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
Mary Lou Fassett
September 2, 1934 – November 1, 2023 Wife of Rev. Ronald M. Fassett, Mary Lou (Loomis) Fassett, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, under hospice care at… Continue Reading Mary Lou Fassett
Robert L. Porter
January 16, 1936 – October 10, 2023 Pastor Robert Lewis Porter died on October 10, 2023. *Porter, Robert L – DECEASED [(HR) P 1969; F 1972; HL 1980; HR 2003]… Continue Reading Robert L. Porter
Haldon D. Ferris
October 28, 1939 – October 8, 2023 Rev. Dr. Haldon (Hal) D. Ferris of Elk Rapids, MI, claimed his resurrection victory at his beloved Birch Lake home on Sunday, October… Continue Reading Haldon D. Ferris
Duane G. Thon
February 21, 1937 – September 30, 2023 Pastor Duane Gary “Mr. T” Thon of Davison, age 86, died Saturday, September 30, 2023 at his residence. Duane was born in… Continue Reading Duane G. Thon
Jo Reece
September 20, 1946 – September 27, 2023 Reverend Jo Ellen Bentley Reece left this earth on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at the age of 77. She was born on Sept.… Continue Reading Jo Reece
Constance L. Nelson-Synwolt
April 4, 1927 – September 27, 2023 Wife of Rev. Wayne J. Synwolt, Constance Louise Nelson-Synwolt [Cadoret], known by family as “GG”, died peacefully at Bedford Falls Assisted Living facility… Continue Reading Constance L. Nelson-Synwolt
Martin A. McEntarfer
September 17, 1928 to September 21, 2023 Pastor Martin “Mac” Abraham McEntarfer, 95, born on Sept. 17, 1928, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on Sept. 21, 2023, at… Continue Reading Martin A. McEntarfer
Eric A. Stone
December 7, 1965 – September 8, 2023 Eric Alan Stone, 57, of Adrian, Michigan completed his earthly journey early Friday morning, September 8, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.… Continue Reading Eric A. Stone
Evelyn A. Norris
January 16, 1941 – September 7, 2023 Wife of Retired Elder Rev. Arthur V. Norris, Evelyn Annette Norris from Hemlock, Michigan, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Mid-Michigan Health… Continue Reading Evelyn A. Norris
Betty I. Christler
March 18, 1932 – August 28, 2023 Wife of Rev. Lloyd E. Christler, Betty I. Christler, age 91, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023 at Northern Pines Assisted Living-Grayling.… Continue Reading Betty I. Christler