Jay Clifton Stahl

Jay Clifton Stahl, age 89, formerly of Ithaca, died Sunday, November 25, 2012 in Livonia, Michigan. 

Jay was born April 18, 1923 to Harvey and Naomi (Holmes) Stahl. He was married to Donna Thompson, until she preceded him in death in 1992.

Jay was a veteran of WWII, after the war he raised his family in Redford, Michigan where he was employed by Michigan Bell for more than 40 years in the Detroit area. In 1995 he retired and moved to Eustis, Florida. Jay was a standing member of the Church of God in Eustis, Florida.

Jay is survived by two sons, Dennis of Flowery Branch, GA, Ronald of Redford Mi, and daughter Darlene Stahl Pedrick from Largo,FL. He is also survived by beloved grandsons, Darin, Damian Stahl and William Geving, five great grand daughters and three great great grandchildren.

 Funeral services will be 11am, Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. 

Eve Joann Reha

Eve J. Reha, age 99, of Ithaca, died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Ashley Care Center.

Eve was born July 15, 1913 to John and Anastasia (Tapchak) Rotko in Cleveland, Ohio. She married James Jerry Reha in 1935. He preceded her in death in October of 1960. Eve was a great cook and loved to tend her vegetable garden and her flowers. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting. 

She is survived by her daughters, Eve (Phil) Allen of Ithaca and Sandra (David) Beymer of Allen Park, Michigan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband James; son Lyle Reha; granddaughter Christie Allen Baker; brothers Peter Rotko, Bill (William) Rotko, Steve Rotko; and sisters Ann Myers, Rose Zdyb, and Mary Rotko.

Funeral services for Eve will be graveside 3pm Friday, November 30, 2012 at the North Star Cemetery. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

George E. Zamarron

George E. Zamarron, age 86, of Ithaca, died Saturday, November 24, 2012 in Ithaca. 

George was born February 28, 1926 to Trinidad and Amelia Zamarron in Hamtramck, Michigan. He married  Margaret Jean Shunk March 19, 1951 in Angola, Indiana. She preceded him in death June 23, 2011.

George raised cattle on his farm and was also employed for 40 years at Motor Wheel in Lansing where he was an electrician. After his retirement, he continued to help out family, friends, and anyone else who called with a need - electrical or otherwise. George loved being surrounded by family and friends and sharing stories, and as we all know, no story was a short story. George also loved working in the yard, reading westerns, and writing lists. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Ithaca.

George is survived by his children Debra Zamarron Berry of Frankenmuth, Randy (Judy) Zamarron of Ithaca, Bob (Shelley) Zamarron of Ithaca, Becky Showalter of Midland, Cindy (Kyle) Nash of Gladwin, Rod (Robin) Zamarron of Jenison, Rick Zamarron of Utah; son-in-law Kipp Braman of Ithaca; grandchildren, Stephanie Ferguson, Matthew Berry, Alisha Weburg, Amy Riley, Alex Zamarron, Catherine Zamarron, Josh Braman, Jenifer Taylor, Jacob Braman, Chad Zamarron, Bobbie Zamarron, Scott Showalter, Kali Lopez, Katie Showalter, Jessica Mishler, Jordan Ritchie, Philip Rowley, Alexandria Rowley, Christopher Zamarron, Tayden Zamarron, Taylar Zamarron; 20 great grandchildren; brothers Ben, Dan, Tom, Ralph, and Ted; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; daughter Patricia Braman; son Billy Don Zamarron;  sisters Emily, Juanita, Louise, Mary Ann; and brothers Bob and Dave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11am Monday, November 26, 2012 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Ithaca. Burial will follow at Fritz Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8pm, with a celebration of life at 7pm, Sunday, November 25, 2012 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Gratiot County Commission on Aging or St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

James Edward Ayris

James Edward Ayris, 71 of Manistique Mi, (formerly of St. Louis, MI) died November 17, 2012 at Masonic Pathways with his beloved wife of 47 years at his side.

Jim was born November 20, 1940 in Alma, MI to Philip and Marion Ayris. After graduating from Alma High School he joined the Air Force and served his country until 1963. In 1965 he married Roberta (Bert) Hammelman of Chicago IL and they resided in the Alma/St. Louis area for most of their 47 years together. Jim drove truck for several years before becoming owner of BJ's Antiques and Coins and Village Hardware of Breckenridge MI. Jim also worked at Soaring Eagle Casino and retired from there in 2002. Jim was also a member of the Masons and the American Legion.

Jim was an avid fisherman with a great love for the outdoors. He became interested in fishing at the tender age of 3 and he never let a day go by without fishing, teaching fishing or talking about his many great catches. He had many favorite fishing holes and many great stories of his amazing catches but by far his greatest catch was his wife Bert and he was sure to tell everyone so.

Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta (Bert) Ayris of Manistique, two daughters, Jamie (Jim) Francisco of Cape Coral Florida, JoAnn (Jeff) Girard of St. Louis MI, and his grandchildren, Alexandra Ross, Austin Ross and Taylor Francisco of Cape Coral FL, Brienna Allen, Michael Allen, Corban Allen, Peyton Allen and Gracie Girard of St. Louis MI. He is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Sam) Ayris of Davenport, FL, Ronald Ayris of Beech Grove IN and three sisters, Phyllis Carroll of Idaho, Elaine (Calvin) Smith of Sand Lake, MI, Sharon (Fred) Allen of St. Louis, MI and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Mike Ayris , two sisters, Mildred Freeman and Patty Gross and one grandson Carl (CJ) Ross.

 Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service in his honor to be held at 11am, Saturday, December 8, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ithaca, MI. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, American Cancer Society or to the family.

Kenneth Sherman Fisher

Kenneth S. Fisher, age 93, of Cadillac formerly of Ithaca passed away November 10, 2012 in Cadillac. Graveside services for Kenneth will be 10am Monday, N0vember 19, 2012 at Pine Grove Cemetery.