The Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC) recently awarded Rebecca Johnson, the clerk for the City of Cedar Springs, the Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk (CMMC) designation. 

The CMMC program was launched in 2014 to encourage City, Township, and Village Clerks to seek continuing education specifically related to the duties of Michigan Clerks. MAMC believes a focus on education is essential for municipal clerks to provide informed, quality leadership for their communities in the face of constant legislative change and increased demands on Michigan’s public servants.

A clerk must invest a minimum of 120 hours of educational programming over three years to qualify for certification, and must continue to obtain education points to maintain the certification. Whether elected or appointed, municipal clerks serve a powerful role in coordinating public programs and influencing legislative initiatives. City Clerk Johnson is to be commended for the hard work, perseverance, and commitment expended to attain CMMC certification and the dedication to providing quality service to the public and the municipality they serve.

EPSON scanner image

Evelyn Ruth Johnson Carpenter, age 97, passed away at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on August 5. Mrs. Carpenter was born in Byron Center, Michigan on November 23, 1920, and was the daughter of the late Harold and Minnie Boone Johnson. She married Donavon Carpenter on March 30, 1946. They were married for 52 years upon his death on April 2, 1998. After his death, Mrs. Carpenter moved to Belmont and lived there independently until 2015. That year she moved to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, due to physical needs that necessitated a higher level of care. During her younger years she and her husband lived in the Sand Lake area for most of their married life. They owned a restaurant there, where she was the manager and cook. He managed a discount store, and later they both owned, managed and worked in a cut-rate drug store. During this time, they were both involved in the Chamber of Commerce and several times either chaired or co-chaired the large Independence Day celebration or parade in town each July 4. Mrs. Carpenter was known to be tireless on behalf of her church and her community. Her husband was a charter member of the local VFW Post 7912 in Sand Lake, and she of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Post. She served as president and treasurer of the Auxiliary, ad was also chosen as president of the ladies VFW Auxiliary eighth district. In addition, she served as treasurer for Camp Trotter, the Michigan VFW-sponsored children’s camp in Newaygo, Michigan. She was honored by the VFW post upon her 50th and 60th years of service with that organization. As part of that service, she was always a supporter of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and for more than 20 years was an active volunteer at that facility, often working there three to four days per week to assist in any way she could. In total, she logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours on behalf of the Home for Veterans. She served on the administrative board, on several committees and sang in the choir of the Maple Hill United Methodist Church until the church joined other churches to form the Heritage United Methodist Church in Howard City, Michigan. She remained active in that church until her move to Belmont. Most recently, she attended the Rockford United Methodist Church. She and Mr. Carpenter served as foster parents to several children and her home was always open to young people who needed her. She could often be found taking food to neighbors, shut-ins or friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Arthur and Blanche Carpenter; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha Johnson Peterson (Curtis) and Mary Lois Johnson Gage (Edwin); one brother and sister-in-law, Stanley Johnson (Marie); her sister- and brother-in law, Dorothy Carpenter Conran (Larry); and her special friend, Bill Ross. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Carpenter (Judy) of Greeneville, Tennessee; and one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn Carpenter Sherd (Doug) of Sand Lake, Michigan. Also, four grandchildren and their spouses: Lisa Carpenter Huddleston (Edward) of Florence, Kentucky; Brent Carpenter (Libby Gray) of Cape Charles, Virginia; Seth Ream of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Cami Ream of Sand Lake, Michigan. Plus three great-grandchildren – Clay, Luke and Sam Huddleston, all of Florence, Kentucky. She also leaves several nieces and nephews, including one special nephew, Dennis Conran, who had been so helpful to her, as well as special friends Gloria Yff, Ann Phillips and Jean Spence. Mrs. Carpenter will be cremated. Bliss-Witters and Pike Funeral Home of Cedar Springs is coordinating the arrangements. A memorial service will take place on Sunday, September 2 at 2 p.m. at Heritage United Methodist Church in Howard City. No formal visitation will take place, though immediate family will greet family and friends beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for the excellent care provided to Mrs. Carpenter during the past few years.

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

Rosemary Hatfield, 65 of Sand Lake, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Campus. Rosemary was born April 14, 1951 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Kenneth and Virginia (Smith) Johnson. She enjoyed shopping at Dollar Stores and Goodwill and was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving are her daughters, Kimberly (Mark) Cooper, Michelle (Bob Hardin) Feikema; grandchildren, Ashlie (Glenn Ross) Feikema, Amanda (Richard) Oliver, Matthew Cooper; great-grandchildren, Maddelyn and Sebastian Oliver; sister, Carol (Larry) Sawyer; nieces, Lisa (Shawn) Scott, Shannon (David) Swan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nathan in 2014. The family greeted friends Monday, April 3^rd from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Eva Walter officiating.

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

LEON & JANET AVERY

Leon and Janet Avery will celebrate their 60^th Wedding Anniversary on November 10^th. Plans are to go to the Upper Peninsula in the spring. Happy Anniversary from their children.

Deb & Harold Yancey family

Nancy & Ed Johnson family

The secret to their success: “We really don’t argue.”

The family of Donald White would like to say “Thank You” to our family, friends, and neighbors for your prayers, support, cards and other acts of sympathy. How wonderful you are. Thank you to our church family at The Springs Free Methodist Church. Your prayers, love and support have helped to ease our loss. Thank you for the nice funeral luncheon as well as all the delicious meals. We especially want to say “Thank You” to all of the staff at Metron of Cedar Springs. Your loving care of our father and grandfather the last four years of his life was wonderful. There are just not enough words to adequately express our appreciation for how you have also taken care of our family, especially the last few days of Dad’s (Grandpa’s) life.

May God bless each of you,

Suzanne & Jennings Johnson and Family

Bonnie & Tom Reynolds Sr. and Family

Donald C. White and Family

Thank you to all our friends and family for making our 50^th Anniversary on August 29^th a great celebration!

Gary and Helen Johnson

GARY & HELEN JOHNSON

Please join us as we celebrate 50 wonderful years of marriage on Saturday, August 29^th at 2 pm at our home, 1401 – 19 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs. We are celebrating 50 years of growing old together and hosting an open hours party. Call 616-696-1086 if you need directions or have questions.

The secret of their success is: “You just have to work at it.”

Al Kensil wrote to let us know that The Post traveled with several Cedar Springs area residents to Red Flannel deer camp this past fall. The camp is located near Melstrand, Michigan, along the Pictured Rocks Lake Shore. The late Don and Sue Johnson dedicated the Red Flannel Deer Camp about 35 years ago, current owners Mary Johnson (wife of the late Tony Johnson) and son Bradley are carrying on the deer camp tradition to the fourth generation with Brad.

Pictured (L to R) is Derick Carvers, Chris Powell, Travis Hoffman, Scott Albertson, and Brad Johnson. Al is not in the photo because he took the photo! Thanks, Al and crew for taking us with you to Red Flannel deer camp!

Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to news@cedarspringspost.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!

Mr. and Mrs. Nort and Kelly Johnson are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kaitlin Elizabeth Johnson to Alexander Christian Feighner, son of Catherine Griesmer and Charles Feighner. The couple will be united in marriage on December 13, 2014 and will reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Vicki Sue Johnson-Becker, 54 of Howard City, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Mercy Health St. Mary’s. Vicki was born May 28, 1959 in Detroit, MI the daughter of Gerald and Glenda (Headrick) Collis. She was a very caring person, an awesome mom and grandma and was known to her grandkids as “Hammy”. She had worked for Ferris State University for over 20 years and had recently been a home health aide. Surviving are her children, Audrea (Tom) DeLong, Jacob (Melissa) Johnson, Jessica (Matthew) Poling; 3 grandchildren, Leigha, Elijah, Esch; father, Gerald (Lois) Collis, sisters, Kathy (Thomas) Hill, Rebecca Collis; nephews and niece, Ryan and Randy Nazionale, Renee Radin, Justin Collis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory and mother, Glenda.The service will be held Saturday, March 8 at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice. Arrangements by to Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Jennings & Suzanne Johnson

Jennings & Suzanne Johnson of Cedar Springs celebrated their 50^th Anniversary. They were married on Saturday, May 11, 1963. Their children are Scott & Michele (Dubridge) Johnson of Hanover, Pennsylvania; Brian & Julie (Tank) Johnson of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Julie Anne Johnson of Rochester, New York. They have 13 grandchildren, Donald & Debbie Johnson, Chad, Charles, Kathleen and Jo Ellen Johnson of Hanover, Pennsylvania; Tamara & Jon Wesoloski of Menominee, Michigan; Celine, Gavin and Emma Johnson of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Mitchell and Lindsay Johnson of Rochester, New York. Jennings & Suzanne are also the proud great-grandparents of Jeremiah and Aliana Johnson and Chayce Wesoloski and are eagerly awaiting the birth of another great-grandson.

Christopher Johnson

Jackie Sturgis

The Kent County Sheriff Department has arrested a man and woman for home invasions occurring in northeastern Kent County during April and May.

Jackie Lee Sturgis, 32, of Greenville, was arraigned in 63rd District Court, on May 29, on a felony charge of home invasion 2nd degree. Bond was set at $25,000.

Suspect Christopher Lee Johnson, 32, was arraigned in 63rd District Court on a felony charge of weapons-firearms-receiving and concealing with bond being set at $35,000. Both were also charged as habitual offenders.

According to Undersheriff John Hess, the two were arrested for home invasions in Courtland and Oakfield Townships. Some stolen property was recovered and investigators are working to determine which incidents Sturgis and Johnson may be responsible for.