Month: March 2016

Elva Rau

DEERFIELD – Elva J. Rau, age 75 of Deerfield passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on November 25, 1940 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania to Robert and Pearl (Nitterwrit) Blackburn.  On September 4, 1965, she was married to Albert Rau in Flint and he survives.  Elva was a member of Light of Christ (St. Alphonsus Catholic Church) in Deerfield.  She enjoyed gardening, shopping and cleaning, as she was a meticulous housekeeper. She had worked at the Lenawee County Courthouse, retiring on December 21, 1996.
In addition to her husband, Albert, she is survived by a daughter, Stacey (Carl) Ulrich of Deerfield; a daughter-in-law, Nilda Rau of Deerfield; three brothers, Robert (Kathy) Blackburn of Florida, Barry (Linda) Blackburn of Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Tim (Denice) Blackburn of Irwin, Pennsylvania; and three grandchildren, Chelsea Zay and Matthew and Christopher Rau.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Scott Rau.
The funeral liturgy for Elva will be read at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2016, at Light of Christ (St. Alphonsus Catholic Church) in Deerfield with Fr. Jeff Poll officiating. Burial will follow in Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield. Visitation will be held on Sunday at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield from 2-8 p.m., with a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church in Deerfield, to be followed by the service. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.

Harvey “Parker” Tagsold

Harvey “Parker” Tagsold, Jr., age 80, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
He was born May 24, 1935, the only son of Harvey “Parker” and Doris (Hawkins) Tagsold Sr., and was a 1953 graduate of Blissfield High School where he was co-captain of the “Sugar Boys” basketball team.  After two years at Albion College he transferred to Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science and graduated with the Class of 1956.
On February 24,1978, Parker married Patricia Nighswander at the First United Methodist Church in Blissfield.
Parker was a partner in the family business, Tagsold Furniture and Funeral Home with his father, and later with his son, Douglas, until his retirement in 1984.  He then became an independent contractor, transporting hazardous waste and later delivering motor homes.
Parker held a commercial pilot’s license for over 60 years accumulating 3,000 hours of safe flying.  He loved being active, spending time hunting, boating, catching fish, flying, traveling, camping, skiing in both the USA and Europe, bowling and being with his family.  Never wanting to be idle, Parker was active in the community serving on the Blissfield Village Council, Blissfield Board of Education, Blissfield Fire Department where he was Fire Chief four years, Past President of Blissfield Rotary Club, Lenawee County Planning and Solid Waste Committees, Board of Directors of Jipson Carter State Bank, National Ski Patrol at Boyne Highlands, Free and Accepted Masons Palmyra Lodge and Zenobia Shriners Toledo.
Introduced at a young age to classical music, he went on to participate in Blissfield High School Band, Albion College Band and Orchestra, Zenobia Shrine Brass Band and Blissfield United Brethren Church Brass Ensemble.
In his retirement Parker and Pat traveled extensively in their RV, participating in several caravans including Alaska and Eastern Canada Maritime region.  They joined Habitat for Humanity Caravaners, and, with fellow RVers, participated in building projects around the United States that led to many lasting friendships.
In addition to his wife of 38 years, Patricia, he is survived by his children: Douglas Parker (Diane) Tagsold and Linda Jean Cantrell, both of Blissfield, Jeffrey Scott (Laura) Tagsold of Dewitt, MI; step-children, Barbara Cambal and Brian (Denise) Mallory, both of Blissfield; 14 grandchildren; one great granddaughter and a step great grandchild; a sister, Marilyn Hatfield of Ventura, CA; and brother-in-law, Jim Hoenig of Chandler, AZ.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Patricia Bierman; sister, Janis Hoenig; step-daughter, Connie Jo Nine; and son-in-law, Steve Cantrell.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Blissfield Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Frantz officiating.
Contributions in memory of Parker are suggested to Blissfield Baptist Church or Blissfield Fire Department.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Gary Houghtby

Gary Alan Houghtby, 82, of Raleigh, N.C., passed away Friday March 11, 2016, in Raleigh. He was born January 17, 1934, in Adrian, Mich., raised in Blissfield, Mich., fourth child of Earl and Edith Drinkwater Houghtby.

Gary graduated from Blissfield High School in 1951 and from Michigan State University in 1956 with a BS in Microbiology. He then received his Master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1959. Furthering his education he went on to receive his PhD in Food Science\Microbiology in 1964 from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Gary served in the US Army, doing research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, for 2 years.

He worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Seattle, and in Cincinnati, OH, where he certified state milk laboratories in all US states and territories. Gary taught certification courses to state officials, and supervised nation-wide split test sample testing.

After retiring from the FDA, Gary delivered flowers in Raleigh for ten years, which he thoroughly enjoyed, except on Valentine’s Day.

A quiet, gentle man with a wicked sense of humor, Gary was a constant reader, and loved modern jazz.

He liked to travel, loved the beach, and enjoyed gourmet cooking and dining and fine wines. He was owned by many cats during his lifetime.

Gary married Jean Hetherington in 1982 in Batavia, Ohio. Together they remained in Ohio until they moved to Raleigh in 1993.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Harlan Houghtby of Jackson, Mississippi.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Hetherington Houghtby; his sister, Florence Houghtby Blankenship of Issaquah, Wash.; his brother William Earl Houghtby of North Oaks, Minn.; a special niece Natalie Houghtby-Haddon of Crystal City, Va., and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his pal, Zeke the cat.

The family received visitors from 5-7 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 1701 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609 Friday March 18, 2016. A Memorial service was held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday March 19th, at Brown-Wynne Millbrook Rd followed by committal prayers at Oakwood Cemetery Raleigh.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Aden Porter Sr.

Aden Walter Porter, Sr., age 89 of Blissfield passed away
Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Hospice of Lenawee Home, Adrian.

He was born at home in Ogden Township, Michigan on October 28, 1926 to Clare A. and J. Pearl (Loar) Porter. Aden was a graduate of Blissfield High School
and went on to serve his country during WWII with the Army Air Corps.

On April 25, 1981, Aden married Sandra Edwards Packard.  She survives.

Aden worked for the Tecumseh Products and for Peerless Gear until he retired.
He also farmed and raced horses up until recently.  Aden attended Zion
United Brethren Church all of his life. He enjoyed bowling on Wednesday
night’s I.O.O.F. league and the Monday night church league.

Surviving is his wife, Sandra Porter of Adrian; two children, the Rev.
Aden (Debra) Porter of Blissfield and Barbara (Gregg) Russell of Quincy; four grandchildren, Aundrea Baker, Matthew Russell, Vanessa (Alex) Barrus
and Brianna (Chris) Lubelski; three great-grandchildren, James, Annamarie and
Piper and 1 sister, Marian Gmeiner of Cape Cod, Mass.  He was preceded in
death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Aden’s life
will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Zion United
Brethren Church, Blissfield with the Rev. Aden Porter officiating.  Visitation
will take place prior to the service on Saturday from noon – 1:45
p.m. at the church. You may send condolences to the family at
www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to
the Zion United Brethren Church, Blissfield. Envelopes are available at
the church or at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Pamela Andrews

Pamela “Pam” S. Andrews, 70, of Temperance, died Monday, March 14, 2016, in her home.

Born October 21, 1945, in Adrian,  she was the daughter of Stuart and Frances (Kohler) Paulson.  A 1963 graduate of Blissfield High School, she married Robert C. Andrews on November 21, 1964, in St. Peters Catholic Church in Blissfield. He preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 2003.

Pam was a clerk for the treasurers department  for Bedford Township for 27 years, retiring in 2015.  Pam was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their various activities, as well as traveling with her sister-in-laws. Pam will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh.

Pam is survived by her loving children, Michelle (Kevin) King, Jeffrey (Amy) Andrews and Matthew (Chris) Andrews; siblings, Chris (Jim) Davis, Mike (Chris) Bates and Karol Romer; grandchildren, Brittany, J.C., Madisyn, Koryn, Connor, Grace, Alec, Kate, MacKenzie, Grant, Brock, Luke, Jack, Alaina and Nate; K-9 companion, Samantha.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Thomas Paulson, step-father, Jack Bates; step-brothers, Jack and Jerry Bates.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 8330 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, where she will lie in state after 10 a.m.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Bedford Athletics.   www.pawlakfuneralhome.com

Mary Ellen Wapshall

BERKEY, Ohio – Mary Ellen Wapshall of Berkey, Ohio, died March 11, 2016.

Mary Ellen was born on January 16, 1927 to Carlton J. and Leona (Connolly) Schmidt.

She married Merlin S. Wapshall on November 27, 1948.

She is survived by her loving husband Merlin and dear son Dr. Terrance M. Wapshall. She was preceded in death by her parents, precious daughter Beth Ann Wapshall, brother Henry C. Schmidt, and sister LaJeanne Creque.

Mary Ellen was a secretary at Willys Overland for five years and Field Enterprises-World Book Encyclopedia for 14 years. She was past president and long time member of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Elizabeth Church in Richfield Center, Ohio.

According to Mary Ellen’s wishes there will be no visitation and burial will be private.

Joyce Weber

Joyce J. Weber, age 86, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2016, under the care of her family and Hospice of Lenawee.
Joyce was born January 12, 1930, in Madison Township to Roger and Rachel (Withrow) Osborne. She married Harvey Dunavant in 1953, Norman Schoonover, Michigan State Trooper, Blissfield Post, in 1963, and Louis Weber in 1979 in Traverse City.
She was employed by Pacific Bell for 35 years, then 20 years by Hallmark. She helped her family run a resort on Spider Lake for many years. She enjoyed bowling, bird-watching. golf and Euchre, as well as her beloved Yorkies. She attended LifePoint Church on the lake. It was her great joy to have family (especially her grandchildren) and friends come make special memories with her.
Joyce is survived by her loving son, Roger (Pattie) Schoonover and grandchildren, Joseph, Rachel (Nathan)Jones, and Rebecca; stepdaughters, Janet (Greg) Dorman, and family, Joyce (Jim) Fehrenbach, and family, and close friend, Cathy (Bryan) Marrow, and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and her beloved granddaughter, Sara.
Joyce’s family will greet from 2-5 p.m. at a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, March 19, at Blissfield Baptist Church. Interment will be private in Kingsley, Mich.
In Joyce’s honor, memorial contributions may be shared with Hospice of Lenawee.

Bernita Reau

DEERFIELD – Bernita A. Reau, age 91, formerly of Deerfield, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, March 17, 2016.

 

She was born June 4, 1924, in Dundee Township, Michigan the only daughter of Grover and Theo (Spohr) Willis, and graduated from Britton High School.

 

On January 4, 1941, she married Bernard Reau, and he preceded her in death in 1994, having been blessed with 53 years together.

 

Bernita was a faithful member of the Light of Christ St. Alphonsus Parish where she served on the Altar Society. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Deerfield Senior Center, which she managed.

 

She is survived by her children: Sharleen (Ken) Kendall of Adrian, Kenneth (Shirley) Reau of Clermont, FL, Ronald Reau of Belleville, Diane (Bob) Bosckay of Ottawa Lake, Thomas (Barb) Reau of Adrian, Greg (Judy) Willis of Burneyville, OK, Kevin (Suzanne) Willis of Tecumseh, and Kim (Larry) Hauser of Blissfield; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Dale Willis.

 

Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2016, at Light of Christ St. Alphonsus Parish in Deerfield with Rev. Jeff Poll as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday at the Tagsold Chapel of Wagley Funeral home from 1 to  8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

 

Contributions in memory of Bernita are suggested to Guardian Angel Hospice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Blissfield, Whiteford stage musicals this weekend

Looking for musical entertainment this weekend?

Blissfield High School will stage “The Wizard of Oz” starting Thursday and Whiteford Schools will present “Anything Goes” over the weekend as well. Both schools have a reputation of excellence in musical performances.

The Blissfield thespians will take their audience down the famous Yellow Brick Road Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Each showing will be  in the high school’s cafeteria at 7 p.m. all three days plus a 3 p.m. matinee Saturday.
Ticket prices for the shows are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for children five and under. A $2 Saturday matinee discount is awarded on the afternoon. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance by simply contacting the high school, or asking a cast and crew member for tickets. The high school number to call for tickets is 486-2148, ext. 326. Reservations were to be accepted up to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15.

The students of Whiteford High School will take to the high seas Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the Whiteford Agricultural High School; the Whiteford Music Department and the Whiteford Music Boosters stages the musical “Anything Goes.”
Set on a cruise line ship in the year 1934, the story and the original book concerns a hectic and madhouse ocean liner trip that set sail from New York to its destination London. The original book was written by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse and revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.  Music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter.

For ticket information, please contact 734-999-8775 or email whitefordmusical@gmail.com.  Premium reserved seating, which is limited, is $17. General admission tickets are $12 and students and seniors will be charged $8 for tickets.  Bleacher seats, which are also limited, are $5.

For more information on the Blissfield play, please see the March 9 edition of The Advance; and for details on Whiteford’s production, please see the March 16, edition.