Obituaries

Linda J. File, 65, of Blissfield passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania, Ohio.

 Born May 10, 1948, in Russellville, Alabama, she was the daughter of James and Susie (Vickery) Lay.  Linda graduated from Blissfield High School with the Class of 1966. On December 14, 1968, she married Gary L. File in Adrian, and he survives. Linda worked at Blissfield Co-op and later, Ottawa Lake Co-op.  She was a member of the Blissfield Baptist Church.  Linda enjoyed playing bunco and flower gardening.  She and Gary were long-time members of the Irish Hills Antique Car Club.  They enjoyed attending car shows, camping, and wintering in Casa Grande, Arizona. In addition to Gary, her husband of almost 45 years, she is survived by their daughters, Kristin File and Melissa (Jim) Fredenburg, both of Blissfield; former son-in-law, Eric Rogers also of Blissfield; grandsons, Jacob, Lucas and Zachary; granddaughters, Sarie, Haleigh and Caitlyn; and great grandkids Caden and Kayleigh. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister in infancy, and Larinda Whitehead. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Blissfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Thomas Frantz officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield. Contributions in memory of Linda may be made to Blissfield Baptist Church.  Arrangements were entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences and memories are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.

Eric T. LaVoy, age 65 of Blissfield passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 30, 2013.    He was born on September 11, 1947 in Adrian, Michigan to Bernard G. and Florence R. (Roberts) LaVoy.  Upon graduating high school, Eric served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1973.  He was a deputy with the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department where he proudly served as Captain of the Lenawee County Mounted Division right up until his untimely death.  Eric was a very active member of the Annis-Fint V.F.W. Post #1584 in Adrian.

Surviving are two sons, Nicholos (Cathy) LaVoy of Blissfield and Nathan LaVoy of Pueblo, CO; his grand pup, Skippy and five sisters, Karen (Mel) Buchelt of Petersburg, MI, Rose (Keith) Proulx of Waters, MI, Paula (Tom) Marsh of Cedar Springs, MI, Christine (Ron) Reed of Morenci, MI and Linda LaVoy of Monroe, MI.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rena in infancy. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, from 2-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Adrian.   Visitation will also be held at Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus) in Deerfield on Saturday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. The funeral liturgy for Eric will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Light of Christ Parish (St. Alphonsus) with Fr. Jack Loughran as celebrant.  Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the V.F.W. Annis-Fint Post #1584.  During the services and visitation the Lenawee County Sheriff Department will be in attendance to serve as Honor Guards.

You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Riding for Handicapped, P.O. Box 771, Adrian, MI, the Annis-Fint V.F.W. Post #1584, 1396 S. Main St., Adrian, MI or to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231   Envelopes are available at the church and also the Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian.

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 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 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.

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.

        DEERFIELD — Frances Zilke, age 90, of Deerfield, passed away Sunday,
July 14, 2013, at Fieldstone AFL, in Tecumseh. She was born May 6,
1923, in Jasper, to Joseph and Mary (Valasek) Ricica. She married
Rollin R. (Pete) Zilke on March 2, 1946 and he preceded her in death
on October 3, 1980.
        She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law:  Joseph (Judy)
Zilke of Brooklyn, Mich., Peter (Denise) Zilke of Riga, and Richard
(Robin) Zilke of Adrian. Also surviving are grandchildren Michael
Zilke and fiancée Melissa Preston, Matthew (Jessica) Zilke, Christina
(Matthew) Karpinski,  Jeffrey (Christi) Zilke, Nicholas (Melissa)
Zilke, Jonathon (Kristin) Zilke, Justin (Maggie) Zilke, and Bradley
Zilke and fiancee  Shae Biers, and Christopher Matthias.  Also
surviving are great-grandchildren Paige and Madison Zilke, Tyler and
Trevor Karpinski, Brody and Kendall Zilke, Adam and Hadley Zilke,
step-great-grandchildren Julia, Roger and Brian Preston and Kara and
Kaitlin Burns. Also surviving is her sister Vi Hutchinson of Dearborn
Hts., MI.
        Besides her husband Pete, she was preceded in death by her parents,
and sisters Rose Repka, Helen Repka, Martha Kinsley, and Anna Fust.
        Funeral services for Frances will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July
18, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield, with
Deacon Joseph Repka presiding. Burial will follow at Deerfield
Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the
funeral home.
        Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given to Hospice of
Lenawee, Department on Aging or the American Diabetes Foundation.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.  Online condolences
to the family are welcomed at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

        TECUMSEH — Russell Spalding, of Britton, age 89, passed away
Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at The Fieldstone, Tecumseh Place, Tecumseh.
        He was born Nov. 12, 1923, the son of Claude Eugene Spalding and
Goldie Grace (Elkins) Spalding in Cass County, Michigan.  On June 10,
1950, he married Johanna M. Warner in East Lansing, Mich.
        He served in the Army during World War II, in which he was an active
member of the 10th mountain division.  During 1968, he served in
Vietnam as a civilian military advisor. He was a life time member of
the Masons, Shriners, NEA and MEA, as well as a member of DAV #20,
American Legion #155, V.F.W. #1584 and served as past state commander
of DAV, national executive committee of DAV, a past veteran service
officer, volunteering his time transporting veterans from Lenawee
County to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor and back home, and a member of
40 et 8.
        He worked as a teacher and administrator for Reading, Britton, Mio,
where he also served as superintendent, and Dundee school systems. 
He along with his wife taught one year in Hawaii.  Russell was
instrumental in the formation of the Retired School Personnel of
Lenawee County Association.
        He is survived by his sister in laws, Wanita Spalding of Buchanan,
Mich., and Rose Spalding of South Bend, Ind.; nieces and nephews, Bob
Diedrich of Portland, Ore., Patricia Massey of St. Cloud, Fla., Diane
Spalding of South Bend, Ind. and Sue Spalding of Buchanan, Mich.,
Karen Spalding-Mayer of Plymouth, Ind., and Donald Spalding of South
Bend, Ind., Jan Spalding of Mishawaka Ind.; and many other nieces and
nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Johanna;
brothers Max, Lowell, Bob and Donald Spalding; sisters, Mable Wilds,
Mildred Weed, and Marguerite Bonjarno; and niece Sandra Diedrich.
        The funeral service for Russ was held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday,
July 14, 2013, at Wagley Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Bruce
officiating.  Burial was private at Fort Custer National Cemetery
in Augusta, MI.  Friends visited the family on Saturday, July 13,
from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home where the
various Veterans groups held a service at 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Housing Help of
Lenawee for the Veterans’ Dire Needs Fund.  Envelopes will be
available at Wagley Funeral Home.  Online condolences are welcomed at
www.WagleyFuneralHome.com

PETERSBURG – Sidney Lee Cousino, age 71, of Petersburg passed away
Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at the home of his son in Toledo. He was
born August 7, 1941, in Stockbridge, to Arnold and Elizabeth Ann
(Baum) Cousino.
        He married Viola Mae Reinhardt in Adrian, and she precedes him in
death.  Sidney loved fishing, hunting, farming and especially
spending time with his eight very special grandchildren, Amber and
Alex Lippert, Jordan McKinna, Makayla, Christian, Daniel and Arabella
Cunningham and Aiden Salinas.
        Sidney is survived by one son, Josh (Carrie) Cousino of Toledo,
Ohio; extended family, Michael (Jennifer) Cunningham, Samuel
Espinoza, Pete and Daisy Salinas and Raymond Bair ; four brothers,
Delbert (Bethal) Cousino of Saylersville, Ky., Carlton (Rita) Cousino
of Adrian, Keith (Diane) Cousino of Petersburg, and Thomas Cousino of
Rollin; and one sister, Beulah Whitman of Stockbridge.
        In addition to his loving wife, Viola, he was preceded in death by
his parents; brothers, Joe, John, Ernie, Elton and Donald Cousino and
a sister, Ellen.
        Funeral services for Sidney were held on Monday, July 15, 2013,
at 3 p.m. at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home. Interment was in
Deerfield Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday from 1-3 p.m. at
the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.
        You may send condolences to the family at
www.andersonfuneralservices.com.
        Memorial contributions may be made to the Anderson Funeral Home to�
help Sidney’s family with his funeral expenses. Envelopes are�
available at the Adrian Anderson Funeral Home.

Victoria Nieves McKelvey, age 38, of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Tiffin, Ohio. She was born on March 19, 1975, in Adrian, Michigan, to Juan B. and Alice Villarreal. She had attended the Ohio State University and earned an associates degree from North Central State College.

Victoria was an active wife and mother who enjoyed traveling with her family. She was a Daisy Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts, a dance mom, a member of the Heisey Collector’s of America, and the Buckeye Study Club. She enjoyed collecting antiques and other collectibles, and volunteered with the Richland Pregnancy Services. She was an AWANA leader and  member of the Westwood Alliance Church in Mansfield. She is in Heaven today with her Savior Jesus Christ. Victoria’s spirit and generosity lives on, as she was an organ donor.

Victoria is survived by her husband, William Vogel McKelvey whom she married on June 22, 2002; daughter Electa Grace; and adored dog, Nocchio. Her mother, Alice Martinez of Adrian; three brothers, Mateo J. Villarreal; Valentine R. Villarreal; and Juan Opel Villarreal; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Sandra McKelvey; sister-in-law, Barbra Wechter; brother-in-law, Rev. Barton (Candace) McKelvey all of Willard; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Juan B. Villarreal; brother Juan B. Villarreal, Jr.; grandparents, Miguel and Eusebia Martinez; and Valentine and Nieves Villarreal; and a brother-in-law, Edward McKelvey.

Vistation was on Friday, June 28, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Christian Alliance Church in Willard. The funeral service was held at the church on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11a.m. with the Rev. Doyle Peyton officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Online condolences are encouraged for the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com