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Category: Obituaries

How to share a loss with the Michigan Conference. 

Death notices will be sent on behalf of the Michigan Conference by the Communications Staff via e-blast for active and retired clergy, clergy spouses, clergy dependents and members to the annual conference when requested.  Recipients are local churches and anyone who has subscribed to the death notice/prayer request database. Anyone can join this database at http://eepurl.com/dcxvn5

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Announcements include:

  • Clergy, including part-time and full-time local pastors.
  • Retired clergy as defined above.
  • Spouses and surviving spouses of active and retired clergy.
  • Dependent children of clergy [this includes stepchildren] still living in the parsonage.
  • Diaconal ministers.
  • Lay members of the previous annual conference.
  • Laypersons of the conference support staff and ministry team, past or present.
  • Missionaries related to the conference.

When death of a person in one of the above categories is known: 

  • The person reporting the death should provide the information to the district office where the deceased resided or attended a local church if known or provide the information to the to the conference office
  • Information must include
    • the name of the individual
    • date of death
    • relationship to the conference/clergy member
    • history when available
    • visitation and funeral information
    • where condolences can be sent
    • photographs are appreciated
  • Death notices for extended relatives (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) will be sent out as a monthly summary by the Communications Office and may be posted immediately by any individual on the Michigan Conference Facebook group page
  • We encourage these types of announcements also be sent out by district email when deemed appropriate.  Please note, there is a formatted design for these announcements in the MailChimp system that can be adapted and utilized.
  • Death notices for any immediate or extended family of a staff member will be sent to the All Staff e-blast list and also included in the month summary e-blast sent to the death notice database. 

Have more questions?

Please contact Kristen Gillette

Doris E. Youngs

Doris Elaine Holden Norman Youngs passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at her home in Otsego, Michigan. Doris grew up on the Holden farm in Trowbridge Township, the daughter of Curtis William and Mildred Mae Holden. She attended Hicks School and graduated from Otsego High School in 1954. Around age 11, Doris accepted Jesus… Continue Reading Doris E. Youngs

Rev. Paul E. Patterson

Paul Ezra Patterson was born in Altoona, PA, on January 13, 1928. He was the son of Rev. Ezra and Anna Patterson. Paul was a retired United Methodist minister of the gospel and died on November 13, 2021.   Paul graduated from Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, in 1950, and from Garrett Biblical Institute at… Continue Reading Rev. Paul E. Patterson

Viola H. Hilliard 

Viola H. Hilliard, age 95, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 25, 2021. Vi was born to John J. and Hilma (Sahinoja) Polkky in Hancock, Michigan on April 12, 1926. She was one of four children. The family moved to Bruce Crossing, where Mr. Polkky managed the Settler’s Cooperative store for many years. Vi… Continue Reading Viola H. Hilliard 

Rev. Janet A. Lee 

Janet Arlene Lee, age 89, of Hillsdale, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Country Living in Hillsdale. She was born on December 8, 1931, in Detroit to Homer and Mary (Saettel) Leisenring. She married William Lee, of Hillsdale, on July 4, 1953, and he preceded her on March 23, 2017. Janet graduated from Hudson… Continue Reading Rev. Janet A. Lee 

Doris K. Kraushaar

Doris Kays Kraushaar passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021, at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, surrounded by her loving family.  Doris was a 53-year resident of Saline, Michigan and member of First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor where she sang in the Chancel Choir for 45 years.  She was preceded in death by her… Continue Reading Doris K. Kraushaar

Lonnie C. Pratt

Lonnie Collins Pratt, age 66 of Branch, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at her home. Lonnie was the spouse of retired local pastor Rev. David O. Pratt. Funeral arrangements are pending at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville.  Online condolences can be shared at https://www.wymanfuneralservice.com/

Rev. Gerald E. Mumford, Sr.

Gerald E. Mumford, Sr., retired Michigan Conference clergy, passed away Monday afternoon, September 27, 2021, in Venice, Florida surrounded by family.  Rev. Mumford served the following local churches: Otter Lake & West Forest UMCs, West Deerfield UMC, Holly: Mt. Bethel UMC and retired in 1993. He was also a WWII veteran, serving in Korea. Gerald… Continue Reading Rev. Gerald E. Mumford, Sr.

Mary W. Collins

Mary Willie Thompson Collins,77, a self-taught Minister of Music, Clergy Spouse of the late Rev. Marshall Collins and local business owner of Nature Gems answered the eternal call of her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 13, 2021, at MediLodge of Grand Traverse County. The daughter of Morris Thompson Sr. and Elizabeth (Ross) Thompson was… Continue Reading Mary W. Collins

Rev. John L. Moore

Pastor John Lewis Moore went to be with his Maker on Saturday Evening, September 4th, 2021, peacefully in his home at Morningstar at Ridgegate in Lone Tree, Colorado. He was born in Ava, Ohio, May 1st, 1925, and was the son of Robert and Nellie (Dudley) Moore. John was one of eight siblings including Ray,… Continue Reading Rev. John L. Moore

Judy Laidler

Judy Jackson Henry Laidler, 79, daughter of Burr and Moneita Jackson of Lake Odessa, peacefully departed on the evening of August 20, 2021 at Appledorn Living Center in Holland, MI. She was born on August 13, 1942. Judy was raised in Lake Odessa, MI with her older siblings, Burwayne and Janet. She often got into… Continue Reading Judy Laidler