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.

Axel B. Caris

Axel B. Caris, 76 of Stanton, passed from his earthly life July 10, 2023.

He served in the United States Navy during peace time, where he played trombone in the Navy Band.  He retired from Frigidaire-Electrolux in Greenville after working there many years.  He enjoyed playing bingo, driving his car (always one with a comfortable ride and when younger his car always had lots of horsepower) and spending time and enjoying good meals with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Thomas and Mildred (Donavan) Caris, his siblings Richard Caris, Caroline Balmert, John Caris, and Rowland Bowen.  He is survived by his brother James Caris and sister Betty Ann Naranjo, several nieces, nephews, great-niece and great-nephew and many very dear friends who were family to him.

A private family burial is planned.  As per his wishes, a celebration memorial is scheduled for July 20, 5:30-8PM at the Stanton Community Room at the Stanton City Hall: 225 Camburn St, Stanton, MI 48888.  His family looks forward to sharing memories and fellowshipping over a special meal that he has directed be served, with all the people who were touched by his life.

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

Cindy Lou Sanders-Piper

February 17, 1954-July 13, 2023 

Cindy Lou Sanders, age 69, of Sumner formerly from Bridgeville passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.

She retired from Fisher Body in 2008 and was a 1972 Ithaca High School graduate. She enjoyed traveling to Cheboygan and spending time at Camp Sandpiper where golf cart rides and berry picking were a summer ritual, photography as well as trips with the 5th wheel camper visiting caves throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.

Cindy is survived by sisters Bonnie Medved of Ithaca, Wendy Sanders of Sumner and brother Larry (Sheila) Sanders of Ithaca; sisters-in-laws Georgia Sanders of Middleton, Sally (Carl) Chapin of Stanton and Dot (Jim) Bancroft of Maple Rapids and several nieces and nephews. 

She was proceeded in death by her husband Fred Piper, parents Ronald and Maxine Sanders, sister Elaine Piper, brothers Terry Sanders and Gary Sanders and in-laws Harry and Florence Piper and brother-in-law Leslie Piper.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 17, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 11 am at Barden Funeral Home with interment following at Collier Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

John Paul Baxter

John Paul Baxter, 51 of Alma, went home to be with his Lord and Savior July 3, 2023.

John was born October 15, 1971 at the Alma Hospital to Jesse and Delores (Cooley) Baxter.

He attended Ithaca, St. Louis, and Alma Public Schools. He graduated from Alma High School/Special Education. John was active in the Special Olympics early in his life, he played basketball. He enjoyed bike riding, walking the property, mowing lawn, and most recently riding the SxS with his brother Bill and being with his family. John was a big fan of NASCAR, he even had the chance to go to a race in Michigan. John worked 22 years for Marriot at Alma College in food service. There he made many friends and loved going to work. John was a member of the St. Louis Church of Christ and was proud of his faith. Sunday school was his favorite.

John Paul Baxter is survived by his parents Jesse and Delores (Cooley) Baxter, brother William (Laureen) Baxter, two nephews T.C. (Jenni) Baxter and Chancey and fiancé Tiffiny West Baxter, also one uncle, Jim Caris of Michigan, two aunts, Nina Gardner of Barryton, MI and Phyllis Love of Florida. He was preceded in death by grandparents Elbert and Lillian (Harrison) Baxter, and Hiram and Esther (Sheldon) Cooley, as well as many aunts and uncles.

A cremation is planned with a  private family burial. A memorial service will be planned later.

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

Joseph Russell Fussman

Joseph Russell Fussman, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away on June 16, 2023. Following several months of a courageous battle from suffering a brain aneurysm, Joe died peacefully at home with his loving wife Tina by his side. He was 52. 

Joseph, known as Joe, was born to Janet and Patrick Fussman on July 7, 1970 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He was named after his fraternal grandfather Joseph Fussman and maternal grandfather Russell Cole. His family moved to Holt in 1972 where he graduated from Holt High School in 1988.

Joe was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and loyal son, brother and friend. He was a very giving man and the type of person who was always willing to help anyone who needed it. His sense of humor brought joy to the people around him.

Joe and Tina had so much love for each other and they did everything together. He was always supportive of Tina and her hobbies and never turned down an idea, even if it meant driving all over Michigan collecting rocking chairs for their granddaughter. Tina also showed Joe the same love and support, and was by his side every day caring for him following the brain aneurysm.

A lifelong electrician, Joe was excellent at his work and showed dedication in everything he did. Joe also showed his love for others through actions. Outside of work, you could find him helping family and friends with various side jobs and projects, and also working on renovations at home with Tina.

When Joe wasn’t helping his friends and family, you could often find him playing in the kitchen and trying new recipes. His children will say some of their fondest memories of their dad was when he’d make his famous breakfast pizza on the weekends for them and their friends. Joe was also an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and passed his love for football down to his sons.

Joe is survived by his wife, Tina Fussman; children, Kyle Fussman (Olivia Adams), Cody Fussman, Desiree Fussman (Anthony Zerki) and Brianna (Nolan) Sysak; grandchildren, Bryce Fussman and Laynee “Layneebug” Sysak; his mother, Janet Fussman; his siblings, Karen (Ron) Thelen, Jim (Teresa) Fussman and Kevin Fussman (Jennifer Gregory). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, many aunts and uncles, extended family members, friends and coworkers. Joe was preceded in death by his father Patrick Fussman and nephew Jordan Fussman.

Joe’s family will host a visitation on Wednesday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service beginning immediately after at Barden’s Funeral Home, 225 W. Center St., Ithaca, MI 48847. The funeral service will be officiated by Joe’s uncle, Deacon Larry Fussman. A luncheon will follow at Leaton United Methodist Church, 6890 E. Beal City Road, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Those who cannot attend the funeral are welcome to join the family at the luncheon.

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