Clifford G. “Buster” Flegel

Clifford G. “Buster” Flegel, age 97, of Ithaca died Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Warwick Living Center in Alma.

Clifford was born March 14, 1915 in Hamilton Township to Ellis and Mabel (Greer) Flegel. He married Nellie Peck June 1, 1943 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She preceded him in death June 17, 2011. Clifford was a veteran of the US Army where he served as an MP during WWII.

Clifford was involved in farming until 96 years of age, and could be found around the farm on his four wheeled gator until recently. His love of nature was evident in hiking, traveling, and family camping. He and his brothers enjoyed deer hunting in the U.P., as well as sports, history, and auctions.

Clifford is survived by his children, Elaine (John) Thomas of Ithaca, Keith (Irene) Flegel of Ithaca, Evelyn (Ken) Walter of Greenfield, Indiana, Duane (Bernadette) Flegel of Espanola, New Mexico; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sisters Zella Howes of Ithaca and Wanda Wymer of Alma; and brothers Donald (Catherine) Flegel of Brant and Phillip (Nancy) Flegel of Eureka. He is preceded in death by his wife Nellie and brothers Nyal, Romaine, Volney Lee, and Richard.

Funeral services for Clifford will be 1pm, Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Edgewood Church of God. Pastor Dave Perry will officiate and burial will follow at North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday, April 25 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial Contributions may be made to either the Edgewood Church of God or to the Gratiot Commission on Aging. 

Frederica “Freddie” Mae Chaney

Freddie Mae Chaney, age 77, of Ithaca died Friday, April 20, 2012 at Rosewood AFC in Ithaca.

Freddie was born May 1, 1934 to Fred and Emma Angeline (Quidort) Smith in Ithaca. She married Francis “Bud” Chaney September 6, 1963. Bud preceded her in death January 7, 1988. Freddie and Bud managed the Ithaca Bowling Alley for 12 years where she thoroughly enjoyed youth bowling leagues.

In her youth, Freddie was very active in sports, and her love for sports continued throughout her life. She followed Ithaca athletics religiously as well as Shepherd softball. Freddie enjoyed visiting with people at the golf course, and coached Sumner softball leagues. She also enjoyed being involved in Ithaca’s band program, where she was a band camp chaperone and later became camp director.

Freddie is survived by her children, Jeff Chaney of Kalamazoo and Jill Chaney of Mt. Pleasant; and her sisters Cleo Dedie of Ithaca, Evelyn Green of Ithaca, Dessa McCall of Benzonia, and Iva Cross of Breckenridge. She is preceded in death by her husband Bud; her parents Fred and Emma; and her brothers Norris Smith, Versal “Bud” Smith, and Elmoin Smith.

Funeral services for Freddie will be 1pm Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Pastor Steve Gulick will officiate and burial will follow at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, April 23, from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Max Phelps

Max Phelps, 93, of Stanton, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Sparrow Hospital.
Max was born on August 3, 1918 in Greenville to Leland and Leah (Comstock) Phelps. He married Flora “Ethol” Henry in Greenville on September 19, 1940. Max was a proud member of the U.S. Navy and served on the Battleship Pennsylvania during WWII. Max was a hardworking and multi-talented man. He worked for Chrysler in Muir, was a certified milk tester for MSU, made many of the areas split stone fireplaces, farmed his land, and was a self-employed carpenter. After retiring he and his wife worked with Missionaries in Aruba, New Mexico, Arizona, Haiti, and Italy. They also participated in an educational Bible study in Israel. He was a valued member of the Trinity Evangelical Free Church where he served as an Elder and worked on the Missionary Committee. He was a member of the VFW in Sheridan. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and talking to family and friends. Max was always interested in hearing other people’s ideas and could really tell a good story and joke. He will be missed by many.

Max is survived by his wife Flora; his son and daughter in law, Keith and Janice Phelps of Stanton; grandchildren, Tamela and Robert Sweeris of Stanton and Kevin and Julie Phelps of Casa Grande, Arizona; great grandchildren, Faylyn, Mitchel, Veronica, Makayla, and Benjamin; and a sister, Priscilla Hansen of Greenville. Max was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Green.

A celebration of Max’s life and Home going will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Stanton. His family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service on Monday. Pastor Kurt Hoffman will officiate, VFW Post 5065 will perform Military Honors, and burial will be in McBride cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church, the Gideons, and/or Heritage Village. Envelopes will be available at the church and Barden Funeral Home, Stanton.

Vera Hope (Archambault) Banks

Vera H. Banks, age 90, died April 12, 2012, at McVeigh’s AFC in Ithaca.

Vera was born September 26, 1921 in Riverdale, the 5th of 6 children born to Floyd and Edna (Parks) Archambault.  She married Wayne Banks on September 5,1940.  He preceded her in death on October 29,1994.  She worked several years at JJ Newberry’s in Alma and retired from General Telephone.  She was active in the community, volunteering in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, and various PTA’s.  

Vera was very outgoing and made friends easily.  She was very active and did everything she ever wanted to do.  She loved to travel and had been through all of the United States as well as some other countries.  She enjoyed being outdoors and playing golf.  She also loved to sing with the Sweet Adelines.

Vera is survived by her son, Price Banks, of Lawrence, KS; her daughter, Charmaine Robinson of Muskegon; 3 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; her brother, Ivan Archambault of Weidman; her sisters, Fern Race of Ithaca, and Golda Clark of Elwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Banks in Violet Hill, AR; and two brothers, Harold Archambault in Elwell and Donald Archambault in Mesick.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Justin Daron officiating.  Contributions may be made to Hospice, 3007 Saginaw Road, Midland, MI 48640. 

William R. Kirby

William (Bill) R. Kirby, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Ithaca, MI passed away on Friday, April 6, 2012 after an extended illness.

He was born on December 15, 1928 in Flint, Michigan to Thomas and Ora (Hackney) Kirby. He graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1947 where he was the Salutatorian. He received a scholarship to Central Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in education. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane in 1951 and served two years in the U.S. Army. In 1953 he was hired by Ithaca Public Schools to teach mathematics, mechanical drawing, and physical education. He served the Ithaca community and school system his entire career and held positions as the Varsity Football Assistant Coach, Head Basketball and Baseball Coach, Athletic Director, Junior High School Principal, and City of Ithaca’s Summer Recreation Director. In 1969 he became the Ithaca High School Principal and remained in that position until his retirement in 1986. He touched many lives and is remembered fondly as teacher, coach, colleague, and principal.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Kirby (Winterle) of Mt. Pleasant; his sons, Kris (Betty) Kirby, and Dr. Kent (Beth) Kirby of Mt. Pleasant, MI; his daughter, Kathy (Dennis) Jones of East Grand Rapids, MI; and beloved grandchildren, John, Morgan, Hayley, and Evan.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Ithaca High School on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 10:00-11:30 followed by a memorial service.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Gratiot County Community Foundation - William R. Kirby Scholarship.  This fund was created by Bill Kirby’s former students and players as an honor for his years of service and the scholarship is designated annually for an Ithaca High School graduate.