Month: July 2014

DEERFIELD — Phillip W. Forche, age 96, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Herrick Hospital in Tecumseh. He was born November 28, 1917, in Deerfield Twp., Michigan to Leo A. and Elizabeth (Tiede) Forche, Sr. He served overseas in the U.S. Army for 5 years, where he earned the Purple Heart Award.

On June 25, 1949, he married Lucille Ann Montry at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Deerfield and she survives.

Phillip had been a farmer all of his life. He was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Parish (St. Alphonsus), the Knights of Columbus and the Men’s Club, the American Legion in Deerfield Post #392 and the National Farmer’s Organization. Phillip served on the School Board for Deerfield Public Schools and served in the capacity of Trustee and on the Board of Review for Deerfield Township. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, playing golf in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he and his wife, Lucille, spent their winters for 20 years. He was an avid card player.

In addition to his, wife, Lucille, he is survived by a son, Jim Forche of Blissfield; a daughter, Jean (Steven) Chafee of Oak Harbor, Ohio; a brother, Leo (Darlene) Forche, Jr. of Deerfield; four sisters, Ruth McCarty of Saginaw, Lucille (Forrest) Johns of Adrian, Catherine Smith of Adrian, and Lois (Norbert) Iott of Petersburg; two grandchildren, Rebecca Chafee of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Rachel Chafee of Oak Harbor, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ed Forche; and a brother, Carl Forche.

The Funeral Liturgy was held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Light of Christ Catholic Parish, (St. Alphonsus) with Fr. Jack Loughran as celebrant. Burial was in Deerfield Cemetery with Full Graveside Military Rites conducted by the Deerfield American Legion Post #392. Visitation was on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield and also on Tuesday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Deerfield American Legion. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Lois “Kathleen” Sheldon, age 94 of Blissfield, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. She was born November 6, 1919, in Blissfield, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Madge (Smith) Brown. Kathleen was a graduate of Blissfield High School. She was married to Arnold Hasenpflug, and he preceded her in death. She later married Seth “Paul” Sheldon, and he also preceded her in death. Kathleen worked at the canning factory for several years and also Carroll’s Eggery. Mostly she enjoyed life on the family farm. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She is survived by step-sons, Doug Hasenpflug, Donald Sheldon, and Barry Sheldon as well as many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Deborah (Robert) Pooley of Blissfield. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by sisters, Gladys Goetz and Jeanette Ogden; brothers, Lawrence, Harold, Macklin and Edward Brown Jr.; and a step-son, Dean Sheldon. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Dianna Raine officiating. Visitation was from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the Tuesday service. Burial followed at Riga Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Kathleen may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Eileen Jeanette Hazard Eisenmann has transitioned to her heavenly home on July 16, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 25, 1925, in Blissfield to Earl and Bessie Reed Hazard. As a child growing up she claimed to be her dad’s hired hand on their farm, learning an excellent work ethic at a very early age. She started dating the love of her life for their junior-senior prom, and graduated in 1942 from Blissfield High School.

Because she was too young to enter nurse’s training, Eileen worked for a year at Blissfield’s sugar beet factory, earning enough money to pay for her future education at Flower Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo, Ohio, where she graduated in 1946. After passing her state boards for Registered Nursing, she began her 60-year-long career in Nursing at Emma L. Bixby Hospital. On December 11, 1946, she married Lowell Eisenmann when he returned from the service. Together, they created a living legacy. Eileen continued her nursing career at Bixby Hospital until her retirement in 1989. She held numerous positions, including pediatrics, and staff development. She became a champion for wound care, taking a special interest in patients receiving a new “ostomy.” She founded the Ostomy Association of Lenawee County. Her diligence for wound care and ostomy care soon found her in a newly created position as Director of Infection Control and Central Supply. She continued in this role for nearly 20 years until her (first) retirement. She began working, again, at CQC — the old Bixby where her career originally began.

When Lowell’s health began declining, she retired again at age 82, assuming her final nursing job, as the loving and sacrificial care giver of the love of her life.

Eileen was an active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, especially the Kum-Join-Us Sunday School class; holding positions in the women’s missionary group, including state secretary; leading the youth fellowship with Lowell; and for many years until just a few months ago, was in charge of the funeral dinners at Emmanuel. “Just put me in the kitchen” was her mission in later years. As a God loving woman, her legacy included showing all who knew her what unconditional love and sacrificial giving of self was all about. She and Lowell created an incredible family that shares a closeness and love not often seen today. Her door was always open and and an extra plate was set at the table for anyone coming through the door.

Surviving is the love of her life and husband Lowell of nearly 68 years. Surviving children are Wonet Kulwicki, (Richard Ryan); Keith (Barb) Eisenmann; Dawn (Sam) Rupp; Rose (Adrian) Ninaber; Zell (Rita) Eisenmann; and Noel (Dori) Eisenmann; 19 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

As her final gift, her body has been donated to the University of Toledo Medical Center. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 215 E. Jefferson St., Blissfield, with Pastor Zack Dunlap officiating. Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. The family would like to extend an invitation to continue celebrating and sharing the life of Eileen over lunch in the church basement fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, Eileen has requested donations to Hospice of Lenawee or Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Blissfield.

Deanna L. Ruple, age 74, of Palmyra, passed away, July 5, 2014, at home. She was born April 7, 1940, in Wauseon, Ohio, the daughter of Virgil & Josephine (Barrett) Trigg. On September 15, 1957, she married James Ruple, he survives. In addition to her husband James, she is survived by her children; Jobie (Mary) Ruple, Robin (Sandy) Ruple, Jaymie Capetillo, Timothy (Renee) Ruple, Laurie Ruple, Kimberly Ruple, James Ruple, Jr. and Troy (Lynnette) Ruple, 33 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and her sisters; Beverly (Jerry) Pfund, Kay Beesway, Jeanine Koch and Bonnie Weaver. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Leroy Trigg and Tommy Trigg and granddaughter, Tonya Ruple Parker. Funeral services was held noon Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy (M-52) Adrian, with Pastor Terry Stoddard officiating. Visitation was July 9 also at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. Condolences can be offered to the family online at: www.PurseFuneralHome.com

Jack Leroy Bates, Jr., age 65, of Blissfield, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014, at his home. He was born June 11, 1949, in Adrian. On November 30, 1968, he married Jackie Pieh in Adrian and she survives. Jack was employed by PPI in Tecumseh and then later retired from Saxmayer in Blissfield. He was a member of the NRA, the North American Hunt Club and the River Raisin Sportsman Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and taking rides in the woods on his “fun mobile” with his grandkids. In addition to his wife, Jackie, he is survived by one son, David Bates of Blissfield; daughter, Jennifer (Brian Anderson) Bates of Blissfield; brother, Mike (Chris) Bates of Onekama, Mich.; two step-sisters, Chris (Jim) Davis of Iowa and Pam Andrews of Samaria; five grandchildren, Jordan, Austin, Jacob, Megan, and Jack Henry; one great-grandson, Zyler; many nieces and nephews and special friends, Larry Frye and Grant Jacobs. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Claren and Verda Bates; his father, Jack Sr., brother, Jerry Bates; two sons, Keith and Kevin Bates; and one granddaughter, Mallory Bates. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services for Jack were held on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with the Reverend Aden Porter officiating. Visitation was held on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. Condolences to the family may be given online at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to ProMedica Hospice, or the Blissfield Fire Fighters Association. Envelopes are available at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

OGDEN — Dean R. Porter, 90, of Ogden went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at his home under the care of Hospice of Lenawee with his family by his side. Dean was born on February 11, 1924 in their family home in Ogden to William A. and Margaret E. (Bruce) Porter. He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1941. Dean married Donna J. Stucker on April 27, 1946; she preceded him in death in 2001. Dean farmed for many years in Ogden Township on his family’s farm. Dean enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. Dean could often be seen driving his gator around the farm or his golf cart in Florida. He cherished time with his family, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially making cider with them in the Fall. He was an active member of Zion United Brethren Church, where he was a youth leader, served on the board, and taught Sunday School. Dean served the Blissfield Community Schools as a part time bus driver, and on the Board of Education, a portion of which he was the president. Later in life, Dean wintered in Florida where he continued to serve others in the community. He volunteered for 26 years at the Manatee County Visitors Center, and drove a bus for the Anchor House Mission in Bradenton serving seafarers from around the globe. Dean was also involved with Gideons and 4-H. Dean is survived by his children Carol (Marvin) Noser of Warsaw IN, Dr. Keith (Jean) Porter of Hillsdale, Bruce (Pam) Porter of Adrian; grandchildren Chris (Katie) Noser, Joy (Grant) Shearer, Jody (Fred) Saunders, Julie (Todd) Rupp, Jacob (Kris) Porter, Melissa (Lon) Smith, Renee (Cris) Rupp, Caleb (Kaitlin) Porter, Aaron (Shannon) Porter; and 24 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Dean, is preceded in death by their son LaVern Porter; sisters Dorotha Hahn, Marjorie Beebe, Helen French; and brothers Leland Porter and Dale Porter. Services for Dean were held on Monday, June 30 at the Zion United Brethren Church with Dr. Keith Porter and Rev. Aden Porter officiating. Burial followed at Zion Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anchor House Mission, Hospice of Lenawee, or Zion United Brethren Church; envelopes are available at the funeral home. Condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

PALMYRA — Alice A. Bauer, age 84 of Palmyra, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. She was born August 20, 1929, to Edwin and Edith (Hillman) Clingaman at home in Blissfield Township. After graduating from Adrian High School in 1947, she completed her schooling in nursing at Flower Hospital. On September 9, 1950, Alice married Rollan Seeburger, and he preceded her in death in 1996. Alice was married to Wesley “Keith” Bauer on August 19, 2005, in Palmyra, and he survives. Alice worked as a registered nurse at Stubnitz Greene, Bixby Hospital, Maria Healthcare, and Parkview Hospital in Toledo, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Palmyra Community Presbyterian Church where she was active in the Friendship Class. Alice enjoyed rock collecting, jewelry making and quilting. She was a former member of the Raisin Valley Quilting Guild and the Tri State Gem and Mineral Society. In addition to her husband, Keith, she is survived by her children: Sandra (Fred) DeNudt of Clyde, OH and Glen (Kim) Seeburger of Lynchburg, VA; Keith’s children, Dale Bauer of Tennessee; and Kahlee Ashenfelter of Palmyra; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister, Doris VanSickle of Adrian and brother, Eldon (Inez) Clingaman of Palmyra. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Rev. Robert Bidwell officiating. Burial will follow at Palmyra Cemetery. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Contributions in memory of Alice may be made to Palmyra Community Presbyterian Church. Online condolences and memories are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Carol Ann McCarty, age 67 of Blissfield passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 16, 2014 at her home. She was born on September 21, 1946 in Adrian, Michigan to Thomas A. and Ruth M. (Forche) McCarty. Carol was a Madison High School graduate and had lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for the past 20 years, before returning to Blissfield in 2013. She enjoyed taking in Mexican cuisine and shopping for bargains at thrift stores, but most of all hanging with her best friend “Lucky,” her German shepherd. Surviving is her mother, Ruth M. McCarty of Saginaw; two daughters, Christine Marie Mackey of Kansas and Carisa Ann Ehlert of Cartersville, Ga.; one brother, Thomas (Kathy) McCarty of Rockford, and her former husband and dear friend, Leland Ehlert of Palmyra. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas A. McCarty. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the fall to celebrate Carol’s life. Arrangements are under the direction of the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Karen E. A. Amstutz, age 65 of Blissfield passed away suddenly on Monday, June 16, 2014 at ProMedica Bixby Hospital in Adrian.  She was born on February 27, 1949 in Pensacola, Florida to Richard and Mary (Ford) Graham.  On November 11, 1972 she married Donald “Butch” Amstutz in Blissfield.  He preceded her in death on July 5, 1996.  Karen retired from Blissfield Community Schools.  She loved to scrapbook and enjoyed gardening and shopping online.  Karen’s greatest love was for her grandchildren and her time spent with them.   Karen is survived by one son, Ryan Amstutz of Temperance; two daughters, Malisa (Andy) Fetzer and Molly (Gerald “Levert”) Jackson both of Blissfield; two brothers, Steven Graham and David Graham both of Blissfield; two sisters, Melinda Pagel of Blissfield and Jennifer (Mark) McCauley of Brighton; six grandchildren, Harley Warner, Bailey Warner, Aleigha DeLaCruz, Keegan Amstutz, Kara Amstutz and Connor “C.J.” Jackson; one great grandson, Cayden Swift and one on the way and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Butch, she was preceded in death by her parents and her niece Gretchen Pagel.   Cremation has taken place.  Memorial services for Karen were at 4 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.  Visitation was from 2-4 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com . Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help provide them with a healing farewell service.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.