William Francis Gregones of Ludington passed away early Monday morning at his home after a 3 month illness. William was born on May 12, 1922 in Ludington, the son of Domicilla and Mathias Gregones. He married Monica Izdebski on October 7, 1950 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and she survives. Bill was a lifelong resident of Ludington, a graduate of Ludington High School, and a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. He served in the US Army in Normandy, Northern France and Central Europe. He was also a 4th Ward commisioner for the City of Ludington for 13 1/2 years. He was Past Grand Knight of Council 1492 Knights of Columbus, and was editor of the Knight News for 15 years, and was Faithful Navigator of the Council 2011 4th degree. Also a member of the Edwin H. Ewing Post # 76 American Legion. Bill enjoyed golf, especially his foursomes to out of town courses, he also enjoyed building dollhouses, and working puzzles. Bill was employed as a Wheelsman on the PM 18, City of Flint for 4 years, and later was engineer for C&O CSX Railroad for 32 years retiring several years ago. Surviving besides his wife Monica, are 1 son, Richard of Ludington, his grandson Gerald William Gregones, and granddaughter SFC Rachel Gregones serving in Korea, 1 brother Clarence "Kelly" Gregones of Muskegon, a brother in law, Lewis Brown and a sister in law, Mary Lou Gregones, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by 2 sons, James & William Jr., and 2 infant daughters, Donna Marie, and Patricia, and infant son Thomas, also his parents, 4 sisters Mary (Joseph) Jonaus, Helen (Adam) Polcin, Bernice (Lewis) Brown, & Estelle (Harold) Case, 3 brothers Joseph, John, and Anthony Gregones. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday January 17 at 10:30 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where a Scripture and Wake service was held at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery and memorials may be directed to the St. Simon Food Pantry or the charity of choice.

Irene C. Hathaway went to be with the Lord with her family at her side at Memorial Medical Center. She was born Irene C. Sniegowski on March 6, 1921 in Ludington to John & Ursula (Novak) Sniegowski. She married John (Jack) Hathaway on Sept. 11, 1946 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. She was a daily Communicant up until the time of her illness. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, the Altar Society, & Four Seasons Circle. She was employed for the Medical Care Facility in the Diversional Therapy Department, Schohl's Jewelry Store, and Volunteered at St. Sion's Bargain Center. She worked on the Applefest and many other church events & functions over the years. Surviving besides her beloved husband Jack, are 7 children, Jerry & (Ann) Ziemkowski of Ludington, (Mike) & Chris Hathaway of Zeeland, Eric & (Pat) Soneral of Scottville, (Tom) & Becky Hathaway of Traverse City, (Jim) & Pat Hathaway of Mt. Pleasant, Mike & (Sue) Engfer of Gardner, IL, (John) & Pam Hathaway of Zeeland, 13 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters, Ed & (Stephanie) & Alexis Rasmussen, Dan & (Lisa) Boers, (Eric) & Michelle Soneral, Jason & (Nicole) & Olivia Warner, (Adam) Hathaway, (Kevin) & Emily Hathaway, (Jason) Hathaway & Meghan Gratkowski, (Kyle) Hathaway, Carl Engfer, Angie Engfer, Jordan Hathaway & Amanda Hathaway, 1 sister Mrs. Henry (Marge) Marek of Ludington, and 1 brother Lee (& Marg) Sniegowski of Kenosha, WI, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in daeth by her parents, John & Ursula Sniegowski, 2 brothers, Msgr. Thaddeus R. Sniegowski and Conrad Sniegowski, 1 sister Dorothy Hathaway. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the Celebrant. Visitation was at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM where a Scripture and Wake Service was held at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery, and memorials may be directed to The St. Simon's Food Pantry with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Helen M. Frase, 71 of 923 Mitchell St. passed away unexpectedly Friday morning at her residence. Helen M. Leatherman was born February 23, 1932 in mason and lived in Ludington most her life. She was the owner of East Side Adult Foster Care Home for over 20 years until 1998. Heken is survived by 1 daughter Mrs. Art (Rosemary) Powers of Lyons, 2 grandchildren Jennifer Frase of Ludington and Jeremy Frase of Ludington, 1 brother and 1 sister, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by 1 son Robert Frase. There will be no service or visitation and cremation has taken place.

Betty McGhan, 75 of Tendercare of Ludington passed away early Friday January 9, 2004 at Tendercare after an extended illness. She was born in Muskegon on December 19, 1928. Throughout Betty's life, she was a blessing to those who knew her. Betty, with her uninhibited, fun-loving and caring personality will be greatly missed by her friends, especially the very special friends she had made over the years. Betty loved babies and children, helping others, teasing and joking with her friends, music and dancing. Before her Parkinson's Disease advanced, she was active in Area 24 Special Olympics competition and bowling.

Robert E. Stong, 70 of 5660 W. Johnson Rd. passed away at 7:10 PM Thursday January 8, 2004 at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon after a brief illness. He was born on September 8, 1933 in Muskegon and married on October 14, 1989 in Ludington to Joyce Echlin who survives. He came to Ludington in 1971 from Muskegon and was a graduate of Muskegon Heights High School. He joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Edwin H. Ewing Post # 76 American Legion, teh Fin and Feather Club, Ludington Aerie # 1354 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ludington Lodge # 637 Loyal Order of Moose. He was employed as a Lab Technician & Supervisor for Ludington pumped Storage Plant and retired in 1991 after 34 years of employment. Survivors besides his wife are 1 son, Robert T. (& Penny) Stong of Muskegon, 2 step sons, Kevin Haselhuhn of Ludington, and Robert (& Tammie) Haselhuhn of Grand Rapids, 1 step daughter Beverly Poe of Bellville, step grandchildren Marci, Mandi Jo, Samantha, and Nathan, 3 sisters, Nancy Lack of TN, Sheri Brown, of FL, and Linda Stong of Ludington, and his best friend, his pet "Maxine" He was preceded in death by 1 brother Bill. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Pearl R. Winczewski, 88 of Tendercare of Ludington and formerly of 504 Second St. passed away Thursday January 8 at 9:15 PM at Tendercare.Pearl was born to Joseph and Rose (Rosplock) Ezdebski on February 14, 1915 in Ludington. She married Alex C. Winczewski on June 30 1936 and he died in 1985. She was a lifelong resident of Ludington and a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. She graduated from Ludington High School. She was a former member of the St. Stanislaus Church Choir and Altar Society. She loved to crochet and took great pride in her home. She was employed by the Paulina Stearns Hospital as a nurses aide. Survivors include 2 daughters, Mrs. Max (Evelyn) Kokx of Hart, Mrs. Robert (Rose Alice) Huber of Ludington, her grandchildren Laurie & Cary Cavanaugh, Ann & Dan Templet, Roger & Tami Kokx, Susan & Joe Caudill, Julie & Bruce Lowing, James & Pam Huber, 12 great grandchildren, 1 sister Victoria Shilander of Ludington, 2 sisters in law Elaine Ezdebski, and Margaret (Peg) Ezdebski both of Ludington, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Tuesday January 13 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the Celebrant. Visitation will be at the Church from 11:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery. Memorails may be directed to the charity of the Donor's choice.

Nicole A. Kolanowski, 28, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Ludington, died at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 in Grand Rapids following an automobile accident. She was born on Dec. 26, 1975 in Grand Rapids. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. She returned to Grand Rapids following graduation from Ludington High School in 1994 and attended Chic School of Cosmetology in Grand Rapids. She was employed at Carraba’s Restaurant in Grand Rapids. Survivors include her parents, Stanley and Patricia Kolanowski Jr. of Ludington and Grand Rapids; one brother, Matthew Kolanowski of Ludington; one sister, Kristen Kolanowski of Grand Rapids; her maternal grandparents, Virgil (Mary) Paul of Englewood, Fla.; her paternal grandmother, Frances Kolanowski of mason; aunts and uncles, Jim and Linda Paul of Carmel, Calif., Tom and Carol Paul of Marshall, Jeff and Laury Paul of Traverse City, Jim and Sue Kolanowski of mason, Ron Kolanowski and Steve Kolanowski of mason; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Dorothy Paul and her paternal grandfather, Stanley Kolanowski Sr. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at St. Simon Catholic Church, the Rev. Ken Schichtel, celebrant. Visitation was from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 and from 9 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Jay R. O’Hara, 57, of 109 E. Foster St., died Tuesday, Jan. 6 at his residence. There will be no service or visitation.

Floyd James Gadziemski, 76 of 110 E. Tinkham Ave. Passed away unexpectedly Thursday January 1, 2004 at his residence. Floyd was born September 2, 1927 in Ludington the son of Frank and Mary (Kubiak) Gadziemski. He graduated from St. Simon High School in 1946 and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, 83rd artillery in Germany from 1950-1952. He was employed at the P.M. Railroad, Western Union, Jebavy Packing, Autopulse, and retired in 1993 from Dow Chemical Co after 36 years. He married Marilyn Benson on Sept. 28, 1972 in St. Simon Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, and was a communicant. He was a devoted husband, father, & church member. He enjoyed his home and was most proud of his children and 2 grandsons. Surviving Floyd besides his wife of 31 years, are one daughter, Donna (& Scott) Miller of Caledonia, 1 son James ( & Allie) Gadziemski of York, PA and 2 grandsons Andrew Miller and Jarrett Gadziemski, 1 sister Dorothy (& Edward) Skvarla, 1 brother Theodore (& Jackie) Gadziemski both of Ludington, 1 aunt Mable Gadziemski of Holland, MI, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother in law Virginia, & Larry Bowen, nephews, Frank Slvarla and Leonard Bowen. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 5, 2004 at 10:30 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home where a wake service will be held at 3:00 PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Simon Pantry Fund, or the charity of choice envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Raymond E. Short, 76 of Hamlin Twp. went home to be with his Lord and savior on Saturday August 2, 2003 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born on August 5, 1926 in Port Huron, MI to John E. & Grace A. (Weston) Short. He married June I. McEachern on March 16, 1946 in Port Huron. He served in WWII in the US Merchant Marine and sailed on the Great Lakes for 35 years and retired in 1983 as an AB from the C&O Carferries. He was a longtime member of the Washington Ave. Baptist Church. He belonged to the Marine Historical Society of Detroit, and the Mason County Historical Society where he volunteered as a spokesman for the Marine Room at White Pine Village until his illness. Ray is survived in addition to his wife by 3 children Donald M. Short of Ludington, Daniel R. (& Laurie) Short of Marquette, MI, and Susan Short of Ludington, 3 grandchildren, Adam, Sarah Jane, and Nathan all of Marquette, MI, 1 sister V. Lorene Christensen of CA, and his Goddaughter, Mrs. Seth (Ellen) Hoover, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by 1 brother Peter Donald Short. Funeral services for Raymond E. Short will be conducted on Thursday August 7 at 2:00 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Dr. James Carlson officiating. Visitstion will be from 12:00 until the time of service. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Washington Ave. Baptist Church Building Fund, or Hospice of Michigan-Mason County with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Joetta Ann Dancz, 61 of 715 N. Rowe St passed away suddenly Tuesday July 29. Joetta A. Beltz was born May 31, 1942 in Ludington and lived in the Ludington area most of her life. She was a member of the Beacon Ministries Church, and her hobbies included reading her Bible, bowling, watching movies with her grandchildren, and playing her keyboard. She was employed at the former Ludington K-Mart, and later at the Family Dollar. Survivors include her 7 children, Jeff (& Pat) Dancz of Hart, Mark (& Shelli) Dancz of Whitehall, Delynn Curtis of Ludington, Greg Dancz of Ludington, Bekkie (& Bruce) Rought of Shelby, Leigh (& Bill) Brewer of Ludington, Dayna (& Lynette) of Mears, 20 grandchildren, 6 brothers and sisters, Roger (& Janet) Beltz of NC, Janet (& Ray) Johnson of OK, Bob (& Linda) Beltz of OK, Linda Richardson of LA, Margaret Stilson of Grand Haven, and Sylvia Beltz of Grand Haven, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy & Marietta Beltz, and her former husband Richard Lee Dancz. Memorial services for Joetta A. Dancz were held on Saturday August 2, 2003 at 12:00 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Bacon officiating .

Doris Mildred Lundberg, 99, passed away July 15, 2003 at Tendercare of Ludington. Doris M. Lambrix was born on September 6, 1903 in Golden Twp., Oceana County, To Charles and Lois (Sherman) Lambrix. She attended school at North Weare and Bucks Corners, and graduated from Pentwater High School in 1921. After attending Oceana County Normal and Ferris Institute, she taught school at N. Weare and Maple Grove. She married Carl L. Lundberg in 1924. They lived and farmed near the Oceana-Mason County line for many years. During WWII, she went back to teaching school at N. Weare and Bucks School for several years. They wintered in Bradenton, and Zephyrhills, FL. Carl passed away in 1984. Doris had resided at Villiage Haus in Ludington four years and at Tendercare of Ludington for 2 1/2 years. She loved to play cards, do needlework, play Bingo, and read. She never missed a Detroit tigers Baseball Game on TV or radio. Her family was a great joy to her. She is survived by a son, Louis l. (& Betty) Lundberg of Pentwater, a daughter, Betty (& Fred) Near pf Shelby, daughter in law, Dolores Smith of Ludington, 9 grandchildren, Charles (& Katie) Ludnberg of Lawrenceberg, IN, Russell (& Diane) Lundberg of Pigeon, Chris (& Bonnie) Lundberg of Sand Lake, Ronald (& Judy) Lundberg of Pentwater, Michael (& Linda) Lundberg of New Era, Peggy (& Greg) Anderson of Montague, Patricia Lundberg of Ann Arbor, Lee (& Tina) Near of Oviedo, FL, Tom (& Ann) Near of Williamsburg, 19 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by by her husband Carl, and 1 son Wayne, a grandson Wayne Near, her parents and baby brother John. Funeral services were held at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home Saturday July 19 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dennis Slattery officiating. Visitation was held on Friday July 18 from 7-9 PM. Burial was in Center Riverton Cemetery, and memorials may be directed to Tendercare of Ludington or Hospice of Michigan, Mason County with envelopes available at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Bernadine L. "Bernie" Miedema, 76 of 910 Glenview Ct. passed away peacefully Sunday July 13 at 8:00 PM at her residence after an extended illness. Bernadine Lockwood was born May 20, 1927 in Grand Rapids and married on October 11, 1947 to Harold Miedema and he passed away in 1980. The couple came to Ludington in 1963 from Grand Haven. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and graduated from high school in Grand Rapids. She was very active in her parish, and was involved in several of the church functions, and supported Catholic Education. She was a former member of the Ludington Yach Club. The greatest joy in her life was marrying the one true love of her life, Harold, having her 5 children, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The couple forerly owned and operated Jimmy's Flowers and she was a faithful employee of Dr. Gerry Mayer until his retirement. She then went to work for Dr. Gadzinski and Dr. Gustafson untill illness forced her retirement. Survivors include 3 sons, Patrick (& Cheryl) Miedema of Ludington, Richard (& Linda) Miedema of Titusville, FL, Robert Miedema of Grand Rapids, 1 daughter Joanne Dobb of Ludington, 9 grandchildren, Kristy, Sheila, Casey, Jason, Travis, Michelle, Jared, and D.J., 2 sisters, Cecelia Hill of Cadillac, and Theresa Morgan of Spring Lake, nieces and nephews, and her special daily visitor Lorna Collins. She was preceded in death by 1 son Michael, 1 brother and 1 sister. Mass of Christian Burial for Bernie Miedema was held on Wednesday July 16 at 10 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev.Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was on Tuesday July 15 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home from 2-4 & 6-8 PM and a scripture and Wake Service was held at 7:30PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery. PLease consider as a lasting tribute to Bernie, a donation to the Ludington Area Catholic Education Foundation with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Alice J. Cooper, 77 of 706 N. Franklin St. passed away Sunday June 22, at 8:55 AM, at Memorial Medical Center after an extended illness. Alice Youngquist was born July 31, 1925 in Ludington and married on August 26, 1944 in Victoria, TX to James E. Cooper and he survives. Alice was a lifelong resident of Ludington, and devoted member of the Washington Ave. Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a graduate of Ludington High School. She was formerly the Church secretary, Sunday School secretary, Church Pianist, and was active in Womens organizations within the Church. Survivors include 2 sons, Zane (& Marilyn) Cooper of Battle Creek, Wade (& Kris) Cooper of Medford, NJ, 1 daughter, Mrs. Raymond (Pamela) Racey of Ludington, 5 grandchildren Jordan & Tyler Racey, Reid, Allison, and Luke Cooper, 2 sisters, Vera Babcock of Ludington, & Elaine Ferre' of Kirkwood, MO, a sister in law Elsa Youngquist of Indianapolis, IN, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur & Minnie Youngquist and a brother Robert. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 25 at the Washington Ave. Baptist Church at 1:30 PM with Dr. James Carlson officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Wednesday at the Church. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Washington Ave. Baptist Church with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret H. Olson, 90 of 1000 Diana St. went to be with the Lord on Wednesday June 18 at 7 PM after an extended illness. Margaret H. Anderson was born on November 11, 1912 in Ludington and married to Johnnie Erickson and he preceded her in death, later she married Alvin A. Olson and he preceded her in death in 1983. She was a lifelong resident of Ludington and a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church. She graduated from Ludington High School. Margaret loved to crochet for her family who will cherish her work for years to come. She also spent many years sending cards and notes to shut-ins. She taught her family responsibilty and high moral values, and to be faithful in church. Survivors include 2 daughters Marie (& James) Chase of Scottville, and Shirley (& Melvin) Gilman of Scottville, 1 son Wilman "Willie" (& Eugenia) Olson of Ludington, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a step-son Melvin Arthur Olson from Milwaukee, and 13 siblings, 1 grandson David Chase. Funeral services for Margaret H. Olson were held Friday June 20 at 1:00 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Blount of the Lighthouse Baptist Church officiating. Visitation was on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Shepards Home for the Handicappedof Wisconsin, with envelopes available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Maxine F. Gorzynski, 88 of 417 N. Lewis St. passed away Friday June 6 at Oakview Medical Care Facility after a brief illness. Maxine Squire was born December 16, 1914 in Mason County and was married to Leo Gorzynski and he preceded her in death. Maxine was a lifelong resident of Mason County, and graduated from Ludington High School in 1932. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Ludington, and the United Methodist Women, and a member of the Birthday Club. Survivors include 1 son, Ronald (& Bonnie) Gorzynski of Ludington, 2 grandchildren, Val Gorzynski of Ludington, and Deanna (& Art) Lutz of Accokeek, MD, 1 great grandson Valentine Gorzynski of Ludington, 1 brother Dean (& Lorraine) Squire of Ludington, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Maxine was preceded in death by 1 brother Glen Squire, 1 step brother Henry Mottl, and 1 step sister Eva Utz Private family services were held and burial was in Pere Marquette Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be sent to Alexander-Rye Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Irene C. Harmon, 82 of 501 Stray St. passed away Sunday June 1, 2003 at Memorial Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Irene C. Kloss was born on January 20, 1921 in Ludington to Walter and Joanna Kloss, and married Elery Harmon in Ludington in 1950, and he passed away on June 14, 1982. Irene lived in Ludington all her life and was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Ludington. She graduated from Ludington High School in 1940 and was a member of Court 745 Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She had worked at the Star Watch Case Co. for a number of years. Survivors include her 2 sons, Pardner (& Eilish) Harmon of Ludington, and Ben Harmon of Dearborn Hts., 2 grandchildren, Erika & Kris Harmon both of Ludington, 3 sisters, Helen Welbes of Muskegon, Regina Swanson of Muskegon, and Mrs. John (Betty) Bennett of Ludington, 2 sisters in law, Dorothy Kloss of Whitehall, and Willow Harmon of Dunedin, FL, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death in addition to her husband by, her parents, and 1 daughter Valery Harmon, and 1 brother Bummy Kloss. Mass of Christian Burial for Irene C. Harmon was celebrated on Wednesday June 4 at St. Simon Catholic Church at 10:00 AM with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was on Tuesday from 6-9 PM and a Scripture Service was held at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery, and memorials may be directed to the Ludington Lions Club for the benefit of the visually impaired. Envelopes are available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home.

Rhea Jean Eikenberry, 53 of 1501 E. Conrad Rd. Scottville passed away at 2 PM Monday April 21, 2003 at home after a 2 1/2 year illness. Rhea J. Wright was born on January 14, 1950 in Ludington, MI and married November 21, 1986 to Phil Eikenberry who survives. She was a lifelong resident of Mason County, and a member of the Sugar Ridge Church of the Bretheran in Custer. She graduated from Mason County Central High School and attended Ferris State College graduating in 1970. She was one of the founding directors of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Womens Student Scholarship Fund. She was a Sunday School teacher for several years, and co-director & teacher of church bible school. She was a member of the Church Women's Fellowship, and served on the church board. Also a member of MACMA, and chairman of the Michigan Apple Queen Committee. Rhea also enjoyed gardening, her grandchildren, family and friends. She was the owner of Acres of Flavor Farm Market and Receiving Station, and served as a Land Man and Title Examinor for oil, gas & fiber optics. Surviving in addition to husband are her mother, Jean Wright of Ludington, her children, Dan & Kara Kriesel of Grand Rapids, Denise Kriesel & friend Karl Kutchi of Ypsilanti, Grady & Paula Eikenberry of Indianapolis, her sister Micki & Dennis Veerman of RI, and brother Gayle & Rose Marie Wright of Ludington, her grandchildren Parker & Kelsey Eikenberry & Allison & Aaron Mendenhall, nieces and nephews Nadine & Greg Wright- Thurow, Jelaine Wright, Robyn & Dan Benham, Jennifer Veerman, Matthew Veerman, & Melissa & Wayne Weiker. She was preceded in death by her father Fred Wright and a grandson. Graveside services were conducted at 9:30 AM Saturday April 26 at Center Riverton Cemetery with Rev. William Mustard officiating. A memorial service was held at 11:00 AM Saturday April 26 at the Sugar Ridge Church of the Bretheran on E. Wilson Rd., Custer. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan- Mason County, or the Brain Tumor Research Fund of the University of Michigan, envelopes are availabe at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home, Inc.

Betty J. Rahn, 74 of Ludington Woods Living Center passed away on Tuesday April 8, 2003 at 6:23 AM at Ludington Woods after a 13 year valiant battle with cancer. Betty Jean Stewart was born on October 23, 1928 in Fountain to Gerald & Ila Stewart. She was married on May 1, 1948 to Robert D. Rahn and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2002. She lived in the Mason County area all her life and graduated from Scottville High School. Betty was an avid golfer and was formerly a member of Lincoln Hills Country Club and Lakeside Links. She worked for many years at Nichols Drug Store in Scottville and then at Mason County Central High School as secretary to the principal where she retired. Survivors include 3 daughters, Diane (& Stephen) Juterbock of Jefferson, OH, Debra J. Rahn of Fairfax, VA, and Judy M. Johnson of Ludington, 3 grandchildren, Christopher (& Amy) Juterbock of New Berlin, PA, Anne Juterbock of Jefferson, OH, and Matthew Johnson of Ludington, 2 sisters Mrs. Richard (Beverly) Hansen of Scottville, and Mrs. Melvin (Vivian) Wahr of Muskegon, 1 brother Richard Stewart of Show Low, AZ, 2 sisters in law Kay Rahn of Palmetto, FL, and Linda Black of Florida and Michigan, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and 1 sister Geraldine Slawinski. Memorial services for Betty J. Rahn were held on Friday April 11 at 11:00 AM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with her nephew Pastor Gary Wahr officiating. Visitation was also be Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial was in Center Riverton Cemetery, and memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, Mason County Unit. A luncheon followed the memorial service at the Ludington Elks Lodge.

Jordan A. Holcomb, Sr., of Ludington, MI and Port Charlotte, FL passed away Tuesday March 18, 2003 at the age of 82 at Charlotte Regional Medical Center. A lifelong Michigan resident, he was married for 52 years to Bertha (Martin), who preceded him in death in 1996. He maintained a second home in Port Charlotte for 20 years. Mr. Holcomb was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army Air Corp. He was an independent businessman, owning a drugstore, Gambles Hardware Store, Suzuki Motorcycle dealership and auto sales business. He was also involved in commercial real estate. Mr. Holcomb enjoyed spending family time at the Lake Michigan beaches, raising horses, and bird hunting. He was an active member of Elbridge Community Church in Hart, MI and attended Fellowship Church in Englewood. He is survived by his loving companion Clara Lozen, of Hart, MI and by seven children; Janet (Jim) Bevans of Muskegon, Lorna (Ray) Mitchell of Chicago, Gail (Larry) Kievit of Grand Rapids, Jordon Holcomb, Jr., of Hart, Bruce Holcomb and Scott (Lynda) Holcomb of Ludington, and Kristin (Larry) Ralston of New Era. He is also survived by one sister, Virginia Deephouse of Muskegon, and by 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Visitation was on Sunday March 23, 2003 at the Elbridge Community Church, seven miles east of Hart, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, and on Monday March 24, 2003 from 11:00-1:00, the funeral took place at 1:00 PM Monday March 24, 2003, at the Church. Interment followed in Elbridge Community Cemetery.

Virginia R. "Gigi" (Cwyner) Copenhaver, 73 of Muskegon and formerly Ludington passed away Monday Oct. 14. She was born on March 21, 1929 in Muskegon to Daniel & Leona Johnson and married to Chester Cwyner on February 18, 1950, he died in 1988. She married Athol Copenhaver on Sept. 24, 1990 and he passed away in 1996. Virginia worked for Hoslers in Muskegon and then at the Downtown Deli in Ludington. She was a member of St. Jean's Catholic Church, and a former member of St. Simon Catholic Church. Virginia enjoyed singing her entire life and was a member of the Sweet Adelines of Ludington for over 10 years. Survivors include 4 children, Daniel (& Linda) Cwyner, and Mary (& Lloyd) Jenkins of Muskegon, Michael (& Dawn) Cwyner of Roanoke, VA, and Joseph Cwyner of Marquette. Six step sons, Allen (& Helen), Michael (& Judy) Copenhaver of Ludington, Richard (& Judy) Copenhaver of Shelby, James (& Rita), Thomas (& Kandi), and Daniel (& Renee) Copenhaver of Ludington, 21 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands, parents, sister Jaqueline Johnson, and granddaughter Heather Copenhaver. The Funeral Litergy will be at 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Jean's Catholic Church with Fr. James Wyse the celebrant. Visitation will be Wednesday October 16 from 6-9 PM at the Pachesney Jend Funeral Home where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00PM. Memorials may be directed to St. Jean's Catholic Church Endowment Fund. Memorials are available at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home which is in charge of local arrangements.

Shirley O. Rathbun, 77 of 408 N. Robert St. passed away Saturday October 12 at home after a brief illness. He was born on November 13, 1924 in Ludington and married on June 9, 1946 to Marcella Zywicki and she passed away July 11, 2001. He was a lifelong resident of Ludington and attended Ludington Area Schools. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army, and a life member of the Edwin H. Ewing Post #76 American Legion, Ludington Aerie 1354 Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Dear Brothers Association. He served as First Ward Commissioner from 1970-1983 and was Chairman of the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Commission. He aws employed as a meat manager for Lyons Market for many years, and the Market Basket, and Schoenbergers until his retirement. Survivors include his 3 daughters, Mrs. Dick (Janice D.) Boon of Bay City, Mrs. Robert (Connie) Anderson, and Lori Johnson all of Ludington, 8 grandchildren Ryan & Marci Boon, Michelle, Rebecca & Lisa Anderson, Shane Wardlow, Jammie Robbins, and Jennifer Johnson, 2 great granddaughters, Cheyanne & Savannah Robbins. 2 Sisters Mrs Roy (Dorothy) Anderson of Ludington and Mrs. Edward (Onabelle) Pehrson of Ludington, 1 brother Robert (& Betty) Rathbun of Midland, 1 sister in law Caroline Johnson of Ludington, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving him are special friends, Bob & Bev Johnson, and Helen Larson. Preceding Shirley in death besides his wife were a son and daughter in infancy, a brother Stewart (& Velma) Rathbun, and a brother in law Roy Anderson. Funeral services for Shirley O. Rathbun were held on Tuesday October 15 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Joe D. Ellenbass and the members of the American Legion Post officiating. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday October 14 at the funeral home from 6-8 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the family.