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 and with permission from a family member. Recipients are local churches and anyone who has subscribed to the death notice/prayer request database. To subscribe, go to the Subscription page.
The annual conference memorial service honors those who we have lost up to March 31st and for whom we have received notice by April 5th. Anyone received after the March 31st deadline will be recognized the following year at Annual Conference.
Read MoreAnnouncements 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
Blaine B. Rader
November 3, 1938 – October 30, 2025 Dear Friends in Christ in the Michigan Conference, Earlier today, I received word that the Rev. Dr. Blaine Rader, clergy member of the… Continue Reading Blaine B. Rader
Jeanne L. McCaw
November 4, 1934 – October 28, 2025 Jeanne Louise McCaw died October 28, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a United Methodist pastor’s wife and was always involved in… Continue Reading Jeanne L. McCaw
Joanne Damon White
November 24, 1934 – October 27, 2025 Joanne Damon White, age 90, of Zionsville, Indiana passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. Joanne was the surviving spouse of Rev. Gary L. Damon.
James R. Hulett
October 27, 2025 Rev. James R. Hulett, age 90, of Grand Rapids, MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 27, 2025. Pastor Jim was… Continue Reading James R. Hulett
Dorraine S. Snogren
March 3, 1931 – October 17, 2025 Dorraine Smith Snogren, died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on March 3, 1931, in St. Louis, Michigan, to… Continue Reading Dorraine S. Snogren
Sharon S. Mosher
August 2, 1947 – October 14, 2025 Sharon “Sharry” Sue Mosher, 78, of Midland, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center. She was born August 2,… Continue Reading Sharon S. Mosher
Murelann Charter
October 3, 1936 – October 10, 2025 Murelann Belsey Charter, wife of Rev. John T. Charter, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 10, 2025, one week… Continue Reading Murelann Charter
Scott B. Smith
March 31, 1964 — October 9, 2025 Rev. Scott Brian Smith, age 61 years of Niles, Michigan; son, father, brother, bluegrass musician, chef, and current pastor of the Portage Prairie… Continue Reading Scott B. Smith
Louine Patton
October 7, 2025 Louine Patton died on October 7, 2025. He was the surviving spouse of of Rev. Clare R. Patton, retired associate member of the Michigan Conference.
Wayne A. Hawley
June 22, 1944 – October 2, 2005 Rev. Wayne Alton Hawley, 81, who served five United Methodist Churches in Michigan, passed away on October 2, 2025, from pulmonary fibrosis and… Continue Reading Wayne A. Hawley
