Month: September 2014

Rick R. Pifer. A memorial will be held Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Light of Christ Catholic Church in Blissfield. Rick, 54, is survived by his parents, Ed and Beverly Pifer; twin brothers Kent and Kevin Pifer; nephews Hans (Chelsea) Pifer, Eric (Allison) Pifer, niece Sara Pifer and grandniece Savannah Pifer. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served at the Church after services. Burial will be at Ogden Cemetery.

Maurice ‘Maury’ F. Ford, 86 of Blissfield, passed away August 8, 2014, at his home under the loving care of his family and the gentle assistance of Hospice of Lenawee. He was born December 20, 1927, in Blissfield, Michigan to Franklin and Eunice (Kushmaul) Ford. Maurice proudly served his country in the Army and was stationed in Korea. On December 27, 1947, he married Mary ‘Sue’ Lee. They have been blessed with 66 years of marriage. He worked at Tecumseh Products for 43 years, retiring in 1990. Maurice was a member of the Blissfield American Legion, Blissfield VFW and the National Rifle Association. He was one of the founders of Blissfield Little League. Maurice was a leader for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, an avid hunter, and a gifted woodworker. In addition to his wife, Sue, he is survived by their children, Robert (Jeanne) Ford of Blissfield, Barbara McHenry of Palmyra, Charles (Connie) Ford of Hudson, Joyce Willett of Adrian, and Ronnie (Jane) Ford of Coldwater; 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Willis Ford; two sisters, Mary Graham and Arlene Jarl; and a son-in-law, Tom McHenry. Funeral services took place Monday, August 11, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield with Rev. Keith Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery with military honors conducted by VFW Post 10912 and American Legion Post 325. The family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Monday from noon until the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Maurice may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Blissfield Little League. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

John Lawrence Hans, age 57, of Blissfield, died Friday morning, August 1, 2014, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital following a very brief illness. John was born May 8, 1957, in Detroit, the son of David and Marie (Kitzinger) Hans. He married Margaret A. (Leszczynski) on May 18, 1984, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Farmington. John is the beloved and devoted husband of 30 years to Margaret; loving father of Bridget (Rick) Stein; cherished son of Marie and the late David (d. 1985); dear brother of Eric (Lynne) Hans, Gretchen (Ed) Guisbert and Heidi (Jeff) Lapham; and grandfather to a beautiful granddaughter due in December of 2014. John loved and served his country in the armed forces for 7 years, and was a member of the Pershing Missile Unit based in Neckarsulm, Germany and Lawton, Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma, he completed his Bachelors Degree in Marketing at Cameron University. John retired from his career of 21 years at Milan Federal Correctional Institution. He was always an active participant in life, not simply an observer. He had a zest for living and a contagious, youthful energy. John’s laugh came easy to him, and all who knew him loved his incredible sense of humor. John had many opinions, and loved to share them with others. John loved being around children and animals, especially his beloved dog Jack. As a strong and dependable provider, John was a pillar of strength during difficult times. He always knew the best things to say in tough situations. John was accepting of others and would help anyone in need. John’s interests were mostly centered around being outdoors and included riding his Harley, grilling food, walking his dog, going fishing and camping, and sharing a beer with friends and family. He also enjoyed relaxing by watching the news, or football and other sports. John was also an aspiring rock musician in his youth and continued to jam on his drums into recent years. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Rd., Farmington. Interment, with Military Honors, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, immediately followed Mass. Memorial gifts are suggested to Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements entrusted to Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington Rd., Farmington, MI 48336 (248) 474-5200, www.heeney-sundquist.com.

DEERFIELD — Lucille A. Forche, age 86, passed away peacefully, on Monday, August 4, 2014, at the Hospice of Lenawee Home in Adrian. She was born on October 8, 1927 to Ross and Esther (Robison) Montry.  On June 25, 1949, she married Phillip W. Forche at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Deerfield.  He preceded her in death, just two short weeks ago. She enjoyed spending time in Zephyrhills, Florida, where she and her husband, Phil, spent their winters for 20 years. She was an avid bingo and card player. She loved to play games with her grandchildren, enjoyed children of all ages, working crossword puzzles, reading, and watching game shows on TV. Surviving is a son, Jim Forche of Blissfield; a daughter, Jean (Steven) Chafee of Oak Harbor, Ohio; two grandchildren, Rebecca Chafee of Port Clinton, Ohio and Rachel Chafee of Oak Harbor, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ed Forche; and a brother, Hazen “Bud” Montry. Funeral services for Lucille were held on Friday, August 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield, with Rev. Robert DeLoria officiating. Burial was in Deerfield Cemetery. Visitation was held on Aug. 7, from 5-8 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield, and from 10:00-10:45 a.m. the day of the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.