DENNIS R. VERBURG

Dennis R. Verburg, age 68, of Sand Lake passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018 at his home. Dennis was born January 23, 1950 in Sand Lake, MI the son of Ervin and Donna (Adams) Verburg. He was a volunteer firefighter in Sand Lake for 25 years and a truck driver for over 20 years. Surviving are his wife, Cherry (Mosher) Verburg; daughter, Amy (Sam) Rodriguez; grandchildren, Hannah and Maya Slagel; mother, Donna Verburg; sister, Sharon Knapp; brothers, Richard and Bob Verburg; mother-in-law, Velda Mosher. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom. There will be a visitation at the VFW in Sand Lake on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Sand Lake Fire Department.

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

Mrs. Beatrice Roelofs, age 86, of Cedar Springs, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday February 7, 2016. She was born to Bert and Grace (Walma) Boersen on July 24, 1929 in Zeeland, Michigan. Beatrice enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, cross stitch, feeding the birds and gardening. However, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Beatrice is survived by her children, Linda (Bruce) McGoffin, Gary (Susan) Roelofs, Martin (Sally) Roelofs, Gloria (Gerry) Gebhardt, Sandra (Ron) Starr, Beth (Mitchell) Cole and Douglas Roelofs; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Thelma) Boersen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; infant daughter, Susan; son, Donald in 2015; and several brothers and sisters.

A time of visitation was held with the family from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. The funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, 140 S. Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to donate to Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton SE, Bretwood Centre, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home pedersonfuneralhome.com

Myrtle M. (Feutz) Heinz, 81 of Sand Lake, died Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Rapids. Myrtle was born January 24, 1933 in Cedar Springs, Michigan the daughter of Earl and LaFern (Helsel) Blackall. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, reading and the Detroit Lions. She loved her family very much. Surviving are her children; Michael (Michelle) Feutz, Steven (Tina) Feutz, Greg Feutz, Julie (Dan) Sturgeon, Terri Miles; stepchildren, Joseph (Susan) Heinz, Margaret Heinz, Katherine Barton, David (Wanda) Heinz, Phyllis (Rick) Tryon, Mary (Arne) Engevik, Philip (Monica) Heinz, Karl Heinz, Gretchen (Jim) Cunnington, Ron Kunst; grandchildren, Corey Feutz, April Feutz, Jeremy, Daniel, Kaili and Megan Miles, Emily Sturgeon, Melanie Kindsvatter, Jeremy Kindsvatter; great grandchildren, Alexis, Jaiden, Brenden, Nathan, Ethan, Abigail; many step grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Earlene Ferrante, Lea Moline, June (John) Medendorp. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Heinz; daughter, Patricia Feutz; grandchildren, Rachel Feutz, Joseph Feutz. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services will be held Saturday 1:00 pm. Pastor Michael Cisler officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery Cedar Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

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

Sandra Ann Pritchard, age 60, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013. She was born in Grand Rapids to Charles and Joyce (nee Davis) Pritchard. One of Sandra’s passions was being an AA sponsor and helping others through their struggles. She also enjoyed making beaded jewelry and doing crafts. Sandra is survived by her daughter, Jessica (Jason) Ruff; granddaughters, Heather and Hannah Ruff; father, Charles; brother, Steven (Val) Pritchard; sisters, Susan (Ed Misner) Preston, Joni (Scott) Quinn, Kathy (Tim) McGee, Ann (Mark) Balczak; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded by her mother, Joyce; sister, Linda Everhart. The memorial service will be 11 AM Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford. The visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions can be made to Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Carroll M. “Cowboy Slim” Emmorey, 83 of Cedar Springs, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at his home. Mr. Emmorey was born May 23, 1930 in Kent City, MI the son of Otis and Tillie (Dykstra) Emmorey. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Marines. He sang and played country music and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Surviving are his wife, Beverlie (Remmelts); children, Karen (Bill) Rowland, Mark (Becky) Emmorey, Jim (Lori) Emmorey, Jack (Sheila) Emmorey, Kenda (Roger) Gillette, David (Cindy) Emmorey; 19 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Anne (Richard) Castenholz; sister-in-law, Janet Emmorey. He was preceded in death by brothers, Donald, Wayne and Kenneth Emmorey; sister, Ardis Heiss. 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. Pastor Jim Alblas officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Spectrum Health Hospice.

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

John E. Ash, age 48 of Cedar Springs, died Sunday, August 11, 2013. He was born July 16, 1965 in Grand Rapids. He is survived by his father, Charles Ash of Cedar Springs; sons, Braedan Ash and Rylan Ash, both of Cedar Springs; siblings, Kathleen Mayes of Mt. Pleasant, Karen White of Sidney, and Charlie Ash (Elaine) of Sand Lake; grandmother, Frances Bedker of Ludington; friend and former wife, Laura Ash of Cedar Springs; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Ash; brother-in-law, David Mayes; and grandparents, Orville and Rose Ash and Dutch Bedker. John’s family would like to especially thank the staffs at Mary Free Bed and the Calvin College Speech Pathology and Audiology Clinic for their care. They would also like to thank Ann Marie Myers for her compassion and care. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 PM Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Private burial will be in Trufant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital or the Calvin College Speech Pathology and Audiology Clinic, and messages of condolence may be sent via www.hurstfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville

Mrs. Julia E. Ashley, age 90, of Rockford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 27, 2013. While growing up in Cedar Springs, she attended First Baptist Church and accepted Christ as her Savior as a young person. Julia met Jesse at the Howard City Roller Rink; and after her graduation from Cedar Springs High School in 1941, they were married in 1942. She was a stay-at home wife and eventually a mother who helped her husband lay blocks in his construction business. Julia taught Sunday school at Birch Sunday School (now Red Pine Bible Church). In 1973 they moved to Rockford and built their home. Julia was a very gentle-hearted, loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the wonders of nature. After more than nine years of service she retired in 1989 from Food Service in the Rockford Public School System. Julia is survived by her children; Jesse and Connie Ashley, Mrs. Darlene Noorman, Aaron and Marcia Ashley; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Letha and Raymond VanBelkum; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jeanette (Landry) Perry, and Mrs. Ellen Bassett; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse on May 8, 1994, her son-in-law, John Noorman, her brother, LeRoy Landry, her sister, Stella Wall. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Ashley was held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, with Pastor Stanley Mohr officiating. Interment in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider North Kent Senior Center, 44 North Park Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Relatives and friends met with the family from 6 to 8 on Monday at the Pederson Funeral Home and prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Patricia A. Patin, age 72, of Sand Lake, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated in 1959 from Catholic Central High School. Pat met her husband Tony at a Catholic Young Adult Group. After a courtship, and Tony’s time in the service, they were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last May. Pat was a city girl who adapted well to country life, enjoying her family as it grew. In addition to being a loving wife to Tony and a mother to seven children she served for over 20 years as Director of Religious Education at Mary Queen of Apostle Catholic Church. Pat was a gifted child of God and shared that gift with others through her work at MQA. She so loved helping all the children come to know and love the Lord. Pat held her family and friends very close to her heart. Even with having a large family and group of friends she was sure to make each and every one feel special. Pat and Tony enjoyed annual family camping trips with their children and their families. Pat loved having the family together and that included “adopted” family members also. Everyone was family to Pat. Later in life, she and Tony especially enjoyed their time together as they wintered in Florida. Pat was a grandmother to 20 grand children and each and everyone was so very special to her. Breakfast out with grandma was always fun. Pat would treat the grandchildren to quarters so they could see what fantastic surprise would come from the gumball machines. When the last bite was down they were by her side asking Grandma for their quarters, her reward, a hug for Grandma. She is survived by her husband Anthony of 50 years; children, Mary and Carl Skelonc, Marilyn and Scott Barton, Barbara and Terry Edema, Dianne and Timothy Newton, Michael and Ann Patin, John and Sara Patin, Sharon Walkowski; 20 grandchildren; brothers, William and Barb Terrell, and Robert and Dorothy Terrell; many nieces and nephews; and the many relatives of Tony’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Patin will be offered on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Apostles Church, Sand Lake, with Rev Joseph Kenshol and Rev Lam Le presiding. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home on Friday evening at 8 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Religious Education at Mary Queen of Apostles Church. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Michael J. Buck 75 of Cedar Springs, died Friday, July 12, 2013 at his home. Mike was born April 2, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Clifford and Teresa (Michaels) Buck. He was a barber and had owned and operated Buck’s Campground on the Muskegon River in Stanwood. Surviving are his wife, Irene (Ringler); daughters, Kathy (Tim) Randall, Kristy (Rob) Naumann; grandchildren, Buck, Bonnie and Kyle (Alyssa); brother, Bill (Kitty) Buck; sister, Ruth Fate. A memorial service and luncheon will be held Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Cedar Springs American Legion. Private interment in Oakfield Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to: Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Mrs. Donna Claire Cornell, age 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 11, 2013, following a long battle with cancer. Surviving is her husband of 48 years, John; three children, Charlene (David) Yonker, Janet Cornell, and Jay Cornell; 1 sister, Colleen (David) Webber; 6 grandchildren, Colin (Luisa), Justin, Jason, Chloe, John, and Sarah; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Louise Freel; sisters, Berna Zimba and Kathleen Morris; brothers, James Freel and Robert Freel. She was a 1962 graduate of Catholic Central High School, attended Grand Rapids Community College, and was self educated on many subjects. She assisted her husband in his accounting practice. In retirement, she and her husband were enthusiastic bikers and travelled extensively throughout the United States, Alaska and Canada on their BMW motorcycle. Donna’s family feels blessed that she was a part of their life, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. The Mass of Christian Burial for Donna was offered on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Belmont, with The Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Interment in Solon Township Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Educational Endowment Fund at Assumption BVM School, 6393 Belmont Ave., Belmont, MI 49306 or God’s Kitchen, 303 S. Division St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Miriam Zoe Piatt Huntoon, age 83, of Reed City, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 21, 2013. She was raised by her grandmother, went back to high school and graduated in 1962. In September of 1962, she started at Grand Rapids Junior College. Her husband died, but Miriam was persistent and continued her education, graduating from MSU in 1965 with honors. She taught at Benham and then Hilltop Schools in the Cedar Springs School District for 23 years. In the summer she finished her Masters Degree. In 1983 she married Emil Huntoon. They lived in Newaygo and then retired to Florida where she taught for 12 years. Each day she would rise early for her devotions and would faithfully study the word. Miriam is survived by her children, Joe (Marilyn) Piatt, Ruth Ann (Ron) LaDuke, Jim (Carol) Piatt, Joque (Denese) Piatt, Jeff (LuAnn) Piatt, Larry (Karen), Max (Loretta), Joyce (Harold), Jane (Jerry), Carolyn (Frank); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Melody; sister-in-law, Mrs. Ann Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Joseph Piatt, and Emil Huntoon, and sons, Jerry and Fred. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Huntoon was held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 4151 Wild Turkey Drive, Reed City with Pastor John Dawson officiating. Interment in Oakfield Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Baptist Church in Reed City. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

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

Julie L. Mankoski, 46 of Grand Rapids died Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Grand Rapids. Julie was born March 22, 1967 in Grand Rapids. She was a Clerk of the Court in Kent County and frequently attended White Caps games and was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan. She is survived by her parents Louise (Geoffrey) Lynch and James J. Mankoski; grandparents, Agnes Ludtke Skorka of Pierson; brothers, PSI “Joseph” (Helen) Mankoski of Mountain View, California; Kelly (Caitlin) Mankoski of Holland, Michigan and Bel “Amy” (Paul) Vassar of Antrim, New Hampshire; niece and nephews, Odessa, Maximus and Horatio Vassar; many aunts, uncles and cousins. The family received friends Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where a Rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake. Rev. Fr. Joseph Kenshol celebrant. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice or the Kent County Humane Society.

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