Neville Virgil Pitcher

Neville Virgil Pitcher, 90, passed away on February 13, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, family story teller, along with being a trusted mentor and friend to many.

Neville was born at home in Vickeryville Michigan, to Laurence and Lucile (Long) Pitcher on November 18, 1933, and attended Vickeryville School followed by Carson City High School. He continued his education at Michigan State College but after two years it was interrupted by his military service. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Knox serving as tank instructor and a member of the rifle team as the Korean War ended. After serving, he married Lois Margaret Martin, daughter of Simeon and Ruby (Andrews) Martin of Stanton in 1956. Neville then completed his undergraduate degree in Residential Building and Lumberyard Management from Michigan State University and graduated in 1958. 

He was a long-time business owner (54 years) of construction and remodeling businesses, first as Pitcher Brothers Construction, Building Associates and finally Interiors by Neville, a business that still bears his name. He enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Neville was proud to have visited all 50 states and especially enjoyed National Parks. He was a long-time golfer and member of Gratiot County Club and enjoyed many outdoor activities. 

Serving his community was always a priority for Neville. After settling in Ithaca, he joined the JCs, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the Ithaca Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, and the local planning and zoning commissions. At the state level, he was on the boards of the Lansing Chapter of the National Homebuilders Association (President), and the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association.

Neville’s impact on the local community is undeniable. It is hard to drive down a local road where he has not built or remodeled a home, designed a kitchen or a bathroom or installed a hot tub. Through over 50 years in business, he has an amazing network. It was rare for him to meet someone new and to not find a common friend or acquaintance in the process.

Neville is survived by his wife of 67 years (Lois Margaret Martin Pitcher), children Jane (Stephen) Dulski of Sammamish, WA, James (Kimberly) Pitcher of Valparaiso, IN and Jay (Carrie) Pitcher of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Matthew, Thomas and John Dulski, Zachary (Jaclyn) and Benjamin (Juliet) Pitcher, Katelyn, Margaret and Tess Pitcher; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Oliver Pitcher.

The celebration of Neville’s life will be this Saturday, February 17th at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon at the Ithaca Senior Center (1011 E. North St.) will follow to share stories and memories. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Staria M. Goward

Staria M. Goward, age 68, of North Star, went to be with her husband, Randy, on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.  Staria was born in Alma, MI, on January 11, 1956, the daughter of Leon and Ruby(Stonerock)  Fetters, and grew up in Wheeler township, They are survived by their miracle, Randy Lynn Goward II.  Star was from a family of 8 girls and 1 boy.   Surviving are Sally and Dan Ayen, Slyvia Adamski, Susan and Jeff Mosier, William and Teresa Fetters, Patty and Kevin Coty, and Mary and Greg Harris; her nieces Dawn and Duane Turner, Adam and Solitare Ayen, Nathan Adamski, Sarah (Donald) Long, Carmen Adamski, Dirk and Blake Fetters, Kayla Fetters, Hailey Tester, Trent Tester, Janice Coty, Nicole (Luis) Melendez, Brothers and Sisters in laws Criag and Carol Goward, and their children Marc Goward, Marci (Rodger) Wallace, Stacy and Barr Snyder, nieces Wendy Courtney Melissa Wallace, Kyle (Aubre) Travis, Caleb, Marissa Goward Angel, Kayann (Dylan) Ariel, several great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Randy, parents Leon and Ruby Fetters, Grandpa Alvie Fetters, sisters Velma & Sharon Fetters, in laws Alfred and Beverly Goward, and her niece, Stephanie Wallace.

Star is a huge Elvis fan and bragged she had seen Elvis in concert in 1975 & 1977.  She worked as a Rubbermaid and Avon Lady, as a route driver for Record Leader (Morning Sun), and as a CNA at Wilcox Nursing Home as well as UpJohn Health and concluding with 22 years as a beloved State Farm agent.

Funeral services for Star will be 1 p.m. Thursday, February 8, at the Barden Funeral Home, with her brother officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, from 3-5 p.m., and Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery.  The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jan (Hubbard) Myers

Mary Jan (Hubbard) Myers, age 81 of St. Louis Michigan went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2024. Mary (Jan) was born in Alma, Michigan on July 8, 1942, the daughter of Wilbur G and Rebah (Abbey) Hubbard. She graduated from Ithaca High School and later achieved her Beautician License. Mary (Jan) married Stanley Myers in 1964. She enjoyed babysitting neighborhood children and attending church on Sundays.

She is survived by her children, son Tommy G. Myers and daughter Shelly Lynn Myers; grandchildren Tyler Myers & Madison Myers, sister Elizabeth (Dan) Martin of St. Johns and niece and nephew Tara & Clayton Martin. She was proceeded in death by her husband Stanley J. Myers; parents Wilbur G. and Rebah (Abbey) Hubbard, brothers Joseph Hubbard and Tommy Hubbard.

Memorial contributions can be made to Dallas to the Rescue by going to  www.dallastotherescue.com and selecting donations or by mailing a check to 303 Valley Ave., Alma Michigan 48801 in memory of Mary (Jan) who loved animals.

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

Karen Ann Pratt

May 10,1947 – December 27, 2023

Karen Ann Pratt, age 76, of Alma, passed away December 27, 2023, at Beaumont hospital in Wayne, Michigan.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 11 AM at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with Pastor Geff Bush officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Alma. A luncheon will follow at the VFW Hall on M-46 in St. Louis. Donations may be made to the Pratt family in lieu of flowers.

 Karen was born May 10, 1947, the daughter of Elton and Helen (Humphrey) Small.  She married her sweet prince, Robert Lee Pratt December 7th, 1963, in Riverdale, Michigan. She worked for Masonic Home in Alma for over 30 years.  She retired from Masonic Home and then worked for My Mid-Michigan Hospital for 5 years in the activities department.  Karen enjoyed reading, movies, playing cards, family game nights, deer hunting, playing slots, camping, and traveling with her husband and in-laws.  She particularly adored her family and all her beloved animals.

She is survived by her three daughters; Daneen Moore of Alma and her children Tosha and Anthony; Lori (Paul) Pratt of Garden City and their children, Bobbie (Levi) and Hilary (Ian); Lesa (Larry) Pratt-Wheeler of St. Louis and their children, Mike (Ron), Cody, Shaylee, Mathew, and all of her great-grand children, Jaidyn, Layla, Makya, Kayanne, Matalie, Noah, Dustin, Aria, and Remington; along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents Helen and Elton, her sisters, Vivian and Shirley, her niece Tonya, and nephew Raymond.

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

Carol Lynn Oberlitner

Carol Lynn Oberlitner, age 68, of Alma, died  in Midland, MI, on Thursday, December 21, 2023. 

Carol was born in Alma on June 10, 1955, the daughter of Carl and Vera (Kozeny) Oberlitner.  She graduated from Alma High School and became a licensed beautician.  She learned how to arrange flowers and worked for Meijer’s in Grand Rapids for many years decorating displays in their stores. She won an award for her work there.  Carol also loved photography and baking pies.

Carol is survived by her sister, Marlene Oberlitner; her aunt, Marilyn House; her cousins, Mike Oberlitner, Fran Heany, Doris Godfrey, and a few more cousins in Detroit and South Dakota.   She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Joseph.

Funeral services for Carol will be 3 p.m. Saturday, December 30, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Visitation will be from 1p.m. until the start of the service.  Interment will be in Ford Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.