Obituaries

Christina F. Fox

Christina F. Fox

Mar 15, 2025

Christina Battin was born July 14, 1967. She grew up in Defiance, Ohio, where she graduated from Fairview High School. Soon after she moved to Florida, where she became Christina Fox. She had two daughters, Samantha and Jenny. Later she became a proud grandmother of 4 grandsons.

She loved doing household crafts, listening to music and being with family. If anyone...

James D. Bevins

James D. Bevins

Mar 6, 2025

James Donald Bevins passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 6, 2025, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

He was born February 10, 1951, to John R. and Louise (Salyers) Bevins in Paintsville, Kentucky. Jim was a giving son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather who touched the hearts of so many who knew him....

Kal C. Lovett

Kal C. Lovett

Mar 6, 2025

Kal C. Lovett,  born on August 27, 1956, in Plainwell, Michigan, peacefully passed away at his home in Otsego on March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Kal was the son of David and Starr (Chrisman) Lovett. A graduate of Otsego High School in 1974, Kal continued his education at Michigan Tech, where he laid the foundation for a successful...

Walker C. Toddy Jr.

Walker C. Toddy Jr.

Mar 5, 2025

Walker Conley Toddy Jr., 64, of Trumann, Arkansas, passed away on March 5, 2025. 

A man of unwavering loyalty, quick wit, and a heart full of love, Walker left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A proud Marine Corps veteran, Walker served his country with dedication for 20 years. His strong work ethic and commitment...

Mary M. Zack

Mary M. Zack

Mar 1, 2025

“A life dedicated to fighting for others. Her legacy lives on in every heart she touched.”

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Margaret Zack, who left us peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 43 years old. 

To know Mary was to love her. From her infectious smile to her lively spirit, she...

Michael L. VanSparrentak

Michael L. VanSparrentak

Mar 1, 2025

Michael L. VanSparrentak, affectionately known as Mike, passed away on March 1, 2025, at the age of 71 in Grand Rapids. 

Born on August 20, 1953, in Kalamazoo, he was the son of Henry "Hank" and Juanita (Holmes) VanSparrentak, both of whom have preceded him in death. Mike dedicated an impressive 42 years of his life to Van’s Auto Repair, where...

Gertrude A. Hoekstra

Gertrude A. Hoekstra

Feb 27, 2025

Gertrude passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at Wyoming Woods in Wyoming. 

Born on November 15, 1933, in Martin, she was the daughter of Sierd and Grace (Van Dyke) Hoekstra. Gertrude’s career spanned nearly half a century at Mead Paper, where she worked diligently until her retirement in 1997 at the age of 64. Throughout her life, she exemplified hard...

Kathleen D. Adrianson

Kathleen D. Adrianson

Feb 26, 2025

Kathy, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at the Alamo Cove Nursing Home.

She was born on March 14, 1941, in Martin Township to Frank and Claressa (Williams) Bowen. Throughout her life, Kathy dedicated herself to her family and her work. She had a compassionate spirit that led her to serve in several area...

Gloria J. Holden

Gloria J. Holden

Feb 24, 2025

It is with very heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gloria Jeanne (Ellis) Holden on February 24th, 2025. 

Gloria was born March 7th, 1952, in Grand Junction to Al and Ella (Gile) Ellis, being the 5th of 7 children. She was lovingly known as Jeannie to her family and friends. Jeannie was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and...

Barbara M. Witkoske

Barbara M. Witkoske

Feb 20, 2025

Barbara M. Witkoske, lovingly known as Barb, passed away on February 20, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

Born on June 24, 1940, in St. Clair, the daughter of Henry and Marion (Schmidt) Schneider, Barb lived a life rich in family, career, and community. She graduated from Midland High School and attended Michigan State University. After dedicating over 20 years to...

David E. Kling

David E. Kling

Feb 15, 2025

David passed away, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. 

He was born May 8, 1951, in Kalamazoo, the son of Arthur “Art” and Loretta (Brewster) Kling. David graduated from Otsego High School in 1969 and attended Kalamazoo Community College and Western Michigan University. 

As a young man David participated in 4-H. He was known for being creative with his...

William E. Sutton

William E. Sutton

Feb 14, 2025

William Edward Sutton, affectionately known as Bill, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at Kauhale in Otsego, surrounded by his loving family.

 He was born in Comstock on June 24, 1931, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Hartman) Sutton. For 40 years Bill worked at James River until his retirement in 1993. 

Bill liked being outdoors and working in his garden. He...

Jerry Buell

Jerry Buell

Feb 14, 2025

Jerry Buell, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Grand Rapids. 

He was born on February 27, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, to Virgil and Phyllis (Elkins) Buell. Jerry dedicated 30 years of his life to Overhead Door in Grand Rapids, where he found fulfillment in his work until his retirement in 2023. 

Throughout his life, Jerry...

JoAnn B. VanderBorgh

JoAnn B. VanderBorgh

Feb 12, 2025

JoAnn Barton VanderBorgh, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on February 12, 2025, at the age of 88. Born October 14, 1936, in Otsego to Charles and Josephine (Deurloo) Barton, JoAnn's life was a testament to love, creativity, and generosity. 

She was known for her vibrant spirit and her house motto, “there...

Sandra J. Massin

Sandra J. Massin

Feb 11, 2025

Sandy passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Life Care Center in Plainwell. 

She was born in Grand Rapids on December 11, 1946, the daughter of James and Josiena (Thomasunas) Goodwin. Sandy worked at Wegmans Printing in Grand Rapids and for Hope Network. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, doing crossword puzzles, coloring, art projects and taking...

Joseph B. Channells

Joseph B. Channells

Jan 28, 2025

Joseph Bart Channells passed away unexpectedly January 28, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

 Joe was born on April 12, 1960, in Plainwell, MI to George and Pauline (Troff) Channells. As one of five kids Joe grew up in Martin, MI, where he learned to love animals, hunt, fish, and survive three older siblings. 

 Upon graduating from Martin High School, Joe briefly attended...

Margaret L. Powers

Margaret L. Powers

Jan 27, 2025

Maggie passed away, Monday, January 27, 2025, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born October 19, 1933, in Otsego, the daughter of Ervin and Frances (Cool) Pion. Maggie was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk and dancing. She liked spending time with her neighbor Jane, camping with her husband and traveling. 

A sports...

Daniel S. Andress Jr.

Daniel S. Andress Jr.

Jan 25, 2025

Daniel passed away, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at U of M Health West. 

He was born on July 2, 2005, in Kalamazoo, the son of Daniel and Christina (Layton) Andress. Daniel graduated in 2024 from Otsego High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and was on the wrestling team. Daniel was a hard worker and worked in construction for several area...

Walter F. Brazee

Walter F. Brazee

Jan 19, 2025

Walt passed away, Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Butterfly Oasis in Kalamazoo. 

He was born May 28, 1945, the son of Otis and Katherine (Fuller) Brazee. Walt graduated from Otsego High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1971. He worked at Gibson Guitar and was a pipefitter and fireman for Upjohn until...

Dale R. Ruth Sr.

Dale R. Ruth Sr.

Jan 18, 2025

Dale passed away, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

He was born November 6, 1958, in Bad Axe, the son of Francis and Lucy (Yax) Ruth. In 1981 Dale began working for the family business, Fairhaven Wood Harvesting, as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver until 2004. He went on to work at Kalamazoo Metal Recycling until...