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Obituaries

These obituaries are listed in order from newest to oldest.  If you want to look for a specific obituary, just type the last name in the search bar (at the top of this article).  You can click here to sign up to receive obituaries by e-mail.

Robert Eldon Craig, Jr.

of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, formerly of Tawas City, age 69, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015. He was born November 13, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Robert E. & Zelma (Howell) Craig. Robert was a Viet Nam veteran who earned a Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  He was a helicopter pilot, both during the war and in civilian life.  Robert owned and operated the Bayview Resort in Tawas City from June 1992 to June 2011. He retired and moved to Canada to reside with his wife.

Jean Betty (Caesar) Carraher

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 90, died Monday, December 14, 2015 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born February 6, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Elmer & Myrtle (Loger) Caesar.  Jean loved working with special education students at Garden City Public Schools.  She sang with the Sweet Adelines, and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Herbert “Herb” H. Harper

of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor, age 96, died peacefully at his home, at Chelsea Retirement Community, on  Monday, December 7, 2015.  He was born February 14, 1919 in Ann Arbor, the son of Elliott & Amelia (Clark) Harper.   Herb served in the Army Air Corp during WWII.  He founded Harper Electric in 1955, and worked there until his retirement in 1981.  He was an active member of IBEW Local 252. After his retirement he and Laura bought a motorhome and traveled 3-4 months each winter for close to 30 years.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor, serving on the building committee and as a trustee.

Barbara Jean Gentz

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Howard City, Michigan, age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born August 13, 1931 in Howard City, Michigan, the daughter of Reynold & Ella (Gilson) Gondre.  Barb had lived in Silver Maples for two years, coming from Howard City.  She graduated from Howard City Community High School in 1949, and she still had strong connections to her graduating class.  When Barbara was raising her children she attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pendleton, NY.  She was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church in Pierson MI, and most recently attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea.

Ardith L. “Rusty” Smits

Age 100, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at her grand-daughter's home in Chelsea. She was born May 16, 1915 in Willoughby, Ohio, the daughter of Luther Baker & Ruby Juliette (Burr) Rust. Rusty was a Registered Nurse, and worked many years at Dr. Sydney Chapin's medical practice in Dearborn. She moved to Chelsea in 1969 to enjoy her grandchildren and then retired to Florida.  She lived in New Port Richey, FL until 2013, when she returned to Michigan to live with her granddaughter.