Kipp Allen Braman

Kipp Allen Braman, 68, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma, Michigan, with family at his side.

He was born in 1955 in Alma, the son of Glenda (Monk) Braman and the late Richard “Dick” Braman. He graduated from Fulton High School. As fate would have it he met Patricia Zamarron at a basketball game at Fulton and decided that was someone he better hold on to. They were married on September 1, 1973, and they shared 39 years together before Patti passed away in 2012.

Kipp worked in the steel room at Motor Wheel in Lansing and on the oil derricks with McLachlan Drilling in Evart before becoming a partner in Braman Oil Company of Ashley. Along with his parents and wife, they grew the company into a thriving business that employed several people and more importantly proudly served the community they loved. After they decided to sell the family business he worked for Janson Equipment in Breckenridge, Comprehensive Logistics in Lansing, and MLT Transport in Mount Pleasant.

He was a member of the Pompeii United Methodist Church and served as a member of the Gratiot County Sheriff’s Posse for a number of years. While serving on the Posse he especially appreciated it when people at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth would compliment him on his ass (otherwise known as his mule Ruth that he was so very proud of). Kipp enjoyed all things aircraft related and traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, multiple times to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention. He also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren (and anyone else that was interested in learning) how to respect and properly handle a handgun. Kipp was a life member of the National Rifle Association and helped teach Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) courses for years and he was known to carry a handgun or two (or three or four) on his person from time to time.

But there was nothing he loved more than spending time with his four granddaughters. He would be at every event and activity they participated in. If he thought there was a chance to watch them at a sport they played in or see them working livestock at a show - he was there. He loved taking his girls to Tom’s Western Store in Ovid to buy them gifts and spend the afternoon making them happy. He loved them all “a hundred million” and ended every phone call with promises of hugs. His playful spirit and memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

He is survived by his mother Glenda Braman of Ashley, his children Josh Braman of Lansing, Jenifer (Steven) Taylor of Ashley, and Jacob (Lacie) Braman of Ithaca; four granddaughters, Samantha Taylor, Kylea, Karley, and Khloe Braman; and brother David Johnson of Florida and brother in-laws Skip Bongard of Ashley and Jim Falor of Ithaca. He was preceded in death by his father Richard Braman, and sisters Linda Bongard and Kerry Falor.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 2nd at 2pm at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with Pastor Ried Martin officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Sunday, October 1st at the funeral home.

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

Lois Ellen (Maddox) Leiter

Lois Ellen (Maddox) Leiter of Ithaca sadly went to eternal rest on September 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness.  Lois was born in Wetmore, MI to Harold and Maude (Brown) Maddox on January 4, 1948.  In 1962 Lois moved to Ithaca where she met the love of her life.  On March 28, 1970 she married Tony Leiter and for 53 years they shared a wonderful life together.  They were joined by 3 children; Brenda (Russ) Weaver, Mandy (Bill) Holton, and Tony (Krista) Leiter to complete their family.  She has 5 grandchildren; Jill, Scottie, Julie, Larissa and Tristan and 11 great grandchildren. 

Lois is survived by Tony and her children; her sister Janie (Jimmy) Wilson; and sisters-in-law Linda (Doug) Bush and Diane Leiter; many nieces and nephews, along with a special friend Michelle Lehnen.  She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Maude Maddox; her in-laws Clair and Carol Leiter; sister Margaret and Tom Mathais; brother Eddie and Nancy Maddox; and brother Duke Maddox, along with granddaughter Jennie Baker; great granddaugther Hannah Rivard and great grandson Lane Roslund.   

Lois was very kind and giving.  She worked at several factories and was known for her upholstery skills, baking wedding cakes, and catering many celebrations.  She was the one you could always count on to be there for you; family, friend or stranger.  Lois said it like it was while being the most companionate and generous person.  Lois will be missed and be forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the family for expenses.  There will be visitation on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 5-8pm at Barden’s Funeral Home.   The memorial service will be at the United Methodist Church in Ithaca on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11 a.m.

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

Maynard Bruce Allen

 Maynard Bruce Allen, age 88, of Elwell, died Wednesday, September 19, 2023, at Country Friends Assisted Living  near Sumner.  He was the youngest of six children born to Howard and Blanche (Yarnell) Allen.  

Maynard was born June 1, 1935 in North Star Township.  Early in life he farmed with his family, but through most of his life he worked as a heavy equipment operator.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1952.  He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Elizabeth Tynan in September 1957, enjoying 66 years of marriage.  Together they spent many summers in Sault Saint Marie and winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  

Maynard is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; their two children, Teresa Allen of Mt. Pleasant, and Brad (Karen) Allen of Illinois; four grandchildren, Breanne (Erik) Bliss, Courtney (Andy) Allen, Ian (Michelle) Byl, and Brandan (Dallas) Allen; Seven great grandchildren, Parker, Gabriella, Bryce, Brinley, Rowan, Gavin, and Jaxon.  He was cherished by his family and will be missed.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Allen; his brother-in-law, Rodney (Sue) Tynan; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings, Duane (Frances), Denzil (Rebecca) Cecil (Laura) Romaine, and his sister, Maxine.

A giant “ThankYou” to Country Friends and all the staff for the kind and loving care they gave Maynard.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Gratiot County Commission on Aging.  The Allen family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Annabel Peet

Annabel Peet, age 99, of Ithaca, died Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Masonic Pathways in Alma.

Annabel was born on a farm in rural Gratiot County on August 27, 1924, the daughter of Roscoe and Pearl (Diehl) Daymon, after a busy day of thrashing.  The neighbor ladies came and cooked for the thrashing crew the following day.  She was the third of five children.  She worked four years at Entriken’s General Store in Pompeii through her teen years.

Annabel played on the Pompeii softball team for four years and later played for the Ithaca softball team for two years.

Annabel traveled to Paso Robleo, California, in 1942 to marry her fiance, Gerald Peet, who was stationed at Camp Roberts, California.  She worked for Economy Cleaners, pressing dress jackets for the service members, before returning to Ithaca when Gerald was shipped to the Philippines.  They had four children and she worked for Redmond Motor for thirteen years until the factory was moved to Owosso.  She went to work for Gould’s Market for two years, then for McClow’s Dry Cleaners for a few years, and eventually Jerry’s IGA grocery store in Ithaca for thirteen years as the produce manager and cashier.  

Annabel did handcrafts as a hobby and sold them by word of mouth through friends, eventually making quilts and doing craft shows full time.

Annabel and Gerald traveled on camping trips, doing lots of fishing and square dancing.  They square danced for thirty five years, and did both square dancing and round dancing at many festivals and dance clubs.

Annabel is survived by three children; her daughters Connie (Stanley) Martin of Ithaca and Kay Lyn (Arthur) Clark of Alma; her son, Duffy (Sandy) Peet, of Bozeman, Montana; her son-in-law, Ron Broadbent; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Joanne Peet; many nieces and nephews; and a special lifetime friend, Garold Browne.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; her daughter, Carolyn Broadbent; her sisters, Nina Hawkins, Marguerite Hart. and Marie Vaughn; and her brother, Jack Daymon; as well as her parents-in-law, sister-in law, brothers-in-law, and many square dance friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 18, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Rev. Arthur Clark officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, at Barden Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Iva Marie Goodhall

Iva Marie Goodhall was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife during her 93 years of life. She passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023 surrounded by her family. 

Born on July 14, 1930 in Ashley, Michigan to Gladys Marie and Alden Tupper Burlingame, Marie was the oldest of two children. She was raised in Ashley and graduated from Ashley High School in 1947.  She married the love of her life, Willard Herbert Goodhall, on September 10, 1948. In 1949, they welcomed their first child Linda, followed by Sharon, and then Rodney. 

Marie loved to spend time with her family and friends, to travel, watch the birds, play cards, and work with plants. She volunteered for over 40 years at the Ashley Nursing Home weekly calling Bingo numbers and believed strongly in giving back. American Red Cross awarded her the Lifetime Achievement award for her service to Gratiot County in 1997. She also volunteered her time at countless funeral dinners for the North Star community, volunteered at the Ithaca Day Camp held at Reed Park, as well as the North Star Easter Egg Hunt. 

In addition to her volunteering, she began working with flowers at Kleinhan’s Greenhouse, which led her to opening her own greenhouse called Flower’s by Marie. She used that creativity with flowers to design floral arrangements for many community grave side urns. She also spent time as a member of the Chit Chat Club.

She was known affectionately as “Grandma Marie” to all who met her and always had an open door for anyone who stopped by. She was always up for a game of cards with her family and could talk to anyone. She loved a good slot machine, blueberry pancakes, and was always waiting with open arms for one of her amazing hugs. She was stubborn, fiercely independent, loving, and unfailingly welcomed everyone and anyone to family dinners at her house. She was the center of her family and will be incredibly missed. 

Marie is predeceased by her husband, her three children Linda Goodhall, Sharon Carman, and Rodney Goodhall. She is also predeceased by her parents, as well as her brother, Jack Burlingame.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Rodger Carman, her daughter-in-law, Becky Goodhall, bonus daughter Cindy (Ray) Hernandez, as well as her grandchildren Shalon (Dave Rozich) Nieman, James (Nikee) Carman, MaLynda (Jeremie) Smith, Shane (Laura) Carman, Amanda (Keith) Kuczynski, and Holly (Tom) High. In addition, she is survived by her great grandchildren: Tyler (Alex), Brendan (Kacey), Megan (Jared), Ryan (Sarah), Jeren, JaLyn (Anthony), Haden, Madee, Alden, Nathan, Justin, Luke, Iva, Marie, Kodie, Dylan, Zak, Garrett (Jenna), and Grace (Brandon). She is survived by four great-great grandchildren: Akia, Sawyer, Paisley, and Addyson, as well as three more on the way. She also leaves many other family members, friends, and countless others who will miss her dearly. Her impact on her family is immeasurable and she will be missed beyond what words can say. 

A visitation with the family will be held at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca on Monday, September 18th, 2023 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The memorial service will begin at 4:00pm. Donations can be made to Gratiot Animals in Need, P.O. Box 363, Ithaca, Michigan 48847. 

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