Ruth L. Smith

Ruth L. Smith, 96, of Ithaca passed away August 12, 2024 at Rosewood Adult Foster Care where she resided for the past four years.

Ruth was born on August 4, 1928, the daughter of William Edgar and Goldie Pearl (Mills) Smith. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School, class of 1947.

In her younger years Ruth loved to bowl and was on a bowling team for many years. Ruth also did some traveling when she was younger - traveling to Florida, Arizona, California, and Branson, Missouri. She loved to shop and visit with her many family and friends. Ruth worked for and retired from the Gratiot County Road Commission after many years.

Ruth is survived by her brother Robert Smith of North Star. Her nephews Rob (Tammy) Smith of Alma, Bill (Shelly) Smith of North Star, Larry Foster of Honor, Phil (Sande) Foster of Crystal, Terry (Lynne) Foster of Apache Junction, Arizona, and Nieces Carolyn Mepham of Roscommon, and Patty (Rob) Geisenhaver of Ithaca.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances Foster, her brother-in-law Keith Foster, and sister-in-law Bonnie Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 4:30pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at North Star Cemetery. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Randolph “Randy” George Smith

Randolph George Smith, age 72 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at his home.

Randy was born April 17, 1952 in Jackson, Michigan. He was a proud veteran, joining the US Army in 1970. After retiring from the military, Randy enjoyed golfing, hunting, and being in the outdoors, but his favorite pastime was spending time with his son and grandsons golfing. He also enjoyed Michigan football and got to see his Wolverines win the National Championship. Randy was loved by all and was everyone’s grandfather.

Through the years, Randy was a strong figure in the community, known and loved by many. He will be missed by all.

Randy is survived by his wife Cynthia; son Jeremy (Allison); daughter Misty (Bob); stepsons Gregory and Ron; grandchildren Kyle (Victoria), Kaeden, Dakota, Devon, Kennedy, Dylan (LeAnn), Bryson, and Ella; great grandchildren Liam, Atlas, Kai, Silas, Palmer, and one on the way (Kyle). He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Nellie, Steve, Lee, Dick, Denny, Debbi; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Jane, father Lee, brothers Don and Jim, sisters Judy and Jane, and nephew Lee.

A memorial service for Randy will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 17 at the Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with Pastor Susan Sickelka officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11am at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot County Veterans Affairs or to Heartland Hospice.

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

Steven Rex Parks

Our beloved brother and uncle Steven Rex Parks passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family the age of 62 on August 8, 2024. He has been lovingly reunited with his Dad, Mom and Brother!   

He was born August 13, 1961, in Carson City, MI to Dale and Bonnie (Lanshaw) Parks. He graduated from Ithaca High School, class of 1982.  

Some of his hobbies included roller skating, bowling and going to stock car races. But his true love was drumming! He was a fantastic drummer!!! He played in several bands: Night Rovers, Blue Express (with HUGE blue BLOOMERS), Bustin Loose Band and Curb Side Cadillac. He met a lot of people during that time. He continued to have people coming up to him throughout his life stating how great he was. It always put a HUGE smile on his face, he was always so very PROUD.  

He was a HUGE fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines (just ask his neighbors – LOL). He wouldn’t leave the house when there was a game on. A couple of Aunts (and cousins) are Michigan State Fans, so there was always a friendly family rivalry going on. But as Stevie would always say “GO BLUE”! He even had the inside of his house painted Maize and Blue. He recently designed a custom-made golf cart, all in U of M colors and logo’s (with a drum sticker here or there as well), he loved it!  And just waved and grinned to everyone that told him it was “Awesome”, or say “GO BLUE” or just waved.   

He worked at Ashcraft’s from 1991 to 2000. He then worked at Hutchinson Aerospace from 2000 to 2019.

He is survived by 2 sisters: Debra (Travis) Branson of St. Louis, MI and Lori Wymer of Ithaca, MI. One niece Melissa (Parks) Suhy, a great-nephew Jackson Suhy and great-niece Makenna Suhy.  Aunt Kathryn (Jerry) LaLonde, Uncle John Lanshaw and Aunt Carol Lanshaw.  Many other family members and friends that he loved and cherished.

He is preceded in death by his father Dale, mother Bonnie, brother Danny, paternal grandparents Henry Lynn & Eva Alice Parks and his maternal grandparents Vern & Daisy Lanshaw.

We want to thank Dr. Chrisopher Murray, Dr. Milena Jani and all the doctors and staff at U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor for all his excellent care. Also, a BIG thank you to MyMichigan Hospice for helping him transition, what a fantastic team - Lara, Carol, Hailey, Don, Joe, Dawn, Deb and Hilda.

A celebration of his life will be Saturday Aug 31, 2024 at 1:30 – 4:30pm at the Ithaca Community Center, 120 N Maple Street, Ithaca, MI. A private Burial will be at Ithaca Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stevie’s memory can be made to MyMichigan Hospice at 6810 Eastman Ave., Midland, MI  48642.  

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

Theresa Ann (VanDemark) Beard

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Theresa Ann (VanDemark) Beard. Trish found her peace surrounded by family at Maple View Retirement Community, Ithaca MI on July 25, 2024.

Trish was born November 20, 1953 to Alan and Donna VanDemark in Alma MI. She attended Alma High School and Graduated with the class of 1971, the first graduating class at the “new school”. Trish worked at Lobdell-Emery from 1978-1989 and then moved on to American Mitsuba in 1989. In 2016 Trish retired from American Mitsuba, Mt. Pleasant after 27 years of service.

Together with their children, Trish married the love of her life Ron Beard on July 13, 1985.

Trish and Ron shared a happy life together, raised their blended family, built their dream home, fished, hunted, travel all over, and remained devoted to each other for 39 years. 

Trish was faithful, funny, stubborn, tenacious, and above all her compacity to love and care was infinite.  

Trish leaves behind her husband Ron, children Mathew Peterman, Amanda (Chris) Cooley, Jackie Beard, Rebecca (Scott) Brauchle, Chris Peterman, Sister Deb (Rollie) Anderson and seven grandchildren, Cam’Ron, Courtney,  Ellyanne, Scott (Maria), Alex, Taylor, and Kory, several nieces and nephews, along with countless friends who felt her warmth and generosity. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son Chad Alan.

To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a celebration of life will be held in her honor at Pine River Recreation Club, 5527 N. Ferris Road, Riverdale, MI on July 30, 2024 from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M.. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Rich and Helen Hospice Suite at the Maple View Retirement Community 4396 S. Luce Rd, Ithaca, MI.

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

Penny Martin (Moore)

(October 28, 1962 - July 1, 2024)

Penny Martin, age 61, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Richard “Terry” Moore and Patricia Mott in New Hartford, NY, Penny lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion to her family.

Penny is survived by her devoted husband, Rob Martin, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Together, they raised three wonderful children: John Merchant (Sara Merchant), Megan Petrella (Paul Petrella), and Lexus Hupfer (Tad Hupfer).

A beloved grandmother, Penny's memory will be cherished by her four grandchildren, Mackenzie, Payton, Aiden, and Alie, and another grandchild soon to join the family. She was also a loving sister to Kim Baltierra (Vincent Baltierra) and Kelly Bennett (Todd Bennett), who will miss her dearly. 

Penny was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Mott; her father, Richard Terry Moore; her stepfather, Larry Mott; and her grandparents, Georgiana and John Bruet.

Penny's warmth, generosity, and caring nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered as a best friend, compassionate soul, devoted family member, and someone who performed selfless acts of service. Her strength and commitment to those she loved were unmatched. Penny loved spending time with her family, camping, family trips to Disney, and her beloved dogs. She was the rock of many people's lives.

Above all, Penny was an amazing wife. She was a loving partner and unwavering source of support for her husband, Rob. Their marriage was built on deep companionship and friendship, and Penny's selflessness and dedication to Rob's happiness and well-being were evident in every aspect of their life together. She created a warm and welcoming home filled with love and joy. Penny's strength and resilience in facing life’s challenges together with Rob were truly inspirational. The shared joys, adventures, and cherished moments in their 31 years of marriage will be remembered forever. 

Penny was also the best mother. Her unconditional love, endless patience, and unwavering support were the foundation of her family's happiness. She guided her children through life's challenges with wisdom and grace, always knowing the right words to say. Penny's sacrifices and devotion were evident in every aspect of her life, and she created cherished memories and traditions that will live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Her nurturing spirit, inspirational strength, and the invaluable life lessons she imparted will be remembered forever.

Penny re-entered the workforce in 1993 as a Medical Assistant and retired at age 55 as a Regional Director at MidMichigan Medical Center, where she was known for her commitment and leadership.

Penny was deeply spiritual and had a strong relationship with God, finding peace and solace through her faith. She lived by strong moral principles, guided by her spiritual beliefs, and expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life. Her compassionate nature, humility, and inspiring faith touched many hearts.

Visitations will be held on July 5, 2024, at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca from 2-4 pm and 5-8 pm. A funeral service will be held on July 6, 2024, at 11 am at Resurrection Life Church in St. Louis, MI.

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