Big Rapids-Lillian Elisabeth (Justice) Farnham, age 83, of Big Rapids passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2010. She was born July 2, 1926 in Highland Park, Michigan the daughter of Jessie and Elisabeth Justice. Lillian is survived by her husband Douglas whom she married on November 5, 1955 in Warren, Michigan. Also surviving are one son, Lee (Joann) Farnham of Climax, one daughter Kimberly (Kevin) Westgate of Morley and two grandchildren, Trenton and Kristina Farnham. She was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters. Lillian graduated from Del Mar School of Cosmetology in Detroit. She and her husband Douglas moved to Big Rapids where he taught in the Technical Illustration Program at Ferris. Lillian was very involved in charity and volunteer work to include St. Andrews Altar Guild, Manna Pantry and rummage sales, St. Vincent DePaul, Arts and Crafts Guild, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and taught Sunday school, all of which contributed to her being given the “Mary Pine Award”. Lillian was an advisor to the Alpha Gamma Delta Womens fraternity and volunteered at the Big Rapids School System food service program. She was proud of her designation as “Queen” of TOPS as a KOP and her being a recipient of the Bishop’s Cross. Memorial contributions may be made in Lillian’s name to Manna Pantry. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m.on Friday, July 2, 2010 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church with The Reverend Laurel Dahill officiating. Interment will be at Highland View Cemetery.

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Mildred Rose Schwab, age 88, of Zephyrhills, Florida formerly of Stanwood passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2010. She was born June 2, 1922 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada the daughter of George and Rose Harris. She is survived by her daughter Jean Lynn Alred of Trenton, Michigan, two sons, Ralph Schwab of Stanwood and Roger Schwab. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ellis L. Schwab and husband, Kenneth Schooley, four sisters and six brothers.  Rose attended Lincoln Park High School, worked through out the World War II years and beyond for the McCord Corporation in Wyandotte, Michigan. She also cared for an elderly mother-in-law, raised a family of three children, was a giving and valued member of her local community. A Graveside service will be Monday, June 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., Fairview Cemetery, Stanwood. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

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Rodney-Marie C. Manning,age 92, formerly of Flint passed away June 20, 2010. She was born April 27, 1918 in Flint, Michigan. She is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Manning of Flint, Debra (Gary) Rodabaugh of Rodney, one son, Ray (Joline) Baldwin of Utah, plus many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Violet. Burial will be at Flint Memorial Park.

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Big Rapids, Edward T. Blume, age 86,

of Big Rapids passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Altercare of Big Rapids. He was born November 22, 1923 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the son of John and Ada Blume. He is survived by his daughter Bonnie Blume of Big Rapids. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and wife Edith (Leedy) Blume, one sister Blanch Blume. Edward retired from the City of Big Rapids Department of Public Works after 35 years. Funeral service will be private with burial to follow at the Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids.

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Big Rapids – Edward F. Ebenstein, 73, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2010, in Big Rapids.

He was born January 23, 1937, in Big Rapids, the son of August and Marie (Lewis) Ebenstein, and lived in the area most of his life. Ed worked for many years as a mechanic. He loved to fish, and enjoyed repairing clocks and watches.

 Ed is survived by his mother Marie of Big Rapids; a brother John (Joyce) of Howard City; a sister Rosalee (Dennis) McClure of Hesperia; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends he considered family. Ed also held a special place in his heart for Steve and Angie Troupe of Big Rapids.

 Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 4, 2010, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor John Dawson officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery. Memorial contributions for the American Lung Association may be left at the funeral home, where Ed’s family will greet friends after 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

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Greg was a truck driver for Lipari Foods for 8 years. He was a quiet man who dedicated himself

100% to all he did especially his family.

Memorial contributions in Greg’s honor may be made to Big Jackson Church of God where

a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor

Ryan Schrable officiating.

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Burnice M. Teachout, age 100 of Big Rapids passed away peacefully at Metron of Big Rapids on Friday May 28, 2010. She was born November 6, 1909 in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of Frank and Edna Healey. Her family moved to the Boyne City area when Burnice was a child then later to Lansing. She married Carl Teachout on August 6, 1927. They moved to Big Rapids to retire in the early 1960’s.

Survivors include two daughters, Elaine (Keith) White of Big Rapids, Joyce Teachout of Woodland, MI, four grandsons, Douglas White of Big Rapids, James White of Reed City, Dale (Susan) White-Rivers of Ft. Meyers,FL, Paul (Nancy) White of Ventura, CA, four great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, plus several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Majel Healey of Florida. Mrs. Teachout was preceeded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters, one brother and one grandson, Steven White.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday June 2, 2010 at the Mohnke Funeral Home with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m.. Burial will be at Highland View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Michigan, St. Peter’s School or the American Cancer Society.

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 Reed City – Neal M. Mercer, 72, of Reed City, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Spectrum Health Skilled Nursing Facility in Reed City. He was born October 20, 1937, in Whiteville, NC, the son of Onzie and Doshia (Sellers) Mercer. At a young age, Neal began working with mules in the fields near his hometown, and became a lifelong farmer.

In 1979, he moved to the Reed City area, where he continued farming and raising pigs. Buyers and butchers of Neal’s pigs often commented that the meat was the best grade they had ever had. Neal also loved his roses, and collected old-style die-cast cars and trucks. On November 29, 1985, he married Doris (Lincoln), who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Ann and Theresa of North Carolina; 2 sons, Justin and Jordan Hubbard of Evart; 3 step-children, Kathy (Ray) Rose of Moulton, AL, Janice (Leonard) Knapp of LeRoy, Don (Lori) Brown of Williamston; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Bonnie Benton and Margie McPherson of North Carolina. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2010, at the Harvest Assembly of God, 602 W. Upton in Reed City, with Pastor Ed Carpenter and Devlyn Kuehl officiating. Burial will be in the Ashton Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be left in care of the church, where his family will greet friends prior to services on Friday.

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