Theresa Ann (VanDemark) Beard

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Theresa Ann (VanDemark) Beard. Trish found her peace surrounded by family at Maple View Retirement Community, Ithaca MI on July 25, 2024.

Trish was born November 20, 1953 to Alan and Donna VanDemark in Alma MI. She attended Alma High School and Graduated with the class of 1971, the first graduating class at the “new school”. Trish worked at Lobdell-Emery from 1978-1989 and then moved on to American Mitsuba in 1989. In 2016 Trish retired from American Mitsuba, Mt. Pleasant after 27 years of service.

Together with their children, Trish married the love of her life Ron Beard on July 13, 1985.

Trish and Ron shared a happy life together, raised their blended family, built their dream home, fished, hunted, travel all over, and remained devoted to each other for 39 years. 

Trish was faithful, funny, stubborn, tenacious, and above all her compacity to love and care was infinite.  

Trish leaves behind her husband Ron, children Mathew Peterman, Amanda (Chris) Cooley, Jackie Beard, Rebecca (Scott) Brauchle, Chris Peterman, Sister Deb (Rollie) Anderson and seven grandchildren, Cam’Ron, Courtney,  Ellyanne, Scott (Maria), Alex, Taylor, and Kory, several nieces and nephews, along with countless friends who felt her warmth and generosity. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son Chad Alan.

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a celebration of life will be held in her honor at Pine River Recreation Club, 5527 N. Ferris Road, Riverdale, MI on July 30, 2024 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M.. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Rich and Helen Hospice Suite at the Maple View Retirement Community 4396 S. Luce Rd, 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.

Penny Martin (Moore)

(October 28, 1962 - July 1, 2024)

Penny Martin, age 61, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Richard “Terry” Moore and Patricia Mott in New Hartford, NY, Penny lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion to her family.

Penny is survived by her devoted husband, Rob Martin, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Together, they raised three wonderful children: John Merchant (Sara Merchant), Megan Petrella (Paul Petrella), and Lexus Hupfer (Tad Hupfer).

A beloved grandmother, Penny's memory will be cherished by her four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Payton, Aiden, and Alie, and another grandchild soon to join the family. She was also a loving sister to Kim Baltierra (Vincent Baltierra) and Kelly Bennett (Todd Bennett), who will miss her dearly. 

Penny was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Mott; her father, Richard Terry Moore; her stepfather, Larry Mott; and her grandparents, Georgiana and John Bruet.

Penny's warmth, generosity, and caring nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered as a best friend, compassionate soul, devoted family member, and someone who performed selfless acts of service. Her strength and commitment to those she loved were unmatched. Penny loved spending time with her family, camping, family trips to Disney, and her beloved dogs. She was the rock of many people's lives.

Above all, Penny was an amazing wife. She was a loving partner and unwavering source of support for her husband, Rob. Their marriage was built on deep companionship and friendship, and Penny's selflessness and dedication to Rob's happiness and well-being were evident in every aspect of their life together. She created a warm and welcoming home filled with love and joy. Penny's strength and resilience in facing life’s challenges together with Rob were truly inspirational. The shared joys, adventures, and cherished moments in their 31 years of marriage will be remembered forever. 

Penny was also the best mother. Her unconditional love, endless patience, and unwavering support were the foundation of her family's happiness. She guided her children through life's challenges with wisdom and grace, always knowing the right words to say. Penny's sacrifices and devotion were evident in every aspect of her life, and she created cherished memories and traditions that will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Her nurturing spirit, inspirational strength, and the invaluable life lessons she imparted will be remembered forever.

Penny re-entered the workforce in 1993 as a Medical Assistant and retired at age 55 as a Regional Director at MidMichigan Medical Center, where she was known for her commitment and leadership.

Penny was deeply spiritual and had a strong relationship with God, finding peace and solace through her faith. She lived by strong moral principles, guided by her spiritual beliefs, and expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life. Her compassionate nature, humility, and inspiring faith touched many hearts.

Visitations will be held on July 5, 2024, at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca from 2-4 pm and 5-8 pm. A funeral service will be held on July 6, 2024, at 11 am at Resurrection Life Church in St. Louis, 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.

Jaxson Bradley Chester Skeith

Jaxson Bradley Chester Skeith, age 22 of Ithaca, Michigan passed away Sunday, June 9th, 2024. Jaxson was born July 14th, 2001 in Alma, Michigan to Gina Graham and Michael Skeith. He graduated from Michigan Youth Challenge Academy in 2017 and Link Learning in 2019. 

Jaxson had an infectious smile and a zest for life.  He loved nature and enjoyed walking in the woods, camping, and being outdoors. He loved family vacations, especially in the Upper Peninsula.  He was a hard worker who always picked things up quickly.  He enjoyed reading and learning,  and was a beautiful singer even though he was hesitant to use his voice in recent years. Jaxson enjoyed spending time with his family and girlfriend Jozilynn and loved a good meal - especially when cooked by any of his grandparents. 

Jaxson is survived by his dad and stepmom Michael and Kristin Skeith, stepdad Sam (Kim) Knopf, siblings Chloe Skeith, Ashlynn Skeith, and Malachi Knopf, Grandparents Mark and Karen Skeith, Brenda and Terry Brown and Dennis and Cathy Brecht. Aunts Jennifer Graham, Karie (Bob) Ervans, and Jennifer (Troy) Maillette, and cousins Gabe, Hannah, Aubree, Kaden, and Grant.  All of who will remember his tender heart and mischievous grin.  

He was preceded in death by his beloved mom Gina Graham Knopf.

A Memorial service will take place at Resurrection Life Church in St Louis at 1p Saturday, June 15th with visitation from 11a-1p.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the scholarship fund to be established in memory of Jaxson.

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

Garry Frisbey

Garry Frisbey, 73, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away on June 4, 2024.

Garry was born on December 25, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to Ardith and the late Harold Frisbey.  He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1969 and went on to serve in the Michigan Army National Guard. Garry worked for and retired out of Fisher transportation. 

Garry married the love of his life, Rebecca Whaley Frisbey, on January 14, 1970. Together, they raised three children, Brett (Tina), Johnathan (Loren) and Luke (Jamie), who were the center of his world. Garry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always putting his family first and making sure they knew how much they were loved.

Garry had a passion for building and fixing things. He loved gardening and enjoyed being an outdoor sportsman. One of his greatest passion was cooking for family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their "Grandpa Garry." 

Garry is survived by his beloved wife, Becky; his children, Brett (Tina) Frisbey, Johnathan (Loren) Frisbey, and Luke (Jamie) Frisbey; his grandchildren, Bela, Tyler, Eric, Parker, and Oliver; his mother Ardith Frisbey, his sisters Dawn (Ed) Lewis, Becky (Chuck) McDonald, Angie (Larry) Struck, Tonya Frisbey, brothers Stan (Linda) Frisbey, Wes (Linda) Frisbey, Kent Frisbey, Charlie Frisbey; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Heather, brother Cliff and his father Harold.

A private celebration of Garry's life was held on June 8, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ithaca Senior Center in Garry's memory or a charity of your choice. 

Garry will be deeply missed by family and all of the many friends who knew him, but his legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

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

Richard J. Merchant

Richard J Merchant of Ithaca, Michigan, was born in Alma on August 9, 1929 and died May 19, 2024. His parents were Beatrice B. (Terry) and Jay Merchant, also step-mother, Elsie (Butzin) Merchant. A sister, Lenna (R.L.) Grandy predeceased him. Richard attended country schools in New Haven Township and Fulton High School. 

In 1948 he was united in marriage to Carol Yvonne Glazier. Their children are Rodney Lee (Brenda Lindquist) and Scott Terry of Ithaca, also Kay Althea (Paul) Speranza of Hendersonville, N. C. and Sandra Louise Merchant of Alma. A daughter, Bonnie Jean, died at birth and foster son Richard Palmer passed in 2007. Grandchildren are Eric Merchant, Keli Speranza, Rocco Speranza, Thomas Gesler and Matthew Gesler. Great-grandchildren are Madysen Merchant and Masen Merchant. Their extended family includes step and foster grandchildren, as well as the Galadi and other cherished international friends. 

Richard belonged to the Ithaca Presbyterian Church, serving on the Session. He was a member of the Ithaca School Board for 20 years and the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society. A talented mechanic, he was a farmer, as were his father and grandfather. Great-grandparents, Thomas and Christina (Lett) Merchant, were early pioneers of Gratiot County. In 1991, the Merchant farm was designated Michigan Centennial Farm of the Year. In 1992, farm machinery was sold, fields rented out and Merchants wintered in Florida and North Carolina. He and Carol were blessed to become residents at Maple View Retirement Community in 2022.

A memorial service will be held for Richard at 11am on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with The Reverend Susan Sickelka officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30am until the time of the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mapleview Retirement Community for their Park Project.

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