Myron Gerald Bartig

    Myron Gerald Bartig passed away June 18, 2025. He was born January 5, 1931, he passed peacefully at the age of 94.

    He was a Korean Vet and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart.

    Myron was a longime Fowlerville resident where he retired from GM and then worked part-time for Eckert Manufacturing. He loved the outdoors, with camping and fishing being a big part of his life.

    He was married to Margaret Emma Morlock for 61 years until her passing in February of 2012. He was also preceded in death by a son, Randolph Lee Bartig, and a brother, Bernard J. Bartig.

    He leaves behind 2 brothers; Bob and Dale Bartig and 2 sisters; Noretta Westerby and Linda Mitchell. He also leaves behind 1 daughter, Pamela Jane Barbour (Bartig) and 1 son, Mitchell Scott Bartig; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

    Myron will be greatly missed by family and friends. He touched a lot of people with his spiritual sense as he was a very active member of Hidden Springs Church.

    Visitation will be held on July 12, 2025, from 10:00 am until the service time at noon at Herrmann Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Coffey Cemetery with full Military Honors and a meal immediately following at the Webberville Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Herrmann Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at pjherrmannfuneralhome.com

 Morrine Kirby

Fowlerville, Michigan

    Morrine Marie (Chappell) Kirby passed away June 20, 2025. Morrine was born December 19, 1928 in Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas.

    She is survived by her sons: James (Bobbi) Kirby, Thomas (Jennie) Kirby, Eugene (Nancy) Kirby, Robert (Tish) Kirby, Mark (Laura) Kirby and grandchildren too numerous to mention. She resided with Mark and Laura in Fowlerville, Michigan.

    She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bennie Edward Kirby; her daughter and son-in-law, Betty Ann (Doyle) Black; and her son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy (Patricia) Kirby.

    She loved gardening, canning and going to church. Everyone loved her canned green beans and fried chicken. Morrine’s life was a blessing to so many and her memory will be treasured to all who knew and loved her.

    She was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville on Friday, June 27, 2025.

 Robert L. Beck

    Robert L. Beck, age 76 of Howell, Michigan passed away June 17, 2025. He was born on May 23, 1949 in Howell, Michigan, the son of Merlin L. Beck and Patricia (Martin) Cranston and was preceded in death by his brother David Beck. He married Melissa Williams on March 7, 1970.

    Bob was a bricklayer for 20 years; did a short stint as a Ranch Hand in Montana; and then ultimately retired after 23 years from the General Motors Proving Grounds in 2008. During his time at the Proving Grounds, he was able to “create” his dream job of Animal Damage Control which included “removing deer from the 4,000 acre premises” as part of the work description.

    Bob was a lifetime member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #141, including holding the positions of Squadron Leader and Finance Officer along with being awarded Auxiliary of the Year. He even founded the infamous “Annual Wild Game Dinner” that grew to later support the Fisher House Michigan foundation in Ann Arbor with more than $250,000 worth of donations. He was also a member of the Howell Eagles #3607 as well. Bob proudly supported local veterans through countless hours of dedication leaving an indelible mark on the community.

    Bob was also an avid Hunter and Fisherman and amassed several successful “trips” in his lifetime. From numerous fly-in fishing trips to Canada, a Caribou hunt in New Foundland, Elk & Mule Deer hunting in both Wyoming and Montana, moose hunting in Alaska, along with annual fishing trips to Alaska, he was proud to claim that he had been to the “Farthest Points in the Entire U.S.”

    Bob’s loyalty and commitment knew no bounds, especially when it came to his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Melissa Beck, daughter Deanna (Shane) Holbrook; grandchildren Brady (Chloe) Holbrook, Molly (Jim) Ney, Jordan (Meghan) Holbrook, James & Jason Holbrook and 5 great-grandchildren. He was a strong protector and taught so many valuable life lessons, he will be missed every day.

    A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the American Legion Post #141, 3265 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48855.

    Memorial contributions in Bob Beck’s honor may be made to the Fisher House Michigan foundation: P.O. Box 130466, Ann Arbor, MI 48113. www.fisherhousemichigan.org

 Joan Rowe Stone

    Joan Rowe Stone, age 89, of Williamston Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025.

    Born on October 15, 1935, in Highland Park, Michigan, Joan lived a vibrant and adventurous life. She was a woman of many talents and passions—an artist, a traveler, and a free spirit. Whether painting a canvas or flying a plane, she embraced each adventure with enthusiasm.

    Joan was proud to support the many endeavors she and her husband, Edwin, shared over the years, including building a log cabin together and spending time in nature. They enjoyed the winters, soaking up the charm and warmth of Tarpon Springs, FL, and the summers in the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

    She was known for her sharp sense of style and confidence, never letting age get in the way of expressing herself with flair. In later years, Joan treasured her travels and time with her friend and companion, Bob Smith, exploring places like Gulf Shores, AL, and Sauble Beach, Ontario.

    Joan was a woman who had placed her faith in Jesus at an early age and took praying for her family's needs seriously. She spoke often of her desire for her family to know God so she could see them again in Heaven.

    She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin Stone; her sister, Judy; her brother, David; her daughter, Theresa (Ken) Witt; granddaughter, Jody Mosher; and friend, Bob Smith.

    She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie (Jeff) Hogan and Lisa (Rick) Nelson; seven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

    Joan's laughter, creativity, and love of life left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her. She will be remembered for the uniqueness, strength, and spunk she brought to everyday life, along with her love for the U.P., which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

    A private celebration of Joan's life will be held by her immediate family in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at a later date.

 Williamston Summer Concert Series to host Meridian   Community Band

    The Williamston Summer Concert Series will host Meridian Community Band this Thursday, July 3, starting 7pm McCormick Park. This 50-plus member band features show tunes, patriotic anthems, movie themes and more.

    This annual favorite is sponsored by American Legion Post 296. Concessions are offered by the Williamston Area Senior Center. The 2025 concert patrons are Williamston Rotary, Granger Waste Services, Custom Built Remodeling & Design, and Xfinity Comcast.

 Stronghold Quartet gospel concert re-scheduled to August 19th

    The Stronghold Quartet gospel concert has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th and will now be the final performance of the ‘Music at the Park’ Summer Series at the Fowlerville Centennial Park. The Concert will start at 7 p.m., with a rain date of Thursday, August 21.

    Stronghold had been scheduled to perform this past Tuesday (June 24) at the park, but the forecast of rain in the area at the time of the concert, plus the high temperatures prompted the band to request a cancellation. The scheduled rain date for Thursday (June 26) also had to be called off due to one of the group’s singers having a work commitment.

 Oak Grove United Methodist Church serving annual 4th of July   Breakfast

    Oak Grove United Methodist Church will be serving their annual 4th of July Breakfast on Friday, July 4, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Come enjoy scrambled eggs, pancakes with toppings, sausage, applesauce and beverages; all for a free-will offering. During the meal, enjoy the music of the Michigan Troubadour from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The Cohoctah parade will follow at 11 a.m.

    Oak Grove United Methodist Church is located at 6686 Oak Grove Rd, Howell (5 miles north of M-59). Questions, please call the church office at 517-546-3942.