Obituaries

Rena Joyce Goetz passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018. Rena, known by all as “Joyce‚” was born on April 10, 1927 in Clinton Mich., to William J. Service and Rose (Smith) Service. She was welcomed into this world by eight other brothers and sisters and closely followed by two more siblings. Her dear sisters Alice Socks and Lorraine Frear preceded her in death as did all of her other siblings. Joyce married Earl Goetz, the love of her life, on August 7, 1948. They resided in Riga for 67 years, until Earl’s passing in March 2016. Their only son, Todd Goetz, preceded them both in 2006. Surviving Joyce are her two daughters; Jill Kiesow of Riga, and Paula Aspacher (Jeff) of Franklin, Tenn.; five grandchildren; Kate Dewick (David), Green Bay Wis., Lynn Edmunds (Mark) of Wind Point Wis., Charlie Goetz of Vernon, NY, Earlene Mest (Dan) of Strykersville, NY, Valerie Berry (Jared) of Houston Texas and Garrett Aspacher of Denver, Colo.; five great grandchildren; Connor and Ashlyn Dewick, Green Bay, Addeline and William Edmunds of Wind Point and Levi Mest of Strykersville. Joyce grew up in Tecumseh for most of her young adult life, graduating from Tecumseh High School in 1944. She attended the County Normal Teacher’s Training, Ypsilanti Normal and Adrian College and became a one-room school teacher in the Blissfield School District. She was also her daughter Jill’s kindergarten teacher. Coming from such a large family, Joyce and her sisters were very creative and talented women. Joyce’s talents lent themselves toward sewing for her family and friends, and for caring for others in the community by baking, cooking or just checking in on them. Whether she was babysitting, adult sitting or taking food, Joyce always had a heart for people who were in need. Many beautiful brides and their wedding parties walked down the aisle with a smile on their faces because of Joyce’s talent with a needle. Joyce retired her sewing career and began creating doll clothes for children all around the United States. Joyce was a major supporter of Blissfield Public Schools, both in education and sports. She was a member of the school board for some years and also had the distinction of Secretary of the Board. When the Victorsville one -room school house was moved to the school property, Joyce taught the students each year “the one-room country school experience.” She also was a grandparent helper for many years in Barbara Bliesner’s classrooms. The Goetz family would like to thank her caregivers; Diana Garcia, Dawn Ryan, Leslie Pebbles, Nikki & Lance Wood and Rachel Cordle for their many hours helping Joyce keep the house running while she stayed by her Earl’s side and then on until Joyce’s death. To Jon and Leann Mattek and Karson & Charlene Edgar whose friendship and hard work made it possible for Joyce to run a farm business and to stay in her home her entire life. Thank you also to Doug Tagsold for honoring her final wishes to be in his care for her final escort to her resting place. Visitation was from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday March 27, at Tagsold Chapel of Wagley Funeral Home in Blissfield. Services were 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Riga, with Interment immediately after. Pastor Justin Schrum officiating. Contributions in memory of Joyce are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

DEERFIELD — Charles “Chuck” A. Iott, age 66 of Deerfield passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2018, in Fort Myers, Fla., in the presence of his family.
Arrangements are pending with the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

RIGA – Terry Curtis Slusher, age 45, of Riga passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with ALS. Terry was born August 9, 1972, in Adrian to Gary and Julia (Henley) Slusher. Terry graduated from Blissfield High School in 1990. On October 13, 2007, Terry married Carolyn Carr in Blissfield and she survives. Terry worked for Accu-Worx in Temperance where it was a second family and greatly enjoyed all the people that he worked with. He continued to work well into being diagnosed. Terry loved coaching Little League in Blissfield and had done so for at least a decade. He also coached for the “Lookouts” and traveled with them to a Little League World Series. Terry was adventurous and loved to solve a good challenge. Terry loved the outdoors and camping with his family.
Surviving is his wife, Carolyn of Riga, his mother Julie Loar of Tecumseh; five children, Christopher (Kristin) Piotter of Adrian, Cheyanne Brown of Adrian, Abigail Slusher of Adrian, Emma Brown of Riga, and Devon Slusher of Blissfield, a brother Dustin (Carmen) Loar of Palmyra, a sister Dawn Heath of Denver, Colo.; and one grandson Christopher Carl; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Terry is preceded in death by his father, and by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Funeral services for Terry will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield with Pastor Gayle Ruble officiating.  Burial will follow in Riga Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home. There will also be Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday, March 2, 2018, at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home. Condolences may be given online at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions are suggested to ALS of Michigan.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

James Allen Staup, age 61 of Blissfield passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at ProMedica Ebeid Hospice in the presence of his loving wife, Sandy.  He was born on February 23, 1956 in Adrian to Gail and Marian (Westgate) Staup.  Jim married Sandra J. Konieczny on October 17, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blissfield.  She survives. Jim loved his life. He stated “I lived life to the edge and back”. He especially loved his job as a truck driver for Estes Express. The relationships that he had with his co-workers were very important to him. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years in munitions and then as an inflight refueler, “boom operator”. He said he had the “best job in the Air Force.” He saw the world and loved this period of his life. He loved NASCAR, his favorite driver was Dale Jr. Jim also loved his two Ford Mustangs, his two “Ponies”.  He loved carpentry and building trades and was quite the handyman. He also enjoyed shooting his guns and archery, and was proud of his skills. He always had a smile for everyone he met.
In addition to his wife, Sandra Staup, he is survived by his mother, Marian Keller of Blissfield; two sons, Bryan Staup of Sylvania, OH and David Staup of Alabama; three stepdaughters, Kelli (Noah) Ross of Enon, OH, Kristen (Kristopher) Kellinghaus of Bellevue, KY and Lindsey (Brad) Couturier of Beavercreek, OH; five step-grandchildren, Avery Ann, Will, Kristopher, Kolten and Autumn and a sister, Linda (J.C.) Hamann of Blissfield. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Gail, a son, Gregory Staup and a brother, Jeffery Staup.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blissfield with Pastor Gary Leking officiating.  Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the Blissfield American Legion Post #325 and the Annis-Fint V.F.W. Post #1584.  Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home and also on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the church or at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Leona Lips was born on Friday June 20th 1919 in Riga Michigan to Caesar Joseph and Marie Sylvia Lips.  She was one of four children, the others being Arthur Morris born in 1913, Leslie Joseph born in 1915 and Marcella Florine born in 1923.  All of them have preceded her in death and she called herself the last of the Mohicans.
She was a first-generation American, as her folks came through Ellis Island from Belgium.
Her first job was baby-sitting and house cleaning for $1 a week. When she was 18 she also worked at Gilson Hardware Store in Blissfield, Michiganm and sold tools, plows and farm equipment.  When she was 26 she worked at a factory in Adrian, Michigan, soldering helmets for World War II soldiers.  She was also a seamstress and made jackets in Blissfield.
Growing up on a farm, her most hated chore was picking eggs and feeding the chickens because everything smelled.  She never really liked her name and hated being called Lizzie so insisted on being called Elizabeth or Jason (only she knows why).
Even though she only made it through the 10th grade, she took a typing class and got a certificate in child caring.  And she was a voracious reader who didn’t have to wear glasses until she was in her 80s but then gradually got macular degeneration.
Elizabeth was 25 when she met Daniel David Prisby at a dance hall on a Saturday night but at the time she was seeing other people so they were just friends until she was about 28.  When asked what finally attracted her to him, she said she wanted a good-looking man who could dance, always have money and a job, that could fix things and would love her forever.  They got married on July 12th, 1947, and had a big reception at the Breeze Inn at Ottawa Lake.  She picked the right man.  Their marriage lasted 51 years until Dan passed away in 1998.  Their only child, daughter Lynnette Rae, was born December 7, 1949, in Philadelphia.  Elizabeth hoped to travel the world while being a Captain’s wife, but after two years in North Carolina and two years in Pennsylvania they ended up moving to Solana Beach, California in 1952. Dan went off to fight the war and Elizabeth ended up with a 2-year-old, no friends, and the worst rainstorm year known to California at the time.  Since Friday’s child is loving and giving, she soon made lifelong friends and never regretted moving from Michigan.  The family moved to Norfolk, Virginia, for another two years in 1956 and then came back to California.
Elizabeth was an accomplished seamstress, oil painting artist and loved dancing, boogie boarding at the beach (until age 76!) and playing cards. And those that knew her knew about her love of hot sauce and that darn course ground black pepper.
She also loved fishing, camping, baking and gardening.  She was very active in the PTA, St. James Academy Mother’s club and helping out at the church doing rummage sales, running the fudge booth and hobnobbing with others from the church, such as Luci and Desi Arnez and Jimmy Durante.  She and Dan were members of the Good Sam’s Club and went camping and fishing and across the country many times in their motorhome.  They made it to Massachusetts and all the way to British Columbia and all the continental US.  Elizabeth always wanted to go to Hawaii and Alaska but time just didn’t allow it.  She also loved going to Catalina Island where she and Dan celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Elizabeth had an amazing memory and maintained her sense of humor until the end.  She always told her daughter that she just wanted to fall asleep and not wake up.  She died at 11:10 pm March 22 of natural causes on her terms.  And to those who knew her, she says TallyHo!
Her daughter Lynnette Bordeaux hosted a celebration of life event April 8, 2017 at Palomar Estates East Clubhouse from 1pm to 4pm.  650 Rancho Santa Fe Road San Marcos CA 92078.
In lieu of flowers (if you knew her you knew she was allergic) potted plants or a contribution to Silverado Hospice (silveradocare.com would be appreciated.
Please go to Tributes.com and look for Elizabeth Leona Lips Prisby in CA and add memories, photos and comments to her online tribute.

RIGA – Wilbur Charles Steih, age 72 of Riga, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 03, 2017, at the Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He was born May 9, 1944 in Adrian, Michigan to Ernest and Luella (Pieh) Steih. Wilbur was a 1963 graduate of Blissfield High School. On April 15, 1966 he married Carol Marks at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palmyra, Michigan. He was a cabinet maker and finisher for Weinlander Kitchen and Bath in Blissfield for 43 years. After his retirement he worked part time at Gilson’s Hardware in Blissfield. Wilbur was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a life member of the River Raisin Sportsman’s Club in Blissfield. He enjoyed archery, hunting, fishing, was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving Wilbur, besides his wife Carol of nearly 51 years are three children, Richard (Yvette) Steih of Jackson, MI, Cynthia (Kyle) Gonyer of Petersburg, MI and Jason (Caroline) Steih of Deerfield, MI and four grandchildren, Ethan, Mara, Madeline and Claire. He is preceded in death by his parents, and Uncle Charles Pieh and an Aunt Nadine Pieh.
Funeral services for Wilbur were held on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra with the Rev. Gary Leking officiating. Burial will follow in Riga Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, from 2-8 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 Immanuel Lutheran Church or TACA (Talk about curing Autism, MI Chapter). Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

Virginia J. Burnor Filter, 91, Blissfield, passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 at Cambrian Senior Living, Tecumseh. Ginny was born at the family home on Holloway Rd. in Ridgeway Township, September 17, 1925 to Frank and Ina (Hutchison) Tiede. Virginia graduated from Blissfield High School in June of 1944 and that same month married Max Burnor, a farmer from Deerfield. They had four children together and were married 35 years when Max passed away in 1980.
In 1984 Ginny married Warren Filter, Tecumseh and became active with him in the V.F.W. there. Warren passed away unexpectedly in 1993. Virginia moved to Blissfield in 1995 and lived in Coach Light Estates until 2016.
In her younger years, Ginny bowled, belonged to the Deerfield Mothers Club and was a Cub Scout Den mother. After her son Lee’s death in 1969 during the Vietnam War, Ginny became a Gold-Star Mother and participated in many parades and special ceremonies. In 2010 she spoke at the rededication of the Lenawee County Vietnam Memorial in Adrian. She was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church on N. Blissfield Hwy. and at one time active in the church’s Friendship Circle. She worked briefly at Woods Clothing Store, Blissfield.
Virginia always tried to put her best foot forward, she was a social person who liked to laugh and have fun. The highlight of her summers was spending time at her cottage on Marr Lake and socializing with her neighbors there. She always seemed to have a project on her “to do list”, loved polka music and dancing, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She loved her family, kept newspaper clippings of their achievements and was proud of any accomplishment. Family members eagerly anticipated her holiday and birthday boxes filled with homemade cookies. She was also well-known for her delicious cooking especially her potato salad.
Virginia is survived by her children, Judith (Larry) Ivan, Britton, David (Patti DeCloux) Burnor, Iron River, Christopher (Melissa) Burnor, Deerfield; stepchildren, Michael (Bonnie) Filter, Fort Wayne, Ind., Debbie (Robert) Donick, Traverse City; sisters, Alice (Robert) Mueller, Deerfield, Wilma Peters, Owosso; sisters-in-law, Donna Tiede, Lela Tiede, Blissfield, Jean Tiede, Ann Arbor;  grandchildren, Laura (Michael) Lopez, Tecumseh, Rita Trujillo, Jerome, Danielle Edwards, Adrian, Jon Ivan, Britton, Deanna (Chad) Crots,  Deerfield, Melissa (Mario) McClinton, Jackson, Brooke (Timothy II) Gorton, Horton, Anna Burnor (Joseph Hodges II), Adrian, Eric, Garrett and Brent Burnor, Deerfield; 18 great-grandchildren, four step grandchildren and Jean Burnor, Deerfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ina Tiede; husbands, Max Burnor and Warren Filter; son Lee Burnor;  brothers, Daniel, Ervin, Ralph and Max Tiede; grandchildren, Stephanie and Joseph Ivan, stepdaughter, Jacqueline Beach; and special friends Ginny Gittus and Irene Feldman whom she dearly missed.
Funeral services for Virginia were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palmyra . Rev. Gary Leking officiated. Visitation was from 2:00-8:00  p.m. Monday, April 10, 2017  at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.  Burial followed in the Deerfield Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.         Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

June Valeria (Zibbell) Somes, 92, of Blissfield, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, April 7, 2017, surrounded by family. . She was born in Petersburg, Michigan, on June 2, 1924, the last of 12 children, to Elmore C. and Vera B. (Coultis) Zibbell.
June married Andrew Somes on December 24, 1942. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2010. She was a former member of the Presbyterian Church, in Blissfield for 24 years, before becoming an active member of the First Congregational Church in Thompsonville, MI. June was active in the Food Bank of Marilla, MI and spent numerous years in the Snowbirds Snowmobile Club. She enjoyed weekly card games with other club members. In keeping with her belief that community service was a blessing to many, as a Vice President of the Ladies Aid Society, she pitched in every month, to help prepare a meal for the community in Sand Creek, MI. As a result of her hard work June was interviewed by Don Wolfe in an article that ran in the Blade November 24, 1978.
June is survived by her children; Michael (April), Thomas (Linda), and Robert Somes and Valeria Ostrander, grandchildren; Paula, Melissa, Amy, Sherry, Joshua, Jacob and Katie, and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Andrew, parents, brothers; Louis, Bob, Billy, Sam, Elmore, Allen, Windy, and Warren and sisters; Grace, Eileen and Nancy, Son-in-law Gary Ostrander and granddaughter Andrea.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, OH.
Those wishing to leave a memorial in June’s honor, may wish to consider Blissfield Fire Department.

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.