Kenneth C. Lauriat 64 of Cedar Springs, died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at his home. Ken was born August 7, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York the son of Charles and Francis (Delavan) Lauriat. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War and was a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard until 1996. He worked as the supervisor at the Public Works Center of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Base in Pearl Harbor for 36 years retiring in 2003. Surviving are his wife, Sharon; children, Sheriese (Matt Cardwell) Lauriat, Kristen (Tim) Keeley; grandchildren, Monique Lauriat, Molly Keeley, Louis Keeley; brother, Richard (MaryJo) Lauriat; sister, Helen (Richard) Weber; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael Lauriat. The family will greet friends Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Joseph W. Kenshol officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or American Cancer Society.

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

Randall J. Leversay, age 58, of Newaygo, passed away May 11, 2013 at his residence. He was born February 1, 1955 in Grand Rapids the son of Gerald and Pauline (Nebbling) Leversay. He worked for Steelcase for twenty four years. He loved gardening, boating and spending time with family and friends. In 2002 he married Terry who survives. Also surviving are his mother Pauline Leversay; two step sons, Dennis (Tina) Merryman of Croton and Derek (Hanna) Paepke of Pierson; four step grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn Leversay of Caledonia; one brother, Gary (Cindy)Leversay of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Trudy (Gerald) Bryant of Sand Lake and Tracy Heiss of Sand Lake; bothers-in-law, Randy Heiss and Roy (Alicia) Heiss, all of Cedar Springs. And several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald; and his father-in-law, Ray Heiss. Friends visited on Wednesday at Heckman Funeral Home from Noon until 2 pm. A luncheon followed at the VFW in Howard City.

Arrangements by Heckman Funeral Home, Howard City

Claude E. Harrington, Jr. age 81 of Cedar Springs, died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Heather Hills Retirement Home with his wife and family by his side. Claude was born May 30, 1931 in Belding, Michigan the son of Claude and Mildred (Sydow) Harrington, Sr. He served a six year apprenticeship and became a photo engraver working for Central Engraving in Grand Rapids. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and walking outdoors. Following retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling from Florida to California. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Vadalia; children, Carol (Steve) Boots, Nancy Christensen, Thomas Harrington, Sr., Sharon Williams; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brothers, James (Ellen) Harrington, Ronald (June) Harrington. The family received friends Monday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The funeral was held Tuesday at Plainfield Christian Church. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Private interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Plainfield Christian Church.

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

Cornelius “Cornie” Boon, 73 of Cedar Springs, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. He was born July 1, 1939 in Rock Rapids, Iowa the son of Isaac and Cora (Teunissen) Boon. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a 35 year member of the Cedar Springs American Legion. He was also a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Church. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia “Connie” whom he married on March 29, 1961; children, Jerry (Kathy) Boon, Carla (Bill) Julien, Julie (Rick) Liebermann, Daniel (Erica) Boon, Cornelius Boon, Jana Boon; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Cornelius Isaac; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The family greeted family and friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services were held on Saturday at 11:00 am. Pastor Foppe VanderZwaag and Daniel Boon officiating. Interment Pierson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Puritan Theological Seminary.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

Evelyn M. Male, 95 of Cedar Springs died Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at her home. Mrs. Male was born April 30, 1918 Romeo, Michigan the daughter of Roy and Frances (Root) Sheler. She retired from Lear Siegler and had been involved in the North Kent Senior Cap Program and the Cedar Springs Museum. She was a great mom and grandma. Surviving are her children, Helen (John) Tate, Arthur (Karen) Male, Gary (Lorena) Male; daughter-in-law, Ione Male; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother, Lavern (Helen) Sheler; sister, Alice Baker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orton in 1969; son, James; grandsons, Sam and Ron; great grandson, SPC Timothy Brown; brothers, Leon, Lloyd, Robert, Ray and Gilbert Sheler; sister, Louise Kilts. The family will greet friends Saturday from 2:00 pm until time of service at 3:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Donna M. Empie, 72 of Gowen, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at her home. Mrs. Empie was born May 9, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Forest and Olive (Ripley) Dakens. She was a member of Gowen Bible Church and enjoyed playing euchre and bingo. She also liked to fish, hunt deer, flower gardening and family gatherings. She loved her dachshunds. Surviving are her husband, Anthony “Tony” whom she married on April 5, 1977; children, Renee McDonell, Chris McDonell; stepchildren, Roger (Fran Marsh) Empie, Cindy (Gary) Windsor, Ruth (Wayland) Corl; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Linda Patterson, Lorraine (Wayne) Bunker; brother-in-law, Neil (Elizabeth) Empie, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virgina; brother, Leo; and grandson, Tony. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Friday 11:00 am. Pastor Zachary Nyhuis officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gowen Bible Church. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Mrs. Shirley A. Post, age 81, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013. She was born in Alpine Township where her parents had a hobby farm. Shirley was a 1949 graduate of Comstock Park High School, was a majorette, and also worked at the soda fountain at Herposhiemer’s Department Store. After her graduation Shirley worked at Union Bank as a teller. In 1965 she married Rodney L. Post. When her daughter was older, Shirley worked for Cutlers where she really enjoyed sewing and also sewed Red Flannels for Cedar Springs. In 1979 she and Rodney moved to Cedar Springs and became members of St. Margaret’s parish. She served in the Altar Society, was a prayer warrior, and helped with funeral lunches, using her special macaroni and cheese recipe. Her daughter was taught to love one another, to always use respect, and to think of others first. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney on October 14, 2001, her sister, Joyce (Bob) Cramer, her brothers, Cardinal (Ruth) Helsel, John Helsel, and Harold (Gladys) Helsel. She is survived by her children, Theresa and Brian Dickerson, Rick and Irene Post; five grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Leona Staab; sister-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Helsel; and “favorite daughter”, Karen Stout. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Post was offered on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of Scotland, 10195 16 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, with The Rev. Joseph W. Kenshol presiding. Interment in St. Margaret’s Cemetery. The Rosary prayer was held on Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Eldona “Donie” (nee Weller) Allington, age 87, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Donie graduated from Creston High School in 1943. As a Charter Member of Pioneer Christian Reformed Church, she taught Sunday school, Women’s Bible Study, and volunteered to do whatever had to be done. Donie worked for many years as a design/layout artist for the Cedar Springs Clipper, the Rockford Register, and the Howard City Record Eagle. She was a life-long quilter, and for many years a 4-H Leader. She is survived by her husband of 68 years of marriage, George; their children, Dr. Richard and Dr. Ann Allington, Allen Allington, Len and Kimberly Allington, David and Paula Allington, Mary and Kim Coonen, and Dale and Marcey Allington; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Eugene “Spud” Ensing and Orin “Barney” (Marcie) Townes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duard and Sylva Weller, her granddaughters, Sarah Coonen and Montego Elaine Allington, and three sisters Thelma Kunst, Alma Ensing, and Arlyn Townes. The Service for Mrs. Allington will be Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Pioneer Christian Reformed Church, 3110 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, Michigan with Pastor Jim Alblas officiating. Interment in Solon Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the World Renew of the Christian Reformed Church. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home and prior to the service at church on Saturday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Virginia R. “Midge” Reed 82 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, April 19, 2013 at Metro Health Hospital. Mrs. Reed was born February 2, 1931 in Ensley Township, Michigan the daughter of Vern and Hazel (Rogers) White. Surviving are her children, Mike (Carolyn) Reed, Sharon (Jeff) Klooster, Steve (Heidi) Reed; grandchildren, Kathy (Ron) Davis, Shannon (Rob) Rowland, David (Kerri) Reed, Trey, Thomas and Trevor Reed; great grandchildren, Nolan (Rebecca) Davis, Kurt and Kelli Rowland, Hannah and Zachary Reed; brothers, Donald White, Bob (Jackie) White; sisters-in-law, Stella White, Hattie White, Esther White and Yvonne White. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence in 2011; 7 brothers and 3 sisters. The family will received friends Monday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services were held Tuesday. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Beatrice L. Hanson, 93 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, April 12, 2013 at Vista Springs, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Hanson was born September 27, 1919 in Cedar Springs, MI the daughter of Elvin and Bessie (Armstrong) McDonald. She graduated as valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School Class of 1937. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, knitting, playing the drums, dancing and going to plays at the theater. Surviving are her children, John (Christa) Hanson, Mary Hanson, Warren Hanson; grandchildren, Paul (Jennifer) Hanson, Todd (Wendi) Hanson, Julia Hanson, Kegan Hanson; great granddaughter, Helena; many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nels; son, Karl; sister, Gwendolyn Davis. The family will greet friends Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The funeral service will be Monday 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, Cedar Springs. Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating.  Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Arrangements by  Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs