Obituaries

Aug 10, 2023

The world dimmed on August 10, 2023, as Janice Kay Vedrode, journeyed onward at the age of 63 after a brief, fierce, and courageous battle with cancer. Born Janice Kay Thorington in Saginaw, MI, on March 30, 1960, Janice embodied unconditional love, compassion, and authenticity throughout her life. She shared with the world an infectious smile, radiant energy, a...

Aug 9, 2023

Patrick Reginald Kelly, 70, of Gladwin, MI, passed away on August 9, 2023. He was born on June 20, 1953 in Mount Clemens, MI, the son of Ormond and Helen (Jones) Kelly. Patrick was a proud graduate of the Howe Military School. He also had a love for old muscle cars.

Left to cherish his memory are...

Aug 5, 2023

Linda Best. 69, of Beaverton, passed away on August 5, 2023. A full obituary will be posted when complete.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hall-kokotovichfuneralhome.com

Aug 5, 2023

Larry Raymond Goedecke Sr. passed away on the morning of August 5, 2023, in Midland, Michigan, at the age of 75.

He was born in Tawas City, Michigan, on February 15, 1948, to Harold George Goedecke and Florence Elizabeth Goedecke, née Mowbray. He married Jeanne Lynn Kuch on July 31, 1971, at Zion Lutheran Church in Beaver...

Aug 4, 2023

Jerry Smith, 85, of Gladwin, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Gladwin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 29, 1938, the son of David and Dorothy (Goheen) Smith in Gladwin. On December 20, 1959, he was united in marriage to Betty Schuler. She preceded him in death in 2017. He worked for Eckerly...

Aug 1, 2023

Eric Hillman, 74, of Beaverton, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. He was born on December 4, 1948, the son of Guy and Janice (Linton) Hillman. Eric was united in marriage to the love of his life, Peggy Greynolds, on May 8, 1971, at the Beaverton Church of the Brethren. He was a part of the National Guard...

Jul 30, 2023

Nora Ruth Searfoss-Thorpe, 79, of Beaverton, passed away on July 30, 2023. She was born in Detroit on February 28, 1944, the daughter of Leeland and Ruth (Doherty) Walton. She married Glen Searfoss in November of 1963 and took care of their children: Jerry, Rick, and Glenda together before later divorcing Glen. She was then united in marriage to...

Jul 30, 2023

Arthur M. Chastain Jr. , 80, of Beaverton, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. He was born on August 14, 1942, the son of Arthur Sr. and Mary Gibbs in Clarden, Arkansas. He was united in marriage to Judy Davis. They shared many wonderful years together. He owned and operated his own truck driving company until his retirement....

Jul 28, 2023

Linda Ellis, 73, of Gladwin, MI, passed away on July 28, 2023 after a long illness. She was born on June 22, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Clifford and Josephine (Diffin) Boman. She worked as a child and eldercare provider and as a bartender. She loved road trips, the beach, Secord Lake, Jimmy Buffet, morel hunting, and...

Jul 27, 2023

James A. French, 84, of Beaverton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 27, 2023. He was born in Beaverton, in his family home, on March 20, 1939, the son of Herbert and Linnie (née Smith) French. Jim and his wife of 64 years, Sharon (née Kalahar), instilled in their four children the values that...

Jul 27, 2023

Richard Trueblood, 83, of Gladwin passed away on July 27, 2023. He was born on July 29, 1939, the son of Harry Trueblood and Vera Clounch. Richard married the love of his life Donna Reeves and they share 61 years of memories together. Richard was very active; he loved to golf, bowl, and workout. He also enjoyed working in...

Jul 27, 2023

Cynthia Diane Cuddie, 67, of Gladwin, MI, passed away on July 27, 2023, She was born on February 5, 1956, the daughter of Robert Sr. and Edith (Rawson) Matthews in Harrison, MI. On June 22, 1974 she married her husband of 49 years, Gerald Cuddie, at Skeels Baptist Church. She worked at Pizza Hut for over 25 years and...

Jul 26, 2023

Ashley Bard and Nathan “Nate” Bock of Beaverton passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2023. Ashley was born on December 6, 1989, the daughter of Danny (Lisa) Bard and Holly (Fred) Dell. Nate was born on June 1, 1981, the son of Kim and Jackie (Huntley) Bock. They were engaged to be married on August 3, 2024. Ashley was...

Jul 21, 2023

Janet Rudy, 67, of Gladwin passed away on July 21, 2023, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on November 24, 1955, the daughter of John and Maggie (VanHorn) Swanstra. She was united in marriage to August Rudy on November 7, 1987. He preceded her in death. Janet was patient, kind and caring. She loved her...

Jul 21, 2023

Laura L. Peters, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, 2023. Laura was born on March 29, 1936, to the late Charles and Mary (Pearl) VanDeVyvere in Linwood, Michigan. Laura married Donald C. LeVasseur (son of Marjorie and Maxim LeVasseur) on July 2, 1955, and together they had eight children.

Laura had a strong work...

Jul 18, 2023

Ann Myers, 70, of Gladwin, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. She was born on May 29, 1953, the daughter of John and Dolores (Harbor) Shaffer in Midland. On March 10, 1972, she was united in marriage to Gary Myers. Together they shared 51 years of marriage. Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest accomplishment...

Jul 18, 2023

Joanne Remmert, 60, of Harrison, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. She was born on November 26, 1962, the daughter of Robert and Betty Gary in Gladwin. On July 31, 1987, she was united in marriage to Ronald Remmert in Gladwin. They shared 35 years of marriage together. She enjoyed reading, sewing, watching T.V. and living life with...

Jul 16, 2023

Charles "Chuck" Bennett, a dedicated farmer and beloved family man, passed away on July 16, 2023, at the age of 63. Born on January 16, 1960, he was the son of, and preceded in death by, Charles and Marie (Longstreth) Bennett. Chuck married the love of his life, Diana Hover, on September 26, 1981. Together, they shared a beautiful...

Jul 14, 2023

In loving memory of Helen Louise Highley, 72, of Beaverton, who passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023. She was born on October 22, 1950 in Mansfield, Ohio, the daughter of James Lloyd Highley Sr. and Ethel Mae Highley (Kendall). She grew up in Mount Pleasant, MI and worked as a direct care worker and program director. Later in...

Jul 9, 2023

Allan Lee Nearing, 69, of Gladwin, MI, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born on November 8, 1953 in Gladwin, the son of Wayne and Luella (Marrs) Nearing. He worked for Butman Township along with several other factory jobs over the years. He spent 32 years with his life partner Mary Jo Hillman sharing many memories together...