Charles Melvin McKee, born October 23, 1940 in Alma and resident of Sand Lake, passed into the arms of his Lord & Savior on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the age of 77. Charlie was a happy-go-lucky, fun, loving person that hugged everyone. He was in his glory when surrounded by family and friends telling some of his famous stories. He also loved the auctions. Charlie is survived by his wife and soul mate of 47 years, Reta; sons, Mike (Diane) and Tony; daughters, Rhonda K. (Eugene), Brenda, Rhonda L. (Chuck) and Marti (Jeff); mother-in-law, Martha; brother-in-law, Jerry; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Max) and Joyce; brothers, Don (Joan) and Walt (Deb); sisters, Jeanette (Glendon) and Tamie (Brad); 33 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and several very close friends as well as auctioneers & auction companions. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charlene; parents; father-in-law; brother-in-law; sister-in-law; nephew; and a special friend. A Celebration of Life for Charlie will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the McKee family home located at 15750 Pine Lake Ave., Sand Lake, MI 49343. Hurst Funeral Home is serving the family, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.hurstfh.com.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

Helen M. Hyrns, age 89, of Sand Lake, died Sunday, September 23, 2018. Mrs. Hyrns was born May 6, 1929 in Cedar Springs, Michigan the daughter of Fred and Lola (Baldwin) Adams. Helen loved her family and many friends. She enjoyed dancing, the holidays, travel and adventure, and was very crafty. She was famous for all of her great food. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Benjamin Hyrns in 2004. Surviving are her children, Steven (Catherine) Hyrns, Susan (William) Bryant; grandchildren, Kamie (Stephen) McGuire, Jason (Michelle) Hyrns, Benjamin (Jennifer) Hyrns, Lindsey (Matthew) Baczewski, Zebulon (Janell) Bryant; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Verburg. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Edith Hudson, Blythe Becker, Gladys Grzesiak, Lela Schultz, Betty Goller. The family deeply appreciates the love and care provided by The Brook in Cedar Springs. Visitation was held Thursday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Chaplain Madelyn Thompson officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sand Lake Fire Department or the BKH Jr. Care Fund for great-grandson, Benjamin Hyrns.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Cindy Marie McCord, age 52, of Trufant passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 surrounded by her family. Cindy was born June 23, 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cindy was a Certified Nurse’s Aid at Metro Hospital. She then became a waitress and bartender at Clifford Lake Inn which quickly became her second home. Friends and family were Cindy’s passion in life. Each person she met was touched by a special light that lit up any room. With a real zest for life, Cindy loved to garden, ride her motorcycle, browse antique shops, go camping with her husband and children, and chat with friends and family. Throughout her legacy, she always had a positive outlook on life. Her signature gifts of joy and optimism were shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around that will never be forgotten. Surviving are her husband of 28 years, Brandon; children, Molly (Nicholas) Gurski, Garrett (Matraca) McCord, Mallorie McCord, Morgan (Bryan) Hammis; grandchildren, Mason and Oliver; parents, James and Barbara Dahnke; brothers, Jack Heimler and Craig Boyer; mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Rose; brothers-in-law, Tim and Terry McCord. A celebration of her life will take place Friday, October 5, 2018 at 7:00 pm at the Impact Church, 1069 Lincoln Lake Ave. SE, Lowell. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Irena L. Lutz, age 84, of Cedar Springs, slipped quietly into the presence of her savior Jesus Christ early on the morning of Saturday, September 22, 2018. Irena was born October 14, 1933 in Hulbert Michigan to Edward and Irene (Peacock) Sissell. She graduated from Hulbert High School in 1950 accepting a position as a waitress/hostess in the Del Mar Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie. It wasn’t long, however, that the young man who had been pursuing her, won her heart: Charles D Lutz and Irena started dating in 1950 and were married December 1, 1953. Soon she found herself moving from her small town as she followed her husband, who did his tour of duty during the Korean conflict. From Arizona, to Montana and eventually back to Michigan where she and Charles would become parents of twin boys; David and Dennis. Irena as a wife and homemaker was organized, which not only kept her home supplied but eventually led to work with her sister Beverly for a time, in the fledgling computer industry. Being the oldest of eight, Irena and Charles, often found their home a base for her brothers and sisters; many times finding one of the “kids” staying with them as they made their way toward new horizons. Having been familiar with caring for intellectually disabled individuals, due to her parents influence as well as having an affinity for their needs, she opened, owned and operated an adult foster care home for many years, even after her own two boys were in college, then married with families of their own. Irena cared for a variety of individuals in their home. She worked to serve people who otherwise may have been in a far different situation. Eventually retiring, she and Charles simply moved around the corner where their lives were filled with extended family and all the activities this time of life brings, including many winters away from the snow of Michigan. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs, for over 35 years. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years Charles; children David and Susan Lutz, Dennis and Cindy Lutz; brothers Arnold and Donna Sissell, Joseph and Dee Sissell; sisters Evelyn Lutz, Beverly and Ken Blow and Hilda and Gary Aho; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Helen Plank and Barbara Stokes. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to: First Baptist Church, 233 S. Main, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

James R. “JimBob” Cole Jr. age 54 of Sand Lake, died Saturday September 22, 2018 at his home along with his loving companion, Lisa Bradley and faithful dog, Callie. Jimmy was born December 16, 1963 in Greenville, Michigan the son of James and Gloria (Ostrander) Cole Sr. He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, antiquing, farming, being a papa and watching over his mother. Surviving are his children, Shanda (Scott) VerHey, Jessica (Mike Moore) Cole, Erica (Scott Smedberg) Cole, Hunter Cole, Samantha Huntley, Aimee (Justin) McWilliams, Mykel (Kayla Shaver) Bradley; grandchildren, Alexis, Tucker, Bryson, Koda, Aaria, Odin; mother, Gloria Cole; brothers, Jon (Sandy) Cole, Dave (Dawn) Cole. He was preceded in death by his father. Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 pm at the Cole Farm, 16515 Kingston Avenue, Sand Lake. Pastors Tommy Turner and Inga Whittemore officiating. Interment Trufant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Mary B. Averill, age 86, of Cedar Springs, crossed over into Heaven on Friday, September 21, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Averill was born one of sixteen children on September 5, 1932 in Grant, Michigan the daughter of Harold and Gertrude (Noppert) Inman. She enjoyed the outdoors and traveling to different states with her husband. She loved her family and siblings and working puzzles and Friday music nights. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Jack on July 29, 2018. Surviving are her children, Jeff Averill, Colleen Connolly, Michelle (Nace) Emmorey; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson. A graveside service was held Wednesday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Coral Cemetery. Chaplain Stephen Shick officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Lisa A. “Gert” Bradley, age 58, of Sand Lake, died Saturday, September 22, 2018 at her home along with her loving companion, James Cole Jr. Lisa was born December 27, 1959 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Robert and Annette (Mercer) DeVries. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed antiquing, painting and restoring old furniture. She worked at Kaleidoscope of Times in Greenville. She loved being a grammy and was a devoted mother and daughter. Surviving are her children, Samantha Huntley, Aimee (Justin) McWilliams, Mykel (Kayla Shaver) Bradley, Shanda (Scott) VerHey, Jessica (Mike Moore) Cole, Erica (Scott Smedberg) Cole, Hunter Cole; grandchildren, Alexis, Tucker, Bryson, Koda, Aaria, Odin; mother, Annette DeVries; brother, Todd (Jody) DeVries; sister, Laura (Case) Kasper. She was preceded in death by her father and husband, Stephen Bradley. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 29 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Cole Farm, 16515 Kingston Avenue, Sand Lake. Pastors Tommy Turner and Inga Whittemore officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County. 

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

This mobile home was the scene of a fire last Friday, September 21. Post photo by J. Reed.

By Judy Reed

The Solon Township Fire Department was called to the scene of a mobile home fire at 17551 Algoma Avenue, near Fisk’s Knob on Friday, September 21, about 9:55 a.m. 

According to Deputy Fire Chief Chris Paige, firefighters reported flames and heavy smoke coming from the north end of the structure when they arrived. “They had it knocked down within about 10 minutes, and it was totally out within a half hour,” he said.

Assisting Solon at the scene was Algoma, Sand Lake, and Kent City Fire Departments.

Paige said that the owner was at a neighbor’s home directly behind the mobile home when they spotted the flames. No one was in the mobile home at the time.

Paige said that an investigation was done, and the fire appeared to start in the living room, but the cause was undetermined. He said that the owners were staying with other family members.

A group of local seniors crossed an item off their bucket lists earlier this month after they had a chance to go skydiving for the first time.

Four women from Sparta Senior Neighbors made the trip to Sky Dive Grand Haven on Saturday, September 15, to jump out of a plane. Jane Ringler, coordinator of the Sparta Senior Neighbors center, planned the trip as an effort to incorporate some active outings into the members’ lives. “We are working on those bucket list adventures,” said Ringler, “and this group of seniors is raring to go.”

One of the women jumping Saturday was Vivian Livermore. The 85-year-old is a three-time cancer survivor who says she is now going blind. Regardless, she was looking forward to jumping from a plane, saying, “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I never had the nerve to do it. Today is the day. I’m getting too old to wait.”

Going up in two small groups, the four women—Vivian Livermore, Tess Cantile, Donna VanOeffelen and Judy Smith—all went through with their jumps and safely struck their landings. Smiles were wide on their faces as each of the women landed and made their way over to friends and family who were cheering them on.

Donna VanOeffelen said she is eager to do it all again. “My 11-year-old granddaughter wanted to go, but you have to be 18. The day I turn 80, she will be 18, so we’ll go together then.”

Tess Cantile came down with her arms spread like wings and waving to the ground crew, she said, “It was indescribable, a beautiful feeling.”

Judy Smith, a member of the Senior Neighbors Walker Fire House Café, shared that she is afraid of heights but wanted to participate in the experience. “Everybody was proud of Judy’s courage,” said Ringler.  

The Sparta Senior Neighbors Center is planning additional adrenaline-packed outings soon that could include rock climbing, parasailing and bungee jumping.  

Anyone who is interested in these upcoming adventures can contact the Sparta Senior Neighbors at (616) 887-1273.  

Sara Donaldson, age 11, and her brother Brandon Donaldson, age 7, traveled to Dover, Delaware in late July/early August to spend some time with their grandparents, Glen and Camilla Thornburg. And they took a Post with them! 

The two are the children of Daniel and Katie Porter.  

Thanks so much to Sara and Brandon for taking us with you!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Pictured L to R is the Mark Del band at ArtPrize:  Eric Strand, violin; Teresa Boehm, vocals; Tony Burnett, guitar; Clarissa Hubert, piano;  Jill Boehm, flute;  Mark Del, lead vocals & guitar;  Nathan Treman, cello.

By Judy Reed

Last year at Red Flannel time, Mark Del Covell premiered a song he had written specially for the occasion. This year he decided to do something similar, but on a bigger scale. This year he wrote a song about Michigan, and decided to showcase it at ArtPrize 10. 

“My main inspiration to write this song came from the hope that it might help some resident feel proud to live in a state with so much natural beauty, apart from the harsh blizzard conditions of winter. Each of us should be able to relate to at least one part of the lyrics,” he said. 

Mark worked with photographers and videographers to catch the beauty of our great state, and created a video to go along with the song, which can be found on his artist page on the website. He and his band performed the song outside of First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids last weekend. He said that they would be performing it again in an outdoor area somewhere in the downtown area. It is a time-based event, and we did not have a time at press time. 

Mark said he’s gotten a lot of good feedback from people about the song and would love for it to become the official state song. “If your readers wanted to help an artist right here from their community possibly make this song our state’s official song, then they need to cast their vote for my (Time Based) entry by late Saturday night!” he remarked. 

To watch the video and hear the song, go to: http://www.artprize.org/68190. 

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Lakeview Post responded to a two-vehicle head on collision that occurred on Saturday September 22, at approximately 9:31 p.m. on Sidney Rd. near Hillman Rd. in Sidney Township in Montcalm County.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 40-year old female from Stanton was driving eastbound on Sidney Rd. and was attempting to pass a slower vehicle when she collided with a 25-year old female from Greenville who was traveling westbound. 

The 40-year old female driver did not survive her injuries. The 25-year old female driver was transported to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids with serious injuries. She was traveling with her 10-month old son who was not injured in the crash. 

The cause of the crash is still being investigated. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

Names of the drivers have not been released.

State Police were assisted on scene by, Montcalm County EMS, Sheridan Community Fire Department, Aeromed, Captain Hooks Towing and Montcalm County Central Dispatch.