Lora G. Castle, 87 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Metro Health Hospital. Mrs. Castle was born October 2, 1927 in Lakeview, MI the daughter of Thomas and Carrie (Mumby) Culver. She retired from Wolverine World Wide and was a longtime attendee of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Surviving are her children, Nancy (Dennis) Buck, Bill (Judi) Castle; son-in-law, John (Barbara) Hausman; grandchildren, Melissa (Dean) Cushman, Bill (Helene) Castle, Jr., Patrick (Jeanette) Castle, Scott (Erin) Buck; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Shaylee, Lindsey, Joshua, Justin and Conner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd in 1998 and a daughter, Beverly Hausman. The family will greet friends Saturday from 11:00 am until time of service at 1:00 pm at the United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main, Cedar Springs. Pastor Steve Lindeman officiating. Interment Reynolds Township Cemetery, Howard City. The family suggests memorials to the United Methodist Church or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

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

Barbara F. Pierce of Cedar Springs passed away peacefully in the care of At Home Memory Care in her home on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Barbara was born December 26, 1921 in Honolulu, Hawaii as Barbara Frances Smith. She was the mother of seven to Louis Patrick, Margaret Anita, Cynthia Sue and Martin Edward; grandmother and great grandmother and friend to many. Barbara was both mother and father to her children. She allowed her children to make their own mistakes but never said, “I told you so.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Harvey; sons, Donald, Michael and daughter, Patricia. She always had the best looking lawn in town. She was a hard worker, homemaker, gardener and all around beautiful person. Barbara loved going for walks or riding her bicycle around. She also loved a nice day when she would pull out her convertible, put the top down and put the pedal to the metal, letting her hair blow in the wind. She would like us to think of her, not gone but forever remaining in our hearts. We would like to thank At Home Memory Care for taking great care of our beautiful mother/grandmother. The family received friends Monday, February 23 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Interment Elmwood Cemetery.

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

Marjorie (nee Bird) Bailey

Grandma Bailey joined Grandpa in Heaven on Friday, February 13th, 2015. Grandma was greeted with hugs from David, Wes, Tim and Michael.

Grandkids; Tracy, Jim – Jackie, Penny – Charlie – Molly, Scott – Mac, Jason – Nick, Aaron – Holly – Sara – Lee, Lisa and Ben will be greeting with other family and friends on Friday, February 20th and Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home in Cedar Springs from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm. Grandma’s memorial service will be Saturday February 21st at 11 am. Family will meet with folks Saturday at 10 am until the service.

God blessed Grandma and thru her, us.

Beulah M. Castor, 87 of Cedar Springs, died Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods. Beulah was born March 20, 1927 in Cedar Springs, Michigan the daughter of Frank and Carrie (James) Sheldon. She was known for her cooking and was a loving mother and grandmother. Surviving are her children, Brenda (Alvaro) Vega, Anna (Dan) Bekins, David (Terrie) Castor; 10 grandchildren; several great and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert “Fred” Castor in 1996; son, Freddie; one grandson; two brothers and two sisters. The family received friends Monday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 12 noon at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Rev. Fr. Lam Le officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

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

Ilene R. Schoonmaker, 89 of Cedar Springs, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. Mrs. Schoonmaker was born June 27, 1925 in Belding, Michigan the daughter of Glen and Lela (Brooks) Losinger. She graduated from Howard City High School in 1943, had been a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and enjoyed gardening. She loved Jesus dearly and was a member of Hillcrest Community Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and had served on the Board. She was a strong pillar in her family. Surviving are her children, Marsha Porter, Joan (Randy) Hughes, Donald (Enya) Schoonmaker, Paula (Bill) Splitstone, Joseph (Sue) Schoonmaker, Pamela Ussery, Alma Katherine (Doug) Terrill, Lila (Daniel) Hodges; 29 grandchildren; 66 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; brother, Carl Losinger; sisters, Helen Bassett, Elnor Addington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Finley in 1968; son, Steven; daughter, Linda VanSplinter; one grandson; five great grandchildren. The family greeted friends Monday, Feb. 9 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service was Tuesday at Hillcrest Community Church, 5994 18 Mile Road, Cedar Springs. Pastor Kristi Rhodes officiating. Interment Reynolds Township Cemetery, Howard City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillcrest Community Church.

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

Mr. James Bernard Clouse of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 65, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 29, 2015. He was born to Robert and Betty Jane (Chulski) Clouse on Sunday, June 12, 1949 in Grand Rapids, and had been a life long resident of the area. Jim received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and later worked as a quality control engineer, a profession which he was exceptional at. He was also a veteran who proudly and courageously served his flag and country in the United States Marine Corps in London, England during the Vietnam Conflict. Jim loved many things in life. He was a great outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing at the Pere Marquette River or deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula along the Paint River. He loved spending time with his family, being around his children, grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. He also loved to tinker, always keeping a spotless garage. He was a selfless and altruistic man, putting others before himself, especially his family. His love for them was immeasurable. He was a loving father, proud grandfather, wonderful brother and uncle, and dear friend. His big-heartedness, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his loving children Scott (Rachael) Clouse, Andrew (Karla) Clouse, Peter Clouse, Josh Clouse, and Kelly Clouse; adored grandchildren Lincoln, Paige, and Amber Clouse; siblings Dr. Robert (Carol) Clouse, Mary (David) Malecki, Michael (Cindy) Clouse, Gayle Barkey, Linda (Wesley) Ruwersma, Cindy (Neil) Kimball, and Diane (Ray) Weaver; and many, many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew Gregory Clouse. A  time of visitation was held on Monday, February 2, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Jim was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Pederson Funeral Home. There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Sherry Ellen Bivens of Howard City, age 48, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015 after being sick for so many years. She was born in Woodstock, Illinois to James Lamczyk and Charlotte Bivens in 1966. Sherry loved many things in life. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and other sports as well as watching the jewelry channel. She also liked Ford Mustangs. Sherry was a loving and devoted spouse, proud mother; wonderful daughter and sister, and dear friend. May her great sense of humor never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Sherry is survived by her daughter Ashley; husband of twenty-seven years, Larry Huffman; mother Charlotte Bivens; sisters, Sue (Tom) Gwilt and Sonya (Joe Vega) Bivens; brothers Charles (Jean) Bivens and Bob (Becky Cunningham) Bivens; and her Yorkie Cassie. She was preceded in death by her father; and sister Brenda Lamczyk. There will be a memorial service for Sherry at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. There will be a time of visitation with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Sherry’s name to the American Diabetes Association, 1550 E. Beltline Avenue SE, Suite 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

George Peck III, 73, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Wellington, Florida. Born in Grand Haven, Michigan on August 18, 1941, he was the beloved child of the late George Peck, Jr. and Irmagene VerBerkmos-Peck. George honorably served in the USAF from 1961 to 1965. He married the love of his life, Sharon Johnson, on January 10, 1974 and together they relocated from Michigan to Palm Beach County a few months later. George retired from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 as a Deputy Sheriff. He will be remembered as a loyal and good man that was dedicated to his family, country, fellow Deputies and community. George leaves many wonderful memories to be cherished by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Bobbi Peck; as well as extended family members and friends, including numerous “kids” he “adopted” and loved as much as his own. He was predeceased by his daughter, Becky Tamara Peck on January 4, 2001. Family greeted friends from 5 to 6 pm on Tuesday, February 3rd at the Palm Beach National Chapel, Lake Worth with a Celebration of George’s Life to follow at 6 pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of George to: The Broken Star Fund, 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Condolences may be offered at www.palmbeachnationalchapel.com.

Mr. Ellis Carl Page of Cedar Springs, age 79 passed away Thursday, January 29, 2015. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan to Ellis and Bernice (DuPree) Page on June 15, 1935. Ellis worked for Thorn Apple Valley Meats for 34 years. He enjoyed his social time at the senior center, like playing bingo and the luncheons. Time with family and friends was very important. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Ellis also had a love for animals especially his canine companion Jake. He is survived by his children, Debbie Lewis, Richard McClure and Kathy (Marty) Hoogerhyde; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, and loving wife Betty in 2006. There will be a private graveside service for Ellis in the spring.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Denise Teesdale Gentle, 52 of Sevierville, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Denise worked at LeConte Hospital for 15 years. She loved the outdoors and especially loved her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Gordon and Lillian Bassett, Newton and Ethel Teesdale. Her survivors include daughters, Chasity Young, Jennifer Teesdale; grandchildren, Renee Hughes, Charles Roberts; parents, Roger and Geraldine Teesdale; sisters, Debra Laws and husband Pat, DeAnna Huston; brothers, Kenneth Teesdale and wife Doreen; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Cindy and Chris Gaylord and Ronnie Elmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atchley Funeral Home to benefit the family. A private service will be held at a later date in Michigan. Cremation by Smoky Mountain Cremation Center. Online condolences may be sent to www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.