Dorothy Waterman Cronkright, 95, of West Lafayette, Indiana, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 28, 2011.  Dorothy was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Davenport Business College. She married Walter Cronkright, the love of her life. Together, they owned and operated the True Value Homecenter in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Walt and Dorothy were committed Christians who loved the Lord and lived their faith openly. They were active in The Gideons International and freely shared their faith and resources with others.  After retiring, they lived in Zephyrhills, Florida for over twenty years and were actively involved in the Zephyrhills Assembly of God Church. They had been married 60 years when Walter died in October 1999. In 2006, on her 90th birthday, Dorothy moved from Florida to an apartment at Friendship House in West Lafayette, Indiana.  For nearly five years, she led an active life with friends at Friendship House and the Upper Room Christian Fellowship Church. In April 2011, she moved to Rosewalk Village in Lafayette and enjoyed new friendships and activities there. Dorothy loved her family and made many friends whom she kept in touch with up until her death.  She enjoyed traveling, family gatherings, baking, reading, and knitting sweaters for Guidepost’s children’s relief fund.  Her family and longtime friends will remember her as bright, often spunky and always interested in others. She prayed regularly for her family and friends and generously supported several ministries. We will miss her greatly, but her legacy will live on. Surviving are a daughter, Bonnie (Don) Blake of West Lafayette, Indiana, two sons, Thomas (Sonya) Cronkright of Cedar Springs, Michigan and Denis (Barbara) Cronkright of Kingman, Arizona; 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Vanderveen; sister-in-law, Anita Bera;  several nieces and nephews.  Friends visited from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, January 4 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The celebration of Dorothy’s home going will be at 1:00 pm Thursday, January 5 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Larry Young officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Gideons International. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

EDWARD R. BAIRD

Edward R. Baird, age 51, died on December 25, 2011 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family.  He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Baird. He is survived by his wife, Kamie K. Baird; his children, Katy J. Baird, Nic T. Baird and Emily E. Baird; his mother Karen H. Baird; his brother James F. Baird; parents-in-law, James and Sharon Leverence; brother-in-law, Ron Leverence; and a large family of friends. To celebrate his colorful life a party in his honor will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at The Harvard Tavern, 12607 Harvard Avenue N.E., Harvard. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ed’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Greenville.

Charles A. Gould 86 of Pierson, died Monday, December 19, 2011 at his home. Mr. Gould was born June 29, 1925 in Sand Lake, MI the son of Glenn and Elizabeth (Bradley) Gould. He graduated from Sand Lake High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 774th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the European Theater for 17 months. He was a farmer (growing the best sweet corn in Pierson), worked in factories and was a rural mail carrier. He enjoyed restoring and collecting antique John Deere tractors. He was a member of Pierson Bible Church. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” whom he married on August 19, 1950; children, Gloria (Nick) Renner of Howard City, Allen Gould, Gary Gould, Mark (Melanie) Gould all of Sand Lake; grandchildren, Corey (Amie) Renner, Ryan (Alissa) Renner, Brian Bigelow, Ashley, Grant, Hannah, Emily, Stephanie and Austin Gould; 3 great-grandsons, Nicklaus, Cohen and Elijah Renner; brothers and sisters, Wayne (Crystal) Gould, Joe (Lena) Gould, Glenice (Ken) VanLoozenoord, Art (Linda) Gould, Judy (Jerry) Troupe, Sim (Patsy) Gould, Guy (Marilyn) Gould; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Marion Gould; sister, Audrey Anderson; brother, Ed Gould. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The funeral service will take place Friday 11:00 am at Pierson Bible Church. Pastor Thomas Sluys officiating. Interment Pierson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or Pierson Bible Church. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Anna M. Gould 86 of Sand Lake, died Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Metron of Cedar Springs. Anna was born January 19, 1925 in Ensley Township, MI the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Bajewski) Yost. Before her husband Bill passed away they were very active volunteers for Catholic Social Services in the Senior Companion Program. Surviving are her children, John (Judy) Gould, Timothy Gould, Susan (Steve) Jones, Bill (Michelle) Gould Jr., Patricia (Mark) Peterson; 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sister, Katherine Martin; sisters-in-law, Carole Yost, Winnie Yost, Dorothy Bow, Helen Nelson, Margie Dunn; brother-in-law, John Gould; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William in 2009; infant son, David; and 5 brothers. The family received friends Monday, Dec. 19 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake with Rev. Fr. Joseph W. Kenshol celebrant. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the family to help with expenses. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Mr. Brian Wayne Shears, age 55, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 15, 2011. He was a 1974 graduate of Cedar Springs High School and worked as a self-employed builder. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Chris; sons, Joshua Shears, Mitchel (Roseanne) Shears; daughter, Catrina Shears; mother, Jane (Maurice) Murray; 9 grandchildren; brothers, Gary Shears, and William (Linda) Shears; sister, Karen (Bob) Gebhart; several nieces and nephews; and his in-laws, Donald and Gloria Demorest. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Judy Brugel, and Joanne Sisco. The service for Mr. Shears was Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor James Howard officiating. Interment Solon Center Cemetery. Relatives and friends met with the family on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the needs of the family. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Born February 27, 1954 in St. Johns, Michigan, Kristan died on November 21, 2011 in Sparta, Michigan. Beloved daughter of Alice and Roger Allen, she resided at the Ida Red Group Home in Sparta, Michigan. Kristy was much loved and will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She is survived by her mother, Alice Fairweather Allen of Cedar Springs; her father Roger Allen of  Rockford; her sisters, Lois Allen of  Cedar Springs and Elizabeth (William) Altena of Rockford; her brother Mark (Michelle) Allen of  Seattle, Washington; nephews Will and Ethan Altena and Benjamin and Andrew Allen. Also surviving are her aunts, Emily Driver of Howard, Pennsylvania, May Houtenville of Plainsboro, New Jersey and Nancy (Bill) Rodgers of San Rafael, California.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Audrey Louise Pena, age 86, of Sand Lake, went to be with the Lord on November 23, 2011. She grew up in Louisiana in the Cajun country, and her home was on stilts. After Audrey married Larry, they moved to Michigan; and she worked as a practical nurse. Audrey was very crafty, a perfectionist with her hair, and took special care of her home which could have been in Better Homes & Gardens. Even though she was hearing impaired, she loved music. Audrey is survived by her daughters, Shirley (Claire) Mosher of Tennessee, Laura (Harry) Shepard of Sand Lake and Linda; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren with the anticipated arrival of two more; her brother, Armond (Wanda); and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verda Krackau and Armond Flory, her brother, James, and husbands, Larry Mitchell and Chewy Pena. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service to celebrate Audrey’s life was 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Chad Wight officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Relatives and friends met with the family at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Lori Renee (Braun) Wier, age 50, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, after a tragic automobile accident. She grew up in Cedar Springs and was a 1979 graduate of Cedar Springs High School. Lori played the French horn in the Cedar Springs Marching Band and also took piano lessons. In her younger years, the school bus would have to make two trips because Lori had difficulty getting up in the morning. When she was seven years old, Lori accepted Christ as her Savior during devotions on a family vacation in Wisconsin. She and her family attended Ensley Baptist Church where Lori sang as a soloist and played the piano. When she first met Ron at work, Lori had a superman shirt on, and Ron commented about the nice “S” on it. Lori was so embarrassed she ran and hid. Shortly after this happened, Ron found out that Lori was the Bosses’ daughter. Oops!!!  There’s a story about their first date too, so ask Ron. They dated for three years and then were married. Lori immediately had sons to help raise, and then they were blessed with the birth of Rachel. She was pleased to become a stay-at-home mom. Ron and Lori purchased a chenille business called G & L Enterprises which included patches for varsity jackets for various schools. Their entire family attended Maranatha Baptist Church where Lori played the piano, helped as a church clerk, and served with the Word of Life Program. More recently she started attending Algoma Baptist Church where she sang in the church choir. Lori was the secretary at Pine Ridge Bible Camp. This worked well with her schedule because she could work at camp during the summer and work with the chenille business during the winter. Her spiritual gifts were in giving to others, hospitality, and serving her Lord in many different capacities. Lori loved all animals, especially pigs, cows, cats, dogs, and DUCKS.  She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Ron; children, Ron (Wendy) Wier, Jr. and their children, Alexis and Austin of Sand Lake, Robert (Heather) Wier, and their children, Danny, Calla, Brayden of Cedar Springs, Michael (Rachel) Wier and their children, Kayla and Mike of Walker, and Rachel (Kevin) Wellman and their children, Payten and Alex of Cedar Springs; parents, Donald and Shirley Braun of Cedar Springs; sister, Deb (Doug) Middleton of Rockford; Ron’s parents, Don and Connie Wier of Comstock Park; Ron’s brother, Terry (Pam) Wier of Grand Rapids, and Ron’s sister, Helen (Rich) of Belding; and nieces and nephews. The Celebration of Lori’s life was held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Algoma Baptist Church with Pastor David Fernlund officiating. Interment will be in Solon Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Pine Ridge Bible Camp designated for the Camp Verlee Center. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Robert Thorington, age 76, of Cedar Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 21, 2011. His parents were farmers, and Bob was the youngest of their ten children. Bob rode the bus to school and needed to come home right away so he would work on the farm. While in high school, Bob met his sweetheart, Betty. He graduated in 1954; and after Betty graduated and turned 18 years of age, they eloped and were married on December 24, 1955. They moved to Grand Rapids where Bob began working at Guardsman Chemical. Bob would mix the chemicals and tint, package the products, and fill the tanker trucks and the drums. He worked there for 34 plus years. In 1958, Bob’s brother and brother-in-law died in an automobile accident and that was the turning point when Bob asked Christ to be in his life. He accepted Christ at Wealthy Street Baptist Church. In 1985 he and Betty moved to Cedar Springs and joined First Baptist Church. He was a very faithful and spiritual person. If you opened Bob’s Bible, you would find a lot of verses underlined and notations made. He was a very welcoming guy who would share what the family had. Many times during his working years he would hold two or three jobs so his wife could be a mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother and be at home. His children have been led by their father and have continued the same work ethics. When Guardsman Chemical went out of business, Bob went to the Family Fare in Cedar Springs and worked there as a part-time worker for 16 years. Most vacations times were spent with visiting family. Bob was a gentleman who loved the Lord and his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Betty; children, Cynthia and Robert Beals of Grand Blanc, Debra and Robert VanDyke of Rockford, Linda and Timothy Rysdyk of Rockford, Julie and Jesse Mata of Holland, James and Jilayne Thorington of Rockford; grandchildren, Daniel Beals, Shawn Beals, Ryan VanDyke, Bradlee VanDyke, Samuel Rysdyk, Joseph Rysdyk, Jennifer (Phil) Millard, Katherine Mata, Stacy Mata, Paige Mata, Seth Thorington, Alycia (Matt) Burmeister, Brooke Thorington, Wyatt Thorington, Niklas Thorington, Alexa Haadsma, Joseph Dochod; great-grandchildren, Ian, Matthew, Emma, Elizabeth, and Jack; sister, Mrs. Bernice Helsel; brother, John and Darlene Thorington; and nieces and nephews. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mr. Thorington will be Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, 233 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs, with Pastor Jim Howard officiating. Interment in Nelson Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Edward Sagorski, age 70, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2011. He was a graduate of Cedar Springs High School. Ed served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a Supervisor for Gordon Manufacturing. Ed was a former Pierson Township Supervisor. He was a member of the Glenn Hill Post #287 American Legion. After his retirement, her fulfilled his passion of being a full time babysitter for his grandchildren. He always had a garden which seemed to get bigger each year. He looked forward to the yearly trip to Brimley with his two brothers in hopes of walking away from the casino with at least gas money to return home. He often stopped at the Stage Stop for a quick cup of coffee and conversations with many friends. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Barb; children, Pat Sagorski, Gregory Sagorski and Lianne Densham, and Angie and Jamie Bucholtz; grandchildren, Noah, Kaela, and Isaac; brothers and sisters, John and Barbara Sagorski, James and Nancy Sagorski, Joanne Robinson, Stanley and Pat Sagorski, Jr., Rev. Fr. Peter A. Sagorski, George and Kay Rae Sagorski, Mary Ann and Loren Dragoo, Frank and Cathie Sagorski, and Marnie and Karl Keifer; sister-in-law, Mrs. Shirley Sagorski; aunts, Sister Albert, O.P., and Sister Rose Serphine, O.P.; numerous nieces and nephews; in-laws, Marie and Dave VanMale, John Morris, and Rich and Nancy Morris. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Joseph, his parents, Stanley and Helen Sagorski; sisters-in law, Lee Sagorski, and Mary Sagorski, nephew, Andrew, and father and mother in law Orval and Bertha Morris. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Sagorski will be offered on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of the Apostles in Sand Lake, with Rev. Msgr. Edward A. Hankiewicz presiding. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Paying It Forward by helping someone in need, giving a hug, saying thank you, and telling someone you love them. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a time of sharing beginning at 7:30 p.m. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfunerahome.com