Month: February 2017

DEERFIELD – Dixie Lee Wingerter, age 66, of Deerfield, passed away on, Monday, January 30, 2017 at her home.  She was born on December 14, 1950 in Toledo, OH. to Arnold and Ada (Lanker) Wurster.
Dixie is survived by two daughters, Debra and Diane Wingerter; brother, Virgil Wurster of Curtis, OH.; two half – sisters, Vera and Shelba; six  grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; two sisters and twin great-grandsons
Funeral service for Dixie were held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with visitation from  11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Cremation followed.  You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be given to the family.  Envelopes are available at Anderson Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Edith M. Shirley, age 95 of Blissfield, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017, at her home.
She was born April 14, 1921, in Stockbridge, Michigan, to William and Mary (Haskill) Coleman.
On July 1, 1939, she married Roscoe Shirley in Howell, Michigan, and he preceded her in death in 1985 having shared 46 years together.
Edith devoted herself to her family.  She was known for her big heart and opening her home to a multitude of children she raised as her own.
She is survived by her children: Sharon (Jerry) Hanson and Eleanor (Wayne) Baker, both of Tecumseh and William (Donna) Coleman of Deerfield; eight grandchildren: Jackie (Tom) Mackey of Palmyra, Rebecca Shirley of Coldwater, Michelle Francoeur and Craig (Paula) Shirley, both of Adrian, Kari Betz of Toledo, Angie (Ken) Pixley of Byhalia, MS, Ida Valdez of Hillsdale and Jody (Teri) Baker of Adrian; as well as numerous great and great great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Roscoe Shirley; daughter, Violet Sayers; son-in-law, Glenn Baker, daughter-in-law, Sylvia Shirley; and siblings: Fern Wright, Gladys Corwin, Bertha Hodge, and John, William and Archie Coleman.
Funeral services took place Saturday, February 11, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield, with the Rev. Eric Hickman officiating.  Burial followed at Deerfield Cemetery.  Visitation was held at the funeral home Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Edith are suggested to Great Lakes Hospice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Dorothy A. Webber, 84, of Morenci, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017, at her home. She was born November 26, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Ernest Never and Hattie Williams. She married William A. Webber in Adrian, and he preceded her in death on April 22, 1994.
Dorothy was a member of the Waldo Baptist Church, Blissfield Senior Center and delivered meals on wheels.  She enjoyed word, crossword, and jigsaw puzzles and crafts including making rainbow loom bracelets.  She was a very giving person in donating to charities and participating in the Adopt an Angel program.  The joy of her life was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Surviving Dorothy are Anna (John) Kerns of Morenci, Brenda (Russell) Coleman Sr. of Waldo, FL, Dolores (Thurman) McGinnis of Cordele, GA, Joan (Randy) Smith of Kent, OH and Linda (Nate) Spencer Alachua, FL; one son, William Webber of Kingsland, GA; one sister, Joanne Combs of Toledo, OH; two brothers, Ronald Never of Temperance, MI and Charles (Jen) Never of KY; an adopted daughter, Julia (Mirelez) Casarez of Adrian; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Virginia “Gabby” Gifford and Shari Jones; a son, James Gifford, a granddaughter, Cheryl Holder, two sisters and one brother.
At Dorothy’s request cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services.  Local arrangements were handled by the Eagle Funeral Home in Morenci.
Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.

PALMYRA – Janette R. Wahl, age 78 of Palmyra, passed away peacefully at her home Monday, February 6, 2017 under the loving care of her family.
She was born November 30, 1938, in Adrian, to Walter and Viola (Huebner) Weiss, and graduated with the Class of 1956 from Adrian High School.
On September 12, 1959, Janette married Merlin Wahl in Adrian, and they were blessed with 57 years together.
Janette was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she also worked as the church secretary for 31 years. She was an active member of The Daughters of Sarah Bible Study. She enjoyed being outdoors, camping, flower gardening and snowmobiling in the winter. Janette was a wonderful cook and baker who even liked to iron.
In addition to her husband, Merlin, she is survived by their daughters: Brenda (Keith) Phillips of Blissfield and Colleen (Dale) Hedblad of Whitmore Lake; grandsons, Kyle Phillips, Tyler (Callie) Phillips, and Ryan (Brianna) Hedblad; great grandchildren, Carson and Olivia Hedblad; her sister, Marilyn Gossman of Adrian, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Weiss.
Funeral services will take place Friday, February 10, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield Thursday from 3 to 8 PM and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Contributions in memory of Janette are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

1930 ~ 2017

Marian P. Tennant, 87, of Suttons Bay and formerly of Lenawee Co., passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at Munson Medical Center.

Marian was born on Jan. 21, 1930 in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Earl and Frances (Tallman) Pennington.  On Nov. 7, 1953 at Tecumseh Presbyterian Church, she married Mac E. Tennant, who survives.

Marian graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1948 and Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1951.  She worked at Herrick Hospital, Bixby Hospital, and for a doctor’s office.  She was a proud member of the Henry Ford Hospital Nurses Alumni Association.  Marian was a 50-year survivor of breast cancer.  She volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Reach to Recovery, Hospice of Lenawee, and was a guide at Hidden Lake Gardens.

Marian enjoyed camping, traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada, crocheting, birding, wildflowers, and taking nature walks.  She absolutely loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They were her pride and joy.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Marian is survived by her children, Mark (Edith) Tennant of Lynden, WA, Barbara (Pat) Burguard of Northport, David (Jemma) Tennant of Milford, OH, and Mary (David) Hovest of Lake Leelanau; granddaughters, Brynna (Renato Marimon), Erin (Corey) Jenison, and Dylan Burguard, Rita (Thomas) Schneider, and Rachel (Jordan) Harmelink; step-granddaughters, Tracie (Jeff) Causey, Jamie (Dustin) Nimmo; siblings, Zoe Ann Ragsdale, Howard (Ada) Pennington, Erwin (Darylene) Pennington, and Louise (Don) Hessel; a brother-in-law, John (Shirley) Tennant; 5 step-great-grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Charles Ragsdale, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Pennington, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Madelyn and Bob Fogg.

A memorial service were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Keswick United Methodist Church with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service.  Burial will take place at Deerfield Township Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Lenawee at www.hospiceoflenawee.org and Keswick United Methodist Church at www.keswickumc.com

Condolences may be shared with Marian’s family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.

Harriet Jane Merillat, age 91 of Blissfield passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH.  She was born on June 20, 1925, in Blissfield to Cecil and Velma (Miller) Ganun.
On November 27, 1946 she married Robert Merillat in Angola, Indiana, and he preceded her in death in 2003.
Harriet had been a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and baking.  Harriet was an avid bird watcher and loved cardinals, her favorite bird. She was a huge Detroit Tigers fan, a passion in which she shared with her niece, Judie Woerner. While residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Gary Rhinehart for the last 14 months, Harriet and Gary often spoke of traveling to Florida for the Tigers’ spring training.
Harriet is survived by her children, Susan Simpson of Aurora, Colo., Gregory Merillat of Blissfield, MI, Jeanne (Gary) Rhinehart of Adrian, Cathy Church of Castle Rock, Colo., and Scott Merillat of Oregon, Ohio; 9 grandchildren, Patrick (Laura) Merillat, Heather Merillat, Jeffrey (Jacquie) Simpson, Joshua (Laurie) Simpson, Justin Merillat, Jason (Niki) Rhinehart, Jodi Wilber (Mike Lewis), Megan Church (Ryan Haverkamp), and Tanner Church; 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Marian Kafer of Blissfield, MI; one brother, Jack Ganun of Blissfield, MI and numerous nieces and nephews.   In addition to her husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Gary, son-in-law, Shawn Church, grandson, Steven Merillat, great grandson, Evyn Zimmerman, two brothers, Richard and Frank Ganun, and one sister, Virginia Marine.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 13, 2017, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with Pastor Lawson Crane.  Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield. Visitation was held on Sunday, from 2-4 and from 6-8 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 American Lung Association or the Daily Bread of Lenawee.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Richard Lee Hill, 68, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away, Jan. 3, 2017.
He was born October 28, 1948 to John V. Hill and Irene E. (Gritzmaker) Hill of Palmyra.
He graduated from Blissfield High School in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy April 10, 1968. He took his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Waukegan Ill. He served aboard the USS Belknap, a destroyer, as a boilerman technician.
Before entering the U.S. Navy, Richard was a confirmed member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield and worked at the American Chain & Cable in Adrian.
After discharge from the navy he remained in Virginia and worked for the civil service on the naval base.
Richard is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert (Donna) Hill, nephews Steven (Michalene) Hill, Mark Hill, David (Vonda) Hill; cousins Yvonne Gritzmaker,, Patricia (Calvin) Lawson, Marilyn (Erich) Vollmar.
Besides his parents and grandparents he was preceded in death by his Uncle Edward, Uncle Fred (Marguerite) his brothers Robert and Donald, a niece Beth Ann, and a special friend Joy.
Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service was held at the cemetery with Rev. Gary Leking officiating.
Memorial contributions for Richard may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.

Jennie M. (Dowling) Gentz, age 88, of Blissfield went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 10, 2017.
She was born on October 14, 1928, in Jasper, Michigan to James and Olga (Hawks) Dowling.  After graduating from Adrian High School she attended Lenawee-Monroe County Normal and became a teacher in a one room country school.  She married Robert E. Gentz on August 28, 1948, and they were blessed with 67 years together.  Jennie was a devoted wife and mother to four children, and served as the school secretary for St. Joseph Academy in Adrian from 1963 to 1974.  She was a woman of faith and an encourager to many.
Surviving are her four children, Charlyn Watch of Wyandotte, Debra (Thomas) Miles of Maumee, OH, Terry (Virginia) Gentz, of New Haven, IN and Sharon (Paul) Wingerd of Blissfield and sister, Margery Neuroth of Blissfield.  Jennie has 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren in whom she delighted.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in August 2015; her parents, and siblings, Ralph Nolan, Dennis Dowling, Dorothea Smith and Yvonne Ganitopoulos.
Funeral services for Jennie were held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield. Burial followed in Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield.  Visitation took place at the funeral home Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. until the service.
Memorial contributions are suggested for Hospice of Lenawee or to Crossworld for Dr. Melinda McKnight and Wes McKnight who are headed to serve in the Congo (reference McKnight account #45313).  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

DEERFIELD — Frederick A. Klemm, age 82 of Deerfield died Friday, February 17, 2017 at Hospice of Lenawee’s Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born November 25, 1934 in St. Joseph, MI to Emil and Bernice (McCuen) Klemm.  On August 14, 1954 he married Joyce Piotter at Immanuel Lutheran Church and she survives. Fred was a graduate of Adrian College in 1957.  He retired from Bedford Junior High School as a teacher and then went on to work as an athletic trainer at Siena Heights University for nine years. Fred was a volunteer for the Deerfield Fire Department for many years and enjoyed singing karaoke, woodworking and bowling.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and an associate member of Hope Lutheran Church in Port Charlotte, FL, where he sang in their “Snow Birds” Quartet.  He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Englewood, Florida for the last nineteen years.
In addition to his wife, Joyce, Fred is survived by two sons, Scott (Rebecca) Klemm of Charleston, WV and Kevin (Lisa) Klemm of Adrian; a daughter, Sherrie Klemm of Deerfield;  two sisters, Bonnie (Tom) Parrish of Stevensville, MI and Patricia Klemm of Dowagiac, MI; five grandchildren, Michael (Kassandra), Nickolas and triplets, Allison, Lindsay and Emily; one great-granddaughter, Harper Kay and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Doris, Betty, Jean, and Judy and brothers, Robert, Bill, and Richard.
Funeral services for Fred will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra with Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial will be in Deerfield Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 4 – 8 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 church, the Deerfield Firefighters Association, or to the Alzheimer’s Associati

SAN ANTONIO, Fla. —Terrance Argus LaVoy, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17, 2017, after a battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Helen, his sons Michael (Paula) of Tampa, David (Connie), of Tampa, Fla., and Thom (Dawn) of Plainwell, Mich., his daughter Theresa Thomas (David) of Tampa, 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother Jeff (Joyce) of Toledo, Ohio, sisters Linda Keil of St. Petersburg and Chris Manley (Lester) of Petersburg.
Terry was born in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Academy in 1961 and served 11 years in the Uniform Division as a Trooper at the Wayland, Detroit and Blissfield state police posts. He was awarded the Department’s Meritorious Service Award before transferring to the MSP Crime Lab in East Lansing working in the Firearms and Toolmark Identification and Bombs and Explosive Unit. While working in the crime lab, he earned his B.S. in 1975 and his M.S. in 1979 from Michigan State University’s School of Criminal Justice. He was promoted to Detective (Specialist) Lieutenant before retiring with over 25 years of service with the MSP.
Terry loved to sail, spending many summers on White Lake and Lake Michigan. Upon retirement, Terry and Helen then pursued their dream of sailing their beloved boat from the Great Lakes to Florida.
Terry then came out of retirement, accepting positions in the state crime labs of Fort Worth, Texas and Tampa, Fla.,before opening his own consulting practice where he served clients in Florida and the Bahamas. After 51 years of service in the criminal justice system, Terry and Helen retired to pursue their interests of travel and golf, splitting time between their homes in Michigan and Florida.
A Gathering in Memory of Terry will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 (for information call 813-220-5320).