Page 6 — Thursday, February 15, 2024 — The Hastings Banner
Area Obituaries
Jon Michael Seuss, age 81, of Hastings,
MI, passed away in the early hours of the
morning February 9, 2024.
He leaves his wife, Barbara Dautermann
Seuss; son, Jason Seuss (Melissa Morgan);
daughters, Majda Seuss and Mara Adair (Ste-
phen Adair); grandchildren, Jack Seuss,
Annie Teunessen, Kaet Teunessen, Della
Seuss, Lucas Teunessen, Caleb Teunessen,
Joe Quero, Talia Quero, and Nik Morgan; and
great-grandchildren ,Julian Quero, Cameron
Greeley, and Gabriela Quero.
He is mourned by his sisters, Pamela
Quinn (Shawn Quinn), Candace Ross (John
Geisler), Valerie Santillanes, Constance
Wendt, and Margaret Taylor; and by his
brother, Douglas Seuss (Martee Seuss), with
whom he shared a birthday.
He was preceded in death by parents, Jack
Seuss and Patricia Wendt and brothers, Chris-
topher, Nicholas, and Don Wendt.
Michael and Barbara raised their children
on a farm in Barry County. Michael was a
scholar and an educator, an athlete, a gentle-
man, a born naturalist, an accomplished
craftsman, and a loving husband, father,
grandfather, and great-grandfather. His loss is
acute, but his family has been grateful for the
many of his friends, and theirs, who have
offered their love and support.
All who knew Michael are welcome to
remember his life on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024
from 1 to 5 p.m. at the home of Jason Seuss
and Melissa Morgan: 1818 Woodruff Road,
Hastings, MI. We will raise a toast in his
memory at 2:30 p.m.
Services provided by Girrbach Funeral
Home, Hastings, MI. To leave online condo-
lences visit http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Steven Melvin Everett, age 69, passed
away at his home on the 8th of February
2024, after a long battle with Mutiple
Myeloma.
He was born in St. Joseph, MI on the 5th of
October 1954, to Roy and Betty (Scott) Ever-
ett. Steve grew up in Dowagiac, MI, where he
met the love of his life, Susan. They married
and relocated to Hastings, MI, where they
built a life for 46 years. He was employed at
Hastings and Caledonia Public School Sys-
tems for over 30 years combined.
Steve is survived by his wife Susan (Bach-
mann) Everett; daughter, Tiffany (D.J. Tossa-
va) Houseman; grandchildren, Breahna (Tyler
Kaiser) Houseman, and Logan Houseman;
sister, Diana (Richard Sr.) Servis; sisters-in-
law, Carole (Lonnie) Lillie, Dee Dee (Scott)
Winchester; two nephews; five nieces; sever-
al great nieces/nephews, cousins, and many
friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents;
his only brother, Dennis Everett, and his
father and mother in-law, Albert and Lila
(Laporte) Bachmann.
His last wish was to be cremated and have
no service, which the family is graciously
honoring. He will be greatly missed and was
loved by all.Mariam Irma Melchiori Sorby passed
away peacefully in Sun City Center, FL on
February 4, 2024. She was born in Stam-
baugh, MI on May 1, 1934 to parents Irene
(Sperberg) and William Melchiori. She was
always proud of being a “Yooper” (born in
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula), and she loved
everything about growing up in Iron County.
During her teenage years, Mariam worked as
a lifeguard in the summer, and she often talk-
ed about her figure skating days during UP
winters.
Mariam was a graduate of the University
of Michigan School of Nursing. She graduat-
ed as a RN in 1956 with a bachelor of science
in nursing. While at the U of M, Mariam was
selected as one of six nursing students to
escort Jonas Salk, inventor of the Polio Vac-
cine, during a special tour and lecture at the
University. She also was a member of the U
of M Fencing Club.
Mariam had a varied, 50-year career in
nursing, often teaching her passion. She
worked at a Michigan State Hospital, a gen-
eral hospital, and many nursing homes, as
well as teaching nurse-aide training to hun-
dreds throughout the years. Her longest nurs-
ing position was as school nurse for Hastings
Area Schools in Hastings. She served the
entire district, K-12. During her tenure there,
Mariam served on many health education
committees at the state level, writing health
curricula for students across Michigan. She
established grade level programs and fieldtrips, some of which are still in place in the
Hastings Area Schools.
Mariam was best known for her sincere
caring for others. Her kind heart and compas-
sion were gifts she gave to everyone she met!
And her love language was food! Throughout
the community and her family, people raved
about Mariam’s Upper Peninsula pasties,
spaghetti sauce and cinnamon rolls. She was
a cook extraordinaire!
Mariam was also known for her great
sense of humor. She had a joke or story for
any situation, and she even had nurses and
doctors chuckling right up to the end. She
wrote many of the stories about her life to
carry her legacy to future generations, and
everyone in the family loved to look through
her cherished family albums. She started her
family history project in 1966, and she
worked on it every year, even up to 2023! The
history she collected went back for centuries!
Mariam loved to travel and learn about
new cultures and customs. In August 2023,
she fulfilled her long-time dream of visiting
all six continents (except Antarctica!) with a
trip to Columbia in South America. She often
joked that growing up in the UP served as
visiting Antarctica! She had many adventures
on her travels, including riding a camel in
Egypt, an elephant in India, a train across the
entire continent of Australia, a ship in the
Norwegian fjords, an airboat in the Ever-
glades, and a helicopter in Hawaii.
Mariam was preceded in death by her hus-
band of nearly 52 years, Donal Jack Sorby;
her parents, Irene and William (Bull) Melchi-
ori; two brothers and their wives, Marvin and
Ethlyn Melchiori and Wayne and Adele
Melchiori.
Mariam is survived by her three daughters,
and their families, Carrie Duits (Tom), Sheryl
Sorby (Norm Loney), and Claire Coulston
(Paul). She has eight grandchildren and eight
great grandchildren and countless others who
called her grandma, auntie, or mum. Her niec-
es, nephews and cousins all adored her, and
they called her often, seeking advice, asking
for recipes, and sharing their love.
There will be two celebrations of Mari-
am’s life; one in Sun City Center, FL on
March 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. and another in Iron
River, MI on July 2, 2024.
Memorial contributions can be made to
Hastings Education & Enrichment Founda-
tion, Lifepath Hospice House in Sun City
Center, FL, or any other charity of choice.Hollie Barton, age 46, passed away unex-
pectedly at her home on Wednesday February
7, 2024.
Hollie was born, June 1, 1977, in Grand
Rapids, MI to David Haraburda and Christine
J. Ash. She grew up in Wyoming, MI with her
brother, Richard Haraburda.
Hollie and Chris Barton were married in
September 2003 in Hastings Their daughter,
Abby, was born in 2005 and their son,
Andrew, was born in 2010.
Hollie was very instrumental in helping her
dad open David Delski’s Prime Meats in
Wyoming. She learned unique meat, smok-
ing, BBQ, deli, and polish recipes from
“Busia” and her dad.
Hollie attended Kellogg Community College
where she completed the Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer certification. This opened
the door for her to begin a career at Amway
Corporation. During her time at Amway, she
attended evening classes at Cornerstone Uni-
versity and earned her bachelor’s degree in
general business administration. Hollie took a
lot of pride in her work and really enjoyed help-
ing improve systems and procedures.
Hollie loved being at home on the lake.
She really enjoyed having friends and family
come to the house. Spending time in the
kitchen, preparing wonderful meals, and a
glass of wine with dinner and good company.
She loved her dogs, especially Thunder.
Hollie is survived by her beloved husband
of 20 years, Christopher Scott Barton; her
daughter, Abigail Lynn Barton, and her son,
Andrew Scott Barton. She is also survived by
her grandmother, “Busia” Rita M. Harabur-
da; her father, David Haraburda; her mother,
Christine Jean Ash; her brother, Richard D.
Haraburda, and many aunts, uncles, cousins,
nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services for Hollie will be held Sat-
urday, Feb. 17, 2024, at noon at the Daniels
Funeral Home in Hastings, conveniently locat-
ed at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings MI.
The family will receive visitors one hour
prior to the funeral on Saturday, Feb. 17,
2024, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Daniels
Funeral Home in Hastings.
Those who are unable to attend Hollie’s
memorial service are encouraged to join the
family in celebrating the life of this dynamic
woman from 1-3 p.m. at the Daniels Funeral
Home in Hastings, MI on Saturday, Feb. 17,- The event will feature a casual open
house environment, where guests can sup-
port the family by sharing stories, memories,
a light meal and perhaps a cocktail, all pro-
vided by Seasonal Grille.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the
Daniels Funeral Home - Hastings, conve-
niently located at 1401 North Broadway in
Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit
our website at http://www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Jon Michael SeussSteven Melvin EverettHollie Barton Mariam Irma Melchiori SorbyAnita Michelle McIlvain, Hastings and
Joseph Aaron Moore, HastingsMarriage
Licenses
How to spot a scam
Hillary Hatch
Public Affairs Specialist
Now is the perfect time to protect your-
self from scams that can damage your
finances and reputation. We can work
together to keep your personal information
safe.
STAY INFORMED OF THE LATEST
SCAM TRENDS
Fraudsters continue to change their tactics.
Make sure you understand the latest scam
trends at ssa.gov/scam. Stay informed by:- Following reliable news sources.
- Subscribing to scam alert newsletters.
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enforcement agencies.
The more you know, the better prepared
you’ll be to identify and avoid scams.
THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE
SHARING PERSONAL INFORMA-
TION
Phishing is one of the main ways that
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viding personal information. Pay close
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information.
Scammers pretend to be from familiar
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claiming to be from banks, government
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When in doubt, contact the organization
directly through official channels to verify
that the request is real before sharing any
personal information or making payment.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS
Create strong, unique passwords like a
phrase with upper and lowercase letters,
numbers and special characters. Don’t use
passwords that are easy to guess like birth-
days or names.
Consider using a password manager to
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BE SAVVY WITH QR CODES
QR codes are increasing in popularity.
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emails and on social media.
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PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
PROFILES
Take a moment to review the privacy set-
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Fraudsters may use your social media
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This month, let’s make protecting our-
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We invite you to watch our video at you-
tube.com/watch?v=cyaUWTFLw3c to learn
how to identify the red flags.
Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Spe-
cialist 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
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
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 Emeritus