Ardyth M. Streeter

Mrs. Ardyth M. Streeter, age 84, of Rockford went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 27, 2012.

She was a 1945 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Keego Harbor, Mich. Prior to her marriage, Ardyth worked at Bell Telephone, and she later worked for Lears, McInerney, and General Motors. She was very organized and strived for perfection. Ardyth was a person who thought of others first. She enjoyed all kinds of dancing and was one of the founders and a member of Rockford Country Squares. In her free time, she liked to sew, read, write poetry, and play golf.

Ardyth is survived by her children, Gayle and John Markus, Lori Streeter, Nita and Rich Randall; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; and her brothers and sisters, Ray Norton, J.C. Norton, Clydy Norton Jr., Drusilla Anthony, and Celestine Coffey.

The service for Mrs. Streeter is Wednesday,

Feb. 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Courtland/Oakfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Eckert officiating. Interment is in Courtland Township Cemetery . Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Courtland/Oakfield United Methodist Church, 10295 Myers Lake Ave. NE, Rockford, MI 49341, or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook NE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Charles W. Grover Sr., 80, of Tavares, Fla. passed away January 15, 2012.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Shirley; sister, Rebecca Cannady (John) of Camilla, Ga.; six children, Chuck Jr. (Janice) of Grand Rapids, Michael (Mary) of Grand Rapids, Susan Wilson (Jim) of Chippewa Lake; stepchildren, Cathie D’Itri (Ken) of California, Leslie North (Dan) of Florida, Dana Miiller (Kevin) of Florida; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Charlie was born May 15, 1931 in Big Rapids, Mich. Upon moving to Rockford he started grade school. Prior to starting high school, he and a few of his buddies at the age of 14 drove from Rockford all the way to Georgia one summer to visit his father.

After graduating in 1949 from Rockford High School, Charlie served as a sergeant in the Armed Forces during Korean War. After his return from the war, he worked for Lear Seigler for several years. Charlie then owned and operated his own body shops for many years, including Grover’s Body Shop in downtown Rockford and another shop located on Northland Drive. His body shops were always a popular place where his friends liked to stop by and talk about their cars, work and families. Chuck also worked for Chevy dealerships as their body shop manager for several years before moving to Florida to somewhat retire. But his love for restoring old cars kept him busy up until the age of 79. There is no doubt he loved not only working on cars but teaching others the trade as well.

Charlie was a past Mason and Shriner during his years in the Rockford area. He served part time for the Rockford City Police Department and was instrumental in starting the Rockford Ambulance Service back in the mid 1960s when he was an EMT volunteer for several years. He was a member of the Golden R Club at Rockford High School. Most every year he would plan his summer vacation with his daughter Sue and her husband to attend the reunion and visit with classmates, friends and family.

Charlie made many friends over the years. He was always willing to offer a helping hand and good sound advice for those who asked and a lot of time even if they didn’t.

Many will remember the home that he purchased for $1 from Pederson’s Funeral Home and moved from Monroe Street to the corner of Lincoln and Courtland. He was amazed that three drywall screws placed on a window sill, standing on their heads, never fell over during the over eight-hour move down the street and set on the new foundation. He was a man of many talents, who took great pride in finishing and restoring this old home as his own.

Charlie was passionate about restoring street rods. He was a past and present member of several car clubs in Grand Rapids and in Lake County, Fla. and was an NSRA member. He was honored to have pictures of two cars he completely restored featured in Rodder’s Digest car magazine. We will all remember Charlie as a generous person who never met a stranger who didn’t end up as his friend.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the American Legion Hall, 300 Northland Dr., Rockford, from 2 to 4 p.m. Interment will be in Rockford Cemetery.

Mr. Frederick C. Bartlett, age 92, of Rockford passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Fred was a long-time teacher at Rockford Public Schools and was very instrumental in the advancement of the agricultural program. For over 60 years he was a member of Rockford Baptist Church.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Carol Isaacs of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Lois and Stephen Wier of Comstock Park; grandchildren, Melinda (Jason) Horst and Amanda (Mark) Ogden; great-grandchildren, Tobias Horst and Amelia Horst; nieces and nephews; stepchildren, Cynthia (Glen) Perry, Russell (Sarah) Gray, and Anita Gray and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Edith; his wife of eight years, Frances Gray; great-grandchild, Logan Horst; sister, Dorothy Hill; and brother, Arnold.

The service of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mr. Bartlett was Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Rockford Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Bartlett officiating. Interment was in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Pine Ridge Bible Camp, 8415 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, or the Memorial Fund at Rockford Baptist Church, 221 Courtland St., Rockford, MI 49341.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

He served his country in the US Army during WWII and was the honored recipient of the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Phillipine Liberation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Phillipine Presidential Unit Citation. Steve was in the first graduating class of Rockford High School Adult Ed in 1969. For 40 years he worked for Consumers Power Company as the sub station operator (area operator), retiring in 1986. Steve was proud to be a life member of the 32nd Infantry Div., Company K of the Red Arrow serving in the South Pacific during WWII. He was also a member of the Grand Rapids Red Arrow Club, Ushers Club at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Bishop Kevin M. Britt Council Knights of Columbus, Grand Rapids Concertina Club, and volunteered for the Food Commodities.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen (Barszewski) whom he married on May 29, 1948.  He was preceded in death by his grandson, Stephen J. May.  Also, he is survived by his children, Karen and Art Swartz, Patricia Hogberg and Dick Wiebe, Barbara and Mark Jackson, Mary and Robert Wismer, Gerilyn and Jamie May, Julie and Jeff Forbes, Stephanie and Stuart Cohen; proud “Dziadzi” of his grandchildren: Kara and Jason Schab and their children, Nathan and Addie, Michael Swartz and his daughter, Hayden Marie, Trapper Hogberg (fiancée Kim), Will Wismer (fiancée Jenna), Brett May, Stephen May, Dylan Wiebe, Layne Wiebe, Lindsay Cohen, and Adrienne Cohen.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Janicki will be offered on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Ave. , Belmont , with The Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment in Assumption Cemetery . The Rosary will be prayed on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Carmelite Sisters, 4300 Mt. Carmel Dr ., NE , Ada , MI 49301 or the Consolata Sisters, 6801 Belmont Ave. , NE, PO Box 371 , Belmont , MI 49306 . Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 9 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford

Dorothy Waterman Cronkright

Dorothy Waterman Cronkright, 95, of West Lafayette, Indiana, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 28, 2011.

Mr. David Livingston

Mr. David Livingston died peacefully under hospice care on December 24, 2011, from pneumonia at the age of 97.

Since 1942, David was an active member of First Congregational Church of Rockford. He was also a lifetime member and past master of Rockford Masonic Lodge #246, and a charter member of the Rockford Lions Club. He was an avid golfer winning numerous trophies.

After studies at Central Michigan University and Davenport Institute, David worked in banking all his life. Before his retirement, he served in the county treasurer’s office. He was devoted to his family and to his Lord.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Beryl; his son, Richard; two brothers, a sister, five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Surviving are his daughter, Margery and the Rev. Hugh Dickinson of Grand Rapids; step-grandchildren, Gretchen (Jeff) Trimble, Craig (Michele McCormick) Dickinson, Michael (Usha McFarling) Dickinson; six step-great-grandchildren; his sister, Estelle in Sun City, Ariz.; and nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank the staff at St. Ann’s Home for the compassion and loving care that was given to David.

The service for Mr. Livingston was Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Laurel TenHave-Chapman officiating. Interment was in Blythefield Memory Gardens. The Masonic Service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the building fund at First Congregational Church of Rockford, 192 E. Bridge St., Rockford, MI 49341, or St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Fred J. Brailey, Jr.

Mr. Fred J. Brailey, Jr., born 84 years ago in Lansing, Mich., loving husband, father and grandfather, went to be with his Lord on December 16, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen Brailey; brother, Duane; sister, Mary; and close uncle, Benjamin Hervey (Frances) Barnhart.

Fred is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; sons, Fred, Jr. (Nancy) and Dean (Jean); daughters, Claudia (Michael) Tiefenback, Lisa (Samuel) Carbaugh, and Kristine (Paul) Cecchini; and nieces and nephews. Eleven grandchildren will greatly miss him.

Fred served as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant at the end of WWII. His career included 32 years with the FMC Corporation. He then worked as Kent County’s Deputy Register of Deeds, retiring in 1992.

Fred enjoyed retirement at the family cottage, sharing special moments at family events, and doing home projects. He served on various church councils as a founding member at new Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran churches in Little Rock, Ark., and Rockford, Mich.

The family will be receiving visitors on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341. Memorial services will be held on Friday, Dec. 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 4610 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford, with Rev. Jonathan Klein officiating. Condolences are welcome at www.pedersonfuneralhome.com. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Faith Hospice for their special care and concern, including nurses and staff, Mary Ellen, Mel, Colleen and Lisa. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Fred may be made to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, FaithHospiceCare.org, or the Humane Society of Kent County, 3077 Wilson NW, Walker, MI 49544.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Marcella Schneider

Mrs. Marcella A. (May) Schneider, age 90, of Rockford, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2011. She was raised in Sparta during the Depression.

Marcella had a good childhood and could remember making food for those in need. After graduating from Sparta High School in 1939, she worked as a nanny and helped with the homemaking.

Marcella noticed when a gentleman by the name of Fritz May from a family of 12 children drove a John Deere tractor by her family’s home. The first time Marcella met his family, they spoke German; Fritz had to remind them to speak English. In 1942 Marcella and Fritz were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wright. They were blessed with six children.

Marcella was a wonderful mother who was a talented seamstress who made her children’s clothing and also a wedding dress. She was a great cook who made delicious potato salad and tasty cinnamon rolls. Marcella also worked full-time for John Thomas Batts. After Fritz died, she later married Ivan Schneider, a former neighbor. She enjoyed golfing, needle work, and wintering in Florida. Her crocheted afghans have become cherished gifts for her family.

Marcella is survived by her children, Joyce and Walt Wagner, Larry and Carol May, Bernard and Roxann May, Karen and Pat Hartwick; stepchildren, Rev. Ron Schneider, Mary Ann and Bob Benham, Bob and Kathy Schneider, Steven and Terri Schneider, Jane and Joe Jonitas, Judy and Bob Dietrich, Rita and Joe Nowak; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Joan Schneider; 31 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sister, Thelma Jean Hinebeck; in-laws, Carl and Eleanor May, Evie May, and Bernice Schneider; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Fritz May and Ivan Schneider; her brother, Jack Spaulding; her children, Freddy May, Ron May; stepson, Dan Schneider; her brother, Jack Spaulding.

The mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Schneider was offered on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church with Rev. Ron Schneider presiding. Interment was in St. Francis Cemetery in Conklin. The Rosary was prayed at 8:30 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Alzheimer’s Association, 2944 Fuller Ave. NE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Arrangements were made by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Mealy 

Jane Mealy

Jane Hilton Mealy was born and raised in Bangor, Maine. She attended Bradford Junior College and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She returned to Bangor, where she met and married J. Judson Mealy in 1950. Over the course of the next 55 years of marriage, Jane and Jud raised four daughters and lived in Garden City, N.Y., Sandusky, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., and East Grand Rapids, Mich. Two years ago, Jane moved to Portland, Ore. from Rockford, Mich., where she and Jud had lived since 1986. She departed this life on Saturday, November 19, 2011, in Portland, Ore., surrounded by her four daughters.

Jane was a quietly creative force in a multitude of service-related volunteer activities in every community in which she resided. In Rockford, that included being on the board of Krause Memorial Library and many hours at the North Kent Community Services, as well as dedicated service within the Episcopal Church and active membership in Collector’s Club.

Her daughters and their families treasure the memory of Jane and Jud dancing to the music of Benny Goodman—her feet barely touched the ground. Also treasured are memories of daily walks in many places and any kind of weather. Watercolor painting, golf, and gardening were other favorite outdoor pastimes.

Jane’s artistic gifts and commitment to serving her family and the larger community sustained her during her life. Her paintings will sustain those she leaves behind, continuing to show us a lyrical and beautiful way to look at the world. She will be missed.

Private services were held in Portland, Ore. An open house for friends and family will be held at the home of Linda and Karl Koivisto, 231 South Main Street, Rockford, Mich., on Saturday, December 17, 2011, from noon to 4 p.m. All who knew and loved Jane are welcome. There will also be a celebration of Jane’s life in the spring in Maine. Contributions in her name may be sent to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay, Maine), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Krause Memorial Library or the North Kent Community Services (Rockford, Mich.).

Born February 27, 1954 in St. Johns, Michigan, Kristan died on November 21, 2011 in Sparta, Michigan. Beloved daughter of Alice and Roger Allen, she resided at the Ida Red Group Home in Sparta, Michigan.
Kristy was much loved and will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She is survived by her mother, Alice Fairweather Allen of Cedar Springs; her father Roger Allen of  Rockford; her sisters, Lois Allen of  Cedar Springs and Elizabeth (William) Altena of Rockford; her brother Mark (Michelle) Allen of  Seattle, Washington; nephews Will and Ethan Altena and Benjamin and Andrew Allen. Also surviving are her aunts, Emily Driver of Howard, Pennsylvania, May Houtenville of Plainsboro, New Jersey and Nancy (Bill) Rodgers of San Rafael, California.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford.

Jane Hilton Mealy was born and raised in Bangor, Maine. She attended Bradford Junior College and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She returned to Bangor, where she met and married J. Judson Mealy in 1950. Over the course of the next 55 years of marriage, Jane and Jud raised four daughters and lived in Garden City, N.Y., Sandusky, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., and East Grand Rapids, Mich. Two years ago, Jane moved to Portland, Ore. from Rockford, Mich., where she and Jud had lived since 1986. She departed this life on Saturday, November 19, 2011, in Portland, Ore., surrounded by her four daughters.

Jane was a quietly creative force in a multitude of service-related volunteer activities in every community in which she resided. In Rockford, that included being on the board of Krause Memorial Library and many hours at the North Kent Community Services, as well as dedicated service within the Episcopal Church and active membership in Collector’s Club.

Her daughters and their families treasure the memory of Jane and Jud dancing to the music of Benny Goodman—her feet barely touched the ground. Also treasured are memories of daily walks in many places and any kind of weather. Watercolor painting, golf, and gardening were other favorite outdoor pastimes.

Jane’s artistic gifts and commitment to serving her family and the larger community sustained her during her life. Her paintings will sustain those she leaves behind, continuing to show us a lyrical and beautiful way to look at the world. She will be missed.

Private services were held in Portland, Ore. An open house for friends and family will be held at

the home of Linda and Karl Koivisto, 231 South Main Street, Rockford, Mich., on Saturday, December 17, 2011, from noon to 4 p.m. All who knew and loved Jane are welcome. There will also be a celebration of Jane’s life in the spring in Maine. Contributions

in her name may be sent to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay, Maine), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Krause Memorial Library or the North Kent Community Services (Rockford, Mich.).