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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 23, 2023 — Page 5

196881 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held on April 13, 2023 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton MI, 49046 within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, In addition to participation during an public hearing, members of the public may also provide comments for the Planning Commission’s consideration by emailing or mailing those comments to the Planning Commission for receipt prior to the meeting, in care of the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson ([email protected]) or by leaving a phone message prior to the meeting with the Township Zoning Administrator, Eric Thompson at 269-948-4088.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following:

A request from property owner Patricia and Gary Sausaman, 12506 Merlau Ave,
Plainwell, MI 49080 for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the proposed
construction of an accessory structure that fails to meet the setback requirements for
accessory buildings and lot coverage requirements, pursuant to sections 4.20 “Resi-
dential Accessory Buildings” of the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance. The sub-
ject site is located at 12506 Merlau Ave, Plainwell, MI 49080. Parcel #08-12-320-007-
00 and is currently zoned R2- Single & Two Family, Medium Density Residential.

Such other business as may properly come before the Planning Commission.
The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right
to make changes in the above-mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public
hearing.

All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place, or, if an electronic meeting is held, to participate via the electronic meeting.

Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ prior notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION By: Fritz Bork, Chairperson Prairieville Township Hall 11015 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046

Area Obituaries

Mary E. Hilton, 85 years of age - Inspira-
tional businesswoman, diaper service entre-
preneur, and wildlife rehabilitation expert
passed away Sunday, March 5th in Kalama-
zoo, Michigan.
Mary Hilton’s insatiable thirst for learning,
growing and trying new things was conta-
gious for all who were near. From family to
business to love, Mary was always all-in. As
a businesswoman she broke many chauvinis-
tic barriers, not for political reasons, but
simply to accomplish what her creative mind
had envisioned. She often said, “I just wanted
to stay home and bake cookies.” A woman
who lived life on her own terms, Mary ran a
company and baked, too.
The two cookie jars at 2125 Crane were
always full and the door always unlocked.
Those who lived there never knew who they
would find in their kitchen munching choco-
late chip cookies. Could be a carpenter who
worked on the house last summer, a neighbor-
hood teen dodging their parents, a former
boyfriend, or someone’s mom crying over
girl-talk.
Mary was also known for her homemade
apple pies. She learned to make pie crust from
a colorful character who rolled the pastry with
last night’s wine bottle and baked in a wood-
fired oven. After moving to Kalamazoo, Mary
was determined to win a blue ribbon for her
pie at the Kalamazoo County Fair; she always
lost to the same woman. Finally, in 1976 she
won the blue ribbon. With a mischievous
smile she said, “That little old lady finally
died!” We hope that Mary’s passing brings a
similar smile to some young aspiring baker.
But aspiring pie bakers will still have to con-
tend with her son Andrew, who’s won many
1st-place prizes in the Food Network National
Pie Championships.
Mary Hilton was a strong and compassion-
ate woman who nurtured the people around
her, nature, and her community. A woman who
was deeply loved, Mary will be forever missed.
Early Life
Mary Elizabeth Hilton, née Sorgenfrei,
was born in Chicago, IL, on September 20,

She was the daughter of Frances E.
Schwab and Norman Sorgenfrei and stepfa-
ther Raymond J. Schwab. She adored her two

younger sisters Jennifer and Ann. Mary attended high school in Chicago where she performed synchronized swimming. She spent her summers at the family farm in Lawrence, MI. After interning for Dr. Les Fisher at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Mary enrolled in the veterinary program at Michi- gan State University where she was hazed out for being a woman. Love at First Sight On a taxi ride from the train station to MSU, Mary met her future husband “Bill” William Hilton. It was love at first sight – a romance that lasted 22 years. Many evenings throughout their marriage the couple would slow dance in their living room, perfectly in sync, blissful. Mary and Bill welcomed four children into their family, Chris, Andy, Molly, and “adopted” child Dale Lighthizer. Mary and Bill were a dynamic team. Each earned their private pilot’s license. Together they helped found Unity of Kalamazoo where Mary taught Sunday School. Diapers Unlimited In 1962, Bill and Mary started Diapers Unlimited diaper service. The Kalama- zoo-based diaper service was well ahead of its time and grew to include DyDee Service in Grand Rapids, and later Cottontails in northern Indiana. When Bill sud- denly died in 1978, Mary took over as president of the corporation. She grew the company to become among the largest diaper services in the U.S. at the time – 10, customers in Mich- igan, northern Indi- ana, and Chicago and more than 150 employees. Mary cared deeply for her employees, and many were among her closest friends. She was a true innovator in the industry, developing Dydee Bear, a mascot, that com- forted hundreds of thousands of diaper service babies. From 1975 - 1988 Mary served as national spokesperson for the National Association of Diaper Services writing a syndicated newspaper column, magazine articles and making television appearances. 1996 she became the Board President for the industry. Mary ran Diapers Unlimited from 1962 - 2002. In 1991 Mary founded Clothes For Kids a non-profit which worked with diaper services to provide clean clothing to 750,000 home- less children across the US. Mary also served as the first female board member of First Federal Savings & Loan and in1997 she was named Kalamazoo’s woman of the Year. Mary’s Legacy: A Lasting Impact Throughout her entire life Mary cared for God’s creatures. She helped establish the wildlife rehabilitation program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. She raised robins, quail, herons, seagulls, owls, blue jays, nuthatches, squirrels,

raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, rabbits, woodchucks. Her recipes for baby bird food were used nationally by nature centers for many years. The birds were her favorites. As she began her last active decade leading Diapers Unlimited, Mary and her children bought and ran Deer Forest animal sanctuary in Coloma, MI (1993-2004). Mary loved sharing her vast knowledge. She was especially fond of her two, trained zebras and notes as a highlight of her life, the opportunity to help birth a baby camel. Renewed Chance at Love In 2010, Mary married Rick Charles John- son who was with her on this incredible life journey until her death on March 5, 2023. When Mary met Rick, they quickly bonded over a mutual love for the outdoors, air- planes, humor, and Rick’s favorite German chocolate cake. Mary and Rick enjoyed many travels together. Seeing another opportunity to share nature with the community, Mary and Rick operated Long Lake Outdoor Center, a historic conser- vation-era camp in Middleville, MI. They brought the camp back to life by painting the buildings, planting flowers, and making con- nections in the community to promote the area. Mary loved giving nature talks to camp- ers and studying the local history. Mary was lifelong learner. Her mind was always busy, and she was always on the go. She served on many boards and community organizations. Mary earned her Private Pilot’s license, Scuba-Diver Certification, Federal Raptor and Migrating Bird License, Federal Certification for Wildlife Rehabilitation. She was also a certified dog trainer. Just short of perfect, she was a terrible knitter and always turned left out of every door, no matter where she was supposed to be headed. And, of course, Mary Elizabeth Hil- ton always loved to drive fast in her Mer- cedes sporting the “Diaper” license plate. Mary’s family includes her husband Rick Johnson; sister Jennifer Schwab (Tom Miller); children: Chris Hilton, Andy Hilton (Marcia), Molly Hilton (John Anderson), Dale Lighthiz- er; step-children: Heather Cook, Genie Smith (Andy), Kelly Carter; grandchildren: Hilary Snyder, Sean Hilton (Alana), Josh Hilton (Liz), Mac Carroll (Em), Tressa Greschak (Alex Demetralis), Evelyn Smith, Elly Smith, Mac Smith, Ariana Carter, Brennan Cook, Alexis cook; nephews: Burns Phillips (Mere- dith), Richard Andersons (Grace); several great-grandchildren; dear friend Lisa Jenks. Mary was preceded in death by her first husband William Merle Hilton and her sister Ann Andersons. SERVICE Visit with family and friends on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:30 am., Kalamazoo Nature Center, Glen Vista Gallery, 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. (269) 381-1574. Services begin at 11 a.m. A recep- tion will follow. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, online condolences may be left at http://www.girr- bachfuneralhome.net.

Nelson Karl Hine, age 86 years young,
was taken from us far too soon on March 9,

He passed away peacefully at his
beloved farm home surrounded by his loving
family.
Nelson was born in Hastings, MI to Gerald
and Margery (Norris) Hine on September 12,

An only child, he grew up on the fam-
ily farm, which taught him the value of
working hard and became his life-long lega-
cy. Between his chores, he still made time to
have fun with his cousins and neighborhood
friends. He was especially close to his cousin
Charlie whom he thought of like a brother.
He enjoyed times swimming, fishing, boat-
ing and waterskiing on Long Lake, a place he
held dear throughout his lifetime.
Nelson attended Schultz School and Hast-
ings High School (Class of 1955) where he
played cornet in the band, was a member of
FFA and where he developed many lifelong
friendships and an appreciation for learning.
He went on to attend Ferris State College
where he studied drafting, but he soon found
that he preferred machining, which became
his profession.
He enjoyed and excelled at machine repair

and in 1974 he founded Hine Machine Repair Service that he and his wife Elaine owned and operated for the past 48 years. But was always a farmer at heart. He took great pride in living on the family homestead farm for the majority of his lifetime. He also owned many tractors, mostly John Deere, and he was especially fond of his 1952 John Deere crawler that was originally his fathers. On October 27, 1972, he married Elaine (Gaudio/Foster) and they celebrated 50 years of marriage last October. He and Elaine were members of the Barry County Steam, Gas & Antique Machinery Association and the St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association. Together they enjoyed attending numerous tractor shows and the Barry County Fair for many years. He loved “hauling iron” (his tractors) to the shows and he often set up the tents and helped other club members. He especially enjoyed the tractor parades and having his children and grandchildren join in the fun. Nelson was proud to be inducted into the Michigan Antique Tractor Pullers Hall of Fame in 2019. Never a man to be idle, he had many other interests. He truly loved working outdoors, whether he was in the farm fields, working in his shop, fixing anything and everything around the farm, operating the family cider mill in the fall or restoring one of his many tractors. He was also an avid snow skier, a sport he enjoyed for over 60 years and he continued to ski until just a few years ago. He was a member of the Battle Creek Ski Club and took many wonderful ski trips out west and to northern Michigan. He also introduced his children and grandchildren to the sport he loved and often took them skiing with him. His other hobbies and joys included trav- elling with Elaine and his family, gardening, boating, deer hunting and taking pontoon rides around Long Lake. He also thoroughly enjoyed a good meal and was especially fond of Plainwell Ice Cream. The freezer was

always stocked with several different half-gallon tubs. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa and he always looked for- ward to time spent with his family. He instilled in them a love of the farm and the simple things in life. He also loved telling entertaining stories, usually in great detail. Even in his last days, as he bravely faced his awful diagnosis, he continued to share stories of his life. And to the end, he rarely uttered a complaint. Nelson leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Elaine; his three children from a previous marriage, Pat (Hine) Cox (Mike), Sherry (Hine) Woodstock (Andrew) and John Hine (Carrie); two stepsons, Ken Foster (Susan) and Steven Foster; 11 grandchildren; Michelle (Dean) Molnar, David Cox, Erin, Adam and Haley Summerfield, Kel and Kyle Hine, Valerie (Chris) Filiberto, Mary Elaine (Bobby) Roush, Allyson Foster and David (Jillian) Foster; and four great-grandchildren, Olive, Graham, Luca and Kingston. He also leaves several cousins and many dear friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Margery Hine and stepson, Allan Foster. Nelson’s family received friends at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton, on Thursday, March 16, 2023 where his Cele- bration of Life service was conducted. Inter- ment at Brush Ridge Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions to the Barry Coun- ty Gas and Steam Engine Club will be appre- ciated. Please visit http://www.williamsgoresfuner- al.com to share a memory or leave a condo- lence message for Nelson’s family. The impact Nelson made on those around him was truly limitless. He was a friend to everyone he met and was always ready and willing to help anyone, anytime, often with- out being asked. He will be dearly missed by so many whose lives he touched.

Mary E. Hilton

Nelson Karl Hine

Joyce Jarman, age 78, of Hastings, MI. passed away on March 17, 2023, at her home on River Road in Hastings, MI. Joyce was born in Hastings, MI on October 27, 1944, a daughter of the late Rena and David Troyer. She was raised in the Hastings area and attended local schools. She married Henry H. Wagner, the marriage ended in divorce. Joyce later married Lloyd T. Jarman Sr. Joyce was a natural caregiver, who’s nur- turing nature could be seen in everything she did. She embodied the “busy mom” raising eight of her own children, and five stepchildren. Then taking care of several children, friends and anyone who needed a little extra love. When Joyce’s parents began to age, she jumped in and provided a comfortable loving environment, until each had passed. During the summer months Joyce enjoyed taking the kids to Cedar Point, camping, fre- quently visiting the Indiana Dunes State Park, along with various campgrounds. Joyce enjoyed traveling including Arizona, Smokey Mountains, she even won a trip to Lake Tahoe which included a hot air balloon ride. She loved scrapbooking and family gather- ings and taking photos. Joyce’s compassionate spirit was not lim-

ited to her family, for many years she partic- ipated in Operation Care, an organization that focused on reaching out to weary travel- ers. She would meticulously set up “aid sta- tions” at public rest areas along the highway providing sandwiches, drinks, and other essentials for folks using the rest stop. For many years Joyce was a chairperson for the local Walk for Warmth campaign. Joyce is survived her children, Donna (Al) Backe, Janet (Randy) Gable, Sandy (Bob) Palmatter, Connie (Mike) Brooks, John Wag- ner, Tammy Cardwell, Hank (Deanna) Wag- ner, Tonya (Damon) Giovannetti; stepchildren, Bonnie (Randy) Adams, Lonnie (Pardene) Jarman; sister, Helen Laubaugh; grandchildren, Jeff (April), Jessica, Jon, Ash- ley (Gerald), Haley, Julia (Paul), Shayna, Devin, Sabrina, Michelle (Brock), Stephen, Brittany, Laura, Faith; several step-grand- kids; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She loved them all. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd T. Jarman Sr.; brothers, Ron and Tom Troyer;, sisters, Imogene Milli- rans, Marilyn Cowling, and stepchildren, Connie, Hallie, and John Jarman; grand- sons, Lonnie Joe Jarman and Brent Lau- baugh; special friends, Richard Marshall and her baby girl, Misse Lou. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 12 p.m. at Thornapple Valley Church Hastings campus, 2750 M HWY. with Pastor Carla Smith officiating. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, March 25, 2023, two hours prior to the funeral service at Thornapple Valley Church. Guests are invited to remain at Thornapple Valley Church for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following Joyce’s service. Interment will take place privately. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, MI. conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings MI. For further details please visit our website at http://www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

Joyce Jarman

Newborn Babies

Silas Brandt, born at Spectrum Health Pen- nock on February 21, 2023 to Alyssa Saylor and Timothy Brandt of Ionia. ***** Sawyer Ellis Smith, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 18, 2023 to Hollee McGuire and Brennan Smith of Hickory Corners. ***** Bea Wasserman, born at Spectrum Health Pen- nock on February 14, 2023 to Kristen Wasserman and Brad Wasserman of Delton. *****

Tate Brian Potter, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 24, 2023 to Samantha Potter and Alex Potter of Woodland. ***** Milayla Elizabeth Marie Noble, born at Spec- trum Health Pennock on February 27, 2023 to Dana Noble of Hastings. ***** Briggs Edward Beeler, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 3, 2023 to Brittney Beeler and Brandon Beeler of Hastings.

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Area Obituaries

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