Ann Louise (Poole) Bales-Ludwick (affectionately known as Annie) concluded her fascinating life on earth May 19, 2022.  Annie was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 4, 1944 to James and Catherine (Katie) Poole, the first of 5 siblings. The fact that she was born during WWII shaped a great deal of her core beliefs and character.   Annie married Jack Bales on April 29,1966 and on July 25, 1978 he tragically passed away. This would not be the last of the many trials,...

Phillip Eric Brammell, age 67 years old. Born December 31,1954 in Paintsville, KY to the late Gene and Clara (Clifton) Brammell. The family moved to Michigan at young age to the Mason area, then later to Ionia where he went to school and went into the Army. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Clara Brammell, one sister, Vanessa Brammell Peterson, and 1 niece, Kristen Johnston. Survivors include wife, Margaret (Maggie) Brammell, daughters, Cassie (Alex) Mojica of Eagle...

Robert Fredrick “Wally” Maynard, age 77, of Portland, passed away on May 11, 2022. He was born on May 19, 1944 in Ionia, the son of Cecil and Ruth (Patterson) Maynard. He graduated from SS Peter & Paul School in Ionia and went on to join the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. During this time he married Ellen Meyers of Lake Odessa. They raised two sons, Scott and Sean Maynard, both of Portland. He retired from TRW...

On the evening of May 11, 2022, Nellie Marie (Click) Canterbury left this world, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loved ones. Nellie was born April 24, 1930, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. She moved to Michigan in the early 1950’s and married John Canterbury in 1955.  John worked at Fisher Body while Nellie helped raise her niece and nephew. Nellie was known for her beautiful quilts and her love of all animals. She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW,...

Jerry Ronald Davis, age 78, was born to Roland and Eleanor (Foster) Davis in Lansing, Michigan on February 16, 1944. He passed away on May 9, 2022. Jerry was a very active person. He worked for GM for over 25 years, giving them his best. He endured over half a lifetime of pain, which resulted from his injuries received while serving our country in the U.S. Army. He loved hunting with his dad and brother in his younger days. Jerry also loved working in his yard, sometimes from sunup to...

Francis A. Arens, age 92, of Westphalia passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022. He was born on June 11, 1929, the son of Edwin and Verena (Rademacher) Arens. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia for many years and the Knights of Columbus. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Fisher Body after 33 years of service. Francis enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards and bowling. He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. He was...

Joann Rita (Schrauben) Sandborn passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 4, 2022, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her last moments were spent with Randy, her husband of 48 years, and daughter, Brianne “Breezy” Sandborn. Joanie had just celebrated her 70th birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Irene (Weiland) Schrauben; mother and father-in-law, Bud and Diane Sandborn; brother, Wayne Schrauben; sister-in-law, Anne...

Leon J. Keilen, age 93, of Westphalia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2022. He was born on March 11, 1929 in Westphalia, the son of Walter and Odelia (Platte) Keilen. Leon was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus. He was a faith filled man who was generous with his time and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Leon and his beloved wife of almost 73 years,...

Gerald Earl Schrauben, age 86, of Portland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 22, 2022. Jerry was born the son of Herman and Bertha (Trierweiler) Schrauben on December 24, 1935. He was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #2168. Jerry served our country in the US Army and is a proud veteran. Jerry was very active in the community - he owned and operated Jerry’s Barber Shop, Jerry’s Downtown Bar, and...

Mark Anthony Hufnagel aka “Smokey”, age 74, born on September 11, 1947 in Westphalia, Michigan died on Thursday, April 21 when God called him home. Mark was blessed to pass away peacefully with his wife by his side surrounded by family and close friends. Mark was born in Westphalia, Michigan and a member of St. Mary’s Parish. He was hard working, a devoted husband, and a loving father. He enjoyed farming, camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren....