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Reservations made for Alumni Banquet 2021
Lynette Smith Mulkey
Willis Brewer
Nancy Sheick Burt
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Chester Surline, Supt.
Hollis Miner, Principal
Ronald Behrens, Class President
Robert DeMatio, Class Sponsor
* * * * * *
Doug Piar
Douglas Piar Obituary
Here is Douglas Piar's obituary. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Douglas Piar of Montrose, Michigan, who passed away on March 16,
2021, at the age of 87, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share
it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Douglas Piar or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral
service.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 20th 2021 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation
Center (6063 Fenton Rd, Grand Blanc Twp, MI 48507).
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Clyde Henry Partlo
Clyde Partlo Age 85, passed away January 28, 2020. He was born July 6, 1934, in Rose City, Michigan, to Lawrence and
Leatha Partlo. Clyde was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the U.S. Postal
Service as an electronics technician from 1964 to 1990, then worked at Dart Container for 10 years. He enjoyed playing with
his grandchildren, golf and bowling, which he did until two years ago.
Surviving are: his wife of 61 years, Margaret; daughter, Mary-Jo VanSickle of Somerset, OH; sons, William (Edith) Partlo
and Ronald (Cynthia) Partlo; daughter-in-law, Sherry Partlo; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Gary, Melissa, Erika, Jillian,
Heather, Shane and Justin; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, Peter Partlo; son-in-law, Jeffrey
VanSickle; and nine siblings.
Richard N. Sirmeyer
Died Sept. 7, 2019
Richard Norman Sirmeyer, 86, passed away Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at the Villa at Rose City.
He was born Feb. 12, 1933, in West Branch. His loving parents were Edward and Marie (Meir) Sirmeyer. Dick lived in St.
Helen for the past 10 years, formerly of Clear Lake and Waterford. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the St.
Helen Catholic Church and former member at the St. Perpetua Catholic Church in Waterford. He also was a member of the Knights
of Columbus 8390 in St. Helen and American Legion Post 416, and was a retiree with the UAW Local 653. Dick worked at Pontiac
Motors, as a supervisor, from 1965-1988. In his younger years, he worked at the West Branch Refinery, was a mail carrier and
worked at Coca-Cola as a delivery driver. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, and loved fast cars and trucks, boating,
wildlife and nature. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dick is survived by his daughters, Marieanne (Raymond) Buchanan of Lake Orion and Theresa (Dan “Dutch”)
Korbijn of St. Helen; grandchildren, Christine (Jayson) Pinkerman of Hilliard, Ohio, Brian (Danielle) Buchanan of Oxford,
Jayce (Meighan) Ralph of Waterford, Kristin (Jerry) Twigg of Livonia and Kory (Earl) Brown of Detroit; great-grandchildren,
Zachary, Jacob, Samuel, Anastasia, Dylan, Elizabeth, Mason, Austin, Ellery Grace, Kelly and Julia; brother, Thomas (Anne)
Sirmeyer of Nashville, Tenn.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hedwig; daughter, Ruth Ann Mallett; and granddaughter, Shawna Mallett.
Carolyn (Abbs) Rice, 84, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at Bridges Memory Care in Sudbury, Mass., after battling
Alzheimers disease.
Carolyn was born June 22, 1934, to Hilda (Davis) Abbs and Clifford Abbs in Bay City. She grew up in West Branch, where
her early years included horseback riding, time at Abbs Hardware and meals at the Model Restaurant. After graduating from
West Branch High School in 1952, she attended Michigan State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education.
She married Gerald Richard, Dick Rice of Rose City on Aug. 17, 1958, in West Branch. Dick's career took them to Morristown,
N.J., Farmington Hills, Saginaw, Clinton, N.J., Clarkston and Midland. Carolyn's teaching career spanned their relocations
and included many years at Southfield Lathrup High School in the 60s and 70s. During that time she earned her master's degree
in education from the University of Michigan. Dick and Carolyn retired to West Branch in the late &0's.
Carolyn was an amazingly devoted and loving grandmother, spending much of her time visiting her daughter Sandy and her
family out east in Massachusetts. They were dedicated MSU football fans, holding season tickets for many years. Preparations
for their elaborate game day tailgates started midweek and many were welcomed to join in the festivities. Carolyn was active
in her communities through the years, especially the West Branch High School Alumni Association and the Trinity Episcopal
Church. She was a strong, vivacious woman who always worked with unparalleled energy and dedication.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Rob) Freund; and her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Cliff and Evelyn of Concord,
Mass.
Angela D.(Sheick) Arnold, 82, class of 1952 West Branch High School, of Houston died Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, in her home following
a lengthy illness.
She was born May 2, 1935, in Flint, a daughter of John Sheick and Ruth Elizabeth Sheick Tanner. Angela was a 1952 graduate
of West Branch High School in West Branch. She went on to earn a degree in accounting from Baker University in Flint.
She is survived by her husband, Robert S. Arnold; three children, Ruth May (Tony) Zarger of Rochester Hills, Shirley (David)
White of Boomer, N.C., and Robert (Kim) Arnold of Chartiers Township; seven grandchildren, Jonathan and Rachael Zarger, Joshua
White, Emily White Shumate, Daja Durkacs, and Shannon and Austin Arnold; four great-grandchildren, Alexis, Addison and Maddox
Durkacs, and Dexter Demian; two sisters, Nancy (Bill) Burt of St. Clair, Mo., and Linda Stowell of South Lyon; and many nieces
and nephews.
Deceased in addition to her parents are three sisters, Carol Schuhmacher, Sharon Bunting and Arlene Smith; and her stepfather,
Lawrence T. Tanner.
Services were held Dec. 5, 2017, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.
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BYRON, Helen Ann Molloy 82, of Sonoita, AZ, left this world too soon on September 25, 2017, just short of her 83rd birthday,
following a brief and unexpected illness. Ann, as she was widely known, was born to parents, Helen and Joseph Molloy of West
Branch, MI. Spending her girlhood there, she attended West Branch High School and Michigan State University, attaining a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Following her career as an elementary school teacher, she enjoyed her passions: books,
dogs, horses and jewelry. Many will remember her as an ardent supporter and purveyor of Native American art and culture, being
the owner and founder of Many Horses Trading Co. in Sonoita, AZ. In addition to her parents, Ann was predeceased by her first
husband, Thomas C. Hurkett; grandson, Hayden T. Hurkett; stepson, Bill Byron. Survivors include her husband and friend of
41 years, Don Byron; children, Shannon Dwyer (John); Erin Bigford (Guy); Thomas Hurkett (Joan) and Daniel Byron and her grandchildren,
Casey Dwyer, Daniel Byron Jr.; Colin Hurkett; Regan Hurkett and Sage Bigford. A gathering of family, friends and community
will celebrate this tremendous woman's life on Friday, September 29, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Many Horses Trading
Co., 3266 Highway 82 in Sonoita, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Horse'n Around Rescue Ranch Foundation,
Inc. , PO Box 698 Hereford, AZ 85615.
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Frances May Zimmer Brown, 84, passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City.
Frances was born Oct. 3, 1932, in West Branch to Harry and Marjorie (Osborne) Zimmer. She was married to Frank H. Brown
and they lived in Lexington, and when he passed in 1982 she moved back to West Branch. Frances was a member of the Secord
Lake Eagles, and the American Legion Auxiliary of Northville. She also served as vice president on the Indian Education Croswell/Lexington
School Board for many years. In her free time she enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and poker; she also enjoyed bingo,
camping and spending time with her family.
Frances is survived by her children, Randy Brown of Decker, Ricky (Carol) Brown of Applegate, Judy O’Loane of
West Branch, Kirk (Linda) Brown of Croswell and Douglas (Aaron) Brown of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She has 22 grandchildren and
32 great-grandchildren whom she adored. She also leaves behind a sister, Cora (Harold) Terry of West Branch; and brother,
Edward Zimmer of West Branch; along with many many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; and her three children, Ronald Brown, Frank Brown and Janet
Johnson.
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Barbara J. Fitzgerald Lally, 83, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017 peacefully at her bedside surrounded by family. Barb
was born on July 20, 1934 in Flint, Michigan. She is predeceased by her Mother, Helen Besant Fitzgerald and Father and Stepmother,
Howard and Glendora Fitzgerald; Brothers, Patrick Fitzgerald and William McCracken. She was married to her high school sweetheart
and the love of her life for 60 years, F. Robert (Bob) Lally who predeceased her in 2013. Her beautiful life will forever
be cherished in the lives of her children: Bethany (Mark) Miller, Luanne (Randy) Mehelich, Michael (Amanda) Lally and Laurie
(Jerry) Thompson, nine Grandchildren and nine Great Grandchildren. Also survived by her Sister, Shirley (Tom) Sauve, Brother,
Terry Fitzgerald, aunts and uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Barb was a homemaker with many talents.
She loved to sew, cook, enjoyed reading and playing cards in which she earned her Masters in Bridge. She always sacrificed
her needs for the good of her family. She was always supportive, encouraging, wise and kind. A special thank you to Summit
Park Estates, Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice, Dr. Lynn VanWagnen and Staff for such loving care.
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Patricia Lorraine “Tetta” LaFountain, age 83 of Lupton, passed away Friday,
August 26, 2016 at her home. Patricia was born June 25, 1933 to Walter and Anna Reilly in Lupton, MI. She married Keith
LaFountain on June 21, 1952 in West Branch. Patricia had lived in Lupton since 1979, formerly of Mt. Clemens, MI. She attended
Churchill United Methodist Church. Patricia enjoyed dancing and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.
Patricia
is survived by her loving husband…
of 64 years, Keith LaFountain of Lupton, daughters, Rebecca (John) Bennett of Prescott, Brenda (Louie) Gigliotti of Clinton
Twp., Jodi Hart of Byron Center, grandchildren, Brooke (Gary) Nelson, Matthew (Jessica) Bennett, Lauren Gigliotti, Devon Gigliotti,
Keith Hart, Mitchell Hart, great-grandchildren, Trace Collins, Tessa Collins, and Case Bennett. Also surviving are sisters,
Anna Mae Illig of Standish and Janet Yvonne “Bonnie” (Dalton) Wiltse of Lupton. She is preceded in death by parents,
Walter and Anna Reilly, sister, Ella McPherson, brothers, Al Reilly, Walter Reilly Jr., Robert Reilly, and Henry Reilly.
Obituary for John Frank Artman
John Frank Artman, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, MI. He lived in West
Branch, MI for most of his life. John was born on December 19, 1934 to Frank and Helen (Diekman) Artman in Detroit, MI.
On June 8, 1963, he married Billie Lindfors in Saginaw, MI. John served in the United States Marine Corps and was a volunteer
firefighter for over 30 years with the West Branch Fire Department. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a member… of the K of C Council #2022.
John earned a Master’s Degree in Education at Michigan State University. He was a teacher, retiring after 34 years.
He enjoyed coaching basketball and football, golfing, camping, and was a carpenter in the summer months.
John is survived
by his loving wife of 52 years, Billie Artman of West Branch, MI; sons, Curtis (Renee) Artman of West Branch, MI and Matt
Artman of West Branch, MI; daughter, Kelly (Kevin) Nicholl of West Branch, MI; and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Shannon, Sean,
and Nathan. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen, and sister, Eileen.
Mel Matthews Died December 20, 2014
Obituary for Melbourne Edward Matthews
Melbourne Edward Matthews age 80, of West Branch, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Mary’s of Michigan
Hospital in Saginaw. Melbourne was born December 29, 1933 in West Branch, the son of Herbert and Lovina Matthews. He married
Peggy Marie Arrington on July 23, 1960 at Charlotte Court House, VA. Melbourne had
lived in West Branch all his life and graduated from West Branch High School with the class of 1952. He served 4 years in
the U.S. Navy, and spoke fondly of his time in the service. Melbourne was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. … He enjoyed farming, cutting wood,
wood carving, gardening, fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.
Melbourne is survived by his loving wife
of 54 years, Peggy Matthews of West Branch, son, Mark (Tamra) Matthews of Sanford, son, Daniel (Pamela) Matthews of Alger,
son, Burt (Dana) Matthews of Alger, grandchildren, Andrea (Trevor) Hull, Jonathan Matthews, Heather (Adam) Myers, Bill (Becky)
Briggs, Amelia Matthews, Maisy Matthews, Quinn Matthews and 7 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is sister, Corinne (Paul)
Bertram of Perrinton, MI. He is preceded in death by parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.
Visitation at the Steuernol
& McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Monday, December 22, 2014 from 3-8 PM. Melbourne will lie in state at
Calvary Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Tom Teall will
officiate. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery. ****
Virginia Dawn Storey Robbins
July 19, 1934-October 3, 2013
Virginia “Dawn” Robbins, age 79 of Alger, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2013 at
West Branch Regional Medical Center.
Virginia had lived in Alger since 2005, formerly of Detroit, Flint and Davison. She was a member of the Chapel
of the Lake Church and she enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and being with her family.
Virginia is survived by her brothers Albert (Judy) Robbins of Saginaw, Ronald Robbins of Waterford and Rodwin
(Lora) Storey of Flint, her sisters Sharon Eisbrenner of Warren and Cris Dudock of Prescott and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces
and nephews and her special niece Wendy Jo James. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Laura Mae, her stepfather
Harry Storey, her sisters Gayla, Judy and Bonnie Jo, her brothers Byron “Buddy” Robbins and Ronald Storey and
a step-sister Barbara.
****
Margaret Wangler Dings
(August 24, 1932 - May 16, 2013)
Margaret Dings, age 80 of West Branch, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Bortz Health Care of Rose City.
Margaret was born in West Branch on August 24, 1932 to Clyde and Dorothy (Glenn) Wangler. She had lived in West Branch for
all of her life.
Margaret raised and sold strawberries and rhubarb for many years on her Peach Lake Farm. She enjoyed
fishing, softball, hunting and spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Margaret is survived by her four daughters, Judy Dings (Daniel Stachowiak) of Saginaw, Peggy (Larry) Greer of West Branch,
Bonnie (Olen) Clemens of Arlington Virginia and Janet Dings of West Branch, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and her
brother Glenn Wangler. She was preceded in death by her husband William Dings in 1987, her parents and her brother Buster
Wangler.
Shirley Spencer White, class of 1952 West
Branch High School, died October 8, 2012
Shirley Olive Spencer White, 78, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2012
at her home in Charlotte, MI. She was born on August 3, 1934 to Sidney and Viola (Stevenson) Spencer in West Branch, Michigan.
Shirley graduated high school in West Branch and earned an Associates Degree in Business. She worked as a secretary for MSU,
and also as a teller and a loan officer at the local bank in West Branch. On November 30, 1957, she married Fred White and
together they raised 1 son and 2 daughters.
Shirley and her husband were members of the Community of Christ Church in West Branch. They were kind
and caring couple who were instrumental in developing the Christmas House, an organization that collected and donated items
to the less fortunate for Christmas. This event continued in the community for over 30 years and is still active today. Shirley
was a loving person, humbly giving of herself. She loved traveling with her family; scrapbooking books of memories for her
grandchildren; photography; cake decorating, and the grandchildren''s activities.
Shirley is survived by her 2 daughters, Leslie (Marten) Garn and Tracy (Randall) Carlson both of Charlotte,
MI; son Alan (Cammi) White of Williamston; sisters Dawn Kennedy of St. Helen and Nancy (LeRoy) Prentice of West Branch, MI;
and 9 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; husband Frederick; brothers Lyle, Gary and Dale and sister Dorothy
Spencer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saints Church of Jesus Christ, Church Youth Fund.
**********
Corrine Rose (Belanger) Good, age 99 years and 8 months, peacefully passed
away on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at her home with her children by her side.
Corrine was born in Prescott, MI to Fred and Bernice (Pierce) Belanger on November 17, 1910. She married her childhood
sweetheart Wilbur Stover Good on June 8, 1929. Wilbur’s father, Rev. W.H. Good, united them in marriage at the family
home. Corrine was a lifelong member of The Zion Church of the Brethren.
Corrine displayed unwavering faith, strength and grace throughout her lifetime, which gave her profound peace. Her smile
and warmth lit up a room. She never lost her sense of humor and wanted to pass that quality onto her loved ones. Her one desire
for her family is that they learn to have the faith in God, which sustained her.
Kindness, concern and willingness were shown by Corrine to help all who came into her life….an opportunity never
passed her by. God blessed her with talent and creativity as she fashioned countless items for those with cancer, the homeless,
nursing homes, Hospice, Department of Social Services, the Pregnancy Resource Center and Veterans of the United States.
We must share…at the young age of 97 years, our mother was “fingerprinted” and awarded a certificate
of completion from Heartland Hospice.
Corrine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wilbur, infant daughter Mildred, son Dale, grandson Ronnie and his
wife Denise Kunze, granddaughter Linda Kunze, sister’s Louise Hook and Emelda Snell.
Surviving are her four children; Wilbur A. and Reta Good, Geraldine Good Hover, Joyce Strobel Good, Henry and Nancy Good,
Larry and Sally Good Brindley. 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren,
11 step great-grandchildren, 1 step great-great grandchild. Also surviving is her brother and sister in law, Jack and Patty
Belanger, sister in law Kay Belanger and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Per Corrine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Friday August 6, 2010 at the
Zion Church of the Brethren (about 13 miles east of West Branch on M-55). Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the service
following at 2:00 p.m.
In memory of Corrine, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Zion Church of the Brethren.
The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to our mother’s nurse Pat Beasley, her caregiver Marge Peters and
to all the Heartland Hospice staff.
Glenda and Charles (Chuck) Laser 40th Anniversary *********
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