March 30th, 1964 to August 18th, 2013

Linda Jane Hampton

Linda Jane Hampton, of Leslie, was taken from this life on Sunday, August 18, 2013, at the age of 49. Linda loved life and loved to go on walks in the outdoors. She was full of determination and did not give up easily. Linda worked for Big Lots in Lansing for nine years. Surviving are her son, Matthew Gilmore; parents, Norman and Marge Hampton; two sisters, Elaine (David) Baldwin and Sue (Scott) Hosler; one brother, David (Anita) Hampton; several nieces and nephews; fiance, Toby Owen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leslie First Baptist Church, PO Box 534, Leslie, MI 49251, to help her family with funeral expenses.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 from 5 to 8 PM.

Funeral services celebrating Linda’s life will be held at the JC Adams Funeral Homes, Leslie Chapel, on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Toby Teague officiating.

Cremation will follow.

Don Foote

Donald Carl “Don” Foote, of Pleasant Lake (formerly of Onondaga), passed away Saturday, August 24, 2013 at age 78. Born May 25, 1935 in Leslie, Michigan. Don started working at Symons Brothers Food Wholesale in Jackson and worked his way up to President before retiring. After retirement he went to work as a cook for Archie’s in Onondaga. Don also owned and operated the Kountry Kitchen in Munith with his wife and son. He was a volunteer firefighter in Onondaga and a member of the Onondaga Masonic Lodge. Don enjoyed cooking, baking, birds, flowers and gardening. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife, Billie Foote; granddaughter, Kylee Foote; father, Carl Foote; mother, Mae Duncan and brother, Jerry Foote.

Surviving are his son, Joel (Tina) Foote of Pleasant Lake; daughter, Gina Foote of Lansing; grandchildren, Joeb Fernald, Nathan Foote, Aaron Foote, Nala Foote, Michael LaFleur; great granddaughter, Ava Foote; sister, Patricia (David) McGregor; sister-in-law, Janet Foote as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Rev. William Muller of Onondaga Community Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow to the Onondaga Cemetery. For online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com

Lexie Holbrook

Lexie Holbrook, 73 of Leslie, Michigan left her body but not our hearts Monday, August 26th.  Lexie was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.  Lexie was preceded in death by her baby son, Terry Holbrook.  She is survived by her daughters, Donna Allen, Paula Holbrook, and Parkie McCrum and her son, Christopher Holbrook.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandi Holbrook-Roth, Christopher Edward Holbrook, Christie Lynn McCrum, Chelsea McCrum, Kyle McCrum, ParkerJames Holbrook and two great granddaughters, Vivian Holbrook and Sydney Roth.

Lexie was known as a free spirit who loved to laugh and share good times with countless friends and family.  Her soul was a gracious and giving one filled with compassion for others and an eagerness to help those that needed a hand. She was a wonderful cook, a loving caregiver and will be remembered and missed by many.

Funeral services celebrating Lexie’s life will be held this Saturday, August 31st at 10am at the New Life Fellowship Church, 4691 Hull Rd. Leslie, MI 49251.

Larry J. Swan, 71, of Leslie, retired automotive industry conveyer line tender feeder, died Saturday. Visitation 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Ball Dunn Chapel, Mason.

Marjorie L. Neu, 85, of Spring Arbor, formerly of Leslie, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 17, 2013. She was born to the late Winfield and Gladys Fell on May 2, 1928 in Mason, Michigan and was a long time member of the Bible Baptist Church (now New Life Fellowship) in Leslie. She spent the last ten years of her life at Arbor Manor Care Facility in Spring Arbor where she was loved and given exceptional care by the wonderful staff. “Margie” is survived by two sons, Jimmy Neu and Jerry (Cheri) Neu, three grandsons, Jerry (JJ) Neu, Jr., Greg (Jodie) Neu and Tim (Nancy) Neu, two great-granddaughters, Sarah (Jeff) Burnham and Stephanie (Sam) Todd, two great-great-grandchildren, Tristen and Vanessa, one brother, Winfield (Joyce) Fell, Jr., three sisters, Bessie (Lyle) Loudenslager, Catherine Zenker and Judy Fell, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forest “Bud” D. Neu, at the age of 58, three brothers, Johnny Fell, Richard Fell, and David Fell, and one sister, Barbara Fell. Visitation will take place at the JC Adams Funeral Homes, Leslie Chapel, on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon. The service will be held at 12:00 noon with the Rev. Chris Bigg officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Fellowship Church, 4961 Hull Rd., Leslie, MI 49251.

Eva M. Wright

Eva May Wright, age 94, of Leslie MI passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father Saturday night October 26, 2013. She was the daughter of Norman and Laura Ross of Jackson MI. Eva graduated from Jackson High School, and worked at Gilberts Restaurant and Bakery in the 1930s. She met and married Curtis B. Wright of Leslie in 1941, and moved to the Wright farm where she began the rest of her years as a devoted wife, dance partner, cook, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was employed by Dancer’s Fashion’s in Mason for 30 years. She was a Charter member of the Mason Chapter of Sweet Adelines and a member of Rives Baptist Church where she served in the music ministry and as a deaconess. She was a pianist and loved music. Most of all she loved her family.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Curtis in 1977, her brothers Lloyd Ross, Allen Ross, Gerald Ross, Donald Ross, and sister Elener Napier. Surviving are her five children, June (Jim) Dowsett, Jeanette (David) Hickox, Joan (Rod) Nelson, Dennis (Kathryn) Wright, and Julie (Paul) Moniodis; 12 grandchildren, Jana (Bob) Graves, Amy (Dan) Rittenhouse, Jenny (Scott) Blok, Crista (Rob) Andrews, Pete Wilcenski, Sara Nelson, Betsy (Brent) Waldofsky, Marci (Brandon) Cyphers, Anna Moniodis, Curtis (Alicia) Wright, Nicholas Moniodis, Christina Moniodis; 10 great-grandchildren, Jared McCoy, Trey Waldofsky, Charlotte Graves, Carter McCoy, Allyson McCoy, Madeline Andrews, Meredith Andrews, Gabrielle Waldofsky, Mitchell Andrews and Lincoln Cyphers; two sisters, Evelyn (Jack) Elder of Las Vegas, NV; and Ellen Siebert of Huntington Beach, California and her many dear friends. Funeral services celebrating Eva’s life will be held at the Rives Baptist Church, 2800 West Berry Road, Rives Junction, on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dyke Cyphers officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Leslie. The family will receive friends at the JC Adams Funeral Homes, Leslie Chapel, on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM and at the church on Wednesday from 10 to 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Church of Lansing (for support of her grandson, Curt Wright). “His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know he watches me.”

William K. Ruthig, of Leslie, went home to be with his Lord, on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the age of 57. Surviving are his mother, Evelyn Ruthig and stepfather, Paul Wood; three brothers and one sister, Dwayne (Jan) Ruthig of Caledonia, MI, Milton (Myra) Ruthig of Ithaca, MI, Wilma (Paul) Haas of Leslie, Donald (Corrina) Ruthig of Leslie; two stepbrothers and two stepsisters, Sarah (Alan) Burton of White Gum Valley, Australia, Mary Drake of Jackson, Matthew (Wendy) Wood of Jackson and Michael (Kris) Wood of Pleasant Lake; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ruthig; two nephews, Jonathan Ruthig and Mackenzie Ruthig. Bill was a member of the Northwest Baptist Church and was very active in the church. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. Funeral services remembering Bill’s life will be held at the Northwest Baptist Church, 7600 Lansing Ave., Jackson, MI 49201, on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Hal Jankusky officiating. Interment will follow at Draper Cemetery, Rives Junction. The family will receive friends at the JC Adams Funeral Homes, Leslie Chapel, on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 from 5 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Baptist Church, Shoebox Ministry.

Judith James

Judith Ellen (Lynch) James, of Rives Junction, passed away at home under the loving care of her husband and family on October 23, 2013, at the age of 76. Judy was born on May 1, 1937 in Onondaga, MI. She married her high school sweetheart, William James, on June 29, 1957. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Helen Lynch, her in-laws, Gerald and Lucille James and her sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Richard Frohriep. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, William Bert James; her brother, Doug (Pat) Lynch and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary (Rose) James; children, Jeff James, Julie (James) Harrison, Mike (Vicki) James; grandchildren, Ben James (Jessica), Chelsea (Will) Wright, Jessica Deering (Jerome), Brent (Betsy) Waldofsky, T.J. (Bella) Waldofsky, Dalton Harrison, Kylie and Brooke James; great- grandchildren, Trey and Gabrielle Waldofsky and Claire Peek; as well as several nieces and nephews. Judy began her education to become a teacher after her three young children became school age. She graduated with honors from Michigan State University in May of 1973 and began teaching at Leslie Public Schools that fall. She taught first grade until 1992 where she touched the hearts and lives of countless children. She and Bill worked hard to be able to retire early and do some extensive traveling. These travels were not just vacations, but adventures that allowed Bill and Judy the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultures of the countries and lands they visited. Judy had a tremendous love of family and she and Bill took pride in their children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, never missing a sporting event, musical performance or academic celebration. Judy will be remembered by her friends and family as one of the most kind, caring, and giving individuals they have ever met. Judy took pride in her alma mater, Michigan State University, and she and Bill were regular spectators at athletic events. Her passion for MSU has been carried on by the donation of her body for scientific research at the MSU Gift of Human Anatomy to Educational Institution (Go Green!). Per her wishes, donations can be made to the Leslie Area Educational Foundation at any area Independent Bank. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason, MI.

Herman B. Leonard

With his loving family as witnesses, Herman B. Leonard, age 88, of Alma, finished the race he ran so faithfully, on October 27, 2013 and is in the arms of Jesus receiving his eternal reward. He was born on July 11, 1925 in Mason, Michigan the son of Frank and Pearl (Birch) Leonard. As the oldest of the four children in his family, Herm dropped out of school to work on the family farm during the 2nd World War. After the war, he returned to school and graduated from Leslie High School in 1948. He contracted Polio in the early 1950′s spending months in the hospital and with his fierce determination and will, finally walked again after more than a year. On February 12, 1966, Herm married the love of his life, Sue Walburn and together they raised eight children. He leaves behind a legacy for his family of faith, love, laughter and song. Herm held a variety of jobs over the years. He owned five trucks, working as an independent trucker for many years and in 1976 sold his last truck. Herm worked for Liquid Transport retiring after 33 years in 1987. He enjoyed farming and in his retirement spent many years helping on local area farms. He had a fondness for music that started as a member of a quartet in his youth and continued until the very end. He was a devoted member of the First Church of God in Alma and led their congregational singing for many years, along with being in the choir. Herm had a great love for the outdoors that started in his youth and continued throughout his lifetime. He thoroughly enjoyed time with his family, especially the time they spent together at their rustic log cabin in Vanderbilt, Michigan. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a colorful outlook on life that was not only something he carried on the inside but something he wore visibly for all to see. Herm is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue of Alma, seven children: Mike Leonard of St. Louis, Carol (Terry) Keough of Dade City, FL, Jan (Steve) Leonard of Shepherd, Cindy (Bob) Bowman of Dearborn Heights, Jim (Tana) Traweek of Weatherford, TX, Angie Woodbury of Alma and Jeff (DeaAnn) Leonard of Plano, TX; 14 grandchildren: Leslie, Alison, Andrea, Casey, Gerry, Tim, Noelle, Cori, Jason, Rebekah, Justin, Andrew, Amanda, Joshua; 15 great grandchildren and one on the way. Also, a brother, Ferris (Julia) Leonard of Hillsdale, sister-in-law, Vivian Leonard of Leslie and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Kathy) Vince of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jerry, a brother, Gordon and a sister Joann Vince. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the First Church of God in Alma with Pastors Steve Wimmer and Carl Cecil officiating. Interment will be in Chapel Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm also at the First Church of God. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God Local Relief Fund, Youth for Christ or Heartland Hospice.

Benjamin Wes Berlin, 42, of Mason passed away Monday November 11, 2013 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. He was born April 12, 1971 in Lansing, Michigan to Harold and Betty (Roberts) Berlin. He was married to Melissa Catt and she survives.
He was formerly employed at Rives Manufacturing as a Fork Lift Driver. He loved to play the Guitar, he took pride in his yard, and He also loved his family, Grilling, Cookouts, Camping and Karaoke.

Besides his wife Melissa of Mason, he is survived by 3 Sons Steven (Caitlin) Berlin of Mason; Cody Catt and Jordon Berlin also of Mason; 2 Daughters Kalla (Chris) Anguiano and Carrie Berlin of Mason. He is also survived by his Mother Betty Brown of Chillicothe, Ohio; 3 Sisters Thelma (Greg) Brown of Ohio; Anna Risner of South Shore, KY; and April (Ed) Hefner of Piketon, Ohio. 4 Brothers Denzil (Cyndi) Burgett, Bruce (Gail) Burgett both of South Shore, KY; Henry Berlin of Piketon, OH and Kevin Burgett of Mason. He was preceded in death by his Father.

Visitation for Family and Friends was held Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the J.C. Adams Funeral Home, 109 Church Street, Leslie, MI 49251. Funeral Services were held Friday November 15, 2013 at the Funeral Home with Rev. Toby Teague officiating. According to his wishes, Cremation followed the Services.

Assistance with Memorial Contributions to: The Family is available at the Funeral Home.

Fern Lucile (Taylor) Rouse

Fern Lucile Rouse (Taylor) of Leslie went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at the age of 93. Fern was past Grand Marshall of the Eastern Star for the State of Michigan and has lived her whole life in Leslie. She and her husband Leonard started the Rouse Insurance Agency in 1946 and retired to Florida in 1984. Fern was a lifelong member of the Leslie United Methodist Church. Surviving are her two sons, Larry (Judy) Rouse of Holland and Terry (Jane) Rouse of Leslie; four grandchildren, Bradley (Denise) Rouse, Jill (Thomas) Moore, Tyler (Vicki) Rouse, and Clayton (Kristin) Rouse; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce (Floyd) Polzin and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; parents, Floyd and Isabelle Taylor; sister, Faye Andrews. A memorial service was held at the Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 S. Washington, Holt, on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor George Seeley officiating. Burial has taken place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Leslie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leslie United Methodist Church or Grace Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to the JC Adams Funeral Homes, Leslie Chapel (517) 589-8216. The family would like to thank Grace Hospice and Green Acres for their wonderful care of Fern.

Lana J. Schaar Mason Age 68, died December 24, 2013; born to Robert and Evelyn (Kornechuk) Titus on December 30, 1944. Lana enjoyed painting which was a favorite hobby. She also enjoyed knitting, quilting, and crocheting. She was an avid gardener and loved her “secret garden”. She enjoyed spending time at the family cabin, vacationing in Florida, taking color tours in their motor home and card parties with friends. Lana graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and then worked for the State of Michigan for many years until taking time off to raise her son, Tate. Afterward she worked at home typing court transcripts and dictations. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pamela Titus; brothers, Benjamin and Jon Titus. Lana is survived by her husband of 45 years, William Schaar; son, Tate (Rafida Nossoni) Schaar of Leslie; 3 sisters-in-law, Lynn Titus, Rebecca Titus, Barbara (Charles) Frederick; many cousins, nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 30, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Mason First Church of the Nazarene, 415 E. Maple, Mason, MI 48854 with Pastor Ken Bieber, of Heartland Hospice officiating. Visitation was held on Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church. Contributions in Lana’s memory may be made to American Heart Association , GMA Memorial Lock Box, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674 or Heartland Hospice, 865 S. Cedar, Mason, MI 48854. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Mason, MI.