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"In the Heart of Michigan's Vacationland" 

Phone (989) 539-7496
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 OBITUARIES

March 2009 Obituaries (Page 3)

DAWN MARIE ROCKWELL

   Dawn Marie Rockwell, 48, passed away on March 10, 2009 of complications from surgery.
   Dawn was born on February 8, 1961 in Flint Michigan, and passed this life in Mission Viejo, California where she had resided since 1991. Dawn was the granddaughter of Jack and Mae Rockwell who resided on Budd Lake. Her favorite spot in the world was the family cabin on the Cedar.
   Left to cherish Dawn's memory are her devoted and loving parents John "Jack" M. Rockwell, Jr. and Nancy Y. Rockwell also of Mission Viejo; her brother, John M. Rockwell, III of South Bound Brook, N. J. and her sister, Laura E. Moss of South Charleston, West Virginia. Dawn is also survived by an aunt, two uncles, two cousins, two nieces and two great-nephews.
Dawn graduated from Fenton High School in Fenton, Michigan in 1979 and attended North Western Michigan College.
   Dawn had varied interests and passions. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the NHL Anaheim Ducks and was a season ticket holder for the past 10 years. Dawn also was a committed Michigan Wolverine fan. She also enjoyed collecting teddy bears and Whimsies.
   Dawn had a smile for anyone that crossed her path and was well liked by all that came in contact with her. She had very strong intuitive skills in recognizing kindness and genuineness in others. Her zeal for life was a contagious influence that will be missed by all.
   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CMTA. Contributions can be made via their web-site at www.cmtausa.org.  Or you can mail your donation to: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, 2700 Chestnut Street, Chester, PA 19013.
   Services for Dawn will be held at Good Shepherd Mortuary in South Charleston, West Virginia. Visitation was held Tuesday, March 17th from 7 to 9 pm. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 18th at 11 am. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Park.

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LEO THOMAS GIANNOLA

   Leo Thomas Giannola, 62, of Harrison, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 9, 2009 at Sparrow Health System, Lansing, Michigan. Leo was born October 22, 1946 in Wyandotte, Michigan, the son of William J. and Marjorie G. (Moltz) Giannola. Leo was united in marriage to the former Ruth E. Malenfant on December 17, 1966 in Riverview, Michigan. Leo had resided in Harrison since 1978, coming from Taylor, Michigan.
   Leo was very active with the Harrison Men's Pool League, playing on A.J.'s Riverside Team of Leota. Leo enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, gardening, making wine, mushroom picking and restoring his antique cars.
   Surviving is his loving wife, Ruth E. Giannola of Harrison, one son, Veto Giannola of Harrison, one daughter, Lori Giannola also of Harrison, one sister, Bernadette Morley and husband Larry of Harrison, one brother, Michael Giannola of Harrison and two grandchildren: Keegan Giannola and Portia Giannola. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Sandra Giannola and one brother, William A. Giannola.
   Celebration of Life Memorial services were held Friday, March 13, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with Pastor James Noggle officiating. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Giannola may be considered to: Giannola family, in care of: Ruth Giannola. To share an online memory of Leo, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements for Mr. Giannola were entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.

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ROBERT JAMES EDWARDS

   Robert James Edwards, 68, of Harrison, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2009 at his home. Mr. Edwards was born November 25, 1940 in Roseville, Michigan, the son of Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Grace (Kriskella) Edwards.
   Mr. Edwards is survived by his loving daughters: Gail Garnett and husband Christopher of Hillman, Michigan and Kellie Edwards of Prudenville, Michigan, one sister, Ruth Nemitz and husband Norman of Maple City, Michigan, his previous wife and still friend and companion, Pamela Lyn Edwards, plus several nieces and nephews. Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his parents.
   Memorial services for Mr. Edwards will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Hope Baptist Church, Harrison, with Pastor Eric Pittman officiating. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Edwards may be considered to: The Edwards Family. To share an online condolence with Robert's family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements for Mr. Edwards were entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.

PENNY LYNN HELLER

   Penny Lynn Heller, 46, of Harrison, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2009 at her home. Penny was born March 12, 1963 in Garden City, Michigan, the daughter of John and Wanema L. (Elkins) Wilsey. Penny had resided in Harrison for several years.
  Ms. Heller enjoyed bird watching, gardening, playing bingo, reading, crossword puzzles and nature walks.
   Surviving are four daughters: Jamie N. Anderson and husband Steven of Harrison, Alisha J. Taylor of Ionia, Michigan, Tiffany D. Whitbeck of Cartersville, Georgia and Chauntel L. Wallace of Harrison, one son, Timothy Wallace of Ionia, her companion, Raymond Randall of Harrison, her father, John Wilsey and wife Joyce of Brighton, Michigan, her mother, Wanerna Ward and Jeanie of Land O' Lakes, Florida, a half brother, John Enginch and wife Heather of Argentine, Michigan, two half sisters: Rachel D. Possley and husband Mike of Gregory, Michigan and Tammy Sear and husband Tom of Howell, Michigan, nine grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews. Ms. Heller was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Charlie and Juanita Elkins, one granddaughter, Toriann Nicole Anderson and her "dad" John Ward.
In following Ms. Heller's wishes, cremation has taken place. To share an online condolence with Penny's family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements for Penny were entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.

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LEWIS ROBERT DOWNS

   Lewis Robert Downs, 36, of Harrison, passed away Monday, March 9, 2009 at his home. Lewis was born March 29, 1972 in Dearborn, Michigan, the son of Arthur Marion Downs Jr. and Janet M. (Frahm) Downs.
   Mr. Downs had resided in Harrison since 1991, coming from Lincoln Park, Michigan. Lewis was employed at Mid Michigan Industries of Clare. Lewis enjoyed camping, shopping, watching movies, going for walks, eating and collecting trinkets.
   Surviving is his loving mother, Janet M. Downs and companion, Bob Nash, both of Harrison, paternal grandfather, Arthur M. Downs and wife Yvonne Downs of Barton City, Michigan, one brother, Arthur M. Downs III of Tazewell, Tennessee, three sisters: Jean Ann Shears and husband Chris of Coleman, Michigan, Frances May Jasinski of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and Kathleen Diane Rolin and husband James of Harrison, seven nieces, four nephews and one great-niece. Lewis was preceded in death by his father, Arthur M. Downs Jr. on October 3, 2006.
   Funeral services were held Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with Pastor Michael Schaedig officiating. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Downs may be considered to: Michigan Autism Society. To share an online condolence with Lewis's family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com  Arrangements for Mr. Downs were entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.

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KAREN SUE WITT

   In loving memory of Karen Sue Witt. 11/25/48 - 3/21/09
   Born: Owosso, Michigan moved to Milton, Florida, came home to Michigan 3 years ago.
She is survived by her daughters; Elizabeth (Lisa) Martin and Brenda Witt, grandchildren; Stella & Jerry Jones, Tommy Wilson, Jeffrey Wilson, Spencer Williams and Haley Williams, great grandson; Noah Jones, sisters; and brother-in-laws; Marsha & Bob Brown, Kathleen & Charles Smakal, Peggy Lantis & Bob Ochodnicky, Joy & Jr. Thayer, Susan & Ted Lash, many nieces, nephews and other family members, special friends; Rosemary Podsiadlik, Rick Berrian, Donnie Williams and Randy Martin.
   Karen was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
   She was preceded in death by; mother Ruth Ella Welton, father Emery Floyd Lewis, sister Diane Ochodnicky, and brother-in-law; Ron Lantis.
   Memorial service to be held at Harrison Eagles on April 5th at 3pm.

March 2009 Obituaries Page 1

March 2009 Obituaries Page 2

March 2009 Obituaries Page 4