March 26, 1953 – June 10, 2018

Christine “Chrissy” Lynn Schoeppe, age 65, of Maricopa, Arizona passed away into eternal life with her family by her side on Friday, June 10, 2018. Christine was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Lyman and Joan Gates, of Cedar Springs, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her brother, Steve, and father, Lyman. She is survived by her mother, Joan, and brothers, Curt and Bryan, along with her husband of 18 years, Jay. There are also may aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. Chrissy will be dearly missed by everyone she came in contact with, a loving and caring person who never complained about anything or anyone. She loved traveling with her husband Jay, as they were always seeking adventure in the USA and abroad with warmer climates in the winter months, and making many friends along the way. She was wonderful homemaker, cook, and gardener and truly loved to do all things with a positive attitude! A memorial gathering will be held at the Rockford Community Cabin on Sunday, August 19, from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., 220 N. Monroe, Rockford, MI  49341.

“Bill” William Nelson Gates age 86 passed to God’s arms April 24, 2018 at Butterworth Hospital. He was preceded in death by Patsy Ann, his wife; parents John and Rose Gates; brothers, and daughter, Mary Carson (Gates). Surviving children, Julie Wilbur, Bonnie Gates, Jim Gates and Kathy Jones. He was loved by his many grandchildren here and in S. Florida. He loved his birds, cared for his family and loved God. Services will be at First Baptist, Main Street, Cedar Springs on Saturday, April 28th at 1 p.m. Flowers appreciated.

Mr. Lyman J. Gates of Sparta, Michigan, age 87, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. Lyman was born to Edgar and Carrie (Johnson) Gates on Tuesday, June 5, 1928, in Muskegon, Michigan, but grew up on 16 Mile Road on a farm that has been in the family since 1915. He attended the one-room Burchville School. Lyman was always a hard worker– he husked corn with his father as a child, worked for Wolverine Worldwide as a teenager, and for thirty-six years had a career at Rapistan until his retirement. At home he was a skilled woodworker, crafting furniture for Joan, made from the Oak trees on their property. Lyman was a great Michigan outdoorsman. He loved to go fishing and would spend hours in the boat on Big Bay de Noc. He also loved hunting in “God’s Country;” the beautiful Upper Peninsula. Lyman is survived by his beloved wife Joan Gates; children, Curtis (Valeri) Gates, Christine (Jay) Schoeppe, and Bryan Gates; grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Gates, Kirk (Lindsi) Gates, Kylah (Ryan) Sullivan, Brooke (James) Wiles, Kelli (Dan) Erb, Elizabeth (Derek) Sall, Cameron Gates; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jeanne Cullum; brothers-in-law, Phillip and Tom Odren; numerous nieces, nephew, and other beloved members of the Gates and Odren families. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Gates; daughter-in-law, Kathi Gates; parents, Edger and Carrie Gates; father and mother-in-law, Don and Julie Odren; brother, Ivan Gates; brothers-in-law, Charles, Calvin, and Don Odren. There will be a time of visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016 at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Lyman will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Pederson Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Lyman will be laid to rest in Solon Township Cemetery. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Michigan Chapter, 549 Ottawa Ave NW #307, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home

pedersonfuneralhome.com

Emily L. Gates

Emily L. Gates 91 of Cedar Springs, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Metron of Cedar Springs with her family by her side. Emily was born June 15, 1924 in Forest Grove, MI the daughter of John and Elizabeth (DeKleine) VanOss. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed handwork – knitting, crocheting and cross-stitch. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs where she served as a deaconess. Surviving are her sons, Lohryn (Debbi), David, Dan (Carole), Karl “Johnny” (Vicki), Kevin (Valerie), Lance (Kim); 24 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sister, Karen (Al) Kunzi; brothers, Howard Van Oss, Robert (Verna) VanOss; sister-in-law, Ruth VanOss; brother-in-law, Lyman (Joan) Gates. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan in 1975; sister, Dorothy (Robert) Crater; brother, Richard Van Oss; great granddaughter, Piper. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Wednesday 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 233 S. Main St. Cedar Springs. Pastor Dan Currie officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Missionary Fund or Hospice of Michigan.

Arrangements by Bliss Witters &Pike Funeral Home.

Cedar View Elementary students participated in the annual bell ringing ceremony at Hilltop. Brandon Swade, Wyatt Magoon, Alyssa Marshall and Lauryn Heukels rang the bell to mark the end of the school year.  Principal Mike Duffy recognized retiring Cedar View teachers Patricia Felter, Paul Stark, and Craig Gates for their years of dedicated service.

Pictured is Gene Kutchinski, Mike Gates, Bill Gregones, Bob Murray, and Earl Tefft. Post photo by A. Spaulding

By Alixann Spaulding

Giving something without expecting anything in return is behavior that deserves recognition. Sons of the American Legion member Mike Gates, of Preferred Landscaping, donated his personal time and energy recently to beautify the landscape of the American Legion. On June 10, past Post Commander Bill Gregones presented Gates with a plaque to acknowledge the special service he performed.
Bob Murray, of the Cedar Springs Food Pantry, also received something that day. Earl A. Tefft, present Post Commander, presented Murray with a $100 check to go to the Food Pantry to help with expenses.
The American Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion would like to see some fresh faces. “The American Legion is always looking for new members,” said Tefft. To find out more, call the Post at 696-9160.