Barbara Jean Wainright, 90, of Sand Lake, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Barb was born June 8, 1929 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Howard and Emma (Fisk) Kilts. She had a very strong faith and was an active member of the Church of the Full Gospel in Sand Lake. Barb was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. At 90 years of age you would find her gardening, playing cards, out to lunch with friends or enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities rain or shine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wainright; three brothers, Walter (Dorothy) Kilts, Norman (Betty) Kilts, Lavern Kilts; sister, Maxine (Russell) Powell. Surviving are her children, Dennis (Dotty) Wainright of Sand Lake, Sharon (Butch) Magoon of Cedar Springs, Janet (Chris) Arnold of Dewitt, and Alice (Kim) McNees of Sand Lake; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joan Wainright, Leona Wainright, and Lois Kilts; many nieces and nephews. The family greeted friends Thursday, November 14 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Gary Giddings officiating. Interment Crandall Cemetery, Ensley Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.

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

Jacob Todd Brewer, age 28 of Cedar Springs, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Jake was born in Lansing on December 1, 1990 and graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 2009 where he loved playing football. He worked for many years at CS Manufacturing and was presently working as a builder. He loved being outdoors fishing and hunting. Jake was very respectful and had a big heart and loved spending time with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Russell Holliday; and grandmother, Dorothy Parker. Jake is survived by his wife, Brandie Brewer; his sons, Matthew Todd Brewer and John Taverus Major; his father, Todd Brewer; his mother and stepfather, Terri and Jeff Parker; his siblings, Brandi Brewer, Tylllor Parker, Amy Brewer, and Tayllor Parker; his grandparents, Tom and June Brewer, Janet Holliday, and LD Parker; and many aunts uncles, nieces and nephews. There was a time of visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service to celebrate Jake’s life took place at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Rockford Reformed Church, 4890 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Immediately following the service a graveside service took place in Elmwood Cemetery in Cedar Springs followed by a luncheon and time of fellowship at the American Legon in Cedar Springs, 80 S. Main Street – Cedar Springs, MI – 49319. 

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford https://www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

July 26, 1980 – October 22, 2019

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” On October 22, Sarah Brygal departed this life after a four-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, leaving her pain racked body behind and gaining her heavenly wings and everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven.  As Sarah was being received into heaven, her family and friends were left grief stricken while asking the question “Why”?  Why was such a beautiful wife, mother, and daughter snatched from this life at such a young age? A question for which we will struggle to answer until such a time in which we are reunited with Sarah in the kingdom of God. Sarah graduated from Lakeview Community High School and Michigan State University. She was a paraprofessional at Baldwin Heights Elementary School in Greenville, Michigan where she is sadly missed by students and peers. Sarah was a multitalented individual with a flair for photography having taken many family and graduation pictures throughout the area. Sarah is survived by her loving husband and soul mate, Jorden, and their children, Eliza, Ashtyn, Wyatt, and Sophie as well as parents, Ruth (Jeff) Scott and Tim (Kim) Avery; mother-in-law, Jan Jeffers and father-in-law, Kevin (Denise) Brygal; brother, Andrew Avery, Jamie Jefferies; sister, Sami Avery; sister-in-law, Amanda Brygal; grandparents, Peg Avery, Mary Ann Brygal, and Gloria Ingersoll. Sarah leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends including her very special friend, Becky Bunker, who was faithfully at Sarah’s side through this arduous journey. Sarah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jerry Avery, Jack Lester, June Baron and aunt, Cindy George. There will be a celebration of life for Sarah on Sunday, November 3^rd, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center,111 North Hill Crest St., Greenville, MI  48838. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Meal to follow service at the Montcalm Township Hall, 1880 South Greenville Road, Greenville, MI 48838. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you donate to: Susan G. Komen Foundation. 616-752-8262. https://komenmichigan.org.

Loren G. Schermerhorn, age 85, of Cedar Springs, died Monday, October 21, 2019 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Loren was born October 29, 1933 in Greenville, MI the son of the late Glen and Lulu (Walton) Schermerhorn. He graduated from Sand Lake High School and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He enjoyed farming and fishing. He was patient and kind and always willing to lend a hand to others. He was a very active and faithful member of the East Nelson United Methodist Church and the Cedar Springs American Legion Post #287. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Barbara; sisters-in-law, Patricia Riggs and Marlene Califf; many nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends Wednesday, October 30 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment with military honors at East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church or the Cedar Springs American Legion.

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

Sandra J. Byrne, age 75, of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods. Sandra was born November 2, 1943 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Herman and Dorothy (Lydell) Vander Veen. She had worked for Aetna Insurance for 21 years. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sand Lake, the Tri-County Eagles and the Cedar Springs American Legion. She enjoyed playing Trivia three days a week. Surviving are her husband, Ronald Neiderheide; daughters, Joanne (Scott) Perschbacher, Tina (Matt) Zegunis; grandchildren, Brad, Laura, Isaak, Noah, Rick, Sonya, Duane & their spouses; several great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Judi) Vander Veen; many members of the Byrne family; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Donald Byrne in 2004; her daughter, Michele Slabbekoorn. The family will greet friends and relatives Thursday, October 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Friday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sand Lake with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Lee Zabrocki officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Grand Rapids. Memorials may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church.

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

James Richard Liscombe, 60, of Cedar Springs, MI lost his battle with liver disease on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 11:35 p.m.  James was born in Lakeview, MI on May 8, 1959. He found himself being without a home at the age of 14. Left on his own, he began hitchhiking his way around the country. He had many offers of “home” but never wanted to intrude. James spent time in his late teens working on the oilfields in Texas, later returning to Michigan becoming a “jack of all trades” for the remainder of his life. He is best known for his work as a carpenter, owning and running his own company out of Cedar Springs, MI. Later in life, James also spent time in both Michigan and Texas as a bartender.  James will be remembered most for his pure, caring heart, his hard-work and tenacity, his humbleness and willingness to serve others, his dedication to his family and friends, and his love of nature and animals. James was preceded in death by his father, James Raymond Liscombe; his mother, Dorothy Marie Goldsmith (Knapp); baby brother, Samuel Roscoe Liscombe; and sisters, Roberta Ellen Lennox and Patty Diane Weaver (Lennox). He is survived by his best friend and love of his life of 30 years, June Brown; his children, Shawn Steven Empie, Stacy Maria Mahnke (Liscombe), Samantha Jo Liscombe, and Johnna Diane Russell (Gillis); his siblings, Lynn Leroy Lennox, Dotty Lou Carlberg (Lennox), and Dawn Joy Sellers (Lennox); many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. A memorial service and pot-luck style reception celebrating James’ life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Pierson Village Hall at 190 Grand St. Pierson, MI 49339 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. 

Rose Marie Robinson (Cook) went home to her Lord and savior Friday October 18, 2019 at the age of 81. She was born June 25, 1938 in Cedar Springs. Rose was the daughter of Wilbert Cook and Violet May Cook (Yeomans). Her brothers and sisters were John, Charles, Donald, Edward, James, Catherine and Anna whom all preceded her in death. Rose was a graduate of Cedar Springs class of 1957. On June 1, 1957 Rose married Orrin Edward Robinson and then they had four children: Cindy, Orrin Jr “Bud”, Mary and Cheryl. Rose worked at the Christian Rest Home in Grand Rapids in the late 80s and early 90’s. She was a longtime member of the Baptist Church of Cedar Springs. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was proceeded by her husband of 59 years Orrin Edward Robinson, and survived by their children: Cindy & Ken VanderJagt of Oakland FL, Orrin Jr “Bud” & Melissa Robinson of Cedar Springs, Mary & Bill Blanchard of Dorr and Cheryl & Ron Karger of Cedar Springs, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A time of visitation was held on Sunday, October 20th, 2019, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. In lieu of Flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter, 4081 Cascade Rd SE Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Spectrum Health Hospice, 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Norma V. (Butler) Rau, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Brook of Newaygo. She was born February 12, 1919 in Ensley Township, the daughter of John William and Minnie (Topping) Butler. Norma was an exceptionally loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cancer survivor and proud member of the United States Marine Corp. Her passions included collecting antiques, going to garage sales with her sisters and being the family genealogist. She grew up on a farm in Ensley Township, Newaygo County. She attended Flowing Well School through the eighth grade. She then moved to the Village of Newaygo and lived with host families so she could attend Newaygo High School until she graduated in 1937. With the help of her brother Don she was able to come home on weekends. After graduation she moved to Grand Rapids and attended business school and worked as a compt operator at Armour & Co. In 1943 she enlisted in the Marines and was stationed at Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA where she was a cook and attained the rank of sergeant. She was on active duty from 1943 to 1946 and in the reserves from 1946 to 1949. Returning to Grand Rapids, she worked for McInerney Spring and Wire in the office. A co-worker knew that the perfect match for Norma would be her brother Ken Rau. Betty Rau went on to become not only her sister-in-law but a life-long friend. Norma and Ken married in Grand Rapids at St. Mary’s Church on October 1, 1949. They lived in Grand Rapids and raised a son Thomas and daughter Karen. In 1956 they purchased property on Big Whitefish Lake and built a summer cottage. The cottage became a gathering place for extended family and friends. Many cherished memories were made there. It became their full-time home in 1995. Norma continued to live there until 2019. She then moved to the Brook of Newaygo where she passed away at age 100. Special thanks to the staff of the Brook for the loving and thoughtful care they gave Norma. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Rau and son, Tom Rau; brothers and sisters, Harold, Foster, Nelda, Donald, Leonard, Neva, JaNeta, Rachel and Ruth. She is survived by daughter, Karen (Jack) Hickok; brother, Morey (Joanne) Butler; sister-in-law, Betty Rau; daughter-in-law, Shirley Rau; grandchildren, Tim Hickok, Eric Hickok, Ken (Chandra) Rau, and Betsey Rau; 4 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends Thursday, October 24 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Interment with military honors at North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, 

Cedar Springs

Charles Frances McBride, 81, of Sand Lake, Michigan passed away peacefully on September 26th, 2019 after a long battle with cancer, and is now in the presence of Jesus, his Lord and Savior. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who fondly knew him as ‘Charlie’. Charles was born on June 16, 1938 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Frances McBride and Ruie (Ramey) Blevins. When he was just four months old, his mother Ruie passed away, and her mother Effie Ramey came up from Arkansas and took Charles home to the Ozark Mountains where she raised him with the rest of her children. Growing up in Mountain View, Arkansas, Charles was surrounded by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He often spoke of fishing on the White River, hunting near Blanchard Springs, and getting lost in its caverns. Charles graduated from Mountain View High School in 1958. Shortly after graduation, Charles visited Michigan where he met and married Marilyn Inman. Together they have four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Charles retired from Light Metals Corporation, but continued to do cement work (McBride Cement Company) in western Michigan until his mid-70s. Charles is survived by daughter Debra (McBride) Rodriguez, her husband Benito, their children Benito and Aimee, great-grandchildren Isabella and Benito, and Jared and Mica Huffman; daughter Shelly (McBride) Joles, her husband Jeff, their children Caleb; great-grandchild baby Jeremy, JK and Elizabeth Sparks, great-grandchildren Jace and Olivia, Ryan and Jenna Miller, Brandon and Amelia McMahon, and Anna; son Jim McBride and his wife Bonnie, their children Noah and Kaitlyn; son Steven McBride; former wife Marilyn McBride; and many other family and friends. Please join us for a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m., October 26, 2019 at Pierson Bible Church, 101 Grand Street, Pierson, Michigan 49339.  Lunch will be provided by the generous families of the church immediately following the service.

Please note: Pierson Bible Church is the location of the celebration of life and not Pilgrim Bible as listed in last week’s paper.

Karl A. Reed, 65, of Sand Lake, passed away Friday, October 11, 2019 at his home. Karl was born March 14, 1954 in Lakeview, MI the son of Charles and Madelin (Schnicke) Reed. He retired from Wolverine World Wide in 2014. He loved his wife and family, cooking, baking and could fix anything. He loved to laugh and gave the biggest bear hugs. He faithfully took care of his wife and father, who passed away one day before on October 10. Surviving are his wife, Kimberly; children, Kenda Haines, Kevin (Ruth) Reed, Karl (Jessica) Reed, Brittany (Nathaniel) Lossing; 12 grandchildren; mother, Madelin Reed; brother, Ted Reed; in-laws, Clinton & Mary Ann Pease, Cliff Pease, Terry Frisbie. The family greeted friends Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 12501 Montcalm Avenue, Greenville. Pastor Mark Shaw officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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