Obituaries
Gordon & Glennis Fletcher
Anyone who knew Gordon and Glennis Fletcher understands they did life as a couple. Consequently, friends and family wouldn’t be surprised to hear they would take one final trip together.
Glennis Ann Fletcher (Jackson) was born on April 3, 1932 and passed away November 15, 2021 following complications from a stroke. In a sad but beautiful way, her husband Gordon (Mac) MacDonald Fletcher, born on Christmas Day in 1928, passed hours later on to that big dessert buffet in the sky the morning of November 16, 2021. Neither one knew the other had passed. Mac and Glennis have left their children with many fond memories: Melanie Brown (Bernie Konkle), Kim Fletcher (Robert Baker), Dan Fletcher (Cindy) and Gordon Fletcher Jr., along with their beloved grandchildren, Erin Fletcher, Blake Fletcher, and Ryan Fletcher (Michelle) – with the arrival of the first great grandchild expected in spring 2022. Their cat, Lucky, will miss them too. They were close with mom’s sibs, the Jackson “tribe”; Janet Thomas (Ernie), Edward Jackson (Alice), Howard Jackson (Lois), Ron Jackson (Sherry), Karen Rydahl (Eugene), and Pam Schwallier (Paul) along with many Jackson nieces and nephews and special Fletcher niece Tam. The Yuba girls are also flapping their aprons in remembrance of Mac. Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Hazel Fletcher and brother, Bill Fletcher; Glennis was preceded in death by her parents Sherman and Lucille Jackson. They will be joining sister-in-law Judy Jackson and son-in-law Steve Brown who passed before them as well. Mac and Glennis both grew up in Belding. As a young man with a new car, Mac persuaded Glennis Jackson to go on a date. They were married September 5, 1953 and moved to Belmont. Sixty-eight years and four children later, they are still together. Mom went to college in her 40’s and worked in accounting alongside sister Pam. After a 35-year career at General Motors, Mac retired to buy and sell antiques with Glennis; they were fondly referred to by their children as “The Junkers.” An avid nature-lover and outdoorsman, Mac’s specialty was collecting fishing lures, coupled with a passion for old hand tools. Glennis had an eye for glassware and linens. Mac and Glennis spent Elk Lake summers with the family at the White Cottage and later their own Wigwam. While Dad drove the boat, it was Mom that taught the kids to waterski in the late 60’s. Mac waterskied himself until his early 80’s. Ironically, Mom never skied. Their interest in history and nature led to family adventures, traveling to historic sites, museums and battlefields or exciting destinations like the Rainy River Falls – the highest waterfall in the lower peninsula! Cars and car shows were favorite activity of Dad’s; his mid-life crisis consisted of buying a 1977 black and gold TransAm like Smoky and the Bandit. Dad enjoyed simple pleasures, like sitting outside with a cold beer, hunting morel mushrooms or playing with the cat. He never met a dessert he didn’t like! In addition to being a prolific reader and writer, Mom was quite a fashionista (Talbots will miss her), loved having lunch with her “seesters,” watching the webcam of the Hanover eagles Freedom and Liberty, eating Altonen sweet corn on the cob with a fire on the deck and getting her hair done by Kelly Zimmer. According to their wishes, a cremation has been handled by Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford. In view of lingering Covid 19 issues, a celebration of Mac and Glennis’ life, with desserts, will be planned for later spring/early summer 2022. Anyone who would like to honor their memory can send contributions to the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy or the Belding Museum in Belding. Ernest “Ernie” Joseph Montroy Jr.
Ernest “Ernie” Joseph Montroy Jr. passed away, at the age of 93, on November 19, 2021 in Kewadin, Michigan.
ed by his children, Lisa Montroy, Wayne Montroy, Lori Montroy and Lana (Montroy) Malkowski; his girlfriend of 32 years, Pearl; his grandchildren, Lori Ann Melzer, Nathan Burkholder, Sabrina Williams and Travis Williams; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived brother, Fred (Betty) LaFave and sister, Lois (Dennis) Machainski. Ernie loved fishing and hunting, and everyone knew him for his big garden from which he would share the proceeds with family and friends. In his later years Ernie loved his wild birds that he fed daily and the deer that would visit. Ernie was always quick with a story of some escapade or another. He was a friend and mentor to many of his family and friends. He will be missed more than anyone will ever know. There will not be a funeral at this time. Ernie wanted a party for his family and friends. A Celebration of Life for Ernie Montroy will be held on June 4, 2022 at the AMVETS in Elk Rapids, Michigan. |
Nancy Kay Ghiringhelli
Nancy Kay Ghiringhelli, 70, of Williamsburg, Michigan, died Monday, November 15, 2021.
She was born on June 2, 1951 in Ishpeming, Michigan, the daughter of John Keith and Frances Jean (DeCaire) Lodholz. Nancy asked Lou for their first date on December 11, 1966 for her high school Christmas Dance. They were married on July 14, 1973. In the 1960’s Nancy was in the Blue Notes Drum Corps in Ishpeming, traveling around the Midwest, competing. She volunteered with the Elk Rapids Band Boosters while her children were in high school. Nancy was known for dinners before her children’s sporting events. She volunteered with the Detroit Red Wings for over 10 years. Nancy cooked food regularly and brought it to the training camp for the coaches. She loved it when they came to her home for dinner and she could cook for them. After graduation Nancy started working with the 1st National Bank in Negaunee. She retired from Old Kent Bank as Vice President of Backroom Operations. Retirement didn’t last long; she took a job in Backroom Operations with Traverse City State Bank. She played softball with Lou; was on a traveling bowling team to the Chicago 9 pin, no tap tournaments. She loved to travel the world, visiting Cancun and Walt Disney World. Nancy traveled to Paris with her daughter, Sarah, for the World Youth Day and saw the Pope. Nancy loved musicals and anything of Andrew Lloyd Webber; she saw “Phantom of the Opera” over 10 times. She was a devoted fan of Blake Shelton. Nancy loved flowers and her garden and enjoyed shopping. Lou and Nancy traveled around Lake Superior for their honeymoon, which was her last camping trip. Nancy was a strong woman. She lived for her grandkids and was so excited to be a grandmother. She was kind, generous and had a big heart. She adopted friends that became part of her family. She is survived by her husband, Lou Ghiringhelli; daughter, Sarah (Sean) Niederpruem; son, Josh (Lindsey) Ghiringhelli; grandchildren, Brady, Chloe and Sydney; sisters, Susan Lodholz and Carol (Dan) Kurian; niece, Lisa Smith; nephews, Chad Kurian and Alex Kurian and three great nieces and nephews. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Frances. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Elk Rapids Band Boosters. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. Patricia “Pat” May MontgomeryPatricia “Pat” May Montgomery passed away on November 4, 2021. She was born December 26, 1934 in Williamsburg, Michigan.
Pat graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1953 and moved to Livonia where she married her first husband, Jim Blankenhagen, in 1956. They raised three sons, Larry, Thomas and David (Sue) Blankenhagen. Pat worked for the Livonia Observer for many years. Later, Pat married Jay Montgomery and moved back to Elk Rapids in 1984. Pat is survived by her brothers and sisters, Barbara Dillingham of Texas, Bob Carleton and Grace (Milford) Terrell of Idaho, and David (Jeanette) of Central Lake; three grandchildren, Tricia Hill, Grace (Jamie) Wallace, and Sam Blankenhagen; and two great-grandchildren, Connor and Cora Hill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Montgomery; her mother, Grace; father, Walter Ralph; and her brother, Roy. At Pat’s request, a memorial service will be held in spring 2022 when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity to be named in the future. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com Raymond Floyd Valentine
Raymond Floyd Valentine, age 69, of Marlette, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at McLaren Bay Region of Bay City, Michigan.
Raymond was born to the late Floyd and Lola (Headley) Valentine on February 14, 1952. He attended Elk Rapids High School in his younger years. Raymond married Connie Higley on October 2, 1976 in Lapeer, Michigan. He retired from General Motors after working for them for 30 years. Raymond enjoyed football and would often have phone calls with his brother discussing the games. He liked playing on his computer in his free time. Raymond was described as a man who spoke softly, had a kind heart and a great sense of humor. Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Raymond is survived by his wife of 45 years, Connie Valentine and daughter Tanya (Jesse) Crowley. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tiffany Beatty on September 16, 2011; he is also survived by his grandchildren, Hayden Beatty, Connor Beatty, Emily Crowley and Morgan Crowley; brothers, Jesse (Ann) Valentine and Leon (Marilyn) Valentine; sisters, Louanna Valentine and Elaine (Dennis) Grundel; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution in Raymond’s memory may direct them to McLaren Hospice in Bay City, MI. You may share an online condolence with the family at www.marshfuneral.com. Arrangements by Marsh Funeral Chapel, 2675 Main St., Marlette, MI 48453 Phone 989-635-3658. |