Obituaries
Elaine Adelaide Glowicki
Beautiful Faces – Anonymous
Beautiful faces are they that wear The light of a pleasant spirit there; Beautiful hands are they that do Deeds that are noble and good and true; Beautiful feet are they that go Swiftly to lighten another’s woe. Our beautiful and loving mother, Elaine Adelaide Glowicki, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 at her home in Elk Rapids. She was born in Bay City, Michigan, daughter of Gilbert and Adelaide (Kamenick) Heller on September 9, 1932. In her early years, citizens of Bay City would find her behind the counter of the City Dairy, owned and operated by her father. Perfectly blended chocolate malts and scooped ice cream cones were her forte and the beginning of her long working career. Elaine attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bay City, graduating in 1950. Beautiful faces are they that wear – An enthusiastic cheerleader, Elaine had her eye on the handsome basketball coach, Don Glowicki, at St. Mary’s High School. Apparently, in his shy manner, so did he. Their relationship was a true love story, they married on August 29, 1953 and spent 68 years together before his death on May 11, 2022. The light of a pleasant spirit there – Elaine’s love of her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her existence. Each week the Glowicki family would file into the first pew at Sacred Heart Church. Elaine embraced every aspect of the church: teaching CCD classes, being an active member of the Ladies Altar Society, an integral member of the finance council, welcoming new parishioners and serving as a Eucharist minister and lector. Every role she portrayed was taken with astute study, servitude, and joy. Beautiful hands are they that do – Being the wife of Don Glowicki, coach and athletic director, she supported his teams with fresh baked frosted cinnamon rolls. Ever so popular, he had to hand them out because if bags were passed from the front of the bus, players in the back never received one. Christmas time yielded dozens and dozens of delicious rolls delivered fresh to the houses of friends and family. A sweet tradition that has been passed on to her daughters. Deeds that are noble and good and true – When Elaine moved from her hometown of Bay City to Elk Rapids, she found it easy to love the Village of Elk Rapids and being a part of the community. Her civic mindedness really bloomed when she worked as Elk Rapids Village Clerk for 30 years. She mentored many village employees, greeted taxpayers with a smile and often patiently explained a bill. Her proudest accomplishment was winning a seat as village trustee, running on the promise – “A privilege to serve the residents of Elk Rapids”– all at the age of 86! Passionate for anything related to the village, she wanted her ideas to be heard and hoped she was able to communicate the voice of the people. Often, you would see her around town, walking and greeting people, always with a friendly hello and willing to listen to anyone’s ideas. Beautiful feet are they that go – Early travel experiences were summers spent at her parents’ cottage in Au Gres on Lake Huron. Five children loaded up in the station wagon to spend the summer months with no schedule other than fun in the sun and the annual Glowicki reunions. Spring break family time meant the newest AAA TripTik with an end destination of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, creating 40 years of lasting memories. Swiftly to lighten another’s woe – A life story cannot be complete without the love for a good card game or golf. For Elaine, competition and winning were fundamental. “Schmear,” a Wisconsin card game, was played whenever family gatherings occurred. One would hear lots of laughter, the yells of victory or the grumbles of defeat. If she was not winning, she would say, “one more.” No matter the outcome, she always said “good game.” Her love for bridge was an addiction and she was good at it. From Saturday evening bridge with couples to her favorite ladies’ bridge group, Elaine would be shaking her pink change purse of winnings with a smile. She is survived by her five beloved children: Kathleen (John) Lau, Donald (Diane) Glowicki, Mary (Doug) Coates, Jeanne (Michael Tomich) Glowicki, and Barbara (Robert) Murphy. Her much loved nine grandchildren are Joshua (Sarah Komara) Lau, Anna (David) Gailey, Matthew Glowicki, Christopher Glowicki, Amy (Matthew) Edington, Andrew (Kelsey) Coates, Elise Coates, Reid (Sydney) Murphy, and Ellery Murphy and two great-grandchildren, Adelaide and MJ Edington. Elaine is survived by sister Ruth (Gib) Bolduc, brother Tom (Betsy) Heller, sisters-in-law Judy Glowicki and Sally Glowicki, and many nieces and nephews. Elaine was predeceased by her parents, her sister Doris and brother-in-law Bill Monroe, niece Jane, and her brothers Jim and Ronald Heller. Indeed, Elaine was a beautiful face – A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 between 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church hall in Elk Rapids, with a funeral mass to be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Elaine’s life will take place immediately following at Glowicki Field in Elk Rapids. A private interment ceremony for immediate family members will take place following the celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in “memory of Elaine Glowicki” to the following: Sacred Heart Building Fund www.sacredheartelkrapids.org, Donald Glowicki Athletic Scholarship at Elk Rapids High School, or Hospice of Michigan www.hom.org/donate. Streaming will be available through the church website www.sacredheartelkrapids.org Elaine’s family would like to thank Hospice of Michigan (especially Beth, Briella, Kelley, Lindsay, Lisa, Robin, and Dr. Zook) for their guidance and compassionate care. Elaine and her family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com Elaine Grace (Peacock) Ray
Elaine Grace (Peacock) Ray, affectionately known as “Tootsie,” passed away on May 15, 2023. Tootsie was surrounded by her loving family after a very brief illness as she entered the arms of the Lord and was reunited with her husband Clare.
Elaine was born on January 12, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan to Edward A. Peacock II and Doris I. (Sipley) Peacock. As a young girl, she spent every summer vacationing Up North until 1955 when her parents decided to purchase a farm in the Bates Road area of Williamsburg. Elaine was a “city girl” until she moved here and then wholeheartedly embraced her life as an “ole farm gal.” She attended Traverse City Central High School where she quickly caught the attention of Clare A. Ray, Sr. They fell in love and were married on October 20, 1956, in Traverse City, Michigan at the Pine Grove Church of God. They both graduated in the class of 1957. Elaine and Clare shared the next 65 years before Clare passed away in 2022. Elaine is survived by their three children and families. Son, Clare Ray, Jr. (Susan Hemmes); granddaughter, Samantha Kaiser (Paul); great-grandson, Braylen Kaiser; and great-granddaughter, Zaila Kaiser; grandson, Brendon Ray (Jessica Meloche); great-grandsons, Aiden, Colton, and Carson Ray. Son, Mark Ray (Gina Alpers); granddaughter. Dr. Bailey Ray (John Kure); grandsons, Brady and Broderick “Brody” Ray. Daughter, Pamela Mervau (Wayne “Merv”); grandson, Adam (Whitney Ayers) Mervau; great-grandson, Fisher Ray; and great-granddaughter, Bryer Mervau; and grandson, Matthew Mervau; and her brother, James Peacock (Joan). Elaine was a determined, strong woman who took on any new task to perfection in her beloved roles as a wife, mom, and grandma. Above all she was a student of life and if she wanted to learn it, she put her mind to it and did it. There weren’t many things she couldn’t sew – everything from underwear to wedding dresses to curtains and much more. As her great-grandson Fisher said, “Just take it to Tootsie, she’ll fix it!” The sound of her old faithful Singer sewing machine was a constant noise in the house. She especially enjoyed quilting in the last few years and her family has been blessed with many of her masterpieces that were made with Tootsie’s love. She first learned how to cook on a wood range stove, which was just the beginning of the innumerable meals she lovingly prepared with and for her family. She was well known for the homemade bread she made every Wednesday. She pickled, canned, and preserved the bounties of the large garden she and Clare grew every year. Her family will cherish the recipes she passed down for chicken rollers, apple pie, bread, pickles, and many, many more. Clare and Elaine also grew 10 acres of U-Pick raspberries on the family farm settled in 1884, Barker Creek Farms. She loved working with the whole family to make apple cider and donuts in the fall and maple syrup in the spring. Elaine embraced being a mom as not many else could. She was always there to listen, guide, direct, and teach her family. It was when she became a grandma that she took the given title of “Tootsie” and she loved that more than anything. Tootsie and Clare (Papa) enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s many activities – no matter what the weather or sport. She was always proud of her children and equally proud of her grandchildren and looked forward to many more great-grandchildren! Tootsie and Papa enjoyed camping in their RV and traveling the countryside from Alaska to Newfoundland, Canada, and the UP for fishing trips with family and friends. They enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, snowmobiling in Yellowstone, house boating in the Boundary of Waters of Minnesota, and any historic village they came upon. Her only job outside of the house was to work at Bertha Vos school in Acme as the school librarian. She enjoyed setting up and starting the library as a volunteer and eventually, she was employed as a “media aide” for TCAPS schools until 1981. In 1984, when Clare co-founded CRM with their son Mark, she helped wherever she was needed to get it up and running. When Clare retired in 2007, she said his job stopped but hers was the same, to make the household run smoothly, and boy, did she do it well! She attended Williamsburg Methodist Church and had a very strong faith in God. She would always say “Everything happens for a reason and we may not understand it, but God has a plan for us, and he is in control.” With her sudden passing, we will hold on to this faith and know we all will miss her every day. We take comfort knowing she’s now dancing with Papa in heaven again! Tootsie’s life was celebrated at her funeral on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Interment was at the Acme Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan in honor of the care they gave Clare for which Tootsie was forever grateful. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family. |
Terrence “Terry” Lee Farris
Terrence “Terry” Lee Farris, 74, of Williamsburg, Michigan, passed away the evening of May 17, 2023, peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on April 26, 1949, in Dallas, Oregon to the late Jack E. and Dawn Marie (Thayer) Farris.
Terry was a graduate of Traverse City Central High School and married his high school sweetheart, Sandra DeRuiter on October 26, 1968, in Traverse City. The couple enjoyed winters in Cape Coral, Florida, and having their family join them for “fun in the sun.” Terry enjoyed working, going to the beach, hunting, being outdoors and adored his family. Surviving Terry are his wife, Sandra, of 54 years; daughters, Tonya (Doug) Thomas and Tina R. Rauch, all of whom reside in Williamsburg, Michigan; grandchildren, Shelby Rauch, Emily (Brandon) Luck, Bailey (Weston) Hubbell, Casandra Thomas, Harley Rauch; twins, Sarah and Elizabeth Thomas; and one great grandson Stetson Hubbell, with another one arriving in August. He is also survived by his brother Chuck (Melissa) Farris and sister Rhonda (Art) Hudson, and many nieces and nephews. Terry was known for his kindness and generosity by all who knew him. Respecting Terry’s wishes, there will be no funeral arrangements on his behalf. Instead, there will be a celebration of life in Terry’s honor, later this summer. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours. Donald C. Green
Donald Chester Green died on May 14, 2023. He was loved by many and will be missed very much. He was born January 30, 1926, on the kitchen table at his parents’ Orville and Margaret (Dodds) Green’s house in Detroit, Michigan. He attended grade school until grade 12 when he went to Pershing High School for one year. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and was sent to the South Pacific on a LTI as Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged at Navy Pier, Chicago in 1946. He then attended Michigan State University on the GI bill as a reservist in the Army and met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Fick, on a street corner in East Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Finance. He married Barbara on July 7, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. They had three children: Jeffrey Donald (Geralyn Ann Tropodi), Susan Elizabeth Green, and Rodney (Leslie Margaret Halls); five grandchildren, Julie Sabuda, John Ferry, James (Marcia Powell) Ferry, Nicholas Green, and James Green; and one great-granddaughter, Isabella Sabuda. Barbara died in 2014 and Donald was ready to see her again.
Donald was very active in the community as a member of Elk Rapids Golf Club, having served several years in office, the Traverse City Elk’s Club, AMVETS Local #114, Traverse City Lions, selling raffle tickets for years at the barbecue and he was a member of two churches. Donald was a role model to many. He was a mentor in Junior Achievement while working for General Motors in Columbus, Ohio. He taught Sunday School and taught all three of his children and grandchildren how to manage money. He was always the first to lend a helping hand. When Donald graduated from Michigan State University, he went to work at General Motors in Finance where he was transferred several times with Barbara and the children following him around the country. They spent time in Detroit, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Yardley, Pennsylvania; and back to Birmingham, Michigan, where he completed 34 years. Donald thought of his younger life in terms of what car he owned. Crumples was one and then there was the ‘36 Ford, the one with the rumble seat…he was a good storyteller, and it was always interesting to listen to him. Barbara said, “he was a talker.” Donald and Barbara spent their winters extensively in Stuart, Florida, where they had many friends. They spent one season wintering in the south of France. They took many cruises and usually spent a couple of weeks in Europe each fall. Don drove a 2003 red Corvette convertible around Elk Rapids, and everybody knew who he was when they saw him in that car. As soon as the temperature hit 65, the top went down and only went up if it rained. The car was a fixture in the parades in the village for many years. Donald served on the Honor Guard at the local AMVETS Post #114 of Elk Rapids, attending funerals throughout the area. The last several years of his life, after Barbara’s passing, were spent with Susan and her 6-pound Shih Tzu, Tela, who he renamed Peanut. Peanut was his charge, or it may have been the other way around. Anyway, they were fast friends, and she will miss him very much. Ninety-seven years is a long time to live and Donald saw his share, lived a good life, and was a good family man. Services were held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Elk Rapids, with burial in Milton Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Humane Society. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com Kent Silsby Reynolds
Kent Silsby Reynolds of Rapids City, Michigan died May 13, 2023, at the age of 80 with Mary Ann by his side.
Kent was born on April 19, 1943, to Raymond and Marion (Brown) Reynolds in Worchester, Massachusetts. He married Mary Ann Dehlin in Gladstone on May 1, 1965. After graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1961 he attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1965 with his degree in Secondary Education. He was a lifelong Wolverine. Go Blue! He earned his MA in Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He dedicated his professional life to education as a coach, teacher, administrator, and leader. He began his career as a science teacher in Garden City schools where he also coached middle school basketball and track. He moved into administration as a middle school principal in Baldwin. He moved to Grayling in 1973 to serve first as high school principal and then superintendent of Crawford AuSable School District until his retirement in 2001. Upon retirement, Kent and Mary Ann moved full time to Elk Lake. Kent loved traveling, sailing, kayaking, and skiing with his family. In the summer, he and Mary Ann enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes on their boat Andiamo and could be seen on Elk Lake on their Hobie Cat and sharing a gin and tonic on the dock. Winters while they were raising their children were spent on the ski slopes from Michigan to Colorado. In retirement, winters were spent traveling from Key West to Hilton Head Island looking for the best Happy Hours. Kent was always in motion and was most content when he was busy and juggling multiple projects. Kent was a member of Rotary for over 40 years beginning in Baldwin, moving to Grayling and finally to Elk Rapids where he served a term as president. He volunteered to causes important to him including the Harbor Commission, Traverse City Film Festival, Elk Skegemog Lakes Association, and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Kent was an optimist that emphasized the best qualities in people and situations. His stories showcased people at their best. But even Kent could not find positives in the dementia that robbed him of memory and physical ability. Kent was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Chalfant. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann; his two children, Karyn (Tim) Perry and Kevin (Liz) Reynolds; grandchildren, Alaina Perry, Alexandra Perry, Daniel Reynolds and Rebecca Reynolds; great grandson, Tatum Reagan; brother, Bruce (Evie) Reynolds; and sister, Jean (Bill) Cox. Those considering donations in memory may consider Inland Sea Education Association (ISEA) or Elk Skegemog Lakes Association (ESLA). Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com Death NoticeDonald H. Bedtelyon (Ringo)Donald H. Bedtelyon (Ringo), 84, passed away on April 20, 2023. Private interment is scheduled May 23, 2023, in Crestwood Memorial, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Ron C. BudrosRon Budros died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on May 13, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Dunlap Budros; son, Nick; identical daughters, Emma and Alyssa; son, Michael; brother, James Louis Budros, Jr. and sister, Patti Budros Lis.
Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. |