Nellie M. Ford

DATELINE: Cement City
 
Nellie M. Ford, 85, devoted mother, grandmother, and
loving wife, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2007.
 
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard
E. Ford; her son, Roger Ruff and partner Margaret
Young, of Deer Park, TX; sisters Roberta Kroeger and
Eva Tolin; granddaughter, Crystal Casaceli and husband
Louis, of Churchville, NY; granddaughter, Wendy Ruff,
of Pinehurst, TX; and great-grandchildren, Jackie,
Malissa and Derek Citron, Michelle and Amy Zamora, and
Rachel and Danielle Casaceli.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents, five
sisters, and three brothers.
 
Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2007 from
2-4pm and 6-8pm at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home in
Adrian, MI. Funeral Services will be held 11:00
Saturday, October 13, 2007 at at J. Gilbert Purse
Funeral Home
 
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be made to Great Lakes Home Health and
Hospice, Jackson, MI.
 
Condolences may be offered at: www.pursefuneralhome.com
  

Hollis E. Bourns
 
Onsted, MI
 
Hollis Bourns, 84, departed this life on
Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007. He was born to Ivan and Lorene
Bourns September 10, 1923 at Tipton Mich.

He served in the United States Army during
WW II, was a local farmer and worked 30 years at
Tecumseh Products.

Hollis is survived by his
children Gary (Ruth Ann) Bourns of Adrian, Janet
Phipps of Manitou Beach, Sheila Miller of Phx,AZ. and Rev.
Dennis (Nancy) Bourns of Glendale, AZ. Hollis has
12 grand children, 8 great grand children and one
great great grandchild.

He is also survived by his
two sisters Viola Abbott of Adrian. and Inez (Huck)
Dowling of Onsted.
 

He lived in Lenawee County for the first 54 years
of his life, then moved to Missouri in 1976, and
entered cattle ranching. He recently returned to
live out his closing days around his beloved
family in Lenawee County. Hollis was always a man who
loved adventure and one who possessed an indomitable
spirit. His influence will continue as a valued
inheritance to his family.
 

A memorial service for Hollis will be held 11:00A. M.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at Grace Point Evangelical
Free Church, 4612 N. Adrian Hwy (M-52) with Rev.
Dennis Bourns officiating.

Arrangements were
entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Adrian. Condolences to the family may be made at
www.pursefuneralhome.com. 

Robert A. Huntley, Sr.
 
Tecumseh, MI
 
Robert A. Huntley, Sr., age 72, of Tecumseh, passed
away October 11, 2007. Robert was born March 3, 1934
in Trout Lake, MI, the son of Thomas and Janet
Huntley.

Robert is survived by his son Robert A.
(Ann) Huntley, Jr. of Tecumseh; grandchildren,
Angela Marie Huntley of LA and Robert A Huntley III
of Tecumseh; great grandchildren Ambriehl Meyer and
Ethan and Zachary Wagner of LA; and a sister Susie
Vidrith.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and
sisters.
 

According to his wishes cremation has taken place and
there will be no services.

Arrangements were
entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh.

Condolences to the family may be made to
the family at www.pursefuneralhome.com
  

Carl W. Lamb
 
Osprey, Fla.
 
Carl W. Lamb, age 86, of Osprey, Florida, formerly of
Tecumseh, passed away October 12, 2007. Carl was born
March 1, 1921 in Saginaw, Michigan the son of Carl and
Helen (McLeod) Lamb, Sr. He married Mary E. Wright
on December 5, 1950 in Toledo, OH. She preceded him
in death on March 16, 2004.

He graduated from Saginaw High School and Ferris State University with a
Bachelors degree in pharmacy. He was a veteran of the
U. S. Navy serving during World War II. Carl owned
Rexall Pharmacy in Tecumseh for many years and still
was active as a pharmacist in Florida until his death.
While in Tecumseh Carl was active in many
organizations. He was the first president of the
Tecumseh Kiwanis Club and honored for such in 2006.
 

Carl is survived by two sisters, Louise Florey and
Dixie Lee Cummings, both of Saginaw; one brother
Howard Lamb of Bridgeport; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
 

Besides his wife Mary, Carl was preceded in death by
his parents, and a brother Donald.
 

Funeral services will be 2:00 P. M. Tuesday, October
16, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with the
Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating.

Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery with military honors performed
by Tecumseh American Legion Post #34 and Tecumseh VFW
Post #4187.
 
Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P. M. Monday,
October 15, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh.
 
Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com
 
 

Margaret Buchsteiner

DATELINE: BRONX, NY
 
Margaret Buchsteiner, age 103 of Dobbs Ferry, NY died
Oct. 7, 2007 at Dobbs Ferry Community Hospital. Mrs.
Buchsteiner was a descendant of the Spafford family,
one of Tecumseh's first settlers.
 
Funeral services were held Oct. 11, 2007 at John Dormi
& Sons, Bronx, NY. Graveside services and burial took
place at Brookside Cemetery on Oct. 15, 2007. Rev.
Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiated. Local arrangements
were entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. 

John Manuel Gomez  "Johnny"

DATELINE: TECUMSEH
 
Johnny Gomez, age 55, of Tecumseh, died October 15,
2007 at
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, with his family
by his side.
 
He was born May 7, 1952, in Tecumseh, MI, the son of
Paul and Maria (Charo) Gomez.
 
Johnny was employed with Elias Bros. Big Boy
Restaurants at the Pontiac Silverdome and Michigan
International Speedway. He was a member of St.
Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh.
 
Johnny is survived by his father Paul; 4 sisters,
Yolanda Gomez of Tecumseh, Elvia (Arnaldo) Sanchez of
Waxahachie, TX, Esther (Jerry) Williams of Addison,
and Patricia (Joseph) Flores of Tecumseh;
his brother, Raul (Bea) Gomez, Jr. of Tecumseh; 7
nieces; 7 nephews; and 16 great nieces & nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his mother.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM
Friday October 19, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Catholic
Church,
Tecumseh, with Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiating.
Interment will follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial
Gardens, Tecumseh.
 
Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday and 2-4 PM
and 6-8 PM Thursday at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Adrian. An additional visitation will take place one
hour prior to funeral mass Friday at St. Elizabeth
Catholic Church.
 
A scripture service will take place 7:00 p.m. Thursday
at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
 
Condolences may be offered at: www.pursefuneralhome.com
 

Forrest Daniel Hawk

DATELINE:  CLINTON, MI

Forrest D. Hawk, age 81, of Hilldale, MI, died October 17, 2007 at Habourside Care Home, Bryan, OH.

He was born May 13, 1926 in Jackson, MI, the son of Carl and Bernice (Campbell) Hawk.

He is survived by a son, Daniel Hawk of Clinton, MI.

Cremation has taken place.

Arrangements by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, MI.
  

Gwendolyn Quigley Cox
 
Tecumseh, MI
 
Gwendolyn Quigley Cox, age 92, of Tecumseh, passed
away October 21, 2007.

She was born February 11, 1915
in Riga, Michigan to Clarence F. and Emma (Loar)
Miller. A native of Lenawee County all her life, she
had been a rural school teacher and a U. S. postal
clerk. She also did volunteer work in hospitals,
schools and church. Gwen was a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Tecumseh.
 

Gwen is survived by one son, Herbert (Julie) Quigley;
one grandson, Donald Quigley; three grand daughters,
Luella (Jim) Morgan, Sally Hahn, and Peggy (Joseph)
O'Neal; four great grandchildren, Ashley and Elizabeth
O'Neal, Holly and Brandon Quigley. She is also
survived by Patricia Naugle Quigley - the mother of
her grandchildren.
 

Besides her first husband John C. Quigley in 1968, she
was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gerald
C. Miller; sisters Natalie Gentz and Constance
Pentland and her second husband, Charles I Cox in
1974.
 

Gwen enjoyed sending notes of encouragement, hope and
praise to her family, friends and her Church family.
She believed in saying, "I love you, I care" while it
could be heard, and sending flowers while they could
be seen and smelled.
At her request, cremation has taken place and private
family services will be held. Gwen requests no
flowers.

If one wishes, send them to someone who can
enjoy them. Her favorite charities were her Tecumseh
Presbyterian Church and the New Garments Always for
needy school children.

The family would also like you
to consider Great Lakes Hospice. Arrangements were
entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh. Condolences to the family may be made at
www.pursefuneralhome.com.
  

Eugenia "Jean" Vere

DATELINE: ADRIAN
 
Eugenia "Jean" Vere, age 85, of Adrian, passed away
October 22, 2007
while being attended to by her family. She was born
September 21, 1922 in Doe Creek, Estill County,
Kentucky, the daughter of Ruford and Grace (Alcorn)
Sparks.
 
She was a graduate of Estill County High School Class
of 1940 - Valedictorian. On September 10, 1940, she
married Gaylord J. Vere in Wauseon, OH. They were
happily married for 62 years until he passed away in
2003.
 
In addition to her husband Gaylord, she was preceded
in death by an infant brother, Delmus; parents;
and beloved son, George N. Vere in 1994.
 
She is survived by her son Gale W. Vere;
grandchildren, Kyle M., Kathryn Jean, and Travis
George Vere.
 
Also surviving are 3 sisters, Catherine (Raymond)
Flynn of Brodhead, KY, Christine Newton, and Armeda
Newton, both of Irvine, KY; a brother, Thomas Gordon
(Eva) Sparks of Mt. Sterling, KY; numerous nieces and
nephews; and other loved ones including: Ruth and
Steve Dusseau, Marie Linehan, Rose Vaughn, and
Pastor Michael Vickers and his wife Sandy.
 
Eugenia was a dedicated Southern Baptist. She served
the church for over 70 years and was a member of
Bethel Baptist Church, Adrian. She served on the
Michigan State Board - Women's Missionary Union, was
a Sunday School teacher, and was head of the Girls
Auxiliary where she was able to touch many lives of
many young ladies in our community.
 
She was partner with Gaylord in businesses that
included a used car and trailer lot and real estate.
Their hobby was raising and racing standard bred race
horses.
 
Eugenia's favorite scripture was:
Matthew 6:20-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal:For where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also.
 
Eugenia loved and was loved by many people.
 
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday,
October 25, 2007 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1010 State
Street, Adrian, MI, with Rev. Michael Vickers
presiding. Interment will follow at Palmyra Cemetery,
Palmyra, MI. Following the committal service at the
cemetery, a funeral dinner in honor of Eugenia will
take place at Bethel Baptist Church, Adrian.
 
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at J.
Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian and from 9:30 a.m.
until time of funeral service Friday at Bethel Baptist
Church, Adrian.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist
Church, Adrian.
 
Condolences may be offered online at:
pursefuneralhome.com 

Barbara Swift Daykin
 
DATELINE: Belleville, MI
 
Barbara Swift Daykin, age 72, of Belleville, formerly
of Tecumseh, passed away October 23, 2007. Barbara
was born November 27, 1934 in Tecumseh, Michigan the
daughter of Russell and Ola (Swift) Hall.
 

On April 3, 1954 she married Douglas Daykin in
Tecumseh.

Barbara graduated from Tecumseh High School
in 1952 and went on to attend secretarial school. She
worked for Tecumseh Products and when she and her
husband relocated to Florida in 1980 she worked for
the Florida Department of Corrections.

She was a
member of the First Baptist Church of Tecumseh.
Besides her husband Douglas, she is survived by her
sons, Mark (Lauren) Daykin of Belleville and Terry
(Chris) Daykin of Belleville; daughter, Candice Daykin
of Texas and niece, Patricia Romanowicz of Michigan;
grandchildren, Amy Daykin, Terry Daykin, Jr., Cynthia
Daykin, Paris Daykin, and Charlie Keller; and 8 great
grandchildren.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters,
Betty May, Mary Pilbeam, and Bonnie Ernst and brothers
Doug and Richard Hall.
 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P. M. Saturday, October
27, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 - 8 P. M. Friday, October 26,
2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.
Condolences to the family can be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.


  

Russell Fahringer

DATELINE: ADRIAN
 
Russell Fahringer, age 76, of Adrian, died October 26,
2007.
 
He was born November 5, 1930, in Napoleon, OH, the son
of Francis and Freda (Dietrich) Fahringer.
On May 14, 1966 he married Betty L. Buck in Adrian,
MI. She survives.
 
Russell was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving during
the Korean Conflict. 
 
He enjoyed bowling and playing cards with family and
friends. 
 
He attended Daybreak Adult Day Services, Adrian.
 
In addition to his wife Betty, he is survived by four
daughters, Jody (Doug) Baird of Clinton, Cheryl (Ken)
Nix of Adrian, Tina (Mark) Logan of Adrian, and Laurie
Burkhardt; four grandchildren, Timothy Tracy, Michael
Tracy, Tiffany Logan, and Jakob Logan; sister,
Delores (Carl) Roe of Millbury, OH; and half sister
Margaret Burkhardt.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers,
Vernon and Cyrus; and a sister, Valerie.
 
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday
October 29, 2007 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Adrian, MI, with Pastor Ken Gilmore officiating. 
Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery,
Napoleon, OH, with military honors conducted by the
Ohio National Guard Military Honors Funeral Team.
 
Visitation will be from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday at J.
Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.
 
Condolences may be made to the family at:
pursefuneralhome.com

Mary Ann Dart Sipes
 
 

Adrian, MI
 
Mary Ann Dart Sipes, age 83, of Adrian, passed away
October 28, 2007. Mary Ann was born April 24, 1924 in
Sydney, Ohio the daughter of Harry and Leona (Brumm)
Allen. She married George E. Dart of Deerfield and he
preceded her in death in 1959. In 1966 she married
Harry Sipes, who also preceded her in death. Mary
Ann worked for Harvey Aluminum in Adrian for many
years.
 

Mary Ann is survived by her children, John Dart of
Texas, James (Georgia) Dart of Adrian, Patricia
(Jessie) Crouch of Texas, Barbara (Thomas) Grossbeck
of FL and Ruth (Michael) Bartholomew of MN; nine
grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.
Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her
parents; one sister and one son.
 

Funeral services will be 11:00 A. M. Friday, November
2, 2007 at the  J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian with the Rev.
Michael Dunson officiating. Burial will follow in
Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield. Visitation will be 5 -
8 P. M. Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the J. Gilbert
Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.

Memorial contributions
may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Provincial House.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com. 

Marjorie L. "Midge" Rohrback

DATELINE: BRITTON
 
Marjorie L. "Midge" Rohrback, age 88, formerly of
Britton, passed away, October 30, 2007 at Chelsea
Retirement Community.
 
at Chelsea Retirement Community. On July 4, 1919, she
was born in Riga, MI, the daughter of Ora and Mary
(Kirsch) Davis. She married Harold E. Rohrback on
July 17, 1937 in Angola, IN. He preceded her in death
on February 1991.
 
Midge was a lifelong member of Congregational
Christian Church, Britton. She was also an active
member of the Tecumseh Grange and local community.
 
Midge was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother,
and friend.
 
Midge is survived by four children, Beverly (Duane)
Robertson of Manchester, Cal (Janet) Rohrback of
Bellaire, Judy (Ronald) Mastie of North Port, FL, and
James B. Wood of Elizabeth City, NC;
11 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 2
sisters, Alice Doyle of Metamora, OH, Barbara Miller
of Berkey, OH.
 
In addition to her husband Harold, she was preceded in
death by, two sisters, Evelyn and Pat; a brother,
John "Jack"; daughter in law, Joan Wood; and a great
grandson, Kelin.
 
Memorial services will held 12:00 P.M. Saturday,
November 3, 2007 at Congregational Christian Church,
384 E. Chicago Blvd. Britton, MI, with Rev. Richard
Bruce officiating.
Visitation will also take place at the church on
Saturday from 10:30 A.M. until time of memorial
service.
Following the memorial service, everyone is invited to
attend a luncheon in Midge's honor.
 
For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made
to the Congregational Christian Church, Britton, any
hospice organization, or a charity of the donors
choice.
 
Arrangements by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh.
 
Condolences may be offered at: www.pursefuneralhome.com
  

Roselyn Grace Tait

DATELINE: FOWLERVILLE
 
Roselyn Grace Tait, age 70, of Fowlerville, died Nov.
1, 2007 at home under the  care of St. Joseph
Mercy Hospice, Howell.

At her request, cremation has
taken place. Arrangements by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral
Home, Adrian. 

Dorothy K. Staup

Roberta M. Opanowski
 
Tecumseh, MI
 
Roberta M. Opanowski, age 87, of Tecumseh, passed away
November 14, 2007 at Provincial House, Adrian.
Roberta was born January 13, 1920 in Doylestown, Ohio,
the daughter of Harrold and Catherine (Bloiver) Gifford.
 

Roberta was a member of the Milan Women of the Moose
Chapter 1087 and faithfully attended the Tecumseh
Gloria Dei Church before her illness.
 

Roberta is survived by her children, Roy (Cynthia)
Blaser and Betty Jennings, both of Tecumseh;
grandchildren, Donna J. (William) Myers of Tipton,
Janet (Richard) Rychener of Adrian, Pamela (Patrick)
Root of Missouri and Michelle (Timothy) Raymond of
Adrian; great grandchildren Natoshia Bauer, Nicole,
Kayleah and Trevor Myers, Jacob and Tyler Root,
Jessica and Tabitha Rychener, Christian
Jennings-Brown, and Coty and Michael Raymond.
 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold
Blaser and Edward Opanowski; parents; sister. Marion
and son in law, Frederick Jennings.
 

According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
 

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P. M. Friday,
November 27, 2007 at the Tipton Community
Congregational Church with Rev. John Deuble
officiating.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Condolences to
the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.
  

Shirley J. Meyer
 
DATELINE: Adrian, MI
 
Shirley J. Meyer, age 69, of Adrian, passed away November 17, 2007.
 

Shirley was born December 28, 1937 in Portland, CT,
the daughter of Anthony and Edith (Wineski) Milardo.
On October 25, 1958 she married Robert Meyer in Essex,
CT. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was employed as a secretary for many
years at various businesses in Lenawee County.
Shirley was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
in Tecumseh and active in their CCW. She also
enjoyed bowling, playing Bunko with her friends,
collecting cats and watching her plants grow.
 

Besides her husband, Robert, Shirley is survived by
children, Robert Meyer, Jr. (Kent Wieber) of Lansing
and Lori (Robert) Warren of Onsted; one granddaughter,
Amanda Warren; and her mother, Edith Milardo of
Tecumseh.
 

She was preceded in death by her father Anthony, and
brother David.
 

A mass of the Christian burial will be 11:00 A. M.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Catholic
Church, Tecumseh with Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler
officiating.

Burial will follow in BrooksideCemetery. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P. M.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and
one hour prior to the service.

A Scripture Service will be held at 7:30 P. M. Tuesday. Memorial
contributions may be made to the Helping Hands of St. Elizabeth Parish.

Arrangements are by the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.
  

Micaela Ramirez
 
Adrian, MI
 
Micaela Ramirez, age 69, of Adrian, passed away
November 20, 2007 unexpectedly in Ypsilanti, MI.

She was born June 29,
1938 in Matamoros, Mexico, the daughter of Eusebio and
Maria (Sauceda) Camacho. On May 10, 1969, she married
Emanuel Ramirez. He preceded her in death on August
16, 2006. Micaela was a member of Iglesia Bautista
Calvario, Adrian. She was a devout, Christian woman
who loved her children and family.
 

Micalea is survived by her children; Alma (Socorro
Lumbreras) Ramirez, Manuel (Tina) Ramirez, Baldomero
(Maria) Ramirez, Ana (Ruben) Carbajal, Irma (Jose)
Amaro, Martha (Victor) Coronado, and Roberto Ramirez;
23 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; two sisters
Maria Isabel Camacho and Martha Alicia Camacho; and
two brothers, Hipolito Camacho and Jesus Camacho.
In addition to her husband Emanuel, she was preceded
in death by parents, two daughters; Maria Virginia and
Martha Alicia; 2 brothers, Santiago & Gaudalupe; and
4 grandsons.
 

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday Nov.
23, 2007 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian,
with Rev. Adrian Lioi officiating. Interment will
follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park, Adrian.
Visitation will also take place on Friday from 11:00
a.m until time of funeral service at J. Gilbert Purse
Funeral Home, Adrian.
  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ward
in 1997; brother, Robert; and sister, Marion.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday,
November 29, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral
Home, Tecumseh, with Pastor Tom March officiating.
Interment will follow at Macon Cemetery, Macon Township.
 

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at J.
Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.
Memorial contributions may be made to R. J. Pasquale
Minstries for building churches abroad.

Condolences
to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com. 

Elsie M. Richardson-Thompson
 
Oklahoma City, OK
 
Elsie M. Richardson-Thompson, age 78 , of Oklahoma
City, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away November 22,
2007. Elsie was born May 15, 1929 in Biloxi, MS the
daughter of Allen and Suzy (Bounds) Brown. On March
12, 1948 she married Leon Richardson, Jr. He preceded
her in death on February 14, 1980.

Elsie was an
employee of Faraday, Inc. for 15 years.
Elsie is survived by Bob Thompson of Oklahoma City,
OK; her children, Leon (Janice) Richardson III of
Corona, CA, Sandra (Ben) Jones of Tecumseh, Wanda
Ruchti of Monterey, TN, Dennis Richardson of ElCajone,
CA, and Chris Chouinard of Albuquerque, N. M.;
grandchildren, Casey Richardson of Corona, CA,
Jennifer Richardson of Owings Mill, MD, Jeff (Teresa)
Kirkendall of Statesville, N. C., Shannon (Darryl)
Klinedinst of Tipton, MI, Carrie (Rick) Kroth of
Clinton, MI, Rex (Nellie) Flippo, Jr., of Adrian, MI,
Rochelle (Scott) Myers of Franklin, TN. April (Brian)
Rambo of Paducah, KY, and Bret Chouinard of
Albuquerque, N. M. and great grandchildren, Crystal
Klinedinst, Abigail and Lelaina Kroth, Luke and
Justice Myers, Brandie and Claudia Flippo, Macy
Davidson and Rayley Rambo.
 

Besides her husband Leon, Elsie was preceded in death
by her parents, Allen and Christine Brown; brothers,
James and Harrell Brown; sister Clarice Arceneaux and
twin brother and sister in infancy, Royce and Joyce
Brown
 

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday,
December 1, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Tecumseh with Pastor Richard Rogers officiating.
Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Clinton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.
  

"Sally" Minnie N. Smith

DATELINE: LAMBERTVILLE, MI
 
"Sally" Minnie N. Smith, age 92, of Heath, OH,
formerly of Lambertville, MI, died November 28, 2007
at Chapel Grove Inn Assisted Living, Heath, OH.
 
She was born January 3, 1915, in Bowling Green, OH,
the daughter of Jake and Marie Tavenier. She was
married to Ike Smith for 56 years and he preceded her
in death in 1987.
 
Sally is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Pat) Szozda
of Maumee, OH; son Carl (Barbara) Smith of Adrian, MI;
5 grandchildren, Kim (Greg) Everingham of Heath, OH,
Pam Tracy of Toledo, OH,
Kirk (Karen) Smith of Maumee, OH, Lisa Smith of
Rossford, OH, and Marc Smith of Adrian;
6 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren;
and her brother Al Tavenier of Cadillac, MI.
 
In addition to her husband Ike, she was preceded in
death by sisters, Mildred, Estelle, and Lela;
and a brother, Ollie.
 
Visitation will also take place Monday Dec. 3, 2007 at
J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian from
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
 
Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec.
3, 2007 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, with
Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating. Interment will follow
at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, Toledo, OH.
 
Condolences may be made to the family at: www.pursefuneralhome.com 

Harvey W. Miller, Sr.
 
Blissfield, MI
 
Harvey Miller, Sr., age 85, of Blissfield, passed away
November 30, 2007.

Harvey was born November 6, 1922
the son of William and Rachel (Goodwin) Miller. In
March of 1947 he married Hattie (Morse). She
survives. Harvey retired from Hoover Universal after
many years of service while also farming. He served
his country during World War II in the U. S. Army.
He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Tecumseh.
 

Besides his wife Hattie, Harvey is survived by his
children, Harvey Jr., Bruce (Joy), Patricia (Frank)
Maki, Marilyn Deer; sister Lydia Karl; 10
grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces
and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Evelyn
Miller and
Shirley Goll; parents; 2 brothers and 1 sister.
 

Funeral services will be 11:00 A. M. Friday, December
7, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian with Pastor
Philip Krieger officiating. Burial will follow in
Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield with military
honors conducted by the Blissfield American Legion
Post #325.

Visitation will be 4 - 8 P. M. Thursday,
December 6, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home,
Adrian.

Condolences to the family may be made,at www.pursefuneralhome.com. 

Lee J. Benedict
 
Britton, MI
 
Lee J. Benedict, age 71, of Britton, passed away
December 3, 2007 surrounded by his family.

Lee was born January 2,
1936 in Adrian, Michigan the son of Gerald and Opal
(Beal) Benedict. On October 2, 1954 he married
Marjory Bruce in Britton.

Lee was a 1954 graduate of
Britton Macon High School. He worked for Midwest
Bridge for 40 years and retired from Chie Construction
in 2000. He belonged to the Operating Engineers Local
#324 for over 50 years. Lee had a lifelong love of
farming and after retiring enjoyed attending his
grandchildren's sporting events and traveling to the
family cabin in Harrison, MI for snowmobiling with
family and friends.
 

Lee was an active member of the Britton
Congregational Christian Church.
 

Besides his wife, Marjory, Lee is survived by his
children, Debbie (Dennis) Shiels, Sheri (Mark)
Maschino, Tracy (Gary) Wonderly, Terry (Patty)
Benedict, Mike (Lori) Benedict, and Leslie (Craig)
Tanis; nineteen grandchildren; four great
grandchildren; brothers, Jerry (Donna) Benedict and
Neil Benedict; and brother in law, Rev. Richard (Donna) Bruce.
 

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and one
granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Wonderly.
 

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P. M. Friday, December
7, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh
with Rev. David Welcome and Rev. Richard Bruce
officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgeway Cemetery.
 

Visitation will be 6 - 8 Wednesday, December 5, 2007
and 4 - 8 P. M. Thursday, December 6, 2007 at the J.
Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com
 

William Hastings
 
Adrian, MI
 
William Hostings, age 65, of Flint, formerly of
Adrian and Tecumseh, passed away December 3, 2007.
William was born March 11, 1942 in Tecumseh, Michigan
the son of Herman and Doris (Viers) Hastings.
At the age of seven, he started attending the Michigan
School for the Deaf in Flint and graduated in June of
1960. After graduation, he returned to Adrian and
worked at Adrian Rack. Because of his love of Flint,
he returned in 1992 and worked there until his
retirement.

He was a member of the Berean Baptist
Church in Adrian.
 

William is survived by his parents, Herman and Doris;
sisters, Myra (Isaac) Orner and Starr (Charles)
Buffinger and numerous nieces and nephews.
 

Funeral services will be 1:00 P. M. Saturday, December
8, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian
with the Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating. Visitation
will be 3 - 8 P. M. Friday, December 7, 2007 at the
J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.

Condolences
to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com. 

John Joseph Baran
 
Tecumseh, MI
 
John Joseph Baran, age 86, of Tecumseh, passed away
December 4, 2007 surrounded by his loving family.
John was born April 4, 1921 in Taunton, MA the son of
Joseph and Tekla (Tabak) Baran. On May 31, 1969 he
married Irene King in Allen Park. She survives.

 He was a 1939 graduate of Coyle High School in Taunton,
MA.

He attended Notre Dame University, St. Edwards
University and Indiana State University where he
received his Master's Degree in education.

He was a Brother of the Order of the Holy Cross of Notre Dame.
He taught as a Brother from 1942 to 1968 at various
places throughout the United States. including
Boysville of Macon.

From 1968-1971 he taught at
Maurice Spear Campus, Adrian where he then became
Principal and Director for eighteen years. John was
an active member at St. Elizabeth church in Tecumseh.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served
in various capacities, including their prison
ministry.

 For over 20 years, John volunteered weekly
through St. Elizabeth and Herrick Hospital, making
regular visits to the ill and homebound. He
frequently was accompanied by the love of his life,
Irene.

In 1997 John and Irene were named county
volunteers of the year by the Lenawee United Way.
 

Besides his wife Irene, John is survived by his son,
Rick Baran; grandchildren Megan, Heather, Christopher,
and Alicia and daughter-in-laws Penny and Becky. Also
daughter in laws, Anita; and sons, Matthew and Mark
Baran and Judy and her daughters Debra and Sandra;
stepchildren, Jack and Peggy Barta and their children,
Jennifer, Jeffrey, Jonathan, Tina, and Ben; four
sisters and three brothers. John was a very loving,
nurturing, and devoted grandfather playing an active
role in their lives.
 

He was preceded in death by a son Jim in 2001; a
stepson Joseph Barta in 1998 and a sister Millie.
 

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be 11:00 A. M.
Monday, December 10, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Catholic
Church, Tecumseh with Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler
officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside
Cemetery.
 

Visitation will be 6 - 8 P. M. Saturday, December 8,
2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh
and 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P. M., Sunday, December 9, 2007
and one hour prior to the service Monday at St.
Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh. A rosary will
be held at 7:00 P. M. Sunday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's. the
Knights of Columbus or Hospice of Lenawee.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com

Donald M. Raymond
 
Tipton, MI
 
Donald Raymond, age 80, of Tipton, passed away
December 6, 2007. Donald was born April 27, 1927 in
Adrian, MI the son of William and Goldie (Watkins)
Raymond. He was married to Juanita Richardson. She
preceded him in death in 1971.

Donald was a World War II
Veteran serving in the U. S. Navy. He was employed
by Tecumseh Products, retiring in 1987 after 40 years
of service. Donald was a lifetime member of the
Tecumseh V, F. W. He enjoyed outdoor activities and
making people laugh.

Donald is survived by his long
time companion, Bernice Shadley; his children Larry
(Darlene), Garry, Vicki (George) Tripp, Beverly, and
Pam (Randy) Butler; 11 grandchildren; 11 great
grandchildren; sister, Doris Love; brothers, Charles
(Luana) and Carl.
Besides his wife Juanita, he was preceded in death by
his parents, daughter in law, Penny; brothers and
sisters.
 

A memorial service will be held 2:00 P. M. Monday,
December 10, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral
Hone, Tecumseh with Pastor Marge Host officiating. A
private family burial will follow at Franklin
Cemetery, Tipton. Visitation will be 3 - 7 P. M.
Sunday, December 9, 2007 at the J. Gilbert Purse
Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Memorial contributions may be
made to the American Lung Association. Condolences to
the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.