Kaylynn Lorraine Huguelet

Ovid,MI- Kaylynn L. Huguelet, 34 passed away unexpectedly, March 23, 2020, at her home. She was born September 5, 1985 in Alma, Mi. Daughter of Monikca Huguelet.

Kaylynn took pride in and loved working for the carnival since the young age of 14 years old. She currently enjoyed her job as a bartender at the Farmers Home Tavern in Hemlock, MI. where she has worked off and on for many years.

Her hobbies included many things, such as, road trips, concerts, breakfast for dinner, food,music, naps but most of all family time well spent with her brother Ethan and sister Paige. She especially, loved spending time with her mother, that meant the most to her. 

Think of Kaylynn as living the hearts of everyone of us that she has touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and she was LOVED so much by everyone of us! Forever her momma’s “Brat Girl” and uncle Snots “ Lynn butt”.

Kaylynn was preceded by her Grandma Jacklynn Kay Bunning of St Louis, MI., Great Grandparents Mike and Sarah Bunning of St. Louis,MI., Dad, Timothy Ellsworth of Alma, MI., and Uncle Ben of Mt. Pleasant MI.  She is survived by her mother

Monikca Huguelet of Ovid,MI., Aunt Sarah Moore of St.Louis,MI.,Uncle Scott (Hilda) Quick of Wheeler,MI., Uncle Roger Quick of St.Louis,MI. Brother Ethan Ellsworth, Sister Paige Ellswoth, including her loving cousins Tiffani(Adam) Sisco, Jeffery (sheila) Moore, Nathan (Luella) Moore, Andrew Moore, Bradley Quick,J oseph Quick, Ryan Quick and many caring friends.

Heartfelt gratitude from Kaylynn’s family is sent out to everyone that came together during this difficult time to be there and help see that all needs are met. Including a special thank you to Joe Barden from Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, MI for his kindness and compassion, he has shown in taking care of Kaylynn, and her mother in this emotional time, his sincerity is felt in an abundance and appreciated by all.

A memorial of remembrance will be held at a later date. If anyone would like to help relieve Kaylynn’s mother, Monikca of the financial stress she has a paypal available though her sister in law at https://www.paypal.me/hildaquick  or mail to 8072 Water St. Wheeler , MI. 48662 be sure to include your favorite memory of Kaylynn they will be compiled and put in a book for her mother. Thank you all for your kindness.

Marion E. Weaver

Marion Weaver, age 87, of Ithaca, died Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Schnepp Senior Care and Rehab Center in St. Louis.

Marion was born in Ithaca on December 27, 1932, the daughter of Harley and Norma (Winslow) Inbody.  She married Harold Weaver on December 24, 1949.  He preceded her in death on July 5, 2008.  Together they shared 58 years.

Marion was a housewife for most of her married life, and worked at the Ithaca Motel as a housekeeper for 15 years.  She was best described as feisty.  She loved country line dancing, and was a dance instructor at Gratiot Commission on Aging back when it was the “in” thing.  She enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing 500 rummy with Randy, and working in her flower garden.  On May 6, 1976, she and Harold were baptized at the Church of Christ in Ithaca.

Marion is survived by her sons, Ricky (Pauline) of Oregon, Rod (Kila) of Zeeland, and Randy (Vickie) of Alma; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jennie Western; and her brother, Lyle Inbody

Private services will be held at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca for the family on Tuesday, March 31.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. 

Gary Lee Smith

Gary Lee Smith, 67, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on October 11, 1952, in Carson City, Michigan, the son of the late Frederick Joseph Smith and the late Flossie Marie (Elliott) Smith.  Gary married his high school sweetheart Kendra Karolle on June 11, 1970.  

Gary is survived by his wife, Kendra, daughter Andrea, son Scott (Kristen), grandchildren Steven (Emilie), Victoria, Dakota, O’Malley, Stone, Shayden, Joshua, and Rylan, great grandchildren Lorelai and Rowan, brothers Terry (Rita) Smith and Robert Smith, sister Barbara (Roger) Hadley, his sister-in-law, Loretta Smith, and his brother-in-law, Al Stamm.  He was predeceased by his parents, two infant brothers, his sister, Pat Stamm, his brother, Larry Smith, and in-laws Martin and Esther Karolle, and Marty and Kathy Karolle

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend to everyone.  He would travel any distance to watch his grandchildren’s sporting and school events.  He loved to hunt, fish and golf.  He was a big sports fan, especially when his favorite University of Michigan Wolverines were playing.

Gary worked as a welder and fork truck driver for General Motors for 30 years and as a laborer for the Gratiot County Commission on Aging.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Home Repair Fund at the Gratiot County Commission on Aging located at 515 South Pine River Street, Ithaca, MI 48847.

The family is being served by Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca, Michigan.  A private funeral and burial service for immediate family will occur on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Update on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 9:05PM by Jason L. Barden

Gary Lee Smith passed on March 21, 2020.  With COVID restrictions in place, only private services were held at the time of his passing.  

We will be having a celebration of his life on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please stop by for cookies and an opportunity to reminisce with us about Gary.

Ithaca Community Center
120 North Maple
Ithaca, MI 48847

Robert Barry “Bob” Crist

Robert “Bob” Crist, age 72, of Ithaca passed away March 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bob was born September 26, 1947 to Robert Lewis and Virginia Elaine (VanWagoner) Crist in Jackson, Michigan. He was a graduate of Western High School in Parma, Michigan. Following high school, Bob enrolled at Central Michigan University, graduating with a degree in music education. He enlisted in the Army after completing his degree and served two years as an Army musician. He toured the Southwest United States performing for troops and entertaining in officer’s clubs. 

In the early 1970’s, Bob began teaching at Ithaca Public Schools in both the high school and jr. high school music departments where he shared his love of music with countless students. He was known for producing excellent marching and concert bands despite the school’s relatively small size, and for his work with students performing in the musical productions at the school. He was also well known in the area for the Ithaca High School Dixieland Band, which he directed and played the piano. Many Friday nights after IHS home basketball games, the community would gather at the bowling alley to listen to Bob and the Dixieland Band play.

Bob loved people and people loved Bob. His combined love of music and people led Bob to share his talents with many community groups. He played at nursing homes and the Senior Activity Building. He performed in the parks and the farmer’s market in the summer. He enjoyed providing music for the Gratiot County Players, leading the musicians and performing in many of their musical performances. He was also the Music Director for the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca. Everywhere Bob went, he made people happy, whether with his music, his jovial personality, or more likely both. Bob so loved sharing his musical talents that he wanted nothing more than to play piano at local nursing homes and the church again. 

Bob’s love of people led him to serve in various community groups. He was a member of the Ithaca Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Bob is survived by his brother John (Jan) Crist; his nephew Jason (Melissa) Crist; niece Melissa (Charlie Jr.) Westcott; his grand nieces and nephews Elijah and Samara Crist; and Madison, McKenna, and Keegan Wensley, all  of Jackson, Michigan. He is also survived by very dear friends Randy and Tina Miniard, Garrett Miniard, and Bailey Miniard, all of Alma, Michigan; Jordy Miniard-Brewer and  Andrea Miniard-Brewer of Harlan, Kentucky, and Carson Miniard-Teed of Ithaca, Michigan, as well as so many well loved friends he knew over the years

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Virginia Crist, sister-in-law Cheryl Crist, and dear friend Candie Hoch.

There will be a memorial celebration for Bob in the near future. Given recent worldwide events, this information will be forthcoming and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bob to either the Ithaca Band Boosters to be used for band camp scholarships, or the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences, memories, and/or stories may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

To donate to Ithaca Band Boosters in Memory of Bob, click the "Donate" button below:

Kiyoko O. Crocker

Kiyoko O. Crocker, 90, of Ithaca, passed away on March 8, 2020 surrounded by love with family.  Kiyoko was born April 6, 1929 to Shigeru and Ito (Kamisaka) Ota of Otsu, Japan.  She met her husband Verle while he served in the Army during the Korean War and they were married in Japan on May 15, 1953. In 1954 Kiyoko and Verle began their life in the United States on the Crocker family farm in Ithaca, MI.  

In 1986 Kiyoko retired from Wolverine World Wide after 25 years of service.  Kiyoko loved gardening and many times grew her vegetables from seed.  She had an amazing strawberry patch and enjoyed creating beautiful flower beds.  Kiyoko was also a very talented seamstress.  She would create personalized patterns tailored for a perfect fit and could mend anything.  Kiyoko especially loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking for big family meals and celebrations.   

Kiyoko is survived by her children Verona (Alden) Howay; Glenda (Ken) Showers; Kelvin (Karen) Crocker; Emily Crocker; grandchildren Jenny (Dan), Jason, Amy (Justin), Marc, Doug, and Xavier (April) and four great-grandchildren, Austin, Josalyn, Raelynn, Skylnn, and a fifth Isla due in May; sister Fusako Yamada and numerous nieces and nephews. Kiyoko was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Sisters and 1 Brother, her beloved husband of 60 years Verle, and Grandson Tommy.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Interment will follow in Hamilton Township Cemetery. The family will greet friends and celebrate Kiyoko’s beautiful life from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Barden Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Edgewood Church of God, North Star AFC, or The Care Team Hospice.

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