Obituary Listing
Recent Obituaries
Charles Ralph Nielsen
Jun 7, 2018
Charles "Charlie" Ralph Nielsen, 75, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. He was born March 28, 1943, in Ludington, the son of Niels and Ruth Nielsen.
Charlie served as a medic in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, stationed in Korea, and was honorably discharged in 1966.
...
Barbara Ray Sutter
Jun 6, 2018
Barbara R. Sutter died at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington, MI on June 6, 2018 as a result of Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Barbara Ann Ray on October 30, 1932 in Owensboro, Kentucky the daughter of Joanna (Mason) and Edward Marshall Ray. Most of her childhood was spent in Kentucky. During World War II she, her parents...
Alice Margy Patterson
Jun 4, 2018
Alice Margy Patterson, 74, of Hart, formerly of Walkerville, passed away at home Monday, June 4, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Â She was born February 2, 1944, in Flint, the daughter of Vern and Lillian (Holcolmb) Keyworth.
Alice retired in 2017 as a reading specialist from Walkerville Public Schools, where she had been employed for almost...
Emery "Mac" Mackenzie Hatch
Jun 3, 2018
Emery "Mac" Mackenzie Hatch, 84, of Whitehall, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018. Mac was born June 1, 1934 the son of Emery and Jean Hatch.
In 1960 Mac married Joanne Greer. Together they were blessed with 2 children and 54 years of marriage until her death in 2014. Mac moved to Whitehall, in 1971, where he...
Francisco Sebastian Hernandez
May 30, 2018
Francisco Sebastian Hernandez, 54, of Hart, died unexpectedly Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Mercy Health Mercy Campus in Muskegon. He was born Janury 21, 1964, in Oaxaca, Mexico, the son of Delfino and Manuela (Guerrero) Hernandez. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Friday, June 8, 2018, at the Spanish Pentecostal Church of God, 508 N. State Street, Shelby,...
Alice Elaine Drachus
May 30, 2018
Alice Elaine Drachus (nee Wackernagel) peacefully flew the coop and headed to greener fairways on May 30, 2018. Born December 11, 1929, preceded by her loving husband Fred Drachus Sr. and parents Robert and Esther Wackernagel, along with brothers Clayton, Kenneth, Robert, Walter, and Carl Wackernagel. She had a wicked sense of humor, an electric smile, and a passion...
Rita Jean Schneider
May 26, 2018
Rita Jean Schneider, 92, of Ludington, passed into the arms of her Lord, Saturday, May 26, 2018, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 10, 1925, in Munising, the daughter of Roy and Mazie (MacKenzie) Peters.
Rita was proud to have managed the footwear department at Montgomery Ward for over 25 years. She...
Timothy Joseph Forbes
May 26, 2018
Timothy Joseph Forbes, 56, of Ludington, died unexpectedly Saturday, May 26, 2018. He was born June 2, 1961, in Ludington, the son of Richard and Maryann (Wojtaszak) Forbes.
Tim was a long time employee of Pallet Recycle in Ludington where he made many friends over the years. In his spare time, Tim enjoyed hunting, raising pigeons, and...
Mereta Ann Spitler
May 26, 2018
Mereta Ann Spitler, 75, of East Lansing, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Rose Garden Assisted Living in Grandville. She was born July 16, 1942, in Monterey, California, the daughter of Seth and Margaret (Schaner) Spitler who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her fiancé, George Mueller.
Private committal services will...
Ty Swihart
May 23, 2018
Tyler Scott Swihart, 15, of Montague, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Ty was born on August 21, 2002, to Scott and Lisa Swihart.
Ty attended Montague High School. In his 15 short years, he touched so many lives with his wit, charm, and always funny personality. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and...
James Howard Monroe
May 22, 2018
James Howard Monroe, 97, of New Era, formerly of Lansing, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Lakeshore Hospital in Shelby. He was born August 4, 1920, in Lansing, the son of Howard and Allie (McManamon) Monroe.
Jim was a Veteran of World War II serving in the US Army Air Force.
Joseph Ervin Merten
May 22, 2018
Joseph Ervin Merten, 82, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. Joe received exceptional care at Butterworth and was able to pass peacefully surrounded by loving members of his family.
Joseph E. Merten was born August 29, 1935, in Hart, the son of Herbert and Frances (Estepp) Merten. ...
Hugh Harold Bengtsson
May 22, 2018
Mr. Hugh Harold Bengtsson, 94, of Hart, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Harbor Hospice Poppen House in Muskegon. He was born October 23, 1923, in Bitely, Michigan, the son of Fred and Myra (Page) Bengtsson.
Hugh was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US ARMY.
In his early years Hugh enjoyed...
Elmo Elin Freeland Jr.
May 19, 2018
Elmo Elin Freeland, Jr., 78, of Pentwater, died Saturday, May 19, 2018, at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 22, 1939, in Pentwater, the son of Laurance "Buster" and Romaine (Bromley) Freeland.
Elmo served four years in the US ARMY until being honorably discharged in 1961.
He retired from Howmet, in 1996,...
Peggy Smith
May 18, 2018
Peggy Jane Smith, 60, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018. Peggy was born on August 30, 1957 to Gerald and Bettey Lefort.
Peggy was blessed with 2 children in her life. She enjoyed walks in nature, music, books, writing, her pets, and random adventurous. Peggy was a sassy, intelligent, artsy, kind, loving, passionate, strong-willed woman who loved...
Thomas Langdon Snyder
May 16, 2018
Thomas Langdon Snyder, 73, of Ludington, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at home. He was born March 17, 1945, in Lansing, the son of Timothy and Phyllis (Southwell) Snyder.
Tom graduated Portland High School in 1963 and then Ferris State College in 1968 with a marketing degree. He started his working years in Portland at...
William James Conrad Cooke
May 16, 2018
William James Conrad Cooke, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Bill was born on March 4, 1938, to Thomas and Blanche (Roit) Cooke.
In 1959 Bill married Darlene Soukup. Together they were blessed with 3 children and 58 years of marriage. Bill was well-educated earning two bachelor's degrees and his...
Dale Leroy Essex
May 15, 2018
Dale Leroy Essex, age 71, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Dale was born on May 27, 1946. Cremation will take place and no services will be held. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
Patricia Lindow
May 12, 2018
Patricia Mari Lindow, 55, passed away May 12, 2018. Cremation will take place and no services will be held. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service-White Lake Chapel is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
Alexander Levi Ellis
May 11, 2018
Alexander "Xander" Levi Ellis, 24, of Ludington, died unexpectedly Friday, May 11, 2018. He was born December 16, 1993, in Murphysboro, Illinois the son of Cheryl Brantley and Joseph Ellis.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, 309 S. Washington Avenue, Ludington, followed by...

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