Page 6 — Thursday, May 19, 2022 — The Hastings Banner
Area Obituaries
Betty J. Storm, age 88, of Dowling, MI,
passed away on May 13, 2022.
Betty was born on June 3, 1933 in Barry
County, the daughter of Hale and Anna
(Hiher) Herbstreith. On November 22, 1952,
Betty married William J. Storm and together
they shared 68 wonderful years until his pass-
ing on September 15, 2021.
Betty worked as a nurse at Pennock Hospi-
tal for over 20 years and also spent time at
Barry County Hospice for five years. In her
free time Betty enjoyed sewing, tending to
her flower gardens, mushrooming, and was
an accomplished painter and artist. She also
liked to spend time traveling with her family
up north in Dublin.
Betty played the hammered dulcimer and
was involved with the Thornapple Valley
Dulcimer Society for many years. Faith was
very important to Betty and she was an active
member at Cedar Creek Bible Church.
Betty will be remembered by her loving
family, including her children, William
(Marilyn) Storm, Valerie Staton, and Gary
“Buzz” (Jennifer) Storm; nine grandchil-
dren, Josh, Ben, Amy, Luke, Jessica, Jacob,
Sarah, David, and Emma; 15, great grand-
children; siblings, Harry Herbstreith, Gale
Wallace, Richard (Nancy) Herbstreith, Dor-
othy (John) Service; sisters-in-law, Ruth
Jones, Geraldine Storm, Phyllis Herbstreith;
and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was also preceded in death by her
parents; son-in-law, Fred Staton; siblings,
Marie Henge, Leon Herbstreith, Robert Herb-
streith, Jack (Jean) Herbstreith.
Betty’s family received friends on
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at the Cedar
Creek Bible Church where her funeral ser-
vice will be conducted on Thursday, May 19,
2022 at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at
Dowling Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to Kindred Hos-
pice will be appreciated. Please visit http://www.
williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memo-
ry or to leave a condolence message for
Betty’s family.Candice Jean Dreger Roeder passed away
peacefully on May 11, 2022, following a
tragically short battle with ALS. She was the
youngest of three daughters, born to Nila
Irene (Bluemly) Dreger and Richard Wayne
Dreger on December 26, 1954, in East Grand
Rapids, MI.
Candice fell in love with Jerry (Gerald)
DeRuiter and they married in 1975. Follow-
ing Jeremy’s birth in 1979, she decided to
stay at home and make being a mom her full-
time job. Jonathan followed in 1982. She
loved her boys her whole life, though the
marriage with Jerry lasted until 1987.
In the wake of the divorce, Candice found
herself, her strength (in part due to a success-
ful career at Olsten), and ultimately, the love
of her life, Ron Roeder. They were married
in 1990 in the house on Wall Lake in Delton
that Ron had bought, as it happened, on the
opposite side of a cove where her sister
Gretchen (GiGi or Kelly, depending on your
acquaintance with her) lived with her hus-
band and son.
After the move, what began as a hob-
by--taking classes in pottery at the Kalama-
zoo Institute of Art--became a career. Can-
dice’s love of learning led her to master
multiple different specialized techniques,
contributing to her success in building sales
of Shallow Cove Pottery across multiple gal-
leries all over Michigan as well as becoming
an instructor at the KIA. Ron, a salesman by
trade, found it easy to pitch her work. Can-
dice gave up pottery in the wake of Ron’s
death in 2012.
Despite the grief of Ron’s passing, she
relished in her self-sufficiency, tackling proj-
ect after project around the house, which led
to volunteering for Habit for Humanity. Can-
dice also reinvested in different forms of art
with special attention to photography and
graphic design, both of which she lent through
continued volunteerism to the Thornapple Art
Council and the Kellogg Manor House.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her
sister, Gretchen (Keith) Carmen, and her hus-
band, Ron Roeder.
She is survived by her sister, Diane (Greg-
ory) Penix and sons, Jeremy (Megan) DeRuit-
er and Jonathan (Melissa) DeRuiter.
A celebration of Candice’s life will be
held at Girrbach Funeral Home at 4 p.m. on
Saturday, May 21, 2022 with a visitation one
hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made
to organizations to which Candice donated
her time: the Kalamazoo Institute of Art
(https://kiarts.org/join-give/give/annu-
al-fund/), Kalamazoo Habitat for Humanity
(https://give.habitatkalamazoo.org/check-
out/14532), or the Kellogg Manor House
(https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/index.
cfm?SID=586).
Services provided by Girrbach Funeral
Home. To leave online condolences visit
http://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Tammy Lynn (Keller) Johnson was born on
August 12, 1967, in Manistique, MI, to Frank
(Tom, Bud) and Phyllis (Peggy) (Irwin) Keller.
She grew up in Gould City, MI, and attended
Engadine Consolidated Schools, a member of
the class of 1985 with an astounding class size
of 26. Tammy was also a member of the Sault
Ste. Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Indians.
Tammy spent wonderful summers with her
mom camping at the beach at Simmons
Woods (the Steak Fry). They spent many an
afternoon playing games, doing puzzles,
crafts, and generally enjoying themselves.
Tammy loved playing word games and was
more comfortable doing it with the board
showing the words upside down after years of
playing with her mom. Frank was working
but came on down to spend time with them
when he was home.
The years went by, and Tammy went out to
California to make her way into the world after
graduation. She survived the San Francisco
earthquake of 1989, though the bottle of Mar-
garita Mix over the dryer did not. Tammy being
Tammy, she set about taking the dryer apart and
cleaning it out before putting it back together.
After a few years and many great friend-
ships, she decided it was time to move back
to Michigan. She lived in Sault Ste. Marie for
about two years and survived a truly epic
snowfall and then moved down to Lansing.
She joined the Jaycees and through that group
met this guy from Ionia. Bill Johnson was his
name, and they hit it off. He was from Ionia,
but that was okay.
They went out on a couple of dates and
then she decided to defend the plate as catch-
er of the Jaycee Softball Team. The dude who
tried to take her out, was called out, but her
ankle was a victim. So Bill came on over and
helped take care of Tammy further cementing
a great relationship. By Christmas of that
year, (1996) Bill proposed and Tammy said
yes. They got married on June 21, 1997, on
Frank and Peg’s 50th anniversary.
The happy couple moved to Okemos, then
Bath, had a wonderful son Thomas, and then
finally to Middleville. Tammy became a great
housewife and mother, taking pride in her
baking abilities, and her motherhood. She
started up a cake and cookie baking and dec-
orating business and shared her skills with
many friends and family.
As time moved on Tom showed talent in
the theater and Bill and Tammy nurtured that
and soon all became participants with the
Thornapple Players. Tammy eventually
became the chief costumer for the group and
made many great friends while always mak-
ing sure the players looked their best on
stage. She even got to costume Bill (Lurch)
and Tommy (Pugsley) together in The Add-
ams Family.
She and her father had great times hunting
through the years. She eventually got a bear
hunting license a few years back. One of her
proudest moments was when she got her bear,
with an absolutely perfect shot. She also
would use the venison meat in her famous
mincemeat recipe that she could turn into
awesome cookies or spectacular pies.
Tammy continued supporting her husband
and son in their artistic and scholarly endeav-
ors. The past couple years were spent more at
home as many of us did. Further adventures
were had when they could.
Of course, the most important part of the year
was Christmas. Tammy loved Christmas and
looked forward to decorating the house, partici-
pating in Christmas shows, and sharing her
baking with friends and neighbors. Creating
Marzipan was an all-time favorite, a family
tradition she learned from her mother as a child.
Tammy was preceded in death by her
mother and father, and her brother, Jeff (Car-
ole) Keller.
She is survived by her husband, William;
son, Thomas, and her sister, Vickie (Dan)
Griggs and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on
Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Beeler-Gores
Funeral Home in Middleville, where her
memorial service will be conducted on Fri-
day, May 20, 2022 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that
memorial contributions may be made in
memory of Tammy Johnson to the Thornap-
ple Players P.O Box 514, Hastings, MI 49058.
Please visit http://www.beelergoresfuneral.com
to share a memory or to leave a condolence
message for Tammy’s family.Helen Louise Brown, age 85, of Woodland,
passed away peacefully surrounded by her
children on May 15, 2022, and is now in
heaven with her husband, whom she missed
so much.
Helen was born on September 24, 1936, in
Lansing, the daughter of Howard and Geor-
gia (Wolfe) Davis. Helen was a 1955 gradu-
ate of Lake Odessa High School. On August
14, 1955, she married Gordon Brown, and
they enjoyed 44 years together until his pass-
ing.
Helen was a homemaker and liked to cro-
chet, knit, and sew. She attended Woodland
United Methodist Church.
Helen was preceded in death by her par-
ents, Howard and Georgia Davis; her hus-
band, Gordon Brown; brothers, Lavern,
Arnold, and George Davis, and sister, Win-
ifred Jones.
She is survived by her children, Debbie
(Gary) Hieftje, Diane (Doug) Neeb, Denise
(Carl) Timmer, and Darrell Brown; seven
grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and
sisters-in-law, Rose Davis and Marian (Al)
VanMeter.
Memorial contributions can be made in
memory of Helen to Centrica Care Naviga-
tors Hospice https://centricacare.org/giving/,
7100 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009
or the Barry County Commission on Aging,
https://www.barrycf.org/funds/barry-coun-
ty-commission-on-aging-fund/, 320 W.
Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday,
May 24, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral
Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058,
with a visitation one hour prior at Noon, Rev.
Kenneth Scheck II officiating. Interment at
Woodland Memorial Park, luncheon to fol-
low at Grace Lutheran Church of Hastings.
Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home,
to leave an online condolence visit http://www.gir-
rbachfuneralhome.net.Candice Jean Dreger Roeder Betty J. Storm Helen Louise Brown1699 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:
9:45 a.m. Kids Church and
Nursery are available. Our
worship center is set up for
social distancing. Aftermath
Student Ministries: Sunday 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.WELCOME CORNERS
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
3185 N. Broadway, Hastings,
MI 49058. Phone 945-2654.
Worship Services: Sunday, 9
a.m.Worship
Together
. ..at the church of your choice ~
Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches
available for your convenience...Fiberglass
ProductsTammy Lynn JohnsonDelton Kellogg school board
recognizes student achievement
Leila Wood
Contributing Writer
The Delton Kellogg Schools Board of
Education recognized various students
during its May 16 meeting.
From the elementary school, third-grad-
ers Jaelynn Hawkins, Karma Branch and
Riegann McIntyre and fourth-graders Susie
Bever, Bella Brown, Skyler Thompson and
Hayleigh Brunner won Battle of the Books,
and Braxton Bellis, Maren Widerberg and
Aubree Clark achieved 4,000-plus minutes
in their reading challenge.
STEM project awards were given to
third-graders Kolten Boone, Daisy Hay-
wood and Trip Ross and fourth -graders
Addisyn Boniface, Dooley Haywood and
Brayden Reynolds.
From the middle school, Maggie Martin
received an award for excellence in fine
arts, Jillian Brandi was recognized for
being the first-place spelling bee winner
for the middle school, and Nick Muday
was recognized for his accomplishment as
the first-place regional spelling bee winner.
From the high school, Caden Ferris was
recognized as a two-time state champion in
wrestling, Halena Phillips received recog-
nition as the Battle Creek Chapter Winner
of the Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion, Owen Harig received recognition for
his accomplishments in Interact, student
council, National Honor Society and as a
leader in the school, and Caitlin McManus
was recognized for her accomplishments in
NHS and student council and as band drum
major and a leader in the school.
“Congratulations to all of the students
and the parents and to the teachers who
helped them and others who helped them
along the way to attain all of these out-
standing accomplishments,” Interim Super-
intendent Carl Schoessel said.
The board also recognized two staff
members: Rhonda Lundquist was recog-
nized for her work as a nurse at the school,
in honor of National Nurses Week, and
Brian Gordon was recognized for his workkeeping the elementary school grounds
tidy.
The students received certificates. Lund-
quist and Gordon also received mugs, and
Lundquist received flowers.
About 60 people attended the recogni-
tion ceremony.
Another highlight of the meeting was a
presentation from the Community School
Garden team.
Rhonda Lundquist, Brad Knobloch, Tess
Knobloch and Allison Troyer Wiswell said
the program is going well.
According to Lundquist, more than 100
students are involved in their six-week
“Grow it, Try it, Like it” program, which is
being orchestrated with the help of MSU
Extension.
“The teachers, the students and the par-
ents are all very impressed with the pro-
gram,” Lundquist said, “and the kids are
eating raw spinach ...”
She said they have been starting a vari-
ety of seeds in the school, which will be
planted outdoors in the near future.
They requested permission to relocate a
planned hoop house nearer to the high
school.
“We just think it would be much more
accessible to kids ...” Tess Knobloch said,
adding that they would like to develop an
outdoor teaching space behind the high
school.
They also presented a survey they have
created and for which they will seek
approval.
“We’d like to develop a committee of
people that would be interested in partici-
pating, maybe have experience in garden-
ing or in horticulture – different things that
they could bring to the table...” Wiswell
said. “Additionally, I think goal-wise,
long-term, is to think about sustainability,
think about fundraising. How do you keep
it going, and what grades we’re going to
focus on based on the skill sets that exist?”
They would like to have up to 10 people
on the committee, she said.Follow The
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