Author: Doug Donnelly

A cherished mother, grandmother and friend to many, Anna Mae Crots went home to be with her precious Lord on January 30, 2014. She was 89.

Anna Mae was born December 24, 1924 in Blissfield, Michigan to Fred and Hazel (Caswell) Brieschke. She graduated from Blissfield High School and attended Huntington College. She married Edwin Crots on April 6, 1946. They were together 53 years and supported each other as life-long partners, raising five children, before his death in 1999.

Anna Mae loved God with every ounce of her being and lived each day striving to serve him and love her family and friends. She had a sweet spirit and took pride in the accomplishments of each of her four daughters, one son and many grandchildren. Visits to her home always included a few cookies or a bowl full of homemade popcorn, enjoyed while looking through the many photo albums she kept updated with the latest happenings of her family. Games of Scrabble were competitive and full of fun. Always, her Bible was close by. It’s worn pages, full of hand-written thoughts, were an insight into the heart of a woman always quick with encouragement or just the right words of comfort. Anna Mae was unendingly selfless, never complaining and always putting the needs of others first, far before her own. She was a life-long member of Element Church, formerly First United Brethren Church of Blissfield. There, she was involved in the choir for many years, in the children’s ministry, missionary groups, Bible studies and visitation teams. She helped with deliveries for Meals on Wheels. Anna Mae loved music and was happiest singing and playing her guitar to bless those around her. She was a member of the Silvertones, a senior band whose members volunteered their time to play at events, nursing homes and churches. Anna Mae spread her joy even in her final days of sickness. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by five children, Linda (Bob) Osborn, Loraine (Gerry) Tilker, Coleen (Thom) Gentz, Connie (Tom) Fenton and Lee (Julie) Crots; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one brother, Elden Brieschke. Services for Anna Mae were held on Monday, February 3, at Elem3nt Church in Blissfield. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her memory may be given to Hospice of Lenawee, Blissfield Elem3nt Church, or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Condolences are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Jack E. Law, 80, passed away Sun. Jan. 26, 2014 at the Ebeid Hospice residence in Sylvania, Ohio.

He was born Dec. 29, 1933 to Chester and Dorothy Law in Fostoria, Ohio.

On August 5, 1952 he joined the Air Force and married Peggy Fox in 1953, she preceded him in death on August 16, 1982. Jack was also preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, one grandson and three greatgrandchildren, one sister and five brothers.

He is survived by his second wife Juliette Slomski whom he married on August 12, 1988, two daughters, Debra (Gary) Hernandez and Judy Law, two sons John (Lee) and Daniel Law, one sister Dorothy (Mick) Veres, two brothers, Chester and Donald Law, 7 step-children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Riga Township Fire Hall. There will be no visitation. Arrangements entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian. Condolences may be offered to the family online at: www.PurseFuneralHome.com

PALMYRA — Paul C. Griffith, 58, died January 28, 2014, at his home after a valiant three-year battle with multiple myeloma. He found peace surrounded by the love of his family. Paul was an intelligent, creative and talented man who pursued his many interests with a passion.

Whether it was building and playing hammered dulcimers, learning to play golf with modern clubs and attacking the course with his “hickory sticks” or locating and restoring an Oliver of Adrian machine for his “shop,” he thrived on the challenges each endeavor brought.

Paul’s talent really emerged in his success in the world of muzzle loading rifles. He not only was a skilled shooter but also a master gun builder, building approximately 150 guns over the years.  Paul holds various national shooting records at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association matches in Friendship, Ind.  Additionally, he won the Alvin York Memorial Chunk Gun Shoot in Pall Mall, Tenn., a record six times; a record, it has been said, that will never be matched.

In recent years, his interest turned from building/shooting guns to building rifle barrels for chunk and bench guns.  Paul designed and built a rifling machine that enabled him to create championship gun barrels and took a great deal of pride in watching “his boys” win matches with his creations. In his words, “we took over the chunk gun world.” Born March 29, 1955, Paul was the son of Harlan and Carolyn (Englehart) Griffith.

Raised in Ogden Center, he attended Blissfield Schools, graduating in 1973. He worked for his brother, Neil, as an electrician at Neil’s Electric for 25 years, then “semi-retired” to work in his own shop focusing on gun building and machinist work. In 2007, he found a new passion, working for Oliver of Adrian.  He truly loved the time he spent “with the boys at the shop.”

Paul and Cathleen Sweet met in 1970 when her family moved to Ogden Center, became a couple in 1971, and were married October 11, 1980. They were high school sweethearts for 43 years.

Survivors include his wife, Cathleen; brothers Neil (Deborah) Griffith and Thomas (Kristi) Griffith, both of Adrian; sister Julie (David) Goll of Blissfield; brothers-in-law Steven (Randa) Sweet of Toledo, Ohio, and Thomas (Kathy) Sweet of Austin, Texas. Paul is also survived by his nephews, Nicolas (Dawn) Griffith of Plainwell, Mich., and David Sweet of Dallas, Texas; and his nieces, Amanda (Will) Atkins of Chicago, Ill., Lauren Griffith of Ypsilanti, and Elizabeth and Emily Sweet of Austin, Texas.  His parents and a sister, Margo, preceded him in death.  Special thanks to Hospice of Lenawee for the compassionate and loving care Paul received from everyone, especially Bonnie and Catherine, and to a true angel, Cheryl McGovern, whose support and skill made it possible for Paul’s last days to be at home.

The celebration of Paul’s life was on Sunday, February 2, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home in Blissfield. Visitation hours were on Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 1-8 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

ADRIAN – Ronald D. Cannon, age 67, of Adrian, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at Bixby Medical Center.

He was born August 26, 1946, in Adrian, Michigan, to Albert and Frances (Bieber) Cannon.  Ron graduated in 1964 from Deerfield High School where he was recognized as an All State Quarterback.

On July 3, 1976, Ron married Janet Mackey in Gaylord, Michigan, and she survives.

Ron worked at Peerless Gear and the Bud Company in Clinton.  For the past 30 years he has owned and operated Chem-Dry of Lenawee.  Ron enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing golf and the time he spent coaching football at Deerfield High School. He looked forward to monthly poker games with his friends.  Ron treasured his family and dearly loved his grandchildren.

In addition to Jan, his wife of over 37 years, he is survived by their children: Greg Cannon of Deerfield; Kirk (Anita) Taylor and Stefanie (Saul) Burciaga, both of Adrian; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; brothers, John (Marge) Cannon of Owosso, MI; and Robert (Nadine) Cannon of Deerfield, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanette Cannon.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian with Pastor Pete Bishop officiating.  Burial will follow at Deerfield Cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ron may be made to the Montessori Children’s House of Lenawee or his family.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

PALMYRA – Mary Ann DeNudt, 70, of Palmyra passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Lynwood Manor in Adrian, under the care of Great Lakes Hospice.
She was born April 27, 1943 to Myron and Myrtle (Brubaker) Iffland. On April 23, 1960, she married Raymond R. DeNudt at St. Peters Church in Blissfield, and he survives.
Mary worked as a supervisor at Blissfield Elementary and also as a cashier at Family Dollar. Her most important role however, was that of wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to Raymond, her husband of over 53 years, she is survived by their children: Stephanie Viers of Deland, FL; James DeNudt of Coldwater, MI; Paul DeNudt of Toledo, OH; and Donny (Tammy) DeNudt of Wauseon, OH; a brother, Phil Iffland of Morenci; ten grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren: Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Schmitz.
Funeral services will take place on at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.