Jacqueline (Jackie) Darlene Bowen

Jacqueline (Jackie) Darlene Bowen was 87 years old when she passed from this life.  She and her husband Bill are long time residents of Ithaca.  She is survived by Bill, her two sons Craig (Wilsonville, OR) and Kent, his wife Renata (Gaylord, MI) grandchildren Kyle & his wife Ashley (Plymouth, MI), Katie & her husband Tony (Waltham, MA), Corbin (Wilsonville, OR), Cailyn & husband Mike (Pasadena, MD), great grandchildren Jackson, Olivia, Harrison, Hattie, and Hazel.

She was born in Hicksville, Ohio to Milton and Vera Hamman.  She grew up in Butler, Indiana where she met Bill.  They married there in 1954 and soon after moved to Ithaca.  The Bowen house is filled with the best memories of family, "that hand blown glass bowl belonged to Great Grandma Cannon, that cabinet was Grandpa Hamman's where he kept his hand-made fishing lures, that decorative measuring spoon set in the window was just like the one my Grandma used."  You'll also see furniture made by Bill and finished staining & painting completed by Jackie.  She was a good cook and made it look effortless.  The food was always warm, delicious, and best served at a table surrounded by family and friends.  If your're lucky, there would be a big bowl of baked beans that Jackson calls "special beans," and indeed they were.  Olivia knows how to make the best deviled eggs with Great Grandma's helpful hand and watchful eye and Hattie knows the secret too.  

For years, Jackie bowled on a woman's league in Ithaca and she and Bill enjoyed looking for treasures at flea markets and antique fairs.....they called it "going junkin."  Bill and Jackie have been members of the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca since the 1955 serving in leadership and supportive roles including the church board, food pantry, and community dinners.  Jackie was an aide at South Ithaca Elementary School for many years watching over a couple generations of children.  She was skilled with knitting needles, a crochet hook, and a sewing machine making what will be heirloom pieces for all her grandchildren who she loved to visit.  We will remember and celebrate a life well lived and well loved when the weather turns warm.  

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday April 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca with Reverend Joey Nowak officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10am until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the memorial service.

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

Anna May Kench

Anna May Kench, 80, of Ithaca, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024 surrounded by her family at MyMichigan Health in Alma, Mi. 

Anna was born on October 18, 1943 in Alma, Michigan to Donald Lee and Anna May McGill. 

Anna is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gerald, “Butch,” her children Shelly (Alberto) Betancourt, Brian (Tamara) Kench, Karen (Jerry) Cooley, Daren (Elizabeth) Kench. Grandchildren Carl (Kelli), Kayla (Jasen), Curtis (Marcy), Albert (Danay), Lizette (Seth), Cetara, Corbin (Jordyn), McKenzie, McKennah, Madisyn (Travis), Dakota (Olivia), Taylor (Chris), Payne, Jackson, Lucas, and Adam. Great grandchildren Grace, Gavin, Henry, Leo, Harper, Helios, Kal, Braylon, Oaklynn, and Jack. Many nieces and nephews.

Anna was preceded in death by her family members including her father, Donald, mother, Anna, sister, Donna, and brothers Donald II, Robert (Duane), Dale, and Jack.

Anna enjoyed country music, dancing, playing cards, reading, golfing, watching the Detroit Tigers, and working in the yard. Anna’s biggest pride and joy was her family. 

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Ithaca Community Center in Ithaca Michigan. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am, funeral service at 11 am, and luncheon to follow.

Donations in her honor may be made to Schnepp’s Rehabilitation and Senior Center Activity Center or Gratiot Commission on Aging.

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

Larrona “Lona” Mae Shaw

Birth: July 20, 1948, - Grand Rapids, MI 

Death: April 5, 2024, - Wyoming, MI

Larrona “Lona” Mae Shaw, age 75, of Ithaca, MI, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior at home in Wyoming, MI, surrounded by her family on Friday, April 5, 2024, after a battle with ALS.

Lona was born in Grand Rapids, MI on July 20, 1948, to Elvis and Erma (Turney) Shook. She graduated from Central Montcalm High School in 1966. Lona married Lawrence Shaw in Ithaca, MI, on May 23, 1970, and they remained dedicated parents to their sons.

Throughout her life, Lona worked as an X-ray technician, a food service worker at Ithaca Public Schools and the Department of Corrections in Carson City, the Ithaca High School head cheerleading coach, and a bus driver for Ithaca Public Schools and Vestaburg Community Schools. After retirement, Lona worked with her friend Mary at 3D Pizza in Vestaburg.

Lona was a strong and independent woman in every area of her life. She was also a mother of four boys whom she protected fiercely and loved very much. Lona loved camping, Hallmark Christmas movies, soap operas, and listening and singing to country music. However, Lona’s greatest pride and joy in her life was her family. Lona was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and honorary grandchildren, and was always there to support them at their sporting events and other activities. She loved spending time with her family at family gatherings and visits.

Lona is survived by her children: Brad (Mechelle) Shaw of Ithaca, MI; Chad (Jill) Shaw of Shepherd, MI; Joey Shaw of Punta Gorda, FL; and John (Emily) Shaw of Wyoming, MI; her sister, Cindy (Bob) Whitmill; her sister-in-law Sherry Shook; her sister-in-law Brenda Shook; her grandchildren: Bryan (Renan), Paige, Skylar (fiancée Kennedy), Brayden (girlfriend Joie), Kerstyn, Lilly, Charlotte, and Nora Shaw; her former husband Lawrence Shaw; her honorary family: Linda Flora and Jamey and Heather Conn; her honorary grandchildren: Dallas and Jackson Conn; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Jerry Shook, Steve Shook, and Dan Shook.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon immediately following at the Ithaca Community Center. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Barden Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation at https://www.susanmastals.org/donation/. 

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

William “Willie” H. LaFreniere

William “Willie” H. LaFreniere, 71 of Ithaca, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024. 

He was born on May 28, 1952 in Manistique, MI to Bill and Millie (Bailey) LaFreniere.

While growing up he went to school in Ithaca and spent his summers in Grand Marais.  Willie graduated in 1970 from Ithaca High School.

On April 1st, 1972, Willie married the love of his life, RoseZan Sue Finch.

Willie was a hard worker, starting at age 11 at Dionise Market.  Later he could be seen anywhere from the Shell pumping gas to pouring drinks at the North Star Bar.  He worked at Wolverine World Wide where he met RoseZan and later retired from Aircraft Precision Products after nearly 40 years.  

Willie and RoseZan had 4 children; Scott (Carla) LaFreniere of Alma, Heather LaFreniere of Utica, Heidi (Wayne) Gavenda of Ithaca, and Hollee (Dottie) Nicholson of St. Clair Shores.  

Anyone who knew Willie knew how much he loved youth sports.  He supported any and all kids, no matter the sport or school they represented.  After his own kids graduated, Willie continued to support the Ithaca youth and the Ithaca Yellowjackets.  Later he was a huge supporter of the Breckenridge Huskies.  

Besides his wife and kids, Willie is survived by his grandkids; Jasmine, Spencer, Jameson, Coltin, Brooklyn & Ashlyn.  Willie also leaves behind his furbaby, Bowie.  Surviving are also his siblings; Gail (Bob) Huber, Tim (Laurie) LaFreniere, Dave (Chris) LaFreniere & Deanette (Jeff) Watson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of great friends.

Proceeding him in death were his parents and in-laws, Ernest & Betty Finch, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

A special thank you to Dr. Russell Anderson and all the girls at the Ithaca Family Care for their endless support and care.  

Donations may be made to the family to help with funeral arrangements.  Any remaining funds will be donated to youth sports in Willies name.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Edwin Dwyer Officiating and interment following at Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm Wednesday April 3, and 2-4pm and 6-8pm Thursday, April 4 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. In honor of Willie’s love for high school athletics, the family is asking for people to wear their favorite high school team clothing.

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

Charles Bert Lott

“If you are reading this, you will surely assume that I have deceased, but you would be wrong. My body has indeed quit functioning; however, I have gone home to be with the Lord.”

Charles Bert Lott, of 509 N. Maple St. Ithaca, Michigan passed from this earth on March 17, 2024 at the Laurels of Fulton. He was born on 11 July, 1934 in Ithaca, Michigan.

Arrangements are being handled by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Interment will be at the Sanders Cemetery in Ranger, West Virginia with graveside services by Pastor Ernest Neace. Arrangements in West Virginia are being handled by the Freeman Funeral Home in Chapmanville, West Virginia.

Mr. Lott was preceded in death by wife Sharlene Lott, parents Eldon O. And Ruth Ella Lott, two sisters Rose Wendland and Phyllis Peterlee, as well as several aunts and uncles. He is survived by several nephews and nieces.

Mr. Lott received his primary education at the now defunct Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan and his secondary education at three schools in Detroit, Michigan. His highest academic achievement was a B.A. degree in English at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He also earned an A.A.S. degree in electrical technology from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan.

Mr. Lott’s employment included freelance sales, radio (at two different broadcast stations), stuffing buyer’s guides, and lastly as a webmaster for Primary Power, a niche corporation headed by Roger Silverthorn (formerly of Ithaca, Michigan).

Visitation will be held 4-7pm on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with a service at 6:30pm. Mark Monroe will officiate and the church choir will sing.