Doug Donnelly – Page 92 – Blissfield Advance

Blissfield’s 9-10 baseball team eyes state title

The district 16 champion Blissfield Little League 9-10 year-old squad stood 3-0 in the state tournament in Muskegon Monday, July 29, as pool play has been completed.

Blissfield won its first round matchup 3-2 over Harper Woods, followed by a decisive 15-1 victory over West Portage and a 17-1 pummeling of Portage Lake.

Blissfield took its 3-0 record into single-elimination bracket play that started Tuesday. If the team continues its winning ways, Blissfield will play in the semifinals today (Wednesday) and another win will send Blissfield into the championship game Thursday.

For the rest of the story, please see the July 31, 2013, edition of The Advance.

Who votes where and for what on Aug. 6?

By Melissa Burnor

Most likely voters will only have one ballot issue on their ballot when they go to the polls Tuesday. Voters in the Blissfield School District will choose whether to approve a 1.25-mill sinking fund millage request. Other voters will decide a .6 mill levy to fund the newly formed Lenawee District Library. Both tax levies are for a period of 10 years.

For the most part, residents of the Blissfield School District are not part of the Lenawee County Library District. All of these residents in Blissfield, Ogden and Riga Townships and a portion of Palmyra Township are served by the Schultz Holmes Memorial Library in Blissfield and are not part of the Lenawee County Library District. About 40 residents in Deerfield Township reside within the boundaries of the Blissfield Community School District but are also considered part of the Lenawee County Library District, Deerfield Township clerk Shirley Soldwish said.

“It is a little confusing,” Lenawee County clerk Roxanne Holloway said.

Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc. For the complete story on the two millage requests and polling places, please pick up the July 31, 2013, edition of The Advance which has in-depth stories on both millages, the polling places and a map of the new library district at the heart of the library district millage issue.

Riga Day Saturday, Aug. 3

RIGA – The fifth annual Riga Garage Sale and Pancake Breakfast is Saturday. The Riga Township Firefighter’s Association will be hosting the pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the township hall. The cost of the breakfast is $5 per person and will feature pancakes, whole hog sausage and a beverage. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Riga Firefighter Association. The garage sales will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a prize will be awarded for the best decorated sale sign.

Decades’ wares from across the eras

By Chad Hutchinson

“No matter what age you are and what you’re into you’ll find something here,” Decades’ co-owner Mary Ann Morrison said. Owners Jeff and Mary Ann Morrison are no strangers to the world of antiques and collectibles, as they managed The Place, a former antiques and collectibles shop in Blissfield for years.

When The Place closed its doors, the Morrisons said they decided to take their experience in the business and open their own shop. Starting out with 22 dealers in their shop, they said they now provide an extensive collection of diverse items supplied by more than 50 dealers throughout their three-story establishment.

In a shop filled with numerous unique items, one rare and exotic object seems to jump out at guests as soon as they arrive, even before they step through the front door. “When it comes to finding our shop, we tell people to look for the zebra in the window,” Mary Ann said. That zebra goes by the name Deco, and according to Mary Ann, he has become the mascot of Decades.

Antique and memorabilia collectors with an eye for an era can browse the decades at Decades Antiques and Collectibles located at 109 W. Adrian St., Blissfield. Decades is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Village to sell cannery land

By Melissa Burnor

The village of Blissfield boosted its marketing strategy for selling the 35-acre site of the former Home Canning Company by hiring a private real estate agent on July 22. If the marketing strategy of Gloria Leonard of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proves true, it will be known nationwide that the village has a commercial piece of real estate that is also suitable for agricultural purchases for sale. And it could be had for $8,000 an acre.

Currently the village is using Lenawee Now, the former Lenawee Economic Development Corporation to help market the property.

Elaine Foley

DEERFIELD — Elaine (Hodge) Foley joined the company of her heavenly family on July 28, 2013, after a brief illness and stay at the Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio.

Elaine was born and raised in New London, Conn., on February 4, 1940, and was an active participant in the Girl Scouts of America, both as a child then as a Team Leader. In 1961, Elaine married the love of her life, Captain Jerome “Jerry” P. Foley. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Elaine was a proud Coast Guard wife and more importantly, a mother of 5 children. She always dedicated her life to her faith and her family and as such has an extensive list of those that she loved and cared for and those that loved her, many considering her as a second mother.

Elaine received a degree in pastoral ministry in 1985 and was an active church member and spiritual support for family and friends. Her generosity of spirit, loving heart and constant counselor of others was her strongest attribute.

Elaine was pre-deceased by an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth, her parents, Mary and Gerville Hodge of New London, Conn.; and her beloved siblings, Diana Trundle of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Ron Hodge of Bismark, ND.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Captain Jerome Foley (USCG Ret.); her children, Stephen (Karen) of Strongsville, Ohio, Christine (Lori) of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael of Toledo, Ohio, Cathleen Steirer (Andrew) of Sylvania, Ohio and Sean (Ariela) of Ridgefield Park, NJ; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob and Nathan Foley of Strongsville, Ohio, and Samantha and Benjamin Steirer of Sylvania, Ohio. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Light of Christ Church, Deerfield, on Thursday, August 1, 2013, followed immediately by the Funeral Mass, with Rev. Russ Lowe as celebrant. Elaine will return to her hometown of New London, Conn., to be buried in a private ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cherry Street Mission, the Salvation Army or Ebeid Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church. Online condolences to the family are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

Helia DeRousie

Helia Irene DeRousie, age 89, of Tecumseh, formerly of Blissfield, died Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Cambrian Assisted Living.

She was born on November 22, 1923 in Baltic, Michigan to Kaarlo and Fannie (Hirvasniemi) Juntunen. Helia married Stuart J. DeRousie on April 6, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan. Helia grew up in the Upper Peninsula and worked as a secretary in Detroit, at Adrian College and at Tecumseh Products. Her joys were summers in the Keweenaw Peninsula, many friends, reading, long walks,and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Stuart J. DeRousie, she is survived by her three sons, Charles (Patt) of Columbus, OH, Roy (Donna) of Washougal, WA and Richard (Norma) of Brooklyn, MI; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Aaron) Monnig, Jason (Rebecca), Kim, Martine (Justin) Horigan, and Kai; six great-grandchildren and nieces Christine (George) Richmond and Lisa Dieckmann. Preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Gertrude Juntunen and Helen Dieckmann, as well as two nieces, Star and Karla.

In accordance with Helia’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In remembrance of Helia, the family will be receiving family and friends on Saturday, August 3, 2013, from 2 to 4:p.m. at the Blissfield Fire Department Community Room located at 299 E. Adrian St. in Blissfield. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library, 407 S. Lane St., Blissfield or to Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Envelopes will be available at the fire hall or at the Anderson Funeral Home in Tecumseh.

Louise Shields

Louise D. Shields, age 88, of Blissfield, passed away Monday, July 15, 2013, at Blissfield Place, with her family present, under the loving care of the Blissfield Place staff, who were like family, and Hospice of Lenawee.

She was born November 5, 1924, in Grandville County, NC to Louie (Davis) and Charles R. Davis. Louise married William (Bill) Henry Shields, Jr. on October 19, 1946 in Newport News, VA. Louise lived life to the fullest, going with her husband, Sergeant Major Shields to all his military assignments while raising her family. Growing up during the Depression, Louise and Bill enjoyed the down-to-earth things in life, as well as their family, rather than material goods. She enjoyed flower and plant gardening, loved music and dancing, was an avid reader, an NC Tar Heel, volunteered for the Red Cross and was a member of the First Christian Church. She actually worked for NASA, before it was known for the space program. Louise lived for her family, she will be greatly missed but made wonderful memories for her children and their offspring.

Survivors include her children, Deborah (John) Walus of Mt. Clemens, Charles (Dianne) Shields of Temperance, and Steven (Kendra) Shields of Blissfield; a sister Frances Brummert of Youngsville, NC; nine grandchild-ren and 15 great grandchildren. Welcoming her to heaven with open arms, is the love of her life, her husband, Bill (a.k.a. Opossum).

Funeral services for Louise were Thursday, July 18, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield, with Deacon Jim Hashman officiating. Burial followed at the Deerfield Cemetery. Visitation was July 17, 2013, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors, envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences can be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Carl Gubbe

DEERFIELD — Carl Earnest Gubbe, 89, of Deerfield, formerly of Britton, died Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Lenawee Medical Care Facility. He was born April 28, 1924, to Paul and Clara (Nash) Gubbe in Blissfield Township. Carl graduated from Blissfield High School in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944-46. Last year he was privileged to participate in the Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio to Washington, DC with other World War II veterans.

On August 29, 1953, he was married to Ruth Stewlow at Immanuel Lutheran Church by the Rev. William Weinlander.

Carl retired from Tecumseh Products and was engaged in farming throughout his life. After retirement he and Ruth traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and spent the past 23 winters at their Florida residence in Leesburg. Carl was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he enjoyed playing on the dartball team and served on the church council. He also enjoyed gardening, playing cards and horse shoes.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth, to whom he would’ve marked 60 years of marriage next month, daughters Linda Gubbe of Toledo and Terri (John) Becktell of Ypsilanti; grandsons Jason and Paul Becktell of Ypsilanti; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Tom Gubbe, and brothers Elmer and Dale Gubbe.

Visitation wasWednesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield. The funeral took place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with The Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Carl may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Online condolences and memories are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Nicole Miller crowned Miss River Raisin Festival 2103

Nicole Miller of Palmyra was crowned Miss River Raisin Festival 2013 Friday night at the 30th annual Blissfield River Raisin Festival.

She performed a jazz dance to “Sweet Georgia Brown” to win the title, which qualifies her to compete at the 2014 Miss Michigan Pageant next June. She won a $2500 scholarship as well as the $100 Entrepreneur Award and several scholarships to assist her in her preparation for Miss Michigan. Her platform is “Building Blocks: Incentives for Preschool.” She will attend Lansing Community College in the fall and is an Adrian High School graduate.

First runner-up was Mikayla Humphries, a 2013 Sand Creek High School graduate who will attend Eastern Michigan University in the fall. She won a $1ooo scholarship. Second runner-up was Jocelyn Near, a 2012 Sand Creek High School graduate who will attend Siena Heights University. Near also won the Jennifer Dalton M.D. Summit Award, which is an additional $700 scholarship. Third runner-up is Danielle Johnson, an Adrian High School graduate who attends the University of Michigan. She won an $800 scholarship. A $600 scholarship was awarded to fourth runner-up Grace Demerath of Clinton, who attends Ithaca College.

Ten contestants competed with each winning at least a $300 scholarship. A total of $8000 in college scholarships was awarded. The Miss River Raisin Festival Scholarship Program is part of the Miss America Organization.