Sharon Ann (Walls) Watkins

Sharon Ann (Walls) Watkins, age 76 of Ithaca, Michigan passed away on March 10, 2024 in her home.

She was born in Lakeview, Michigan on November 12, 1947 to Orley and Ruby “Jessie” (Herzog) Walls of Six Lakes, Michigan. She married her husband, Thomas A. Watkins of Mason on November 1966 in Holt, Michigan.

She is survived by her three children - Thomas L. Watkins (Kristy) of Beaverton, Michigan, Roger A. Watkins of Ithaca, Michigan, and Karen A. Crocker (Kelvin) of Ithaca, Michigan; five grandchildren - Marcus, Douglas, Edwin, Debra, and Russell; two great grandchildren - Joshua and Tyler. She is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Behnke of Midland, Michigan and Marie Johnson of Six Lakes, Michigan; brother Jerry Walls (Kathy) of Lakeview, Michigan; sister-in-law Mary Walls of Six Lakes, Michigan; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friend Judy Gushen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orley Walls and Ruby “Jessie” Simmers, step-father Edwin “Ed” Simmers, brother Robert “Bob” Walls, sister Irene Sears, and ex-husband Thomas A. Watkins.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, puzzles, and she had a gift for talking. She was a loyal member of the St. Louis VFW Women’s Auxiliary. 

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the St. Louis VFW Women’s Auxiliary or the Gratiot County Commission on Aging in Ithaca, Michigan.

Memorial Services will be held at 11am Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Edgwood Church of God (106 S. Barry Rd.) with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am until the time of the service. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Debra Martin

Debra Jo Martin, 60, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 8, 2024 in Anniston, Ala. There will be no service. Her parents and siblings are planning a memorial.

She was born to John and Patricia (McWilliams) Martin on May 12, 1963 in Alma. She is survived by her fiancé, William Blankenship and his family; Parents John and Pat Martin of Vestaburg; brother, Pasters John and Debbie Martin of Edmore; sister, Pam and Chad Schwartz of Houghton Lake; brother, Daniel and Lisa (Bussiere) Martin of Holly; sister, Amanda Martin of Ga.; brother, Cory Borton of Fla.; brother, Wayne and Dawn Wirt of Ashley; sister, Dana and Dan Scott of Vestaburg; sister, Heather and Carl McCarrick, Jr., Alma; daughters, Shannon and Brent Re- nis, Julie and John Mueller; son, Kyle Mepham; four grandsons.

She was predeceased in death by her mother, Pat Borton; brothers, Michael and Chris Martin; sister, Milynda Lou Antes; grandparents, uncles; and niece, Amber Mitchell.

Parents and siblings will be doing a Memorial for Milynda and Debbie on May 5, 2024 at Harvest Revival Worship Center, 1380 E. Main St., Edmore, Mich. From 2 – 5 p.m. If planning to come contact John and Pat Martin at 989-875- 4249, so we can plan how much food is needed and how many are coming. Bring some good memories to share.

Milynda Lou Antes

Milynda Lou Antes, 56, of Perrinton, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 12, 2023. No services will be held, her parents and siblings are planning a Memorial Service. 

She was born to John and Patricia (McWilliams) Martin on Aug. 27, 1967 in Alma.

She is survived by her parents John & Pat Martin of Vestaburg; sister, Debbie Martin of Ala.; brother, Pasters John and Debbie Martin of Edmore; sister, Pam and Chad Schwartz of Houghton Lake; brother, Daniel and Lisa (Bussiere) Martin of Holly; sister, Amanda Martin of Ga.; brother, Cory Borton of Fla.; brother, Wayne and Dawn Wirt of Ashley; sister, Dana and Dan Scott of Vestaburg; sister, Heather and Carl McCarrick, Jr., Alma; son, Josh Antes, Britney Paulus; three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts. 

She was predeceased in death by baby daughter, Breanna Demoray; brothers, Michael and Chris Martin; mother, Pat Borton; grandparents, uncles, cousins, and niece, Amber Mitchell. 

Three months and 26 days later her sister Debbie went home to be with the Lord. 

Parents and siblings will be doing a Memorial for Milynda and Debbie on May 5, 2024 at Harvest Revival Worship Center, 1380 E. Main St., Edmore, Mich. From 2 – 5 p.m. If planning to come contact John and Pat Martin at 989-875- 4249, so we can plan how much food is needed and how many are coming. Bring some good memories to share.

James Ralph Brilhart

Born August 10, 1954 - Died February 14, 2024

James graduated from Ithaca High School. He was a friend to all and quick with a joke. He was one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. He was a skilled carpenter that repaired and remodeled many homes in Gratiot County.

He is survived by long time partner Brenda Onstott; siblings Bill, Richard (Jackie), Sandy (Rod),, Gari (Jayne), Bonnie “Baillie” (Raul), Juli, Ann (John), Amy; as well as many nieces and nephews. We are all thankful to have had him in our lives.

A gathering to share stories with family and friends will be held at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building (1011 E. North St), on March 23rd from 2-3:30pm. Donations may be made to Gratiot County Animal Shelter. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Neville Virgil Pitcher

Neville Virgil Pitcher, 90, passed away on February 13, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, family story teller, along with being a trusted mentor and friend to many.

Neville was born at home in Vickeryville Michigan, to Laurence and Lucile (Long) Pitcher on November 18, 1933, and attended Vickeryville School followed by Carson City High School. He continued his education at Michigan State College but after two years it was interrupted by his military service. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Knox serving as tank instructor and a member of the rifle team as the Korean War ended. After serving, he married Lois Margaret Martin, daughter of Simeon and Ruby (Andrews) Martin of Stanton in 1956. Neville then completed his undergraduate degree in Residential Building and Lumberyard Management from Michigan State University and graduated in 1958. 

He was a long-time business owner (54 years) of construction and remodeling businesses, first as Pitcher Brothers Construction, Building Associates and finally Interiors by Neville, a business that still bears his name. He enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Neville was proud to have visited all 50 states and especially enjoyed National Parks. He was a long-time golfer and member of Gratiot County Club and enjoyed many outdoor activities. 

Serving his community was always a priority for Neville. After settling in Ithaca, he joined the JCs, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the Ithaca Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, and the local planning and zoning commissions. At the state level, he was on the boards of the Lansing Chapter of the National Homebuilders Association (President), and the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association.

Neville’s impact on the local community is undeniable. It is hard to drive down a local road where he has not built or remodeled a home, designed a kitchen or a bathroom or installed a hot tub. Through over 50 years in business, he has an amazing network. It was rare for him to meet someone new and to not find a common friend or acquaintance in the process.

Neville is survived by his wife of 67 years (Lois Margaret Martin Pitcher), children Jane (Stephen) Dulski of Sammamish, WA, James (Kimberly) Pitcher of Valparaiso, IN and Jay (Carrie) Pitcher of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Matthew, Thomas and John Dulski, Zachary (Jaclyn) and Benjamin (Juliet) Pitcher, Katelyn, Margaret and Tess Pitcher; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Oliver Pitcher.

The celebration of Neville’s life will be this Saturday, February 17th at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon at the Ithaca Senior Center (1011 E. North St.) will follow to share stories and memories. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.