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 1st and for whom we have received notice by March 13th. Anyone received after the March 1st 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
Walter David
November 16, 1926 – August 22, 2024 Rev. Walter David of Frankenmuth, MI went home to be with the Lord Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Covenant Medical Center Cooper; age… Continue Reading Walter David
Marlene A. Johns
January 20, 1933 – August 18, 2024 Wife of Rev. Richard E. Johns, Marlene Anne (Bassett) Johns, age 91 of Lakeland, FL, Lakeview, MI, formerly of Lansing, MI, passed away… Continue Reading Marlene A. Johns
Zola Webster
June 11, 1930 – August 10, 2024 The wife of Rev. Roy L. Webster (retried elder), Zola Webster, 94, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024. Born on June 11,… Continue Reading Zola Webster
Sharon J. Spencer White
April 22, 1934 – August 5, 2024 Wife of Rev. George E. Spencer, Sharon Spencer White, 90, of Grand Rapids, MI, entered Heaven on August 5, 2024. Sharon was born… Continue Reading Sharon J. Spencer White
Joseph F. Kolder
January 9, 1934 – July 21, 2024 Husband of Pastor Sandra K. Kolder, Joseph F. Kolder, went home to be with his Lord on July 21, 2024. Joe was the… Continue Reading Joseph F. Kolder
Phyllis L. Niswender
October 4, 1933 – July 1, 2024 Phyllis Lee Niswender, 90, of Winona Lake, Indiana, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Grace Village Nursing Home. Phyllis was the… Continue Reading Phyllis L. Niswender
Martin M. DeBow
December 10, 1957 – June 27, 2024 Rev. Martin (Marty) Marc DeBow, age 66, passed away from this life into the arms of Jesus at home surrounded by his loving… Continue Reading Martin M. DeBow
Michelle A. Gentile
March 25, 1954 – June 20, 2024 Rev. Michelle Annette Gentile, Retired Elder, died on June 20, 2024. Michelle was born on March 25, 1954, to Michael and Aleen Gentile. She… Continue Reading Michelle A. Gentile
William H. Doubblestein
June 15, 1943 – June 16, 2024 Reverend William H. Doubblestein, age 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, June 16, 2024. He was preceded in death… Continue Reading William H. Doubblestein
Eleanor A. “Nan” Griffith
February 13, 1941 – June 4, 2024 Wife of Rev. Dr. Richard O. Griffith (Michigan Conference Retired Elder), Eleanor Ann “Nan” Griffith, age 83, of Southfield, Michigan, passed away on… Continue Reading Eleanor A. “Nan” Griffith