Donald E. Welch, age 90, of Ensley Township, Sand Lake died Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Don was born July 8, 1928 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Harold and Viola (Wickham) Welch. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Don enjoyed mushrooming, motorcycles, farming and heating with wood. He loved fixing old oily and rusty engines. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people. Surviving are his wife, Joan; children, Gary (Connie) Welch, Sandra (David) McMahan, Donald Ray Welch; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Carol) Wood; sister, Alice (Mauri) Hammond; sister-in-law, Mary Wood; brothers-in-law, Russell Tramper, Leonard Brock. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and a grandson. The family will greet friends Thursday, Sept. 20 from 1:00 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 North Ensley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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

Darrell D. Joslin, age 52, of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Darrell was born April 19, 1966 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Elwyn and Goldie (Sicard) Joslin. He was an insurance agent and district sales coordinator for AFLAC. Darrell suffered a traumatic brain injury from an auto accident in 1990. He had enjoyed working with wood as a handyman. He was a devout Michigan fan and enjoyed football, hunting and his family. Surviving are his wife, Sherry; parents, Elwyn and Goldie Joslin; siblings, Dennis (Connie) Joslin, Denise (Tom) Raisch, Darla (Jim) Stroup, Daniel (Tammie) Joslin, DeWayne (Renee) Joslin, Danella Joslin; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Mamie Sicard and Clifford and LaVona Joslin; mother-in-law, Anna Walker; nephew, Nathaniel Joslin (Darrell’s buddy); and several aunts and uncles. The family greeted friends Wednesday, September 19 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will take place Thursday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Bible Church with viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Knox Bullock officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim Bible Church.

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

Josephine M. Avery, age 92, of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Avery was born October 16, 1925 in Spencer Township, Michigan the daughter of George and Inga (Jensen) Weinrich. She was very hard working and independent. She had worked at Gibsons, Michigan Chair and Wolverine World Wide. She enjoyed farm living and loved animals and horses. Surviving are her children, Bruce (Benita Ringler), Avery, Jodine (Randall) Casebeer, Peter Avery; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin Weinrich; sisters, Edna Clingan, Sandy Volpe, Blanche Christie; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse in 1998; sister, Anabelle (Bill) Sevey; brother, Harold (Inez) Weinrich; brother-in-law, Dick Clingan. The family greeted friends Friday, September 14 from noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Carol’s Ferals or Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

Shyanna “Zaedyn” Dawn Bowlin passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 10, 2018. She was born on March 31, 1997 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 2015. Shyanna loved singing and photography. She also enjoyed wood burning, hunting, nature camping and being outdoors. Shyanna is survived by her mom and dad, Crystal and John Deason-Johnson; her father, Aaron Bowlin; her siblings, Breonna Deason-Johnson, Eve Deason-Johnson, Mercedez Deason-Johnson, and Trevor Winn; her grandparents, Sherri and Mark Sias, Diane Johnson, Shelia Bowlin and Fred Smith; her great-grandma, Sharon Cramer and her great-grandma, Rita Bowlin. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Linda Gritzmaker, Donny and Amiee Smith, Jay Cramer, Alisha and Steve Brooks, Jimmy and Tabetha Johnson, Tony and Brandy Johnson, Shante Deason-Johnson, Chrissy Franscico, Brie Willmer; her great aunts and uncles, Terry and Kitty Cramer, Tom and Dee Cramer, and Lee and Darlene Frost; and her extended family, Amanda and Nate Winn, Dawn Smith, Amanda Watkins, Chris Gritzmaker, Nick Dean, and Miah Rodwell; her cousin Samantha Cramer and many more cousins. Shyanna was preceded in death by her great-grandpa Keith Cramer 2014; her great-grandpa Bill Bowlin 2018; and her grandpa Bruce Johnson 2018. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at The Springs Church, 135 N Grant St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Pastor Dallas Burgeson will be officiating. A potluck luncheon will follow the memorial service at church.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Helen C. Tibbe, age 89. of Cedar Springs, died Monday, September 3, 2018 at Sanctuary of St. Mary’s, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Tibbe was born February 21, 1929 in Grant Township, Michigan the daughter of Andrew and Mary (VanWylen) DeVries. She was a longtime member of Pioneer Christian Reformed Church and was presently a member of the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Surviving are her children, Nancy (Rick) Alberda, Randy (Sally) Tibbe, Gary (Teresa) Tibbe; daughter-in-law, Darla Tibbe; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Katherine Wolfsen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; son, Mike. The family greeted friends Wednesday, September 5 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was Thursday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs with viewing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Grant. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Elsie May (Condon) Waller, age 82, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully, Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Mercy Health – St. Mary’s surrounded by her family. Elsie was born July 28, 1936 in Lowell, Michigan the daughter of Boyd and Jeanne (McFarland) Condon. Elsie was a longtime collector of Avon and Precious Moments. She enjoyed her flowers, craft shows, flea markets and time spent with family sitting around (and playing) with the fire at the cabin. She and her husband Bob were able to travel all over the country including Alaska and several trips to Yellowstone National Park. They were able to winter in Florida where they made lifelong friends from all over the country. Elsie was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed every minute spent with her family. They loved attending parades and events with the car club, of which they have been members for many years. Elsie was very much loved by her family and many friends and is already missed by all. Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Robert; sons, Gene (Barb) Waller, Gordon (Lauri) Waller; grandchildren, Jessica Waller (RJ), Andrea Edrington, Jackie Slocum (Justin), Amy Hutchinson (Adam); great-grandchildren, Ashley, Brady, Melanie, Brody, Peyton and Evan; sister, Sharon Cramer; sisters-in-law, Ethel Ergang and Helen (Bud) Gambee; special friend, Nancy Norman. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Boyd Condon Jr. The family will greet friends Thursday, September 6 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Health – St. Mary’s Critical Care Unit.

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

Virginia (Miller) McIntyre of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 99, passed away on Saturday, September 1, 2018. She was born to Louis and Marie Miller on February 9, 1919, in Courtland Township, Michigan. Virginia married John C. McIntyre on July 20, 1935. They lived and worked in Detroit during W.W.II. John and Virginia then moved back to the Grand Rapids area and settled on a farm in Rockford, Michigan on Young Avenue, with her parents and grandmother, Ida Scott. Virginia worked at Blodgett hospital in the dietician department, from where she retired. She and John sold the farm at their retirement and moved to White Creek Estates in Cedar Springs. John passed away on May 9, 1986, and Virginia made her home in Cedar Springs. She helped her brother, Wendell care for his wife, Sylvia, after a stroke. Then, made a home for him with her in Cedar Springs until his death. Although Virginia and John didn’t have children, she was mom and grandma to, and survived by, her nieces and nephews; Eva (Ken) Suttorp, and their children, Beth, Herb and Sean; Ken (Lisa) Suttorp, and their children, Taylor and Madison; and Gerald and Jean Miller, and their children, Juanita, Laretta, Jeff, Dennis, Rene, Rick, Jerrine and Ethel Marie. Virginia had wonderful neighbors and friends who blessed her in later years. The family would like to thank them for their many kindnesses: Carolyn and Tom, Carol and Darel, Arlene and Dick, and Vicky. The family also thanks Dr. Mark Fredrickson, St. Mary Hospital, Great Lakes Caring (hospice), and Metron of Forest Hills for their good care and personal attention. The funeral service for Virginia will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the service. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may make a memorial contribution to Sunshine Community Church, 3300 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Arthur J. Schoenborn, age 80, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018 at his home. He was born March 8, 1938 in Belding, Michigan the son of Robert and Lillian (Laux) Schoenborn. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 – 60. Art was always willing to help others and was very involved in serving through the Moose. He was a member of the Sparta Moose, Cedar Springs American Legion and the Tri-County Eagles. He is survived by his grandsons, Kirk Nagle, Randy Nagle, Jamie Nagle, John (Kelly) Nagle; great-grandchildren, Corianne, Ryan, Charlie, Melissa, Emily, Johnny, Jarrett, Joseph, Jaken, Jesse, Jimmy; great-great-grandsons, Brayden and Bentley; siblings, Sr. Evelyn Schoenborn, OP, Sr. Catherine Schoenborn, Jacqueline Pangburn, Theresa Crouse, Lawrence (Karen) Schoenborn; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his longtime partner Lola Anderson; daughter, Selma Nagle; siblings, Raymond, Donna, Donald, Sr. Phyllis Schoenborn, Bernice Geiger, Maurice, L. James (Jim), Sylvester (Buck) Schoenborn and Pauline Powers. A Memorial Mass will be offered Wednesday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake with a luncheon to follow. Rev. Fr. Lam Le, Celebrant. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sand Lake with military honors. 

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

Louis L. Milewski, age 91, of Cedar Springs, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018 at his home. Louis was born December 29, 1926 Alpine Township, Michigan the son of Leon and Catherine (Voychinski) Milewski. He enjoyed archery and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Marlene; daughter, Cindy Westveld; grandchildren, Christopher (Tracy) Klukowski and Aaron (Courtney) Westveld; 5 great-grandchildren, Molly, Erin, Corbin, Koral and Cameron; sister-in-law, Sandra (Michael) Mosier and brother-in-law, Gary Novakoski. He was preceded in death by his son, Randall Milewski; brothers, Edward and John Milewski; sister, Dorothy Berkey and special nephew, Joe Bolthuis. Per his request cremation has taken place. The family will hold a celebration of his life at a later date. 

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

Jay Eugene Jeffrey, of Cedar Springs, Michigan, passed away at his home Thursday, August 16, 2018. He was 78. Mr. Jeffrey was born February 4, 1940 in Highland Township, Osceola County, Michigan to Vern and Gladys (Britton) Jeffrey. Jay graduated from Evart High School in 1959. He married Barbara Poterack on February 14, 1969 in Wyoming, Michigan and she preceded him in death August 17, 2005. They both enjoyed traveling and had a passion for car racing. He spent most of his life in the Grand Rapids area. Jay was a lifelong mechanic. He enjoyed fishing with his family and was a member of Red Pine Bible Church in Kent City. Jay loved to tell stories and always laughed because most of them weren’t true. If everyone went out to eat, Jay would usually forget his wallet, then laugh because he got away with it. Mr. Jeffrey is survived by two sisters, Virginia (Chuck) Rose of Boulder, Colorado, Marilyn (Ron) Struble of Sears; two brothers, Robert Jeffrey of Clio, Jack (PJ) Jeffrey of Evart; long time special friend, Sandy Fleischmann of Cedar Springs, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Gladys Jeffrey, and his wife of 36 years, Barbara. Funeral services honoring Jay Eugene Jeffrey was held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21st at the Corey Funeral Home in Evart, with visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 20th. Jay will be laid to rest next to his wife in Greenwood Cemetery near Marion, Michigan.

Arrangements by Corey Funeral Home, Evart