Page 6 — Thursday, May 18, 2023 — The Hastings Banner
Decision Day celebrates Hastings seniors
Hunter McLaren
Staff Writer
Hastings High School seniors were called
up on stage to celebrate their post-high school
endeavors last week – some even won prizes.
The festivities were part of the school’s
annual Decision Day event Friday, where
soon-to-be Hastings graduates were recog-
nized for their post-secondary activities in
front of their peers. Classmates cheered for
each other as each student was recognized for
their choice, whether they were enrolling at a
community college or university, enlisting in
the armed forces, entering the workforce or
headed elsewhere.
Students who were called up on stage
scored some swag from their respective
future schools and posed for a photo. Various
prizes were raffled off throughout the event,
with gift cards, school supplies and other
goodies. Some lucky students even walked
away with a few dorm room essentials,
including a TV and a mini-fridge.
After every student was recognized, the
class was split up into groups and bussed out
to the district’s four elementary schools.There, they donned their caps and gowns
before walking the halls lined with elementa-
ry students cheering them on.
Superintendent Matt Goebel recapped the
event for school board members at their
meeting Tuesday.“Students hopped on buses to the elementa-
ry schools, walked the hallways, hit the play-
grounds, and had all sorts of fun,” he said.
“Some of them even got some gifts from their
elementary students, and they took pictures
out at the playground. It’s a lot of fun.”Social Security honors our military heroes
Hillary Hatch
Public Affairs Specialist
On Memorial Day, our nation honors mili-
tary service members who have given their
lives for our country. Families, friends and
communities pause to remember the many
great sacrifices of our military and ensure
their legacy lives on in the freedoms we all
enjoy. We recognize these heroes who, in
President Lincoln’s words, “gave the last full
measure of devotion.”
The benefits Social Security provides can
help the families of deceased military servicemembers. For example, surviving spouses
and dependent children may be eligible for
Social Security survivors’ benefits. More
information about those benefits can be found
at ssa.gov/survivors.
Social Security also offers support to our
wounded warriors. Social Security benefits
protect veterans when an injury prevents them
from returning to active duty or performing
other work. Wounded military service mem-
bers can receive expedited processing of their
Social Security disability claims. Are you a
veteran with a 100 percent Permanent & Totalcompensation rating from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs? We will expedite
your disability claim. Both the Department of
Veteran Affairs and the Social Security
Administration have disability programs. You
may qualify for disability benefits under one
program but not the other, or you may qualify
for both. Depending on your situation, some
of your family members, including your
dependent children or spouse, may be eligible
to receive Social Security benefits.
Want more information? Visit ssa.gov/peo-
ple/veterans for answers to commonly asked
questions or information about the applica-
tion process.
Thinking about retirement? Military ser-
vice members can receive Social Security
benefits in addition to their military retire-
ment benefits. Details can be found at ssa.
gov/planners/retire/veterans.html.
To the veterans who bravely served and died
for our country and to the military service mem-
bers who serve today, we honor and thank you.
Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Special-
ist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o
Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp
NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, or via email at
[email protected].Area Obituaries
Marsha Kay (McKibbin, Richard-
son) Jordan, age 76, of Hastings, MI,
passed away peacefully on May 12,
2023, surrounded by family at Rose
Arbor in Kalamazoo, MI.
Marsha was born on August 10,
1946, the daughter of Rolland (Ike)
and Maxine (Leslie) McKibbin.
After graduating from Hastings
High School, Class of 1964, she
continued her education, receiving
her associate degree from Kellogg
Community College.
Moving around after school, she
started her family and ended up set-
tling in Portage. She worked at
Kalamazoo Mill Supply and James
River for many years. She looked forward to weekends to play cards,
dice and board games with family, friends, and neighbors.
In 1999, Marsha returned to Hastings, opening her home to all her
grandkids and friends. She spent many days and hours at Richie’s
Koffee Shop with countless friends. She loved reading murder myster-
ies, knitting and crocheting, as well as her many Boston Terriers
throughout the years.
Marsha was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Jordan; par-
ents, Ike and Maxine McKibbin; sisters-in-law, Lucille Bledsoe, Grace
Clark; brother-in-law, Jimmy Jordan and daughter, Lori Washburn.
She is survived by children, Bob Jordan, Larry (Jill) Jordan, Rob
(Debbie Richardson, Kim (Dave) Kellogg; sisters, Rhonda (Kevin)
Laughbaugh, Darlene (Spark) Weedall; sister-in-law, Mildred Arnold
and Joan (Jim) Jenkins; 11 grandkids, and 14 great-grandkids.
Memorial donations can be made to Living Waters Church, PO Box
43, 1302 S. Hanover Street, Hastings, MI 49058.
Visitation will be Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11 a.m. with a funeral
service at Noon at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hast-
ings, MI 49058, Gary Newton Officiating. A Celebration of Life
Gathering is also being planned for June 10, 2023, at Marsha and
Dean’s residence.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online con-
dolence visit http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Glenna Elizabeth Smith, of Hast-
ings, MI passed away surrounded by
her family in Charlevoix, MI on May
14, 2023, at age 94.
She was born on July 21, 1928, in
Comstock Park, MI, the daughter of
William and Marie (Milbert) Thur-
kettle. She graduated from Thornap-
ple Kellogg Schools in 1946. In
1957 she married Ralph Edward
Smith who passed away in 2002.
She worked as a press operator, sec-
retary, and then owned and operated
Hastings Oxygen Supply with
Ralph.
She attended St. Rose of Lima
Catholic Church. She loved taking
polaroid pictures and was a great card player and played a mean
game of Gin and Rummy. She was a lover of unique collectables.
She was known to enjoy drinking Irish Mist Honey Whiskey. She
was a socialite who loved her husband dearly and enjoyed spending
time with friends and hosting lavish dinner parties.
Glenna was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 45
years, Ralph Smith; son, Daniel Thomas.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Brenda (Eryn) of Charlev-
oix, Rachel (Eric) of Las Vegas, NV; grandson, Jordan (Alayna) of
Janesville, WI; great-grandchildren, Kylee, Kaiydin, Westyn, Alexan-
der, Tucker, Emersyn, Everett, and Echo; niece, Marie (Mark) West-
brook, Willy Thurkettle, and Billy (Dawn) Thurkettle.
There will be a funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23,
2023, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 South Jefferson Street, Hast-
ings, MI 49058. Interment next to Ralph at Ft. Custer National
Cemetery in Augusta.
Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michi-
gan. To leave online condolences visit http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.
net.Marsha Kay Jordan Glenna Elizabeth SmithElaine Garlock
Saturday will be a busy day. The annual
Preakness race will be on TV in the late after-
noon. There are to be at least two memorial
services that day. One is at Lakeside Ceme-
tery in the forenoon and another will be held
at Kilpatrick Church.
Spring has sprung. Lilacs are in various
stages, depending on the variety. Some are in
full bloom already. Others are a bit more
reluctant. Flowering quince bushes are still
hanging onto their red blossoms. Leaves
seem to be finally full size. Late varieties of
tulips are coming into their own brand of
glory. Alliums are starting to show their beau-
ty. The flowering trees in the business section
of town are showing white. We are treated
often to the sight of two varieties of flowering
trees in a straight line so we see white with
pink behind it or yellow in the foreground
and a white-blossomed tree in the rear which
gives the viewer a medley of color.
The county genealogy society met last
week at the freight station museum on Emer-
son Street. The speaker was Christy Erickson,
whose topic was “Stories Behind the Stars.”
This is a cemetery project which by today’s
communication records the stories behind the
gold stars which were on service flags during
wartime. This gives more information than
Find A Grave. The speaker’s efforts have
recorded the stories of several local veterans
whose lives were lost in World War II. She is
steadily recording these stories and hopes to
get more.
Pastor Marilyn Danielson has been hospi-
talized in recent days because of a health
issue. She is currently pastor of the First
Congregational Church after more than 20
years in the same role at Portland. She is an
active member of the local chamber of com-
merce, among others.
The tai chi class which meets each Thurs-
day at the local library has drawn an increas-
ing attendance. There is room for more par-
ticipants.
Graduates from high school and college
are to be honored at Central UM Church on
Sunday.
We see people planting their gardens.
Seeds or started plants? That is the big ques-
tion. In a hurry or wanting to save money?
Will the finished product look like the glossy
picture on the envelope of seeds? The garden-
er is always hopeful his plants will look like
the picture on the envelope but he will be
satisfied if it grows to be much smaller and
less lush.
Another spring product is ready for har-
vest. It is time to get out the recipes for rhu-
barb pie, rhubarb crisp, rhubarb punch and
any other spring recipe for this seasonal
goody in the gardens. The harvest time runs
from now until mid-June. After that, the acid
in the stalks moves up the stem and causes
the stalks to become bitter.Vera Elizabeth Moore, born at Spectrum
Health Pennock on April 13, 2023 to Eliza-
beth Marie Fish and Martin Lee Moore of
Hastings.
*****Colin Thomas Watson, born at Spectrum
Health Pennock on April 19, 2023 to
Monique Diamond Williams and Matthew
Thomas Watson of Hastings.
*****
Adley Jo Turner, born at Spectrum
Health Pennock on April 20, 2023 to Blake
Turner and Matt Turner of Nashville.
*****
Thea Lynn Lukas, born at Spectrum
Health Pennock on April 25, 2023 to Taylor
Tripp and Kevin Lukas of Middleville.Newborn
Babies
1699 W. M43 Highway,
Hastings, MI 49058.945-1351 North M-43 Hwy.Hastings
945-1301 W. Green St.
Hastings
945-This information on worship services is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches
and these local businesses:HASTINGS FREE
METHODIST CHURCH
"We Exist To Be An
Expression Of Who Jesus Is
To The World Around Us".
2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box
8, Hastings. Telephone 269-
945-9121. Email hastfmc@
gmail.com. Website: http://www.
hastingsfreemethodist.com.
Pastor Brian Teed, Assistant
Pastor Emma Miller, Worship
Director, Martha Stoetzel.
Sunday Morning Worship:
9:45 a.m. with Kids Church and
Nursery. Aftermath Student
Ministries: Sundays 6 p.m.SOLID ROCK BIBLE
CHURCH OF DELTON
7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765,
(corner of Milo Rd. & S. M-
43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor
Roger Claypool, (517) 204-- Sunday Worship Service
10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and
Children’s Ministry. Wednesday
night Bible study and prayer
time 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
ST. ROSE OF LIMA
CATHOLIC CHURCH
805 S. Jefferson. 269-945-
4246 Pastor Father Stephan
Philip. Mass 4:30 p.m.
Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m.
Sunday.HASTINGS
BAPTIST CHURCH
309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings.
Matt Moser, Lead Pastor.
Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages;
10:30 a.m. Worship Service;
Senior High Youth Group 6-
p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, Family Night
6:30-8 p.m., Kids 4 Truth
(Children Kindergarten-5th
Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle
School Youth Group; 6:
p.m. Bible Study and Prayer.
Call Church Office 948-
for information.CHRIST THE KING
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH (PCA)
328 N. Jefferson Street.
Worship 10 a.m. Nursery
provided. Pastor Peter Adams,
contact 616-690-8609.WOODGROVE
BRETHREN
CHRISTIAN PARISH
4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor
Randall Bertrand. Wheel-
chair accessible and elevator.
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Worship Time 10:30 a.m.
Youth activities: call for
information.LIFEGATE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273,
Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor
Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-- Website: http://www.lifegatecc.
com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday Life Group 6:
p.m.
PLEASANTVIEW
FAMILY CHURCH
2601 Lacey Road, Dowling,
MI 49050. Pastor, Steve
Olmstead. (269) 758-
church phone. Sunday
Service: 10 a.m.EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
315 West Center Street, Hastings.
Phone: 269-945-3014. Music
Director: Mark Doster. Youth
Ministry: Sarah Boostra. Holy
Eucharist 10 a.m. Sunday.Worship
Together
. ..at the church of your choice ~
Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches
available for your convenience...
Fiberglass
ProductsFamily Owned and Operated
Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years- Traditional and Cremation Services
- Pre-Planning Services
- Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible
- Serving All Faiths
- Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted
328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058
269-945-3252 • http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net
Dale Billingsley
Owner/ManagerRay Girrbach
Owner EmeritusFrom left to right, Hastings seniors Caitlyn Dickerson and
Adrianna Nelson pose for a photo with athletic director Mike
Goggins while holding their Southern Michigan College swag.
(Photos by Hunter McLaren)Kearan Tolles and Isaiah Randall pose with their
Western Michigan University gear.Thomas Christie, Andrea Rhodes, Andrew Rhodes and
Trenton Lipsey pose for a photo in their Olivet College gear.Anna Haywood poses
for a photo after collecting
her Kendall College of Art
and Design swag.