Phyllis Elaine Reetz Rice
Phyllis Elaine (Reetz) Rice passed peacefully March 15, 2021. She was born March 29, 1951 to Walter and Barbara (Orm)
Reetz.
Phyllis married Eldon Stanley Rice, Sr. on March 10, 1973.
In her youth, Phyllis loved anything to do with horses. She wasn’t one for small talk or other people’s
drama. She was funny and wicked smart. She also liked playing bingo and visiting with friends.
She is survived by her children; Eldon Rice II of Bay City, Jason Rice of Georgia, and Heidi Rice of Ohio; sisters; Nancy
(Dennis) Goff of Lake City, Ellen “Micky” (Reid) Rosebrugh, and Kathleen Hart of West Branch; brothers;
Steve (Rita) Reetz of West Branch, Mark (Patti) Reetz of Grayling, Andrew Reetz of Lupton, and Tony (Heather) Reetz of Kalamazoo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Barbara Reetz; husband Eldon Rice, Sr.; daughter Melissa Rice; and
brothers Leonard, Christopher, Edward, and Kevin Reetz.
***********************************************************************
Kay Hammond Salazar
Obituary
Kay Salazar, native of West Branch, formerly of Lake Odessa, MI, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of
January 17, 2021 at MidMichigan Medical Center in West Branch.
Kay was born in West Branch, MI on February 21, 1950 to Jack and Dorothy Hammond. She graduated from West Branch High
School in 1968 and attended Central Michigan University. She worked many years at Taylor Door in West Branch and then for
the State of Michigan as an MIOSHA supervisor in the Lansing area. She was very involved in her community in many capacities.
She was an avid union member, holding a president position, worked with Special Olympics for many years, served on the Clear
Lake Property Owners Association as the Miller Drive Representative, served on the board at Holy Family Catholic Church Parish,
and made many beautiful prayer shawls for fellow parishioners. She worked with the West Branch High School Alumni Association
and was very involved in planning their yearly alumni banquet. She was an excellent cook and loved to cook for a crowd. Kay
was the foster mother of a child in Mexico. She was very thoughtful and made numerous beautiful hand-crocheted afghans and
other gifts for family and friends, never missing a birthday or special holiday. She loved to read, bowl and was an animal
lover. She leaves behind a very special rescue cat, Mika.
Kay is survived by her daughters, Amy (Steve) Cleland and Kellie Salazar; grandchildren, Jose, Xavier, Gabriel, Gehenna,
Julian, and Amaya; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Romana and Raul Aguilar, Margo Salazar, Calla Salazar, Bacilio and
Inga Salazar, Johnny Salazar, Barney Salazar, Paul Salazar, Quireno and Lupe Salazar, Felice and Fred Vasquez, Sofia and Sal
Rodriguez, Gloria and Roy Valdez, Adelina and Larry Schaneck, Marcos Salazar, and Bruna Salazar; cousins, Dave and Nancy Rosevear
and Ed and Brandy Wackerman; nieces and nephews, two very close friends, Jane Salazar-Fisher and Mike Lambert. She married
Domingo Salazar, the love of her life, on May 15, 1999 and he precedes her in death along with her parents and in-laws, Josephine
Salazar, Mario Salazar, Norma Salazar and Linda Salazar.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 4:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. The funeral mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in West Branch will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 12:00
p.m. Deacon Glen Painter will officiate. A graveside service will be held at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa, MI on Saturday,
January 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to Area 4 Special Olympics or Holy Family Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held with precautions, due to the current pandemic, limiting the number of attendees at a given time.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Ann Salazar please visit our Tribute Store.
Died June 16, 2019
Posted Wednesday, July 31, 2019 12:00 am
Connie L. FitzPatrick, 69, beloved mother of Regan FitzPatrick, passed away from a stroke at Ochsner Medical Center in
New Orleans, La., awaiting a liver transplant.
Connie was born in West Branch on Oct. 11, 1949, to Raymond and Sara Inez FitzPatrick. After graduating with the class
of 1968 from West Branch High School, Connie attended Patricia Stevens Career College in Milwaukee, Wis. She then moved to
San Francisco in 1971 and found work as a legal secretary. Connie resided in Xalpa, Veracruz, Mexico, from 1974-1976 before
returning to the Bay Area where she established her 25-year career with Bank of America in IT project management. Connie stayed
in the East Bay to raise her daughter Regan. In 2015 she retired from Wells Fargo and moved to Reno, Nev.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Jack FitzPatrick and Sara Inez (Biltoft) FitzPatrick; and her grandparents,
John (Jack)FitzPatrick, Effie FitzPatrick and Beanie Biltoft.
Connie is survived by her daughter, Regan FitzPatrick of Reno, Nev.
A private memorial has been held in Sacramento, Calif.
John W. Oswald
Died May 10, 2019
John William Oswald, 69, passed away at his home in Burt surrounded by his family Friday, May 10, 2019.
He was born March 11, 1950, in West Branch to John E. and Gloria (Huml) Oswald. On April 27, 2019, he married his high
school sweetheart, Betty (Champagne) Garza, formerly of West Branch. “Oz” and Betty reconnected in 2016
and spent the last few years enjoying semi-retirement, travel and time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his sister, Mary-Ann (Oswald) Crampton and her husband Jack; his brother, Jerrold
Oswald; his brother, Jim Oswald and his wife Jeanette; his sister, Jackie (Oswald) Munsell; his daughter, Gina (Oswald) Hollen
and her husband Jeff; his son, John S. Oswald and his wife Anne (Godwin); his stepdaughter, Ashley (Ledergerber) Wellman and
her husband Brad; his grandchildren, Vanessa (Oswald) Small, Tyson Sanders, Emily Oswald, Caleb Godwin, Emma Wellman, Zoey
Wellman and Violet Hollen; and two great-grandsons.
James Allen Woughter, 69, passed away Friday, April 12, 2019, at his home in Alger with his family by his side.
He was born Feb. 9, 1950, in West Branch to Victor and Erma (Harris) Woughter. He lived in West Branch all of his life.
Jim worked at Bortz Health Care in West Branch for 25 years. At one time Jim held the record for the Senior Division Deadlifting
State Champion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and watching football while spending time with family.
Jim is survived by his sons, Scott Woughter of Garden City and Jeremy (Dawn) Woughter of Alger; daughter, Mandy (Matt)
Studzinski of Dearborn; 12 grandchildren, Kaitlin, Jenna, Olivia, Amadeus, Vada, AmySue, Dani (Justin), Austin (Kayla), Calvin,
Jeremy (Tia), Nora and Stella; five great-grandchildren, Laila, Cameron, Aubri, Austin and Ivy; and brothers, Larry Woughter
of Flint and Dan (Judy) Woughter of Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Nancy, in 2011.
Per Jims wishes, cremation has taken place.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of James A. Woughter. Please share your condolences and memories at www.steuernolmclaren.com.
********************************************************
Alvin Roy Anderson, 69, passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at MidMichigan Medical Center
- West Branch.
He was born Dec. 4, 1949, in Detroit to Marlin and Marion
(Anderson) Anderson. Alvin lived in West Branch since 1966, formerly of Farmington. He graduated from West Branch High School
in 1968, which was the last graduating class for that school. In 1968, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving during the
Vietnam Conflict. Alvin married Christine Beach in West Branch on Dec. 5, 1970. He worked at West Branch Industries for 32
years. He enjoyed hunting, camping, riding motorcycles and the outdoors.
Alvin is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Christine Anderson of West Branch; daughter,
Teresa Anderson of West Branch; son, Peter (Kimberly) Anderson of Traverse City; grandchildren, Keegan and Kiah of Traverse
City; siblings, Linda (Roger) Busk of Allegan, Bruce (Sheryl) Anderson of Chicago, Ill., Sharon (Jim) Downing of Owosso and
Lori Anderson of West Branch; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, George and Marilyn “Shorty”
Beach.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will
be scheduled at a later time.
Larry McNamara's Obituary
Larry arrived on earth March 15, 1949, the fourth of what would be 17 McNamara kids born to Marty and Evelyn in Eaton
Rapids, Michigan. You'd think it'd be difficult to distinguish yourself among 16 siblings, but Larry took it as an opportunity
to shine.
Eagle scout, camp ranger, general store proprietor, fireman, little league coach, landscaper, artful carpenter, fixer
of all things; he shone at everything he loved. But he loved nothing more than his family. He was joined at the hip with his
wife, Sue, for 46 years, and together, they set out to change the world with warm smiles and hard work.
They created two daughters, Andy and Jessie, and in doing so, completed the strongest team in the history of the world
and passed on a classically dry sense of humor.
Larry left us suddenly Tuesday, April 3. The art of his hands, the love of his heart and the laughter through it all will
live on in everyone he touched. If you are one of these, please join us in honoring him at 2:00pm Sunday, April 8, 2018 at
the Lemon Bay High School Performing Arts Center (2201 Placida Rd, Englewood, FL). In lieu of flowers, please consider giving
to a cause he loved: Englewood Fire Benevolent Fund, 516 Paul Morris Dr. Englewood FL 34223, or Englewood Community Care Clinic,
PO Box 189, Englewood FL 34295
Englewood Community Funeral Hom
Obituary of Gerald Miller
Gerald Lynn Miller, 64, of Salt Springs, Florida, died Friday, October 24, 2014 at Wildwood, FL. He was born March 6,
1950 in West Branch, Michigan. He moved from West Branch, Michigan to Summerfield, Florida in 1971. Mr. Miller was a Commercial
Truck Driver. He was a member of Salt Springs Christian Church, Salt Springs, Florida. He is survived by his sons, Noah (Gina)
Miller of Belleview, FL, and Zachary Miller of Belleview, FL; grandsons, Quinton and Landon; sisters, Julie, Monica, and Marsha;
and his uncle, Walter (Marlene) Miller of Salt Springs, FL. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Online condolences
may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg, FL.
Barbara Brasseur passed away December 8, 2015 at the age of 94.
***
Alvin Anderson
Bob Atherton
Michael Banghart
Christi Beach Anderson
Mike Beasley
Richard Beck*
Douglas Bell
James Brasseur
Robert Brindley
Edward Jack Buhlman
Richard Carne
Tom Carter
David Clayton
Janice Cook Podleski
William Crawford
Shelley Cummings Straub
Linda Curtis Hall
Larry Dantzer
Michael DeMatio
Diane Denise Matthews
Rick Ebelt
Joyce Ehinger Swartz
Darryl Ehinger
Ron Ehinger
Terry Ehinger
Connie Fitzpatrick
Nancy Garrett Wilson
Linda Gehl Hastins
Sandra Gildner Weathers
Charlotte Gillies
Marilyn Goldy Stanger
Charles Green
Ray Guest
Kay Hammond Salazar
Grant Hansen
Dennis Harris
Doug Harshman
Richard Hintz
Joseph Izworski 3rd
Robert Joye
Nancy Kaiser
Jack Kirkendall
Ron Klug
Raymond Kruch
Cheryl Lawless Rabidue
Joseph Lehman
David Loomis
Jillian D.Mack (Macklem)
Lawrence McNamara
Glen Matthews
Julie Meir
Nancy Miller Thompson**
Susan Miller Mezzano
Howard Miller
Jerry Miller
Charles Milster
Robert Murray
Kay Nelson McLean
John Oswald
Mary Oullette Reuther
Darryl Peterson
Douglas Peterson
Nancy Rabidue McCauley
Jennifer Rau Tunney
Dean Rau
Phyllis Reetz Rice
Steven Robinson
Dan Robson
Hugh Ruegsegger
Linda Sanders Nagy
James A. Sargent
Rod Schaaf
Paul Schaiberger
Lon Schmidt
David Simmons
Nancy Smith Robinson
Timothey Smith
Audrey Spahn Badalementi
Emma Jo Stephens Clark
Susan Stillwagon Shore
Vickie Stillwagon Smith
Cheryl Sutton Parker
Douglas Craig Thorne
Wincel Wakefield
Brian Walsh
Verna Wangler Bell
Terry Wangler
John Weiler
Mike Wood
Elizabeth Woods Johnson
Wm. R. Wood
James Woughter
Randy Schneider
***************
DECEASED
Howard Miller
David Simmons
(October 30, 2013)
Alvin Anderson
(12/17/2018
***
*******************
Terry Quigley
Terry, age 65,passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in Fairview MI, at Wellspring Lutheran services.
He resided in West Branch his whole life. Terry was born to the late Arnold and Wilma Quigley on November, 16, 1949. On July,
30, 1976 he married Cheryl Claud of Clio MI. He enjoyed hunting, camping and spending time with family and friends. He especially
liked spending time with his 9 grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl "Claud" of West Branch; children,
Peggy (Rob) Gratton and Matt (Katie) Quigley, both of West Branch; grandchildren, Nancy Jo (Matt), Josh, Nathan Gratton, Bryce,
Brooke Wangler, Erika, Logan, and Layla Quigley; greatgrandson Gunner Wangler; brothers, Leslie (Rose) Quigley, Ron (Gail)
Quigley of West Branch, & Mike (Patti) Quigley of Lupton; & sister, Mary (Frank) Fox of West Branch. He was preceded
in death by his father and mother
**********
Linda S. Nagy (Sanders)
Died Oct. 14, 2014
Posted
Linda Sue Nagy (Sanders), 64, of Flint,
died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at her residence.
Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. No services
are planned. Contributions may be made to Grace Hospice or Valley Area Agency on Aging.
Linda was born Oct.
12, 1950, in Pontiac to the late Augustoff and Patricia (Putnam) Sanders. She lived in Flint the past 30 years. Linda enjoyed
knitting.
Surviving are children, Mary Nagy of Mont., Elizabeth Scharrer of Grand Blanc, Wylie Nagy of Clio;
three grandchildren, Victor, Rachel and Nicholas; sister, Diana (Dan) Kenworthy of Lapeer; nieces and nephews.
She
was also preceded in death by brother, Steve Sanders; and a sister, Rosemary McGill
WE WERE ALL
SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF
MARY ELIZABETH OUELLETTE REUTHER.
MARY WAS BORN ON DEC. 31 1959 AND PASSED AWAY ON OCT. 27
2013.
SHE WAS IN THE LAST CLASS AT WEST BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL. MARY
GRADUATED
FROM KIRTLAND COLLEGE AS AN L.P.N. AND ALSO HAD AN ASSOCIATE
DEGREE.
SHE WORKED AT THE STANDISH HOSPITAL AND ALSO AT THE NURSING
HOME IN WEST BRANCH.
MARY WAS
PROCEEDED IN DEATH BY HER MOTHER AND FATHER, MARGIE AND
TOM OUELLETTE, GRANDPARENTS HELEN AND OLIVER STRONG,
AND "MA AND PA" OUELLETTE. SHE IS SURVIVED BY HER CHILDREN,
ERIK, MARGERY, CASEY, AND
COLLEEN, ARJUN, CODY, MORGAN, AND JOSHUA. ONE GREAT GRANDSON BENTLEY,
HER SISTER PATSEY LOVE AND BROTHER TOMMIE OUELLETTE.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE
WAS HELD
AT THE WEST BRANCH TOWNSHIP HALL ON
NOV.2. MARY LIVED IN FLINT MICHIGAN UNTIL THE TIME OF HER
DEATH.
SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER. MAY SHE R.I.P.
Ann Carrick, friend and classmate of Mary, shared this tribute....
*****
--
David and I talked often of WBHS and liked to
catch up on former classmates here. He was truly an exceptional gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who had
the pleasure of knowing him.
( Nancy Cowles class of '67 )
*********
DAVID SIMMONS
CLASS OF 1968
David C. Simmons, age 63, passed away suddenly on October 30, 2013 while visiting family in West
Branch, MI. He was born to Roy and Mollie (Carson) Simmons on June 2, 1950 and lived in West Branch until he was 20. He married
Jeanne McGregor from Rose City in 1971 and had one son, Bryan Simmons. David graduated from West Branch High School in 1968
and attended Ferris State College. He was a Market Developer for United Hardware for many years. David was a very upbeat individual
telling jokes and playing pranks on his friends and family whenever the opportunity came about.
David is survived by his wife Janett (Collins) Simmons of Stigler, OK, one son, Bryan Simmons of Kearney, NE,
his father Roy Simmons, one sister, Brenda Simmons, one brother, Steve (Denise) Simmons, three nephews, Greg, Scott, and Jason
Simmons all from West Branch, MI. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne (McGregor) Simmons, his mother, Mollie
Simmons, nephew, Kevin Simmons, and step-son, Joshua Carry of Stigler, OK.
His life will be celebrated during the Funeral Service for Roy Simmons on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 11:00
a.m. at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI.
Howard “Howie” James Miller Jr., 62, of West Branch, passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at home. Howard graduated
from West Branch High School with the class of 1968.
Howie was a H.O.G. member and a truck driver for T.R. Timber for more than 40 years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, spending
time with his grandchildren, partying and watching movies.
Howie served his country in the U.S. Army.
Howie is survived by his mother, Orrel Miller of West Branch; and his three sons, Matt (Missy) Miller, Howard “Buck”
Miller III and Wade (Stacy) Miller, all of West Branch; and his daughter, Jade of Ann Arbor. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren,
Gage, Brady, Zach, Clay, Ethan, Lakin, Alex, Hailey and Isabella.
Other survivors include his sister, Kate (Ed) Gildner of West Branch; and two brothers, Dave (Brenda) Miller of Prescott
and Jeff (DeAnna) Miller of West Branch.
Richard J. Beck (August 10, 1949 - June 1, 2012)
Richard Beck age 62, Class of 1968 West Branch High School, passed away June 1, 2012 at West Branch
Regional Medical Center. He was a life-long resident of West Branch, Michigan and farmed since the age of 8. He and his family
own Gallagher Centennial Dairy Farm (1906). He loved his Christian faith, his wife Roberta of 41 years, his children and grandchildren.
Richard enjoyed going to rabbit camp in the Upper Peninsula, was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed snowmobiling and four wheeling.
He served 32 years on the Ogemaw County Soil Conservation Board, serving many years as the chairman of the board. In 1977
he was runner up for outstanding young farmer of the Michigan Farm Bureau, and in 1983 he was the outstanding young farmer
for the Michigan Jaycees. Richard was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Richard is survived by his wife, Roberta Susan (Reid) Beck, five children, Mark & Kendra Beck, Chad & Lori Beck,
Laurie Beck and Katie & Joe Weber all of West Branch and Melinda Grace & Loren Caverly of Whittemore, grandchildren
Alexandrea, Cole, Zachary, Calvin, Isaac, Ailie, Lane, Landen, Laken, Reid, Courtney, Conrad and Kristy, and his bassett hound,
Abby. Also surviving are his brothers Don & Linda Beck of Ewen, Bill & Mary Ann Beck of West Branch, Mark & Mary
Beth Reid of Standish, Garry & Cynthia Owen of Alger, Jim & Elizabeth Morris of West Branch, Frank & Alida Reid
of Omer, Joe & Margaret Warr of Au Gres and Wally Crawford of West Branch and his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Reid of Standish.
He was preceded in death by his parents Barney & Ruth (Gallagher) Beck, his father-in-law Robert Reid and his sister
Maxine Crawford
Timothy F. Smith
Timothy Freddie Smith, age 60 of Alger, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at Bay Regional Medical Center
in Bay City. Timothy had lived in Alger for all of his life. He was a member of Carpenters Local #116 for 15 years, a Bourret
Township official, trustee and supervisor for a total of 18 years, a member of the Wildwood Fire Department serving as a volunteer
firefighter and board member and he worked for the Gladwin County Road Commission for 21 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting
and spending time with his family.
Timothy is survived by his wife Carolyn Smith of Alger, children, Robert Smith of Alger, Jennifer Smith of
Harrisburg, PA, Sara Smith of Alger, 3 grandsons, Trent, Landen and Tre’. Also surviving is his mother in law, Bertha
Kruger, brothers-in-law Richard (Suzan) Kruger of Midland, Randy (MaryPat) Kruger of Coldwater and Roger (Debbie) Kruger of
Bancroft, his sister-in-law Marilyn (Bill) Brudigam of Saratoga, WY, several nieces and nephews and his cousin Evelyn Deer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Edward Smith and his father-in-law Fred Kruger.
George Beach...
Father of Christi Beach Anderson
******************************
George C. Beach, age 85 of West Branch, passed away Wednesday, February
11, 2009 at Bortz Health Care in West Branch. George had lived in West Branch for most of his life. He was a member of the
VFW Post # 3775 and the Trinity Episcopal Church. George worked as a maintenance supervisor for the West Branch-Rose City
Area Schools from 1958-1974. After moving to Lapeer, he retired from Lapeer Public Schools in 1995.
George is survived by his children, Christine (Alvin) Anderson, Howard (Amy) Beach and Arna Beach all of West Branch
and Jean (Jerry) Weiler of Bay City, grandchildren, Teresa Anderson, Peter (Kim) Anderson, Adam Weiler, Myka (Eric) Denstedt,
David Eden, Krista (Jason) Beaver and great-grandchildren, Keegan, Kiah, Maddox, Myles and Rhys. Also surviving are his siblings,
Lorna Middleton and Wendell Beach both of Prescott, his twin sister, Genice Osborne also Leota Hiltz and Hildred Dobson all
of Hale, Theo Beach of Arizona and Aaron Beach of Florida and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife
Marilyn “Shorty” Beach, a granddaughter, Leslie Eden and his sister Orvetta Dodds.
On Friday, February 20, 2009, the family will be present at the Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch beginning at
11:00 a.m. to receive friends until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Philip A. Seitz will officiate. Burial
will take place at Brookside Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Helping Hands, West Branch.
UNKNOWN ADDRESSES
Tom Carter
Nancy Garrett Wagner
Charles Green
Lon Schmidt
Tom Carter
Mike Wood
David Clayton
Bob Atherton Richard Carne Shelley Cummings Straub Ray Guest Lawrence McNamara Jerry
Miller Charles Milster Darryl Peterson Nancy Smith Robinson Wincel Wakefield
