Mary Elizabeth (Transue) Kimmel

Mary Elizabeth (Transue) Kimmel, of Ithaca, passed away June 22,2022.

Born In Flint, Michigan, December 16, 1926 to Judson L. and Cleo E. (Dain) Transue.

Married Dale C. Kimmel June 11, 1949.

Survived by daughters Elizabeth (Chuck) Kaiser and Christeen Kimmel. grandsons Paul Yowchuang (Megan Throm) and Don (Dana) Yowchuang, and great-grandson Dean Yowchuang.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and four siblings.

There will be no service.

Brenda Jo Crooks (Betzer)

Brenda Jo Crooks (Betzer), 64, of Ithaca MI passed away June 23, 2022 at Mid-Michigan Medical Center - Midland after a brief illness.

She was born January 1st, 1958 in Alma MI to Joanne Cummings and Dale Betzer.  She spent her life doing what made her happiest.  She welcomed a daughter, Nicole, in 1986. She married a few times, divorced a few times, and kissed a few frogs before settling down with her “lumberjack man” Ron Flegel.  They were each other’s giant pain in the butt for 18 years before her passing.  For many years, she slung plates of food at unsuspecting restaurant patrons for money - but in doing so, she never met a stranger.  Eventually she grew tired of that, preferring to putz around in the garden with the worms, Ron and their “bestest dog” Jake.  Ten years ago, she took on the title of Grandma, and nothing made her happier than talking about and spending time with “her little urchins”. She was known best for her quick wit, her random breakouts into song and dance without a care in the world (if you were “fortunate” enough to hear her broccoli song, you know what we mean - her daughter is rolling her eyes now!), and for always putting everyone else before herself.

Left behind with her vast fortune of guest check pads, ballpoint pens, bobby pins and dog hair are her longtime partner Ron Flegel, her daughter Nicole (Marcus) Haskin, and 5 grandchildren - Hayley, Zach, Macey, Ezra and Ayla.  Also surviving her are her brother Steven (Jan) Betzer, sisters Linda Betzer, Holly (Patrick) Petersen and Laura Betzer, several nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Cummings, father Dale Betzer, a grandson, Gracen, brother, Bill, and her grandparents, with an honorable mention of the puppy waiting for her over the rainbow bridge, Benny. 

A private service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Mid-Michigan Midland for the excellent care of Brenda in her final days.

Lanny Brian Augustine

Lanny Brian Augustine passed away on June 11, 2022. He was born on May 6, 1957 in Gratiot County to Frances (Hansen) Augustine and Norman Augustine. 

Lanny is survived by his son, Logan Augustine of Alma, Aubrie (Adam) Terwilliger of Alma; his grandsons; Jayden and Lucas Terwilliger; his sisters; Betty (Gale) Bush of Ithaca, Nancy Augustine of (Alma).

Preceded in death by his parents; Norman and Frances (Hansen) Augustine.

He was born and raised in Gratiot County and attended school in Ithaca. Lanny loved the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing with his son and riding dirt bikes through the trails. He also enjoyed raising horses, there were many weekends spent at horse shows watching his daughter show the horses he helped train. He love cars, especially his 1973 Z28 Camaro and took great pride in making it a showpiece. Lanny was a truck driver, he drove all over the country in his Kenworth, “Kitty”. Prior to retirement he was a heavy equipment operator and worked for the Operator Engineers Union 324. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, June 17 at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Ithaca with Pastor Doug Straight officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses. 

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

David Elwyn Davis

November, 11, 1055 - April 17, 2022

David was the third child of Elwyn (Sie) Hugh Davis and Eliza Jane (Ralph) Davis. There were three other children in the family.

David was born in Alma, but grew up and attended school in Breckenridge. He worked along with his father on the Elton McKenzie farm. He enjoyed hunting and old cars.

After high school, David joined the Military, serving overseas in the Army. On one of his return trips to the States, he met the love of his life, Susan Bennett. She became his life-long partner. The two lived in Iowa, Texas, and settled in Ithaca.

David was preceded in death by his parents Elwyn and Eliza Davis, grandmother Mable Davis, aunts, uncles, and even Cousins.

David is survived by his two brothers and sister, Bill and Wanda Davis, Phil and Chris Santana - both of Ithaca, and Sie Allen Davis of Florida. He is also survived by his life partner Susan Bennett.

A funeral service to remember and celebrate the life of our brother, Dave Davis, is scheduled for 1pm Tuesday, June 21st at the Ithaca Methodist Church with a brief graveside service following at North Star Cemetery.

Janet Marie Haase

Janet Marie Haase, age 61 of Breckenridge, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022.

Janet was born July 2, 1960 in Iola, Wisconsin to Gene Jerome and Marian Jeanette (Martin) Haase. She was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Janet retired from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

Janet enjoyed coin collecting, chatting with friends, and helping with animal rescue services. She was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan and loved all the artwork done by her great nieces and nephews. Janet was always a helping hand to friends and neighbors.

Janet is survived by father Gene Haase; her sister Mary K. Frisbie; nieces and nephews Michael C. (Kellie) Piper, Bridgette A (Peter) Rosek, Sarah J. (Jon) Adams; and great nieces and nephews Gavin Piper, Mariah Fabela, Garit Piper, Zachary Rosek, Adeline Rosek, Paislee Adams, and Harper Adams. She is preceded in death by her mother Marian Haase and sister Sandra J. Halsey.

The family would like to thank Rog Wilson who helped Janet day and night.

Per Janet’s wishes, no services are planned. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.