Dale Edward Williams

Dale E. Williams, age 88, of rural Ashley, died Monday, April 26, 2010, at his home.

Dale was born September 26, 1921, the son of I. M. and Bessie Joy (Wonnacott) Williams.

He married Donna Louise Loudenslager in 1942. She preceded him in death on January 26, 1981. He then married Henrietta “Dot” Dotson Abbe. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2010.

Dale started working at a young age. He worked as a custom butcher, farmed and was a herdsman for Lester Allen. He then started his own business, Williams House Moving, which he owned and operated for over 50 years. He was a lifelong member of the Ithaca Church of God and the Gideons.

Dale is survived by his sons, Dale Eugene “Gene” (Mary Ann) Williams of Alma and Douglas Ray Williams of Shepherd; five grandchildren, Kristen, Amy Marie, Rachel Ann, Kraig Eugene, and Krista; 4 great grandchildren; his brother, Hobart (Louise) Williams of Sheridan; his sister, Beth Holdeman of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and step children, Bettyann McNabb, Marvin Abbe, and Wanda (Chuck) Mullens.. He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis; his daughter, Dawn; his bothers, Ned, Bob, and Theo; and his sister, Anita Williams.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 30, at the Ithaca Church of God, with Pastor James Conn officiating. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons.

Charles P. Mullinax

Charles P. Mullinax, age 44, of Ithaca, died suddenly on Sunday, February 21, at Mid Michigan Medical Center in Midland.

Charles was born March 26, 1965, in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Glenn A. and Patricia A. (Burch) Mullinax. He married Debra DeVillier on November 10, 2004 in Ithaca. He worked in construction as a union lineman, enjoyed deer hunting, and loved his wife.

Charles is survived by his wife, Debra, of Ithaca; his son, Charles Conner Mullinax, of Alabama; his step sons, Christopher Michael Rice and Aaron Jacob Jensen, both of Alabama; his step daughter, Christina Nicole Jahas of Alma; his grandchild, Landon Ely Jahas, of Alma; and his mother, Patricia A. Musso, of Alabama.

A memorial reception will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at the Ithaca Community Center on N. Maple St. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Bruce Wayne Lippert

Bruce W. Lippert, age 60, of Laingsburg, recently of Alma, died Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at Gratiot Medical Center.

Bruce was born May 13, 1950, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Orville and Mary Lou (Harrod) Lippert. He graduated from Vestaburg High School and went to work for Superior Brass and Aluminum in East Lansing, where he worked for 39 years, and esteemed as an honest and hard working employee. He was a sweet, honest, giving man, who never complained, and had the heart of a child. He enjoyed drinking coffee at Denny’s every night where he would visit with friends, and recently having breakfast at River Rock in St. Louis, with Monnie and Larry. He also enjoyed working on motorcycles and airplanes. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he enjoyed participating in Sunday school classes.

Bruce is survived by his sister, Monnie (Larry) Helman, of Alma, and their children, Joseph Helman (Aimee) of Elwell and Jackie (Ed) Cahill of Powhatan, VA; and grand nephews and grand nieces Nate, Alex, Carly, Ian, and Abby; his brother and sisters, Lois (Terry) Carlisle of Birmingham, AL, Cheryl Copak of Cullman, AL, and Eric Lippert of Cullman, AL; and many other nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 16, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ithaca. Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. There will be visitation at the church for an hour preceding the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Earl Davidson Mercy Flight for continued flights to the mayo Clinic, or to the American Cancer society.

Rev. Bernard Niekerk

Rev. Bernard Niekerk, The celebration of a godly life! Bernard Niekerk, 95, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 7, 2010. 

Bernie was born in Hull, Iowa on August 12, 1915 to Derke and Alice (DeJong) Niekerk. On August 6, 1949 he married Ruth Jingst in Sutter, Illinois. Bernie was a great example of faithfulness, married for 56 years to his wife, Ruth, who passed in to God’s presence four years ago. Bernie was a World War II Navy Veteran. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute and with his wife began their 56 years of ministry service. They worked with the migrant workers in Bakersfield, CA. and he was a devoted Pastor, serving churches in Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan. God will reward him for longing for his appearing and for shepherding with a faithful heart.

Bernie will be sadly missed by his children; Debra and Terry Baxter of Rudyard, Brenda and Kurt Hoffman of Stanton, and Philip and Janice Niekerk of Ada; grandchildren, Kari and Grant Getschow, Trent Niekerk, Kati Niekerk, Jordan Hoffman, Jesse Hoffman.

Bernie’s family will greet friends on Sunday, October 10th from 3-6 at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be Monday, October 11 at 10 a.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Stanton. Pastors Philip Niekerk and Kurt Hoffman will officiate. The family has suggested memorial contributions go to the John Musser Gospel Revival Ministries; envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.

Amanda M. Gibbs

Amanda M. Gibbs, age 48, of Stanton, died Sunday, June 27, 2010, at home.

Amanda was born July 1, 1961, in Wauseon, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary Ellen (Randal) Wanner. She married Tony Gibbs on February 14, 2003, in Grand Rapids.

Amanda enjoyed gardening, painting, crafts, bird watching, and home decorating. She was a little feisty, and a very caring person who will be sadly missed by many.

Amanda is survived by her husband, Tony; her daughter, Sadie Fulmerhouser of Edmore; her brothers, Randy (Ali) Wanner of Georgia, Tim Wanner and his friend Nancy Black of Florida, and Jeff (Ro) Wanner of Florida.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton, with Pastor Kurt Hoffman officiating. Interment will follow in Entrican Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12 until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.