Robert A. “Coho Bob” Smith, aged 61 of Custer passed away on Monday, October 21, 2013. Bob was born on November 9, 1951 in Ludington to Robert J. and Betty (Kamarauskas) Smith, and graduated from Mason County Central High School with the class of 1969. He furthered his education earning an Associate’s Degree from Northwestern Community College in 1971, and his Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University in 1974. Upon his graduation, he returned to Scottville and joined his father at the Smith & Eddy Insurance Agency. Over the years, Bob has grown the Agency to include 3 locations, and recently dedicated their new office in downtown Scottville, renewing his commitment to the community he grew up in. On November 28, 1993, he married Patricia Veatch and they have celebrated 20 years together. Bob was a very active leader in the community, and was proud to be referred to as a Conservationist. He spent countless hours helping preserve our natural environment and was a member of several conservation groups including the National Fly Fishing Association, the Pere Marquette Watershed Council, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Ducks Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, Quality Deer Management, and the National Rifle Association. He also served his […]
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Obit: Robert Smith, 61, Custer
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Obit: Arno Eschels, 90, Ludington
Arno R. Eschels, aged 90 of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Arno was born on April 6, 1923 in Free Soil to Julius M. and Elsie M. (Pirsig) Eschels, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1942. On June 2, 1951, he married Shirley A. Bagley at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Pelton’s Corners, and they have celebrated 62 blessed years together. Arno was a faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville where he served as an Elder, Chairman of the Congregation, and as Sunday School Superintendent. As a carpenter, he helped build the Mason County Central High School, and managed Fountain Lumber for over 15 years. Arno worked as a Realtor for Klemm-Elliott Realtors, and also worked as a courier for West Shore Bank until his retirement. He was a Life Member and Past-President of the Scottville Optimist Club, and also served as Lt. Governor for Optimist International. An avid bowler, he bowled on the Hansen Evergreen Dairy team for many years, and could often be found playing an intense game of Setback or Pinochle with his friends. Arno was preceded in death by his parents, […]
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Obit: Lorraine Judis, 88, Irons
Lorraine A. Judis, aged 88 of Irons passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Grand Oaks Nursing Home in Baldwin. Lorraine was born on March 28, 1925 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Bernard and Mary Lewandowski, and married Jacob Frank Judis on August 30, 1958 in Chicago. Lorraine and Frank have celebrated 55 wonderful years together. Lorraine was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church and the St. Bernard Altar Society, loved to read, especially prayer readings, and blessed her family with her cooking. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Landers. Lorraine will be lovingly remembered by her husband Frank, her sons and their wives Mike & Nancy Judis of New Berlin, WI, Jeff & Sue Judis of St. Charles, IL, Peter & Judy Judis of Rochester Hills, MI, her beloved grandchildren Ashton & Trent Judis, Michael & Nicole Keller, Katie, Benji, John, Jack, and Sarah Judis, her sisters-in-law Sister Emeliana Judis and Sister Helen Jude both of Grand Rapids, and Patricia Judis of Howard City, and several nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, Nov. 1 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in […]
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Obit: Frederick Holden, 38, Scottville
Frederick M. Holden passed away peacefully on October 27, 2013 at Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center in Grand Rapids, after being hit by a deer on his new favorite Honda motorcycle Oct. 1. Fred grew up in Manistee County with his parents, Frederick L. Holden and Cynthia (Cain), and sister. He attended Onekama Public Schools until his junior year, when his family transferred jobs to Mobile, Alabama, and he graduated from Murphy High School in 1993. He returned to Mason County in 1993 where he attended West Shore Community College and also worked beside his grandfather, Fred E., for many years under Holden Construction. His grandfather retired around the year 2000 and Fred opened his own business, Best Choice Builders in 2002. In the economic crisis of 2009, Fred kept his builders license and moved his career to Home Depot of Ludington, where he worked full-time and used his builder’s expertise at the pro desk for residential and commercial customers. He also returned to West Shore Community College in 2010-11 and received his associate’s degree of applied arts and sciences degree with a field of study in computers for business. He also received a certificate for academic honors in […]
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Obit: Garrett Ian Lake, 11, Branch
Garrett Ian Lake age 11 of Branch, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Friday October 25, 2013. He was born on October 25, 2002 in Ludington and lived in Mason County for his entire life. He attended Mason County Eastern Schools and was actively involved in Student Council, the annual elementary school Christmas programs and the boys’ basketball team. Garrett was passionate about his family, faith, friends and his many hobbies. He loved to hunt with his dad, participate in the church youth group and ride quads. He was recently inspired by theatre and developed the joy of acting. Garrett was a sixth grade student and had dreams of becoming a youth pastor or an actor. He believed in love, and treating everyone equally. His love and kindness for people spread far beyond the walls of Mason County Eastern Schools as he is remembered and honored by students all over Mason County. Garrett will be greatly missed by his mother, Jennifer (Kaminski) Lake and father, Casey Lake of Branch; sisters: Jordan and McKenna Lake of Branch; grandparents: Floyd and Deb Kaminski of Fountain; Sally Kellogg of Fairfield; John Lake of Alabama; aunts and uncles: Tonya Kaminski of Howell; Megan (Jerimi) […]
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Obit: Nioma Silvis, 90, Riverton Twp.
Nioma Phoebe Silvis, aged 90 of Riverton Township, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Oakview Medical Care Facility. Nioma was born on March 9, 1923, the daughter of Ervin and Alice (Stuck) McVicker, and married Willis L. “Jim” Silvis on June 6, 1942. If Nioma had a Lucky number it would have been seven as she had seven children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much. In addition to her family, Nioma loved her crafts, gardening, bingo, house plants, and playing cards, especially with her sisters. Nioma was also a member of the Custer Gold Bar VFW Post 5096 Ladies Auxiliary. Nioma will be lovingly remembered by her sons Frank (Diane) Silvis of Hart, Ervin (Susan) Silvis of Pentwater, and Frederick (Kathy) Silvis of Custer, her daughters Beverly (Barry) Kelly, Alice (Emil) Vidak, and Kathleen (Mark) Couturier all of Ludington, her grandchildren Christopher Silvis of Hawaii, Steven (Misty) Silvis of Hart, Glenn McCumber and Julie McGilvray of California, Annette Conkle of Hart, and Ivan Henry of Ludington, her great-grandchildren Keri Hurst of Kokomo, Ind., Shane Silvis of Hart, Marc and Erika McCumber of Traverse City, Lauren McGilvray of California, Tresa Anderson of Hart, and Jonathon Anderson […]
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Obit: Wilbert C. “Bert” Wagner, 85, formerly of Custer
Wilbert C. “Bert” Wagner, age 85, formerly of Custer, passed away Monday, Nov 11, 2013 at the Mill Creek Memory Care Community in Marquette where he’d been a resident for over 7 months. Bert was born April 21, 1928 in Sherman Township, to Godfrey and Linda (Knoll) Wagner and grew up on the family farm with his father and older brother, Aldis. After attending high school in the area, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. In 1950, he married Eleanor Courtland and held various jobs before being called to serve in the Army, where he was stationed stateside for almost 4 years as a Gunnery Officer until 1956. Bert began working for the State of Michigan with the DNR in Marquette as a Research Fisheries Biologist soon after leaving the Army. During his over 40 plus year career with the DNR, he worked on many projects – the most memorable to his family was Lamprey Control because he brought live samples home and kept them in a fish tank overlooking the dining room table. In addition to his work, raising a family, and building his own home from the basement on up, Bert […]
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Obit: Beatrice Mae Stibitz Dornbos, 89, Ludington
Beatrice Mae Stibitz Dornbos, aged 89 of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at her home. Bea was born on June 18, 1924 in Fremont, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Bowman) Hinken, and graduated from Fremont High School with the class of 1942. On April 26, 1946, she married Gerald A. Stibitz. They made their home in Muskegon and celebrated the birth of two sons Craig and Jack, before moving to Scottville, where Bea worked for the US Postal Service. Bea and Gerald enjoyed 24 years together before Gerald preceded her in death in May of 1970. She later married Willard A. Dornbos in September 1977, and they celebrated 30 years together until he preceded her in death in July 2007. Bea served as the Postmaster for Custer and Scottville until her retirement in January of 1986. She was a charter member of the Mason County Reformed Church, and was very active with the church quilt ministry. She enjoyed making beautiful quilts for her family and friends, and loved to knit. Her gift of knitting was shared with her granddaughter Cheri’s 1st grade class by providing mittens for many of the children over the years. She was affectionately known as the “Mitten Lady.” Along with her […]
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Obit: James Storm, 86, Hamlin Twp.
James B. Storm age 86 of Hamlin Lake, Ludington, MI passed away November 23, 2013 at Hackley Great Lakes Specialty Hospital in Muskegon, MI. He was born June 19, 1927 in Parr, Indiana son of Reverend Erick A. and Gertrude E. (Strauch) Storm. Jim grew up in Onekama, MI as a boy and attended Onekama Grade School and later moved to Auburn, MI where he attended Handy High School. He joined the U.S. Army on March 16, 1946 and served in the occupation of Japan as communications specialist. After his discharge from the service he attended trade school and became a successful tool and die maker. He and is second wife, Fae owned and operated Kasper Industries in Flint, MI until they retired in 1992. After Jim retired, he traveled the world with Fae until she passed away in 1999. He loved to entertain his friends and family. Jim was a mentor to many, and loved by all who knew him. His cabin on Indian Pete Bayou had an open door policy where friends and family gathered daily and it was the site of a never-ending fish fry. There was always a cribbage board ready to go and he recently […]
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Obit: Gerrie Schumacher, 92, Scottville
Geraldine M. “Gerrie” Schumacher, aged 92 of Scottville, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Gerrie was born on May 11, 1921 in Flint to William and Iva (Hill) Green, and married Alfred R. Schumacher on August 30, 1946 in Hazel Park. They celebrated 50 years together before Alfred preceded her in death in 1996. Gerrie attended Wayne State University before finishing her education at Ferris State University, earning her Certificate of Education. She taught 2nd grade for the Reed City Public Schools, retiring in 1979. In retirement, Gerrie and Alfred lived in Beverly Hills, Florida where they were founding members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA). She was also a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, the WELCA women’s organization, and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Through the years, Gerrie was active in her church where she taught Sunday school, and was very active with her 6 children serving as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and Troop leader for the Brownies. She and Alfred loved to travel, especially taking cruises, and enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. Her family will miss the wonderful smell of her cooking and baking, but will forever cherish their memories of her decorating for the holidays, making sure everyone […]
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Obit: Gary Genta, 75, Fountain
Gary Genta, age 75 of Fountain, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, December 9 at Fountain Cemetery with Rev. Tim Yankee officiating. Arrangements are being cared for by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home of Scottville.
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Obit: Alice Penny, 75, Free Soil
Alice “Sue” Penny, aged 75 of Free Soil passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Sue was born on July 12, 1938 in Detroit, the daughter of Earl and Alice (Mellor) Winner, and married Ronald Penny on March 23, 1957 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Livonia. They celebrated 42 years together before Ronald preceded her in death in 1999. Sue served as a trustee on the Free Soil Village Council for 20 years, and was custodian of the Village Hall for many years. She enjoyed spending time quilting, crocheting, working in her flower gardens, and trying her luck at the casino, but her greatest joy was spent in the company of her beloved Ronald camping and fishing near Indian River every summer. Along with Ronald, Sue was also preceded in death by her parents and her son Kurt in 1987. Sue will be greatly missed by her daughter Sherry and Michael Hasenbank of Free Soil, her son Jeffrey Penny and his companion Alicia Mallison of Manistee, her grandchildren Lyndie (Greg) Stokes, Ryan (Amber) Hasenbank, and Micah Hasenbank all of Free Soil, her great-grandchildren Justin Hasenbank, Kade Stokes, Ronald and Bryanna Hasenbank, Zachary and Sarah […]
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Obit: Rose Amelia Chye, 93, Custer
Rose Amelia Chye, age 93 of Custer passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Rose was born on October 14, 1920 in Free Soil to James and Amelia (Dufon) Shereda and grew up on the family farm south of Freesoil. She graduated as Salutorian from Free Soil High School with the class of 1938, then earned an Associate’s Degree from the Muskegon School of Business. Rose was soon working for Continental Motors during WWII, eventually rising to Executive Secretary. On May 6, 1944, she married the love of her life, Joseph Chye in Muskegon and moved to Massachusetts where he was stationed. Shortly after VJ Day, the couple returned to civilian life. By 1950 they were operating a family farm south of Custer. Rose put all her energy into being a devoted wife, mother of five and homemaker. With the kids growing up, Rose returned to the workplace in 1966 as Secretary to the Principal and then the Superintendent at Mason County Eastern Schools until her retirement. She was a very active in the community as a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the St. Rose Altar Society. She served several terms as the Eden Twp. Treasurer. Her artistic skills were often on display, […]
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Obit: May C. Snow, 90, formerly of Ludington
May C. Snow, aged 90 of Yuma, Arizona, former resident of Ludington, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014. May was born on May 5, 1923 in Boise, ID, the daughter of John and Cecelia (Jensen) Knudsen, and moved to Scottville with her family where she grew up and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1942. On February 19, 1949, she married Clarence “Barney” Clapper, and he preceded her in death on 1963. May then married Harry Snow on July 10, 1965, and he also preceded her in death in 2005. May adored her family, always wanting to spend time with her grandchildren watching them grow up and supporting them as much as possible. She enjoyed bowling, shuffleboard, playing pool and cards, and in her later years loved listening to the VFW band. May was an excellent baker and was well known for her pies, which she often shared at many American Legion functions. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington, and the American Legion Post 76 Auxiliary in Ludington. She recently moved to Yuma to stay with her daughter Kathy. Along with her husbands, May was preceded in death by her parents, her son-in-law Bob Rummer, her sisters Hilda […]
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Obit: Ruth Miller, 73, formerly of Scottville
Ruth Irene Miller, 73, of Yuma, Arizona, formerly of Scottville, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2014 in Yuma. Ruth was born on August 31, 1940 in Harbor Beach, Michigan to Eskle and Irene (Hughes) Rozell, and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1958. Ruth and was a local resident for most of her life until moving to Arizona in 2009. She loved to travel, crafts of all kinds, flowers, and most of all being with her family. She is also remembered fondly for her love of ice cream! Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Eskle Rozell, her mother Irene Rozell, her stepmother Alice Rozell, her sister Nancy Rozell, her brothers Ken and Gerry Fletcher, and her great grandson Brody Miller. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 54 years, Richard Miller, her son, Harvey (Linnea) Miller of Ludington, her daughters Laura (Jerry) Edmondson of North Port, FL, and Margaret (Kris) Shoemate of Vassar, MI, her grandchildren; Aric (Jeanne) Miller of Ludington, Lindsey Miller of Charleston, SC, David (Katherine) Edmondson of Concord, CA, Sarah (Mark) Gilson of Chaska, MN, Brent (Jenny) Shoemate of Grand Blanc, MI, Kristen Shoemate of Frankenmuth, MI and Matthew […]
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Obit: Virginia ‘Gini’ Lipps, 84, Scottville
Virginia “Gini” Lipps, aged 84 of Scottville went to be with our Lord early Sunday morning, January 26, 2014 at the Pine Crest Adult Care Home with her family by her side. Gini was born on March 23, 1929 in Free Soil, the oldest child of Albert and Paula (Storm) Ohst, attended Lincoln River School before graduating from Scottville High School with the class of 1947. On June 11, 1949, she married Neven Lipps in Muskegon, and they celebrated 56 blessed years together before Neven preceded her in death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Gini was well known for many things in her life and was very proud of her German heritage, the only language she spoke until she began kindergarten. She was very skillful and drafted the building plans for many homes, additions, and remodels. As a farmer, she worked tirelessly beside Neven on their asparagus farm, and took great pride gardening, planting and transplanting many trees. As a wife and mother, she was in her glory building a strong and loving family, and especially enjoyed making Christmas a celebration for her grandchildren. Her legacy will be left with her strong faith in God and as a prayer warrior. Her refrigerator was always […]
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Obit: Dorothy VanSickle, 87, Fountain
Dorothy VanSickle, aged 87, a lifelong resident of Fountain, died peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Oakview Medical Care Facility – Sutter Living Center in Ludington. Dorothy was born on April 27, 1926 to John and Emma (Bauske) Budzynski and attended Fountain School and Scottville High School. Dorothy worked at Seal Power in Muskegon during World War II. On September 14, 1946, she married Robert VanSickle, and they celebrated 49 years together before Robert preceded her in death in 1995. Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Sue Ellen in 1964, and her daughter-in-law Kimberly VanSickle in 2010. Dorothy worked as a cook for Fountain Schools and Mason County Eastern Schools until her retirement in 1988. She was a leader of 4-H for many years where she taught sewing, was a member and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Citizens Sportsman’s Club in Fountain, loved to knit, was an avid reader, and was very proud to bag one of the largest bucks in the family while deer hunting. She was especially proud of the 8 pt. bucks she shot. Dorothy is survived by her sons Alvin (Linda) VanSickle of Fountain, Charles “Pudge” (Julie) VanSickle of Custer, […]
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Obit: Vernita Joyce Allard, 81, Ludington
Vernita Joyce (Fox) Allard, 81, of Ludington, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Oakview Medical Care Facility. She was born March 28, 1932 in Ludington to Homer and Maurine (Rasmussen) Fox. She attended Lincoln Valley and Pere Marquette Elementary and graduated from Ludington High School, class of 1950. She married Robert Allard on November 4, 1950. Vernita was a past Girl Scout leader of 4th and 5th graders at Franklin Elementary. She worked as manager at Daul’s Grocery, assistant manager at Sandpiper and retired from Seasons on the Shore. After retirement, Vernita volunteered at St. Simon Bargain Center. She also was Charter and Past Madam President of the Eagles Auxiliary. Vernita enjoyed home decorating, oil painting, taking care of her grandchildren whenever possible, gardening and loved mowing the lawn. She is survived by her husband Robert Allard; children, Christine Street, Pamela (Kevin Riley) Allard, Elizabeth (Kim) Mueller, Rob (Liz) Allard and Steve (Michelle) Allard; grandchildren, Mick (Melissa Hall) Kyle, Ben and Josh Street, Steven (Kelsey) Allard and Ian and Inez Allard; great grandchildren, Sterling Kyle, Kashess and Ezra Stone and Zoey Allard. Three sisters, one brother and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Leah Danigelis and Elmina […]
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Obit: Adam Barber, 24, Ludington
Adam Ambrose Barber age 24 of Ludington passed away unexpectedly on February 14, 2014. He was born December 11, 1989 in Ludington to Harold (Buzzy) and Lisa (Terryn) Barber. He graduated from Mason County Central High School in 2008. He attended MMI University in Orlando, Florida and graduated in 2010 with a degree in marine mechanics. He worked as a maintenance man, mechanic and guide for Grey Owl Camps in Ontario Canada. He is survived by his parents Harold (Buzzy) and Lisa; brother Brandon of Iowa Falls, Iowa; his grandparents Harold (Buz) and Loretta Barber of Ludington; Jean Terryn of Freesoil; Grandpa Buffy and Grandma Marcia Sadler of Ludington; aunts Julie Knodel of Scottville, Jackie (Jim) Worsham of Lexington Kentucky, Linda (Al) Iles of Ludington, Laurie (Robert) Topping of Manistee, Lorna (Les) Thomas of Ludington, Trisha (Mike) Palethorpe of Scottville; uncles Leo Terryn of Mears; and Lyle Terryn of Ludington; numerous cousins and Adam enjoyed hunting, fishing, disc golf and his dog Bow, his friends and making people laugh. He is preceded in death by his Grandpa Leo Terryn, his Uncle Bill Knodel, and his Uncle Les Terryn. Funeral services for Adam will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Oak […]
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Obit: Lee Courteau, 90, Scottville
Lee D. Courteau, aged 90 of Scottville, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014 at HCR Manor Heartland Crestview in Wyoming. Lee was born on October 10, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Leroy and Lillian (Ericson) Courteau, and served his country during World War II with the Army Air Corps in the North African Theatre. On November 22, 1948 he married Cora Feldmann in Billings, Montana and they have celebrated 65 years together. Lee and Cora moved their family to Scottville in 1965 and operated Andersen’s Nursery and Greenhouses until their retirement. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his son David, and his brother George Courteau. He will be greatly missed by his wife Cora, his children Susan (Robert) Hager of Spring Lake, Robert (Nancy) Courteau of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, William Courteau of Lansing, Judith (David) Mordis of Belmont, Gail (Gordon) Larsen of Sanford, Thomas Courteau of Scottville, James (Cindy) Courteau of Ashland City, Tennessee, Theresa (Herb) Moore Grants Pass, Oregon, and Steven Courteau of Allendale, 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and his brother Robert Courteau of Idaho. Private Family services will be held for Lee and burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Those who wish to make memorial […]
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