Archive - Feb 8, 2008

J. Gilbert Purse, 68, of Tecumseh, died February 1, 2008, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, after a brief battle with cancer.  Gil was born December 15, 1939, in Ferndale, MI, the son of A. Gilbert and Marguerite (Richards) Purse.

He attended Olivet College and was a graduate of Wayne State University, Mortuary Science Class of 1960. He was the owner of Peninsular Casket Company, Dearborn, MI until 1971, when he purchased Dunn Funeral Home in Tecumseh, MI  and renamed it J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home shortly thereafter. Gil also began a second location of J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, MI in 1989, and together with his sons operated both funeral homes. Gil was a former member of the Tecumseh Club, Tecumseh Country Club, Tecumseh Rotary Club, and   Tecumseh Masonic  Lodge #69 F. & A.M.

Surviving are his wife Judy, two sons; Barry Gilbert, and Gary Gilbert; the mother of his children, Marilee; two sisters, Virginia Morrish, and Marilyn (Cliff) Dean, and his beloved Black Lab, "Shelby". He was preceded in death by his father, A. Gilbert in 1988, mother Marguerite in 2000, and brother-in-law, Dr. James Morrish in 2000.

According to Gil's wishes, private burial will take place in Bradenton, FL, where he loved to fish. Memorial services will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Lloyd Jewett officiating.  
A reception with food and refreshment in honor of Gil will follow the service at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Condolences may be offered at: www.pursefuneralhome.com

Louie P. Torres, 44, of Adrian,  went to be with his Lord and Savior February 3, 2008.    Louie was born November 16, 1963 in Carson City, Michigan, the son of the late Pedro Torres and Gloria Torres Diaz.  

He was a 1981 graduate of Adrian High School and served his country in the U. S. Marines.  He visited the Jesus is Lord Ministry Church,  became a Christian and was loved by everyone.

Louie is survived by his parents, Pedro Sr. and Gloria Diaz; sons, Johnny Torres of Roundrock, Texas, Arturo (Coon) Torres, Nick Fredericks, Julian Torres all of Adrian; daughter Simone Burciaga of Ypsilanti; brothers Jeff Diaz, Sr.and  Pedro Diaz, Jr,;  sister Teresa Diaz, all of Adrian and half sister, Priscilla Mota of Detroit;
Besides his father Pedro Torres, Louie is preceded in death by a sister, Melva Torres and his grandparents Pedro and Andrea Torres.  

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.  Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian.   

In lieu of flowers donations may b made to the family.  Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com.

Victor M. Ortiz, 83, of Adrian died Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at 12:41 p.m.  He was born February 20, 1924, in Lajas, Puerto Rico, to Manuel and Quintina (Torres) Ortiz.
Victor married Pauline Jones on February 19, 1955 in Angola, Indiana and she preceded him in death on June 19, 2003.  Victor worked for Tecumseh Products Company and he retired in 1986.

Victor was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Adrian.
He is survived by his son, Paul Torres of Adrian; his daughter Vickie (Jimmy) Ibarra of Tecumseh, MI, his sisters; Christina of Bronx, NY, Dora and Magarita both of Puerto Rico, Nora of Bronx, NY; two grandchildren, Paula and James of Adrian, MI, three great grandchildren, Santana, Asia and Diego of Adrian, MI.  In addition to his wife, Pauline, he was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Manuel, Ralph, Cody and Carlos; and two sisters, Freddie Winda and Aurelia.

The Funeral Liturgy for Victor was held on Friday, February 1, 2008, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Adrian with Father Bob Schramm presiding.  Burial was in Lenawee Hills Memorial Gardens, Tecumseh, MI.  A Prayer Service was held on Thursday evening the Anderson Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.

James “Melvin” Henry, Sr., 75, of Tecumseh, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at Toledo Hospital, as the result of an automobile accident on January 17, 2008.  He was born August 29, 1932, in Holloway, Michigan to George and Anna (Schlatter) Henry, Sr.  On April 15, 1950, he married Caroline Staulter in Adrian and she survives.

In addition to his wife, Caroline, he is survived by a son, James Henry Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, of Britton; three daughters,  Kathy Henry and her husband, Wendell Williams of Onsted, Connie Skelton and her husband, Sam, of Onsted, and Mary Leutheuser and her husband, Mark, of Saline; a sister, Anna Vallie and her husband, Richard, of Britton; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, George Henry.

Arrangements were directed by the Anderson Funeral Home, Tecumseh. Read this obituary and send condolences to the family at  ww.andersonfuneralhomeadriantecumseh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Humane Society.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home, Tecumseh.

Ruth Maynard Oswalt passed away Dec. 23, 2007 in Sun City, Calif.  Ruth was born July 31, 1915, in Tecumseh, to Leon and Florence Maynard.  

She graduated from Tecumseh High School and married Ralph Oswalt.  
She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Janet; two sisters; and one brother.  

Ruth is survived by a grandson; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Ivan Buck Maynard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Clinton Baptist Church on Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.

Robert R. “Bob” Holmes, 66, of Adrian, died Saturday, February 2, 2008, at home, surrounded by his wife and family.  He was born February 23, 1941, in Gasport, New York to Henry and Marian (Eisenhauer) Holmes. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1974  serving in both Korea and Vietnam.   He married Patricia Holland on January 19, 2002 and she survives.  

Bob had been employed by Hillsdale Tool as a machinist. He was a member of the Church of Christ and the Viet Nam Veterans of America, Jackson Chapter.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time in Oscoda.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by two step-sons, David Raper and his wife, Susan, of Adrian and Christopher Raper and his wife, Kimberly, of Negaunee, Michigan; a cousin, Raymond Eisenhauer and his wife, Pauline, of DePew, New York; five grandchildren, Jaimee, Zachary, Emily, Camryn, and Dane Raper; and his dog, Fawn, who was like part of the family.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

At Bob’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no public visitation or services.  A private family service will be held at the Adrian Church of Christ.  
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Adrian Church of Christ.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson Funeral Home.