Mark H. Doren, 97 of Cedar Springs passed away at his earthly home Tuesday, September 20, 2016 and was welcomed into his heavenly home by his bride of 77 years, June (Moul) Doren who went before him on February 8, 2016. Mark was born April 23, 1919 in Kent City, Michigan the son of Charles and Ruth (Carlson) Doren. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a Tech Sergeant in Patton’s 6th Armored Division during WWII. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp located outside of Wiemer, Germany. Mark started serving the Lord at Alpine Baptist Church and then in 1955 when moving to Cedar Springs he became a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs. He drove bus, was Sunday School Superintendent, lead the singing and served on the Church, Camp and Missions Boards. He was an engineer at Sackner Products retiring in 1981. He served Algoma Township for 28 years on the Planning Commission, as a Trustee and as Supervisor. After retirement he enjoyed traveling and time at his cabin in Munising, which he called “God’s Country.” When not up north, he enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table and having coffee with anyone who stopped to visit. Surviving are his children, Sharon (LaVerne) Schut, Dennis Doren, Debra Ergang; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Doren; son-in-law, James (Rose) Hunt; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marie Doren; several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Marlyn Hunt; son, Mark N. Doren; brothers, Willard, William and Charles Doren. The family will greet friends Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be Friday 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 233 S. Main St., Cedar Springs. Pastors Robert P. Smith and Stanley Mohr officiating. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Alpine Township with military honors by the U.S. Army. Memorial contributions may be made to David’s House Ministries, 2375 Banner Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 or the First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs.

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

Judith Ann Tysse age 65, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016.  Judy was born at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Clarence and Kathleen (Prater) Tysse of Cedar Springs.  She spent her childhood in Cedar Springs, graduating from Cedar Springs High School in 1969.  She went on to receive her BA in Education from Western Michigan University in 1973 and taught Emotionally Impaired (EI) children at Wyoming Public Schools for almost four decades, during which time she received awards for her extraordinary work.  Judy enjoyed people of all ages, had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and had a way of positively affecting those around her—whether family, friends, colleagues, or students.  She will be dearly missed by her brothers, John (Wilma) of Boyne City, Paul (Della) of La Crosse, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Michele of Grand Rapids, dear friend and companion, Mary Hanson of Grand Rapids, and many, many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her partner of many years, Vonce Reed; father and mother; brothers, Thomas and James.  The family will greet friends and celebrate her life on Monday, September 26 from 5 – 7 pm at the Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs where she will be laid to rest by her parents. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

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

December 27, 1938 – June 28, 2016

Carol Ritchie, 77 years old, passed away peacefully June 28, 2016, at her home in Seminole, Florida surrounded by family and her two guardian angels. Carol was born on December 27, 1938, to Lee and Betty (Isabelle) Miller Robinson. She spent the early part of her childhood on a horse farm in Fowlerville, Michigan. Carol’s grandfather, Charles Miller (originally Kazimiris Varnigiris) who immigrated to the US from Lithuania, built the “beautiful” barn on their farm. This farm was a business where Carol, her brother Charlie, sisters Blondie and Georgia were expected to work very hard doing barn chores while caring for pregnant mares. They also collected the horse’s urine which was sold to pharmaceutical companies then used in making hormone medication. At about age 13 Carol and her family moved to Cedar Springs where they raised, broke then sold horses at auction. In spite of all the hard farm work Carol loved riding horses! In 1953 Carol married Carl Morehouse and they had four children together. They eventually divorced. Although Carol did not finish school she later completed her GED. She loved to read and discuss anything about history and politics. In 1963 Carol married Jimmy Ritchie and they had 3 children. Carol, Jim and family eventually moved to Florida where she lived for over 40 years. For several of those years she loved working as a special education para pro at Bauder Elementary School in Seminole. Carol eventually transferred her love of horses to dogs and began breeding, raising and showing champion English Bulldogs. After retirement she kept busy collecting, buying and selling antiques taking after her mother Betty. During her life Carol faced and survived many challenges. Her courage remains an inspiration to her family. Carol will be sadly missed by her dear sister and brother-in-law Georgia and Bob Johnson; her children, Cheryl (Eric) Baculy, Carla (Bruce) Springer, Curtis Morehouse, Cindy (Doug) Burnham, Jamie (Mike) Conaty, and Jacquie (Joe) McKenna; grandchildren Lee (Viviana) Myers, Dean Myers, Cheri Nan (Juell) Porter, Jacob Stanton, Cynthia McKenna, Karlena Morehouse, Cody Conaty, Jonathan Baculy and Jimmy McKenna; great-grandchildren Chloe and Nolan Myers, Joshua, Daniel and Eli Porter and many nieces and nephews. Carol is also survived by her guardian angels Standard Poodles Hallie and Buddy. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Joel Ritchie, her parents, her beloved brother Charles (Charlie) G. Robinson, and beloved sister LaVerna (Blondie) Townes. A memorial luncheon will take place to share memories of Carol on October 16, 2016. Contact family for more information.

Donald A. (Pete) Shier, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday Sept 14, 2016. Surviving are his wife Carol Shier of 62 years; four daughters, Terri (Pat) Peterson, Laurie (Kim) Patrick, Quinn (Pete) Meade, and Shalyn Ralston; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Family and friends will be able to meet with Pete’s family Saturday, September 17th from 1-4 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Main St. in Ionia, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Hope J. Flasch 89 of Cedar Springs, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Bishop Hills, Rockford. Mrs. Flasch was born June 11, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the daughter of William and Anna (Worgul) Kuyat. Surviving are her children, Joyce (Joel) Andrus, Jerry (Vivian) Flasch; grandchildren, Nikki (Wayne) Bugden, Kerry (Charlie) Boyer, Katrina (Justin) Craven, Eric (Tamara) Flasch; 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2000 and 3 brothers. Visitation and service was held Monday, September 5 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada, MI 49301.

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

Jerry Lee Klock Jr. age 44 passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016. He is survived by his children, Jerry, Michele, Jason, and Joshua; his parents, Jerry Sr. and Holly Klock, Karen and George Beardslee; brother, John Klock; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Comstock Park. Friends met the family at the funeral home on Wednesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to His Children’s Educational Fund.

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home www.hesselcheslek.com

Loretta E. Lewis 90 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods. Mrs. Lewis was born April 8, 1926 in Unionville, Michigan the daughter of Jasper and Loretta (Rock) Sweitzer. She enjoyed doing word search, spending time with her family and camping. Surviving are her children, Wayne (Patricia) Lewis Jr., Jasper (Sally) Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Barb Lewis, Jeanette Lewis, Layne Lewis, Jayne Lewis, Etta Jones, and Ella (Benny) Wise; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Lewis Sr. in 1997. The family will greet friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Saturday 11:00 am. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.

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

Jerry Lee Klock Jr., age 44, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016. He is survived by his children, Jerry, Michele, Jason, and Joshua; his parents, Jerry Sr. and Holly Klock, Karen and George Beardslee; brother, John Klock; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 8, 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Comstock Park. Friends may meet the family at the funeral home on Wednesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to His Children’s Educational Fund.

Arrangements by Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home.

Ronald Roger Fisk, 88 of Cedar Springs, surrounded by his family went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Ronald was born on October 24, 1927, the son of Neff & Mamie (Holliday) Fisk in Cedar Springs. On September 27, 1947 he married Evelyn Dingman of Grand Rapids in his family home where they later resided for his last 22 years. Ronald was a farmer at heart and farmed his father’s farm, his own farm and worked for area farmers as well. Ronald retired from Keeler Brass Company in 1989 to enjoy his beloved horses, which he used to farm the land and pull competitively. He was an excellent teamster, raised and broke his own Belgians and was known among the Amish community for his well trained teams. Ronald was a member of the Solon Center Wesleyan Church since 1973, where he served his Lord faithfully in several capacities. He is survived by his beloved family, wife Evelyn; his sister Genevieve Giar; brother-in-law Donald Green; his children Allan (Beth) Fisk, David (Kathy) Fisk, Kathy (Roy) Mabie; caregiver, Patricia Host; foster sons Mike (Patricia) Happeny; David (Kelly) Eck; 12 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Geraldine Hinkley and Marian Green; brother-in-law Harley Hinkley. The family greeted friends on Monday, August 29 at the Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs. The service was held Tuesday at the church. Rev. Douglas DiBell officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Solon Center Wesleyan Church.

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

Walter Kilts, 89 of Cedar Springs, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at his home. Walter was born March 2, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Howard and Emma (Fisk) Kilts. Walter served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army stationed in Darmstead, Germany. On May 18, 1951 he married Dorothy Fries, living in Solon Township for 55 years. Walter then moved to the Cedarfield Community. He worked for 37 years at Michigan Plating and Stamping “The Bumper”. He enjoyed life on the farm with his family and his vegetable and flower gardens. Surviving are his children, Deborah (Duane) Stendel, Terri (Wayne) Fifield, Allen (Barb) Kilts, Rita (Kevin) Dines; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Jean Wainright; sisters-in-law, Betty Kilts, Lois Kilts, and Marilyn Sidlauskus; brothers-in-law, Donald (Carol) Fries, Alvin (Carol) Fries; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Lucille Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dorothy in 2000; brothers, Norman Kilts, LaVern Kilts; sister, Maxine Powell; brothers-in-law, Russell Powell, Jack Wainright, Raymond Fries, Bob Sidlauskus; sister-in-law, Marcia Fries. The family will greet friends Thursday 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. Chaplain Dan Pflug officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

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