Jaxson Bradley Chester Skeith

Jaxson Bradley Chester Skeith, age 22 of Ithaca, Michigan passed away Sunday, June 9th, 2024. Jaxson was born July 14th, 2001 in Alma, Michigan to Gina Graham and Michael Skeith. He graduated from Michigan Youth Challenge Academy in 2017 and Link Learning in 2019. 

Jaxson had an infectious smile and a zest for life.  He loved nature and enjoyed walking in the woods, camping, and being outdoors. He loved family vacations, especially in the Upper Peninsula.  He was a hard worker who always picked things up quickly.  He enjoyed reading and learning,  and was a beautiful singer even though he was hesitant to use his voice in recent years. Jaxson enjoyed spending time with his family and girlfriend Jozilynn and loved a good meal - especially when cooked by any of his grandparents. 

Jaxson is survived by his dad and stepmom Michael and Kristin Skeith, stepdad Sam (Kim) Knopf, siblings Chloe Skeith, Ashlynn Skeith, and Malachi Knopf, Grandparents Mark and Karen Skeith, Brenda and Terry Brown and Dennis and Cathy Brecht. Aunts Jennifer Graham, Karie (Bob) Ervans, and Jennifer (Troy) Maillette, and cousins Gabe, Hannah, Aubree, Kaden, and Grant.  All of who will remember his tender heart and mischievous grin.  

He was preceded in death by his beloved mom Gina Graham Knopf.

A Memorial service will take place at Resurrection Life Church in St Louis at 1p Saturday, June 15th with visitation from 11a-1p.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the scholarship fund to be established in memory of Jaxson.

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

Garry Frisbey

Garry Frisbey, 73, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away on June 4, 2024.

Garry was born on December 25, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to Ardith and the late Harold Frisbey.  He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1969 and went on to serve in the Michigan Army National Guard. Garry worked for and retired out of Fisher transportation. 

Garry married the love of his life, Rebecca Whaley Frisbey, on January 14, 1970. Together, they raised three children, Brett (Tina), Johnathan (Loren) and Luke (Jamie), who were the center of his world. Garry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always putting his family first and making sure they knew how much they were loved.

Garry had a passion for building and fixing things. He loved gardening and enjoyed being an outdoor sportsman. One of his greatest passion was cooking for family and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who adored their "Grandpa Garry." 

Garry is survived by his beloved wife, Becky; his children, Brett (Tina) Frisbey, Johnathan (Loren) Frisbey, and Luke (Jamie) Frisbey; his grandchildren, Bela, Tyler, Eric, Parker, and Oliver; his mother Ardith Frisbey, his sisters Dawn (Ed) Lewis, Becky (Chuck) McDonald, Angie (Larry) Struck, Tonya Frisbey, brothers Stan (Linda) Frisbey, Wes (Linda) Frisbey, Kent Frisbey, Charlie Frisbey; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Heather, brother Cliff and his father Harold.

A private celebration of Garry's life was held on June 8, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ithaca Senior Center in Garry's memory or a charity of your choice. 

Garry will be deeply missed by family and all of the many friends who knew him, but his legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

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

Richard J. Merchant

Richard J Merchant of Ithaca, Michigan, was born in Alma on August 9, 1929 and died May 19, 2024. His parents were Beatrice B. (Terry) and Jay Merchant, also step-mother, Elsie (Butzin) Merchant. A sister, Lenna (R.L.) Grandy predeceased him. Richard attended country schools in New Haven Township and Fulton High School. 

In 1948 he was united in marriage to Carol Yvonne Glazier. Their children are Rodney Lee (Brenda Lindquist) and Scott Terry of Ithaca, also Kay Althea (Paul) Speranza of Hendersonville, N. C. and Sandra Louise Merchant of Alma. A daughter, Bonnie Jean, died at birth and foster son Richard Palmer passed in 2007. Grandchildren are Eric Merchant, Keli Speranza, Rocco Speranza, Thomas Gesler and Matthew Gesler. Great-grandchildren are Madysen Merchant and Masen Merchant. Their extended family includes step and foster grandchildren, as well as the Galadi and other cherished international friends. 

Richard belonged to the Ithaca Presbyterian Church, serving on the Session. He was a member of the Ithaca School Board for 20 years and the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society. A talented mechanic, he was a farmer, as were his father and grandfather. Great-grandparents, Thomas and Christina (Lett) Merchant, were early pioneers of Gratiot County. In 1991, the Merchant farm was designated Michigan Centennial Farm of the Year. In 1992, farm machinery was sold, fields rented out and Merchants wintered in Florida and North Carolina. He and Carol were blessed to become residents at Maple View Retirement Community in 2022.

A memorial service will be held for Richard at 11am on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with The Reverend Susan Sickelka officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30am until the time of the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mapleview Retirement Community for their Park Project.

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

Gloria Marion Kleinhans

Gloria Marion Kleinhans passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Lansing, Michigan, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Born to Michael and Regina Binfet on January 18, 1944, in Esmond, North Dakota, she was a beacon of light and warmth in the community she loved and happily served. 

Known for her generosity and love for God and her family, Gloria will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Gloria enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren across the country, especially those in warmer climates. She volunteered her time at the Senior Center, seasonally worked at Godley’s Country Floral, and cultivated her green thumb in any way she could. Gloria’s family asks that she be remembered as the vibrant presence she was: a lover of adventure, new recipes, baking, and fine wine, her joyous presence and infectious laugh, the twitch of her lips when she was making up her mind, her quick feet when she heard a good tune, and her fondness of comfort and pretty things. 

She is survived by her children Roger “Kip” Kleinhans, Stacy (Dane) Longanbach, Melissa Tackitt, Renae Bludworth, Rick (Angela) Kleinhans, and Ana’Lisa (Cody) Bovee, 15 grand children, and 16 great-grand children. 

The family will receive visitors at Barden’s Funeral Home on Saturday, May 11 1:00-3:00 PM and Sunday, May 12, 6:00-8:00. Additionally, the funeral home will provide a prayer service during the visitation on Sunday, May 12 at 7:30 PM. A ceremony will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Monday, May 13 at 10:00 AM. The burial service will be held Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 AM at New Haven Township Cemetery, Sumner.  

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

Gordon Ray Ward

Gordon Ray Ward, age 88, of Alma, died Saturday, April. 27, 2024, at Country Friends Assisted Living in Sumner.

He was born February4, 1936 in St. Louis, MI, the son of Ralph and Geraldine (Whitehead) Ward.  He graduated from St. Louis High School and entered the Army in 1959, serving in Germany as a medic. Upon his discharge from the Army he started working for Dow Chemical in Midland where he worked for 39 years.  He married Martha Jane Derby on January 30, 1976.  He coached girls softball at Alma High School for three years along with Dar Peska.  He was always supportive and involved with his daughter’s extracurricular activities, never missing a game or a tournament.  He enjoyed gardening, playing golf, bowling, shooting pool, and playing softball on Cookie’s Repair traveling softball league in the 1980’s.  He was an active member of the Alma Elks Club, and enjoyed taking his family on vacations.

Gordon is survived by 4 daughters, Tamra Ward of Alma, Jenelle Saavedra (Adan Saavedra) of Ithaca, Kristie Gruesbeck of St. Louis, and Denetta Wilcome of Detroit; and his grandchildren Vincent, Madison, Jayden, Jackson, Bryce,and Isabella.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Geraldine Ward; and the love of his life, his wife Martha Jane Ward.  His family will have their own gathering and celebration of his life.

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