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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 

Lyle J. Sipple of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. He was born to Lyle Sr. and Ila (Kirby) Sipple on December 21, 1929, in Cedar Springs, Michigan. Lyle’s passion in life was working 46 years with Wolverine World Wide. He enjoyed MSU sports, the Detroit Tigers, investing in the stock market, traveling, his dog Bailey, listening to country western music, and mowing the lawn. Lyle is survived by his sister, Gerry Gorby; children, Jim Sipple, Marie Schwab, George Drye; grandchildren, Eric Schwab, Marcie Schwab and Kevin Graw, April Hirdes, Nick and Tiffany Drye, McKenzie Drye, Heath Drye, Jared and Susanna Drye, Derek and Ashley Drye, Joe and Sydney Drye; great-grandchildren, Marlene Grace and Austin James; dog, Gigi. A time of visitation was held on Friday, March 23, 2018, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The memorial service for Lyle was celebrated on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple St., Rockford, MI 49341. Pastor Ken Bremer officiated. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to, Make A Wish Michigan -7600 Grand River Ave. Ste 175, Brighton, MI 48114, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners- Office of Development, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford 

Area residents and guests are invited to join in celebrating our Savior’s birth at the first “Live Nativity and Christmas Caroling Celebration” to be held in downtown Rockford. The event takes place on Friday, December 16th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Speed Merchants Bicycle Shop. Those wishing to be a part of the caroling event are asked to meet at North Rockford Middle School or Rockford Baptist Church at 6:45 p.m. to walk down E. Bridge Street to the nativity. Please bring a battery operated candle, flashlight, or your cell phone to carry as you walk. A petting zoo for the children and refreshments will be available for all at Rockford United Methodist Church. Additional information can be found at www.rpmoll.com/Christmas.

Mrs. Phyllis Mahlich of Cedar Springs, Michigan, age 76, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband Gerald Mahlich;  children Karen (Curt) Tackmann and Tim Mahlich; grandchildren; Damian Mahlich; Jeffrey (Nicole), Rebecca (Phil), Alex, and Logan Tackmann; brothers; Gene and Jim (Pam) Butler; sister; Nancy Mumah; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Wenona Butler.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 22 with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Rockford United Methodist Church, 59 Maple Street, Rockford, MI 49341. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association or Cedar Springs Education Foundation.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford, 

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Mr. John J. Goller, aged 89, formerly of Rockford passed away Friday October 17, 2014. He was born June 16, 1925 in Solon Township, attended the former Briggs School and Cedar Springs High School. During WW II he served with the 35th Division, US Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church, V.F.W. Post 3946 and Glenn Hill American Legion Post 287. Surviving are his wife Peggy; his sons and their wives John M. (Debra) Goller and David (Deborah) Goller; his grandchildren Andrea (Erich) Staman, Lynee’ (Pete) Buhl, Aelise Goller, Amy (Steve) VanBeekom, John D. Goller, Kathleen Goller; he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Funeral services for Mr. Goller were held on Tuesday October 21, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Rockford United Methodist Church. Visitation was held on Monday, October 20th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Pederson Funeral Home. Those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider with the Rockford United Methodist Church or the Michigan Home for Veteran’s, 3000 Monroe N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home

www.pedersonfuneralhome.com