Ralph K. Schantz age 85, passed away, April 28, 2017 at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital.  Ralph was born November 19, 1931, the son of Otto L. and Ferne E. (Pickett) Schantz.  A graduate of Thornapple High School class of 1950.  On September 6, 1952, Ralph married the love of his life, Mary Lou Eggleston, who survives.  Ralph was a loyal employee of Montgomery Wards, where he worked in appliance repair for many years. He also farmed, and was an avid Detroit Tiger, Detroit Lions fan and a John Deer ethusisist. Ralph will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, who was a jack of all trades and could build or fix anything.  Other members of his family include daughters:  Cindy (Greg) Wieck, Dawn (Lloyd) Kilmer, and Karen Nicholson, sons:  John (Doris) Schantz and Randy Schantz, a sister in law, Verle Schantz, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.  Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Mildred Martin and Lucille Atherton, a brother Russell Schantz and a son in law Robert Nicholson.  His family will receive friends Tuesday May 2, 2017, 12:00 to 1:00 PM, with his funeral service at 1:00 PM at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home, Middleville, Pastor Tony Shumaker, officiating.  Private interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.  Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a charity of one’s choice will be appreciated.  Ralph’s family would like to thank the staff of Magnum Care of Hastings for the excellent care Ralph received. Please visit www.beelergoresfunreal.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Ralph’s family.

Michael Lloyd Pennington, age 61 of Hastings, passed away April 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mike was born January 12, 1956 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Lloyd and Susan (Janose) Pennington Jr. He graduated from Hastings High School, class of 1974. Mike was co-owner and operator of Pennington Construction with his brother Steve for the past 40 years. He married Mary Jasperse on April 8, 1989.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Pennington Jr., mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leon and Crystene Jasperse, sister-in-law, Judy Pennington, niece Jessica Merrill and brother-in-law, David Jasperse.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Pennington, daughters, Melissa Pennington and Christina (Rob) Yattaw, grandchildren, Brianna, Matthew and Christopher, mother, Susan Pennington, brothers, Steve (Bev) Pennington, and Joe Pennington, sisters, Sandy (David) Nichols, and Teresa (Jay) Beckwith as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, boating and golf. He enjoyed watching NASCAR on Sundays, enjoyed bowling, especially the couples bowling league that he and Mary bowled on for many years. Mike also loved spending summers at Pine Lake. He and Mary enjoyed vacations to Mexico, going to the Casinos and spending time with family and friends.

Mike was the type of person that was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He enjoyed being the caretaker of the family. Mike was a hard worker and enjoyed the many years working with brother, Steve in the family owned business.

Mike was a good man, loving husband and father. He was a friend to many and loved by all that knew him, he will truly be missed. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held following the visitation at 5:30 at the Hastings Elks Lodge, 102 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI, where a light meal will be served.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings.  To leave an online condolence, please visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. 

Josephine I. (Rairigh, Warren) Dedyne passed away on April 23, 2017 after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer at age 90, at the Faith Hospice Trillium Woods surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 13, 1927 to Harold and Myrtle (Sease) Rairigh in Woodland, MI. Josephine loved family gatherings and felt those were so special to see everyone she loved; she enjoyed reading and fall tours to Traverse City. She loved giving back to her community, always volunteering and organizing events for COA, felt it kept her young and active. Josephine worked for 10 years at Hastings Manufacturing and worked for various Barry County organizations over the years, her last one was COA of Barry County where she was employed for 27 years and retired at age 87. Preceded in death by; her parents; siblings; and husbands. Survived by her children; Cindy (Larry) Fisher, Scott (Connie) Warren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her wonderful family at COA. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Commission On Aging, 320 W Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI 49058 and to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A celebration of Josephine’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 12:00 PM with a visitation prior starting at 10:00 AM at Outreach Christian Church located at 7831 N. Jordan Lake Road, in Lake Odessa. Please share a memory with Josephine’s family at www.lauerfh.com