Terwilliger Funeral Home

Barbara Ann Sibley (Hanna), 79, of Mesick, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Green Acres Assisted Living facility in Cadillac, Michigan. She was born on April 14th, 1945, in Lansing, the daughter of Wilber C. Hanna and Coral V. (Mayberry) Hanna. Barbara met and married the love of her life, Harry Sibley Jr., on August 28, 1965, in Lansing, Michigan. It was from this union that came the birth of their two children, who were her the source of her greatest joy and who gave her four grandchildren. Barbara was a homemaker who took great pride in her flower gardens and loved the celebration of holidays, believing that delicious cookies were essential to any celebration. She was a...

James Louis Hughes "Louie", 81, of Mesick, Michigan, passed away on May 3, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family as he left this world to join his Lord. Louie was born on July 23, 1942, in Lapeer, Michigan, to Roy and Carolyn Hughes. The family lived in Lapeer and later on a small farm in Paris, Michigan, and he was one of nine children. On June 9, 1962, Louie married Judy Usher at the Marilla Church of the Brethren. Together, they raised three children, built a home on the Usher family farm, and celebrated their family, including parents, brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Louie worked as...

Diana Lee Spoor Rabbits, 59, of Mesick, passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2024, in Mesick. She was born in Petaluma, California, the daughter of Robert and Ruby (Marsh) Spoor. She was the second of eight children. Diana lived on her little farm caring for her animals and her flowers. She enjoyed cooking, canning and gardening. Her biggest love was spending time with her grandchildren doing arts and crafts, taking them fishing, rock hounding and mushroom picking. Diana was a hard worker and a Millwright by trade. She loved using her welding and woodworking skills to create amazing pieces of art and jewelry. You would often find her searching her property for old artifacts, unique stones...

David "Gramps" Yahner, age 81, of Mesick, passed away on March 21, 2024, with his beloved family by his side. He was born on January 12, 1943, in Patton, Pennsylvania, to Raymond and Juanita Yahner. He graduated from Hamtramck High School in 1961 and married Darlene Pienta on August 19, 1967. Together, they were blessed with four children: Joseph, Sharon, Judith and Allen. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1964-1967. After the service, he worked for GM for 37 years until his retirement in 2000. Dave loved to be on the water and for many years would be found spending time on his boat on Lake St. Clair. He enjoyed having coffee at the local restaurant with his...

Gladys Reitz-Greiner, passed away on December 29, 2023, in Cadillac. She was born to Abe and Mable Garber, of Brethren, one of fourteen children. She attended Dickson High School. She married Doyle Reitz, of Marilla, on November 11, 1939, and they farmed there until he passed away in 1988. He was a Veteran. They had two daughters, Shirley Cilman and Anita Hendrick, and one son, Wayne Reitz. She was a member of the Church of Brethren, in Marilla. She belonged to the Ladies Aid, Marilla Senior Citizens, the WCTU and the Kaleva Auxiliary. Later she married George Greiner, of Scottville on September 7, 1988. The lived there until he passed away in 1997. She then moved to Cadillac to be...

Rita Joyce Curtis, 79, of Wellston, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Epworth United Methodist Church, in Brethren, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, beginning at 10:00am. The funeral service will be at 12:00pm followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for gifts to the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter. The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements. www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com

Rita Joyce Curtis, 79, of Wellston, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born August 12, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Loring and Leona (Hike) Scantlin. Rita married Warren Orvell Crow on May 14, 1965. Together, they had Clinton Curtis, their only child. Rita's parents; her first husband, Warren Orvell; and older sister, Sally Kay; preceded her in death. Surviving immediate family include: her son, Clinton Curtis Crow; her husband, Donald Lynn Curtis; her twin brother, Ralph Jay Scantlin; and her son-in-law, Steven James Adams. While not a native to this area, Rita's Manistee County roots run deep. For decades, she served the...

Gertrude "Gertie" Lila Clements, 99, of Mesick, died Monday, September 18, 2023, at Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing & Rehab in Traverse City. She was born September 16, 1924, in Detroit, the daughter of Gust and Elsie (Niemi) Heinola. At age three, Gertie went to her grandmother's home in Manistee County. She graduated from Kaleva Rural Agricultural School and after graduation returned to the Detroit area. She lived in Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Huntington Woods. She lost her first husband, Carroll Crisher, to natural causes in 1991 and married her second husband, Russell Clements on February 20, 1993. Russell preceded her in death on July 15, 2019. Gertie was employed as a...

Martha Anna Heyd Willis, born December 3, 1924, left us September 8, 2023. She had a stroke on July 7, 2023, that left her unable to swallow. She struggled for 8 weeks declaring her sense of peace and knowledge that she was in God's hands. Martha was a kind and strong person, and was always "doing" for others. At nearly 99 years old she continued to use her walker to walk 1/2 -1 mile per day (not all at once but with purpose every day). She was alert and read her newspaper daily until the stroke. She made it clear she was in charge of her personal being and was strong and independent until the end. We miss her terribly already but thankful she is no longer in pain. We plan to see her when...

Barb brought a brightness and joy into the world on Sept 20, 1953, when she was born. Barb was born to Antoinette (Joan) & Charles (Chuck) Lewis and was the oldest of 7 children. Barb was born with an innate talent and creativity, her self-taught paintings were absolutely stunning, and were admired by everyone that saw them. Barb was always very family orientated and that was one of the most important things to her. She was also sassy and stubborn, kind beyond measure, strong & independent, and so very funny, to the point of making your face hurt from laughing if you were around her too long! In 2003 Barb married her loving and doting husband, Paul Lenz, and enjoyed 19 wonderful...

Phillip Carl Karash, 84, of Wellston, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at his home after a short illness. He was born August 30, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leo and Helen (Phillips) Karash. He graduated from High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Army and served at Selfridge Air Force Base in the Nike Missile D-BTRY 4th BN until 1959. After his discharge, he married Bonnie Gillispie on October 21, 1961, and she survives after 61 years. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by: four sons, Kevin Karash, Kent (Debbie) Karash, and Curt (Hope) Karash, all of Wellston, and Christopher (Amy) Karash of Irons; three grandchildren, Lindsey (Jake) Schimke, Kody (Clista)...

BRANSON, Mary Mae (Wegner), age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Mesick, March 23, 2023. Mary was born August 9, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, to Paul William (Elsie Mae Haas) Wegner. She entered marriage with James Otto "Doc" Branson II on December 22, 1945, in Hartland, Michigan. 'Doc' and Mary began their lives and family in the Detroit area. They moved to Pontiac in 1957 then Midland in 1967, where they spent most of their lives, before becoming a part of the Mesick community in 1975 to own and operate "Doc's Party Store". Mary made Mesick her home permanently in 2013. A graduate of Hartland High School (1943), she received her master's degree in education from Wayne State...

Clair Kastl, 86, of Mesick, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home Friday morning, March 17, 2023, with his family by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many; who will be truly missed by all. Clair was born June 15, 1936, in Inkster, Michigan. He was one of nine children born to Charles and Anna (Teschke) Kastl. Due to the unfortunate passing of his father, Clair left high school at an early age to help family members support their large family. His first job was at a local garage, down the road as an auto mechanic. Clair was united in marriage to his wife, Gerry (Wasylyzyn) Kastl in 1955. Together they would have...

Donna Jean Scott-Light went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2023, at the Munson Hospice House, in Traverse City. She was born November 6, 1931, in Cadillac, Michigan, to Russel and Esther Nicholas. She loved to spend time with family and friends. Donna is survived by: sister, Thelma Anderson; sisters-in-law, Verda Nicholas and Gladys Olafsson; children, Pam (Gene) Holman, Doug Scott, Debbi Moore, Robin Wisenbach, Shelly Leffew, and Dave Scott; step-children, Ken Light, Peggy Gross, and David Light; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Russel and Esther Nicholas; the loves of...

Bonita Lynn Besaw, 69, of Mesick, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City. She was born January 23, 1953, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Frederick and Bonnie (Jazinski) Fairchild. Bonita worked in the health field as a Paramedic for Mesick Rescue, a Respiratory Therapist at Mercy Memorial Hospital, in Cadillac, and for Amicare Home Health. She loved to cook, hummingbirds, buying gifts for others, riding on the motorcycle with "Joe Bob", and spending time with her family dog, Rowdy. Above all else, she loved her family. She never missed the opportunity to spend time with her loved ones reminiscing of her childhood to her grandchildren. She...

Teresa Lynn Simmons, 49, of Mesick, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. She was born November 14, 1972, in Cadillac, the daughter of Robert and Linda. Teresa loved camping, collecting Dale Earnhardt Jr., Luke Bryan and Paw Patrol memorabilia, and spending time with family, especially her grandbabies. Teresa is survived by: her best friend and love, Orval Dickinson; mother, Linda (Kenneth) Schmuckal; children, Jonathan Scott Crawford, Christy Burke, Ricky Simmons, and Sheryl Holmes; grandchildren, Jonathan (Bubbie) Crawford, Timmy Burke, Logan Simmons, Ricky Simmons, and Charlotte Holmes; brothers, Terry (Jennifer) Hawk, Todd Hawk, Robert Hawk, Paul (Candi)...

Horace Gail Storrs, age 96, of Mesick, passed away on July 6, 2022. He was born on July 3, 1926, in Sherman, Michigan. He attended Sherman Country School until it was consolidated with the Mesick School system. Before graduation he served in the Navy, during World War II, and returned to graduate from high school with the class of 1944. He worked at the Traverse City State Hospital for over 28 years. As a hobby he grew Christmas trees. He married Lorraine Pranke, in Angola, Indiana, on December 18, 1954. He was a lifetime member of the Amvets of Mesick, VFW, AML Club and American Legion. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Lorraine; parents, Glen and Nellie; sisters, Lucille,...

Charlene Sue McGowan, 78, of Copemish, passed away on June 25, 2022, at Munson Medical Center. Charlene was born on September 1, 1943, in Copemish, and was the daughter of Richard & Nettie (Pierce) Williams. She graduated from Mesick Consolidated High school in 1961. She then attended Muskegon School of Business to receive her certification to become a secretary. She then moved shortly to Detroit and worked at the Eastern Produce Market. Then in 1979, she and her son moved back to Northern Michigan where she was a resident until her death. She then worked for Munson Medical Center as an office manager for their private in home care. In her spare time, she loved to spend time with...

Colleen Marie Kastl, age 66, of Mesick, went home to be with her Lord and savior June 25, 2022, at Munson Hospice House with her family by her side. Colleen was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 13, 1955, to Clair and Geraldine Kastl. She graduated from Mesick High School in 1974 and worked for and retired from Meijer. She was an active member of St. Raphael Catholic Church and the Mesick Women's Club. Colleen's story, "Healing with Scars" was published on Burn Survivors of the World where she talks about her journey living with burns. She also started a Burn Survivor Group in 2000 to give others a place for support, comfort, and education. Her mom was her biggest fan and best...

Denzil E. Gross was surrounded by his life partner, Joannie Abraham (Adreana & Alan), and faithful pet, Chance when he passed away at their residence in Mesick, Michigan on June 21, 2022. He lived a spontaneous life. On July 2, 1964, Denzil was born in Lima, OH to Roger E. (survived) and Joan Gross Bradley (deceased). He is survived by: his siblings, Mary Shuey, Garnett Jablon (Walt), and Tina Keeley (William). He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. There will be no services held at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Lung Association or the charity of your choice in memory of Denzil Gross. The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva,...

John Anthony Chandler, originally of Mesick, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, November 2, at the age of 57. He was the youngest son of the late Henry "Hank" and Edna (Egan) Chandler. He was also preceded in death by his oldest brother, Don (Dorothy) Chandler, sister Elaine Metro, and brothers-in-law Kim (Jeanie) Couls and Denny (Ruth Anne) Nolf. Surviving are his wife of more than 31 years, Beth (Eberle) Chandler, four daughters: Sarah, Grace, Anna and Olivia; three sons: Ben, Isaac and Eli; four sisters: Ruth Anne (John) Schaub, Irene (Jim) Oliver, Jeanie Couls, and Kathleen Chandler; four brothers: Richard (Sherri) Chandler, Philip Chandler, David Chandler (Jeff Holm), and Michael...