Nicolas Gerald Hurosky

Nicolas Gerald Hurosky, age 2 years, died Thursday, November 10, 2011, at his home in Pleasant Lake, Michigan.

Nicolas was born September 13, 2009, in Ann Arbor, the son of John William and Nicole Renee (Abidin) Hurosky. 

Nicolas is survived by his parents, John and Nicole; his brothers, Johnny, Brandon, Caebryn, Ashton, Nathan, Roman, and Nolan; his grandmothers, Nancy Augustine and Linda Abidin; his great grandmothers, Frances Augustine and Dorothy Sztanyo; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Norman “Papa” Augustine.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 14, 2011, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Doug Strait officiating. Interment will following Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday, November 13. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and sent to 4667 N. Jerome Rd., Alma, MI 48801.

Nellie Flegel

Nellie Flegel, age 96, of Ithaca, died Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Warwick Living Center in Alma, Michigan.

She was born on March 13, 1915 in rural Bannister, the daughter of Roy and Isa (Whitaker) Peck. She married Clifford G. (Buster) Flegel while he was serving in the US Army during WWII on June 1, 1943 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was an elementary teacher for 45 years. 

She traveled with her Aunt Lela before getting married, and she and her husband Clifford continued to love traveling with their family. After retirement, they saw much of the United States in their RV. 

Nellie loved, cared, and prayed for her husband, family, friends, extended family, and her church family. Church was very important to her, as she served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a bible school organizer, and was active in the Women of the Church of God.

Nellie loved to read, sew, quilt, and garden. As her strength waned, she used her energy in making yo-yo dolls. She truly believed in busy hands.

She is survived by her husband, Clifford; 4 children: Elaine (John) Thomas of Ithaca, Keith (Irene) Flegel of Ithaca, Evelyn (Ken) Walter of Greenfield, Indiana, Duane (Bernadette) Flegel of Espanola, New Mexico; 8 grandchildren: Sheila (Tony) Casey of Ithaca, Neil (Sue) Thomas of Howell, Mike (Lori) Thomas of Ithaca, Christine (Justin) Daron of Alma, Stacey (Brent) DeVries of Traverse City, Kendel (Mike) Diehl of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bethany (Tim) Brady of Phoenix, Arizona, and Caleb (Kara) Flegel of Indianapolis; 14 great grandchildren: Seth, Evan, and Nolan Casey of Ithaca, Garrett and Brandon Thomas of Howell, Ashlyn and Ethan Thomas of Ithaca, Elizabeth and Alexander Daron of Alma, Nicholas and Elinor Diehl of Indianapolis, Indiana, Cross and Conner Brady of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kariann Flegel of Indianapolis; and a sister Ruby Stewart of Bannister. She was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters: Grace Peck, Arlie Peck, Clyde Peck, Wayne Peck, Ray Peck, Mildred Whitaker, and Lee Peck.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Edgewood Church of God, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Burial will be in the North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edgewood Church of God or to the charity of your choice. 

Monica M. Gardner

Monica M. Gardner, 59, of Stanton passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 03, 2011.

Monica was born on March 22, 1951 in Ionia to Lewis and Margaret (Ames) Reed. She was an RN at the Ionia County Memorial Hospital and the Dept. of Corrections in Ionia. She enjoyed cross country skiing, hiking, bird watching, sewing, and hunting; including traditional long bow and rifle shooting. She was full of joy and had a great sense of adventure, determination, and humor.

Monica is survived by her lifetime companion and hunting buddy, Ray Gleason; her children, Jason Gardner of Orleans, Jack Gardner of Ionia, Laurie Brooks of Saranac, Ryan Gleason of Ionia, Daniel Gleason of Ionia, and Anne Russell of Oregon; one grandson Jack Gardner III; father Lewis Reed; brother Mike Reed; five nephews; and one niece. She was preceded in death by her mother and brothers, Lewis Jr. and Doug Reed.

A celebration of Monica’s life will be held 2pm Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Pastors Aaron Reed and John Prominski will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Resurrection Life Church of Ionia, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mary L. Williams

Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Mary L. Williams, age 64, of Ithaca, passed away on March 20, 2011 of cancer at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on May 5, 1946 to Kenneth and Betty (Keck) Bellinger in Alma. She graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1965. She married Richard Williams on March 4, 1967. She worked a short time for Wolverine Worldwide, but enjoyed the rest of her life as a farm wife with her husband, Richard. She dearly loved the time she spent with her four granddaughters and grandson. She also enjoyed working in her garden, traveling, fishing, and going to the many casinos.

Mary is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard; two sons: Michael and Vicki Williams and Nicholas and Angie Williams; her beloved grandchildren: Hayley, Sarah, Faith, Hope, and Conner Williams; one brother: Jack and Sharon Bellinger of Ashley; one sister: Kelly and Albert Moore of St. Johns; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth Bellinger, and nephew Scott Moore.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 11 AM at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Rev. Ried Martin officiating. Burial will be in the North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

She was well loved and will greatly be missed.

Mary Lou (Ashbaugh) Simmons

Mary Lou (Ashbaugh) Simmons, 68, of Stanton, passed away on February 4, 2011 in Grand Rapids surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou was born on May 26, 1942 in Carson City to Otto and Dorothy (Smith) Ashbaugh. She lived in the Stanton area her whole life. She worked at the Gibson Factory, the phone company, and raised her family. She enjoyed reading, attending church and her children and grandchildren’s school, sporting, and 4-H events. She was a proud member of The First Baptist Church in Stanton.

Mary Lou is survived by her children; Steve and Tamara Weaver of Ithaca, Michele (Mickey) and Ed Ehle of Sidney, Penny and Robert Chinevere II of Stanton; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 1 sister Ruth Ann; and 2 brothers, David and Gary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lyle Simmons; a son, Stanley Weaver Jr.; a daughter, Neca Louise Weaver; a granddaughter, Tara Simcox Weaver; and 2 sisters, Linda and Dixie.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at The First Baptist Church of Stanton at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Ryan White will officiate. For those desiring to do so; memorial contributions may be made to the Family’s Choice. Envelopes will be available at the church and Barden Funeral Home, Stanton.