Heaven became brighter April 13, 2012 when our Heavenly Father called his beloved daughter, Betty Jo (Sicard) Stults, of Cedar Springs, age 73, home. She joins her parents, Roy and Mamie Sicard, her son, James, granddaughter, Emajean Rector, her brothers, Thomas, and R. David Sicard. Betty is survived by her children; Cynthia Batchelor, Cheryl and Gregory Fisk, June and Eugene Rector, Jr., Timothy Stults; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren plus the anticipated arrival of a great-granddaughter; brothers and sisters, Sarah and Harry Joslin II, Rachel and Roger Klinge, Goldie and Elwyn Joslin; John Sicard, Sandra and Richard Thrasher, and Michael Sicard; nieces and nephews. The service for Betty will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Jennings Johnson officiating. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery. Relatives and friends met with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Carl E. Lewis (Retired MSP), age 67, of Cedar Springs, passed into the loving arms of his Savior, surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 12, 2012. He celebrated 48 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Ellen Lezovich Lewis. Carl was a dedicated Michigan State Trooper for 25 years, serving the Rockford, Iron Mountain, Lakeview Post, retiring from Rockford in 1997. His greatest achievements was being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a Christian role model to many. Carl is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; children, Rex and Michele Lewis, Douglas and Sheryl Lewis, Stacy and Anthony Bishop, Carla and Kirk Sissell, and Lisa Lewis; 11 beautiful grandchildren; brothers and sister, Harold and LaDonna Lewis, Evelyn and Duane Carr, and Clyde and Sharon Lewis; Ellen’s family, Mary Wall, Cathryn Mulholland, Dora Lezovich, and Thomas and Kathy Lezovich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Marion (Atkin) Lewis; sister, Wilma Lloyd, and his brother, Roy Lewis. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Lewis was offered on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church with The Rev. Tony Russo presiding. Interment was held in Bethany Catholic Cemetery in Morrice on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. The Scripture/Rosary Service was prayed on Monday evening at the funeral home at 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Our Lady of Consolation Memorial Fund or Food for the Poor. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Irwin Bassett, Jr. 86 of Grand Rapids, MI, died Sunday, February 26, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. He will be dearly missed by many friends and members of his family including his children, Bradley (Marge) Bassett, Cynthia (David) Maxson, Patricia (Jaye) Cole; grandchildren, Kelly Maxson, Mark Maxson, Janaka Edwards, Jennifer Cherry, Damon Cole; great grandson, Jackson Cole. He was preceded in death by his wives, Barbara and Beverly; and a son, Mark. Irwin will be remembered at a memorial service on Saturday, April 28 at 1:00 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The family will greet friends beginning at 12 noon. Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Following the service, please join Irwin’s family and friends at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church for a luncheon and celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the American Lung Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Mrs. Margot Rosemarie Fischer, age 87, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012. She worked for Keller Brass, and later worked for Wolverine World Wide. Margot was a wonderful mom who was very proud of her family and especially her granddaughter. She spent many hours knitting baby caps for the neo-natal unit and the Santa Claus Girls. Her garden was her pride, and she loved to cook. From her German heritage she loved making beef rouladen, sauerkraut, German apple pie, German butter cookies, and Mohn Kuchen (poppy seed cake). Margot liked being with friends and family and especially enjoyed her time with the Golden Agers, Sand Lake Seniors, Cedar Springs Seniors, and Rockford Seniors. She would travel with them, and she, of course, enjoyed going back to Germany. Margot is survived by her daughter, Karen and Krijn Faase; granddaughter, Ashley; sisters, Lieselotte (Arno) Munch, Mrs. Adeline Karger; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her brothers, Rudolf (Alwine) Karger, Hans Karger, and Alfred (Kay) Karger. The service for Mrs. Fischer will be Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association.

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

Thomas Frank Stortz, aged 76 of Cedar Springs, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth, granddaughter, Michelle, sister, Elaine McClurg and brother, Robert Stortz. He will be greatly missed by his children, Victoria Favreau, Thomas Michael and Nancy Stortz, Theresa and Karl Hellwig, James and Tammy Stortz and their mother, Frances Stortz Caldwell; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sister, Phyllis Truesdale; many nieces and nephews. Thomas proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and was a member of Cedar Springs American Legion #287. He was inducted into the Sparta Sports Hall of Fame and remained involved with his team members throughout the years. He worked as an architect up until the week he died. Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 11 at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, Michigan. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Metro Health Hospital Foundation for Cancer Center.  Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, Michigan

Ruth Lillian Cole Nester-Polensky, age 65, passed away at her home on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. She was preceded in death by her first husband James Cole Sr. and her second husband, Edward Polensky Sr.; her parents, Willard and Emugene Coykendall; siblings, Edith, Raymond, Harry, Charles, Myrtle, Evelyn, James and Wanda. She will be sadly missed by her husband, Thomas Nester; children, James & Helen Cole, Joseph and Theresa Cole, Angela & Pete Garcia, Sandra and Jeremiah Kanuaz; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother Erwin & Marge Coykendall; several nieces and nephews; very special friend, Lois Nester, Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 7th with Rev. Eric Coulon officiating.  Interment Fairplains Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to assist the family with expenses are asked to contact the funeral home.

Arrangements by Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home, www.hesselcheslek.com

Mr. Patrick John Rettig, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully in his log home on Saturday, 03/31/2012, following a long illness.  Patrick was a graduate of Union High School in Grand Rapids and RETS Technical school and worked for 20 years in mechanical and electrical maintenance.  Patrick also served with the US Navy.  As a family man he will be loved and missed by his wife of 37 years, Carole, and daughters, Jaime (Matthew) Lausin, Jackie (Steve) Hunt, and grandchildren, Sean and Madeleine (Smiles) Lausin.  Patrick is also survived by his mother, Gay Witte, and sisters, Deborah (Wayne), Jan (Rick), Shari (Mark), and Julie.  He had the great fortune to be given the Witte family of 6 brothers and sisters and their children.  A memorial visitation will be held at Pederson Funeral Home on Saturday, April 7th, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, followed by a bonfire “Patrick” style at his home.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

After a long, fun-filled and joyous life, Esther went to be with God on March 25, 2012. Esther was born on a farm in Cedar Springs, Michigan to Emily Miranda and John Harvey Heiss on June 8, 1924. After graduating from Cedar Springs High School she married Eric Clarke in 1942 and began the adventure of their lives together. She sold her cow, left the farm, and followed him around in the service until his time was up and he went back to finish at Purdue. They moved to California in 1958 and settled in San Pedro. They raised their children there and Esther lived in that same home until her passing. Esther was a homemaker and mother “supreme” and never wanted anything different. However, weekends were meant for fun and Esther always had something planned; camping, Sunday drives, backyard parties and the list goes on. Their motto was, “Every day is the 4^th of July and every night is New Year’s Eve!” Her husband, Rick, preceded her in death by 5 years and now they are having fun dancing together again, celebrating what would have been their 70^th anniversary year. Their three daughters and sons-in-law; Susan and Paul Galyean, Debora Esther and Myron Croel, and Emily and Dave Anderson, wish they could see them as they are reunited as do the grandchildren and their families. Susan’s family includes; Mark and Jennifer Galyean with Griffin, Rick and Anna Galyean, Clarke and Erin Galyean with Jadyn and Kylar, Gerri and Sam Panebianco with JP and Eric. Debora Esther’s family includes; Christine and Darren Cecil with Tinsley, CJ, and Darren, Roxie and Mike McNabb with Clayton, Ella Esther and Matt. Emily’s family includes; Jennifer and Kevin Pulvers with Isaiah, Piper, Bradley and soon- to- arrive Grayson, Jim and Ann Anderson with Hailey, Faith and Blair, Rob and Kristen Anderson with Isabella, Ashley and Madelyn, and Jared and Ana Anderson with Ava. The guest list would be at 47 just with Esther’s immediate family! Her numerous beloved nieces, nephews and many friends would be a must! Esther’s life revolved around her family and friends and she put her never-ending energy into keeping them all together Esther was the only girl in six children and is survived by her brother, Jack Heiss. She is also survived by her brother and sisters-in-law; Bill Clarke, Betty Heiss, Ellen Heiss, Rosemary Clarke and Sally Clarke. Esther was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro, the Order of the Eastern Star, and an honorary member of Bethel #24 Job’s Daughters. There will be a memorial of her life (and probably theirs together) at the First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro on Sat., March 31^st at 2:00 p.m. The family invites friends to join the celebration as we share and remember together.  Visitation will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park on Fri. March 30^th at 5- 8:00. You may sign the guestbook at  http://www.greenhillsmortuary.com

Donald F. Meno, 71 of Sand Lake, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012 at his home. Mr. Meno was born November 6, 1940 in Ionia County, Michigan, the son of Louis and Reva (Conner) Meno. He was an auto body mechanic, avid collector of John Deere and enjoyed John Deere Tractor Shows. Surviving are his wife Betty (Bushre), whom he married on July 11, 1964; children, Carl Meno, Candy & Leon Johnson, Jr., Cheri & David Feldpausch; grandchildren, Leon & Jeannie Johnson, III, Donald & Victoria Johnson, Carmelita Johnson and fiancé, Michael Sparks, II, Matthew Meno, Tiffany Meno, Bradley Feldpausch; brother, Victor & Frieda Meno; sister, Violet Meno. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Emily Meno; sisters, Doris Hersey and Caroline Wilbur. The family received friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services were held Wednesday 11:00 am. Pastor Thomas Sluys officiating. Interment Riverside Cemetery, Langston. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Lori E. Lynch, 48, of Cedar Springs, died Saturday, March 17, 2012, at U of M Hospital, Ann Arbor. Lori was born July 18, 1963 in Dearborn, MI the daughter of Bernard and Bonnie (Boonstra) Lynch. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School Class of 1981 and from Michigan State University with a Masters degree in Social Work. She was a social worker for Tri-County Area Schools for the past 20 years. She was a loving wife and mother. Surviving are her husband, Edwin Lewis; sons, Ethan Lewis and Evan Lewis; mother and stepfather, Bonnie & Barry Emmons; brothers, Steven Lynch & Barb Grutters, David Lynch & Laura Purcell. She was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Lynch. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. There will be no funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs