 Constance Theresa Dukes was the beloved matriarch of the Dukes family. She maintained her position with strength, courage, authenticity, and, above all, love until she passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024. In 1942 she married Rufus L Dukes and they traveled extensively across the country during his time in the Army Air Corps before settling down on a 160 acre farm near White Cloud where they raised seven children. In 1960 they developed the farm into the historic Dukes’ Happy Holiday Resort. Their little homestead became a favorite destination for families including the Robinsons, the family of Michelle Obama. Constance managed the day to day operations while Rufus attended to their various businesses that included an auto dealership, insurance agency, body shop and other ventures. Constance was a fierce defender of her family in a time and place not so welcoming of Black people, let alone those with confidence and affluence. In light of this she represented her two daughters as their Girl Scout leader and rose to become the first African American President of the White Cloud Schools PTA, but the thing she was most proud of was never missing a sporting event for her children. In 1961 Carnation Milk published an advertisement featuring Constance and her family referring to her as “ a remarkable young mother” a title she lived up to. When Constance sold the resort in 1995 it had grown to 263 acres. Over the course of 43 years she and Rufus built and maintained 18 guest units, a clubhouse, playground, tennis court, a swimming pool, a basketball court, a candy store, a riding stable, an arcade and a barn. During that time she continued to be active in the community. She serves as secretary to the board of O and A Electric Co-op,was a member of the White Cloud Fire Command Board, the Everett Township Board of Appeals and the White Cloud School Board. She was also active in Democratic Party politics which she continued to follow closely throughout her life. Upon retiring from the resort she commented “I feel we succeeded in what our goals were, having a happy and fruitful life. I have never regretted getting married so young as I was but I am sorry I didn’t continue my education because I would have enjoyed being part of the legislature at a state or national level.” Constance enjoyed traveling, following politics, game shows and sports (particularly track and field), hosting holidays, genealogy, and visiting with family and friends. Most importantly she felt immense pride for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who she raised with the same persistence and energy as that 33 year old woman Carnation Milk deemed ‘remarkable’. Constance was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Hamilton and Ethel (Olivier) Hamilton, her husband Rufus Lamar Dukes Jr., her son Rufus L. Dukes III, her grandson Kwasi Warfield and her sister Dorothy Prebble. She is survived by her 6 remaining children Olivia Theresa Dukes Warfield, Glenrose M. Dukes (Ronald), Carl L. Dukes (Joanna), Clifford R. Dukes (Shirlene), Christopher. R. Dukes (Naydeen) and Cary R,. Dukes (Jalilah), her 11 remaining grandchildren, her 12 great grandchildren, her three great great grandchildren, her cherished sister-in-law Alice Daniels (Edward) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. On Saturday, August 17th Big Prairie Everett Cemetary will hold a memorial service for Constance beginning at noon,
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 Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Raymond Boss, aged 85, entered peacefully into rest on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. He joins his wife of 55 years, but his love of 58 years, after only 6 days of being apart, following Mickey’s passing. Jerry was born on November 1, 1938, in Temple, MI to Forrest and Hellen (Pruden) Boss. He grew up in Temple throughout his early childhood years before moving to Newaygo with his family. He was stationed in multiple locations while serving in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958 where he achieved the rank of Basic Airman. After being honorably discharged from the military, he then returned to live the remainder of his life in his true home of Newaygo. He married his soulmate and the love of his life, Kathleen “Mickey” (Pendergast) Boss, on November 1, 1968 in Twin Lake, MI. He lived life boldly and fearlessly and was known as a bit of a daredevil. He loved his family and friends with equal enthusiasm. He was a lineman for many years and thoroughly enjoyed the trade. He was a lifetime member of the IBEW Local # 876. He was known to tell many a story of his days as a lineman, from which he was forced to retire due to injury. He then worked as a Rural Letter Carrier for the US Post Office until his retirement. He found absolute joy once he obtained his private pilot license. He owned six different airplanes, including Cessnas 150, 172, 182, and an aerobatic Citabria, but his all time favorite was the Champ affectionately named “Tail Dragger”. He loved the outdoors and found peace walking and hunting deer within the woods on his property. Jerry was a natural poet of many a verse or “jingle”. He leaves his family with memories and laughs of these rhymes along with his many tales. Jerry is survived by his daughters Chenoa Boss, Gail (Allan) Fowler, Teresa Naerebout, his grandsons William (Jessica) Fowler, Clinton (Jessica) Fowler, and Christopher Fowler, as well as five great-grandchildren, Carson, Bennett, Liah, Raymond, Kirstie and several nieces and nephews that were special to him. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Mickey” (Pendergast) Boss, his son, Dennis Sorrells, his mother, Hellen (Pruden) Boss, his father, Forrest Boss and his two sisters, Judy Boss and Janet (Boss) (James) Shuttleworth. Please join the family in a joint Celebration of Life for Jerry and Mickey Boss at The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, 12 Quarterline St., Newaygo, MI 49337, on Thursday, July 11th 2024, from 6pm-8pm. You are invited to share a memory of Gerald or sign the guest book online at www.fieldsmckinley.com  Mrs. Kathleen “Mickey” Ann Boss, aged 75, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, entered peacefully into rest at her home in Newaygo, MI on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Mickey was born on April 7, 1949, to William and Mary Jane (Coutts) Pendergast in the town of Fremont, MI to a wonderful family who cherished her dearly as one of 4 children. She was a lifelong resident of Newaygo. She graduated from Newaygo High School with the Class of 1967. On November 1, 1968, Mickey married Gerald Boss, her soulmate and love of her life, in Twin Lake, MI. Mickey took pride as a Rural Letter Carrier for the US Post Office for 31 years until her retirement. Mickey was a lifelong member of the Newaygo VFW Post 4249 Ladies Auxiliary. She was hard working and cared deeply for her family and friends. She treasured her dogs, who brought her comfort and amusement. She was known for her cooking and baking and delighted in taking individual requests. She gave so much joy to others on a daily basis as well as during special events such as birthdays and holidays. She relished the challenge of a good puzzle. Mickey loved animals and took so much pleasure in spending time outdoors in her little piece of paradise. Her garden, with raspberries, cucumbers and tomatoes, was a source of pride. Her special passion was her grandchildren and she made it a priority to attend their sporting practices and games. Mickey is survived by her husband, Gerald Boss, daughter, Chenoa Boss, step-daughter, Gail (Allan) Fowler, two grandsons, William (Jessica) Fowler, Clinton (Jessica) Fowler, five great grandchildren, Carson, Bennett, Liah, Raymond, Kirstie, sister, Maureen (Bob) Madrid-Wilson, sister, Patricia Baker, several nieces and nephews that were also special to her. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, William and Mary Jane (Coutts) Pendergast and her brother, James Pendergast. Note: Service Cancelled and Will Be Rescheduled The Celebration of Life for Mickey will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Newaygo VFW Post #4249, 9075 S. Mason Dr., Newaygo, Michigan 49337. The family of Mickey asks that her friends share memories and stories of her at the Celebration of Life. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Jane Pendergast Memorial Scholarship Fund through Newaygo High School, 200 East St., Newaygo, MI 49337, or the Newaygo County Animal Shelter, 78 N. Webster St., White Cloud, MI 49349. Please share your memories of Kathleen or sign the guest book online atwww.fieldsmckinley.com.  Lorena Winchel, 82, of Grayling passed away on Thursday April 25, 2024 at home with her loving family by her side. Lorena was born on May 7, 1941 in White Cloud, Michigan to Roy and Zora (Ruperd) Thumser. She grew up in the White Cloud area where she graduated from White Cloud High School. On May 13, 1961 in White Cloud, Lorena was married to Leonard G. "Doc" Winchel, and he preceded her in death in 1995. The couple moved from Mt. Pleasant to Houghton Lake in 1979, and Lorena moved to Grayling in 2002. She worked for many years as the Office Manager in her husband's Chiropractic Office in Houghton Lake. Lorena, later worked as a Library Assistant at the Devereaux Memorial Crawford County Library. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Lorena enjoyed crocheting, traveling, and bowling on many leagues over the years. Her special love was settling down with a good book. Surviving Mrs. Winchel are her daughter, Tammy (Richard) Richmond of Grayling; two sons, Troy Winchel of Grayling, and Tom (Trish) Winchel of Battle Creek; five grandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Gomez, Steven Eckstorm Jr., Jocey Winchel, Isabelle Richmond, and Christian Richmond; four great grandchildren, Mason Hertzberg, Riley Gomez, Gabriella Gomez, and Sawyer Gomez. Lorena was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Leonard G. "Doc" Winchel; and two brothers, Gerald Ruperd, and Robert Thumser. Funeral Services for Lorena Winchel will be conducted at 10:30 am on Saturday May 4, 2024 from Christler Funeral Home-Houghton Lake Chapel with Pastor Scott Distler officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Christler Funeral Home-Houghton Lake Chapel. Memorial contributions in memory of Lorena are asked to be directed to the Devereaux Memorial Crawford County Library or the Crawford County Animal Shelter. Christler Funeral Home-Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com  Ardis Dawn Anderson, age 75, passed away suddenly and peacefully on April 21, 2024. She was born on August 4, 1948, to Robert Charles and Vivian Gertrude (Brydges) Anderson in Fremont, Michigan. Dawn was a cherished sister, aunt, and friend, known for her uplifting and supportive nature. Dawn graduated from Grant High School in 1966, later earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Grand Valley State College (University) and a Master of Mathematics from Michigan State University before beginning her career in education. Following graduate school, Dawn moved to St. Charles, Illinois where she dedicated over 35 years to teaching high school math at St. Charles High School. Dawn was passionate about teaching others and supporting students, receiving numerous awards for her dedication, including the Edyth May Sliffe Award in 1995. She also served in many extra-curricular roles, including coaching Math Club and Chess Club, and scoring for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams. In St. Charles, Dawn was an active member of the St. Charles Congregational United Church of Christ. She loved theater and shopping, often going into Chicago to watch the latest show, some of them many times, or to peruse the aisles of Marshall Fields. Dawn traveled the world with her close friends, going everywhere from Australia, China, Europe, and many places between and she loved to share the stories of her adventures. After she retired in 2005, Dawn returned to her family apple orchard in Grant and continued to share her love of math by tutoring many students from Grant High School and the surrounding communities. Dawn’s love for math was only surpassed by her love for others. She deeply loved her family, friends, and community. Giving back to the community was important to Dawn and she was an active member of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Newaygo County Promise Zone, and the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ. Dawn leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law Ardith Lynne and David Robinson of Grant, Michigan; nephews and nieces Andrew and Sarah Robinson of Decatur, Georgia and Emily Robinson and Quincy Malone of Chicago, Illinois; great-niece and nephew Lydia and Alden Robinson; many cousins and innumerable friends across the country. Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Charles and Vivian Gertrude (Brydges) Anderson; her aunt, Leatrice Dawn Brydges; and her great-niece, Hope Robinson. Dawn’s legacy includes the beloved “Aunt Dawn’s Cookies,” a testament to her warmth and generosity. A memorial service to celebrate Dawn’s life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ, 432 Quarterline Street, Newaygo, Michigan 49337, with interment at Ashland Center Cemetery, Grant, Michigan. Visitation will occur at Fields McKinley Funeral Home, 45 E. Main Street, Grant, Michigan on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and before the service on Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. For those seeking to honor Dawn’s memory, please consider the Newaygo County Heritage Museum Endowment Fund and the Grant Public Schools Endowment Fund, through the Fremont Area Community Foundation.  Hope Vivian Robinson, age 15, passed away suddenly on March 17, 2024. She was born on December 7, 2008 to Andrew and Sarah (Holtz) Robinson in South Bend, Indiana. Hope was a loving and deeply loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend. Hope faced many struggles in life, but did so with an infectious laugh and smile that brought joy to those around her. Her laugh was one of a kind and no one could avoid smiling, even on their worst day, when Hope started laughing. Hope was a thrill seeker at heart, whether it be the bumps on the school bus or letting her younger siblings push her around, many times into a wall or over a big bump, it didn’t matter, Hope loved it. She loved the wind in her face and going for walks with her family. Hope loved music, especially when her dad would play the piano nearby. Hope lived most of her life in Grant, Michigan, as part of the sixth generation on her family’s apple orchard. She spent many of her school years at the NCRESA Education and Activity Center, where she loved to participate in all school activities, especially spending time with her friends and listening to music at dance parties. Hope loved every part of her school day, from her bus ride to spending time with other students and her teachers. Hope recently moved with her family to Decatur, Georgia, where she attended Decatur High School. She quickly made new friends and was enjoying spending time in orchestra class. In addition to Hope’s parents, she is survived by siblings Lydia and Alden; grandparents Steven Holtz of Naples, Florida and David and Lynne Robinson of Grant, Michigan; great-aunt Dawn Anderson of Newaygo, Michigan; aunts and uncles Emily Robinson and Quincy Malone, Corey Holtz, and Kim and Jeramy Nye; cousins Cody, Allie, Lily, and Wyatt Nye; and numerous other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Hope was preceded in death by her grandmother, Robin Holtz, and her great-grandparents. A memorial service to celebrate Hope’s life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ,432 Quarterline Street, Newaygo, Michigan 49337 with interment following at Ashland Center Cemetery, Grant, Michigan. Visitation will occur at the church before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. For those seeking to honor Hope’s memory, please consider the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana.  Helen Ann Stringer, age 74 of Newaygo MI passed away September 4th, 2022 after a long hard battle with cancer. Helen was born on January 27th, 1948 in Kings Mountain, Kentucky. Helen is survived by her sister Elsie Aline Ryan (Donny) 12 nieces and nephews, her son Michael (Tammy) 2 grandchildren & 2 Great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents and 2 siblings.  Ronald Wayne Sanders, 89, of White Cloud, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 8, 2022, following a short illness. He was born on February 4, 1933, to Frank and Lois (Woodard) Sanders in Lincoln Township, Newaygo County Michigan. Ron graduated from White Cloud High School in 1951 and upon graduation worked for Consumers Power painting high tension towers at Rives Junction, Michigan. Ron was drafted in late 1952 and served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. Upon returning from the service, he took on a variety of jobs starting as a milk carrier for Mast Dairy out of Fremont before joining the County Road Commission in 1957. There he worked with County Engineer Conrad Zimmerman surveying (a trade he learned in the service) in the non-winter months and driving snowplow during the winter. Along with working for the Road Commission Ron started his own excavation business in 1962 and continued with this venture when he and partner Pat Salisbury formed Salisbury and Sanders Surveys in 1966 for which they served as County Surveyors. Ever the entrepreneur, Ron sold his share of the survey business in 1970 and purchased a Sunoco bulk fuel delivery business. Starting with just a little over 200 patrons, Ron tripled this number to over 600 in 2 years selling this business to Bill Richards. It was at this time Ron formed Town and Country Real Estate, a company he owned and operated over 50 years. Coinciding with Ron’s time with the survey business and bulk fuel distributorship he continued his service to the County when he was appointed to serve on the County Board of Commissioners in 1968. He served on the Board until 1977 in a variety of positions including Chair of Finance, Vice-Chair of the Board and finally as Board Chair. It was during the time he served as Vice-Chair and Chair that he and the Board secured funding to build the current Administration Building. He resigned from the Board in 1978 when he took a position as a rural mail carrier with U.S Postal Service out of Bitely, Michigan where he eventually became Postmaster and subsequently retired in 1998. Ron also served on the Newaygo County Road Commission Board from 1993 retiring in 2004 as he rejoined the County Board of Commissioners by winning his election that year. He retired from County politics at the end of his term in 2006. His accumulated service to Newaygo County in a variety of capacities was over 34 years. Ron served on many local boards following his retirement in 2006 from County politics and was sought out by many seeking his sage advice. Ron loved the outdoors hunting and fishing all over the State of Michigan, Canada, and the Far West making many trips to Colorado. He was an avid golfer, archer, and bowler winning many archery and bowling tournaments. Ron had a keen interest in aviation and worked with several folks over many years to improve the White Cloud Airport where he served as assistant to the airport manager. He remained active in airport activities for well over 50 years and in that time was co-owner of a J3 Piper Cub. Of note Ron took on many large projects and was successful in navigating them to completion. One of those projects was moving the Frank Lloyd Wright designed home from Benton Lake in Spring of 1967. Using his excavating equipment, he cut the road right of way 8 miles with help from family and friends to its present location. Ron was proud of his family and enjoyed many family gatherings and activities involving each person. He especially enjoyed watching and attending anything to do with Michigan State athletics and the Detroit Tigers. Ron is survived by his wife Judith Sanders (Perry); sons Stewart Sanders (Cindy) of White Cloud, Michigan, Steven Sanders (Leslie) of Grandville, Michigan; daughter Rhonda Sanders of Troy, Ohio; stepdaughter Tracy Bonstell (Mike) of Hart Michigan; Granddaughters Ashley Sanders of Santa Monica, California, Victoria Sanders of Bordeaux, France, and RyAnn Flood (Justin) of St. Petersburg, Florida; Grandsons Gabriel Hersey-Sanders (Joy) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kayden Russell of Troy, Ohio, Dane Sanders of Grandville, Michigan, and Brett Bonstell of Hart, Michigan; Great Grandchildren Reese Flood, Ronan Flood, and Scarlett Hersey-Sanders. He was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Lois Sanders, sister Velna Kemperman, brother Ward Sanders, and former wife Helen Sanders (Lovell). Visitation will be held Saturday January 7, 2023, at the Livery Auditorium at the Shack Country Inn, 10am-11am with memorial service at 11am. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service in the dining room of the Shack. For a lasting memorial please consider a donation to the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County. Their website is www.newaygocountyhistory.org  Mr. Robert Leroy Ball of White Cloud, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away on Sunday Morning, October 2, 2022 at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont. He was born on August 1, 1940 in Saginaw, Michigan, and was one of the four children of Carl & Vera (Enos) Ball. He graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1959. Robert was in the Army and served during the Vietnam Era. He worked at Howmet in Whitehall, Michigan for 29 years, and retired in 1997. He married Wilma Lee Tinkham on December 4, 1965 and she preceded him in death on May 30, 2020. He is survived by his children: Carla Ball of White Cloud, Carl Ball of Fremont, David (Diane) Stockwell of White Cloud, and Donn (Shannon) Shafer of White Cloud; grandchildren: Heather (Fiance, Trevor Vandyke), Joshua (Amy) Stockwell, Shana (Matthew) Zeestraten, Jennifer (John) Borgman, Laura Shafer, Megan Russell, Joseph Shafer, Jared Hon, Trevor Hon, & Kiara Witte; and by 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Parker of Big Rapids. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Provenzano, by his parents, his brother, Arthur Ball, and Sister, Beverly (Jean) Ball. Robert enjoyed watching NASCAR races, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Sherman Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Everett Township Hall. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Newaygo County Compassion Home. You can sign the online guestbook at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.  Melvin E. Volz, age 95 of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of White Cloud, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at the Cape Hospice Home in Port Charlotte, Florida. Mel was born on April 16, 1926 in Sherman Township to William Karl and Petranella (Hoebeke) Volz and graduated from White Cloud High School in 1944. Mel joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation where he served during World War II and this be began his career in aviation. After his discharge from the United States Air Force, Mel began a career at United Airlines as a pilot and later served as Vice President at United Airlines until his retirement at the age of 60. Mel met and married Eleanor Ruth Decker on August 5, 1947 in White Cloud and Eleanor preceded him in death on April 3, 2002. Mel later married Linda Luchynsky. Melvin retired in White Cloud and later moved to Florida and was affiliated with the Christ Lutheran Church in White Cloud. Mel enjoyed fishing, golfing and playing cribbage.
Mel is survived by his wife, Linda of Punta Gorda, Florida; his son, Christopher (Pamela) Volz of Hanover Park, Illinois; grandchildren and great grandchildren, grandson - Daniel C. Volz and his son, great grandson – Christian; grandson - Michael Z. (Kelly) Volz and their children, great grandchildren - Ryan, Emily, and Gavin; step children, Darlene Luchynsky; Tammy (Jay) Oleson; Paul (Melissa) Luchynsky, Brian Luchynsky; several nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; his sons, Mark W. Volz and Jeffrey C. Volz in 1974; his granddaughter, Mandy Volz; his sisters and brother-in-law, Elinore “Pic” (Dale) Lesman; Leona “Pudge” Volz; brothers and sisters-in-law, William K. (Bernice) Volz Jr.; Richard M. “Dick” (Iva) Volz. VISITATION : Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 12-1pm at Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel 1109 Court Street White Cloud MI 49349. FUNERAL SERVICES : Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 1pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel. INTERMENT : Sherman Township Cemetery. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Volz family online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel. 231-689-1492. |
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