Arnold Foglesong

Arnold Foglesong, 78, of Ashley, passed away on December 3rd, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 28, 1946, in Edmore, Michigan, Arnold was the beloved son of Marguerite and Frank Foglesong.

Arnold grew up in Shepherd and graduated with the class of 1964 from Shepherd High School. Shortly after, he began a remarkable 41-year career as a forklift driver with General Motors, retiring in 2006. On his birthday, in 1974, Arnold married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Verstaen, at the Methodist Church in Ithaca. Their loving marriage spanned 46 beautiful years, filled with cherished memories until Ruth’s passing in 2020. Arnold was a devoted husband who lovingly cared for Ruth throughout their time together, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and love.

Arnold had a passion for hunting for treasures at yard and estate sales, always managing to find something unique to add to his collection. His resilience and determination shone throughout his life, especially as he navigated three years of kidney dialysis with unwavering strength and grace. Despite his valiant fight, his final surgery proved too much.

Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Foglesong; his parents, Marguerite and Frank Foglesong; his in-laws Carl Sr and Matilda Verstaen, his grandson Esdon Foglesong, and his brother-in-law Larry Ackels, as well as his aunts and uncles. 

A devoted father, Arnold is survived by his three children: Greg (Jamie) Foglesong of Ithaca, Jennifer Foglesong of Ashley, and Steven (Alisha) Foglesong of Perrinton. He also leaves behind two treasured grandchildren, Makinna and Beckett Foglesong, who brought immense joy to his life. Arnold was a proud and active supporter of his grandchildren, whether attending their sporting events or spending quality time with them.  Arnold is also survived by two sisters Andrea Ackels of Ashley and Diane (Dave) Esper of Brighton along with a niece and nephew and their families. Also surviving is one sister-in-law Pat Verstaen.

Arnold’s legacy of love, strength, and dedication to his family and passions will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8th starting at 2-4 and 6-8 with family presence during these times.  A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held on Monday, December 9th at 11 AM, at the Barden Funeral Home. A private burial service at Fulton Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gratiot County Fair for Youth.

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

Joanne Kay Cornwell

Joanne Kay Cornwell, age 88, of Ithaca passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2024 with her family by her side.

Joanne was born Joanne Kay Pittman in Alma, Michigan on July 26, 1936 to Lyle and Ethel (Bloss) Pittman. She worked at the original Polka Dot (JJ Ruby’s) restaurant for over 15 years.

Joanne married Jack Cornwell on October 27, 1973. He preceded her in death in 2020. 

Every winter they traveled to Florida in their motorhome, for over 40 years. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and playing with her great grandchildren. She loved sitting outside watching the birds fly and the tractors drive by on the “highway”. 

Joanne enjoyed crocheting, making jewelry out of beads, and giving her loved ones handmade birthday cards. She had a great sense of humor that stayed withe her until the end.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Deborah (Riley) Putnam, son Douglas (Caryn) Myers, step son Rolland (Judy) Cornwell, and one brother Ted (Rhonda) Pittman all of Ithaca.

Joanne also has six grandchildren, Jennifer (Devon) Buck of Sumner, Amanda (Marc) Pitcher of Ithaca, Heather Petery of Florida, Christopher (Nikki) Petery of Mt. Pleasant, Kevin (Ashley) Myers of Alma, and Brittany (Josh) Howe of Elm Hall; 17 great grandchildren; and her first great great grandson on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, daughter Pamela Petery, brothers Michael and Justin Pittman, grandson Travis Myers, and step grandson Steven Cornwell.

Funeral services for Joanne will be 1pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5-7pm at the funeral home. 

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

Gene Waldron

Hiram “Gene” Waldron, 84, of Sumner, passed away November 11, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Gene was born August 1, 1940 on Pine Grove Road at the family farm near Crystal, Mi, to Jesse and Doris (Braman) Waldron.  He graduated from, Stanton High School in 1958.  He married Willodean Fisher on December 30, 1960 at Pine Grove Church, a union of almost 64 years.

Gene was a lifelong farmer.  He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing.  He went on several elk hunting trips to Colorado with his son and grandsons, fulfilling a lifelong dream.  He also enjoyed camping and traveling with his family.

Gene loved farming and hunting, but his greatest love was his family and his dog Benji.  He is survived by his wife, Willodean; daughter Fonda (Theron) Waldron of Carson City, son Lyndon (Julie) Waldron of Sumner; grandchildren, Wyatt (Rachel) Waldron of Sumner, Wade (Melissa) Waldron of Indian River, Weston (Brittany) Waldron of Kansas City, KS, Alexandra (Christian) Yaw of Crystal, and Bailie (Drayton) Rock of Maple Rapids; 8 great grandchildren; sisters Dorothy Campbell, Ruth (Bruce) Christensen, Betty Cristensen; brother Robert (Mary) Waldron; and brother in law Lynn Fisher.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Darlene Throop; brothers  in law Albert Campbell, Jr., Robert Throop, Ronald Cristensen, Leslie Fisher, and father in law and mother in law Alton and Wilda (Anderson) Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, Gene would want you to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your loved ones.

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

Roger Gantz

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Roger Gantz, 82, of Sumner, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Midland, Michigan. He was born in Ithaca, Michigan, on May 13, 1942, and resided in Sumner for most of his adult life. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Holton Gantz of Sumner, son Kevin Gantz (Teressa Yordy) of Sumner, son Daren Gantz and wife Hildy of Belmont, grandson Brad Gantz and wife Sam of Rockford, grandson Ryan Gantz (Lillian Abell) of St. Louis, granddaughter Morgan Lippert and husband Jayde of South Bend, Indiana, granddaughter Kaitlyn Johnston and husband Eric of Chicago, Illinois, granddaughter Courtney Sieracki and husband Cody of Jacksonville, North Carolina, granddaughter Lauren Gantz (Spencer Andrus) of Grand Rapids, brother-in-law Stan Holton, sisters-in-law Shirley Gantz and Cathy Holton, great-grandsons Jackson, Liam, Carter, Cooper, Jude, and Theodore, great-granddaughters Cassidy, Genevieve, and Scarlet, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Neva Gantz, father-in-law Russell Holton, mother-in-law Bertha Holton, sisters Shirley Gantz Litwiller, Patricia Gantz Miller, and Joan Gantz Martin, brothers Stuart Gantz and Bill Gantz, brothers-in-law Lonnie Holton, Don Martin, Evan Litwiller, and Frank Miller, and sister-in-law Rose Smith.

Roger was a standout basketball and football player at Ithaca High School and graduated in 1960. He loved the Yellowjackets and enjoyed watching his sons play sports at Ithaca and grandchildren play sports at Ithaca and Rockford. Roger met the love of his life, Carol Holton, at a dance in Sumner while attending Ithaca. They were married in Sumner on October 4, 1963, and relocated to Sumner after spending several years residing in Hastings. Roger retired after working many years at Oldsmobile in Lansing.

Roger loved spending time with his family and friends. His wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins meant everything to him, and he thoroughly enjoyed attending all of the family gatherings that were held over the years. He especially liked playing euchre with his grandchildren and giving them advice on how to improve their skills. Roger and Carol loved classic rock and roll music and collected vintage automobiles. They developed many great friendships with other classic car collectors and enjoyed going to car shows and cruise-ins all over Michigan and several other states. Roger helped organize the annual Ithaca Dust Off Car Show for many years.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Fred E. Richards VFW Post #3055 located at 1295 West Monroe Road, St. Louis, Michigan 48880.

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 Alan Sanders

David Alan Sanders, 85, departed this world on October 26, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.  Dave referred to his transition as boarding his magic carpet ride to Heaven. Dave was born to Keith and Neva Sanders in Ithaca, MI on 8/12/1939. He was raised in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1957. Dave married Dixie Butler in 1958, They shared 51 loving years together prior to Dixie’s passing in 2009.  Together they raised their beloved children, Brenda Perry (Chuck), Brian Sanders (Diane), and Cheryl Girvan (Dave). 

A special joy was his six grandchildren Jaime Perry, Chaz Perry (Liz), Matthew Sanders (Sally), Mitchell Sanders (Samantha), Kyle Girvan (Kaitlynn) and Mark Girvan. Dave was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Zoe, and Georgia Sanders. 

Dave is also survived by three sisters Carolyn Sanders, Marybeth (Tom) Raymond and Melinda (Dan) Carley, great aunt Lois Barden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. 

Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Dixie Butler Sanders, parents Keith and Neva Sanders, brother Larry Sanders, brother Jim Sanders, sister Sue Milleson, and son-in-law Chuck Perry.  

Dave worked at JC Penney and R.E. Olds before joining General Motors Oldsmobile Division where he enjoyed a 32-year career. Dave enjoyed his summer home on Budd Lake in Harrison, MI. He served on the City of Harrison Planning Commission as well as his self-anointed role of Budd Lake “Harbor Master”. Dave was an avid car show enthusiast and took immense pride in his three classic Oldsmobile’s: 1967 Cutlass Convertible, 1972 Cutlass, and a 1972 Delta 88 convertible.  He often attended car shows in Clare, Farwell, Coleman, Evart and Lake George MI as well as the Old 27 Car Cruise over the course of many years.  His collection of over 100 trophies was a source of pride he loved to display along with his collection of neon signs that he helped design and build with Deke Ulch and Howard Clark.  Dave equally loved snowmobiling and was a member of the Harrison Snow Riders for over 20 years along with good friends Jack McNutt, Kay and Jerry Mcbrien and Geri Hills. He enjoyed riding thousands of miles of trails throughout Michigan with family, friends, and fellow club members. In his later years, Dave enjoyed his winter home and lifestyle in Summerfield, FL. He was active in his community of Spruce Creek and enjoyed taking his collies, Buddy, and Spencer, to the dog park daily, as well as, participating in trivia, themed parties, and social events. Dave was a friend to all and a highly admired man for his zest for life and love of family.  

He lived with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) for 25 years without complaint.  IBM is an irreversible, slow-progressing auto-immune disease that causes severe atrophy of the muscular system. To date, there is no medication or treatment to prevent or treat this disease.  You can learn more about IBM at myositis.org.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to The Myositis Foundation in honor of Dave.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 14th from noon until 4:00 p.m. at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building located at 1011 E. North St. Ithaca, MI. 

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