Page 6 — Thursday, March 7, 2024 — The Hastings Banner
Area Obituaries
Carolyn Julia O’Connor went to be with
her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2024.
Carolyn was born in Hastings on Decem-
ber 13, 1941, to James and Dorothy O’Con-
nor. After high school she attended nursing
school in Battle Creek, where she then lived
for over 60 years. She obtained her LPN andbegan working at Community Hospital. It
didn’t take long to determine work in the
emergency department was her calling. In
1982 she earned her registered nurse certifi-
cation. She retired from Battle Creek Health
System in February 2004 after 43 years in
nursing. Even after retiring, she continued to
volunteer weekly at the hospital until 2020.
Carolyn treasured many close friendships
over the years and loved to travel with her
friends. She enjoyed every opportunity to get
together with the girls for a meal or a show.
Always a fun, supportive and thoughtful aunt,
she enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews
grow. She was extremely proud of the home
she purchased and maintained herself. A
fiercely independent woman, she rarely asked
for help. She was a devoted Christian and
lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church
in Hastings.
In 2021, Carolyn moved from her home to
Hope Landing in Charlotte to be closer to
family and receive the care she needed. She
was thankful for all the wonderful staff and
comfortable environment. She lived a full
life of service to others and found it difficult
to accept any help as she grew increasingly
unable to do things for herself. Additionalcare in her final weeks was given by Heart to
Heart Hospice who treated her with profound
grace and dignity.
Carolyn is survived by her older sisters,
June Baatz of Suttons Bay (formerly of
Maple City) and Shirley Beck of Charlotte
(formerly of Hastings); her niece, Peggy
(Mike) Leggett of Traverse City; nephew,
David (Ronda) Beck of Charlotte, and neph-
ew-in-law, Charles (Robin) Floramo of
Midlothian, IL. She is also mourned by great
nieces and nephews, Maria, Aleah and Der-
rien Leggett, Angela (Sylvia) Floramo,
Joseph Floramo, Ashley and Justin Beck.
She was preceded in death by her parents;
niece, Linda (Beck) Floramo; brothers-in-
law, Robert Baatz, and Walter Beck.
The family encourages those wishing to
make a contribution in her memory to support
Grace Lutheran Church (239 E North St,.
Hastings MI 49058) or Heart to Heart Hos-
pice of Lansing (2260 E Saginaw St,. Suite A,
East Lansing, MI 48823).
In honoring Carolyn’s wishes, cremation
has taken place, and a memorial service will
be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girr-
bach Funeral Home. To leave an online con-
dolence visit http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Francis John “Jack” McCloskey Jr., of Mid-
dleville, MI passed away February 16, 2024 at
age 77, at his daughters home in Indiana.
Jack was a graduate of Hastings High School
and Ferris State University. He was a Vietnam
Veteran of the United States Air Force and a
longtime board member and treasurer of the
Tuy Hoa Air Base Reunion Association.
Jack worked in administrative health care
most of his life, retiring as chief information
officer of hospitals. After retirement he could
be found in his “hobby hut” creating build-
ings and scenery for his model railroad, of
which he was very talented. He also enjoyed
spending time at classic car and street rod
shows, golfing with friends and boating
around the lake.
He was a loving father, adoring grandfa-
ther, devoted friend, generous neighbor, and a
proud veteran.
Jack is survived by his two daughters,
Dana Meyer of Huntington, IN, Erin (Wil-
lem) Ouborg of San Leandro, CA; fourgrandchildren, Ethan Meyer, Kayla Meyer,
Jasper Ouborg, Jemma Ouborg; sisters, Terry
Campbell of Middleville, MI, Ann McClos-
key of Grand Rapids, MI; numerous nieces,
nephews, and cousins; and his former spouse,
Patricia McCloskey (Perpich).
He was preceded in death by his father, Fran-
cis John “Frank” McCloskey, Sr. and mother,
Constance “Connie” Harper McCloskey (Cook).
The family will greet visitors on Thursday,
March 14, 2024 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Ss. Cyril
& Methodius Catholic Church, 159 131 Ave.
Wayland, MI, where the service will begin at
11 a.m. Fr. Maximilian Nightingale as cele-
brant. Military funeral honors will be at Ft.
Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI,
beginning at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers we request that a dona-
tion be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foun-
dation in Memory of Jack McCloskey, online
at T2T.org
Arrangements made by Stroo Funeral
Home, Grand Rapids, MI.Darrell Hamilton, age 83, of Nashville MI
went home to be with his Savior on March 3,- He was in his Florida home on hospice
care for five days when he passed away.
He was preceded in death by his parents,
Emmitt Hamilton, Hazel (Hollister), step-
mother, Minnie (Radtke) and his brother,
Duane Hamilton.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Claudette
(Priddy); son, Kent Hamilton and wife, Jack-
ie; daughters, Christine (Rich) Smith, Kelly
(Steve)Schoonbeck, and Carmen (Brian)
Friddle as well as 11 grandchildren and 15
great grandchildren.
He regularly attended Vermontville Bible
Church for 63 years, served on the board
there for several terms, and worked as a youth
group leader for 17 years.
He loved to work on his 80 acres, digging
ponds, building roads, and moving dirt.
He ran his own business for 38 years,
spreading Ag-lime, digging farm ponds,
trucking soils and stone, and farming some.
He was a strong, hard working business man
and always provided well for his family. He
was an honest, Godly man.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May
18, 2024 at Vermontville Bible Church with
visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. and
luncheon following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may go to
Vermontville Bible Church.
Patricia “Patty” Ann Miles passed away
peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Feb. 20,
2024 at age 69.
She was born to Harry and Patricia Miles
on August 2, 1954 in Hastings MI. She was
the third of four children. Patty grew up in
Hastings where she attended and graduated
from Hastings area schools.
Patty worked a variety of jobs in the Hast-
ings area throughout her life. In addition to
the time she spent in Hastings, Patty also
lived for a number of years in the Luther area
before returning to Hastings where she cared
for her mother in her last years.
A life long animal lover, Patty always had
many pets throughout her life, and being very
interested in arts and crafts she dabbled in
various hobbies over the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents,
Harry B. and Patricia Miles, and older brother
and sister, Harry B Miles, Jr, and Mary Morrill.
She is survived by her younger brother,
Harvey (Ann) Miles of Kutztown, PA; sons,
David Pillars, Jr. of Gold Canyon, AZ, Chris-
topher (Carissa) Pillars of Hastings, Ben Pil-
lars of Hastings, Michael (Ashley) Reid of
Cleveland, TN, Nicholas (Eleanor) Reid of
Evart, MI, and daughter Mary Ann Reid of
Reed City MI, as well as 15 grandchildren,
and three great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place as were her
wishes.
Arrangements have been handled by Dan-
iels Funeral Home. Plans for a memorial this
summer will be announced at a later date.
Carolyn Julia O’ConnorFrancis John McCloskey Jr.Patricia Ann Miles Darrell HamiltonCharlette Lee-Ann Kurr, born at
Corewell Health - Pennock on February
14, 2024 to Kayleigh A. Kurr of Ver-
montville.Newborn
Babies
Social Security
celebrates Women’s
History Month
Hillary Hatch
Public Affairs Specialist
March is Women’s History Month – a time
to focus not just on the past, but also on the
challenges women continue to face in the 21st
century. At Social Security, we provide vital
benefits and financial protection for women.
Nearly 55 percent of people receiving Social
Security benefits are women. Today, more
women work, pay Social Security taxes, and
earn credit toward monthly retirement income
than at any other time in our nation’s history.
Women have longer average life expectan-
cies and tend to live more years in retirement
than men. This means women have a greater
chance of exhausting other sources of income
while their Social Security benefit continues
for life. It’s important for women to plan
early and wisely for retirement.
Our online booklet, “Social Security: What
Every Woman Should Know” at ssa.gov/
pubs/EN-05-10127.pdf, provides detailed
information about how life events can affect
a woman’s Social Security retirement bene-
fits. These events may include marriage,
death of a spouse, divorce, self-employment,
and other life or career changes.
A worker’s earnings history will determine
their future benefits, so we encourage all
workers to verify that the information in their
record is correct. You can create a personal
my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myac-
count to review your full earnings history.
You can also view your Social Security State-
ment using your personal account to get esti-
mates of future benefits and other important
planning information.
If you find an error in your earnings record,
it is important to get it corrected so you
receive the benefits you earned. Our publica-
tion, “How to Correct Your Social Security
Earnings Record” at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-
10081.pdf, provides you with details on how
to make a correction.
Learn more about how Social Security
benefits women at ssa.gov/people/women.
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].SOCIAL SECURITY
MATTERS
BIRTHDAY
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 churchesand 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-
Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings.
Telephone 269-945-9121. Email
[email protected]. 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.LIFEGATE
COMMUNITY CHURCH
301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273,
Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott
Price. Phone: 269-948-0900.
Website: http://www.lifegatecc.com.
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday Life Group 6:
p.m.COMMUNITY BAPTIST
CHURCH
502 E. Grand St., Hastings.
Pastor Tod Shook
Wednesdays - Bible Study - 6 to
7 p.m.; Sunday School - 9:30 to
10:30 a.m.; Sunday Service - 11
a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
http://www.cbchastings.org.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:
pm.
CHRIST THE KING
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH (PCA)
328 N. Jefferson Street.
Worship 10 a.m. Nursery
provided. Pastor Peter Adams,
contact 616-690-8609.ST. ROSE OF LIMA
CATHOLIC CHURCH
805 S. Jefferson. 269-945-
4246 Pastor Father Jeff
Hanley. Mass 4:30 p.m.
Saturday. Mass 8 and 11 a.m.
Sunday.PLEASANTVIEW
FAMILY CHURCH
2601 Lacey Road, Dowling,
MI 49050. Pastor, Steve
Olmstead. (269) 758-
church phone. Sunday Service:
10 a.m.WOODLAND UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
203 N. Main. Pastor: Kathy
Smith. Sunday School 9:
a.m.; Worship 10:15 a.m.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.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.Worship
Together
. ..at the church of your choice ~
Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for
your convenience...
Fiberglass
ProductsKaleb Warren Hudson, Plainwell and
Mariano Santiz-Gomez, PlainwellMarriage
Licenses
Wilma Frost turns 95
On March 22nd this beautiful lady will
turn 95. Her family invites you to help cele-
brate her special day with a card shower.
Please send your well wishes to P.O. Box
522, Nashville, MI 49073.Elaine Garlock
The Ionia County Genealogical Society
will meet on Saturday, March 9, at 1 p.m. at
the museum on Emerson Street. There will
be a speaker, library time and refreshments.
If you missed the last meeting in February,
you also missed the annual strawberry short-
cake day.
Work continues on the Habitat house on
N. Fourth Avenue. Judging by the commer-
cial vehicles seen frequently last week, one
could be quite sure that the work happening
inside was the installation of floor coverings.
This would indicate that it will not be long
until it will be ready for occupancy.
The spring issue of the library newsletter
has some surprising statistics. For instance,
Friends of the Library have paid more than
$4,000 for free copies issued to patrons. This
is a great service for users of the library.
There is a small fee for color copies or more
than 10 copies of one item. More than
22,000 items were checked out in the past
year. More than 4,000 items were loaned to
other libraries. More than 4,000 persons
attended library events in the past year. The
library was open more than 2,000 hours in- The library is making a switch soon to
better accommodate families. Each of the
restrooms will become a family restroom.
Coming events at the local library include
a Barbie party on April 11. Fun for the boys
is slated on April 18 with “Walk on the Wild
Side.”
Coming soon will be a community gather-
ing intended to address some of the issues of
housing for our community. There will be a
speaker from Habitat for Humanity who will
address those interested. It is to be held at
Central United Methodist Church later this
month.
This seems to be a month unlike any oth-
ers we have had with unseasonable weather.
This is not yet true spring but we have had
many days which are like spring. Tempera-
tures above 60 degrees in early March are
certainly unusual. This week, we are seeing
a drop in temperatures but still, numbers
above 40 degrees are out of the ordinary for
this month.