Jonas LaVaughn Hart, 86, of Tekonsha , passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Coldwater with Pastor Curt Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Cemetery in Sherwood Township.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 2 – 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Jonas was born January 26, 1926 in Bronson, Michigan to Felt E. and Grace (Hodge) Hart.  He married Verna DeForest on February 13, 1943. She preceded him in death on November 19, 2010.  
Mr. Hart loved to farm and spent many years operating his own family farm. He had worked at Douglas Manufacturing in Bronson, Turner Craft Marine at Marble Lake, then spent 30 years with Bohn Aluminum in Butler, Indiana, retiring in 1985. He went back to work at Starr Industries in Camden, retiring for the second time in 2002.  Jonas was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Coldwater.  He enjoyed fishing, flower gardening and loved music and dancing. He enjoyed time with his beloved pets, Molly & Sandy Sue.
Jonas is survived by his sons Arthur (Berniece) Hart of Tekonsha, Guy (Barbara) Hart of New Carlisle, IN, Lonnie (Linda) Hart of Delton, his daughters Bonnie (James) Maggart of Fremont, IN, Terry (Mike) Repp of Montpelier, OH, his sister-in-law Grace Hart of Coldwater, many grandchildren, great and great, great grandchildren and nieces & nephews. 
In addition to his first wife, he was also preceded in death by his longtime friend and companion Frances Rogers, his former wife Wilma, his brothers Kenneth, Harvey & Harold, his sister Elsie, his granddaughter Amy Hart and great grandson Brenden Wiyrick.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

    Charles Dean Hutchins, 85, of Bronson, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.
    A funeral will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Harold Jewell officiating. Interment will follow at Matteson Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
    Charlie was born on April 12, 1926 in Angola, Indiana to Lyle and Bessie (West) Hutchins. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during WWII, stationed in Germany. He was injured and was moved to France to recover. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service to the country. He married Loretta Smoker on July 28, 1962. She preceded him in death in November of 1997. He later married Barbara L. McPhetrige on October 8, 2009.
    Charlie drove truck for Keeshin Transport for about 20 years and then began his own business making campers and trailers. He also fixed appliances for folks through the years and enjoyed tinkering. He enjoyed getting a great deal on something at an auction, fixing it up and reselling it. He was a hard worker and will be missed by his family.
    Mr. Hutchins is survived  his wife, Barbara Hutchins, his children Kenneth Hutchins, Sherry (John) Hedley, both of Sonoma, CA, Randall (Lila) Hutchins, Kathy (Homer) Mandoka and Charlie (Natalie) Hutchins, all of Bronson, his sisters Ruth Adams of Coldwater and Evelyn (Clarence) Wellman of Angola, IN, 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
    In addition to his first wife, Loretta, he was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Katherine and his brother Kenneth.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Randall Meyer, 94, of Bronson, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.

                A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler officiating. Interment will follow at Matteson Cemetery in Matteson Township. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 Pm to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

                Randall was born on August 23, 1917 in Colon Township, Michigan to Frank and Bessie (Bright) Meyer. He attended school in Colon and came to Bronson in 1945. He married Libbie M. Tice on June 1, 1946 in Bronson. He had owned and operated Meyer Brothers Heating and Cooling, which started in his brother's garage and later moved to downtown Bronson.  He retired in 1985 after 40 years in the business. Following his retirement, he worked for Richhart Rebuilding for 11 years tearing down engines.

                 Randall enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing with his son and grandson and spending time with his family. He was always fixing stuff and tinkering. His family remembers all of the toys he managed to fix for them through the years.

                He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Libbie Meyer, his children Karen (John) Phillips of Centreville and Gary (Barb) Meyer of Union City, his brother Bob (Beth) Meyer of Montgomery, his sisters Ruth Meyer of Bronson and Rhea Savchuck of Ligonier, IN, his grandchildren Steven (Talia) Meyer, Chelsea Meyer and Aaron Meyer, all of Union City, Jason Phillips and Jessica (Warren King) Phillips of Centreville and 2 great granddaughters.

                He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Raymond, Ralph and Roger Meyer and several nieces and nephews.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Barbara H. Uhrig, 73, of Bronson, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Cynthia Veilleux from the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment will follow at Matteson Cemetery in Matteson Township.  Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 2 – 4:00 PM and 6 – 8:00 PM and again on Saturday, prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Barb was born August 1, 1938 in Bronson, Michigan to Anthony and Helen (Misner) Goebel.  She married Louie D. Uhrig on December 24, 1955 in Coldwater.

Barb was a lifelong resident of the Bronson area where she had attended the First United Methodist Church.   She was a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker and had also worked for the Bronson Community Schools as a cook.  In later years she had enjoyed painting at Canterbury Gardens apartments in Coldwater. Barb enjoyed reading, crocheting, baking and cooking. She loved to watch sports and game shows and enjoyed outdoor time camping and traveling and time with her pets.

Barb is survived by her husband Louie, her daughters Kathy (Greg) Rockey of Coldwater, Karen (Ron) Brown of Bronson, Karla Uhrig & Bill Meiras of Ada, Kendra Uhrig &Bernie Shook of Coldwater, her grandchildren Jessica (Brandon) Sturm of Lafayette, IN, Joseph (Kassi) Rieger of Clinton Twp, MI, Christina Payne & Bruce Jones of Mt. Vernon, OH and her great grandchildren Madison, Olivia, Tabi, Sarah and Kaylee.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Clarence "Junior" Beck, 80, of Bronson, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek.

                A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Bethel Gilead Community Church with Pastor Jim Erwin officiating. Interment will follow at East Gilead Cemetery with military honors provided by the Orland American Legion. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.

                Junior was born on June 5, 1931 to Clarence H. and Mildred (Casebeer) Beck in Gilead Township. He was raised on the family farm in Gilead Twp. and graduated from Orland High School in 1949. He married Nancy L. Sperry on December 28, 1949 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He served honorably in U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He worked in the dispensary and attained the rank of Corporal.

                Junior returned home to his wife and family farm after his military service. He operated the farm nearly all of his life. He and Nancy attended Bethel Gilead Community Church for many years and he was a member of the Orland American Legion for 39 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. He especially loved the Detroit Tigers.

               Mr. Beck is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children Robin (David) Kiomento of Bronson, Perry (Margaret) Beck of Belmont, Lisa (Charles) Shimp and Joe (Jody) Beck, both of Bronson, his brother-in-law Richard Yardley of Idaho, his grandchildren; Jeff Beck, Lynn Tacia, Ryan Kiomento, Lee Beck, Ashley Kiomento, Brandon Beck, Bailey Miller, Samantha Shimp, Tana Shimp and 6 great grandchildren.

                He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Eleanor Taylor and Leone Yardley.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Kasey Ray Pitts

Kasey Ray Pitts, 13, of Coldwater passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 10, 2012 at his home. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 1:00 PM at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater with Rev. Fr. Daniel Doctor officiating. Interment wiill follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.  Visitation will be Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 2 -8:00 PM, with the Rosary to begin at 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Kasey was born April 1, 1998, “April Fool’s Day,” in Kalamazoo to Steven & Karla (Dobay) Pitts. He was currently an 8th grade student at Legg Middle School.
Kasey was a member of St. Charles Church where he had also attended St. Charles Elementary School. He played Little League and was very active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years. Kasey enjoyed dancing and took lessons for two years.  He proudly competed with the dance team, performing as “John Travolta” one year, winning the competition. Kasey enjoyed exploring Coldwater, especially while walking his dog and was very fond of geocaching. He was a history buff and an avid reader and his love of politics led him to become involved with Youth In Government this past year. Kasey was witty and intelligent, he loved life and people. He had a knack for making others laugh, especially with his impersonations of famous personalities and characters. His personality was infectious and to know him was to love him. Kasey was destined to be a leader.
Kasey is survived by his mother Karla, his sister Karlen Pitts both of Coldwater, his brother Karsen Pitts of Hopkinsville, KY, his grandmother Sonya Dobay of Coldwater, his grandfather Karoly (Jean) Dobay of Mars, PA, many aunts and uncles including his special “aunt” Karen Snell of Coldwater, Godparents Dennis (Patty) Dobay of Coatesville, PA, David (Debbie) Coles-Dobay of Boynton Beach, FL, Dr. Karoly Dobay III of San Antonio, TX, Dr. Kristin (Michele) Dobay of Nashville, TN, Kari (Joe) Kryszak of San Antonio, TX, Kyle Dobay of Mars, PA, Jane (Ron) Smith of Manistee, Joan (Rich) Sherman of Coldwater, many cousins and his beloved dog Sir Lord McScruffles Von-Peez-A-Lot aka Scruffy. He was preceded in death by his father Steven Pitts, his grandparents Ruth & Raymond Pitts in 2010 and his pet hamsters Cosmo & Mr. Chubbs.
Memorials may be directed to the Kasey Pitts Youth In Government Memorial Fund or to the family to help with expenses.  www.dutcherfh.com.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Jean Norris, 91, of Coldwater, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson with Rev. Fr. Richard Fritz officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bronson.  Visitation will be held Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 4-8:00 PM with the rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson. 
Jean was born December 21, 1920 in Bronson Twp., to John and Clara (Herman) Nowicki.  She married James E. Norris on May 3, 1947 at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson where she was a member for many years.  James preceded her in death on February 9, 2002. 
As a child, she attended Townline Country School in Bronson.  Through her married life, she had lived in Chicago, IL, Pennsylvania and West Bloomfield, MI retiring to Coldwater Lake 25 years ago.
 Jean had loved being a homemaker, as well as cooking, decorating and entertaining. She was very artistic and loved painting pictures to share with her family. Jean loved getting out for rides in the car, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles.  She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed hearing about her grandchildren.
She is survived by her son James T. Maddy of Phoenix, AZ, her daughter Janis (Dan) Hand of Coldwater, sisters Louise Stobbe of Coldwater, Joan Butler of Angola, IN and Delphine (Rolland) Knapp of Union City, grandchildren Gina Kimmel, Andrea Maddy, Jill (Jerry) Campbell, Dana (Matt) Rzepka and Tracy (Mark) Bassage, great-grandchildren Katie & Kevin Kimmel, Payton Taylor, Connor, Tessa, Tate and Owen Campbell, Zach & Austin Rzepka, Mallorie & Tori Bassage.
In addition to her husband James, Jean was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
Memorials contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or CHC Hospice.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Katherine T.  Rubley, 82, of Coldwater passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Community Health Center of Branch County (CHC).

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 2 -8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. No other services will be held, with interment to take place at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.

Katherine was born May 30, 1929 in Coldwater to John & Rachel (Fettig) Seiler. She graduated as valedictorian from St. Charles Catholic School in 1946 and married Gilbert Anson Rubley on June 7, 1947 in Angola, Indiana.   He preceded her in death on April 9, 1986.

Mrs. Rubley worked at the Coldwater Regional Center for 21 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1988. She was very creative and enjoyed oil painting, baking, crocheting and most especially knitting, even using a knitting machine for many of her projects. Katherine enjoyed playing cards, especially Cribbage, and watching birds.  She loved spending time with her family and was a most devoted grandmother.  She enjoyed taking her grandchildren to all the local parks. As the children grew, they gathered at her house with friends to play card games.

Katherine is survived by her sons, Gilbert “Spike” (Linda) Rubley II of Monroe, Michael (Patricia) Rubley of Tekonsha, her sister Karen (Bill) Walker of San Antonio, TX, her grandchildren Christina (Jason) Hyska of Bronson, Michael (Ruby) Rubley II of Bellevue and her great grandchildren Kyle & Kevin Hyska. In addition to her husband she was also preceded in death by her daughter Suzanne Johnston and her son Francis “Tuffy” Rubley both in 2006 and her brothers Jack & Richard Seiler.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice or the CHC Cancer Center.  www.dutcherfh.com.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Jeff “Longhair” Rankin, 42, of Coldwater, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at his home.
    A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 5 – 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
    Jeff was born June 20, 1969 in South Bend, Indiana to Jeffrey L. and Bobbie Rankin.  He married Michelle “Mick” Hart on May 26, 1995 in Coldwater, Michigan.
    Jeff has lived in the Coldwater area since 1991, coming from Elkhart, Indiana.  He was self-employed as a fabricator in the racing industry, but had most recently worked for Damiron Trucking.
     Jeff loved racing his sprint car, known as “Longhair” among his friends at the track. He raced at Butler Motor Speedway and traveled with the Auto Value Super Sprints Series within the Tri-State area.  Jeff has raced for 25 years, with his career beginning in New Paris, Indiana. Through the years he raced for Terry & Barry Hyliard (Dorer Easy Shifter), Steve & Brenda Zabonick (Z Team) and Marv Carmen Racing. In addition to his love for racing, Jeff especially loved his family and children.
    Jeff is survived by his wife Mick, his children Tylar and Carly all of Coldwater, his mother Bobbie Frownfelter (Bob Siefers) of Elkhart, IN, his father Jeffery (Jenny) Rankin of Osceola, IN, his sister Theresa (Steve) Roth of Goshen, IN, his nieces and nephews Dustin Collins, Ashley Roth, Tabitha & Dakota Sommers, Destiny, Michael & Shawn Hart, his great nephew Payton Roth, his great niece Kaylynn Collins, his father-in-law and mother-in-law  Gerry & Darla Hart of Coldwater and Tom Davies of Elkhart who was like a father to him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]

Ruth E. (Anderson) Medendorp, 82, of Coldwater, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the Community Health Center of Branch County, surrounded by her loving family.
A service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Coldwater with Pastor Nelson Lumm officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 2 – 4:00 PM & 6 - 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Cremation will follow the services with the interment of ashes to be at the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium at a later date.
Ruth was born December 23, 1929 in Holland, Michigan to Carl and Marie (Kuhlman) Anderson.  She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1948 and married Casey J. Medendorp on May 27, 1949 in Muskegon.  Their honeymoon trip was planned to Niagara Falls until they learned of a double header taking place between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers, as they were both devout Tigers fans.
Ruth was a Paraprofessional with Branch Intermediate Schools in early education for 17 years, retiring in 1989. She then substitute taught until 2004, leaving her career with many treasured friendships with her co-workers.
Mrs. Medendorp and her husband were very active in the Soltau Sister City program for many years and also the Youth for Understanding exchange program where they had hosted students from 7 different countries. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she had served as an elder and deacon, sang in the church choir and also volunteered at the Presbyterian Free Health Clinic. Ruth enjoyed playing bridge and dominos, crafting ceramics and gardening. She was very close with her twin brother and together, with their spouses, they traveled extensively throughout the U.S.  Ruth enjoyed quilting and was proud to have made a quilt for each one of her grandchildren.  Her family was her passion, she was very supportive of her children and grandchildren and their many activities.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lester and Clarence Sliter, her twin brother Robert Anderson on December 1, 2011 and her son-in-law Jack Raymond.
She is survived by her husband Casey, her sons David (Amparo) Medendorp of Northville, Steve (Val) Medendorp of Quincy, her daughters Sue ( Jay) Cordes of Williamston, Janis Raymond,  Laurie (Jim Stout) Corless all of Coldwater, her sister-in-law Christine Anderson of Muskegon, 12 grandchildren Daniel Medendorp, Dalia  Cordes, Lauren Cordes, Nick Cordes, Mike (Laura) Raymond, Ryan (Sarah) Raymond, Brady (Erin Klebeck) Raymond, Ashley Corless (Nicholas) Longstreet, Stacy Corless (Daniel Knapp), Troy Corless, Taylor Medendorp, Hope Medendorp, 3 great-grandchildren Cyrus Raymond, Payton Longstreet and Jackson Raymond.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the First Presbyterian Church.   www.dutcherfh.com.

[Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]