquette of Windsor, Ont. One sister, Mrs. Cecelia Lauhoff of Detroit died last October and a brother, Titus Denk, died July 1, 1949.

Out-of-town residents attending the funeral included: Fred A. Chapman, Jr., and Miss Aurelia C. Chapman, son and daughter, and Mrs. Marie Marshal and Miss Carol Marshal, all of Miami, Fla.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Denk, Miss Margaret Denk, Mrs. John Scanlon, Miss Mary Scanlon, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rheaume, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. McGrath, Mr. and Mrs. John McGrath, Mrs. Kenneth Boehme, Mrs. Lee Gerrett, Mrs. Mayme Denk, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Davis, Miss Mary Jane Davis, Miss Adele Denk, Ken Carner, Mrs. Mayme Garvey, Miss Lucille Lingeman, Mrs. Frank Lingeman, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vise, Mr. and Mrs. Ed McGrath, and Mr. and Mrs. John Longe, all from Detroit.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Finley of Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. O. Paquette and Mrs. Clayton Paquette and Catherine Pelzer, all of Windsor, Ont.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chapman and Mrs. Rhonda Gaumann of Wyandotte; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Conlon of Toledo, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Koerber and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Pierce of Port Huron and Mr. and Mrs. John Spitzley of Westphalia.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

Chapple, Mrs. Lila King

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Thursday, 12 August 2004, at 4:31 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; November 11, 1886: "The hearts of the people of Belding and the adjoining vicinity were filled with the deepest sadness by the death of Mrs. Lila King Chapple, Sunday a.m., Oct. 31st. She had been suffering for the past two years with that terrible disease, consumption, and her death was not entirely unexpected. The funeral services were held Wednesday, Rev. D. E. Millard of Belding and Rev. L. Master of Ionia officiating. They were solemn and filled with the deepest sadness. The body was interred at Ionia, the home of the parents of the deceased. Mrs. Chapple had grown to womanhood among us, being a faithful pupil in our school and a successful teacher in this portion of the county for many years. She was a woman possessed of rare qualities, of sterling goodness, and genuine goodness of heart. She leaves motherless a sweet child, only two years of age. She was only 23 years of age and the pangs of death were rendered more difficult to bear at that age when life is so full of attractions and joy. But she bore it all with christian resignation, and the closing hours of her life from the scene not soon to be forgotten. Mr. Chapple and the members of her family, in their deep bereavement, have the sympathy and consolation of a host of friends. Belding Correspondence Standard.

CHASE, Albert R., Sr.

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 18 July 2001, at 5:26 p.m.

Albert R. Chase Sr., 57 of Saranac passed away March 13, 1997. Surviving are wife Lois; three sons; Albert and Donald of Saranac and Stanley Davis of Ionia; four daughters: Teresa (Larry) Laney of Ionia, Karolyn Chase of Saranac; Chari (Rick) Smith of Saranac, Rose Holmes of Grand Rapids; two sisters Grace Pierce of Ionia and Clara (Curtis) Osborne of Saranac; 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held March 17. Arrangements by Lake Funeral Home in Saranac.

CHIPMAN, Ruth

Ionia County News, Thursday, 19 November 1959 Mrs. James Chipman

Mrs. Ruth Chipman of Big Rapids, formerly of Palo, passed away Monday morning at 4:30 at the Big Rapids Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, James, one daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Fishell, and three sons, Laurence, of Palo, Jack of Ionia and Jim Jr., at home, three brothers and three sisters.

The body was held at Stebbins Funeral Home Sheridan. Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock, Wednesday, November 18, with burial at Palo.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CHRISTENSEN, Peter

Ionia County News, Thursday, 18 August 1949

Peter Christensen, 77, Harter Street, died in the Ionia Convalescent Home at 5:30 Thursday afternoon, August 11.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Christensen, he was born in Denmark, October 18, 1871, and came to Michigan when a lad of 19, and to Ionia in 1918. On August 21, 1875 he was married to Pauline Bluemley of Easton, and they celebrated their golden wedding in 1945. He was employed by the Ypsilanti Reed Furniture Company for over 20 years.

He is survived by Mrs. Christensen, a son Ivan of Detroit, a daughter, Mrs. Lillian Lambert of Bremerhaven, Germany, and a sister Mrs. Louis Rover of Denmark.

Rev. Howard A. Smith of the First Methodist Church officiated at the funeral service, held from Boynton’s, Monday afternoon. Bears were Justus Christensen, Ernest Christensen, Floyd Stahl, Harry Whipple, Leonard Miller and Samuel Keller. Burial was in Easton cemetery.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

Christian, Mrs. Alice (Young)

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Saturday, 23 October 2004, at 8:32 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL-STANDARD, Mich. January 13, 1928, front page: "Mrs. Alice Christian, of Ionia, Died Friday - Mrs. Alice Christian, widow of the late Benjamin Christian, died at her home on Lafayette street at noon Friday, following an illness of heart disease, having spent the past two weeks in bed.

Born in Ionia 65 years ago, Mrs. Christian has lived here practically all of her life. Her church affiliations were with the Ionia Church of Christ. Mr. Christian died four years ago.

Surviving her are a sister, Mrs. E. H. Thompson, and three brothers, Frank and Jay Young, of Ionia, and Fred Young, of Yakima, Wash."

Church, son of Robert

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Sunday, 5 September 2004, at 5:44 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH,; January 26, 1888: "CITY AND COUNTRY. - The son, seventeen years old, of Robert Church, of the township of Campbell, was killed on Saturday by a tree falling upon him. He and his father were sawing the tree down, and as it started to fall, the young man ran back, as he supposed, but instead, he ran directly under the falling tree, and was crushed beneath it."

CHURCHILL, Percy

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Thursday, 1 July 1937

Percy Churchill, 62, died at his home, 111 Rich Street, Wednesday evening at 5 o’clock from a stroke. He had been ill with arthritis for the past 15 weeks, but seemed to be improving and was even well enough to work for a few days each week. On Wednesday morning he had been feeling well and painted the porches of the house.

He was born January 13, 1874, in Orlange township on the farm where Zenas Badder now lives. He was the son of pioneer parents, Otis and Rosetta Churchill, who settled in Ionia County, Orange Township, after coming to Michigan from Medina, New York.

He received his barber training in a Chicago school, and was in the barbering business in Ionia for 33 years, 31 of them in a shop in Main Street. Two years ago he moved to the present location, a shop in the Elks temple building on Steele St.

He was married December 15, 1918 to Maiziebelle Terry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Terry, and they had lived since at the same residence, 111 Rich Street.

Surviving are his wife, Maiziebelle, one son, Winston, who is now a sophomore in the Ionia high school; two sisters, Mrs. Ella Paine of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Mrs. Ida Deline of Pontiac.

Remains will be at the home, 111 Rich Street, until Friday noon when they will be removed for the funeral service to be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Stone funeral home on East Washington street, with Elder B. P. Williams of Grand Rapids officiating. Burial will be at Keefer cemetery.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CILLEY, Elmer

Posted By: Leora Slosser

Date: Saturday, 31 March 2001, at 2:32 p.m.

Former Ionia Official Dies. Elmer F. Cilley, 86, Served as Sheriff, Drain Commissioner BELDING - Elmer F. Cilley, former Ionia County Sheriff and Drain Commissioner, died Friday morning at his home in Belding. He was 86 years old.

Mr. Cilley was a native of South Boston Township, Ionia County, the son of Mrs. and Mrs. John Cilley, was born Sept. 4, 1861. The family moved to Belding five years ago from their farm home in Keene Township.

FOUNDED FESTIVAL. He was a breeder of Ramboulette sheep and was the founder of the Sheep Shearing Festival formerly held in South Boston Township.

Mr. Cilley served two terms as Sheriff of Ionia County and later six terms as County Drain Commissioner.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret of Keene Township; a son, H. B. Baine Cilley of Muskegon; a sister, Mrs. Abby Newton of Caledonia; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

SERVICES MONDAY. He was a member of the Ionia Masonic Lodge and the Knights Templar Lodge No. 11.

Services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. from the Fitzjohn Funeral Chapel, Belding, with burial in South Boston Cemetery. The Knights Templar will conduct services at the grave.

Source: The Carrie Ayers Scrapbook collection - Obituaries 1936-1949. The original scrapbook and a copy are located at the Boston-Saranac Historical Society Depot Museum in Saranac, MI. Another copy is available at the Ionia County Genealogical Society library at the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society Depot Museum, Emerson Street, Lake Odessa, MI.

CLEMENS, Samuel S.

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Saturday, 21 April 2001, at 7:11 p.m.

Samuel S. Clemens was born in Roseville, Waterlook Co., Ontario March 2nd 1847 and died March 31, 1917, aged 70 years and 29 days.

In his young manhood he came to Michigan where he has since lived. Dec. 17, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss E. Dell Griffeth, to which union was born a daughter and two sons. The daughter dying in infancy.

Six years ago his loving and devoted companion was called beyond. Since then he has been tenderly cared for by his son, Harry, and wife, and his son, George.

His was a kindly, genial disposition ever loyal to his friends, always considerate of others and an indulgent parent.

His children and also his neighbors feel that they have lost a counselor never to be replaced. His sickness was extended through many years, bearing his suffering with patience and fortitude. Surely his will be a shining reward.

Left to mourn their loss are one brother, William, from Bruce o ., Ont., two sisters, Mrs. Henry Kalbfleish of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Mrs. Patrick Cummings of Vancouver, British Col., Canada besides five grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

COLBERT, Edward L.

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 13 March 2002

Mr. Edward L. Colbert, 82, of Ionia passed away March 11, 2002 at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born the son of John and Bertha (Smorgansky) Colbert on July 7, 1919, in Boston, Mass.

He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1941 where he was active in the band. Ed served in the U.S. Army landing with D-Day VI. He attended Tufts University. In 1948 he moved to Jackson, MI where he met and married the former Helen Egan.

He started his prison career as a counselor at the Jackson prison from 1949 to 1958. Ed then transferred to Ionia where he served as deputy warden and the warden for 17 years at the Michigan Reformatory. Later he worked in Lansing with the Department of Corrections until his retirement from the state in 1977.

Ed kept busy after retirement teaching classes in Kalamazoo and Muskegon. He was the director of the Ex-Offender Contact Center in Grand Rapids from 1979 to 1986. Those who knew him, knew of his lifelong zeal for Notre Dame. He also enjoyed reading, travel and collecting art. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are: two sons, John (Bobbie) of Chicago, Ill., Edward (Kelley) of Midland, MI, one daughter, Ann of Kentucky, three grandchildren, Egan, Emma and Ella.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Egan Colbert in 1988, his son James in 1957 and by his parents.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ionia with Fr. Melvin Fox as presider. The organist will be Mary Cusack. A grave side service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the St. Johns Cemetery in Jackson.

Visiting hours are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday with a Rosary Service at 8 p.m. at the Rich St. Chapel of Cook Funeral Home in Ionia.

Memorial contributions can be made to the SS. Peter & Paul Education Trust Fund or the Metropolitan Hospital Fund in care of Cook Funeral Home.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

COLLIER, Jerene “Corky” M.

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 9 Mar 2002

Jerene “Corky” M. Collier, 76, of Lake Odessa, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord on Thurs., March 7, 2002 at his home.

Jerene was born Aug. 24, 1925 in Sunfield to Ervin and Mina (Gilbert) Collier. He had lived in the Lake Odessa area most of his life. Corky married Charlotte Petrie of Sunfield on Jan. 21, 1950.

He had been a member of the Calvary United Brethren Church since 1947, a member of God’s family since the age of 16. Corky graduated from Lake Odessa High School in 1944, and had worked as a custodian for Lakewood Schools until his retirement in 1984. Since retirement, he worked for Lake Manor for three and one half years until illness forced him to retire again. Jerene had been a wonderful husband and a faithful servant of his Lord.

He is survived by Charlotte, his loving wife of 52 years; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Plynn Collier; and his sister, Joyce Munson.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday at the Koops Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodbury United Brethren Church or the American Diabetes Association.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

COMPAGNER, Maxine

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:03 p.m.

Maxine Compagner 86, of Saranac passed away March 4, 1997. Surviving are husband Ed; many nieces and a nephew. Funeral services were held March 7 with burial in Saranac Cemetery. Arrangements by Lake Funeral Home in Saranac.

Compton, Lewis

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Friday, 10 September 2004, at 10:00 a.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; Thursday, Feb. 9, 1888, page 2: "CITY AND COUNTY. - Lewis Compton, a young man in his 20th year, came to Ionia from New York state with his father, Silas Compton, who is a blacksmith by trade, and put up at the Union hotel. They were in search of work. The young man had been in poor health since he was seven years old, being troubled with heart disease. After coming here he was for a time under Dr. Tremayne's care, and then called Dr. Allen. The latter expressed surprise that the young man had lived so long in his condition. On Thursday afternoon he went into the sitting room of the hotel and laid down. Soon thereafter his father heard a sound that excited alarm and going to his son's side instantly, found that he was dead. His sudden demise was due to heart disease. The elder Compton had been to Grand Rapids and secured a job of work to begin Feb. 8. He was very much attached to his son. The funeral from the Union house tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock."

CONROY, Thomas

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:24 p.m.

Ionia Sentinel, Wednesday, April 20, 1960

Requiem High Mass will be celebrated at SS. Peter and Paul church Friday at 9 a.m. for Thomas Conroy, 77, who died Monday in Traverse City where he had resided the past four years.

A native of Ionia, he was born September 2, 1882, the son of William and Catherine Conroy and had been employed at the car shops many years before leaving Ionia.

He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul church.

Rosary will be recited at the Stone-Kauffman funeral home at 7:30 Thursday evening.

Mr. Conroy is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Mt. Olivet cemetery.

Cook, C. W. (Mrs. R. R.)

Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Thursday, 12 August 2004, at 5:21 p.m.

THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; December 16, 1886: "Mrs. C. W. Cook of Otisco, widow of R.R. Cook, died at her home Sunday of hemorrhage of the bowels. She was one of the earliest pioneers of Ionia county, coming to Otisco in March, 1838. She has ever since lived on the farm where her husband and herself first located. She was 75 years old October 2, 1886. She was a most estimable woman, beloved and respected by all who knew her. The funeral was held on Wednesday."

COOL, John P.

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Saturday, 21 April 2001, at 6:13 p.m.

John P. Cool was born in Potter County, Penn., March 28, 1852. He came to Michigan when he was eleven years of age and lived with his parents at the old homestead until October 7, 1877 when he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Watrman. To this union two children, a son and a daughter were born, the son dying in infancy.

During the past six weeks his health had been gradually failing until he passed away, Friday, October 29, 1915. He leaves to mourn their loss, a loving wife and daughter, three brothers, a sister and many relatives and friends.

COOPER, Charlotte J. (ROGERS)

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 18 July 2001, at 5:18 p.m.

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Monday, December 21, 1998:

Mrs. Charlotte J. Cooper, 67, of Ionia, passed away early Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, at her home

Charlotte Jane Rogers was born Sept. 1, 1931, in Battle Creek, the daughter of William and Eleanor (Baker) Rogers. She grew up and attended school in Battle Creek, moving to Ionia in the late 1940s.

Charlotte was married in Ionia, July 12, 1952, to Calvin Cooper. Mrs. Cooper returned to school to complete her high school education, graduating in 1992. She liked to crochet and loved her grandchildren.

Mrs. Cooper is survived by four sons, Calvin (Cheryl) Cooper of Saranac, William Cooper of Lyons, Dennis Cooper of Ionia, and Earl Cooper of West Branch; two daughters, Cheryl Cooper and Joyce (Greg) Dean, both of Ionia; 15 grandchildren; one brother, Floyd Rogers of Stanton; and one sister, Joyce Rogers of San Jose, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Calvin, in 1979, and one grandson.

Funeral services for Charlotte J. Cooper will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Zion Methodist Church with the Rev. Craig Adams officiating. Interment will be in Balcom Cemetery. Visiting hours are Tuesday evening, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Myers Memorial Chapel, Ionia. Memorial contributions may be made to the wishes of the family. Envelopes are available at the church or at Myers Memorial Chapel.

CRATER, Roy Hilton

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 24 April 2002

Roy Hilton Crater, 66, of Belding, passed away Monday, April 22, 2002 at his home.

He was born November 3, 1935 in Crystal, the son of Owen H. and Elizabeth Williams Crater.

Roy was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, bunnies and kitties.

He was married on August 27, 1959 in Alma to Janice Kay Sprague and she survives along with their children; Larry Hilton Crater and special friend Cindy Davis of Greenville, Jillanne Marsh and John Vedder of Delmar, Iowa, Leealan John Crater of Greenville, Jacquelyn K. Harris of Orlando, FL.

Roy is also survived by his special little friend, Joshua Eldridge; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and the expected arrival of one more great-grandchild; his brothers and sisters, David and Patsy Crater, Joyce Finkhouse, all of Greenville.

Roy is also survived by his mother-in-law, Evelyn Draper of Ionia; his brother-in-laws, Robert Sprague of Barryton, Phillip Sprague of Ionia and Richard and Lorene Sprague of Lyons.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, with Kathryn Baughman of Ionia Area Hospice officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Interment will be in Otisco Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ionia Area Hospice.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

CRISPIN, Mrs. Caroline D.

Ionia County News, Thursday, 8 January 1948

Mrs. Caroline D. Crispin, 91, died at her home, 449 Rice St., New Years night, 1948, after several weeks illness. She became ill November 17, and two days before Christmas fell and fractured her hip. From that time on she failed rapidly.

Caroline Moon was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., Nov. 30, 1856, and came to Michigan and Ionia county when she was ten years old.

On October 7, 1875 she was married to Jonathan R. Crispin, of Berlin Township, and with her husband went to a farm near Frankfort, Mich., where they lived for two years. They returned to Ionia county and spent two years on a farm in Berlin, before coming to Ionia to make their home. Mrs. Crispin had lived for 68 years in the home where she died January 1. She joined the Baptist church in Ionia in 1875 and was an active worker in the church and its societies for many years.

Surviving her are three sons, Lynn of Olympia, Wash., Wilmarth of Detroit, and St. Petersburg, Fla., and Edwin S. of Detroit, and a daughter, Miss Ethel Crispin of Ionia. Mr. Crispin died in July, 1918, and another son, Charles, died in 1922.

Rev. J. Lee Lewis of the First Baptist church officiated at the funeral service, held from the stone Funeral Home Monday afternoon. Bearers were Hiram Darling, Mer Ross, Gayle Galloway, Eugene Snell, E. W. Krainbrink and O. O. Hilborn. Burial was in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery.

The C. C. W. class of the First Baptist church attended the services in a group and served as an honorary escort.

Relatives attending the funeral from out of town were: Lynn Crispin, of Olympia, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Crispin, Dwight Crispin, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Crispin, Jr., and Mrs. William S. Adair of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. A. Van Koevering of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Ella Carman and Mrs. Minor Carman of Saranac.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CROCKFORD, Virginia (BYINGTON)

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 16 Apr 2002

Virginia Crockford, 84, of Woodland, went to be with the Lord early Monday morning, April 15, 2002, that she had faithfully served.

Virginia was born in Kalamazoo on October 15, 1917 to Harry and Nellie (Cagney) Byington.

After graduating from high school in Kalamazoo, Ginny earned her teaching degree at Nazareth College.

For many years she taught kindergarten in Woodland and Sunfield. Virginia was a dedicated member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Lake Odessa, where she gave freely of her time and talents.

Ginny is survived by her husband, Bob, with whom she spent 42 wonderful years; her children, Bob (Ruth) Crockford and Jane (Rob) Lambert; many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; countless close friends; and her church family at St. Edward’s Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother.

Visitation is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Lake Odessa where there will be Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 .m. Thursday at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Woodland Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Edward’s Catholic Church or the Lakewood Community Ambulance.

Contributed by: Sandy Heintzelman

CURRIE, Byrell

The Belding Banner, Thursday, 18 September 1952

Headline: Rites Monday for Byrell Currie, Master Workman

Byrell Currie, 64, died at his home on Brown street Friday afternoon after an illness of several months. He was born in this city April 29, 1888, the son of William and Luella Currie and most of his life was spent here and for 37 years he had lived at the Brown street residence.

A natural born mechanic, his work had always been along these lines and for short periods he had worked in Flint and in Muskegon. He had worked in the Belding Hall and Gibson plants here. He founded the Belding Tool & Machine Co. in 1939 and sold out to his partner William Coleman, in 1944. Then he opened his own shop, the Currie Machine Shop, in a building at his home and did special work for all the factories here and for many others. A tool and die maker, he could make a pattern and design any part needed for a machine.

Mr. Currie was granted a life memberhship in Belding Lodge No. 355, F. & A. a short time before his death. He was also a member of the Congregational church.

On December 21, 1918 he married Winifred Carlington in Grand Haven.

Surviving besides his wife are two daughters, Mrs. Howard Wood of this city and Mrs. L. T. McNaughton of Lansing, one brother, Lyle of Kansas City and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Monday at 2 o’clock at Ellis funeral home with Rev. H. B. Johnson and Rev. Wilford Wood officiating. Interment was in River Ridge cemetery. Acting as pall bears were Reginald Wooley, Creston Wood, Fred Rowley, Richard Dalton, Jr., Jeull Herbert, and Louis Outman.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, Mrs. Edna Barbara

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Friday 3 January 1930

Mrs. Edna Barbara Currie, 36, died at the Belding hospital Wednesday, at 8:45 in the morning of a complication of anemia and Diabetes and the funeral services were held at the Fitzjohn funeral Parlor Friday.

She leaves her husband, Hollis Currie, to whom she was married over six years ago, her mother, Mrs. Charles Mall of Lansing: two brothers, Edward of Portland and Harry of Greenville. Mr. and Mrs. Currie were former South Ionia residents and later moved to Jackson and from there to Belding.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, Harvey J.

The Belding Banner, Thursday, 17, June 1937

Headlines: Death calls well known local man

Respected citizen answers summons Friday night after few months illness

Death came Friday evening to Harvey J. Currie, well known and respected resident of this city. Although “Harve,” as he was known to almost everyone, had been very seriously ill since the latter part of January, his death came as a distinct shock to his family and friends.

When Mr. Currie first became ill he suffered a light stroke, which caused the loss of his eyesight. An attack of flu followed with a complication of other ailments. He was rushed to University hospital in Ann Arbor the latter part of April for an emergency operation on his eyes, which could not be given due to his weakened condition. Mr. Currie returned to his home here for two weeks before entering the local hospital. On Friday morning he called for his family and passed away at 7:20 that evening with his wife and children at the bedside.

Harvey Currie was born 65 years ago in Otisco township and resided in and near this city all his life, with the exception of about two years barbering in Dakota. In 1893 he was married to Miss Hattie Culver and they moved into the home on S. Bridge street where they have since resided. Six children were born to them, Mrs. Norman Alagaard and Mrs. Luella Binns, both of Greenville, Mrs. Herbert Kent, Mrs. Loren Chickering, Otis and Lawrence, all of this city.

In his early life Mr. Currie was employed in the Smith meat market and at different times worked in the Model market. He was a member of the first fire department organized here. In later years he devoted his time to painting and paper hanging. Always interested in city politics and civic affairs, he was deputy sheriff for several years. At the time of his death he was constable of the third ward, having held this office for three terms.

Mr. Currie had been an active and faithful member of the I.O.O.F. for the past 27 years, and was a past noble grand. He was a member of the Encampment of Ionia, also of the Maccabees, and had for a number of years been a captain in the Rebekah lodge. He was a loyal member of the local Townsend club and was president of the club until his res-….(remainder is missing)

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, Hollis H.

Ionia Daily Sentinel, Monday, 12 December 1949

Hollis Howard Currie, 49, one of the first residents of Belding to enlist in World War I, died at midnight Saturday in Veterans Facility hospital at Dearborn.

He was removed to the hospital a short time before his death. He had been staying at the Harold Vander Mel home in Belding.

He served throughout World War I, in Washington, D. C., and after the war enlisted in the Coast Guard. In World War II he was drafted for service.

Surviving are his wife Dorothy of Fort Wayne, Ind., a stepson, Wiliam Splan, of Fort Wayne, a brother, Byrell, of Belding, and Lyle Currie of Kansas City, Mo.

Funeral services are to be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. from the Ellis Funeral home. Burial will be at the Riverridge cemetery at Belding. Military services are to be conducted.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, Lutitia C.

The Alma Record (Gratiot County), 26 November 1925

Lutitia C. Anderson was born in Elkhart, Indiana, Aug. 19, 1848, and departed this life November 15, 1925 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Culver in Elwell, Mich. Aged 77 years, 2 months and 27 days. She came to Michigan with her parents when 4 years of age and settled in Ionia county. She was united in marriage with George W. Currie in 1862. To this union five children were born, three of whom preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn their loss two children, Harve J. Currie, of Belding and Mrs. Bert Culver of Elwell, one brother, Elias Anderson of Denver, Colorado, fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and other relatives and a host of friends.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

Currie, Otis J.

Ionia Sentinel-Standard, Thursday, 20 December 1973

Belding’s former councilman and mayor, Otis J. Currie, 70, of 1039 Alderman, Belding, died Wednesday at Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids.

Born December 10, 1903, at Belding he was the son of Harvey and Hattie Currie.

He was a member of the First Congregational church of Belding and a retired title area manager for Consumers Power Co.

Surviving are his wife, Matilda, three daughters, Mrs. Lee Bettendorf of Iowa, Mrs. Earl Nelson of Plainwell, and Mrs. Richard Wood of Belding; two sons, Wayne Currie of Belding, Robert Berger of Madisonville, Texas; 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Huffman funeral home in Belding. Rev. Wilfred Wood will officiate and interment will be at River Ridge cemetery.

Visitation hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established for American Cancer society.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, Truman

The Belding Banner, Thursday, 16 March 1939

Truman Currie was born in Redfield, N. Y., February 6, 1851 and died March 10, 1939, being 88 years, one month and four days old. He was the youngest child of Robert and Elmira Currie. With his parents he came to Otisco township when a small child and since that time has made his home in or near Belding. He was first married to Flora Forman and one child, Mrs. Clara B. Young, was born to this union, his wife dying when the daughter was about two years old. He was later married to Mrs. Ellen Benton, who died about 12 years ago. Again he was married to Mrs. Ella Brown, who preceded him in death in 1937. He has been in invalid since September 5, 1935, when he fell and broke his hip. His daughter cared for him until January 19, 1936 and owing to ill health she returned to California. Since that time he has been cared for by Mr. and Mrs. George Phillips and Barbara.

He leaves to mourn, his daughter, Mrs. Clara Young, and granddaughter, Gladys, of Sacramento; two nieces, Mrs. Olive Culver of Elwell and Mrs. George Phillips of this city, and a number of grandnieces and nephews. The funeral was held Sunday at 2:30 at Fitzjohn’s funeral home. The services were in charge of Rev. Gunther. Evelyn and Loretta Currie sang two hymns. The pallbearers were Byrl Currie, Otis Currie, Ralph Johnson, Lawrence Currie, Eugene Smith and Loren Chickering.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIE, William F.

The Belding Banner, Thursday, 26 September 1912

Headlines: William F. Currie Passed To His Last Rest on Saturday Morning

A Faithful Engineer at Belding-Hall Co’s. Factory “A” For Twenty Years—Always Lived in Belding

Saturday, September 21st, 1912, at 11:45 a.m. William F. Currie, one of Belding’s well known and honorable citizens, passed to his last rest after an illness of several months. He was 46 years of age and had been a resident of Belding nearly all of his life.

For about 32 years, Mr. Currie had been in the employ of the Belding-Hall Co. beginning work when a small boy and remaining in their employ all these years until obliged to quit on account of illness a few months ago. For the past twenty years he has been the faithful and trusted engineer of the plant. As a fitting testimonial to the esteem in which his employers held him it is worthy of note that the company sent him his pay check every two weeks right up to the hour of his death.

Deceased leaves an aged mother, one brother, Harvey Currie of Elwell; two sisters, Mrs. E. Pickhaver of Coldwater and Mrs. O. Culver of Elwell, a loving wife and three sons, Byrell and Hollis of this city and Lyell of Detroit. He was a member of the Masonic and Modern Woodmen lodges and carried $1000 insurance in the Woodmen lodge. An autopsy was held Saturday afternoon to ascertain the cause of death.

The funeral was held Tuesday at his late home under the auspices of the Masons, Rev. W. A. Biss officiating and the burial was made in River Ridge cemetery. So passes from our midst a man whom all who knew respected him.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CURRIGAN, Ann (MATHEWS)

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:25 p.m.

Lyons Herald, July 8, 1920

Mrs. Ann Currigan passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Norman Etson, Saturday afternoon, July 3rd, 1920, after an illness lasting nearly four years, during which time she was a great sufferer.

Deceased was born in Ireland October 28, 1839, and when sixteen years of age came to America, first stopping at Montreal, Canada, and from there going to a point in Illinois about fifteen miles from Chicago. After a year spent there, she came to Lyons in 1856, and has been a continuous resident here since. In 1856 she was united in marriage to Henry Currigan, who passed away July 12, 1869. To them were born six children, three of whom, Mrs. Norman Etson, John and Thomas Currigan, all of Lyons, are left to mourn their loss.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from the church of SS. Peter & Paul, Ionia, and interment made in Mt. Olivet cemetery. The bearers were John Currigan, Norman Etson, James Mathews and Thomas Patterson.

Following are those who came from a distance to attend the funeral : Mrs. Kittie Scullen, James Mathews, Joseph Patterson and Thomas Patterson of Lansing; Mrs. Ben Hall, Mrs. Nonia Botts and Wm. Mathews of Grand Rapids; James Hall of Chicago.

CURRIGAN, John W.

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:26 p.m.

Ionia Sentinel, Saturday, May 22, 1943

Aged Resident of Lyons Found Dead in Home

John Currigan, Sr., 80, a lifelong resident of Lyons, was found dead early Saturday evening at his home in Lyons. He was found by Mrs. Kate Burch, of Lyons. He was last seen alive Friday evening when he was a dinner guest at the home of his son, John Currigan, Jr., and family. He had intended to attend the graduation exercises of his grandson, Jack Currigan, but complained of feeling ill and returned to his home where he lived alone.

Coroner Harry Myers was called and said he believed Mr. Currigan had been dead since late Friday evening or early Saturday morning. Death was believed to have been the result of a stroke.

He was born December 8, 1862, in Lyons and had spent his entire life there. Besides his son, he is survived by a grandson, Jack Currigan; a granddaughter, Mrs. Verne Galloup and a niece, Mrs. James Hopkins, all of Lyons.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock at SS. Peter and Paul church, Ionia. Rev. Fr. John S. Fons will officiate and burial will be in Mt. Olivet cemetery.

CURRIGAN, John W. Jr.

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:26 p.m.

Ionia Daily Sentinel-Standard, Monday, January 18, 1960

Funeral service for John W. Currigan, 70, 123 Elizabeth street, Lyons, was held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Lyons Methodist church. He died Wednesday afternoon at the Ionia County Memorial hospital.

Rev. Park H. Newcombe of Grand Rapids officiated and interment was at Lyons cemetery.

Carl Miller of Wacousta was in charge of the graveside services conducted by the Lyons F&AM Blue Lodge. Honorary bearers were all Masons and included, Raymond Cutler, Harry Gardner, Stanley Mills, Charles Anna, Merit Spaulding and Ford Weaver.

Bearers were Stephen W. Kimball, Owen Smith, Wesley Sprague, William Bennett, Kenneth Wood and Victor Keefer.

Attending from away were Mrs. Herbert J. McLellan of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Mrs. Albert H. Cross of St. Paul, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Russell Stewart and Cole of Midland, John J. Currigan, Michael and Ronald, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wood of Lansing; Mrs. Florence D. Steinke of Indian River, Duane Cutler of St. Johns, Harold Dawson, Mrs. Laura Dawson and Mrs. Sylvester Bibbler of Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. L. Zant, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rouse and Rev. and Mrs. Park H. Newcombe of Grand Rapids; Charles Johnson of Orleans, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Markham of Saranac, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Bradley of Rochester, Mrs. John Schafer of Fowler, Mr. and Mrs. Onley Maynard, Mrs. Kathryn Rutz, Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Grove, Zell Wyman, Mr. and Mrs. Fay Nash, Mrs. Laurence Hale, Mrs. Ruth Lucas, Mrs. Myrtle Galloup, Dawn Nash, Prescott Brown, Mrs. Mildred Goward, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bauer and Max Koss of Ionia.

CURRIGAN, Leona (HALSTEAD)

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:27 p.m.

Lansing State Journal, October 1976

MUIR - Leona Mary Currigan, 50, of Route 1, Olmstead Road, Muir, died Tuesday at Lansing hospital after a long illness.

She was born August 8, 1926 in Ronald Township, the daughter of Walter and Leona Halsted. She graduated from Lyons high school in 1943 and married John Currigan March 17, 1945 in Lyons.

The Currigans made their home in the Lansing area since their marriage.

She was an accountant for several business organizations in Lansing and a member of Kingdom Hall, Jackson south.

Survivors include her husband; her mother, Mrs. Walter Halsted of Muir; three sons, Michael of Jackson, Ronald of Grand Ledge and John of Muir; and one daughter, Mrs. Linda Green of Lansing. One brother Don of New Brunswick, New Jersey; three sisters, Mrs. Marjorie Swainston of Ventura, California, Mrs. Lois Maxwell of Lowell and Mrs. Joyce Cummings of Eugene, Oregon and three grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her father and three brothers.

Services are Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hull Memorial chapel in Muir with Robert Smith of Kingdom Hall, Jackson south officiating. Burial is in Lyons cemetery.

{NOTE: There is a handwritten note that she died 19 Oct 1976.}

CURRIGAN, Marion L. (CROSS)

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:28 p.m.

Ionia Sentinel, October 16, 1973

Mrs. Marion L. Currigan, 77, of 123 Elizabeth, Lyons, died suddenly Monday morning at a Midland hospital after suffering a heart attack. She was there visiting her daughter, Mrs. Russell Stewart.

Born June 7, 1896, at Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of Albert and Caroline Morse Cross and came to Lyons at an early age. She was a graduate of Lyons high school.

In June of 1916 she was married at St. Paul, Minn., to John Currigan and returned to Lyons where she was employed many years at the post office. She was a life member of Lyons Order of Eastern Star and also member of Lyons United Methodist church. Her husband died in January of 1960.

Surviving besides the daughter Mrs. Stewart of Midland, are a son, John Currigan of Holt; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lyons United Methodist church. Rev. Richard Strait will officiate and interment will be at Lyons cemetery.

Until 11 a.m. Thursday Mrs. Currigan will be at Hull Memorial chapel in Muir.

A memorial has been established for Lyons United Methodist church.

CURRIGAN, Thomas

Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 5:29 p.m.

Lyons Herald, Wednesday, January 20, 1932

Thomas Currigan, 66, of Lyons dropped dead early Wednesday morning at the home of Henry Litchcomb, whom he had been taking care of during an illness. Mr. Currigan got up at 3 o'clock to give the sick man some medicine and 15 minutes later was heard by Mr. Litchcomb to drop to the floor. Mr. Litchcomb was able to summon help but Mr. Currigan had died where he dropped to the floor. Although he had been in the best of health several months, it was not know that there was anything serious about his condition. It is thought that worry over financial conditions may have abetted a heart ailment.

He was born in a house on the west side of Lyons and always resided there.

He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul church, where it was expected Wednesday that the funeral services will be held Friday morning.

Mr. Currigan never married. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Norman Etson of Lyons, and a brother, John Currigan, Sr., also of Lyons.

CURTIS, Alice

Ionia Daily Sentinel, Tuesday, 18 April 1961

Lyons -- Word was received in Lyons of the death of Mrs. Alice Curtis of Grand Rapids, a native of North Plains township and rural Muir. Mrs. Curtis had been blind for some years and had been in a convalescent home in Grand Rapids. She was the daughter of Noah D. Koutz and her mother was the former Sarah E. Scott of North Plains.

Mrs. Curtis followed the dressmaker’s trade for many years. She was a member of the Muir Methodist church which later was moved to Lyons. She was married to Seymour Courtis who passed away several years ago. They lived in Grand Rapids and she was affiliated with the Second Street Methodist church and was honored several times for her continuous membership and her activity in the church.

She is survived by a nephew and niece, Ralph and Ruth Norman of Grand Rapids and two stepdaughters, Mrs. Bert Underwood and Mrs. Purl Johnson both of Ionia and several cousins in Lake Odessa. Burial was Monday in the North Plans cemetery.

Mrs. Curtis came from a pioneer family of North Plains township and was born in a log house on the present Dinehart farm on Stone road just north and one-half mile east of Muir.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CUTLER, Lovinia Eveline

Ionia Sentinel, Tuesday, 5 December 1911

Lovinia Eveline Cutler, widow of the late Warner L. Cutler, who died in Ionia October 28, 1900, was born at Little Falls, N.Y. (illegible)..mber 1, 1829, died at her (illegible) December 2, 1911. She was the last of eight children born to Nicholas and Harriet Steele. Three of the family have died in Ionia; Elisa Steele, John C. Dexter and Henry Steele. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler lived in Ionia since 1866. The entire family of the deceased, consisting of three children, Mrs. Ella C. Massey, Philo F. and Wilbert W. Cutler, live in or near Ionia. There are besides, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Mrs. Cutler had been a member of the First Baptist church sever since coming to Ionia,, being at the time of her death, one of the oldest, both in age and length of membership. She was greatly devoted to the church of her choice, and never failed to attend its services when health and surrounding conditions permitted. The funeral service was conducted by her pastor, E. E. Branch; the singing being done by Mrs. W. Sherman Lister, with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Grace Cressey. The service was largely attended and the floral tributes many and beautiful. Interment in Highland park.

The following from out of town were present: Mrs. and Mrs. C. M. Northrop of Lakeview, Mrs. Fannie Kinney of Grand Rapids; Henry Steele of Ronald, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Steele of Woodland, Mr. and Mrs. Dillenbeck of Lake Odessa.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CUTLER, Philo D.

Ionia Sentinel, Tuesday, 6 September 1898

Philo D. Cutler, of Ionia township, for long years a prominent farmer resident of Ionia county, died on Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock, at the ripe age of 80 years and 2 months. The funeral services will be at 1:30 (standard time), at his late home, conducted by Rev. Ainsworth, of Muir, and at the grave the ritual service of the G.A.R. will be read.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

CUTLER, Warner L.

Ionia Sentinel, Wednesday, 31 October 1900

Warner L. Cutler was born in Utica, N. Y., June 18, 1826 and died Oct. 28, 1900 at his home in Ionia. He was married to Lorinia E. Steele at Frankfort, N. Y., Jan. 11, 1848, and they moved to Ionia in 1866, where they have since resided. His brother, Philo Cutler, who died in Sept. 1898, was well known to all old Ionians.

His wife, three children and seven grandchildren survive him. The children are: Mrs. Ella C. Massey of Adrian, Philo and Wilbert W. Cutler of Ionia. He is survived also by one sister, Mrs. H. Rich of Ionia, who is now in Chicago and was unable to return here for the funeral on account of the serious illness of her husband.

The funeral was held this afternoon at the home on Jefferson St. Rev. D. L. Martin officiated and the interment was in Highland Park.

Contributed by: Marilyn Ransom

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