All Obituaries

Elizabeth Catherine Hodgkinson, 94, of North Branch passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 with her family by her side. Elizabeth was born on February 18, 1930, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Wasthel) Klaus. Elizabeth grew up on the family farm on Burnside Road in North Branch. She attended North Branch Area Schools from which she graduated high school. Following high school she attended County Normal Schools in Caro, MI perusing an education in teaching. She taught in country...

Mark  Stephen Schank, 50, of Clifford passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Marlette Regional Hospital. Mark was born to Paul and Ruth (Putz) Schank on December 15, 1973 in Yale, Michigan. Mark grew up in North Branch and was a 1992 graduate of North Branch High School. On October 13, 2023, he married Ashley Jones in Salem, Massachusetts. Mark worked for Rasmussen Truck and Service Center of Caro for 19 years. Mark was Fire Chief of Clifford for the past 8 years and was a volunteer...

Judy Bell, 82, of Fostoria, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 with her family by her side. Judy was born to Frank and Luella Pettengill on June 8, 1941 in Flint, Michigan. She is a 1959 graduate of Kearsley High School. On January 23, 1971, Judy married her loving husband Murney Bell and was married for 48 years. She retired from the State of Michigan. Judy enjoyed painting, collecting and loved spending time with her grandchildren and friends. She was quick-witted and many will...

Kelly Joan Martus, 61, of North Branch passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital with her family at her side. Kelly was born on December 26, 1962 in Detroit, the daughter of Fredric and Joan (Tabaka) Long. Kelly spent her younger years growing up in Livonia until the family moved to Brown City when she was a freshman. She was a 1981 graduate of Brown City High School. On April 25, 1986, Kelly married Wayne Martus at St. Mary’s Burnside Church.  Kelly...

Geneva Johnson, 91, of Fostoria passed away at McLaren Flint Hospital on March 8, 2024. Geneva was born in Lapeer, on March 4, 1933 to John and Bertha (Johnson) Cole. She graduated from Lapeer High School in 1951. She married Max Johnson in Lapeer on April 12, 1952.  She lived in Lapeer County her entire life and also spent a few winters in Florida in her retirement years. Geneva worked as a telephone operator in Lapeer prior to her marriage. She was not only a wonderful mother and...

George William Johnson, 84, formerly of Grayling and Lapeer, passed away on March 2, 2024. George was born on October 24, 1939, in Fostoria, MI, the son of Victor and Nora (Kennedy) Johnson. George graduated from Mayville High School. He proudly served in the United States Army. George married Christine Chickonoski in Lapeer on February 11, 1972. George owned and operated George and Vic’s Towing in Lapeer for many years. He later drove for Crawford County Transportation. He loved the...

Russell D. Holdridge, 44, of Flint passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2024 at McLaren -Flint Hospital. Russell was born on October 29, 1979 in Flint, the son of Linda Holdridge. Russell grew up in the Flint area. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Russell is survived by his mother, his son, Adrian Holdridge, his brother, Lester Jones, his aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. In keeping with...

Linda Marie Morse, age 67, of Clifford passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Fisher Senior Care and Rehabilitation in Mayville.  Linda was born in Cass City, on May 19, 1956, the daughter of Duane and Erma (Spear) Morse.  She grew up in Clifford graduating in 1974 from Marlette High School. Linda worked in housekeeping at Fisher Rehabilitation Center in Mayville for 38 years and weekends at Timberline in Caro.  She was a very strong-willed person and cared for those...

Patricia A. Wilson, 70, of Shelby Township passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 at her home with her family at her side.  Pat was born on November 24, 1953 in Sandusky, MI, the daughter of Spencer and Frances (McGinnis) Wilson. Pat grew up in the North Branch area and was a 1972 graduate of North Branch Area Schools. She attended Indiana University, 1975-1978, graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1981 and later got her BSN at the University of Michigan. Pat was a register nurse...

Thomas Lee Myers, 63, of North Branch passed away on February 21, 2024. Tom was born on December 24, 1960 in Flint, MI, the son of Lee and Sue (Harrison) Myers. Tom grew up in the North Branch area and was a 1980 graduate of North Branch High School. Tom worked as a contractor and builder.  Tom loved to hunt and fish. Tom traveled the rodeo circuit for a while roping horses. Tom is survived by his parents, Lee and Sue, his siblings, Debie, Jeff, Mike, Kelly, Pete, many nieces, nephews...