Alfred Allen Spear

Alfred Allen Spear, age 72, of Ithaca, died Friday, September 9, 2011, at Hospice House of Lansing, with his family by his side.

Allen was born July 15, 1939, in Ithaca, the son of R.T. and Doris Ione (Berdine) Spear. After graduating from Ithaca High School he married Joan Marie Marble on June 28, 1958, in Ithaca. Allen worked for six years at Wolverine World Wide in Ithaca and then over 32 years for GM in Lansing. He loved to sing, and played rhythm guitar in a band. He also enjoyed line dancing with Joan.

Al believed in service and in giving to the community . He has been a member of the Alma Elks Lodge for many years and has twice served as Exalted Ruler. Currently he was serving on the Gold Key Charitable Grant Committee. He was also active with the Ithaca Senior Activity Building, currently serving as president of the board of directors of which he has been a member for nine years, and also delivering food to food sites for the Gratiot Commission on Aging. In his spare time, Al enjoyed woodworking and making things out of oak, and making quilts. He was an avid U of M fan.

Allen is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan; his children, Stephanie (Terry) Marcy of Ithaca, Mitchell (Sue) Spear of Rincon, GA, and Melissa (Steve) Losey of Ithaca; his grandchildren, Nathan, Trevor and Garrett Marcy, Lacey (Chris) Morgan, Bryanna and Dustin Watson, and Garrett Losey; his great grandchildren, Taylor and Trenten Morgan; his brother Robert (Dessi) Spear of St. Johns; his sister, Edith Lytle of Flint; and friend and sister-in-law, Diana Marble of Ithaca.. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Sharon Spear.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Jo Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 Monday with an Elk’s Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.

Albert “Junior” Russell

Albert “Junior” Russell. age 48, of Riverdale, formerly of Wheeler, died Friday, June 17, 2011, at his home in Riverdale.

Junior was born December 14, 1962, in Breckenridge, the son of Albert L. and Ann Marie (Chuba) Russell. He loved driving truck, and drove for Ron Smith for several years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially cooking at deer camp. 

Junior is survived by his brothers and sisters, Ada Warren of Houston, Texas, Keith Russell of Riverdale, Norman (Carol) Russell of Mt. Pleasant, Steve Russell of Jackson, and Jim (Thelma) Russell of Wheeler; and lots of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, George and Bill.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, at Lafayette Cemetery, with Pastor Jerry Sill officiating. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.

Freida E. Thomas

Freida E. Thomas, age 94, of Wheeler, died Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Schnepp Health Care Center in St. Louis.

Freida was born February 23, 1917, one of eight children born to Otis and Elsie (Markham) Andrews. She married Ernest D. Thomas on June 1, 1938 in St. Louis. 

Flowers, birds, cats, and family were just a few of Freida’s favorite things. She will be remembered by her family for her good nature and wonderful family meals. Her baked beans, chicken and biscuits, and pies were often requested. She and her husband were strongly involved in the Edgewood Church of God, where she taught Sunday School for 40 years , and was active in the Women’s Group. Her neighbors and friends were very important to her.

Due to her mother’s early passing, she welcomed four of her siblings to live in their home at different intervals. She later cared for her father-in-law for several years.

Freida is survived by her children, John (Elaine) Thomas of Ithaca, and Dave (Kathryn) Thomas of Wheeler; her grandchildren, Sheila (Tony) Casey, Neil (Susan) Thomas, Michael (Lori) Thomas, Matthew (Michelle) Thomas, and Cynthia Thomas; and her great grandchildren, Garrett Thomas, Seth Casey, Brandon Thomas, Evan Casey, Ashlyn Thomas, Ethan Thomas, Nolan Casey, Reed Thomas and Holden Thomas.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 13, at the Edgewood Church of God. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot Commission on Aging or the Edgewood Church of God.

Robert E. Grubb

Robert E. Grubb 74, of Stanton passed away in Carson City on Monday, January 09, 2012. 

He was born in Paulding, Ohio on February 23, 1937 to Elgy and Florence (Faust) Grubb. He worked and retired from Frigidaire in Greenville. 

Robert enjoyed everything to do with motorcycles and rode and owned many. He also enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, bowling and spending time with family and friends.

Robert is survived by his special friend, Monica Hagerman of Carson City; his children Robert Jr. (Vonda) Grubb of York, Penn., Richard Grubb of York, Penn., Debbie (Charles) Metzger/Ebaugh of Jackson, and Daughter in law, Linda DeBoe of Ravana; 7 grandchildren; and a Brother, Hank Grubb of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Katherine V. Grubb, a son, Danny L. DeBoe, and a brother, Donald Grubb.

Robert’s family will greet friends on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Barden Funeral Home, Stanton. A celebration of his life will then be held at the funeral home at 2:00 with Pastor Mark Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Crystal Cemetery.

For those desiring to do so, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Montcalm Co. Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Jackie Lynn (Straley) Swisher

Jackie L. Swisher, age 59, of Edmore, died Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant. 

Jackie was born August 19, 1952, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Lewis and Peggy Jean (Rathbone) Straley.

Jackie is survived by her son, Lewis (Chris) Patch of Lakeview; her grandchildren, Tori and Hunter Patch; her brother, Duane (Kathy) Straley of Edmore; and her best friend, and sister, Renee Finkbiner, of Edmore. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Memorial Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Hillcrest Cemetery Chapel in Six Lakes.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions in Jackie’s name to the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and the cemetery chapel.

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