William “Willie” H. LaFreniere

William “Willie” H. LaFreniere, 71 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024. 

He was born on May 28, 1952 in Manistique, MI to Bill and Millie (Bailey) LaFreniere.

While growing up he went to school in Ithaca and spent his summers in Grand Marais.  Willie graduated in 1970 from Ithaca High School.

On April 1st, 1972, Willie married the love of his life, RoseZan Sue Finch.

Willie was a hard worker, starting at age 11 at Dionise Market.  Later he could be seen anywhere from the Shell pumping gas to pouring drinks at the North Star Bar.  He worked at Wolverine World Wide where he met RoseZan and later retired from Aircraft Precision Products after nearly 40 years.  

Willie and RoseZan had 4 children; Scott (Carla) LaFreniere of Alma, Heather LaFreniere of Utica, Heidi (Wayne) Gavenda of Ithaca, and Hollee (Dottie) Nicholson of St. Clair Shores.  

Anyone who knew Willie knew how much he loved youth sports.  He supported any and all kids, no matter the sport or school they represented.  After his own kids graduated, Willie continued to support the Ithaca youth and the Ithaca Yellowjackets.  Later he was a huge supporter of the Breckenridge Huskies.  

Besides his wife and kids, Willie is survived by his grandkids; Jasmine, Spencer, Jameson, Coltin, Brooklyn & Ashlyn.  Willie also leaves behind his furbaby, Bowie.  Surviving are also his siblings; Gail (Bob) Huber, Tim (Laurie) LaFreniere, Dave (Chris) LaFreniere & Deanette (Jeff) Watson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of great friends.

Proceeding him in death were his parents and in-laws, Ernest & Betty Finch, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

A special thank you to Dr. Russell Anderson and all the girls at the Ithaca Family Care for their endless support and care.  

Donations may be made to the family to help with funeral arrangements.  Any remaining funds will be donated to youth sports in Willies name.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Edwin Dwyer Officiating and interment following at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm Wednesday April 3, and 2-4pm and 6-8pm Thursday, April 4 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. In honor of Willie’s love for high school athletics, the family is asking for people to wear their favorite high school team clothing.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Charles Bert Lott

“If you are reading this, you will surely assume that I have deceased, but you would be wrong. My body has indeed quit functioning; however, I have gone home to be with the Lord.”

Charles Bert Lott, of 509 N. Maple St. Ithaca, Michigan passed from this earth on March 17, 2024 at the Laurels of Fulton. He was born on 11 July, 1934 in Ithaca, Michigan.

Arrangements are being handled by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Interment will be at the Sanders Cemetery in Ranger, West Virginia with graveside services by Pastor Ernest Neace. Arrangements in West Virginia are being handled by the Freeman Funeral Home in Chapmanville, West Virginia.

Mr. Lott was preceded in death by wife Sharlene Lott, parents Eldon O. And Ruth Ella Lott, two sisters Rose Wendland and Phyllis Peterlee, as well as several aunts and uncles. He is survived by several nephews and nieces.

Mr. Lott received his primary education at the now defunct Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan and his secondary education at three schools in Detroit, Michigan. His highest academic achievement was a B.A. degree in English at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also earned an A.A.S. degree in electrical technology from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.

Mr. Lott’s employment included freelance sales, radio (at two different broadcast stations), stuffing buyer’s guides, and lastly as a webmaster for Primary Power, a niche corporation headed by Roger Silverthorn (formerly of Ithaca, Michigan).

Visitation will be held 4-7pm on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with a service at 6:30pm. Mark Monroe will officiate and the church choir will sing. 

Sharon Ann (Walls) Watkins

Sharon Ann (Walls) Watkins, age 76 of Ithaca, Michigan passed away on March 10, 2024 in her home.

She was born in Lakeview, Michigan on November 12, 1947 to Orley and Ruby “Jessie” (Herzog) Walls of Six Lakes, Michigan. She married her husband, Thomas A. Watkins of Mason on November 1966 in Holt, Michigan.

She is survived by her three children - Thomas L. Watkins (Kristy) of Beaverton, Michigan, Roger A. Watkins of Ithaca, Michigan, and Karen A. Crocker (Kelvin) of Ithaca, Michigan; five grandchildren - Marcus, Douglas, Edwin, Debra, and Russell; two great grandchildren - Joshua and Tyler. She is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Behnke of Midland, Michigan and Marie Johnson of Six Lakes, Michigan; brother Jerry Walls (Kathy) of Lakeview, Michigan; sister-in-law Mary Walls of Six Lakes, Michigan; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friend Judy Gushen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orley Walls and Ruby “Jessie” Simmers, step-father Edwin “Ed” Simmers, brother Robert “Bob” Walls, sister Irene Sears, and ex-husband Thomas A. Watkins.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, puzzles, and she had a gift for talking. She was a loyal member of the St. Louis VFW Women’s Auxiliary. 

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the St. Louis VFW Women’s Auxiliary or the Gratiot County Commission on Aging in Ithaca, Michigan.

Memorial Services will be held at 11am Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Edgwood Church of God (106 S. Barry Rd.) with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am until the time of the service. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Debra Martin

Debra Jo Martin, 60, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 8, 2024 in Anniston, Ala. There will be no service. Her parents and siblings are planning a memorial.

She was born to John and Patricia (McWilliams) Martin on May 12, 1963 in Alma. She is survived by her fiancé, William Blankenship and his family; Parents John and Pat Martin of Vestaburg; brother, Pasters John and Debbie Martin of Edmore; sister, Pam and Chad Schwartz of Houghton Lake; brother, Daniel and Lisa (Bussiere) Martin of Holly; sister, Amanda Martin of Ga.; brother, Cory Borton of Fla.; brother, Wayne and Dawn Wirt of Ashley; sister, Dana and Dan Scott of Vestaburg; sister, Heather and Carl McCarrick, Jr., Alma; daughters, Shannon and Brent Re- nis, Julie and John Mueller; son, Kyle Mepham; four grandsons.

She was predeceased in death by her mother, Pat Borton; brothers, Michael and Chris Martin; sister, Milynda Lou Antes; grandparents, uncles; and niece, Amber Mitchell.

Parents and siblings will be doing a Memorial for Milynda and Debbie on May 5, 2024 at Harvest Revival Worship Center, 1380 E. Main St., Edmore, Mich. From 2 – 5 p.m. If planning to come contact John and Pat Martin at 989-875- 4249, so we can plan how much food is needed and how many are coming. Bring some good memories to share.

Milynda Lou Antes

Milynda Lou Antes, 56, of Perrinton, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 12, 2023. No services will be held, her parents and siblings are planning a Memorial Service. 

She was born to John and Patricia (McWilliams) Martin on Aug. 27, 1967 in Alma.

She is survived by her parents John & Pat Martin of Vestaburg; sister, Debbie Martin of Ala.; brother, Pasters John and Debbie Martin of Edmore; sister, Pam and Chad Schwartz of Houghton Lake; brother, Daniel and Lisa (Bussiere) Martin of Holly; sister, Amanda Martin of Ga.; brother, Cory Borton of Fla.; brother, Wayne and Dawn Wirt of Ashley; sister, Dana and Dan Scott of Vestaburg; sister, Heather and Carl McCarrick, Jr., Alma; son, Josh Antes, Britney Paulus; three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts. 

She was predeceased in death by baby daughter, Breanna Demoray; brothers, Michael and Chris Martin; mother, Pat Borton; grandparents, uncles, cousins, and niece, Amber Mitchell. 

Three months and 26 days later her sister Debbie went home to be with the Lord. 

Parents and siblings will be doing a Memorial for Milynda and Debbie on May 5, 2024 at Harvest Revival Worship Center, 1380 E. Main St., Edmore, Mich. From 2 – 5 p.m. If planning to come contact John and Pat Martin at 989-875- 4249, so we can plan how much food is needed and how many are coming. Bring some good memories to share.