July 17, 2005

Obituaries

      Memorial services for VIVIAN M. SMITH, who died Jan. 29, 2005, will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at 2 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City.
      The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
     
Virginia Faith Flynn
Died July 15, 2005
      FRANKFORT - Virginia F. Flynn, 80, died Friday, July 15, 2005, at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Long Term Care. She was born April 11, 1925, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Harold W. and Lottie O. (Jackson) Geves.
      In 1992, Virginia retired with 25 years of service from State Saving Bank. For the past eight summers she could be found working at the Dairy Maid in Frankfort.
      Virginia volunteered her time at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Dorcas Circle. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, sewing and knitting.
      Surviving are her children, Randall (Jan) of Redford, Christi Flynn of Benzonia, Tim (Toni) of Benzonia, Dennis (Lynne) Flynn of Williamsburg and Marianne Hollenbeck of Frankfort; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
      She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Geves; two grandsons, Justin and Todd Flynn; and son-in-law, Casey Hollenbeck.
      Funeral services will be held today, July 17, 2005, at 2 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rick Stieve and the Rev. Jim Petteys will officiate. Interment will be in the Benzonia Township Cemetery.
      Those desiring may make contributions to the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Long Term Care or the DAV.
      The Frankfort Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Homes and Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
     
Jo Ann Mendoza
Died July 12, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY -Jo Ann Mendoza of Traverse City, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2005.
      Jo Ann was born Dec. 31, 1966, in Holland, to Lorenzo Diaz Jr. and Cora Coronado. On Feb. 23, 2001, Jo Ann married Sarfin Mendoza in White Cloud.
      Jo Ann worked in quality control for a local cherry production company and was a dedicated and hardworking employee. She was a provider in every sense of the word, caring for her two young daughters, as well as others in need.
      Jo Ann was filled with energy, was always outgoing and willing to help in anyway she could. She enjoyed cooking, especially for her family, which was most important to her. This wonderful daughter, wife and loving mother will surely leave an impression on all those she touched.
      She is survived by her husband, Sarfin Mendoza of Mexico; two daughters, Ciera Diaz of Traverse City and Serena Mendoza of Traverse City; her mother, Cora Garza of Alice, Texas; a sister, Belinda Guerra of Holland; a brother, Mario (Margarita) Garza, who is currently serving his country in Iraq; two nieces, Veronica Guerra and Desiree Garza; two nephews, Noe Mario Guerra Jr. and Mario Garza; and many other loving family members and friends.
      Jo Ann was preceded in death by her father, Lorenzo Diaz Jr.
      Friends and family may call today, July 17, 2005, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, where the rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 18, 2005, at 11 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church on Old Mission Peninsula, with the Rev. Edwin Thome officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
      Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mendoza Family in care of Sarah Wunsch.
      The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.

George Miller
Died July 16, 2005
      GRAND HAVEN - George Miller, 89, of Grand Haven, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2005, at a local care facility.
      Survivors include his wife, Effie; and five children, including Kathy van Houwelingen of Traverse City.
      Friends may meet the family Monday, July 18, 2005, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Van Zantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven. The funeral service will be held Tuesday July 19, 2005, at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
      Arrangements are by the Van Zantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven

Charlene Ostlund
Died July 16, 2005
      TRAVERSE CITY - Charlene Ostlund, 49, died on Saturday, July 16, 2005, in Traverse City, at home surrounded by her family, after a two-year battle with cancer.
      Born Sept. 7, 1955, Charlene grew up in Westland. She graduated from John Glen High School in 1973, and continued her education to complete her associate's degree.
      Charlene met the love of her life, Kevin Ostlund, at the age of 16. She chased Kevin for ten years, loving him from the first time she laid eyes on him. In 1981, Kevin proposed to Charlene that they "get hitched." Charlene exclaimed yes, but first asked for an explanation as to what getting hitched was.
      Soon after marriage, Charlene and Kevin moved to the Old Mission Peninsula to have their four children. Charlene was a wonderful mother, and each of her children were special to her. She taught them well and gave them tools for life, the biggest one love.
      Charlene was loved by many; she had a lot of great friends. She will also be remembered by several children that attended Old Mission Elementary School, where Charlene was the librarian. Charlene loved the children at Old Mission, and the teachers who worked there.
      Her friends were endless in their care and help. She had a special relationship with her sister, Sherry, her friend, Paula, and the Gal Pals, to all of whom the family is extremely grateful for the support they have given.
      Charlene is survived by her husband, Kevin Ostlund; her beloved children, Bethany, John, Scott and Eric; a wonderful sister, Sherry Hutcherson; and several helpful and loving friends.
      In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to American Cancer Society, which will help in the continuation of cancer research. A donation can be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454.
     
Wilma Yager Rowell
Died July 8, 2005
      KALKASKA - Wilma Yager Rowell, born on Feb. 25, 1919, at her grandparent's farm in Excelsior Township, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2005. She had been a lifelong resident of Kalkaska.
      Wilma graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1938, and attended Michigan State University. Wilma then decided to enroll at Hurley Hospital School of Nursing in Flint, where she graduated in 1943, and immediately joined the United States Navy Nurse Corps.
      Wilma married Wilson "Wink" Rowell in 1949, and became actively involved as business manager with the newspaper, Leader and Kalkaskian, while at the same time continuing with her nursing career.
      She was a Red Cross nurse and taught some classes. She worked in Public Health and lastly, was employed as a supervisor at Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital.
      Wilma and Wink were honored as 1976 Citizens of the Year by the community. As partners and very closely associated in business and community service, they were honored together. It was the first time an award was given to two recipients for the same year.
      Wilma had always loved all children and had especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught preschoolers' Sunday School for many years.
      She was a member of the Peoples Church, a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and the American Legion.
      Survivors include her two sons, Mark Rowell of Kalkaska and John (Gloria) Rowell of Reed City; daughter, Rebecca (Gary) Swanson of Manton; eight grandchildren, Jason, Jack and Regina Rowell, Heather Green, Spencer Rowell, Dillon Rowell, and Bradley and Kyle Swanson; three great-granddaughters, Harley and Shelby Green and Brynn Rowell; and three great-grandsons, Scott Thomas Green, Brennen Tyler Rowell and Cole Mitchell Rowell.
      Wilma was the daughter of William James Yager and Lola Davis Yager. Her father died in World War I and her mother passed away in 1978. Wink also preceded Wilma in death in April 1997.
      A memorial service honoring Wilma's life will be held Saturday, July 30, at 1 p.m., at the People's Church in Kalkaska. Pastor Robert Stark from the Kalkaska United Methodist Church and Pastor Robert Lanning from Rollins Christian Fellowship Church will be officiating.
      Memorial contributions may be given on behalf of Wilma to the People's Church, 216 S. Cherry Street, or the Kalkaska United Methodist Church, 2525 Beebe Road, both in Kalkaska, MI 49646 or Rollins Christian Fellowship Church, 10975 E. M-42, Manton, MI 49633.