Page 6 — Thursday, May 6, 2021 — The Hastings Banner
Area Obituaries
Church/obits
John Allan Arnos Jr., Toledo, OH and
Taylor Rose Nelson, Toledo, OH
James Kyle Lawson, Wayland and Heather
Irene Babb, Wayland
Kasandra Carol Morgan, Nashville and
Ryan Jacob LaLonde, Hastings
Alyssa Rose Engel, Indianapolis, IN and
Kurt Emory Son, Indianapolis, IN
Erik Andrew Piccard, Hastings and Jaime
Elisse Pollack, Hastings
Charles Matthew Hall, Woodland and
Katlin Sue Kellogg, Woodland
Shawn Wayne Hawthorne, Hastings and
Katerine Marie Russell, Hastings
Matthew Allan Peake, Middleville and
Susan Marie Mills, MiddlevilleDonna Jean Monica left this earth to be
with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on
April 30, 2021. She was a beloved wife,
mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and
will be remembered for her legacy of
faithfulness.
Born on January 28, 1927 to Loretta
(Bourdo) and William Diehl in Toledo, OH,
she later moved to Orangeville, MI where
she was raised in a loving home by her
maternal grandparents, William and Lena
Bourdo. She graduated from Martin High
School in 1945.
She is survived by her husband of 75
years, Charles Monica, whom she married
on February 16, 1946. They had a loving and
supportive marriage their children and
grandchildren will treasure as an example to
them all. They celebrated their own love and
their love for their family each Valentine’s
Day by sending generous gifts to their
grandchildren.
She is also survived by her half-sister,
Evelyn Myers, and her six children, Mona
(Ed) Ellard, Gail (Mike) Gibson, Gregg
(Karen) Monica, Brad Monica, Marsha
(Larry) Veenstra, and Daneen (Victor) Caro,
along with 18 grandchildren, 23 great
grandchildren and three great-great
grandchildren.
Hosting Monica Family vacations for up
to five generations every other summer for
over 40 years, she was truly a matriarch that
treasured time with her family. She was
always interested in their lives, calling them
to check in the status of a new home, a new
baby, or an upcoming wedding.
With her six children, she was involved in
the daily activities of raising them, like
working at the school as an assistant
librarian. She was a guiding light to the
many children who came to her home as she
always maintained an open-door for them.
She was also active in leading her daughters
and other children in Campfire Girls and
4-H.
As a member of Faith United Methodist
Church of Delton for over 50 years, Donna’s
heart to serve the Lord was evident through
her volunteerism in the choir, women’s
society, providing leadership on a new
church facility, establishing many activities
for children, and hosting missionaries in
their home. She and Charles took the word
of the Lord to Costa Rica, Africa, Norway,
India and Finland through short term
mission trips. She served with Habitat for
Humanity of Barry County for many years
as a volunteer. She loved to golf and play
cards as past times, which she shared with
Charles, the love of her life. Always a lover
of the outdoors, she became an avid
gardener and could often be found enjoying
the care and design of her garden.
Donna’s commitment to service, family
and faith will leave a legacy for generations
to come.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 7,
2021 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home
from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of Donna’s
life will take place 11 a.m. on Saturday,
May 8, 2021 at Faith United Methodist
Church in Delton. Private interment will take
place in Prairieville Cemetery.
In celebration of Donna’s life, memorial
contributions can be made to Habitat for
Humanity of Barry County (1215 N
Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058) and Delton
Faith United Methodist Church: Faith
Promise for Missions (503 S. Grove Street
P.O. Box 467, Delton, MI 49046).
Please visit http://www.williamsgoresfuneral.
com to share a memory or to leave a
condolence message for Donna’s family.Donna J. MonicaRonald Everett Cross, age 73, of Hastings,
passed away unexpectedly on Saturday,
April 24, 2021.
He was born April 22, 1948, in Lansing, to
the late Jaqueline Cook.
He is survived by his two daughters,
Starlette Terzes and Melanie Cross and
granddaughter, Sophia Terzes.
Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, and
spending time with family and friends. He
will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions
can be made to the pulmonary fibrosis
foundation.
Ron was cremated and there will no
service per his wishes.Ronald Everett CrossLouise Marie Gross, of Lansing, has
passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2021
at the tender age of 80. She will be embraced
in the arms of God, family members, and
friends that await her.
Louise was born on August 21, 1940 in
Hastings, to the loving parents of Floyd
Benjamin and Mildred Margaret (Hawkins)
Todd, and brother Nelson Todd in Hastings.
While growing up in Hastings she attended a
one room schoolhouse until her high school
years, at which point through church she met
her future husband of 11 years, William
Gross.
After divorcing her husband. She spent a
few years traveling, and finally settled in
Lansing, in 1970 with her five children;
Debra, Diane, David, Daniel, and Tina,
where she would spend the remainder of her
life. Louise was a lifelong fan of Elvis
Presley and loved collecting his
memorabilia. she also enjoyed collecting
dolls, horseback riding, canoeing, and
camping.
Preceding her in death are her parents,
Floyd and Mildred Todd; stepmother, Lois
(Lee) Todd, aunt Ester (Hawkins) Gross;
older brother, Nelson; niece, Karleen Todd;
son-in-law, Dwight Gardner, and lifelong
friend, Kris (Adams) King.
She is survived by five children and their
spouses, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-
grandchildren one on the way, seven great-
great-grandchildren one on the way and
friend Ilene Schmitts.
Visitation was held Tuesday, May 4, 2021
at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S. Broadway
Street Hastings, MI 49058. followed by a
graveside service at Fuller Family Cemetery,
4400 N Charlton Park Rd., Carlton.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.
To leave online condolences visit http://www.
girrbachfuneralhome.net.
“Until we meet again, may God bless you
as he has me.” - Elvis Presley -Louise Marie GrossA man with hands to say hello and hands
to seal the deal. Russell David Easey Sr., age
82, of Delton, passed away on May 2, 2021.
Born March 25, 1939 in Barry County, to
Richard and Dorothy Easey.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents
and siblings, Allen, Donna Belle, Martha and
Helen Easey.
Russ will be dearly missed by his wife of
63 years, Marion L. (Pillars) Easey - married
August 10, 1957; their four children, Debi,
Russ Jr., Patty and Becky; nine
grandchildren, many great grandchildren,
and his lifelong friend, horseman and
auctioneer, Lee Sheridan.
Throughout his life, Russ held many
positions. He was a livestock dealer,
auctioneer, as well as time with Lacey
Gravel Company, plus countless odd jobs
in-between.
If there was a horse auction at
Shipshewana, St. Johns, Sand Lake,
Wayland and Lake Odessa Livestock sales,
you were sure to see Russ there with a
quarter in his hand to flip with you for a
dollars.
He filled his days contesting horses,
pulling ponies, pulling horses, horse trading
and creating lifelong friendships through his
infectious laughter and one of a kind story
telling (partially due to the, occasionally
incoherent, quick speaking of an auctioneer).
A conversation with Russ might begin with
“Did I tell ya the one about...” followed by
many, many words that didn’t quite translate,
and ending with giant, rolling belly laughs.
Russ was a livestock farmer through and
through. Whether he was on the farm riding
a horse drawn spreader, cutting and hauling
wood, hauling a full load of livestock to the
auctions, or winning awards with his
priceless horses, Midnight and Comanche,
where Russ was, a horse was never too far
away. They were both his passion and his
livelihood.
We can describe Russ in many ways, a
traditionalist who dealt with cash alone, not
putting his trust in banks, weatherman,
computers or politicians. A talker, filling all
the ears that would listen. A teacher, dealing
out lessons about caring, being happy,
making good deals and keeping them, and
the hard truths of life on a farm. Soft hearted
towards the little ones in his life. And
compassionate; during the winter storm of
1975, Russ hooked a team of mules up to a
bobsled and made his way into town, to
make sure his family and neighbors would
have the supplies they needed to make it
through. Regardless of how you describe
him, Russ will always be remembered as one
of a kind man. Lastly, “if you figure out a
way to make a million dollars, call me
collect” was how he would end the
conversation.
No funeral or visitation will be held at this
time.
Please visit http://www.williamsgoresfuneral.
com to share a memory or to leave a
condolence message for Russ’s family.Russell David Easy, Sr.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 service 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:
9am and 10:30 a.m. Due to the
current health crisis, our
nursery is remains closed.
Weekly activity bags for chilren
are available in the 9 a.m.
service and Kid's Church is
available in our 10:30 service.
Our worship center is set up for
social distancing. Aftermath
Student Ministries: Sunday 6
p.m.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.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.CHRIST THE KING
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH (PCA)
328 N. Jefferson Street.
Worship 10 a.m. Nursery
provided. Pastor Peter Adams,
contact 616-690-8609.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.WELCOME CORNERS
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
3185 N. Broadway, Hastings,
MI 49058. Phone 945-2654.
Worship Services: Sunday,
9:45 a.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.
Worship
Together
...at the church of your choice ~
Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches
available for your convenience...
Fiberglass
ProductsPatricia “Pat” Burtch would like you to
know that her work here on earth is done.
Patricia Ann Burtch, age 75, passed away
unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 24,
2021.
Pat was born May 12, 1945 at Camp
Blanding near Starke, Florida to Donald and
Mabel (Locke) Tompkins. She grew up in
Traverse City, as the eldest of three girls. Pat
was preceded in death by her parents and
sister, Carolyn Low.
Pat loved education and was always
seeking more. Pat graduated from Traverse
City Senior High School in 1963, graduated
from Northwestern Michigan College
obtaining a nursing degree in 1965,
graduated from Michigan State University
obtaining BS in Social Science in 1981,
graduated from Western Michigan University
with a Master of Public Administration in
1988, graduated from Western Michigan
University with a Master of Arts in 1993, and
was a few classes short of her PHD at
Western Michigan University and Arizona
State University.
Pat worked as a registered nurse eventually
being promoted to manager in charge of
Sterile Supply at Sparrow Hospital in
Lansing. She also found fulfillment as an
instructor at Lansing Community College in
Lansing; health teacher with Hastings High
School in Hastings; and clinical health
educator at Banner Baywood in Mesa, AZ.
Pat was a registered nurse for 55 years and
was still licensed in Arizona and Michigan.
Pat loved to support and help people
interested in health careers. She was an
irreplaceable wife, mother, step-mother,
nana, aunt and friend. Pat was always
overjoyed knitting baby hats and sweaters for
all those that adored her. She delighted in
knitting blankets filled with bits and piecesof grace, kindness and love. Pat had a
zealousness for singing and playing a variety
of musical instruments. She relished
literature, art and cooking. Pat found much
gratification in helping and teaching
everyone that crossed her path.
Pat married David Burtch on February 14,- Pat and Dave had a whirlwind
courtship that encompassed marrying six
weeks after meeting. Pat moved to Mesa, AZ
with Dave in 2004. Pat and Dave were
married 23 wonderful years until her
untimely death.
Pat’s kindred soul is survived by her
husband David Burtch; her twin sons Tony
(Kay) Steele and Chris Smith; her step-
daughters, Haley (Richard) Clark and Tanna
Burtch, her step-son, Kyle Burtch; her sister,
Judith Tompkins; grandson, David Clark;
nephews, Jonathon and David Low; cousins
and countless friends and students that have
the honor of carrying on her legacy.
Please honor Pat by praying for the health
and well-being of the three people whom she
saved as a Gift of Life donor.
Patricia Burtch
Longstreet appointed to state advisory board
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday
announced the reappointment of Cathy
Longstreet, of Hastings, to the Governor’s
Educator Advisory Council.
The advisory council was created to review
and make recommendations regarding legis-
lation relevant to the state’s public education
system, identify and analyze issues impacting
the effectiveness of Michigan’s public educa-
tion system, identify best practices in public
education and recommend corresponding
changes and improvements to Michigan’s
public education system, and to provide other
information or advice relevant to public edu-
cation.
Longstreet is a counselor at Hastings High
School, chair of the K-12 counseling depart-
ment, and an instructor with Michigan
College Access Network’s school counselor
post-secondary planning course.She earned a master in counselor education
degree from Western Michigan University,
master in the art of teaching from Aquinas
College, and bachelor of arts in psychology
from Alma College.
Longstreet was reappointed to represent
counselors for a term commencing May 10
and expiring May 9, 2025.
Others on the advisory council include
Glenn Martin Sr., of Farmington, director of
Upward Bound programs at Mott Community
College; Benedict L. Pineda, of Lansing, a
middle school social studies, life skills,
drama, and speech teacher with Haslett Public
Schools, and a former adult education teacher
with Holt Public Schools; and Angela J.
Pérez, of Muskegon, an elementary Spanish
two-way immersion teacher with Muskegon
Public Schools.