Lawrence DeLane Hollenbeck

Lawrence DeLane Hollenbeck, age 80, of Ithaca, passed away Monday, September 23, 2019, at Mid Michigan Hospital in Alma.

L.D. was born April 19, 1939 in Porter Township, Breckenridge, the son of LeuVerne and Wesley Hollenbeck.  He attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary, graduating in 1958, and went on to Dr. Martin Luther College and Mankato State University in Minnesota and Western Michigan.  He married Verna Mischke on August 4, 1963.  He served in the Army from 1962 to 1965, and taught school in Ashley, Fulton, and for the State of Michigan, retiring in 1999.  

L.D. was active politically and a member of the Lion’s Club.  After retirement he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events and donating his time and talents to Builders for Christ projects.  He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alma.

L.D. is survived by his wife of 56 years, Verna; his two daughters, Heather (Larry) Pung of Ithaca and Janeen (Steve) Whitmer of Midland; his four grandchildren, Megan, Kayla, Addison, and Logan; and his sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Muringer of Kawkawlin.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for L.D. will be 11 a.m. Friday, September 27, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alma, with Reverend John Eich officiating.  Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 at the church and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 2777 Hardin St., Saginaw, MI 48602.

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

Jennifer Lanetta Smith

Jennifer Lanetta Smith, age 43, of Crystal, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 14, 2019.

Jennifer was born on August 27, 1976, in Pueblo, Colorado, the daughter of John Lloyd and Dorothy “Faye” (Herndon) Smith.  She graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1994, and then attended Lansing Community College.  She enjoyed fishing, camping, animals, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jennifer is survived by her daughter, Ava Faye Lyn Smith: her siblings, John Smith of Lyons, MI, Jeffrey Smith of Crystal, MI, Julie (Jeff) Smith of Ithaca, MI, and Jason (Andrea) Smith of Napa, CA; her niece and nephews, Samantha (Steve) Allen, Matthew Smith, and Adam Smith; and her great nieces, Gracie, Olivia, and Julia Allen.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Faye Smith; and her grandparents, Alfred and Norma Smith, and William and Elizabeth Herndon.

A memorial service will be held 11am, Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Ithaca Wesleyan Church at 712 N. Pine River St. in Ithaca. A dinner will be served following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that the memorials be directed to help cover the cost of cremation and memorial services.  Donations may be mailed to Julie Smith, 327 Barber St. Ithaca, MI 48847.

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

Bernard A. Harrier

Bernard A. Harrier, 74, of Alma, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at his home. He was born March 13, 1945 in Alma to Arlan A. and Ardis R. (Fisk) Harrier. He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1963. He went on to Michigan State where he took a short agricultural business course. In March of 1965 he married Carolyn Shaver, his high school sweetheart.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sons Charles (Alissa) Harrier, and Brian (Christy) Harrier; seven grandchildren Seth, Dean, Ian (Sarah), Wade (Maddie), Emily (Nick), Drew and Brynn, and two great-grandsons, Benjamin and Arlan, one sister Carol (Craig) Goward, and brother-in-law Frank Huss. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Nancy Shepherd and Debra Huss. He helped start Royster Fertilizer Plant. In 1968 he went to work at Consumers Power Company and retired after 33 years. Bernard was raised on the farm and enjoyed hunting rabbits and deer. He enjoyed a lot of time in his wood shop until he began dialysis. He was a member of the Beebe United Methodist Church.

Memorial Service will be held October 12, 2019 at the Beebe United Methodist Church at 4:00 P.M. A meal will follow at the Emerson Township Hall across the street. Memorials may be made to the Beebe United Methodist Church.

Wendy Lou Bywater

After a brave journey with cancer, Wendy Lou Bywater, age 54, of Ithaca, MI left Ashley Care Center surrounded by family and went to her heavenly home on Monday, September 2, 2019.

Wendy was born in Carson City, MI on March 27, 1965. The daughter of Robert and Janet (Riley) Griffin. She graduated from Ithaca High School and lived most of her life in Michigan. She worked overnights at Alma Meijer, where she quickly made friends with her co-workers.

Wendy was a very loving, supportive and protective Mom and Grandma. She was a fierce Mama Bear. To her Grandchildren she was “Ama” or  “Gram Gram”. She treasured her children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. Wendy was very fond of her plants and animals, she loved watching the birds. She also enjoyed watching Law & Order, doing plastic canvas and crocheting.

Wendy leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children: Shaunicy (Amanda) Kennedy of Mt. Clemens, MI, Tiffany Kennedy of Alma, MI, Charity Kennedy of Homer, MI, Brandy Hephner of Ithaca, MI, Courtney Shepler of Alma, MI and Conrad Bywater of Ithaca, MI; her grandchildren: Devon, Dorian, Savannah, Quinn, Carleigh, Aubreigh, Hope, Aiden, Matthew, Krissa, Brandon, Myleigh and Mila;  her mother and stepdad, Janet and Eugene Schollaert; and her siblings: Chris (Dave) LaFreniere, Bob (Leann) Griffin, Jeff (Angie) Schollaert, and Amanda (Andy) Schollaert-Welch.

Wendy was predeceased by her Dad and her son in-law, Brandon.

Honoring Wendy’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will take place at a later date.

Family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. 

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

Joyce Ann Peters

Joyce A. Peters, age 90, of Ithaca, passed away September 2, 2019, at Warwick Living Center in Alma, Michigan

Joyce was born in Newark Township on  June 7, 1929, the daughter of Maynard and Lucille (Wermuth) Martin.  She married Donald L. Peters on January 31, 1948, in Angola, Indiana, a union of 70 years together until his passing in 2018.

Joyce loved spending time with her family, her flowers, and watching the hummingbirds and squirrels.  Her hobbies were embroidering, crocheting, reading, and she especially loved quilting.

Joyce is survived by her three children; Rebecca (Mike) Smith of Ithaca, Nancy (Dennis) Snyder of St. Louis, and Tim Peters of Perry; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her sister, Patricia (Richard) Parfitt of Mt. Pleasant; her brother, Darrell (Ruth Ann) Martin of St. Johns; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral services for Joyce will be 1 p.m. Thursday, September 5, at the St. Louis Church of Christ, with Dr. Keith Wise officiating.  Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca and from noon until the time of the service on Thursday at the St. Louis Church of Christ.  Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Louis Church of Christ.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.