Barbara J. Schnepp

Barbara J. Schnepp of Stanton, born April 9, 1950 passed away on Friday April 22, 2011 in Grand Rapids surrounded by her family. 

Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 29 years, Dana Schnepp of Stanton, sons Kevin Ackley of Stanton and Kenny Ackley of Alma, step-daughters Dana Lynn (Robert) Alexander-Brom of Belding and Amanda (Daniel) Quigley of Rockford, her sister Pamela (Martin) Smith of Madison Heights, brothers Thomas (Suzanne) Burgess of Waterford and Timothy Tucker of Selmer, TN and dear family friend Barbara Mullan of Clawson. Barbara also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, a nephew and two nieces. 

In keeping with Barbara's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The American Lung Association. Donation forms and envelopes will be available at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton.

Audrieanna Jayden Mae Tarket

Audrieanna Jayden Mae Tarket, infant daughter of Cristalena Daniels and Jason Tarket, passed away at home on October 29, 2011. Audrieanna was born in Grand Rapids on October 4, 2011.

Audrieanna is survived by her parents, Cristalena and Jason; 5 brothers; 1 sister; grandparents, Terry and Larry Daniels, Esther Tarket, and Dennis J. Tarket Sr.; great grandmothers, Mary Thompson and Elda Prosac; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by 1 sister, Arianna.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Stanton. Pastor Kurt Hoffman will officiate. For those desiring to do so, Memorial Contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at the church and Barden Funeral Home, Stanton.

Arloa Mae Bickford

Arloa Mae Bickford, age 93, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Ithaca, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at Isabella County Care Facility.

Arloa was born April 8, 1918, in Fowlervile, Michigan, the daughter of Vern and Beatrice (Sober) Duncan. She graduated from from Corunna High School an then attended nursing school in Traverse City, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She married Merle Bickford on November 18, 1960 in Owosso. He preceded her in death on November 4, 1997. 

Arloa worked for ten years on the medical and surgical floors at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Arloa was also an avid editorial writer, contributing many letters to the editor of the Morning Sun.

Arloa is survived by her children, Sharon (William) Bierschbach of Willis, Texas, and Gary (Frances) Bickford, of Browns Mills, New Jersey; her grandchildren, Mark Rourke, Michael Rourke, Susan (Ceasar) Hinojosa, and Sherri (Cutis) Endsley, all of Texas; 8 great grandchildren; and 8 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Lynn Crutts; her step-son, Charles Bickford; her brother, Vincent Duncan; and her sister, Garnet Kimball.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 16, at the Barden Funeral Home in. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Arlan G. Showers

Arlan G. Showers, age 90, of Ithaca, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Gratiot Medical Center in Alma.

Arlan was born October 7, 1920 to Harvey and Lenore (Coble) Showers in Emerson Township, Michigan. He married Gwendolyn Woodman April 5, 1947 in Middleton, Michigan.

Arlan is a WWII veteran of the United States Army, serving in England doing maintenance work. After the war he delivered oil products for many years for Gulf Oil Co., Hub Oil, Mobile, Beard, and finally Total. He enjoyed farming and being outside working with the land. He is a member of Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123, as well as the VFW, and American Legion. Arlan was also an active member of the Ithaca Church of God. He loved his family, had a good sense of humor and loved to joke, and loved molasses cookies.

Arlan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gwen; children Cheryle (Dave) LaVean of St. Johns, and Ken (Glenda) Showers of Ithaca; daughter-in-law Dee Showers of Ithaca; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and brother Paul Showers of Ithaca. He is preceded in death by his son Ron, and sister Dorothy Dodd.

Funeral services for Arlan will be held 11am Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Ithaca Church of God. Pastor James Conn will officiate and burial will follow at Chapel Gardens Cemetery in Elwell. Visitation will be held Thursday June 16, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Amelia (Micky) Reid

The youngest of 16 children, Amelia “Micky” Reid was born to Thomas and Amelia Brzoznowski, Polish immigrant farmers in northern Michigan. Micky graduated from Michigan State College with a degree in Home Economics.

Married to Clayton Reid for 43 years, they had 2 children, David Lee and Jayne Noreen. Micky was predeceased by Clayton, David, Jayne’s husband Monroe, and all her siblings. She is survived by David’s wife Kathryn and daughter Holly of Chicago; Jayne, Jayne’s daughter Sarah and Sarah’s children Brayden (5) and Parker (2), all of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

A homemaker all her life, Micky was known for her generous and gracious spirit. She led 4-H clubs throughout her children’s growing up years and often was found judging cakes or canned goods at the county fair. An accomplished seamstress and weaver, Micky also enjoyed gardening and many types of crafts. In addition, traveling and visiting with friends were among her avid interests.

Services for Micky will be 11am, July 30, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Stanton. Pastor Ryan White will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Stanton, Friday July 29, 2011 from 6-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either Gideons International, the First Baptist Church of Stanton, or the White Pine Library in Stanton. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and the church.