William (Bill) Valentine Bowen

William (Bill) Valentine Bowen was 92 years old when he passed from this life on September 25, 2024.  He had been residing at The Porches in Gaylord, MI since February of this year.  Prior to that, he and his wife Jackie were long-time residents of Ithaca, MI.  She preceded him in death on January 7,2024.  He is survived by his two sons Craig Bowen (Wilsonville, OR) and Kent and Renata (Chaffee) Bowen (Gaylord, MI).  Bill had four grandchildren:  Kyle and Ashley (Bartee) Bowen (Plymouth,MI), Katie (Bowen) and Tony Bonitatibus (Waltham, MA), Corbin Bowen (Wilsonville, OR), Cailyn (Bowen) and Michael Nichols (Pasadena, MD) and five great-grandchildren:  Jackson, Olivia and Harrison Bowen, Hattie Bonitatibus and Hazel Nichols.

Bill was born in Utica, OH to Alwanda (Cannon) and Frank Bowen on March 11, 1932.  He moved to Ithaca, MI when he was nine years old and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1950.  Bill enlisted in the United States Navy when he was sixteen years old as a minority enlistment.  He entered active duty upon his high school graduation and served his country for five years.  He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL, then at Gross Ile Naval Station on the Detroit River where he served as an administrator for flight squadron training missions.

Bill loved to share the story with everyone about his reluctant blind date that was arranged by a family member in Butler, IN.  This was where he met Jackie, who was described to him as “the prettiest girl in town”.  They soon fell in love and married in 1954.  Shortly thereafter they moved from IN to Ithaca, MI where their marriage spanned nearly seventy years.  It was also there where they stayed and raised their family.

Bill wore many hats during his working career, most notably helping to operate a family-owned feed mill and large commercial chicken and hog farm.  Later, he was one of the first employees to work for Aircraft Precision in Ithaca before leaving to manage the North Star Elevator.  He finished his career working for B&W Co-Op in Breckenridge, MI.Bill and Jackie were active members at the First Presbyterian Church since 1955.  He also was a member of the local Masonic Lodge.  One of their favorite hobbies to do together was to hunt antiques and collectables they called “Junkin”.  The home they lived in for over five decades, that was built by Bill himself, was filled with these treasures.  Bill picked up the hobby of woodworking in the 1980’s, starting with small, simple projects that eventually turned into making fine furniture pieces.  He has made numerous items for many local residents, but the most special projects were the ones he made with love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We invite you to come and share in a memorial service to a life well lived on Saturday October 12, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, with Pastor Steve Datema officiating.  A family visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.  Please join us afterwords for a luncheon at the Ithaca Community Center.  The family kindly asks that any gifts be directed to the Ithaca Community Food Pantry in honor of Bill.

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

William Todd “Bill” Rocheleau

William Todd “Bill” Rocheleau, Sr., age 60, passed away suddenly at his home, near Ashley, on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Bill was born in Alma on December 5, 1963, the son of Arthur and Mary Louise (Bussear) Rocheleau.  He graduated from Ithaca High School and started driving truck for his father’s trucking business, Arctic Freightways.  He drove east coast to west coast, hauling foods, supplies, cars, and trucks.  After his father’s death he would haul for Simon Bros. Trucking.

He loved golf cart rides, picking up debris and rocks, and rides to Reed’s Park to swim with grandson Easton Michael, granddaughter Ella, and his wife, Tammy.  He enjoyed working in his garden, caring for his tomatoes, beans, and broccoli.  He especially looked forward to his trips to the junk yard to scavenge for treasure that he would bring home, fix up, paint, and sell on Market Place.  He would be so excited about the items he would find.  He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and son.  

Bill is survived by his wife, Tammy; his children, Dustin Dennis of Alma, Willy (Kory) Rocheleau of Ithaca, and Haley Jo Rocheleau of Ashley; his grandchildren, Easton and Ella; his mother, Mary ((Jess) Hollenbeck of Mecosta; his brother Mark Rocheleau of Ithaca; his sister Sue (Cecil) Gutierrez of Big Rapids; his parents in law,Earl and Kenna Dennis of Perrinton; and sisters in law, Tricia (Scott) Andrews and Timberly (Dan) Piper.    He was preceded in death by his father, Art Rocheleau; his daughter in law, Shelby Dennis; and his sister in law, Tonya Reagen.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service begins.  Interment will follow in Hamilton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Ruth L. Smith

Ruth L. Smith, 96, of Ithaca passed away August 12, 2024 at Rosewood Adult Foster Care where she resided for the past four years.

Ruth was born on August 4, 1928, the daughter of William Edgar and Goldie Pearl (Mills) Smith. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School, class of 1947.

In her younger years Ruth loved to bowl and was on a bowling team for many years. Ruth also did some traveling when she was younger - traveling to Florida, Arizona, California, and Branson, Missouri. She loved to shop and visit with her many family and friends. Ruth worked for and retired from the Gratiot County Road Commission after many years.

Ruth is survived by her brother Robert Smith of North Star. Her nephews Rob (Tammy) Smith of Alma, Bill (Shelly) Smith of North Star, Larry Foster of Honor, Phil (Sande) Foster of Crystal, Terry (Lynne) Foster of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Nieces Carolyn Mepham of Roscommon, and Patty (Rob) Geisenhaver of Ithaca.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances Foster, her brother-in-law Keith Foster, and sister-in-law Bonnie Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 4:30pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at North Star 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.

Randolph “Randy” George Smith

Randolph George Smith, age 72 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at his home.

Randy was born April 17, 1952 in Jackson, Michigan. He was a proud veteran, joining the US Army in 1970. After retiring from the military, Randy enjoyed golfing, hunting, and being in the outdoors, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his son and grandsons golfing. He also enjoyed Michigan football and got to see his Wolverines win the National Championship. Randy was loved by all and was everyone’s grandfather.

Through the years, Randy was a strong figure in the community, known and loved by many. He will be missed by all.

Randy is survived by his wife Cynthia; son Jeremy (Allison); daughter Misty (Bob); stepsons Gregory and Ron; grandchildren Kyle (Victoria), Kaeden, Dakota, Devon, Kennedy, Dylan (LeAnn), Bryson, and Ella; great grandchildren Liam, Atlas, Kai, Silas, Palmer, and one on the way (Kyle). He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Nellie, Steve, Lee, Dick, Denny, Debbi; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Jane, father Lee, brothers Don and Jim, sisters Judy and Jane, and nephew Lee.

A memorial service for Randy will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 17 at the Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with Pastor Susan Sickelka officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11am at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot County Veterans Affairs or to Heartland Hospice.

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

Steven Rex Parks

Our beloved brother and uncle Steven Rex Parks passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family the age of 62 on August 8, 2024. He has been lovingly reunited with his Dad, Mom and Brother!   

He was born August 13, 1961, in Carson City, MI to Dale and Bonnie (Lanshaw) Parks. He graduated from Ithaca High School, class of 1982.  

Some of his hobbies included roller skating, bowling and going to stock car races. But his true love was drumming! He was a fantastic drummer!!! He played in several bands: Night Rovers, Blue Express (with HUGE blue BLOOMERS), Bustin Loose Band and Curb Side Cadillac. He met a lot of people during that time. He continued to have people coming up to him throughout his life stating how great he was. It always put a HUGE smile on his face, he was always so very PROUD.  

He was a HUGE fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines (just ask his neighbors – LOL). He wouldn’t leave the house when there was a game on. A couple of Aunts (and cousins) are Michigan State Fans, so there was always a friendly family rivalry going on. But as Stevie would always say “GO BLUE”! He even had the inside of his house painted Maize and Blue. He recently designed a custom-made golf cart, all in U of M colors and logo’s (with a drum sticker here or there as well), he loved it!  And just waved and grinned to everyone that told him it was “Awesome”, or say “GO BLUE” or just waved.   

He worked at Ashcraft’s from 1991 to 2000. He then worked at Hutchinson Aerospace from 2000 to 2019.

He is survived by 2 sisters: Debra (Travis) Branson of St. Louis, MI and Lori Wymer of Ithaca, MI. One niece Melissa (Parks) Suhy, a great-nephew Jackson Suhy and great-niece Makenna Suhy.  Aunt Kathryn (Jerry) LaLonde, Uncle John Lanshaw and Aunt Carol Lanshaw.  Many other family members and friends that he loved and cherished.

He is preceded in death by his father Dale, mother Bonnie, brother Danny, paternal grandparents Henry Lynn & Eva Alice Parks and his maternal grandparents Vern & Daisy Lanshaw.

We want to thank Dr. Chrisopher Murray, Dr. Milena Jani and all the doctors and staff at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor for all his excellent care. Also, a BIG thank you to MyMichigan Hospice for helping him transition, what a fantastic team - Lara, Carol, Hailey, Don, Joe, Dawn, Deb and Hilda.

A celebration of his life will be Saturday Aug 31, 2024 at 1:30 – 4:30pm at the Ithaca Community Center, 120 N Maple Street, Ithaca, MI. A private Burial will be at Ithaca Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stevie’s memory can be made to MyMichigan Hospice at 6810 Eastman Ave., Midland, MI  48642.  

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