Ruth Ann Foglesong

Ruth Ann Foglesong, 74, of Ashley, passed away May 30, 2020, with her family by her side.  

She was born to the late Carl and Matilda (Eichelberger) Verstaen Sr, October 25, 1945, in Alma, Michigan.  Ruth graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964.  She married Arnold Foglesong on September 28, 1974 and were blessed with 45 years of marriage and three children.  Ruth is survived by her loving and caring husband, Arnold and three children: Greg and Jamie Foglesong of Ithaca, Jennifer Foglesong of Ashley, and Steve and Alisha Foglesong of Perrinton.  She is also survived by two grandchildren: Makinna and Beckett Foglesong of Ithaca, as well as one sister Pat Verstaen of Ashley.  She is also survived by two sister-in-laws; Andrea Ackels and Bill Dusch of Ashley, and Diane and Dave Esper of Brighton, along with a niece and nephew and their families.  All of these family members she loved and touched deeply.  Ruth was predeceased by her parents and mother & father-in-law, Marguerite and Frank Foglesong and one brother-in-law, Larry Ackels, and a grandchild, Esdon in 2007.

Ruth worked soon after high school at the Commercial Bank in Pompeii up until the birth of her third child and her diagnosis with Lupus.  She then became a full time homemaker to her three children and wonderful husband.  Ruth loved to cook, and canned many summer vegetables.  She also enjoyed baking and decorating cakes; in which she even made her own wedding cake.  Serving large family meals around her dining room table was something she always enjoyed along with the visit by her children and grandchildren.   She enjoyed many family camping trips along with always being a proud supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s events.  Ruth was a dedicated mother, wife, sister, and especially was most proud of being a grandmother.  She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

The family insists that people make donations in support of the Gratiot County Fair for Youth.

Margaret Lee Norisez

Margaret Lee Norisez, age 72, died Sunday, May 17, 2020 at MidMichigan MedicalCenter Midland. 

Peggy was born in Saginaw on July 25, 1947.  She was the daughter of Frank and Mary Julia (Sepos) Heigley.  She married Charles Roberts Norisez in Nov 1969. Peggy was an animal lover and went out of her way to save many. She enjoyed crocheting and had made several afghans, spending time outside in her garden, playing the piano and singing, reading western novels, and in earlier years, playing Bingo.  She was active in her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith led her to serve, and she enjoyed volunteering at WMFC. 

Peggy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Chuck; her sister, Pat Cooper; her nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and two step brothers. 

Services for the family will be held at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca at later date.  Peggy will be interred in Kelly Cemetery Greendale Township. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Jan Elaine (Barden) Felton

Jan Elaine (Barden) Felton passed away surrounded by family on May 22, 2020.  She was born In Alma, on January 22 , 1947 to John and Lois (Sanders) Barden of Ithaca, Michigan. She married Fred Felton on April 18th , 1970. 

Jan is survived by her husband Fred Felton, children Thomas Soule, Angela Felton, Jody (Troy) Carkhuff, Kelli Felton, Sara (Casey) Nelson, grandchildren Klayton and Khloe Kremer, Landon and Delaney Carkhuff, and Kaylyn and Casen Nelson, her mother, Lois Barden of Ithaca; her sister, Carol (Craig) Savidge of Priest River, ID; and her brother, Joe (Mary) Barden of Ithaca.  She was preceded in death by her father, John Barden. 

Jan was a devoted nurse up until she retired in 2004. In the times Jan wasn’t enjoying time with family, you could find her embroidering, crocheting, sewing, arranging puzzles, playing solitaire, solving sudoku, and talking on the phone to loved ones. 

Jan will be laid to rest at the North Star Cemetery in North Star Michigan surrounded by angels. Public graveside services will be at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 26.  Jan’s wish would be for memorial contributions to be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Jan made an impact on everyone that she crossed paths with throughout her 73 years of time on this earth, by her joyous laugh, warming presence, whit, kindness, and dedication to Christ.  Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by the eternal love and eminent inspiration she’s paved the way for... “Heritage is what you give to somebody, legacy is what you do in somebody.”-Dr. James Dobson. Jan Felton was the epitome of what is means to be a light for others. She loved everybody so well, and never took anything for granted. It is by her perfect legacy that she will outlive her life.

Elizabeth Ann (Jerome) Bates

Elizabeth Ann Bates, age 89, of Ithaca, died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Schnepp Health Care Center in St. Louis.

Elizabeth was born in Wheeler on November 5, 1930, the daughter of Kenneth and Lanah (Hynes) Jerome.  She married Harlan V. Bates on October 24, 1948 at the Edgewood Church of God.  Beth worked at Carson City Hospital for over 20 years.  After retiring, they spent many winters in Florida, and summer weekends camping in Harrison and Crystal.

Beth loved to play Bingo, read, play cards, and do arts and crafts.  She also enjoyed adult coloring books and visiting with her many friends.  Her faith was a big part of her life.  She was a former member of the Ithaca Gleaner’s and a former member of the Alma Elks.  

Surviving Beth are her children, Harlan D. “Tony” Bates of Crystal, Gloria Bates of Ithaca, and Tamara Bates of Mt. Pleasant; her grandchildren, Trevor Bates, Mistyna Pearson, Keith Bates, and Amber Ryder; several great grandchildren; her sister, Betty (Dave) Shappell of Lansing; nieces, nephews, and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; and her sons, Alan Bates and Kenneth Bates.

Visitation for the family will be at Barden Funeral home, and graveside services will be held in Ithaca Cemetery with Pastor Kelly Carlson officiating.

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

Carol Kay Russell

Carol Kay Russell, 62, passed away in her Mount Pleasant home due to complications of ovarian cancer on May 04, 2020. She passed surrounded by her loved ones.

Carol was born November 23, 1957 in Owosso, MI to James Prestage Sr. and Willimae (Simms) Prestage.

Carol loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and canning her own food.

Carol is survived by her husband of 32 years, Norman Russell of Mount Pleasant, MI; by her step-mother Mary Prestage of Riverdale, MI; by her children Brian and Shawn (Ketner) Hetchler of Riverdale, MI, Quinton and Crystal Ketner of Riverdale, MI, William and Brittney Ketner of Riverdale, MI, Jackie Chobod of Wheeler, MI, and Sonya Russell of St. Louis, MI; by siblings James and Rita of St. Louis, MI, Thelma Russell of Coleman, MI, and Benny and Annette Letner of Helenwood Tennessee; and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother Willimae (Simms) Prestage of Brant, MI; her father James Prestage Sr. of Riverdale, MI; by daughter Amie Russell of Mount Pleasant, MI; by siblings William Prestage of Missouri, Patricia Prestage of St. Charles, MI, Donna Weeden of Hemlock, MI and Genevieve Prestage of Riverdale, MI.

Family services will be held graveside at Richland Township Cemetery. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.