Esther L. Anderson age 73 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020 at her home. Esther was born March 22, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Hattley and Arlene (Ballard) Rector. She retired from Forest Hills Central Middle School in 2007. She was a tomboy growing up and enjoyed camping and the pool at her home. She loved her grandchildren and taught them how to cook, she was always there for her family. Surviving are her husband, Carl whom she married on May 25, 1968; sons, Michael, Aaron (Lisa); grandchildren, Hannah, Abby and Brayden; sisters, Carol (Chuck) Mackus, Linda (Gary) Nead; brother-in-law, Fred Andrus; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lois Andrus. The family will greet friends Friday, November 27th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A private family service will follow the visitation. Pastor Inge Whittemore officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nelson United Methodist Church or Faith Hospice.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Richard Lee Hart, 78, passed away to his heavenly home on November 20, 2020. Richard lived with his wife of 56 years, Joyce May Hart in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Richard was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Donald Sr. and Vivian Hart. He is survived by his two brothers, Donald Hart Jr and David Hart. He was loved by his family including many nieces and nephews. Richard served in the military as a young man. He worked as a masonry as well as owning and managing property. He and Joyce lived in California for 21 years where he owned and managed a car wash. Richard enjoyed fishing, art and music. He took many long walks and drives enjoying God’s creation. Most of all, Richard loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At this time no public services are being planned. To send a sympathy card for family please direct them to Joyce Hart at 143 Tamarack Ave., Cedar Spring, MI 49319.
John L. Mason age 78 of Ensley Township, Sand Lake went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 20, 2020. John was born March 9, 1942 in Walker, MI the son of Orval and Ethel (Mapes) Mason. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Steelcase. John was an amateur and professional boxer and went on to coach amateur boxing for 40 years. He impacted hundreds of lives as a coach. He was true American Patriot and also enjoyed hobby farming. His faith in God and trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior was very important to him. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn; children, John (Shelly) Mason, Ron (Elizabeth) Mason, Brian (Lisa) Mason, Angela (Barry) Remlinger, Jennifer (Todd) Magoon; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Visitation and service was held Tuesday, November 24th at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Arthur Barton from Harvest Baptist Church, Grant officiated. Interment North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
John H. Tow, Sr., age 82, formerly of Crystal and Clifford Lake, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at home on Thursday, November 19, 2020, under the loving care of Laurie and his family. The son of Merle & Clela (Race) Tow, he was born on May 6, 1938 in Grand Rapids. On October 7, 1961, he married Barbara Ann Greenhoe and together they enjoyed 48 years of marriage and raised two children. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara (Greenhoe) Tow in 2009; and infant son, David Mark Tow in 1969. Surviving are his “Sweetie” of eight years, Laurie Bowen; his children, Johnny H. & Kelly Tow, II of White Cloud; Jackie Tow-Zerka of Stanton; six grandchildren including Sarah “too pretty for a nickname” Tow, Joshua “Dozer” Tow, Jacob “Hammer” Tow & Sarah VanderMeer, Katie “too pretty for a nickname” & Travis “Traverse” Johnson, Eric “Tractor” & Chelle Zerka, Benjamin “Boomer” Zerka & Katelynn Epple; great-grandson Rowan “Pumpkin Seed” Tow; two brothers, Norm & Christi Tow of Chippewa Lake, and Dick & Sharon Tow of Florida; one sister, Shirley & Fritz Strautz of Stanton; siblings-in-law, Betty & Rev. Jim Wilcox of Greenville, Ronald Greenhoe, and Wilber Jr. & Laura Greenhoe, all of Sheridan; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and especially the family of Laurie Bowen. John began his career in retail with Tow’s Leonard Service, a gas station in Crystal that he ran with his father, which he later converted into a convenience store. John and Barb worked together with their family in many of their business ventures including the Paris Hardware & Grocery, Crystal Hardware, Brookside Dairy Freeze in Big Rapids, Tow’s General Store in Crystal, as well as several family rental properties. What made John unique was that he genuinely loved talking with people and made every person feel special; he remembered your name, he remembered your story, and he always had a smile. Even in retirement he delighted in being the official greeter at his son’s stores at Lincoln Lake and Coral and we salute those that survived his Handshake of Steel! John’s last years were filled with love as he and Laurie enjoyed each other’s company greatly. When they were not driving the roads in his golf cart bottle hunting, they enjoyed spending time together playing cards, visiting with friends and family, and spending time at Little Rainbow Lake. But, if you knew John, you know his biggest delight after his grandchildren and newest great-grand, was in cheering for his Spartans! Go Green! Go White! We will miss him greatly. Due to current state orders, a private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Evergreen Township Cemetery near Sheridan. A celebration of life will be held in the future when COVID restrictions are more forgiving. Instead of flowers, contributions in memory of John to Spectrum Health Hospice would be appreciated as we can not say enough about the loving care their team provided to John and our family throughout this journey. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign John’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638.
Michael A. Hanes age 31 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, November 19, 2020. Mike was born November 20, 1988 in Grand Rapids, MI. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities. He was a friend to many and loved his children. Surviving are his parents, Andrea Sees, Karl and Kathy Hanes; children, Ayden Hanes, Raelynn Hainlin, Jonathan Hanes and Braxton Hanes; siblings, Sarah Finn, Lisa Karakaya, Ted Hanes, David Hanes, Laura DeLong, Jeffrey White, Lawrence Graham, Jacob Graham, Justin Hanes, Mackenzie Hanes, Shala Parm, Victoria Hanes, Sausha Parm, Savanna Parm, Robert Hanes, Joel Hanes. The service was held Wednesday, November 25th at Huggard Bible Church, 8860 21 Mile Road, Sand Lake. Pastor Rick Malone officiating.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Alice J. Casavant age 20 died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 18, 2020 in Detroit. Alice was born December 7, 1999 in Detroit the daughter of James and Rebecca (Nalezyty) Casavant. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 2018 and was studying illustration at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. Alice loved art, video games and anime. But most of all she loved her friends and those around her. She was a loving and caring person who went out of her way to care for those in need. Surviving are her parents, James and Rebecca; brother, Zack; sister, Kaeleigh; grandparents, Evelyn Nalezyty, Joan and Louis Casavant; many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Walter Nalezyty. The family greeted friends Tuesday, November 24th at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the funeral service was held Wednesday, November 25th. Deacon Dennis Lofredda officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Pride, 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or grpride.org/donate/.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Billie Jo Clark age 69 of Sparta passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Billie was born October 5, 1951 in Lansing, MI the daughter of William and Betty (Paepke) Baxter. She enjoyed shopping, camping and day trips to the casino. She was a member of the Cedar Springs American Legion. She loved her family and was a true southern lady. They loved her southern sayings and infectious laugh. Surviving are her husband, Donald; sons, Billy (Lorri) Garlick, Cliff Garlick; step-daughter, Carley (Josh) Baeseman; grandchildren, Danielle (Jason) Justice, Brock (Ali) Garlick, Lacy Garlick, Emma, Addison and Tank Baeseman; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Karson and Everett; sisters, Sharon Sheller and Shelia Ingraham; nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends Friday, November 20 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Ross Merlington officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs American Legion Auxiliary.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Dorothy Helen Phillips, age 93 died Tuesday evening, November 10, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Newaygo, Michigan. Dorothy was born May 14, 1927 in Chicago Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Slamkowski) Jastrzubski. Dorothy lived most of her young life in Ludington with her mother, father and brother on the family farm on Hanson Road. She attended Ludington High School graduating in 1945. After high school, Dorothy moved to Grand Rapids to attend Grand Rapids Beauty School where she received her cosmetology license and met the love of her life, James Phillips. They were married December 1951 and moved to Sand Lake where she lived many many years. Jim and Dorothy had the Sand Bar in Sand Lake where she was known for her corn beef and cabbage on Saint Paddy’s Day. Jim and Dorothy loved their grandchildren and were always available to care for Shea and Angie when needed. More than anything, Dorothy loved her children and was a constant support for them, driving them to practices and cheering them on at football games and cheerleading. She also began the tradition of Friday night homemade pizza which many of the kids still do today. Dorothy’s Catholic religion was very important to her and she instilled that into her children. She attended Mary Queen of Apostles Church in Sand Lake for years then Saint John Paul II in Cedar Springs. Dorothy was a secretary at Tri-County High School for a time which was a job she loved. After Jim passed in 1996, Dorothy traveled to Israel to experience the Holy Land. Another thing she loved most of all was dancing and that is where she met her dancing partner, Vern Denhoff. They were a constant at the Polish halls on Pulaski Days for years as well as dancing anywhere they could throughout the state. And not only did she love to dance but she was a fashion statement doing it with her notorious flowing skirts, high heels and glowing smile. She is survived by her children, James (Robin) Phillips Jr, Michael (Elle) Phillips, Dawn (Dan) Borreson and Trish (Jay) Round; grandchildren, Shealynn (Mani) Franquez, Angela (Steve) Royce, Erica (Derek) Rovey, Ingrid (Nolan) Miller; seven great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Phillips Sr; brother, Edward Stremski and granddaughter, Bailey Borreson. The family will meet with friends Saturday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Sand Lake, officiated by Rev. Fr. Lam Le. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice and Saint John Paul II Church, Cedar Springs, MI. A special thanks to the wonderful caregivers that have helped Dorothy over the last few years especially Jodi, Eleesha and Kasie, the Meadowlark and Green House staff and Emmanuel Hospice.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
Max W. Cole age 85 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Max was born August 8, 1935 in Cedar Springs, MI the son of Waldo and Mary (Day) Cole. He was a lifelong farmer and hauled milk for over 40 years. Max enjoyed antique collecting and was a previous member of the John Deere two-cylinder club. He served on the founding Courtland Township Fire Board. You were only a stranger for a short time with Max, he enjoyed talking with people and getting to know them. Surviving are his wife, Lucinda “Cindy”; daughter, Karen Sanders; granddaughter, Jennifer (Jason) Lund; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Kinsley and Madison; brother, Bill (Kathy) Cole; in-laws, Gloria Cole, Joyce Cavner, Reta McKee, Patrick Holland and Gerald Parker; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin; his parents; siblings, Beverly Parker, Ruthann Baxter, Patricia Holland, Art Cole, James Cole. The family will greet friends Thursday, November 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Masks are required. A private family service will be held Friday. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Courtland Township Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at the Farm on Friday 1:30 p.m.
Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs
William Kent age 80 of Howard City passed away November 7, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth campus. He was born September 17, 1927 in Solon Township, Michigan the son of Charles and Dorothy Wiseman Kent. During his working years he worked at General Motors for 30 years. William was a handyman, enjoyed golfing, fishing, dogs, and working in the yard. He served his country in the north US Navy. Surviving are his children, Kathy Kent of Howard City, Evelyn VanHauen of Howard City, Dennis and Fran Kent of Grand Rapids, Denise and Keith Rohloff of Lakeview; a stepson, Vincent Berry of Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Lena Swanson of Sand lake; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda Nugent; a stepson, Ted Swanson; sons-in-law, George VanHauen and Jerry Nugent. Services will be held in the spring at the Polkton Township cemetery in Coopersville Michigan.
