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Funeral Services:

Sue Marie Trimble, 87,  joined her beloved and trusted God on February 5, 2026. She passed peacefully at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, surrounded by her loving family.

Sue was born on March 28, 1938, in Charlotte, Michigan, one of four daughters of Harold and Lucille (Dowker) Smith. Sue grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, where her family owned a laundry business that she often helped operate. She attended Central Michigan University, where she met the love of her life, Richard Gale “Dick” Trimble. The two wed on August 31, 1957, in Charlotte, and began their life together in married housing. As Dick cooked for a local restaurant, Sue worked alongside him as a waitress while they pursued degrees in education. Their family grew to “The Trimble Five” in the years that followed, with each daughter bringing them more pride, adventure and laughter.

In their years together, Sue and Dick lived in Mt. Clemens, Carson City, and Alma, Michigan, before retiring to Harrison. They shared a love of camping, traveling, playing euchre, pontoon boat rides, and spending quiet time together on the deck of their idyllic home, “The Cabin.” Family was always at the center of their lives, and they rarely missed an opportunity to support their grandchildren, from soccer fields to hockey rinks, all over the country. Their inspiring love and partnership cast beautiful ripples farther than they even realized. Dick survives her.

Sue received both her Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Education from Central Michigan University. She touched countless lives during her teaching career, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a middle school English teacher, and finally adult education at Davenport University, all in Alma, Michigan. She worked 36 years before retiring in 1994. Sue was known for her care, encouragement, and lasting impact on her students, who often adoringly approached her long after they’d been in her classroom. She also enjoyed reading, book club, and TOPS, where she formed meaningful friendships to add to the many long standing relationships from every community she called home.

Sue had an exceptional sense of humor and a spunky personality, and she was kind, faithful, empathetic, a great listener, a loyal friend, and always fashionable. Every conversation with her left its participants lighter, brighter and better, and she demonstrated a true love for God through her warm-heartedness and nurturing of others. She blessed so many with the joy born from her steadfast faith. Sue Marie Trimble was truly one in a million, and she will be deeply missed.

As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jerri Scurfield (Bob), Kathy Trimble-Middleton, and Judy Trimble (Dan Widner); her grandchildren, Brad Scurfield (Mackenzie), Nate Scurfield (Maddie), Hallie Widner (Macky Scott), Grace Middleton (partner Jordan), Regan Widner (fiancé Tyler), and Tommy Middleton (partner Abby); and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Juliette, and Gale Scurfield. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, treasured friends, (Both new and lifelong), and beloved grand-dog Ralph.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Janie Tharp, Helen Snedeker (Jack), and Sally VanderPloeg.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Venue, 501 N. McEwan St., Clare, Michigan, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1 until 4 p.m. with Words of Comfort at 2:00 PM by Reverend Kathy Snedeker.

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Sue’s name, please donate to a charity of your choice.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored that the Trimble family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences may be shared with the family at wswfh.com.

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Funeral Services:

Michael Wesley Kempf Sr., a man who was set in his ways but loved his family deeply, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026. Michael, 83, of Charlotte, was born on February 21, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Richard and Evelyn (Johnson) Kempf.

Following his graduation from J.W. Sexton High School in 1961, Michael married the love of his life, Rose Marie Mesler. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, building a lifetime of cherished memories until Rose’s passing in 2005.

Michael dedicated 31 years of service to General Motors before retiring in 1992. Retirement gave him more time to enjoy the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or tending to his yard. Keeping his lawns meticulously mowed was one of his greatest joys, and he took tremendous pride in maintaining them.

Nothing brightened Michael’s day like spending time with his grandchildren. They brought him immeasurable joy and could always put a smile on his face. He also had a deep love for animals and shared his home with numerous beloved dogs and cats throughout the years. Another favorite pastime was visiting the casino – a hobby his family often joked he enjoyed a little too much – but one that always brought him excitement and entertainment.

Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Michelle) Kempf Jr.; daughter-in-law, Jill Kempf; son-in-law, John Moore; grandchildren, Michael (Karissa York) Kempf III, Jayce (Angelica) Kempf, Jerrod (Kayla) Kempf, Shelby (Sydney) Moore, John Michael (Haily) Moore, Heather (Sean) Yancey, Mindy, Derrick, and Brandon Kempf; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Bartlett, Carol Kempf, Randall (Elly) Kempf, and Connie Dwyer; and numerous extended family members.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rose; son, Ronald Kempf; daughter, Roxann Moore; sister, Nancy Schlosser; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Suzan Kay “Sue” Kader of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the age of 70.

Sue was born on December 11, 1955, to Alvin and Kay (Smith) Kader. She was raised in Bellevue, where she graduated with the Bellevue High School Class of 1973. Following high school, she continued her education at Kellogg Community College, earning her Associate Degree.

Sue dedicated many years of her career to Eaton Corporation in Marshall before later retiring from Post in Battle Creek. She approached life with enthusiasm, never passing up an opportunity to gather with family and friends. A true social butterfly, Sue enjoyed attending concerts, spending time at local events, and making lasting memories with those she loved.

Music and dancing brought her great joy, and she could often be found curled up with a good book or tending to her beautiful flower gardens. Sue’s warmth, laughter, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed.

Sue is survived by her children, Ashlen (Jessica) Blythe, Kelly (Jackie) Blythe, and Doyle (Colleen) Blythe; her cherished grandchildren, David and Kaylin Blythe, Wyatt and Turk Blythe, and Trevor and Tyler Blythe; her siblings, Karen Affolder, Jeanie (Jim) Leonard, Michael Kader, and Amy Outman; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Sue’s life will be held at a later date at Bellevue Christian Church. Please check Skinner Funeral Home’s website for updated service details.

To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Russell Arnold Moffitt of Eaton Rapids passed away July 9, 2026, at the age of 86. Russell was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on November 21, 1939, the son of Russell and Lillian (McGilvra) Moffitt. He worked for General Motors, retiring in 1993 after 34 years of dedicated service.

Russell loved nature, animals and watching the deer. He was a good neighbor, always lending a hand whenever he could. Russell liked to do yard work, tend to his flower beds and go fishing whenever he got the chance.

Russell is survived by his children, Russell (Shelli) Moffitt, Dennis (Sharon Ruggles) Moffitt, Rhonda (Gary Marx) Lovoll, Tiffany (Joshua Sowders) Reckinger; grandchildren, Jillane (Jake) Moffitt, Molly (TJ) Sanders, Jordan Moffitt, Lauren (Andrew) Moffitt; one great grandson; sisters, Deanna Aldaffer, Carol (Earl) Jones, Roberta Felkey. He was preceded by his parents; ex-wife, Ruth Ann Moffitt.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment will follow the service in Rosehill Cemetery. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Cynthia Sue Hogan of Eaton Rapids passed away July 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Cindy was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on June 11, 1947, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Austin) Hogan. She was a dedicated Nurse for many years. Cindy worked for Eaton Rapids Medical Center, retiring after 25 years of service, then went on to work for St. Lawrence Hospital for 20 more years. She also worked as an EMT and was a member of the Eaton Rapids Fire Department. Cindy was a gifted quilter. She made many beautiful custom quilts over the years. Cindy and her daughter, Susan, started Custom Quilts in 1992 working out of Susan’s basement for 10 years. In 2008, they grew enough to open Custom Quilts Quilt Shop in Haslett, MI. She remained an active owner until her husband’s sickness and death. She enjoyed camping in Sault Ste. Marie and sitting and watching the ships.

Cindy is survived by her children, Susan Myers, Thomas (Michelle) Milbourn; stepchildren, Diane, Laura, Kim, Jim, Lynn; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; best friend, Donna Ruggiano.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Mills; brother, Ray Hogan; grandson, James Milbourn; son-in-law, William “Bill” Myers.

Funeral Services were held at 11 am Wednesday July 15, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation was Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in loving memory of Cynthia Hogan.

To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Arthur David Montgomery, born to Kenneth Shirley Montgomery and Eva May Montgomery on March 26, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away on November 2, 2025, on Maui, Hawaii.

Arthur was raised one of six children. His father died when he was an infant, and he left school early to help support the family. Soon after leaving school, Arthur served in the United States Marine Corps, of which he remained deeply proud throughout his life.

After returning home, he met the love of his life, Carlyne Ann Sevenski. They married in August 1961 and shared over 50 years of devotion. Together, they raised two children, Mark and Amber.

Arthur spent the majority of his working years at the Lansing Drop Forge, where he served as a foreman known for his consistency, strong work ethic, and steady leadership. Outside of work, he enjoyed tending to an abundant and well-loved garden (particularly proud of his blueberry bushes and rhubarb plants), woodworking, a sip or three of whiskey, and smoking cigarillos.

Introverted by nature and “strong-willed” by choice, Arthur enjoyed the company of others, in small doses, especially if the time together included food, playing cards, or deer hunting.

Arthur is survived by his daughter Amber (Marty) Alexander; grandsons Brandon Montgomery, Cody (Gladys) Montgomery, David Alexander, and Casey Alexander; great-grandson Jameson Montgomery; daughter-in-law Andrea Montgomery; sister Sharon (Tomie) Day; sister-in-law Delores Sevenski; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Carlyne Ann Montgomery; his beloved son, Mark Matthew Montgomery; his brothers Kenneth Montgomery and Orrie Montgomery; and his sisters Shirley Reed and Merilyn Billips.

There will be a service for Arthur in Michigan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Oakwood Cemetery 8985-8999 E. Spicerville Highway, Eaton Rapids, Michigan at 11 a.m. As Arthur wished, he and his wife Carlyn will be buried together in Eaton Rapids.

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Funeral Services:

Kathy Sue Anderson of Dimondale, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 68.

Kathy was born on February 17, 1958, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Cecil and Isabell (White) Anderson. She was raised in Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1976.

Kathy dedicated much of her career as a clerk at Quality Dairy in Windsor Township. In her free time, she found joy in crafting and especially enjoyed the art of cross-stitching.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Isabell Anderson.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Sally Wyborski, Sherry (Tom) Brown, and Jim (Nora) Anderson; her nieces and nephews, Brian (Vicki) Cain, Sarah (Todd) Tyler, Joan (Rebecca) Anderson, Ruth (Stephen) Ancona, and Isabell Wyborski; as well as her great-nieces and great-nephews, Seth, Lincoln, Jude, Everett, and Ziva.

A graveside service will be held in the near future at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Ruth Ellen (Howard) Hiser, a remarkable 95 year old whose life spanned continents, wars, cultural shifts, heartbreak, triumph, and immeasurable love, passed away on June 4, 2026.

A World War II child survivor, courageous adventurer, artistic soul, and woman of unbreakable fortitude, Ruth lived a life that left all who knew her in awe.

She was born on February 21, 1931, in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, to James Howard and Ivy G. (Cattee) Howard, and was the cherished sister of Colin, Ivan, and Trevor. Her ancestry carried its own history of endurance, and that same strength would define Ruth through nearly a century of upheaval and change.

Ruth lived a life shaped by the beauty of her childhood coast, the trauma and discipline of war, the boldness of international migration, and the joy and pride she found in her family. She was loved deeply, admired wholeheartedly, and will be remembered as a woman whose strength was forged in history and whose love shaped generations.

Ruth is survived by her children Keith E. Hiser, Karen S. Buck (David), and Kimberly L. H. Harter (Thomas); grandchildren Rachelle Hiser, Jennifer Zemcik (Aaron), Jessica Buck, Jordan Buck, and Julie Buck; and great grandchildren Kaden, Matthew, Haley Ruth, Lainey, and soon baby Noah. She is also survived by her British sister-in-law’s, nieces and nephews, and nieces and nephews on her U.S. husband’s side of the family.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Otie E. Hiser, parents, cherished brothers, aunts, uncles, extended family members, friends and pets.

Before the War: A Childhood Shaped by Sea, Gardens, and the Norfolk Broads

Ruth’s early childhood unfolded in Great Yarmouth, a historic maritime and holiday town bordered by the North Sea and the quiet waterlands of the Norfolk Broads – an intricate network of rivers, marshes, and reed lined waterways that connected inland villages to the coast.

Before the war, Great Yarmouth was alive with energy: the Britannia and Wellington Piers sparkling with theater lights; orchestras and entertainers filling the seaside air with laughter; the Winter Gardens – a Victorian marvel of glass and iron  -housing exotic plants and elaborate displays; and families strolling through manicured seaside gardens along the promenade.

The town’s deep maritime roots  – its herring fleets, fishing wharfs, and long seaside traditions –  blended with tourist culture to create a childhood filled with movement, sound, and color.

Ruth absorbed this environment with a curious mind. She learned elegant handwriting using ink wells and pen nibs, created needlework with quiet precision, drew with natural artistic promise and expression, nurtured by her gifted uncle, and recited poetry with confidence. She loved books, took in every story she could find with a love for literature that would remain with her for nearly a century.

She grew up in a world where the sea breeze, walks along the shore, and the gardens of the Winter Gardens were as familiar to her as her own family.

These early years formed the foundation of who she became: perceptive, creative, intelligent, and capable. They instilled a refined aesthetic sense, an appreciation for culture, and a curiosity about the world – traits that would sustain her through the most trying chapters of her life. Her childhood, though short lived in its innocence, was full of color, talent, and joy.

During the War: Bombings, Firestorms, Evacuation, and a Childhood Forced Into Adulthood, Tempered by Danger, Discipline, and Extraordinary Maturity

When World War II engulfed Europe, it shattered the rhythm of Great Yarmouth’s peaceful seaside life. Ruth’s bright childhood dimmed under the shadow of war.

Great Yarmouth’s location along the exposed east coast was a strategic naval position, and the town became a repeated target during the German Luftwaffe’s aerial campaign. The skies filled with Junkers Ju 88, Dornier Do 17s and more – planes whose engines Ruth learned to identify by sound alone.

The town endured nearly a thousand high explosive bombs, incendiaries meant to ignite its wooden structures, and the persistent threat of sea mines drifting ashore. Once a playground of vacationers, it became a frontline target – its piers, theaters, and gardens were shrouded by blackout curtains and sirens.

At the age of 9, Ruth was evacuated through Britain’s massive child relocation effort known as Operation Pied Piper, where children were “billeted” to families in rural areas where bombing was less likely to occur. Children wore tags (name, location) and were sent on trains to their new homes.

From village to village the train would stop, busses would then transfer children to local schools where billet officers directed children to their relocation home. Ruth was sent to live in Lound with a farming couple, the Fosters, who had no children of their own. The Fosters did however have a “big cat” that was a source of comfort for young Ruth when she arrived and was missing her mother.

Ruth lived with the Fosters for several years. They tried to bring normalcy, but the expectation placed on children was unyielding; Ruth was gently but firmly told she must “be grown now,” and she proved herself equal to the task. The Fosters took good care of Ruth throughout their time together.  Once Ruth’s mother and little brother Colin were billeted to Retford, she was able to visit them on occasion via bicycle.  She recalled her mother’s host family, the Keetons, and the Fosters fondly as she shared stories about this time period with her family.

During the war she embraced responsibility with remarkable composure:

• rising early to help with crops, chores, and livestock  • assisting at the market selling vegetables • tutoring younger children • carrying her gas-mask everywhere (packaged in a small box with a carrying strap) and participating in both daily gas mask drills (such as testing seals based on small pieces of paper moving properly) and chemical defense routines • enduring rationing, shortages, and long separations from her mother and siblings.

Bombings struck close to home – even lodging an unexploded device in her aunt’s kitchen and damaging the chimney in her family’s home. Illnesses were met with strict remedies of strong stout, sunlight, and rest. Ruth foraged primroses to help supplement scarce vitamins. Despite the best effort of her host family, she endured fear, and loneliness – but transformed them into self discipline, compassion, and an indomitable will.

At war’s end, her town emerged battered, with unexploded ordnance found for years and piers damaged beyond recognition. Her father served in the Air Force during the war and later participated in the grim task of cleaning German concentration camps; her uncle returned skeletal after surviving Japanese imprisonment. These moments etched themselves into Ruth’s understanding of suffering and survival.

Yet she emerged from the war not defeated, but forged—steel strong, resolute, and wise beyond her years.

After the War: A Rebirth of Culture, Love, Adventure, New Worlds; A Life of Courage and Unmatched Strength

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Britain experienced a cultural renaissance. Ruth worked in an Arcade’s sweet shop during rationing years and cherished the return of joy – dances on the pier, theater performances, the rising voices of stars like Julie Andrews, and the budding energy of post war youth.

During the Korean War era, American servicemen arrived on nearby airfields. Among them was Otie E. Hiser, the man who would alter the course of her life. They married in England and their connection grew, even as oceans stood between them. When Otie returned to the U.S., Ruth embarked on the courageous journey to join him but first had to endure the long, bureaucratic process required to immigrate.

She crossed the Atlantic aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth, enduring a winter voyage so treacherous that the ship struck icebergs, passengers were locked below deck, and the thunder of ice against the hull forever etched itself in her memory – an experience that remained vivid throughout her life. She would later say she needed no movie to understand the danger of the sea; she had lived it.

Upon arrival in New York, Otie and his brother picked Ruth up in their Studebaker truck and took her sight-seeing on their way home to rural West Virginia. She recalled the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial in DC, and seeing some Hollywood celebrities (the Dead End Kids, who she said whistled at her as she sat alone in the truck, waiting for her husband and his brother) at a gas station stop. In West Virginia, the Appalachian Mountains introduced her to a world completely unlike her coastal upbringing. Yet amidst the rugged terrain, she found beauty – the roaring Gauley River, mist rising over the New River Gorge, the peaceful elegance of the historic Babcock State Park mill, and the deep musical traditions of bluegrass and gospel. This dramatic shift:

• From the lively British seaside to the quiet mountains of West Virginia

• From bicycles and bustling promenades to rural life with no indoor plumbing

• From fish and chips and theaters to coal mining, and new genres of music.

She also faced profound cultural differences, including segregation norms she instinctively rejected. She navigated American segregation, offering to share her bus seat with a pregnant Black woman simply because it was right. Her moral compass was unwavering.

Ruth faced culture shock and loneliness – yet persisted. She raised her first child, Keith, while Otie worked in Huntington, West Virginia.  Otie’s work in the glass industry moved the family across states, and Ruth continued to build a life:  A daughter, Karen, born in New York; a daughter, Kimberly, born in Michigan. Ruth was employed at Owens Illinois and later at Aluminum Extrusions (Hoover Universal), driven by a fierce commitment to always be able to support herself and her family. She established a legacy grounded in determination, education, creativity, and independence.  Ruth adapted with intelligence, integrity, and grace.

When Otie passed away in 1990, Ruth’s independence proved invaluable. She worked at the local newspaper circulation and, later, prepared meticulously to become a U.S. citizen — achieving top scores in her history and government classes. She officially became a proud citizen in 1997.

A Woman of Arts, Intellect, Talents, Strength, and Endless Curiosity

Ruth never stopped learning. Never stopped reading. Never stopped dancing, questioning, or laughing.

As a woman of remarkable capability, her passions were many:

• Music – from opera to rock to country • Theater and concerts • Drawings influenced by her artistic uncle; A gifted artist with a keen eye for detail • Reading, a brilliant, voracious reader who consumed 2–3 books a week into her nineties including mystery novels and legal thrillers • Technology — texting family, sending photos, video calling, and keeping up with the latest shows. • She corrected math done on calculators, read every prescription document, and kept encyclopedias close at hand. She believed in facts, accuracy, independence, and being prepared for life’s challenges.

Hardships Met with Courage: A Lifetime Pattern

During the COVID 19 pandemic, Ruth fractured her ankle and spent months in a locked down care facility with no visitors. She spoke to family with her cell phone, occasionally getting to see them through sealed windows at the same time – an echo of her wartime childhood separations. As always, she endured with quiet resilience.

Her life – from wartime evacuation to immigration, cultural barriers, widowhood, injury, and global upheaval – was a testament to survival, courage, and determination.

The Legacy She Built: What Her Children and Grandchildren Became

Ruth’s strength did not end with her; it radiated outward through generations.

Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren carry her legacy into fields such as art, automotive manufacturing, education, computer science, architecture, vehicle dynamics engineering, finance, parenting, and more – all infused with her insistence on strength, drive, self reliance, and appreciation of the arts.  Every one of them carries a part of Ruth – her fortitude, her intellect, her humor, her uncompromising values. Even at 95, she had more spirit and spunk than many half her age.

From her grandchildren: The loves of life and driving force to move forward

“Grandmum loved to share the things that brought her joy – treats, favorite foods, little treasures from shopping, and stories full of wit, grit, and humor. We loved hearing her tales of wartime Britain, seaside summers, candy shop adventures as a teen, and her brave journey to the United States.

Her strength was quiet but powerful. Her humor infectious. Her presence unforgettable.

We miss her deeply but take comfort imagining her reunited with loved ones and her beloved Chihuahuas.”

Ruth’s Principles — The Lessons She Lived and Passed On

• Be independent • Never stop learning • Demand accuracy and facts • Do not settle for less than your abilities • Appreciate art, music, and beauty • Always be strong and prepared.

Her legacy is alive in every life she touched.

In closing:

Blessings and love were shared with Ruth directly following her passing by her immediate family. A private memorial service will be held with her extended family in the future. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan, U.S.A. Friends are encouraged to share memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.

Ruth Ellen (Howard) Hiser – beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, spouse, and friend – leaves behind a legacy of resilience, curiosity, strength, humor, music, and love. She will be cherished forever.

Ruth’s 1940s Autograph book – friends’ limericks (old style of sharing good wishes):

By hook or by crook,
I’ll be the first in this book
-C. Hancoch 10/3/1944

You may talk of the very fine weather.
You may talk of the birds how they sing.
But when a man sits on the point of a tack,
it’s the sign of come early spring
-E.M.J 10/10/1941

A bird was flying up on high,
to drop a message from the sky
It landed in the farmers eye
Jolly good cows can’t fly
I’ve no need to tell you why
-D. Penn 10/3/1941

When your days on earth are ended,
And our path is safely trod,
May your name in gold be written,
In the autograph of God
-Joan Walker 6/10/1944

Kind hearts are the garden,
Kind thoughts are the roots.
Kind words are the blossoms.
Kind deeds are the fruits.
-A. Keeton, Lound, Retford. Oct. 1941

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet Ruth
And so are you
-Stanley Howard (Uncle) 1941

Little girls should have plenty of greens
For they are good to eat.
You will then grow such great big ears.
And also, great big feet
-G. Garrett. Slessor

When you are married and got twins
Don’t come to me for safety pins
-Jean Bennett Oct. 10, 1941

Your album is your garden plot
When all your friends may sow,
Where thorns and thistles flourish not
And naught but flowers grow
I too within your garden plot,
Would like to plant a seed,
Forget-me-not
-E. Foster, Lound, Oct. 1941

Many the course of a silent tear
-Chancock 10/3/44

Never make love in a cornfield,
remember the corn has ears
-M. Cawkwell 10/3/44

I wish you health
I wish you wealth
I wish you gold in store
I wish you heaven when you die
What can I wish you more
-J.M. Horne 10/3/1944

My heart is like a cabbage
Divided into two,
The leaves I’d give to others,
But the heart I’d give to you
-Kathleen Richardson 10/19/1944

Good, Better, Best
Never let it rest
Tell you good is better
And your better is best
-S. Swainson, 6/11/1944

When the golden sun is sinking,
And your heart from care is free,
When of others you are thinking,
Will you some-times think of me
E. Foster, Lound, Oct. 1941

And to close, here’s a final poem from Ruth’s family:

Ruth

She learned the sound of engines in the sky

before she learned to leave her mother’s side,

and carried courage like a small, sure light

across an ocean thick with ice and night.

She lived on books and music, dance and song,

a curious heart that carried her along —

she built a home from bravery and grace,

raised gardens, children, in a foreign place.

And now that she has crossed her last wide sea,

her strength remains — a part of you, of me.

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Funeral Services:

Rosemarie “Cookie” Banks, 87, entered the gates of Heaven on July 4, 2026, where we imagine she is already celebrating with fireworks as she meets her Savior face to face. 

Born on July 3, 1939, in Jackson, Michigan, to Mildred (Vaughn) and James William Willis. Cookie lived a life marked by faith, love, laughter, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Growing up in the Jackson area with her older brother, Richard, Cookie’s quick wit and mischievous personality were evident from an early age. After spending a week in the hospital as a little girl, a neighbor asked if there was anything she wanted. “Cookies,” she replied. When the neighbor said she didn’t have any, Cookie answered, “Well, go home and make some!” That humor stayed with her throughout her life, delighting family and friends with countless stories.

Cookie married her high school sweetheart, David R. Banks, in September 1959. The following spring they settled on their Eaton County farm, where they built a home filled with love, faith, hard work, and treasured memories while raising their five children: Marti, Brian, Sue, Debbie, and Rose.

As a devoted wife and mother, Cookie poured herself into caring for her family. She was an exceptional cook whose homemade cookies became legendary, and Christmas at the Banks home was always magical. Each Christmas Eve, after the children had gone to bed, Cookie and Dave decorated the tree so their children would wake to a room filled with lights, gifts, and wonder. Even amid the busy demands of farm life and raising five children, Cookie found quiet moments to enjoy a good book—sometimes escaping to the top of the silo for a little peace.

Life on the farm provided countless stories that became family treasures. During the ice storm of 1972, neighbors gathered together to stay warm, share meals, and help care for one another’s farms, illustrating the close-knit community Cookie loved. Later, when Dave surprised the family with a swimming pool, it quickly became the neighborhood gathering place, where friends and neighbors spent summer evenings laughing, swimming, and making memories together.

Cookie was gifted with a needle and thread. She sewed wedding gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses for two daughters, beautiful clothing for grandchildren, and treasured quilts that continue to wrap generations of her family in love. Her generous heart also inspired her to sew thousands of dresses for children in need around the world. She found joy tending flower gardens, growing tomatoes, reading, and creating beautiful things for others.

Above all, Cookie’s faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. She quietly served through her church, schools, food banks, and wherever she saw a need. Her home was always welcoming, her table always had room for one more, and her kindness touched countless lives.

Cookie is survived by her daughters, Martha (Don) Straub, Sue Thompson, and Rose (Aaron) Jenkins; her son, Brian (Cindy) Banks; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David R. Banks; daughter, Debbie Fulger; her parents; brother, Richard Willis; and great-grandson, Bentley Straub.

As we celebrate Cookie’s life, we hold close these words:

“There is no death, my children. People only die when we forget them. If you can remember me, I will be with you always.”

Cookie’s love lives on in every quilt wrapped around a grandchild, every tomato picked from a summer garden, every Christmas made magical, every batch of homemade cookies, and every act of kindness inspired by her remarkable life. Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing she is home with her Savior and resting in His eternal promise.

Friends are encouraged to support Rosemarie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m., with memorial services following at 2 p.m. at Five Corners Church, 4012 Marshall Road, Charlotte, with Pastor Kelli Kleinfelt officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Cedar Springs or Dresses of Hope, payable to Linda Nichols. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Margaret Kay Nelson, age 83, passed away on July 2, 2026. She was born on April 4, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion to family, and quiet kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

Margaret was a faithful and active member of Grand Ledge Baptist Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and purpose throughout her life. She was involved with Child Study Club, Mom’s and More Nursery, funeral luncheons, and Bible studies, and she gave her time generously wherever she was needed. Her steady presence and willing heart made her a blessing to her church family and to many in her community.

She especially loved the simple joys of life. Margaret enjoyed bird watching, with cardinals and hummingbirds among her favorites, and she found peace and creativity in oil painting. Above all, she loved being a mother and grandmother, and her family was the center of her world. Her faith-filled spirit guided the way she lived, and she will be remembered for the warmth, encouragement, and love she shared so freely.

Margaret is survived by her children, Penny Banner, Steven Challender, Kathleen Challender, and Sharon (Allen) Fraley; her stepdaughter, Angela Maloney; her grandchildren, Emily, Sara, Katie, Andrew, Joshua, Jessica, Christy, Natasha, Cody, and Cassy; many great-grandchildren; her siblings, Keith (Barb) Guyer, Belle Haines, David Guyer, and Joanne Falkenstein; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Kathryn (Parks) Guyer; her husbands, Loren Challender, Merlin “Mike” Maloney, and Michael Nelson; her daughter, Lorrie Halsey; her son, Loren Challender Jr.; her sister, Kristina Webb; her brothers, Stanley, Lyle, Rex, and Carl Guyer; and her stepdaughter, Sherrie Thompson.

A Funeral Service was held 1 pm, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge. Visitation was held at noon until the time of the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Grand Ledge Baptist Church, in loving memory of Margaret.