Ronda Kay (Stoudt) Allen, age 71, of DeWitt, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 16, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was born October 22, 1954, in Alma, the daughter of Lynn and Myra (Scott) Stoudt. She married James C. Allen on February 14, 1983, in Stanton.

Ronda was a 1972 graduate of Carson City-Crystal High School and worked for Electrolux for over 25 years. She later went back to school and earned her registered nursing degree in 2008. She worked for Heartland and retired from Sheridan Community Hospital after many years of service.

She enjoyed bird watching and sharing her knowledge of birds. Being with family and friends was her greatest joy and she enjoyed cooking. She especially loved to spoil her grandchildren.

Ronda is survived by her mother Myra Stoudt; children Marty (Stephanie) Weese of Owosso, Mick Weese of Haslett, Jessica (Shawn) McBee of Lansing; grandchildren Madi (Tyler), Kamryn, Olivia, Betsy, Colton, Chase, Hunter, Spencer, Molly; her siblings Roger (Glenda) Stoudt of Edmore, Corvin (Trina) Stoudt of Crystal, Kelly (Pete) Trefil of Perrinton; sister-in-law Robin (Rex) Bannen of Belding; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim; her father Lynn; a sister Penny; and her father and mother-in-law Carl and Donnamae Allen.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 am at the New Haven Church of the Brethren. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 4 to 8 pm at the New Haven Church of the Brethren. Interment will be held at a later date in Sidney Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Carson City.

To view Ronda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com

Carol Ann Chipman age 85 of Saranac passed away July 15, 2026. She was born July 5, 1941, in Clarksville, Michigan, the daughter of Thane Butler and Arwilda Bell (Kauffman) Butcher. Carol went to school in Saranac graduating with the class of 1960. She married John James “Jack” Chipman November 5, 1960, in Saranac, together they raised 5 children.

Carol was a member of River of Life Ministries in Saranac along with her husband Jack. She worked at General Tire in Ionia until the company closed. Carol enjoyed reading romance novels and riding motorcycles and snowmobiles.

Surviving is her loving husband of 66 years Jack J. Chipman of Saranac. Children, Wade (Ronna) Chipman of Lake Odessa, Trent Chipman of Saranac, Todd (Sue) Chipman of Saranac, Thane (Esther) Chipman of Belding and Jacqueline “Jackie” (Roger) Dolson of Belding. Grandchildren, Amber (Tommy) Blackston, Ashley Althoff, Beth (Gordon) Waters, TJ (Meghan) Chipman, Brian (Alexandria) Chipman, Noah Chipman, Faith Chipman, Ali (Damien) Brooks, Sydney (Tyler) Atwell, Andrea Chipman, Megan Chipman, Kara (Kevin) Lucas and Kyle Zeigler. 19 great grandchildren and 1 soon to be great great grandchild. Sisters, Sharon (Chuck) Tobey of Greenville and Vivian “Joy” Klink of Eaton Rapids. Sisters and Brothers in law, Jean Butcher of Ionia, Barb Chipman of Palo and Jimmy & Caroline Chipman of Big Rapids. Several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl and Roger Butcher, great grandson Colton, brother and sisters in law Roger Griffen and Marjorie and Pat Fishell.

Funeral services will be at the Lake Funeral Home in Ionia on Saturday, July 25 th at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor’s Jerry Smith and Stephen Rayner officiating. Interment to follow at Saranac Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday 4-7 p.m. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to River of Life Ministries. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com

V. Louise Darby June 12, 1936 to July 8, at 12:15 am, 2026, age 90, of Moscow, Idaho has gone to the great garnet mine in the sky.

Louise was born June 12, 1936 in Dodge City Kansas to Charles and Lucille Francis, and moved to Idaho when she was 3 years old. The Francis family had a homestead on Moscow mountain where they grew potatoes, strawberries and other things that they sold to the local grocery stores. They lived a very humble life. She told many stories of her childhood like brother Gene being chased by a bear, watermelons in the rumble seat of their old car, and eating popcorn and apples as they listened to the radio

She married Charles C Darby in 1964. They were married for 45 years until Chucks passing the day after Christmas 2009. They had a blended family. Chuck had 3 daughters from a previous marriage and Louise had 2 sons from a previous marriage and then they had their daughter Debra.

As most of you know Louise became known as Idahos garnet queen, as the school children named her. She started her jewelry business 3-d's panhandle gems and became a garnet outfitter and guide and took all the 4th grade children on field trips and ran a garnet mine that she leased from the state. She was in over 30 newspapers, magazines, educational TV shows and is recognized by the Smithsonian Institute of America as a top authority on garnet.

Louise was also an avid hunter of deer, elk, and moose. She hunted with her father at the age of 12 and continued to hunt until the age of 80 years old. She was also an avid gardener and loved anything outdoors. In her younger days she even ran choker lines with the male loggers and even raced snowmobiles.

Louise is survived by her daughter- Debra Darby (Hofstrand) who was her caregiver for over 4 years, grandson/son - Brandin (Samantha) Darby, grandsons- MJ [Mark] (Teresa) Hofstrand and Josh Hofstrand (Danielle), 2 great grandchildren- MacKenzie Darby and Jacksin Darby, sisters- Barbara Sinclair and Patty Denton and many more nieces and nephews and a son - Kenny Darby.

She is preceded in death by her husband- Charles C. Darby, parents -Charles and Lucille Francis, brothers- Phil Francis and Gene(Curly) Francis, son - Kelly Darby, great grandson- Alan Hofstrand.

At Louises request she will be cremated and there will be no memorial service. She wishes to have her ashes "Spread to the wind" at her beloved mine and hunting grounds. In lieu of flowers, she wishes you to donate to Shriners hospital of Spokane that has helped her great grandson so much.

Louise also has asked to share this poem with all of you that was written for her by her beloved grandson MJ.

"Into the Woods"

Mark MJ Hofstrand

In the woods where the garnets gleam,

Underneath the sunlight's beam,

With rod and rifle, we both roam,

In natures embrace, we find our home.

Grandma Louise, with wisdom deep,

In the forest, our secrets keep,

Amongst the trees, where the whispers dwell,

Your love for me, like a magic spell.

With garnets shining, bright and bold,

Each one a story, yet untold,

Like precious gems, our memories gleam,

In the quiet woods, by the stream.

Together we fish, our lines entwine,

Sharing tales, beneath the pine,

In the silence, we find our peace,

As nature's wonders never cease.

Through seasons change, in hunting's chase,

Your guidance leads with steadfast grace,

With every step, with every hunt,

Your love for me, an endless font.

So here's a poem, just for you,

Grandma Louise, so kind and true,

In the woods, where our hearts unite,

You are my beacon, my guiding light.

Patricia Anne (Mort) Denemy passed peacefully in her sleep at Independence Village in Petoskey, Michigan, on Thursday, March 26, 2026. She was 91 years old.

Pat was born on August 20, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the only daughter of six children to Arthur Carroll and Gladys (Younker) Mort. She is proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years William I. Denemy and daughter Mary Theresa. She is survived by her daughter Judy Smith (husband Greg Smith, deceased); son William A. Denemy (wife Natalie Denemy, deceased); daughter Joanie Denemy; son Brian Denemy; and daughter Terri Denemy (husband Jerry Postema). She is blessed with six grandchildren Michael Denemy, Justin Denemy, Joey Denemy, Margaret Feil, James Postema, and Joy Postema; five great-grandchildren William and Chloe Feil; Jacob, Joshua, and Rachel Elkins. She has five beloved Mort brothers and their wives - Don & Jane (both deceased), Jim & Alice, Keith (deceased) & Beverly, Jack & Jean (deceased), Charles "Spike" & Linda (deceased), and adored nieces and nephews, Ruth (deceased), Steve, David, Vicki, Brett, Leslie (deceased), Keith, Tom, Dan, Greg, Kevin, Michelle, and Todd.

She spent her early years tending to her children while her husband pursued a very successful career with the Michigan State Police. After her youngest children began school, she started working part-time and eventually full-time for the Soil Conservation Service first in West Branch and later in Stanton. In that role, she was known as the "Tree Lady' running the very successful annual tree seedling program.

After retirement she and her husband spent winters in Florida near her parents and brothers and the warmer months in Stanton. Eventually they returned to Michigan full-time settling in Petoskey, where she rekindled old school time friendships from her years at Charlevoix where she was a rambunctious high school cheerleader.

Pat loved to be social, and her friends and family meant the world to her. Hugs were given freely and she rarely missed a social or church activity, especially in her time at Independence Village where she was cherished by residents and staff. She was known for her sunny disposition, lighting up a room with her vivacious spirit, and singing joyfully. She could strike up conversation with anyone - and usually did - often turning a stranger into a lifelong friend. She adored her many grand dogs, was an ardent Michigan fan, frequently heard yelling, "Go Blue!" Her Catholic faith was important to her, and she was certainly warmly greeted home by her Heavenly Father.

Her funeral (Celebration of Life) Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 961 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch. The visitation will be held from 10-11AM and the funeral mass will begin at 11AM. The wearing of her favorite colors, pink and purple, is encouraged.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the following charities:

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, 1349 US 131, Suite A, Petoskey, MI 49770

Brother Dan's Food Pantry, 415 State Street, Petoskey, MI 49770

Montcalm County Aging Commission, 613 N. State Street, Stanton MI 48888

Rea Family Animal Shelter, 1367 M-33, West Branch MI 48661

Michael A. Kodat age, 67 of Greenville, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids. He was born February 4, 1959 in Greenville, the son of John T. & Beverly E. (Dickerson) Kodat. He loved to listen to music, go to old classic car shows, watch nascar and cheer on the lions. Michael is survived by his wife Annette; daughters Kim (Justin) Tiffany of Grenville and Lynzy Kodat of Belding; two grandchildren Kody Gard and Tyler Kodat; mother Beverly Bristol of Fountain brothers Orval Bristol of Lowell and Frank (Lisa) Bristol of Fountain sister Debbie (Ken) Anderson of Lowell; aunt Shirley Wonch of Cedar Springs and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be 2 PM Tuesday July 21, 2026 with visitation starting at 1 PM at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Sheridan. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.5691.us where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.

Thomas James O’Connor, age 91, of Belding, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Faith Hospice on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Tom was born September 24, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Joseph and Margeret (Michaels) O’Connor, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended St. Paul & Paul in Ionia and graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of Michigan. Tom managed the M.E.S.C. offices in Ionia and Greenville, where his primary personal goal was to provide employment for veterans. Tom married Joan Kathryn Bowler on January 19, 1957, in Belding, and together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Belding where he was active in many ministries and volunteer activities. Tom and Joan built their home and remodeled several houses throughout the years. They were very active in their children’s lives, supporting them in sports and other pursuits and hobbies. Tom also loved to travel extensively for fun and to teach his children about the history and beauty of this great county. Tom loved a full house, always willing to open the door wide to welcome friends to stay as long as needed, especially over Gus Macker weekend when an untold number of kids would take up residence for the weekend. There was always another chair to pull up to the table and another plate to put on it. Tom had a wit, charm and generosity that was welcoming and warm. He lived the American Dream. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to Tom’s wife, Joan, also surviving are his children, Thomas (Jodi) O’Connor, Deb (Rob) Gasper, Jim (Wendi) O’Connor, David (Tracy) O’Connor, Cathy (Tim) Flynn, and Lori (Nick) Andres There are 16 grandchildren, Jacob (Phylicia) O’Connor, Lucas (Hannah) O’Connor, Shelly (Jeremy) Anderson, Teryn (Jason) Trann, Aimee (Mikey) Walsh, Christy (Colin) Brock, Jill O’Connor, Patrick O’Connor, Hunter O’Connor, Cody Heusted, Chelsea (Colton) DeMull, Amanda (Steve) Saboo, Maryanna O’Connor, Zack Carter, Josh Carter and Noah Carter; 24 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Michael O’Connor, and siblings, Joseph O’Connor, Delores Seif, and Helen Bollinger.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding. A Scripture Vigil Service will precede the Visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tom’s Funeral Mass will take place at on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 407 S. Bridge Street, Belding Michigan, with Fr. Tom Cavera, the Celebrant. Tom’s family will also greet visitors at church beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the Mass. A luncheon will take place at the church after Mass and Interment will follow the luncheon at St. Joseph Cemetery, Belding. Donations in Tom’s memory are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Faith Hospice and Alvah N Belding Library. Envelopes will be available at the services or may be requested through the funeral home. For additional information, please call Verdun Family Funeral Home at (616) 794-1300.

Anthony G. Robbins, age 70, of Six Lakes, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, under the care of his family and Corewell Hospice. He was born July 3, 1956, in Huntington, Indiana.

Anthony was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and faithfully called Sheridan Assembly of God his church home for more than 30 years. He joyfully served the church by leading worship and singing alongside his beloved wife, Val, for many years, and later served as a member of the church board. He loved God and made honoring Him the priority of his life. His devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren was a natural outpouring of his faith in Christ.

Anthony was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family. He cherished being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, taking great pride in each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also loved the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, target shooting, or simply spending time in God's creation, what mattered most to him was sharing those moments with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Erika (Mark) Rochow of Six Lakes and Gena (Greg) Long of Trufant; his son, Caleb (Ashley) Robbins of Stanton; seventeen grandchildren: Hudson, Harrison, Morgan, Hannah, Joseph, Ava, Reid, Carter, Ezra, Piper, Neena, Hendrik, Aidan, Kristoffer, Sebastian, Henry, and Holt; eight great-grandchildren; his stepfather, Ferrell Long; and his seven siblings, Greg (Lucy) Robbins, Erik (Cindy) Robbins, Leanna (Terry) Whitehurst, Tammy (Stan) Stuart, Tina (Paul) Williams, Brad (Kris) Long, and Bob (Yolonda) Long.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marlene Long; his father, Marshall Robbins; and his beloved wife, Valerie Robbins.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sheridan Assembly of God, 4010 S. Sheridan Rd., Sheridan, MI 48884. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Sheridan Assembly of God, with burial following at Riverside Cemetery in Langston.

Arrangements are entrusted to Marshall Funeral Home of Greenville. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.5691.us.

Duane Allen Stevens, age 86, of Lakeview, Michigan, passed away peacefully in Grapevine, Texas, on March 19, 2026, with his children, his sister, Linda and his nephew Roger Louck nearby. Born March 8, 1940, in Big Rapids, Michigan, to Ellwyn and Pauline (Petersen) Stevens, Duane had just recently celebrated his 86th birthday surrounded by family.

Duane was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lakeview, where he in the past had served as Congregational President and Elder. His faith and connection to the community and friends were steady parts of his life.

He attended St. Peter's Lutheran School in Big Rapids and later Morley Agricultural School, graduating in 1958. During high school, he met Sandra Schoonmaker, who became the love of his life. They were married on June 28, 1958, and shared nearly 62 wonderful years together before her passing on May 11, 2019.

In 1962, Duane founded Lakeview Plumbing and Heating, building it from the ground up into a business he was proud of. He was known for his strong work ethic, practical know-how, and the kind of reliability that kept customers coming back for decades. Just as importantly, he genuinely enjoyed the people he worked with, forming lasting friendships with many in the construction community along the way. "Retirement" in 2017 didn't slow him down much; it simply meant he could be a little more selective about the jobs he took.

Duane and Sandy built a life that was both active and deeply social, surrounded by a wide circle of close friends and family. In their younger years, that meant snowmobiling, boating, and summer softball leagues—activities that were as much about the camaraderie as the fun itself. In later years, they continued making memories on road trips, at campgrounds, at tractor and car shows, and at local get-togethers with good friends. Duane had a special fondness for vintage tractors and cars—especially those from 1940, his birth year—and took great pride in restoring and showing them.

A lifelong animal lover, Duane always had a soft spot for pets of all kinds, including the many cats (both adopted and self-appointed) that found their way to his garage over the years. In his last years, his loyal comfort dog Alex was a constant companion, rarely leaving his side both at his home and during his time in Grapevine.

Duane is survived by his children: Mark (Pat) Stevens of Bossier City, Louisiana; Brenda (Frank) Byrne of Grapevine, Texas; and Connie Patton of Simpsonville, South Carolina; along with five grandchildren: Lindsey Bowers, Dave (Sarah) Schur, Dan (Hannah) Schur, Aaron (Taylor) Stevens, and Tyler (Tessa) Stevens; and twelve great-grandchildren, all who will carry his memory in their hearts. He is also survived by his sisters Kathy (Bob) Young of Arizona, Paulette (Jim) Hogarth of Ionia and Linda Johnson of Morley; sisters-in-law Judy Bell of Stanwood and Jean (Marvin) Bell of Stanwood; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members—as well as a wide circle of dear friends who were an important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy; his parents; his parents-in-law; two brothers-in-law, Ted Bell and Steve Johnson; two sons-in-law, Pat Houghton and Bob Seibert; a grandson-in-law, Ryan Bowers; and his late-life companion, Diane Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on July 25th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lakeview, Pastor Alex Sabol officiating. The service will be followed by interment at Aetna Cemetery in Morley, with a luncheon served by the American Legion in Morley following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Judes or to a charity of your choice.

Joshua David Wiesen, 32, passed on Friday, July 10, 2026, after his lifelong battle with Huntington's disease. He was a friend to anyone in need, a fun-loving uncle, a devoted brother, and cherished son. He was kind and compassionate, fiercely loyal, and all at the same time a jokester to his core.

Josh was born prematurely in Greenville, MI to Matthew (Matt) and Margaret Wiesen on June 22, 1994. This was the start of Josh's "shock-value" approach to life. He went to school at Oakfield Baptist Academy through 3rd grade and Grattan Academy through 5th grade before moving to the Upper Peninsula with his family. In those elementary years, Josh's life was known for many activities varying from fishing, swimming and camping to riding four-wheelers and dressing in the weirdest of ways to school. At the age of 10, Josh lost his mother, Margaret, to Huntington's disease.

After moving to the Upper Peninsula, Josh continued to enjoy fishing and four-wheeling and added hunting to his list of things he enjoyed. During his middle school and high school years, he perfected his art of pranks and jokes as he practiced them on his brothers, Ryan and Matthew. He graduated from Ontonagon Junior-Senior High School in 2012 with the intention of going into the Marine Corps. Before Josh was to go to boot camp for the Marines, he ended up getting a job at Extreme Tool in Wakefield, MI as a grinder. He worked there for a few years and worked a few other shorter stints before eventually being co-founder of Red River Machining in Ontonagon, MI with his father, Matt.

Josh is survived by his nieces and nephews Jessa, Adam, Theo, and Leah; brothers Matthew and Ryan and sister-in-law Justina; stepmother Kandice; grandparents Dave (Karen), Terri (Scott) and Sharon; aunts and uncles Heather, Erin, Heather (Jake), Sean, Keith (Erica); cousins Jarrod, Janelle (Charles), Gwen, Jace, Wayne, Hadrian, and Alexis.

Josh was preceded in death by his mother Margaret, father Matt, his uncles Troy and Jeff, his grandfather Larry and grandmother Debbie.

A memorial service will be held at 900 River Street in Ontonagon, Michigan on July 25, 2026 at 11 am EST. Chaplain Matt Agee will officiate the service. Arrangements have been made by Cane Funeral Home.

James “Jim” Clyde Zimmerman, 67, a lifelong resident of Edmore, sadly passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Jim was born on May 7,1959, to Clyde and Joan (Houts) Zimmerman. He attended school at Montabella, graduating with the Class of 1978. Jim married Diane Haynes, and together they had three children. Known to many as "NAPA Jim," James was the longtime owner of the NAPA Auto Parts store in Vestaburg. For nearly four decades, he proudly served the community, delivering and providing auto parts and building lasting relationships with countless customers. In his younger years, Jim played in softball leagues. Outside of work, he enjoyed gardening, golfing, listening to country music, and spending time outdoors. Jim was also well known for his bike rides and walks around town, where he never missed the chance to stop and greet friends and neighbors.

Jim is survived by his children, Jamie (Jordan) Kinsey, Jessica McCray, James (Kristen) Zimmerman, and Fei (Jennie) Cai; mother of his children, Diane Zimmerman; grandchildren, Julius McCray, Lillianna and Liam Zimmerman; and his sister Tracy Ingle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Joan Zimmerman, and sister, Janee Zimmerman.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Edmore, with a graveside service to follow. Jim will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City next to his family.