Life Story Funeral Home

Bette Jean Farris, 81, of Traverse City, MI, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on April 2, 2022, with her loving daughters by her side. Bette was born in Pocatello, Idaho on July 23, 1940, to Ray and Evelyn (Hall) Isham. She married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Farris on June 22, 1956, and they were married until his death on March 28, 2010. They leave behind 3 children; Kristie Farris of Traverse City, MI, Scott (Vickie) Farris of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and LoriJean Hunt of Traverse City. Grandchildren, Kassie (Allan) Cole, Megan (Eric) Niezgoda, Jeremy (Lisa) Hunt, Susanna (Naman) Venra, Stephanie (Jeremy) Keller, Brian (Saki) Farris, step-grandson, Jeff Haskell, and 11...

Jamie Lee Riffle passed away at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City on November 6th, 2021. Jamie is survived by his wife of 25 years, Beth (Stradling) Riffle; his sons, Zach Riffle; Isiac (Elissa) Riffle and his daughter, Abby Riffle. Jamie is also survived by his sister, Jacki (Tony) Hajdu; his brother, Jerry (Robin) Riffle; and his sister Tracie (John) Ferguson. Jamie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jerry Lynn and Patricia Riffle. Jamie graduated from Mesick High School in 1993. He married his high school sweet heart Beth on October 12th, 1996; they then began their family together. Jamie loved being outdoors, making maple syrup, camping; there was nothing like a Riffle...

Erick Christopher Darrow, 49, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born July 6, 1972 in the Panama Canal Zone, he was the son of John Darrow and Ann Michele Guest of Cadillac. Erick moved to Traverse City as a young child with his mother and continued to reside there the remainder of his days. He graduated from Traverse City High School in 1991, then attended Northwestern Michigan college. Erick spent many years working in the hospitality industry at hotels such as the Bayshore Resort, Grand Traverse Resort, and Pinestead Reef. He was also employed at Munson Medical Center for many years. In 1997, Erick met his beloved...

Robert "Bobby" Joseph Kelley, 69, died peacefully in the early morning of January 19, 2021. He was born January 10, 1952, the youngest child of John "Jack"' Kelley and Loretta (Hendges, Kelley) Lovelace in Buckley Mi. A proud Union member of Local 1098, he retired from Hardman Construction in 2006. The US 31 bridge in Beulah was a favored project he worked on and he will be remembered for his strong work ethic. Lucky in love and Keno, Bobby was known for his Irish storytelling at the local watering holes. I'll tell you one thing that isn't two things, Bobby treasured his pals. His annual corn roast was a celebration of his passion for gardening and showcased his generous spirit. Bob...

Mesick-Willard "Willie" Lee Bliss passed away on November 21, 2020 at Munson Hospital. He was 74. Willie was born August 16, 1946 in Fife Lake Township, MI to Darwin W and Hazel H (Sparks) Bliss. He spent his career working as a laborer and heavy equipment operator for Sub Surface as well as running his salvage yard, BJ's Auto Salvage located in Mesick, MI. On September 2, 1969 he married Barbara Reiter who preceded him in death, they raised two daughters Jeannie Dorsey and Theresa Miehlke. Willie enjoyed working in his garage repairing cars and tractors. Willie never met a stranger and was always smiling. In addition to his daughters, Willie is survived by his grandchildren,...

Robert M. Bedrick passed away on May 26, 2020 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Jo; sons, Eric and Curt (Andrea) Bedrick; daughter, Carrie (Tom) Reardon; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Don (Diane) Bedrick and Jim (Barb) Bedrick; sister, Geri DeYoung and an assortment of nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawerance and Mildred Bedrick and a brother, Larry Bedrick. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Robert was happily retired from Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 47. Robert's hobbies were hunting, fishing, cheering on U of M Football and a good game of cards. There will be no memorial...

OBITUARY OF JAMES EDWARD ULBERG James Edward Ulberg, 87, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home April 1, 2020. Jim was born April 27, 1932 in Petoskey, Michigan to John R. and Juanita L. (Bills) Ulberg. He graduated from Petoskey High School in 1951 and attended Davenport College in Grand Rapids. His career in accounting took him to several large cities within the United States. Following retirement Jim lived in Washington state for several years, and relocated to Elk Rapids in 1997 to be closer to family and friends. Jim enjoyed refurbishing and living on his 1959, forty-two foot Chris-Craft boat, traveling to Europe, researching family genealogy, and was a wonderful...

Norman D. DuCoin, of Petoskey, formerly of Grosse Pointe Woods and Traverse City, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Hiland Cottage on November 27, 2019. He was born September 14, 1932 in Chicago, IL, to Anthony and Hedwig (nee Kastenberger) DuCoin. In 1951, with the onset of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Seaman Storekeeper Striker 1952-1956. He served on the U.S.S. Mercury stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and made 5 trips to the Mediterranean Sea. He earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. While attending EMU, he met, and later married, Marie Murtonen. He went on to become a teacher and counselor in the Grosse...

Mike Ray, age 68 departed from this earth Aug. 10,2019 his home surrounded by loved ones. Born in LaGrange, IN June 25, 1951 to Ruth and Cletus Ray. He graduated Lakeland High School. He found the love of his life while cruising in his 1966 Chevelle Super Sport. Ann Baldwin married Mike on March 4, 1972. They settled in Shipshewana, IN to raise their three amazing children. Mike worked as an electrician and as a Plant Manager in the mobile home industry. Mike found his true calling as an Innkeeper at Ray's Retreat Country Inn in Gaylord, MI. Mike's love for talking and sitting around a campfire endeared many to him at the motel. They took their children camping and hiking often which has...

Reatha Lillian (Taylor) Trentham April 20, 1919 - June 30, 2019 Traverse City, Michigan Reatha was a life-long resident of Michigan living in Lansing, Charlevoix and Traverse City. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-five years Raymond Edward Trentham in October of 2000 and her son Lynn Raymond Trentham in August of 2004. She is survived by her children Gail Hoisington, June Riggle, Gene Trentham , daughter-in-law Judy Trentham and their families. Reatha celebrated her 100th birthday last April with family in Traverse City. Reatha was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lansing, Bethany Lutheran Church in Charlevoix, and St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Traverse...