Gary Lee Ritter age 57 passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018 with his family at his side. He was born in Big Rapids on October 30, 1960 to Alan and Clara (Ten Eyck) Ritter. Gary was very mechanical, he could fix and build anything. He always put his heart and soul into his family, work and community. Gary literally gave the shirt off his back when someone needed it! He loved his family and will be greatly missed. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 37 years B.J.; daughters, Erica and Laura (Adam) Birks, Christy; grandsons, Oliver and Jamie; brothers and sisters, Bruce, Tony, Don, Ron, Nancy and Laurie; sister-in-law, Teri Ritter; the Stone family and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his son, Jacob; parents, Alan Ritter, Clara Ritter Davis and Tom Davis; brother, Mark and sister Susie. The family will meet with friends Sunday, July 8 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. There will be no funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Burdette “Burley” Helenius passed away peacefully on March 24, 2018 after a lengthy illness. He was born October 4, 1946 in Grand Rapids to William and Ardella (Opperman) Helenius. He worked for General Motors for 36 years as a welder maintenance leader and was a skilled tradesman at heart. He was a veteran of United States Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved nothing more than being out in the woods hunting or being in his boat, on the ice, or in the river fishing. He loved playing tennis, going bowling, and watching baseball and football. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his sons, Laars Helenius and Kyle (Dana) Helenius; his brother, Sidney (Nancy) Helenius; his step-siblings, Randy (Gloria) Crump, Diane (Walt) Dunbar, and Donna Korstange; six grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Ralph Crump; sister, Vawn Punches; step-sister, Linda Crump. The family met with friends Wednesday, March 28 at Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where a memorial service is being held Thursday, March 29. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and community members will unite for the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sparta on Saturday, June 10, in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.

Funds raised help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations. During Relay For Life events, members of each team take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.

Join us on June 10, 2017 anytime between noon and midnight at the Sparta Middle School Track for this year’s Superhero Themed Relay!

Survivors and caregivers will be provided a luncheon at noon (please register ahead of time). Our Luminaria ceremony will take place at dusk with lots of family friendly activities planned throughout the day, including a carnival, bounce house, silent auction and vendors.

To register as a survivor, caregiver, participant, start a team, or to find out more information, please visit us at www.RelayForLife.org/SpartaMI or contact Michelle Schiefen at michelle.schiefen@cancer.org or 616.551.4031.

Della L. Shirley, 84 of Sand Lake, died Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Hospital. Mrs. Shirley was born January 27, 1933 in Green Township, Michigan the daughter of Nelson and Catherine (Palmer) Swiger. She had worked at General Motors Alpine Avenue Plant for over 30 years and was a member of the Rockford Sportsman’s Club and the UAW Retirees. She enjoyed many winters in Florida and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Edward whom she married on July 30, 1965; children, Rocky (Mary) Dorey, Linda (Bruce) Yeakey, Johnnie (Rita) Simon, Steven Simon; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Les Swiger; sister-in-law, Geraldine Swiger; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Shirley; sister, Leona Sperlik; brothers, Melvin, Gilbert and Albert Swiger; 3 nephews. The family greeted friends Sunday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the services were held Monday. Pastor Ralph Kilpatrick officiating. Interment Crapo Cemetery, Green Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 11, 2016, Mildred Wesche Robertson, age 94, died surrounded by those who loved her and cared for her during her long battle with dementia. She had played her last game of Solitaire and written her last letter to her grandchildren. Mildred prepared her children for life by her example. She loved her family unconditionally and supported them during the challenges in their lives and celebrated all of their accomplishments. Mildred was born to Raymond and Gladys McIntyre on Monday, May 8, 1922, in West Olive, Michigan. She graduated valedictorian from Cedar Springs High School in 1940, and just one year later, married Raymond Wesche. Together, they owned a farm on 18 Mile Road, just east of Algoma Avenue. It was there she raised her family, taught them the value of a good education, and to put in a day’s work for a day’s pay. Those values are now being honored by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every week they were in college, she would handwrite each of them a letter with encouragement and immeasurable love. Mildred worked for Rockford State Bank and for Wolverine Worldwide. She loved her community and was very active in it. When time allowed, she loved to read, crochet, and was an avid crafter and puzzler. Mildred was also an adventurous woman. She traveled often with her second husband, Earl Robertson, and even went whitewater rafting with her family at the young age of 81. Mildred is survived by her children, Ronald (Marcella) Wesche, Joyce (John) Hansen, Kenneth Wesche, and Nancy (Tim) Gerlich; daughter-in-law, Alice Wesche; grandchildren Brian Wesche, Krista (Jason) Noel, Andy (Tonya) Wesche, Aaron (Agnes) Wesche, Amy Marie Lovall, Alissa Wesche, Randy Wesche, Amy Michelle (Greg) Tribe, James Hansen, and Jeff (Sara) Hansen; great grandchildren, Jacob, Shane, Harleigh, Karissa, Alex, Logan, Ava, Kai, Zane, Pierce, Faith, Kimberly, Brittany, and Candice; one great-great granddaughter, Izabellah; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved members of the Wesche family. In addition, she is survived by her special caregiver, Marlene Downes; and her faithful visitors, Michael Barwacz, and Keira and Kayla Painter, who will love and remember their “Pinkie” forever. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Raymond Wesche on January 30, 1967, and Earl Robertson on August 16, 1994; son Milford “Mick” Wesche; brothers and sister, Lawrence (Ardath) McIntyre, Bob (Marie) McIntyre, Don (Doris) McIntyre, Jim (Kletis) McIntyre, Edna (Harvey) Hyde; sister-in-law Ida (Ralph) Hineline; and brother-in-law Gus Wesche. There will be a time of visitation from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service for Mildred will be celebrated by Pastor Steve Lindeman at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2016, at Pederson Funeral Home. There will be an additional time of visitation, one hour prior to the service. Mildred will be laid to rest in Solon Township Cemetery. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 966, Grand Blanc, MI 48480.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Jean Ellen Engstrom, age 88, of Cedar Springs, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.

Jean was born in Harvard, Michigan, on June 4, 1928. She was one of thirteen children born to Eli and Dorothy (Butts) McNees. She worked for Keeler Brass and was a member of the American Legion. Jean is survived by her daughter, Shirley Christensen; her son and daughter-in-law, Garry and Charlene Wybenga; her grandchildren, Robert and Shannon Rowland, Lisa Santoyo, Leigh Ann Wybenga, Nick Wybenga, and Chad and Julie Bonter; her six great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret (Bruce) Longcore; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Jean were conducted at 1p.m. Monday, June 13, 2016 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street, Rockford, MI 49341. Visitation was held one hour to the funeral service at the funeral home on Monday. Burial of her cremated remains will take place in Pierson Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Franklin “Frank” John DePue, 75 of Greenville, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at home. Frank was born October 5, 1940 in Eaton Co., Michigan, the son of the late Maurice “Mike” and Helen (Holbrook) DePue. Frank is loved and survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith (Ellick) DePue; his children: Monique (Dave) Doolittle and Vincent (Kayleen) DePue; grandchildren: Trafford (Ashley Hattis) Giles, Stephanie Doolittle, Nick Doolittle, Michael (Ceara) DePue, Kyle DePue, Donald Eikenhout, Andrea (Larry) Wiley and Graham DePue; sisters: Dorothy Fisher, Carol (Ron) Stevens, Shirley (Dick) Rinckey and Dee (Ron) Corwin; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his siblings: M. Jean Schafer, Edwin Maurice DePue, Kathleen Marie Cooper, Jennifred Joan Schrauben, David Lee DePue and Dean A. DePue. Frank was a graduate of Greenville High School in 1976. He retired from Meijer as Loss Prevention Manager after 30+ years of service. In addition to a long career at Meijer, he and his wife Judith were owners of Animal Crackers Farm Petting Zoo of Greenville. Frank and Judy touched countless lives, spanning several generations by taking their large traveling zoo to schools, festivals, churches, parades and more local events than can be documented. Frank donated time, along with Judy, at Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Optimist Camp and the American Cancer Society, and he walked his beloved camel Shalamar across most of Montcalm County to raise nearly $1000 for that cause. Frank also enjoyed greeting Mejier customers every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa with his reindeer and sleigh. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank always appreciated being embraced by the community and enjoyed sharing his love of his animals. He got great enjoyment making people laugh and smile with his wit and a wink. His contagiously happy spirit will be missed by so many, but never forgotten by anyone. We are sad that you are gone, but find peace in knowing we will someday see you again. We love you. Memorial services were held at 1:00 pm Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Hurst Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Harger officiating. Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at www.hurstfh.com.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

Sandra A. Johnson, 73, of Cedar Springs, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family. Sandra was born March 13, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. She was a dedicated employee of CS Manufacturing in the accounting department with 20 years of service. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, which was very important to her. She loved animals, sunshine, enjoyed gardening, and made amazing dill pickles. Surviving are her children, Bob (Paula) Johnson, Tim Johnson and Kathy Kay, Kathy (Ken) Coleman; grandchildren, Ryan Coleman, Kate Coleman, and Logan Armstrong; sisters, Kathy Carlson, and Ricci (Larry) Freeman; two nieces and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Luella Stine; sister, Judy Carlson Alden; infant sister, Nancy Jo. The family greeted friends Sunday, January 24 at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home Cedar Springs, where the service was held Monday, January 25. Pastor Robert Eckert officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home

William L. Sevey 86 of Cedar Springs, died Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at his home. Bill was born July 24, 1929 in Cedar Springs, Michigan, the son of Clinton and Gladys (Fisk) Sevey. He was a lifelong dairy farmer and had been Solon Township Supervisor. Years ago he had a milk route and drove school bus. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying and riding his four wheeler. He loved his grandkids. Surviving are his children, LouAnn (Brian) Wheat, Deborah Sevey, William “Rick” (Tanya) Sevey; grandchildren, Stacy and Kyle; great grandchildren, Logan, Hannah, and Avalyn; brother-in-law, Jack Bowers. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Annabelle in 2011; sister, Ardith Bowers. A private family service will be held in the spring at Crandall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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

Lela R. Spicer, 87, of Traverse City, formerly of Cedar Springs, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions with her family by her side. Mrs. Spicer was born August 18, 1928 in Barryton, Michigan, the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Adams) VanSyckle, she was one of 17 children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 1988 and a son, Danny in 2015. Surviving are her children, Patty (Steven) Osburn, Bruce (Rose) Spicer, Roger (Pat) Spicer, Debra VandenHeuvel, Rockland (Teresa) Spicer, Theodore (Tracy) Spicer, Gail (Dave) Spicer; countless beautiful and gorgeous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. A private family graveside service was held at East Nelson Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Larry and Debbie Eadie sang and led the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association.

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

David L. Wallace, 38 of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, May 10, 2015 at his home. David was born March 20, 1977 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Dale and Judy (Moos) Wallace. He graduated from Kent City High School in 1995 and had worked at Federal Mogul. He enjoyed working on vehicles, vegetable gardening and deer hunting. Surviving are his wife, Faye whom he married on July 12, 2003; children, David, Ethan and Leah; father, Dale Wallace; sister, Carolyn (Rich) Straub; brother, Bryan (Jodi) Wallace; nieces and nephews, Adrianna, Brooklyn, Caroline, Blake, Megan, Bryce and Emily. He was preceded in death by his mother. The family greeted friends Tuesday at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services were held Wednesday 10:30 am. Rev. Fr. Lam Le officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Reva Marvetta Benedict, 88 of Holland, formerly of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at her home. Marvetta was born February 4, 1927 in Kewadin, Michigan the daughter of Espy and Edith (Wildi) Hubbell. She graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1944 and had worked at Knape & Vogt for 28 years retiring in 1991. She had been a member of First Baptist Church, Cedar Springs and was presently attending New Vision Church, Holland. She was a 40 year very active member of the Cedar Springs American Legion Post 287 Ladies Auxiliary and the 40 et 8. Surviving are her children, Gerald (Joni) Nelson, Douglas Nelson and fiancee, Crystal Scott, Sarah Nelson; stepchildren, Herbert (Sandy) Benedict, Colleen Benedict; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert in 1995; four brothers, three sisters, a great-grandchild, and a stepson. The family will greet friends Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Friday 11:00 am. Dr. Anthony Adams officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Cedar Springs American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

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