Judith Kay Tanghe

Judith Kay Tanghe, age 81 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 30, 2021 surrounded by family.

Judy was born January 23, 1940 to Donald and Vera Vernon. A lifelong resident of Ithaca, she graduated from Ithaca in 1958. Judy Married Jack Tanghe on June 27, 1964. They raised their four boys while Judy worked as a waitress throughout her life.

Judy enjoyed bowling, NASCAR, and baseball. She loved her Tigers and chasing her boys with Hot Wheels tracks (Oh we deserved it!). Her fudge and blueberry pies were legendary throughout the family.

Judy is survived by her siblings Gary, Tom, and Nancy all of Ithaca. Judy’s boys Mark, Greg, Curt, and John all of Ithaca. Six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Don and Vera Vernon, sister Janelle Burch, brother Gerald Long, and her husband Jack in 1998. 

She was so proud of her boys (yes - she said that!!!).

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday November 13, 2021 at Curt’s home, 325 E. North St., in Ithaca from 1-4pm.

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

Robert (Bob) Lee Lott

Robert (Bob) Lee Lott, Age 75 of Lansing passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021.  

He was born on December 26, 1945, to Howard R. and Marguerite (Miller) Lott in Alma, MI. Bob graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964. He was a lifelong truck driver.

He is survived by his children, Bryan (Sherry) Lott of Ionia, Rhonda (Gary) Roe of Holt, and Bobbie Lott of Portland; Sisters Paula (Lott) Burns of Ionia, and Ruthann Eargood of Alma; eight grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Richard (Dick) Hagenbaugh

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions can be made in Bob's name to the VFW post 6132 Lansing MI.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Larry Wayne Kiser

Larry Wayne Kiser passed away on October 23, 2021, at the age of 81. 

Born on April 12, 1940, to Francis and Rowena Kiser. He lived on his parent's small dairy and crop farm in rural Ithaca. Larry worked alongside his Father until retirement. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1959. While in high school, he enjoyed and was very proud of his many arm wrestling victories. Larry was a lifelong member of the Ithaca Seventh-day Adventist church, with a love to daily read his Bible. 

Some of his favorite times were family get-togethers at his Mom and Dad's home as well as brothers and sisters. In addition, he enjoyed taking drives around the countryside remembering younger days and having a strawberry shake. 

A man of few words with a great sense of humor was adored by his brothers, sisters, and extended family. Our family will be forever grateful to Chantel for the understanding, compassion and care that she provided over the past few years. Joel became a dear friend during his time at McVeigh Assisted Living giving him the feeling of adventure with many rides in his Sport Utility Vehicle. 

A private service and burial has taken place at Ithaca Cemetery. Larry is survived by Bill Kiser, Judy Walker, Linda Johnson, Annette Rayburn and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn Kiser (age 6) , Kay Wold and Garth MacLaren. We all miss his warm personality and are grateful for the many years that he blessed our lives with his humor.  

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 Michael Thomas

Dave Thomas, age 73, went to the Lord’s house on October 21, 2021 with his family by his side at Midland Medical Center, Midland, Michigan.

Dave was born in Alma on May 9, 1948, the son of Ernest and Freida (Andrews) Thomas and was a lifelong resident of the Edgewood area.

Dave graduated from Ithaca High School in 1966 and was drafted into the Army in 1967.  He served in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division on 8n inch artillery.  He was discharged in November 1969.  David married Kathryn Neitzke on September 12, 1970 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wheeler, Michigan.

Dave loved God, his family, friends, and deer hunting.  He was fun loving and usually had a good time wherever he went.  He was foremost a farmer, but also worked at Morley Brothers in Saginaw, Huntoon Motors in Wheeler and Alma, Farmer’s Petroleum in Breckenridge, Melco Products Sales, Heritage Equipment (John Deere) in Chesaning, and Heritage Tire and Service in Chesaning.  He also did auto body work and painting in the evenings.  Surely a man of all trades.

Dave was predeceased by his grandparents and parents.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathryn; his son, Matt (Michelle) Thomas; his daughter, Cynthia Thomas; grandsons Reed and Holden Thomas; his brotherJohn (Elaine) Thomas; sisters-in-law Ann (Dwight) Cates, Joan Neitzke, and brother-in-law Richard (Leslie) Neitzke; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 25 at the Edgewood Church of God, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating.  Interment will follow in Lafayette Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, October 24, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Edgewood Church of God or to V.F.W. Post #7805.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Spencer Earl Atkinson

Spencer Earl Atkinson was lifted and his spirit carried upon wings of a great blue heron October 7, 2021, just one week shy of his 28^th year.   

Spence is loved by so, so many...his whole life was spent gathering in, supporting and loving family, friends, strangers and animals of all kinds.  We all have talents and gifts to grow and share...Spence was blessed with an open and welcoming heart.  Relationships came naturally to him, from the very core of his being, and he shared his gift generously.  

Animals became a lifelong love for Spence. Family trips always included a zoo or aquarium visit.  He especially loved Potter Park Zoo camp and attended multiple sessions each summer as a young boy.  

He leaves behind a great void in the hearts of his parents, Deb & Al Atkinson, his brother Miles, and his Grandparents Marge and Earl Tomlinson, Aunts and Uncles; Dort and Scott Cornell, Meme & Joe Barden, Mark and Rachelle Tomlinson, Katie Atkinson and all the beautiful cousins that come with these families.  Quinn D’Isa, Heath Russel, and Peter Katauskas are much more than just friends, they are family to Spence... brothers from different mothers.  

We are all grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many who mourn and will miss Spence’s brightness, kindness, silliness, imagination and compassion. Contributions in memory of Spence are welcome and will support ongoing scholarships for children to attend Zookambi summer camp at Potter Park Zoo.  For Spence, we want to “Keep it movin.”

Spencer Atkinson Zoo Camp Scholarship Fund
Tri-Star Charitable Foundation
3511 Coolidge Rd. 
East Lansing, MI, 48823

A gathering to celebrate Spencer’s life will be planned and announced when the immediate and overwhelming grief has begun to lift.

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