Kenneth Albert Zerba, Jr.

Kenneth A. Zerba, Jr., age 69, of Sumner, died Friday, October 29, 2010, at his home, with his loving family at his side.

Kenneth was born August 30, 1941, in New Haven Township, the son of Kenneth A. and Marietta (Little) Zerba, Sr. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and hunting coyotes with his dogs.

Ken is survived by his wife, Betty; his mother, Marietta; his children, Kris (Kathy) Zerba of New Bern, N.C., Kimberly (Sam) DeAngelis of Alma, and Karla (Kevin) Everingham of Sheridan; step-children, Terry (Brenda) Holland of Ithaca, Timberly (Corey) Smith of Sidney, Montana, and Tammy (Brian) Cilibraise of Sidney, Mi; 7 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great grandchildren; and his brother, Keith (Judy) Zerba of Sumner.

Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Friday, November 5, with visitation starting at 4 p.m., at the New Haven Church of God, with Pastor John Hagerman and Pastor George Showers officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Haven Church of God or to Sparrow Hospice. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Kenneth L. Bentley

Kenneth L. Bentley, age 57, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Thursday, January 21, 2010. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Melanie Bentley of 20 years and their children Kenneth, William, and Christina (Wolfinger) Bentley, Kristen (Bentley) and William Zischke, Nicole (Chase) and Rich Maxa Jr., and Bradley Chase along with six grandchildren.

Ken was born to his surviving parents, Kenneth G. and Marilyn (Winsor) Bentley in November of 1952 in Montcalm County. He is also survived by mother-in-law Lois Nieman, his brother Tom and Terri (Burnham) Bentley, and his sisters Kathy Bentley and Sandy (Bentley) and Bob Thurston, as well as sisters-in-law Lisa and Chris, Alex, Carol and Bob MIller, Debbie and Scott Nicolas, and Donna and Mike Roberts, and 25 nieces and nephews.

Ken graduated from St. Johns High School in 1971, retired from General Motors Local 652 after 35 years and enjoyed his retirement as a bus driver for Fulton Public Schools. Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, and time with family. Ken and Melanie are active at the Ithaca Wesleyan Church.

Ken was preceded in death by brother-in-law David Nieman, grandparents William and Florence (Blumberg) Bentley, Gerald and Eulene (Leslie) Winsor, uncles, Duane Winsor and William Bentley, and aunt Linda Bentley.

A public visitation will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca from 6:30 to 9:00pm on Friday, January 22, 2010. A memorial service will be held at the Ithaca Wesleyan Church on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 4pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Ithaca Wesleyan Church or the American Cancer Society.

Julia Ann Contreraz

Julia Ann Contreraz, age 76, passed to the Heavens on December 7, 2010 In Lansing. She arrived in Heaven to the arms of her loving husband, Daniel Contreraz, both of Ithaca.

She was born on September 2, 1934 in Lansing, the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Wright) Riley. She worked at Wolverine World Wide in Ithaca for over 10 years. She enjoyed reading, listening to music, and traveling. She was dearly loved by her family and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her children: Gregory (Kathy) Contreraz of Greenville, Jeffery (Dale) Contreraz of Lansing, Diana (John) Williams of Sunrise, Florida, and Cyndi (Steve) Bovee of Ithaca; 3 grandchildren: Kimberly Contreraz, Jamie (Mark) Lindeman, and Conrad Bovee; 2 great grandchildren: Megan and Christina Lindeman. She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Leo, Kenneth, Joe, and Richard; and sisters Helen, Virginia, and Gertrude.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2010 at 10 AM at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Carol Hale officiating.

Judy Ann Skaggs

Ithaca resident, Judy Ann Skaggs, age 69, died June 15, 2010 with family and friends by her bedside.

Judy was born February 5, 1941 in Lansing, Michigan. Judy received her CNA certification through St. Lawrence Hospital where she had worked for many years. Judy could accomplish anything she set her mind to do. She was involved in Clinton County Weather Watchers. She worked at Drakes gas station in St. Johns and retired out of Wolverine in Ithaca, Michigan

Judy and her husband Richard, would have celebrated fifty years of marriage on August 20. They had three children, Richard Skaggs Jr., Rebecca and Dave Skaggs-Courtney, and Roger and Teri Skaggs. Three grandchildren Alexis, Joshua, and Brinley; and two great grandchildren, Malia and Harmony, all of whom survive her. Also surviving is her sister Beverly Eby and several nieces and nephews. 

Judy Could light up a room with her smile. Judy and her husband toured all but four states, Canada, Yukon, and the Northwest Territory on their motorcycles. She enjoyed gardening, canning baking, reading, and doing crafts.

At Judy’s request, no service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Richard Skaggs, 6343 Fillmore Rd., Ithaca, MI 48847. The Barden Funeral Home will be entrusted with the arrangements.

Judy Ann Boemker (Smith)

Judy Ann Boemker (Smith), age 53, of Ithaca, died Monday, September 27, 2010, at her home, after a long brave fight with cancer.

Judy was born November 18, 1956, in Alma, the daughter of Donald and Helen (Silhavey) Smith. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1974. She traveled around a lot before finally settling in the Florida Keys, and just recently moved back to the Ithaca area. Judy loved the beaches, sand, and salt water. Her main job, other than being a mother, was managing Tiki Bars throughout the keys. The people loved her, and she loved the people. She was a beautiful person with a huge heart and cared for everyone. She will be missed and loved forever.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Lacey Morris, of Key West, Florida; her parents, Don and Helen Smith of Pickford, MI; her brothers, Wendell Smith of Wheeler and Everett Smith of Breckenridge; 2 nieces; and 2 nephews.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 30, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Doyle Perry officiating.