Megan Marie Reist

Megan Marie Reist of Ashley, Michigan, was called to Heaven on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Defying all the odds put in her path, Megan lived courageously to be 25 years old. She was a beautiful soul loved by so many. Megan leaves behind her loving and attentive parents, Jeffrey and LeAnne, her caring brother Ryan and his girlfriend Cinnamon Kniss.  Megan also leaves behind her twin sisters and their families: Jessica and Shawn Murdock and Nichoel and Shane Peppers both residing with their children in the state of Georgia. Surviving grandparents are Rosemary Schuette of Zeeland, Michigan, and Robert Reist of Merrill, Michigan. Welcoming her into heaven are her grandmother Linda Skorna and her grandfather LaVerne Schuette. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as, nephews and a niece.

Funeral services will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, Michigan, on Saturday, January 28, 2023.  Visitation is from 10 am to 1 pm, with the service beginning at 1 pm. All donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/uwsrqm-megans-funeral-cost to cover the expenses of this unexpected loss.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com. 

Rudy Richardson

Rudy Richardson was born at home in Kentucky November 16, 1950 passed away January 19, 2023. He spent most of his life in Lansing, MI. He loved running the street with friends, and NASCAR on Sundays. He never really grew out of being a "city" boy when we moved  to North Star.  Rudy spent a lot of time at the Williamston Schools. He began as a bus mechanic to bus supervisor then on to building and grounds. He was there for the first shovel of dirt at the high school and there well past it's completion. When he retired they missed him so much he returned but I think he missed it just as much. It was a career to be proud of. 

At home Rudy still spent a lot of time in that little garage on Fred street. He always had an old car to work on, or some project with a big engine and lots of noise.  He always welcomed friends and family popping in anytime to fix something or just b.s.  A lot of b.s. 

He always loved watching his kids and then grandkids at their favorite sport. Whether it was baking in the sun watching baseball and softball, or freezing watching spring and fall soccer. He loved having Sammi join our family. She kept us going. She kept us tired, but so happy to have her in our lives. 

Rudy leaves to mourn his passing his wife Rhonda formerly of Vanderbilt.  His daughter Laura Richardson of Lansing, his son Ryan Richardson of Danville, IN , his son Kristopher (Heather) of Mason, his daughter Samantha Richardson of Ithaca. Rudy loved his sister's Linda Vincent, Tami (Jeff) Droste,  his brothers Albert Richardson,  Kim (Maria) Richardson, Cletis Jr. (Marina) and sister-in law Betty Richardson.  He has many nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Cletis Sr. and Essie B. Richardson. His sister Ella Rose Wright and his brother Ray Richardson.  

We give a special thank you to Chuck and Shelly McHugh for the love, support, and co-parenting and grandparenting over the years. And as we all gathered for birthdays and holidays through the years. He got to watch grandchildren Dylan, Rianna, Zachary, Brandon, Kenny, Maddy and Aiden all grow up plus three great grandchildren Addy, Dahlia and new baby Wendell. Rudy was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed.

Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Friday, January 27, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  A memorial service will begin at 2 with Tom Tebeau officiating.  The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Online condolences may be left for the family at bardenfuneralhome.com.  

Lilly Violet Marie Wymer

Lilly Wymer, age 98 of Jackson formerly of Ithaca, passed away January 6, 2023 in Jackson, Michigan.

Lilly was born October 29, 1924 to Rasmus and Marie Fredrikka (Mickelson) Petersen in Payette, Idaho. She married Wallace Wymer October 12, 1947 and they enjoyed 58 years together. To this union was born four children, Susan (George) Haller, Richard Wymer (deceased), Fredrick (Polly) Wymer, and Carolyn (Tim) Sigger.

Lilly worked hard throughout her life in several roles, including as a homemaker and wife, as a nurse on a TB unit, as a receptionist in a doctor’s office, and on the family fruit farm. Lilly was a member of the Seventh Day Adventists church. 

Lilly enjoyed many things and was known for being extremely creative and enjoyed artsy activities including painting scenery, knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. She was also a phenomenal baker and cake decorator, and was known to have a strong sweet tooth! Lilly also enjoyed puzzles, playing Sudoku, word finds, Rook, and any other games. She was an avid reader and read her bible every day. Lilly also loved being outdoors in the garden and canning the vegetables she grew. The Hallmark channel movies, painting shows, and gameshows were favorites of hers to watch on television and she loved to pass time while doing housework listening to baseball games on the radio and whistling. Lily also loved to go camping and to travel, and was a Path Finder Leader, Master Guide.

Lilly is survived her children, Susan (George) Haller, Fredrick (Polly) Wymer, Carolyn (Tim) Sigger; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and her sisters Grace (Mike) Shiery and Dorothy Strack. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Wymer, son Richard Wymer, grandchildren Kandy and Lucas, brothers Clarence, Fredrick, Gordon, and Nels; and her sister Sylvia.

Funeral services for Lilly will be held at 12pm, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the Ithaca Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Nathaniel Oregon officiating. Burial will follow and Chapel Gardens Cemetery in Elwell. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11am until 12pm at the church. Following the graveside service, there will be a luncheon at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ithaca.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Terry Robert (Bob) Strong

Robert Strong of Ithaca, Michigan passed away on January 2, 2023 at the age of 85. Bob was born on June 5, 1937. He was the eldest son of Helen (Kellogg) Strong and Delbert Strong. He attend Yound Country School (a one room country school) of Newark Township in Gratiot County from kindergarten to the eighth grade. He then attended Ithaca High School and graduated from there in the class of 1956. Upon graduation he then joined the US Army under the Eisenhower Reserve Act of 1955. He received his training at Ft. Leonardwood in Missouri and Ft. Chaffee in Arkansas. He shot Expert Marksman with the M-1 rifle during his training. After finishing his training, he worked at Michell-Bentley Company in Ionia on the assembly line. At this time he married Mary Ann MacLaren on June 14, 1957. This union produced four sons. He attended Alma College while working part time for the city of Alma, Lobdell-Emery Manufacturing, working on the construction of the new US 127 east of Ithaca and also farming. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Alma College, he taught Math at Ithaca High School.

Having been raised on a farm, he never lost his love for this life, so he returned to farm full time with his grandfather Keith Kellogg. Later farming with his son and later still with his grandson. While he always loved a beautiful crop, his biggest source of agricultural pride would come from feeding out beef cattle. In 2018 the farm was recognized as the Gratiot Farm Family of the Year. He took great pride and was also humbled by this selection.

He liked country life, working with crops and cattle. He enjoyed living where the grass was green and the crops could grow lush. He liked old time country music, solving math problems, Sodokus, playing cards, and games of chance. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Delbert. He is survived by his brothers, James (Michelle) of Livingston, Montana and Thomas (Virginia) Strong of Ithaca. He is also survived by his sons, Keith (Janet) of Ithaca, Mark (JoLynn) of Ithaca, Virl (Denise) of Carsonville, and Brian of Ithaca. He is also survived by good friend Mollie Vaughn of Alma. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive Robert.

Funeral services for Robert Strong will be at 11am, Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 6-8pm Friday, January 6, 2023 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.bardenfuneralhome.com

Jennie Elizabeth (Beach) Caris

Jennie Elizabeth (Beach) Caris, 96, was born to Otto and Lydia (Snyder) Beach on January 26, 1926.  Liz, as she was known to family and friends, was taken home by her Lord and Savior December 20, 2022.  She is survived by her sister, Luella Arnold, Lansing, MI, and one son Roger (Helen) Caris, Vestaburg, MI.  She also has one daughter-in-law, Karen Caris, Puyallup, WA, widow of her son John Robert Caris.  She also has one surviving sister- in- law Shirley Inbody, Edmore, MI., widow of her brother James Beach.  She also was blessed with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; they were her pride and joy.

Liz was a member of the Vestaburg First Baptist Church for over 60 years taking an active role in many of their programs.  She had many friends and was a special friend to many.

After high school she attended one year of County Normal in Stanton, MI., and then taught country school for two years.  While in school, she helped her father on the farm in many capacities.  She worked for almost 30 years at General Electric/Hitachi in Edmore, MI., before she had to medically retire more than forty years ago.

She enjoyed spending many winters in Pharr/McAllen, Texas. Playing shuffleboard, golf, pool, hiking and swimming were some of her adventures there in the winter months.  Liz loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She made travel a priority for her children on her vacations from the shop getting to many of the states, as well as Canada, Mexico and Europe during her life.

During her later years she was blessed with many special care givers enabling her to be able to stay at home.  Special thanks go to Rosie Krafft, Susie Davis, Melissa Wiggins, Debra Albring, Jeanette Ragan, and Kathy Moore and Mary Brookens (deceased). Thanks to special friend Penny Palmer for all the Saturday night Rack-o games throughout the years. The family also appreciated the special care she received at the Woodland Hospice House during her final two weeks.

A funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Vestaburg, on January 7th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before the service.

Donations in Liz's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church or the MidMichigan Health Foundation (Woodland Hospice House).

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.