Donna R. (Damren) Sampson

Donna R. (Damren) Sampson, age 82, of Sumner, passed away Friday, January 8, 2010 at Spectrum Health - Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids.

Donna was born November 8, 1927 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Clayton E. and Leona L (Philo) Damren.

She is survived by her children, Donna L. (Douglas) Fisher of Sumner, Roderick A. (Kathleen) Sampson of Clarkston, Gary L. (Janelle) Sampson of Martinsville, Indiana; five grandchildren; sisters Hilda Warnes of Battle Creek, Iladel (Robert) Karol of Manchester, New Jersey, Florence (Robert) Niswander, of Battle Creek; and brother William (Anna) Damren of Battle Creek.

In accordance with Donna’s wishes, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gratiot Commission on Aging. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bardenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Donna Jean Mason

Donna Jean Mason, age 47, of Stanton died Friday, February 26, 2010 at Sheridan Community Hospital.

Donna was born October 25, 1962 to George Richard Mason and Diana Gladleva Blum in Greenville, Michigan. She worked at Sheridan Community Hospital, and was also a Paramedic and Fire Fighter for both Montcalm and Ionia Counties. She enjoyed hunting, sewing, crochet, and reading. But what she loved most of all was being with her grandkids.

Donna is survived by her parents, George and Diana Mason; children, Mishanda (Dale) Griffin of Kent, Natosha Mason of Belding, Jenny Mason of Stanton, Tiffany Mason of Stanton,Andrew Mason of Stanton, Austin Mason of Stanton; special friend, Joe Kalinowski of Stanton; grandchildren, Alyssa, Ashlyn, and Connor Griffin, Priya and Damion Brooks; brothers and sisters, Wanda (Glen) Adams of Greenville, Richard Olsen of Greenville, George Olsen of Greenville, Julie (Doug) Martinez of Coopersville, Ed Petersen of Stanton, Diana Mason of Greenville; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Charles Mason, brother Terry Mason, and nephew Jeremy Wonch.

Funeral services for Donna will be 11am Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton. Pastor Ken Harger will officiate and burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Stanton. Visitation will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm Monday, March 1, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the White Pine Library, American Cancer Society, or Stanton Fire Fighter’s Inc.

Delores “Dee” Skinner

December 11, 1932 - September 29, 2010

Delores Joan Anderson Skinner, 77, of Ithaca, passed away with her family surrounding her on Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Dee was born on December 11, 1932 to C. Edgar and Yula Mae (Baker) Anderson in Newark Township. Dee married Leland Skinner on May 10, 1957. Their family was blessed with four children: daughters Debra & Barbara, sons, David & Gary. 

Dee worked many jobs and was known by many as she worked at Wolverine Shoe Factory, Redman Factory, Hafner’s Dime Store, Atkinson's Department Store, Ithaca Bakery, and Rite Aid in Ithaca. 

Dee was a member of Ithaca United Methodist Church, Volunteer at Gratiot Community Hospital and a member of the Royal Tea Ladies Red Hat Group of Ithaca. 

Dee & Lee were members of the Kountry Kousins Square Dance group for many years. Camping at various campgrounds in Michigan was always a joy for Dee. She especially enjoyed camping with her grandchildren.

Dee was a 4-H Knitting Leader with the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. Quilting was one of the many crafts that Dee loved. Making over one hundred beautiful quilts and baby quilts for her family and friends. Dee loved to crochet, knit and sew, making many beautiful projects and selling them at various crafts shows in the area each year.

Dee was the coordinator of the Mitten Makers at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building for the last 11 years. She would gather 1,000 pairs of mittens, made by her many volunteers, in addition to hats, and distribute them to the elementary schools in Gratiot County each year. She also had many friends at the Senior Activity Building who would play Sequence & Dominoes, two of her favorite games, with her. She enjoyed playing cards with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. All were very special to her.

Dee is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lee; four children: Debra (Jim) Scott, Barbara Stahl, David (Tamey ) Skinner, & Gary (Marcy) Skinner; 11 grandchildren, Kent Wood, Eric (Kathryn) Wood, Adam (Heather) Wood, James (Julie) Stahl, Jason (Monica) Stahl, Jerilea (Jesse) Sanchez, Benjamin (Lindsay) Skinner, Amber (Troy) Bovee, Jessica (Fabian) LaVigne, Brent (Jessica) Skinner, and Cody Skinner; 13 great grandchildren, Korbin & Avery Wood, JB, Levi, and Brock Stahl, Alyson Fuller, Aubrieana & Jesslyn Sanchez, Deacon Skinner, Easton & Ebrielle Bovee, Mason LaVigne; & Riley Skinner and her special little dog Patty.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, October 2, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor David McBride officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 1. Donations may be made to Commission on Aging or Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Dava L. Ciampa

Dava L. Ciampa, 55, of Sheridan passed away on December 19, 2010 in Grand Rapids.

Dava was born in Carson City on May 31, 1955 to Elton and Florence (Johnson) Greenhoe. She was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Central Montcalm High School. On June 30, 2001 she married Donald Ciampa in Ithaca, Michigan. Dava earned a CNA certificate and has worked many years at the Cross Roads Cafe. She liked to read, collect Snoopy dolls and figurines, and feed and watch her birds. She was an avid Red Wings and Piston fan. Dava was a hard worker with a bubbly personality and will be missed by many.

Dava is survived by her Husband, Donald; her Mother, Florence Collins of Sheridan; her Son, James and Athena Greenhoe of Crystal; Grandchildren, Clorissa, Whisper, and Maqenze Greenhoe; Brothers and Sisters, Verwayne and Judy Greenhoe of FLA, Roger Greenhoe of SC, Larry Greenhoe of Sheridan, Jerry and Michelle Greenhoe of Sheridan, Kim Greenhoe of Greenville; and many friends and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her father.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Dava’s honor, Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at the Sheridan Community Center from 1-4 pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Family's Choice; envelopes are available at the Barden Funeral Home, Stanton.

Darrell Lee McNabb

Darrell L. McNabb, age 70, formerly of Ithaca, died Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at Pine River Healthcare Center in St. Louis.

Darrell was born to Dorothy and Harry V. Snyder in Alma, on May 4, 1940, the youngest of their five children. He was later adopted by Edith and Merle McNabb.

While attending Ithaca Public Schools he excelled in track and football, holding many school records.

Darrell was very creative and inventive. Among his occupations were meat cutter, Alma city police officer, truck driver, and trucking dispatcher.

Darrell is survived by his four daughters, Kam of Ypsilanti, Lynnada and Malisha, both of Ann Arbor, and Nichelle of Westerville, Ohio; his granddaughter, Haley McNabb; his sister-in-law, Betty Snyder; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother and sisters, Virgil Snyder, Elizabeth “Betty” Snyder Griffith, Donna Snyder-Swiontek, and Bonna Snyder-Schuitema.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 15, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor George Showers officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Alma. Visitation will be Monday from 9 - 11 a.m.