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Roberta Marian Barclay Mitchell, 99 of Ludington, died Saturday, Aug. 3 at Tendercare of Ludington with her family at her bedside. She had lived at Tendercare since April 2000. Roberta was born Roberta Marian Barclay to Emma and Frank Barclay of Scottville on July 28, 1903. She attended school in Scottville and in 1923, she graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing. In 1926 she married Walter Mitchell. The couple moved to West Allis, Wis., where Roberta worked at a registered nurse in public health and school nursing. She also was active as a Girl Scout leader working with handicapped girls. Roberta was an active member of the West Allis United Methodist Church. In 1964, after the death of her husband, Roberta accompanied members of the United Methodist Church to Bolivia to serve as a medical missionary. She worked in Bolivia as a registered nurse for a year, specializing in teaching nutrition and public health. After serving in Bolivia, she moved back to Ludington to be close to her brothers who lived in Scottville. She joined the Ludington United Methodist Church where she was active in many women’s groups. She was also a member of the Book Review Club, a supporter of White Pine Village and a volunteer at Baywood Nursing Home. Roberta loved the Ludington/Scottville community and will be remembered as someone who always had time for her family and friends. Roberta was excited about being chosen to be a part of the “Heroes Wall” at the new Applebee’s in Ludington because of her humanitarian and medical missions work. Survivors include her son, Richard and his wife, Peggy. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Richard, Gregory and Cynthia; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Marion) Barclay and sister-in-law, Dorothy Barclay; nephews, Jerry Barclay and Warren Barclay; nieces, Barbara Barclay and Janet (Fred) Lively; and cousin, George (Bonnie) Barclay. Good friends who survive include Jacqueline and Earl Judkins of Milwaukee, Laura and Bill Walker of Ludington, and Gisele Knudsen of Scottville, as well as all of her special “angels” at Tendercare. Roberta was preceded in death by her brother, Stuart Barclay. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday August 21 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joe Elenbass officiating A luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be directed to Amanda Barclay who is in treatment for leukemia. Envelopes are available at funeral home.

Marie A. Hamilton, 91 of Ludington passed away at 4:30 PM Wednesday July 24 at the Orchard View AFH in Custer after a 1 year illness. Marie A. Beebe was born December 5, 1910 in Ludington and married on August 10, 1935 to Leroy O. Hamilton and he passed away on July 9, 1975. She was a lifelong resident of Ludington and wintered in Holiday, Florida. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 70 years and attended Tarpon Springs Methodist Church in Florida. She was a graduate of Ludington High School and was a member of the United Methodist Women's Society and is Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Stars. She is also a past member of Lincoln Hills Country Club. Survivors include 1 son Thomas (& Nan) Hamilton of Adrian, MI, 1 grandson Todd (& Fiance' Heidi Sason) Hamilton of Adrian, 2 granddaughters Jennifer Curtis of Tecumseh, MI, and Lisa (& Charles) Weitenhagen of Adrian, 4 great grandchildren, Branden & Emily Curtis and Corey & Colby Weitenhagen. She was preceded in death by an infant son Jeffrey,1 grandson Blair Hamilton, 1 sister Beatrice Odean and 2 brothers, Roy and Ernest Beebe and nieces, nephews, and cousins in the area. Funeral services for Marie A. Hamilton were held Saturday July 27 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Joe Elenbass officiating. Visitation was Friday July 26 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home, and burial was in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church or the Women's Society with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Howard C. Hansen of 1114 Madison St. died Thursday, July 18 at Tendercare of Ludington. The family would like to thank Tendercare’s staff for all the kindness, care and attention they gave to Howard during his stay there. Also many thanks to Hospice of Michigan. Howard was born in Ludington on March 17, 1906 to John and Camilla Hansen. He was a Ludington resident his whole life. He was married to Marguerite Stahl on Dec. 8, 1931. She died Dec. 29, 1997. His sister, Hazel also preceded him in death. He worked at Michigan Public Service and Rohrmoser’s Sales & Service. Later, he worked at Barney Betka’s Auto Service before he was employed for 22 years by Dow Chemical Co. He was also a Ludington volunteer fireman for a number of years. In February 2000, Howard received an Exceptional Service Award for 75 years as a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1354, which included the honor of being the oldest living member. He also was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Danish Brotherhood. Surviving are his two children, Eileen (Ronald) Champayne of Muskegon and Howard (Margaret) of Ludington; his grandchildren, Jeff Champayne and Chad Champayne of Muskegon, Michelle Sneff of Golden, Colo., Beth (Scott) Baker of New Era, Jay Hansen of St. Petersburg, Fla., Kristine (John) Gallagher of Armada, and Brian (Karen) Beebe of Montgomery, Texas; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Web and Dorothy Stahl, who were lifetime friends. Services for Howard were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, July 22 with the Rev. Douglas Niemi and the Rev. John Christensen officiating. The family received friends at the Alexander-Rye funeral home from 10 a.m. Monday until time of service. The Eagles Lodge conducted a memorial service at 10:50 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial followed in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Elizabeth A. Adamczyk, 95 of Pere Marquette Twp. passed away unexpectedly Tuesday July 9 at home. Elizabeth Przybylski was born December 23, 1906 in Manistee and married to Carl Adamczyk who died in 1985. The couple came to Ludington in 1941. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. Survivors include 2 sons Gerald (& Gaye) Adamczyk of Ludington and James (& Shirley) Adamczyk of Ludington, 2 daughters, Mrs. Don (Patricia) Petersen of Ludington, and Mrs. Bolivar (Christine) Adamczyk of Pou- Cairo, Egypt, 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by a daughter Margaret Zahorik, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday July 13 at 10:00 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was on Friday July 12 from 2-4 PM at the funeral home. A scripture service was held at 3PM Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ludington Area Cathilic Education Foundation.

Mrs. Carl (Marie Bentz) Thurow, age 89, formerly of Riverton Township and Glenview Apartments, Ludington, passed away peacefully early Friday morning at Oakview Medical Care Facility. Marie was born April 5, 1913 in Amber Township. She married Carl Thurow on Feb. 10, 1934, and he preceded her in death in May 1987. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Scottville. She was actively involved in various other community activities including East Riverton Ladies Club, 4-H, County Extension Club, Child Study Club, PTA, dance clubs and the Antique Car Club. She was employed in various jobs throughout the years. She and Carl enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida. She is survived by four daughters, Edith (Richard) Patterson and Karleen (David) Flickinger of Ludington, Janice (Carl) Berndt of Free Soil, and Joyce Lidke of Florida; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard of Hart; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were one son-in-law, Carl Lidke; one granddaughter; three grandsons; four brothers, Clifford, Herman, Glen and Jesse; and two sisters, Hazel and Agnes. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 24 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, the Rev. James Schroeder officiating. Visitation was from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial was in Center Riverton Cemetery. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Our Savior Lutheran Church of Scottville.

Ella Mae (Nagel) Fortier, 70, of Ludington died May 18 at Tendercare after a 1 year battle with cancer. She was born March 22, 1932 in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1951. On June 16, 1956 she married Howard D. Fortier at St. Simon Church and he passed away April 21, 1976. Ella was a member and past officer of the Court #745 Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Simons Altar Society, and the Little Flower Circle. She worked at the Ludington K-Mart for 11 years prior to her illness. Before that, she worked for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and Newberry's as a bookkeeper. Survivors include her daughter, Laura L. (& Gerald) Burden of Custer, her son, Andrew A. Fortier of Ludington, her grandson Trevor J. Burden, her sister Stella (& Clifford) Williams of Lansing, sisters in law, Ann Nagel of CA, Marie (& Duane) Desota of Milwaukee and Rachel (& Douglas) Beadle of Ludington, brothers in law, Harry (& Donna) Fortier of Saginaw, Charles Fortier of ludington, Robert (& Judy) Fortier of Jacksonville, FL, her aunt Lillian Hoffman of Ludington, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard D. Fortier, her parents Ernest Nagel and John and Nettie Victor, her father and mother in law Fred and Edna Fortier, her brother in law Edward Fortier, sister in law Barbara Flores, Uncle George Hoffman, and aunt and uncle Freda and Chester Worth and a nephew John Fortier. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday May 21 at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Ken Schichtel the Celebrant. Burial followed in Pere Marquette Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday May 20 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Memorials may be directod to her beloved grandson's educational fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Louise E. Stargaard, 75 of 1600 S. Stiles Rd. passed away Wednesday May 8 at Tendercare of Manistee after a lengthy illness. Louise E. Walker was born February 15, 1927 in Muskegon and married to Frank Stargaard on February 14, 1947 in Muskegon and he survives. In addition to her husband, she is survived by 2 daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Jeanine) Keating of Jacksonville, FL and Cindy Ferris of Florida, 2 sons, Thomas Stargaard of Key West, FL and Tim Stargaard of Ludington, 5 grandchildren, and brothers and sisters. Funeral services for Louise E. Stargaard will be conducted on Friday May 10 at 11:00 AM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Rev. John Christensen officiating. Burial will follow in Rickey Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

June H. Macher, 75 of 1186 Pineway passed away at 2:00 AM Sunday April 28 at Memorial Medical Center after a short illness. June Schedeler was born on June 20, 1926 in Kalamazoo and married to Gordon Macher, Sr. and he passed away on July 1, 1990. She came to Ludington several years ago from Kalamazoo. She was a former member and past president of the Ludington Emblem Club # 383 and the state association, as well as holding several other positionsin the club. She had formerly been an avid golfer and bowler. She had been employed as a waitress for several resturants and service clubs over the years. Surviving Mrs Macher are 2 sons, Dennis (& JoLyn) Macher and Gordon (& Cheryl) Macher, Jr. all of Ludington, her grandchildren, Denise (& Don), David (& Lucy) Macher, Jeremy Macher, and Jeannette (& Bob) Sloan, her great grandchildren, Amy, Michelle, Mark, and Haley. June was preceded in death by 1 son Fred Macher in 1985, and 1 sister Betty Young. Memorial services for June H. Macher were held Saturday May 4 at 10:00 AM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with Rev. John Christensen officiating. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery and there will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Mary E. Lange, 48 of 2745 N. Sherman Rd. passed away at 10:00 AM Thursday April 25 at home unexpectedly. Mary E. Sneigowski was born on October 2, 1953 in Ludington and married in 1975 to David Lange in Ludington, he survives. She lived all her life in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School in 1972. Mary was involved in the Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. She was employed as the assistant manager of National City Bank. Surviving besides her husband David are 1 daughter, Erica (& Shawn) McCarthy of Ludington, 1 son Christopher Lange of Grand Rapids, 1 grandson Austin McCarthy, 4 sisters Pat (& Dan) Warner of Ludington, Jean (& Lee) Farmer of FL, Lori (& Tim) Bentz of Ludington, Amy (& Robert) German of Fruitport, 1 brother Dan Sniegowski, 1 sister in law Helen (& Ray) Anthony, 1 brother in law Dan Lange all of Ludington, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral Services for Mary Lange were held on Monday April 29 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home at 11:00 AM with Rev Fr. Martin Toolis officiating. Visitation was on Sunday April 28 from 3-5 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the scholarship fund being established for her grandson Austin McCarthy.

Ethel A. Larson, age 83, of Longfellow Towers, died Friday, April 19 at Tendercare of Ludington following a brief illness. Ethel was born Feb. 16, 1919 in Ludington. She graduated from high school while hospitalized at the University of Michigan Hospital and also from Ludington High School in 1937. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church. She enjoyed music and playing the piano and organ and was an avid reader. She was employed as a secretary by Severance Tool Co. in Saginaw, Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and Kids Alive Mission in Illinois and Indiana. Following her retirement, she returned to make her home in Ludington. She is survived by three sisters, Mildred Bergman, Lyla Bernson, and Eleanor Anderson, all of Ludington; two brothers, David Larson and Joseph Larson of Detroit, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Esther Larson; her brother Raymond Larson, and two sisters in infancy. Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 22 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, the Rev. Kurt Trucksess officiating. Visitation was from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 11 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery. The family prefers memorial gifts be directed to missions which Ethel supported. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Earl Golden Jensen, age 91 of 2660 S. Brunson Road, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at his home. Earl was born Feb. 28, 1911 in Manistee. He graduated from high school in Detroit while living with his sister, Inez. He lived in the Ludington area for 70 years. On Aug. 24, 1940, he married Dorothy J. Lund, and she survives. He was a member of the Lodge 51, Danish Brotherhood of America where he held the office of secretary for 32 years, and the Ludington Lodge 1354, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was president of the Marchido School Board when the Pleasant View School was built and was on the Pere Marquette Township Board when the current townhall was built. He worked for Dow Chemical Co. and retired after 27 years. He was a member of the Scottville Clown Band for a few years and a drummer in several area bands. He is survived by his wife; seven children, Gary (and Patricia) Jensen of Grosse Pointe Woods, Tom (and Diane) Jensen of Comstock Park, Robert (and Susan) Jensen of Ludington, Michael (and Michele) Jensen of Ludington, Greg Jensen of White Cloud, Katherine Jensen of Ludington, and Bruce (and Donna) Genia of Ludington; two brothers, Arnold (and Lottie) Jensen of Muskegon and Robert W. Jensen of Ludington; one sister, Phyllis (and Merlyn) Evans of Canton; 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Inez Rasmussen, Mabel Rogers and Emilene Jensen; and two brothers, James Jensen and Lawrence Jensen. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Ludington. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Danish Brotherhood Scholarship Fund or the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. The Alexander-Rye Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Agnes C. Andersen Larsen of Ludington went to be with the Lord on Saturday April 13. Agnes C. Andersen was born on September 24, 1912 in Council Bluff, Neb. and married to Harold J. Larsen in 1935, he passed away in 1971. She was a former member of the Scottville United Methodist Church and currently a member of the United Methodist Church of Ludington. She attended Wilson School and graduated from senior high school. She also attended Davenport Business College. She was a former member of the Scottville Child Study Club and the Scottville Literary Club where she was a charter member. She had taught Sunday School at the Scottville United Methodist Church. She did secretarial work. In 1991 she moved to Sherman Oaks and wintered in Bradenton, FL. Surviving are 1 son Warren (& Judee) Larsen of Scottville, 4 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren, Bruce (& Karen), and son Logan of Scottville, Brigitte C. Larsen of Chicago, Beth (& Eric) Pobojewski of Hart, and Burke (& Lisa) and daughters Lindsey, Leah, & Leta Larsen of Scottville, 1 brother Edward H. Andersen of Ludington, 1 son-in-law Lance Christensen of Scottville, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by 1 daughter Kathleen Christensen in 2001, her parents Mr. & Mrs. A.C. Andersen, an infant brother, and 2 sisters Lorraine Rasmussen and Hilda Hartman. Funeral Services were held Wednesday April 17 at the United Methodist Church of Ludington at 10:00 AM with Rev. Joe Elenbaas officiating. Visitation was on Tuesday April 16 from 2-4 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. Burial was in Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in memory of Harold J. Larsen with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Desmond P. Waters, MD., 76 of 805 Anderson St. passed away Thursday evening, January 31 at home with his wife and family at his side, following a 2 year battle with cancer.Desmond P. Waters was born in Galway Ireland, on April 12, 1925 and married on July 18, 1960 in Galway to Freda Dooley and she survives. He was a resident of Ludington for the past 30 years, and a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Ignatius Boys College, and served in the British Royal Air Force during WWII, following his tour of duty he spent 12 years as a radar consultant with the Swedish Air Force. He then returned to Ireland and earned his medical degree from the National University of Ireland. In 1961 he came to the United States to begin his career. In 1971 he established his practice in Ludington as a family physician. After closing his practice in 1990 he followed his love for emergency medicine until 1994. He retired his medical career working with the Chippewa Tribe in the Upper Peninsula. he was a member of the Pere Marquette Council #1492 Knights of Columbus, & the Am-vets Post 82. Surviving are his wife of 41 years Freda, six children, Rita, Joe, Tom, Kevin, Desmond, and Mary, and six grandchildren. he was preceded in death by his parents Dr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Waters, his brothers Dr. Tom F. Waters, Dr. Joseph J. Waters (his twin brother), and a sister Emily Waldron. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 4 at 10:30 AM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was on Sunday February 3, from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home and a Scripture Service was held at 3:30 PM. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Jack W. Mills, Sr., 76 0f 2995 S. Tyndall Rd., Branch died at 12:30 PM Tuesday January 29 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born March 29, 1925 in Warren, MI and married on February 15, 1947 in Warren to Leona L. Leonard who survives. He came to Mason County from Warren in 1987. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army and had been a prisoner of war and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Warren Post, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5315 in Baldwin. He had been employed by the Grand Trunk, Western Railroad as a conductor & Switchman for 38 years retiring in 1985. Surviving besides his wife are 1 son, Jack W. Mills, Jr. of Sterling Hts., MI, 3 daughters, Barbara (& Jerry) Jones, of Warren, MI, Debi (& Brian) Cavanaugh, of Rochester, MI, and Vickie (& Ron) Stever of Walhalla, MI, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 2 brothers Charles Mills of Shelby Twp., and Edward L. (& Bobbie) Mills of Warren, 2 sisters Margie Goodley, and Marion (& Richard) Ostrand both of Warren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial services for Jack W. Mills, Sr. was held Saturday February 2, at 12:00 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the members of the American Legion officiating. Visitation was Saturday February 2 from 10:00 until the time of service. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery, in Battle Creek. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Barbara Ann Schroeder, age 72, of 400 Sherman Oaks Drive, Apt. 407, died Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon. Barbara Boguszewski was born Nov. 29, 1929, in Ludington where she lived all her life. She attended St. Simon High School and was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. On July 10, 1948, she married Jack Schroeder, and he survives. She owned and operated Bobbie’s Hair Salon in her home for many years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Mike (and Terry) Schroeder of Muskegon and Paul Schroeder of Ludington; one daughter, Jennifer (and Mike) O’Herron of Ludington; five sisters, Frances Kolanowski and Monica Olson of Manistee, and Victoria Piotrowski, Caroline Fisher and Josephine Carlson, all of Ludington; seven grandchildren, Heather (Roger) Vernier, Ian and Derrick Schroeder, Erika (and Scott) Fairfield, Laura (and Shawn) James, Heather (and Andrew) Wittbrodt, and Christopher O’Herron; five great-grandchildren, Kaira and Rae Ann Vernier, Morgan and Abigail James, and Tyler Fairfield; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Harriet Bogus Sr., her brother Ted Bogus Jr., and her grandson, Joel Christian Schroeder. Visitation was from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Alexander-Rye Funeral Home. There will be no funeral services. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Shirley M. Goulet, 73 of 4740 Rasmussen Rd. passed away at 12:30 AM Wednesday January 23, at Mercy Hospital, Muskegon following complications from surgery. Shirley M. Collard was born April 10, 1928 in Detroit and married to James L. Goulet on November 12, 1955 in Hart and he survives. She grew up in Lansing and was a resident there for many years. She graduated from Resurrection High School in Lansing and attended Detroit Mercy School of Nursing. The couple came to Ludington from Hart following their marriage. She was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church. She was co-owner of Ludington Photo Center with her husband for many years. Survivors include her husband James, 4 sons Douglas (& Donna) Goulet of Lansing, Jimmy and David Goulet both of Seattle, WA, and Gregory (& Alice) Goulet of Holland, 1 daughter Mrs. Darryl (Annette) Wojtaszak of Grand Rapids, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 2 brothers Bill (& Patricia) Collard of Montague and Charles Collard of Hart, 1 sister Mrs. Richard (June) Howe of Hart, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a son Larry in infancy. Mass of christian burial was celebrated at 10:30 AM Friday January 25 at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Visitation was Thursday January 24 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the funeral home and a scripture service was at 7:30 PM. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery and memorials may be directed to the breast cancer research with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Velma A. Rathbun, age 80, of 306 N. Washington Ave., died on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Oakview Medical Care Facility following a lengthy illness. Velma Brant was born on Oct. 2, 1921 in Mason County where she was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Ludington High School and was a member of the Community Church. She was married in Ludington on June 3, 1941 to Stewart Rathbun who preceded her in death in 1984. Velma enjoyed knitting and bowling and was an active bowler until two years ago. She was employed at Sears Catalog Store in Ludington from which she retired, later working for the Charm Shop. She is survived by two sons, Warren Rathbun of Muskegon and Stewart (and Joan) Rathbun Jr. of Midland; one daughter, Bonnie Brown of Lake City; seven grandchildren, Charles, Kip, Trent, and Tricia Rathbun, Vel Sweet, Wendee Felcyn, and Bridget Hebert; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Roy) Anderson and Onabelle (Edward) Pehrson of Ludington; two brothers-in-law, Shirley Rathbun of Ludington and Robert (Betty) Rathbun of Midland; one aunt, Mary Jane McCray of Fountain; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lafayette and Byron Brant; one sister, Clare Mae Brant; and a granddaughter, Tracee Rathbun. Services for Velma were 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home with the Rev. Rich Loerop officiating. Visitation was from 7 to 9 Wednesday. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Oakview Medical Care Facility with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Darrell C. Nollar, 92 formerly of Longfellow Towers and Muskegon passed away Saturday Jan.12 at Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born July 12, 1909 in Helena, Montana and married March 17, 1932 to Clarissa A. Clock who died in 1989.He came to Ludington in 1990. He was a member of the Central reformed church in Muskegon. He was a funeral director for over 60 years and worked for the Clock Funeral Home in Muskegon retiring when he moved to Ludington. He served in the US Marine Corps, and was a Member of the Saladin Temple of the Shrine, and a life member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Grand Rapids where he was 32nd degree, The Royal Order of Jesters Grand Rapids Court #11, The Noachite Lodge #507 Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, The Muskegon Council #54 Royal & Select Masters. He was a member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274, the Michigan Funeral Directors Association for the past 69 years, and the National Funeral Directors Association. Survivors include 1 daughter, Valerie Greiner of Ludington, 1 daughter in law, Marjorie Nollar of Grand Rapids, 5 grandsons, Craig (& Darlene) Nollar and Brent (&Karen) Nollar both of Grand Rapids, Scott (& Kim) Alexander, David Alexander, and Mark (& Anita) Alexander all of Ludington, 9 great grandchildren, Jamie, Andrew, Kayley, Shannon, Mitchell, Michael, Morgan, Jordyn, and Karsyn, 1 sister, Mrs. William (Peg) Wooll of Marcellus, MI, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death in addition to his wife by 1 son Darrell Nollar, Jr. Funeral services for Darrell C. Nollar were held Wednesday at 3:00PM at the Clock Funeral Home in Mukegon with Rev. Timothy VanderHaar of the Central reformed Church officiating. Visitation was on Tuesday from 6-8 PM at the Alexander-Rye Funeral Home and from 1-3 PM Wednesday at the Clock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, 1234 Sherman Ave., suite 203, Evanston, IL, 60202-1375 envelopes are available at the funeral home.

Louis W. Castonia, 76 of 606 Third St. died Wednesday January 9 at Memorial Medical Center after a short illness. He was born May 7, 1925 in Ludington. He lived in San Francisco for many years returning to Ludington in 1998. He was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church and had graduated from Ludington High school. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy. He was an avid musician and enjoyed playing the piano, violin, and guitar. He loved the water and the sun and traveled extensively. He had worked as a bartender in Grand Rapids and San Francisco for many years and was a member of the bartenders guild. He is survived by 1 sister, Mrs. William (Rosalyn) Sadler of Ludington, 5 Brothers Earl (& Leatrice) Castonia, and Ronald (& Yvonne) Castonia both of Ludington, Roger Castonia of Custer, Norbert (& Jeanie) Castonia of Scottville, and Dennis Castonia of Whitehall., many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Angeline Castonia, brothers Leo "Pitts", and George Castonia,and a sister Yvonne Michael. There will be no visitation and a memorial mass was celebrated on Saturday January 12 at 10:00 AM at St. Sion Catholic Church with Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel the celebrant. Burial will be in Pere Marquette Cemetery and memorials may be directed to mass offerings with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Charles A. Bader, ACSW, age 77 of 814 N. Rath Ave died at home Monday March 12 following an extended illness. Chuck bader was born Feb 10, 1924 in Saginaw. He grew up in Carrollton Twp. where he attended St. Josephat Grade School but graduated from St. Andrew High School in Saginaw where he was awarded membership in the National Honor Society. Drafted during WWII, he served in the United States Naval Reserve as a corpsman at the US Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, IL, the US Naval Hospital at Long beach, CA, and later at the Anacostia Naval Barracks in Washington, D.C. He was detached to the second Marine Division 155mm Howitzer Bn., which participated in the battles of Saipan, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He was decorated with the Silver Star for action on Iwo Jima and became a life member of VFW Post 4499, Manistee. He attended the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University, where he learned liberal arts and bachelor of Science degrees. He married Geraldine D. Lugiewicz, RN on Nov. 26 at St. Matthews Church in Zilwaukee. He did post graduate work at the University of Utah in 1957 and Michigan State University in 1965, where he was awarded a Master's Degree in social work. Bader retired in 1982 from West Shore Mental Health Clinic of Muskegon where he was employed as a social psychiatric social caseworker specializing in teen group therapy. During his 40 years as a career social worker, Bader worked at the Salt Lake County General Hospital , in Utah, then for the Washington State Department of Public Assistance in Wenatchee and Yakima, then Catholic Family and Child services for the Diocese of Yakima, and for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Catholic Charities moved Bader and his family to Ludington from Traverse City in 1968. Formerly a field work instructor for the Graduate School of Social Work, The University of Michigan and WEstern Michigan University, Bader was an active member in the National Association of Social Workers and a member of its Academy. In 1972 he was presented with the Socail Worker of the year Award by the Western Michigan Chapter NASW in Muskegon. During retirement he had been a volunteer Right to be Born counselor and bereavement caseworker for Hospice of Mason County which obtained its licensure. He became a charter member of the Michigan Hospice Social Workers Association. In 1990 Hospice of Mason County presented him with the exceptional Contributions Award. He was also a charter member of the board of directors for Staircase , Runaway and Youth Services, Inc. Bader had been a member of the Neumann Club, the Knoghts of Columbus, the audubon Society, the Association for Research and Enlightenment and St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church where he served as lector and in the music ministry. His wife Geri preceded him in death in 1996, nd his brother Richard in 1997. Surviving are 2 daughters, Christine Marie (& James) Zerbi of Paw Paw, and Terese Ann (& William) Anderson of Key Largo, FL, 5 sons David (& Pamela) Bader of Ludington, Michael (& Marie) Bader of Marne, C. John Bader of Miller AFC of Hart, Paul Bader of Ludington and Mark Bader of Grand Rapids, 2 sisters Rosemarie Wallace of Casper, Wyo, and Janet (& William) Hardigan of Plantation, FL, 1 brother, Allan (& Patricia) Bader, 1 sister in law Grace Bader of Saginaw, 8 grandchildren, Many nieces & nephews. The family received friends at the Alexander-Rye Funaerl Home from 7-9 PM Wednesday March 14. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr Ken Schichtel at St. Simon Catholic Church at 2:30 PM Thursday March 15. The family will also receive relatives and friends immediately after the service in the family center. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Anthony Cemtery in Auburn, MI. Memorial gifts may be made to the Michigan Hospice Social Work Association (MHSWA) for the scholarship fund or to Hospice of Michigan in Mason County with envelopes available at the funeral home and the family center at St. Simon Church.