Search Archived Marriage Records
Bryan, John W.
Lansing, MI
Loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Father's Day, June 16, 2002, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 71 after a courageous year long battle with cancer. He was born to Joseph E. and Anna M. Bryan on April 5, 1931 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He served stateside in both the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Army (Camp Atterbury) during the Korean Conflict. After attending Michigan State University, John worked as a barber, eventually owning four shops in the Lansing area. While serving as President of the Lansing Barbers Association, he helped create the Barber's Credit Union and he initiated the Barber's Pension Fund. In 1974, John began a successful career in real estate, retiring in 1997 as a commercial leasing manager from Long Development. John's interests included travel, airplanes, history (WW II era) and family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy (1995); parents; and brother, Charles (2002). Surviving are his children, Steven (Lynn) Hoeksema, Carole (Jeff) Keller, David (Kathy) Bryan, James (Vickie) Bryan; 10 grandchildren; sisters, Shirley (John) Rosenhoover and Mary (Lou) Bettwy. A funeral service was conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2002 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with the Rev. Fr. Timothy E. MacDonald officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery. The family received friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday where a Scripture Service will be held at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of your choice in John's memory.
Dowell, Billie L.
Pentwater, MI (formerly of Holt)
Age 73, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2003. She was born in Grayson, KY. On August 17, 1930 a daughter of Archie and Eulah (Brammel) Lewis. Billie graduated from Lansing Sexton High School, then went on to business school in Lansing. Her first career was as a legal assistant in a law firm in Lansing, she then went on to work for the Michigan State Senate and was well known for her work at the Constitutional Convention from 1961-1963. She was Township Clerk of Delhi Township and went on to be Township Supervisor for 12 years. In 1950, she married Jerry Dowell and the two of them ran Ashland Oil together until his death. She also owned Lambert’s Bridal in downtown Lansing. In 1989 she began working for Community Corrections in Mason County, retiring from that post in August of 1991. She was an active member of Holt Presbyterian Church and loved Lake Michigan, the beach and her “Blueberry Hill”. Billie was preceded in death by: her husband Jerry W. Dowell in 1969; mother, Eulah Lewis; father, Archie Lewis; and sister, Erma “Tut” Schroeder. Surviving are: sons, William L. (Kris) Dowell of Holt and Alan L. (Susan) Dowell of Indian River; daughter, Sarah J. (Joe) Garcia of Lansing; grandchildren, Rachel, Audrey, Nate, and Aubrey; step-grandchildren, Joe, Jr., Mark, Tony, Jenny; step-great grandson, Sam; sister, Enid Lewis of Ludington; and nephew, Archie Lewis. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church of Holt, 2021 N. Aurelius Road. Interment will follow in Maple Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in loving memory of Billie Dowell.
DeBarr, Lois Jean
Lansing, MI
Age 78, went to be with her Lord on Friday, October 24, 2003. She was born July 16, 1925 in Toledo, OH. She married the late Art DeBarr on September 8, 1944. She retired in 1973 from G.M. Local # 652 following 28 years of service. They raised their 3 daughters in Lansing and later moved to Mason. She moved back to Lansing to live for the past 8 years and resided a Cedar Place on W. Jolly Road. Survivors include her 3 daughters, Linda (Ron) Smalley of Mason, Dawn Blanchard of Holt, and Maurine “Mickey” (Jim) Totten of Lansing; 4 natural grandchildren, Tasha (Brian) Stetler of Leslie, Scott (Heather) Totten of Mason, Dan (Ann) Blanchard of Holt, and Don Blanchard of Holt; 4 loving step-grandsons, Jim (Marilyn) Totten, Jr. of Fefi Lake, Joe (Diana) Totten of Midland, and Jeff and John Totten both of Lansing; 9 natural great grandchildren and 7 loving step-great grandchildren and many other extended family members, including Bruce Chaney. Funeral services will be conducted by pastor Mark Rigg at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bath. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions, in loving memory of Lois, to Cedar Place.
Renton, James F.
Lansing, MI
Age 51, passed away in Indianapolis, IN Oct. 27, 2001. He was born in Milwaukee Mar. 19, 1950. He was retired from the Lansing Police Dept. as a Detective after 27 years of service. He was active in both the local and state Fraternal Order of Police, having served as Board Member of Capital Lodge City Lodge #141, F.O.P and was involved with MI-Cops. He was preceded in death by a son, James Patrick Renton in 1997 and his parents, Stanley and Carolyn Renton. Surviving are: Son, Jeffrey (Sherry) Renton of Lansing; Brother, Russell Renton of Avon, IN; Sister, Linda (Todd) Lindner of Indianapolis; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted by The Rev. William F. Renfrew, Lansing Police Dept. Chaplain at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. The family received friends at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to MI-Cops or to the Alzheimer's Association.
DeBeer, Mary Jane
East Lansing
Age 101, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2004. She was born on June 26, 1902, in Gresham NE. During Mary Jane’s lifetime, she experienced amazing changes. She met both challenges and blessings with confidence and enthusiasm. Family was her top priority. She enjoyed a long career in nursing and was active with the Order of the Eastern Star. Other interests included traveling, playing bridge and gardening. She was proceeded in death by husband, John, and daughter Janis Evje. Surviving are: daughter, Peggy (Bruce) Cheney of Holt; 6 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren. There will be two memorial services: The first will be held at Timber Ridge Assisted Living, 16260 Park Lake Rd. at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2004, with Mr. Royce Allen officiating. The second will be held at 7:00 pm Thurs. June 10, 2004 at First Presbyterian Church of Holt, 2021 N. Aurelius Rd, with The Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Brooks officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Holt or Heartland Hospice in memory of Mary Jane DeBeer. Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
Smith, Arden Dane
Dimondale, MI
Age 91, went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 24, 2003 at his home in Dimondale, with his family at his side. Arden was born on July 2, 1911 in Williams County, Ohio. He was employed at Oldsmobile, Main Plant, for 39 years. Being an avid fisherman, he retired in 1971 to his cottage on Indian Lake near Vicksburg, MI and later moved to Dimondale in 1996. He was preceded in death by: his parents; 4 sisters; and 2 brothers. He is survived by: his beloved wife of 72 years, Carma; son, Larry (Elizabeth) Smith; daughter, Diana (Walter) Willis; 5 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2003 at the South Church of the Nazarene, 401 W. Holmes Road, Lansing, with the Rev. Dr. Harold DeMott officiating. Interment will be in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or to South Church of the Nazarene, in memory of Arden Smith.
Ilten, Esther Greta
Lansing, MI
Age 73, passed away on Wednesday, May 08, 2002. She was born on February 5, 1929 in Lansing, the daughter of, John and Gerda (Olsen) Anderson. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, who cherished her time with her family. She was a lifelong member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, loved dancing, music and enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time in the sun in Grand Haven, MI. She was preceded in death by: her parents; and 1 brother, John. She is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Douglass Ilten; daughters, Debra (Richard) Ruelle and their children, Michael and Amy; and Christie Ilten and her daughter, Miya Blowers; and 3 nephews, Kim, Jeff and Eric Anderson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2002 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 528 N. Martin Luther King Blvd, Lansing, with the Rev. Alan W. Kamens officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., on Friday, May 10, 2002 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church-Memorial Fund or Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice, 700 W. Ash Street, Mason, MI 48854.
