David Elliott Wetzel

David Elliott Wetzel; age 82; of Ithaca; affectionately known as “Pappy”, passed away peacefully in his home in Ithaca on Thursday, August 17, 2023. David was born on August 18, 1940 in Alma at Smith Memorial Hospital to Robert and Sarah (Elliott) Wetzel. He married Sheila (Willert) Wetzel on May 19, 1962 in Ithaca. He enjoyed hunting at the Pine Hollow cabin and summer golf outings with his friends. He especially loved watching Netflix and favorite weekly television programs with his daughter, Staci, and grandchildren, Alexandra and Matthew, where they would talk for hours about the programs they enjoyed most. David owned Wetzel’s Clothing Store where he worked alongside his father, Robert (Bob) Wetzel retailing and tailoring men’s clothing. He also worked at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca where he was employed for many years. David believed strongly in service to the community and proudly served on the Ithaca Fire and Rescue Department for over 52 years. David had many pursuits throughout his lifetime but his deepest passions were with his service to Ithaca Fire and Rescue and Barden’s Funeral Home. 

David is survived by his daughter, Staci Couch of Mt. Pleasant; his grandchildren, Alexandra Couch, Matthew Couch, Taylor (Luke) Root, and Jordan Lent; his brother, Mike Wetzel; his sister Helen VanGoethem; his sister-in-law, Sharon Henderson; his nieces and nephews, Terri (Steve) Ball, Tammy (Brad) Schaub, Theresa (Tom) Richter, Michelle (Chris) Rinard, Curt Wetzel, David (Linda) VanGoethem, and John (Kristina) VanGoethem. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Sheila Wetzel; his daughter, Patti Lent; his parents Robert and Sarah Wetzel; his brothers-in-law Mike VanGoethem and Dr. Bill Henderson; and his sister-in-law Stevie Wetzel. 

Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Edgewood Church of God, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. An Honorary Fireman’s Burial will be at the Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 2-4 and from 6-8 p.m. at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Ithaca Fire and Rescue. 

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

Leona Marie Patterson

Leona Marie Patterson passed away August 12, 2023. 

She was born June 29, 1939 in Sheridan, Mi. to D.L. and Sylvia Hodges. She attended school in Stanton, Michian. After 25 years she retired from the Hyatt Regency hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Leona had a passion for cooking which helped her excel at culinary school. She was also an avid bingo player and known for her sharp wit and made many people laugh. You could find her most days listening to her favorite country music artist. 

Above all else, Leona loved her family and was a devoted mother to her eight children. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought much joy to her life. 

She is survived by her children, Alda and Bruce Schwan, Debbie Whittaker, LaVern Patterson, and Dawn and Paul Welsh. Grandchildren, Angela, Matt, Aaron, Brandy, George, Michelle, Tiffanie, William, Abby, Katie, Nicole, Jason, Ryan, Thomas, Carolyn, and Sylvia, sixteen great grandchildren, sister Katherine and Norman Dow and many friends and extended family. She is proceeded in death by her former husband, Francis Patterson, parents, sister LaVonna Patterson, brother Larry Hodges, brother Donald Hodges, sister Donna Peterman, infant twins Timmy and Tammy Patterson, and sons Frankie Patterson and Lyle Patterson. 

A viewing for the family will be held at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca on Thursday, August 17.

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

Nancy Kay Davis

Nancy Kay Davis, age 80, of rural Ithaca, died July 19, 2023.

Nancy was born in Carson City, Michigan, on May 31, 1943, the daughter of Ralph and Maxine (Bailey) Sparks.  She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1963, and married Larry James Davis on June 26, 1965. Larry preceded her in death on August 20, 2020. 

Nancy enjoyed knitting, reading books, solving crossword puzzles, and going to the casino.  She especially loved her cats.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Lisa Davis of Ithaca; son Jay Davis of St. Louis; two granddaughters Andrea Noack of Dundee, Michigan and Gabrielle Noack of Alma, Michigan.

Grave side services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Ithaca Cemeter 

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

Mary Ellen Pitkowski

Mary Ellen Pitkowski – (Czachorowski) 82,  Of Vestaburg Michigan. Went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning August 7th 2023.

Mary Ellen was born on Saturday October 12th 1940 to Mary Ann Czachorowski (Pawlowski)and Walter Valentine Czachorowski. She graduated from Pershing High School in DetroitMichigan on June 20th 1958.Mary Ellen and Eugene Pitkowski were joined in marriage onDecember 4th 1967.They had 27 wonderful years together until his passing at age of 67 onMay 26th 1994. Together they both raised 4 children William/Bill, Andre (Rose), Jeff (Jane) andNancy. They had 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Mary Ellen was a devoted member of St. Pauls Apostle Church in Ithaca Michigan. She enjoyed many things in her life like eating ice cream, playing the piano and the organ, crocheting watching Young & The Restless, The Bold & Beautiful. She loved her dog Penny and her cats Sally and Bridget. She enjoyed being outside, gardening, working in her flowerbeds and being surrounded by her family. She will be missed by family and friends. 

A Memorial Service will be at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Ithaca, Michiganon August 19th, 2023 at 12:00 noon. 

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

Larry D Barnes

Larry D Barnes, 82 of Ithaca, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his family by his side August 5, 2023.  He was born April 14, 1941, son of Darrell and Florence (Kellogg) Barnes.  He attended the Barnes Country School in North Star Township and Ithaca High School, graduating with the class of 1959.  He attended Michigan State University for a short period of time.  He married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Studer on August 12, 1960.

Larry loved hunting, fishing and camping.  He enjoyed all types of Native American crafts and made beautiful baskets and jewelry which he loved to give to his friends.  His family reaped the benefits of his woodworking skills.  He was known for his sense of humor, love of story telling, jokes (even if many times repeated), and whistling a good tune.  He was a long time member of the Ithaca Church of God and strong supporter of the Ithaca community.   His greatest love, however, was his family.

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Kathy.  Children Lynette (Doug) Freed of Ithaca; Michael (Kryssi Staikidis) Barnes  of St Charles, Illinois; Amie (Tim) Aplin of Ithaca; grandchildren Matthew Aplin of Mt Pleasant; Allison Aplin of Rochester Hills; sister in law BamberLee Barnes of Owosso, sister and brother-in law Keith and Phyllis Shaw of Ashley as well as many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Matthew Barnes, brother Richard Barnes, sister Patricia (Barnes) Andrews brother in law William Andrews, in-laws Oscar and Irma Studer, and brothers in law Carl Studer and Phillip Studer.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 9th at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.  The funeral will be Thursday, August 10th at the Ithaca Church of God at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at noon.  A luncheon will be provided at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ithaca Church of God or the Forrest Hill Nature Center. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.