February 1, 2005

Obituaries

      FATE SIMMONS, 85, of Interlochen, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.
      A memorial service for Fate will be held at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 1, at the Interlochen Bible Church with Pastor Bruce Craner officiating.
      The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Oak Grove Cremation Center.
     
Lucille Edwards Basham
Died October 25, 2004
      TRAVERSE CITY - Former Traverse City resident and longtime Alaska resident, Lucille Edwards Basham died Oct. 25, 2004, at Mary Conrad Center in Anchorage.
      Ms. Basham was born on July 27, 1918, in Traverse City, to Charles H. and Louise C. (Gildarski) Edwards.
      She is survived by her grandchildren, Janet Jeffs, Jean Sheridan, John Sheridan Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
      At her request, no memorial service will be held. Ms. Basham's ashes have been sent to her family in Michigan.

James A. 'Jim' Craig III
Died January 29, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - James Alexander "Jim" Craig III, 68, of Traverse City, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at Munson Medical Center.
      Jim was born in Toledo, Ohio, on Nov. 26, 1936, the son of Marguerite Virginia (Murbach) and James Alexander Craig Jr. On Aug. 28, 1965, in Fremont, Jim married Kathleen Geerlings.
      Following graduation from high school, Jim studied at Miami University, the University of Toledo and Wayne State University. His final graduate degree was a Specialist in Education.
      Jim was employed as the librarian at Livonia Churchill High School for three years, and then became the head librarian at Traverse City Central High School, a career spanning 28 years.
      As a member of The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, Jim, a lover of music, enjoyed participation in both choral and bell choirs.
      He was an outdoor sports enthusiast, enjoying cross-country ski racing, bicycling, sailing, and fishing. Jim enjoyed gardening and earned his Master Gardener designation.
      Jim was a life member of the Michigan Education Association Retired, and the Cherry Capital Rose Society.
      Jim will be remembered for his love of laughter and ability to tell a good story.
      Survivors include his wife, Kathleen "Katie"; his sister, Janet Craig Azar and her husband Hormoz of Norfolk, Va.; three nieces, Taraneh Azar of Rye, N.H., Afsaneh Ambrose of Vienna, Va., and Susan Jewell Bergmans of North Muskegon; a nephew, Thomas Jewell of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and a brother-in-law, Robert (Louise) Jewell of North Muskegon.
      Jim is also survived by his ever-faithful companion, Walter, his Welsh Terrier, whom he affectionately called The Big Guy.
      Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
      A service celebrating Jim's life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at The Presbyterian Church, 701 Westminster, with Pastors Homer Nye, Becky Chamberlain and David Ramage officiating. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 1 p.m.
      Memorial contributions may be directed to the Munson Healthcare Foundation- James Craig Memorial, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
      The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Max J. Donner
Died January 28, 2005
      COMMERCE TOWNSHIP - Max J. Donner, 75, passed away Jan. 28, 2005, at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township.
      He was the beloved husband of the late Marguerite V. Herring of Cheboygan; loving father of Sherry Pelech of Arizona, Susan Konicki of Petoskey and Kelly and Myong Donner of Commerce Township; dearest grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of seven.
      Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Cheboygan. His last wish was no memorial services.
      The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 18505 W. 12 Mi. Rd., Southfield, MI 48706.
      Arrangements were entrusted to Casterline Funeral Home, Inc. of South Lyon, ph. (248) 446-1171.

Dudley Griffith
May 9, 1941 - Jan. 26, 2005
      FARMINGTON, N.M. - "I am circling around God, around the ancient tower and I have been circling for a thousand years, and I still don't know if I am a falcon, or a storm, or a great song."
      Dudley was born May 9, 1941, in Santa Fe, N.M. His parents and his brother preceded him in death and have greeted him in Heaven.
      He has left behind his loving companion, Carol Walker; his daughter, Kathleen and her companion, Dave, of San Diego, her daughters, Kelly and Ellen, and her son, Todd; and his son, Michael, and his wife, Beth of Traverse City, and their daughter, Kate, and son, Jack.
      He was loved and loving, and shall be missed by his family and many treasured friends.

William J. 'Bill' McClintock
Died January 29, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - William J. 'Bill' McClintock, 84, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at Tendercare of Traverse City, after an 11-year struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.
      Bill was born July 4, 1920, in Motherwell, Scotland, to the late Frank and Annie McClintock, and came to Royal Oak as a young child. Bill was always proud of securing his naturalization papers so he could vote as a good citizen. Bill graduated from Royal Oak Dandero High School, then entered the Ford Apprentice Program to learn the tool and die trade. He worked for the "Big Three" manufacturers, as well as the dealerships selling cars. Bill finished his working career working full-time for the Birmingham School system as a night foreman at Bingham Farms School, and part-time for Royal Oak Sewing Machine Co., where he specialized in Singer repairs.
      Bill married Geneva Widgren on Dec. 25, 1941. Their three children are Geneva Ann Secquer of Davisburg, William F. of Clearwater, Fla., Steven J. of Thompsonville. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brenda Tourtillott, Jeffrey Niazy, Greg and Keith McClintock; and six great-grandchildren, Alex and Nathan Tourtillott, Amanda Niazy, Jackelyn, Julia and Mitchell McClintock; a brother, Jack McClintock; a sister, Mary Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews.
      He was preceded in death by his siblings, Catherine, Frank and Betty.
      Bill and Geneva retired to Leelanau County, where he enjoyed golfing and just being able to do what he wanted in his retirement years. Many will remember his big smile and cheery "Hello, you're looking well today."
      A service of remembrance for William will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Suttons Bay Congregational Church, Madison and Lincoln, in Suttons Bay, with Rev. Pam Fulton officiating. Cemetery services will be held in the spring in Bear Lake Township Cemetery, Manistee.
      Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Grand Traverse Pavilions.
      Arrangements have been entrusted to the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.

Marian E. Norris
1920 - 2005
      Marian E. Norris, our deeply beloved wife and mother has left us, peacefully ending her years-long staunch resistance to irreversible illness.
      Marian was born on Jan. 16, 1920, to Dr. and Mrs. George B. Denton in Evanston, Ill. In her school years she developed a lifelong interest in modern dance and poetry, at both of which she excelled. For a time between school years and marriage, she taught modern and ballroom dancing. She also had a knack for languages, and acted as research assistant to her father, translating Middle French into modern English, for Dr. Denton's authoritative "History of Dentistry."
      Marian met Jack (John G.) Norris in High School, and the two simply never let go. They were married on April 27, 1940. Their children, Tina and Becky, were also born in Evanston to a wise and loving mother.
      Through the family's many moves and activities - World War II service, further academics, marketing research - she was always a warmly supportive wife and pal.
      When Jack's work took him to Europe, she took firm charge of the family's U.S. affairs, selling the house, putting goods in storage, and preparing the children for the abrupt change from their accustomed American way of doing and thinking to the somewhat different ways of doing, speaking and thinking they would encounter in Belgian and French schools.
      During the six-year stint in Europe, she was frequently called on for social events, school activities, and unofficial diplomacy, roles in which she was modest but brilliant. In sporting adventures by car, foot or canoe, she was a joyous and stalwart companion.
      On the family's return to the States, and their occupation in the Christmas tree business, she filled in wherever needed - as picky accountant, gracious sales agent, generous cook - whatever needed doing.
      A quarter century ago, she took over management of a new home and resort in Michigan belonging to daughter Becky and has, since then, made many friends in this, her adopted neighborhood and home.
      She is survived by her sister, Scotty Collins; husband, Jack Norris; daughters, Tina (Larry) Fields and Dr. Rebecca May Norris; brother- and sister-in-law, Brad and Elizabeth Norris; family member Jeanne Newman; son-in-law, Don (Sandie) Kerste; grandchildren, Cheryl (Brad) Fields, Douglas Kerste, Matt Kerste, Dayna (Von Kriegsfield) Ford, Adriana (Charlie) Keith, Taryn (Wendell) Valbert, and Tracie (John) Lacher; great-grandchildren, Aaron Bennet, Taylor, Chenoa, Micaela and Angeni Fields, Amanda Kerste, Madeline and "little" Charlie Keith, Kassidy and Nicky Ford, Heather (Bill) Hamilton, Wesley (Kori) Valbert, Ryan (Mandy) Lacher; and many nieces and nephews, including Betsie, Todd (Mindy), Bob (Paula) Norris, and Craig, Shawn, Durk, and Trisha Collins.
      Her wish that her remains be used for medical education will be honored.
      The Wolfe Funeral Home is assisting the family. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation.
      Those who want to salute her on her last voyage are encouraged to make donations to the Three Lakes Association, P.O. Box 689, Bellaire, MI 49615, for use by the Carol Gray Norris Science Educational Fund.
      The family and friends will hold a celebration of life in her honor in the spring on the 65th anniversary of the couple's marriage; trying to put into words how her deft and loving touches made her world a little better, for her having so graciously passed through it.

Vivian M. Smith
Died January 29, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - Vivian M. Smith, 96, died peacefully on Jan. 29, 2005.
      She was born July 20, 1908, in Ridgway, Pa., to Elmer C. and Mabel "Dolly" (Morgester) McMinn. On April 13, 1931, she married Arthur Dunn Smith in Detroit. He preceded her in death in 1979. They enjoyed the last 12 years together in retirement in their new-found hometown of Traverse City. They now enjoy forever, their home in heaven with their Lord. There she joins her parents and sisters, Delores and Sylvea.
      At the tender age of 19, she traveled by herself to the big city from her small, mountain town of Ridgway to enter the School of Nursing at Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit), where she earned her RN degree. This was only the second graduating class (1930) from the hospital. She remembered vividly being invited with her white-gloved classmates to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford for formal dinners and a dip in their private pool.
      Starting her career during the Depression, she continued for 38 years of dedicated nursing. In the early years, while Art worked several jobs to make ends meet, she laundered fellow nurses' uniforms, besides work available at hospitals.
      Her career covered every level, from operating room tasks to Director of Nursing at several Detroit hospitals. Her first love was obstetrics. She was known to have delivered over 100 babies when no physician was able to be present.
      Her dedication following retirement continued in her voluntary service as nurse to the newborn program at Child and Family Services, and working at blood banks in Traverse City.
      Besides her talents as a violinist and organist, writing was her natural gift. She authored a fascinating glimpse into her "times" in her autobiography ("A Journey of a Lifetime"), organized and wrote a manual for all departmental procedures for a major Detroit hospital and wrote volumes of poetry, a blessing from her mother (a published and sensitive poet herself).
      Vivian gave a life of service in a quiet, dignified and graceful manner. She helped many people: patients, family and friends. Respect for her dedication and her temperament, in spite of her Irish heritage and her red hair, were but a few of the things we all loved about her. She was well-grounded in her faith and moral ideology. We will all miss her presence and the ideal she modeled.
      The family wishes to thank caregivers who helped her in her later years; Grace Episcopal Church and especially the staff at Tendercare Nursing Facility, where she felt safe and comfortable. Her peaceful and comfortable ending was due to their efforts.
      Vivian is survived by her two sons, (Ret.) Colonel James A. (Sylvia) Smith of Virginia Beach, Va., and William "Bill" (Lee Ann) Smith of Traverse City. She was also blessed by and proud of her grandchildren, Bridget (Dr. Albert) LaCivita of Belfast, Maine, Dennis (Laura) of Whitefield, Maine, Michael (Kendra) of Norfolk, Mass., Patrick (Liz) of Collage Park, Md., Tracy (Marci) of Ludington, Terry of Traverse City and James (Linda) of Traverse City. Vivian also was thankful for her 14 great-grandchildren.
      As per her wishes, cremation has occurred. A memorial service will follow in the warmth of this summer.
      The family suggests memorials be directed to the Vivian Smith Memorial Fund for Nursing, in care of the nursing scholarship fund at Northwest Michigan College Foundation, or to nursing programs in other areas.
      The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.