August 17, 2005

Obituaries

Clinton A. Brown
Died August 15, 2005
      BENZONIA - Clinton A. Brown, 83, of Benzonia, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born July 24, 1922, in Arcadia, the son of William and Gladys (Bradley) Brown.
      Clinton had worked as a patrolman for the Ann Arbor car ferry "Viking" for 28 years until his retirement in 1984.
      In his spare time, Clinton enjoyed going for walks, doing various crafts and, most of all, talking with family and friends
      Clinton is survived by his sons, Virgil (Marianne) Brown of Abrams, Wis., and Michael (Cheryl) Brown of Elk Rapids; three daughters, Beverly (Jack) Jones of Traverse City, Brenda (Tom) Northrup of Roseville, Calif., and Kerry (Steve) McPherson of Traverse City; sister, Maxine Hornsby of Holland; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
      On Sept. 8, 1944, in Alpena, Clinton married Marion H. Ralston, who preceded him in death in 2000. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry Brown; and one sister and one brother during infancy.
      Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005, at 6 p.m., at the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah, where visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until time of services.
      Memorial contributions may be made to Munson Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.
      The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah is in charge of arrangements.
     
Laura M. Couturier
Died August 15, 2005
      LAKE LEELANAU - Laura Mary Couturier, 93, of Lake Leelanau, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, in the loving care of her family.
      Laura was born March 5, 1912, in Centerville Township, the daughter of Ambrose and Armine Mary "Minnie" (Richard) Brow. She attended the Martin School in Centerville Township. On Sept. 3, 1928; in St. Mary's Parish, Lake Leelanau, she married David N. Couturier, who preceded her in death on Aug. 24, 1995.
      She was a lifelong resident of Lake Leelanau and a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Laura lived a life of service for her church, community, family and friends. She had a special love of children, gardening, sewing and quilting. Her life was filled with love and caring for those who crossed her path, always ready to take in someone in need or lend a helping hand. She leaves a rich legacy of love to those who knew her. We always looked forward to her warm greeting and again will welcome it as we also pass from this life.
      Laura is survived by 10 children, Gerald Lloyd (Lorraine, deceased) Couturier of Ludington, Eloise (Firmin) Walters of Traverse City, Ruth (Victor) Kalchik of Lake Leelanau, Luella (Philip, deceased) Neff of Scottsdale, Ariz., David J. (Dorothy) Couturier of Lake Leelanau, Bernard (Martha) Couturier of Bellevue, Alvin (Vicki) Couturier of Austin, Texas, Leonard (Delores) Couturier of Lake Leelanau, Anna May (Jerry) Kelenske of Cedar, Linus (Lesley, deceased) Couturier of Lake Leelanau; 47 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
      She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Raphael; and three grandchildren.
      Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, from 2 to 9 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service at St. Mary's Parish of Lake Leelanau.
      The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at St. Mary's Parish. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The Reverends Michael Janowski and Paul John Kalchik will be the co-celebrants.
      Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Schools, Lake Leelanau.
      Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
     
Irene Theresa Dew
Died August 15, 2005
      WINDSOR, Colo. -Irene Theresa Dew, 89, of Windsor, Colo., formerly of Traverse City, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, at the home of her daughter. She died peacefully in the presence of her loving family.
      Born in Dearborn on June 27, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Walter Anthony and Sophia Barbara (Shumann) Morris.
      Irene was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and received much pleasure from gardening, animals, and reading books. Her life was centered around her strong faith and her family. Her presence will be missed by many.
      She is survived by her children, John (Marsha) Dew of Traverse City, Thomas (Gail) Dew of Ann Arbor and Mary (Michael) Valenti of Windsor, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Mari Dew (Trevor) Kustiak, Kimberly Dew, Julie (Chris) Warren, Christy Dew, Brian Dew, Kelly (Kipp) Demusky and Tim Main; and three great-grandchildren Ashton, Julia and Colton.
      Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Albert N. "Jack" Dew; two brothers, Ed Morris and John Ray Morris; and one sister, Helen Morris.
      A Mass will be held at noon Friday, Aug. 19, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. The Reverend Peter Eke will be serving as Celebrant.
      Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m.
      In remembrance of Irene, memorials may be directed to the Carmelite Monastery or to the Capuchin Mission Association, 1820 Mt. Elliot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207.

Betty Rose Gleason
Died August 15, 2005
      FRANKFORT - Betty Rose Gleason, 86, of Frankfort, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, at Paul Oliver Long Term Care in Frankfort. She was born Jan. 8, 1919, in Suttons Bay, the daughter of T. George and Woneta (Oliver) Smeltzer.
      Betty had worked at the Chimney Corners Resort for over 25 years, staring in the late 1950s.
      She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and going for her daily walk. Most of all, Betty loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
      On Nov. 26, 1938, in Interlochen, Betty married Norman B. Gleason, who survives her. She is also survived by four children, Winston (Dianne) Gleason of Elberta, Brian Gleason of Frankfort, Douglas (Lorene) Gleason of Benzonia and Woneta (Robert) Prenger of Muskegon; her son-in-law, William Boynton of Jenison; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Florence (Owen) Kuberski of California; a brother, Theodore (Jill) Smeltzer of Frankfort; her neighbor and close friend, Carolyn Clement; and numerous nieces and nephews.
      Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Norma Boynton; three sisters, Harriet Johnson, Anna Coon and Charlotte Michael; and two brothers, Glen Smeltzer and Rex Smeltzer.
      Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rodney Knapp will officiate. Interment will be in the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery North.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
      The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.