Richard J. Bloss

Richard J. Bloss age 85, of Ithaca, died Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Rosewood AFC in Ithaca.

Richard was born January 30, 1927 to Jay and Emma (Young) Bloss in Perrinton, Michigan. He married Margaret Ann Bloss in Angola, Indiana on July 17, 1948. She preceded him in death, April 6, 2009.

Richard was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Japan during WWII as a lineman. In 1952 Richard went into business as an independent milk hauler. delivering first to Borden’s, and later in 1954 to the Michigan Milk Producers Association, which he continued until he was 80 years old. He was a very hard worker, and was very proud of being a milk hauler. Richard and his wife also built and operated apartment complexes in Ithaca. Richard enjoyed going to the Moose Lodge in St. Louis. He also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri. 

Richard is survived by his children, Alvin J. (Linda) Bloss of Carson City and Teresa (David) Peters of Crystal;  6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and sister Sybil (Richard) Wagenbrenner.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ann; grandson Adam Peters; and parents, Jay and Emma Bloss. 

Funeral services for Richard will be 11am, February 10, 2012 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Pastor Andy Croel will officiate and burial will follow at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 5pm-8pm, Thursday, February 9, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Rosewood AFC. 

Keith Wilson Vernon

Keith W. Vernon, age 83, of Ithaca, died Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Keith was born May 2, 1928, in Ithaca, the son of Wilson Harrison and Ruth Ann (Holmes) Vernon. He graduated form Ithaca High School and served in the U.S. Navy for five years.

For many years Keith owned and operated Vernon Television and Appliance where he serviced and sold electronics. He loved children and many will remember him as a foster grandparent at Ithaca Public Schools. He was also very active with many local organizations, including Ithaca Senior Activity Building, Gratiot Commission on Aging, the American Red Cross and the American Legion. He was an avid ham radio operator and very active in the Gratiot County Amateur Radio Association.

Keith is survived by his children, Mike (Donna) Vernon of Ithaca, Sue (Pat) Crawford of Ithaca, Pat (Carol) Vernon of Ithaca, Sally Bosley (Kevin Newberry) of Gaylord, Terry (Diane) Merchant of Ithaca, and Vicki (Rick) Nix of Leesburg, Alabama; 14 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and his close friend, Janice Nicewander. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents; and his brother, Dale Vernon.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor James Conn of Ithaca officiating. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m Monday, at the Barden Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or to the Ithaca Church of God.

Donna Ilene Olson

Donna Ilene Olson of Ithaca passed away January 27, 2012 at the age of 81. 

She was born on November 4, 1930 in North Star to Archie and Lorena (Mikesell) Kimmel. She was the second of four children.  

She was married on November 18, 1962 to Lionel Olson of Ithaca. She raised five children and took pride in her family, she was a great mentor. Donna loved gardening, canning, her church, and most of all people. She was a true caregiver taking care of everyone including all of her pets. She also loved hugs and blessed everyone with one of her beautiful smiles. 

She was survived by her husband Lionel of Ithaca; two sons James (Marjoria) of Virginia, Lionel (Robin) of Ovid, two daughters Debra of Alabama, Lisa (Larry) of  Fair Haven; eight grandchildren.  Lesa, Johnny, Julie, Sami, Zachary, Sarah, Nicholas, Jon; seven great grandchildren Jamie, Justin, Alissa, Kassondra, Hannah, Jacob, Hailey; one great great granddaughter  Emalynn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Archie and Lorena Kimmel, brother Truman, sister Flossie, and daughters Vickie and baby Linda.

 Funeral services for Donna will be 11am, Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Pastor Doug Straight will officiate and burial will follow at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm, Sunday, January 29 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Zelma Marie Payne

Zelma M. Payne, age 86, of Alma, formerly of Ithaca, died Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Gratiot Medical Center. 

Zelma was born July 4, 1923 in Pompeii on the old Fraker homestead, the daughter of Addison and Ruth (Brattin) DeMott. Following her graduation from high school, Zelma attended Bible College where she graduated with an associate degree. She married Wayland Gray Payne on June 3, 1950 in Pompeii. They enjoyed 55 years together before he preceded her in death on April 28, 2006. Zelma enjoyed music, photography, reading and sewing, and had been a sales representative for World Book Encyclopedia. She was active in the Church of God and had attended in Ithaca, St. Louis, and Alma.

Zelma is survived by her children, Patricia (Douglas) Rudd of Des Moines, Iowa, Leland (Debb) Payne of Petoskey, Juanita (Donald) Hotz of Kansas, and Eric Payne of DeWitt; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; her bother and sisters, James (Berneda) DeMott of Pompeii, Margaret Hughes of Alma, and June Jaje of Johnston, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents and 8 brothers.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 23, at the Ithaca Church of God, with Pastor James Conn and Pastor Steve Wimmer officiating. Interment will follow in Payne Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Haven or to the Gratiot County Commission on Aging.

Wilbur Francis (Jack) Coon

Wilbur Francis (Jack) Coon, 93, of Ashley, passed away with his family by his side on October 9, 2010. 

Jack was born on September 23, 1917 to George and Julia (Currey) Coon. He married Purnie Massey on June 18, 1945 in Memphis, TN. Together they shared 63 years of marriage.

Jack was a United States Navy veteran serving during WWII. After 20 years of service, Jack retired from the Navy, working as a millwright and farmer. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, cut wood, and share stories with friends.

Not only was Jack a proud member of the Navy, but also a Past Master of Ashley Masonic Lodge #399 and a member of Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123.

Jack will be lovingly remembered by his sister; Madeline Lincoln of Alma, a son Paul (Joy) Coon of Pompeii; two daughters Ruby Mason (Ted Zimmerman) of Ithaca and Patricia (Lee) Goodrich of Battle Creek. Five grandchildren, Nikki (Mike) Sparks, Joel (Teresa) Peters, Alison Peters, Sarah (Jason) Warren, and Trevor (Tailor) Bentley. Six great grandchildren; Sidney and Tristan Sparks, Lincoln Peters, Emily Maul, Kimberley Colon, and Melanie Warren. Also many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Purnie, five sisters, and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at the Barden Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 13, at 11am. Pastor Joe Robbe will officiate, and burial will follow at North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Tuesday, October 12 at the funeral home. A Masonic service will also be held at 6pm on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123 or to a place of the donor’s choice.