Obituaries

 

Ivan Rhynard April 15, 1929 - May 29, 2025 Ivan Rhynard passed away on May 29, 2025 in Fountain Valley, California at the age of 96. Born on April 15, 1929 to Esther and Gerald Rhynard in a rural area near North Star, Michigan, Ivan led a life well lived, marked by dedication and service. Ivan's early life and education included studies at Michigan State University, where he laid the foundation for a lifetime of achievements.  His career was distinguished by his service in the Navy during the Korean War which exemplified his commitment to his country. He enjoyed camping with his girls, biking, bowling and playing tennis. Ivan lived a full life and will be remembered for his beloved presence in the lives of many.

Ruth Rhynard Born Ruth Alwina Martens on December 16, 1931 to Herman and Alwina Martens in Anaheim California. Died of cancer on December 16, 2024 in Fullerton California at the age of 93. Married to Loren Rhynard (1925-2019) for 65 years. Ruth loved children.  She taught kindergarten in both public & private schools her whole career, taking a break to raise her own children.  She brought her love of music into her classroom by playing piano and singing with the children.  She sang in the church choir and organized many musicals for kids, where they could sing, act and learn about God's love for them through Bible stories. She enjoyed flower arranging, especially when she could use flowers from the yard, and often gave them away. She liked birds and always had an eye out for them wherever she went, but especially in the back yard where she saw quite a variety. She had bird Christmas tree ornaments and nursed several sick or injured birds back to health, some of which stayed around as pets for a while! (Favorites were a crow and a duck.)   She loved to bring a homemade and decorated birthday cake to any family whenever she could and would always send cards, usually personalized using her talent for drawing. She painted several pictures and dabbled in writing. She wrote and illustrated books for her grandchildren.  At the age of 81, she learned to play the lever harp, taking it to rest homes and shut-ins to play it and/or piano for them.  No holiday meal was complete without homemade pies and cookies!

Marvin L. Rhynard, age 96, passed away April 20, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born March 14, 1928 in Ithaca, Michigan, son of Herbert and Alta (Lawrence) Rhynard.  He married Phyllis Dilts July 9, 1955 in St. Johns, Michigan.  She preceded him in death in 2020 after 64 years of marriage.  Marvin graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1946 and entered the U.S. Navy in 1951 where he served four years.  Marv worked as an adjuster for Auto Owners Insurance until moving to the State of Michigan where he was the Deputy Director of Workers Compensation until his retirement in 1993. Marv and Phyllis joined Gunnisonville United Methodist Church where Marv chaired several committees over the years and sang in the choir for 55 years.  Marv was a charter member of the Lansing Chapter of the Buick Club of America. For many years, he and Phyllis enjoyed traveling around the country in their classic Buicks. He sang with the local Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSA) and for many years sang lead in the quartet, High Fiber Octaves. He enjoyed monthly lunches with friends from the class of 1946 and has stayed in touch with lifelong friends Jack Sirrine and Dick Culver. He enjoyed the company of his golf buddies year-round and was still golfing at the age of 95. Marv was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Phyllis raised two daughters in DeWitt Township, always supporting Kathy and Sharon in every way possible. The girls have many great memories of their Dad pitching softball games for the neighborhood kids, walking on stilts, teaching cartwheels or joining in on a competitive game of badminton. They feel blessed to have spent so many quality hours with him, especially over the last few years. He loved his sons-in-law as if they were his own and enjoyed fishing and golfing with David and Jack. When it came to being Papa to his grandkids, his love, pride and generosity was unlimited. Michael, Emily, Jordan and Sarah could not have asked for a better role model in life. Marv had a great sense of humor and was very musically inclined. He was able to pick up almost any instrument and play it by ear. He was known as being generous, sharp as a tack and a true friend to many. Surviving are daughters Kathy (David) Hundt and Sharon (Jack) Terrill, grandchildren Michael (Krystal) Hundt, Sarah (Michael) Hundt Haagensen, Emily (Philippe) Terrill Ledent, and Jordan (Danielle) Terrill. Great-grandchildren Logan Hundt, Jaime and Julien Ledent and Bowie Terrill, along with many nieces and nephews and his loving cat, Blue. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, granddaughter Allison Hundt, sisters Thelma (Robert) Beck, Heidi Oehler, and Doris (Bernward) Thorsch A visitation for Marvin was held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes DeWitt Chapel, 205 E Washington St., DeWitt, MI 48820. A funeral service took place on Friday, April 26, 2024 with Pastor Matt Kreh officiating, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the funeral home. A private graveside service followed. Donations may be made to the Gunnisonville United Methodist Church Building Fund in memory of Marv Rhynard, GUMC, 2031 Clark Rd, Bath, MI 48808.

Phyllis Jean (Dilts) Rhynard July 23, 1933 - April 30, 2020 (age 86) Phyllis Jean Rhynard, age 86, of Lansing, MI passed away after a courageous battle with dementia on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing, surrounded by her family. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Gunnisonville Cemetery, DeWitt, MI with Pastor Matt Kreh officiating and a Public Memorial will be held at a later date. Phyllis was born in St. Johns, MI on July 23, 1933, the daughter of Clare and Ella (Blunt) Dilts.  She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1951. On July 9, 1955, Phyllis married Marvin Lawrence Rhynard at the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns.  They were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Phyllis was a devoted wife and a loving mom.  Most of all, her grandchildren were her greatest joy in life.  She made countless Halloween costumes for them, baked with them, attended all their sports and music activities, and was the best Gram any kid could have. Phyllis was a member of Gunnisonville United Methodist Church for over 56 years. During those years, she was always involved in many activities, Caring Hearts Sewing Circle, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school or wherever she was needed.  She enjoyed any opportunity to have lunch with "The '51 Lunch Bunch" classmates or retirees from Citizens Bank.  Phyllis and Marvin enjoyed traveling around the country in their classic cars as members of the National Buick Club of America and the Central Michigan Buick Club. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Marvin, and 2 daughters: Kathy (David) Hundt of DeWitt, and Sharon (Jack) Terrill of St. Johns.  She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Michael (Krystal) Hundt, Emily (Philippe) Ledent, Jordan (Danielle) Terrill, and Sarah Hundt; one great-grandson Logan Hundt; sister-in-law Jean Dilts and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Allison Kay Hundt, one brother Richard Dilts, one sister Alice (Robert) Cole, and sisters-in-law: Thelma (Robert) Beck, Hazel Oehler, and Doris (Bernward) Thorsch. Memorials may be made to Gunnisonville United Methodist Church - 2031 Clark Rd, Bath, MI 48808 or Hospice House of Mid-Michigan - 1210 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48915.   To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Phyllis' obituary at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.

Loren M Rhynard died at home on August 16th 2019 in Fullerton, CA, he was 94. Loren was born on January 16th, 1925 in rural Michigan to Gerald and Esther Rhynard.  He joined the Marines and was Honorably discharged in 1947.  He earned a degree in Psychology in 1950 from the University of Michigan.  He continued his education with a teaching credential from Michigan State University in 1952.  Loren met and married Ruth Martens in the mid fifties, and they were happily married for 65 years.  Loren taught in the Fullerton School District for several decades before retiring.  While teaching, Loren earned a Masters Degree in Education from Long Beach State. Loren has been a long time member of Placentia Presbyterian Church.  Loren served as an elder, helping with various projects around the church.  He was a devoted husband, and father to three children, Cheryl, Duane, and Robert.

Note from Gary Heath:   I'm Gary Heath, duane (Bum) Heath's son.  My son Derek passed away at home on 9/11/18.  He was 32 years old and was a life long cook, working at many different restaurants.  He graduated from Napoleon, Ohio High School, and was a big Red Wings and Lions fan, along with the Spartans, and Wolverines.  We rooted for all Michigan schools, since we lived in Ohio.   Sincerely, Gary Heath

Dorothy Jean Rhynard July 21, 1926 - March 26, 2018 Dorothy was born to Esther and Gerald Rhynard in the small town of Ithaca, Michigan.  She was welcomed by her older brother, Loren.  Later, the family moved to a rural area near North Star, Michigan, where her twin brothers, Alvin and Ivan were born in 1929. The next move was to Pompeii, Michigan.  It was here where another brother, Donald, was born.  Here Dorothy started her school career.  It was a one room school about a mile and a half from home. In 1936 the family moved to a rural area near Elsie, Michigan, where Dorothy started 4th grade at Corp School.  She still had to walk the mile and a half to a one room school.  Dorothy enjoyed living on the family owned farm. Dorothy's high school days were spent at Elsie High School where she graduated in 1944.  After graduation she worked at various jobs, including a short stay in Southern California in 1948.  Back in Michigan in 1949, she worked as a bookkeeper for a furniture exchange in Lansing, Michigan. Early in 1964 she returned to Southern California and held various jobs until she secured a position in the district office of the Newport-Mesa School District where she worked until retirement. In 1976 she became a proud home owner, buying a place in Santa Ana.  There she was able to enjoy her garden, and several pets.  Dorothy resided there until a stroke in 2013 made it imperative for her to have more care.  After recovering, she spent her final time at the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility in Yorba Linda, with family living nearby. She passed away quietly on Monday evening, March 26, 2018 in Yorba Linda.  Besides her siblings, she leaves 7 nieces and 5 nephews and many grand nieces and nephews.  She was laid to rest at the Santa Ana Cemetery in Santa Ana, California.

Dennis Wayne "Den" Cooper, age 85 passed away Thursday April 21st, 2016 at his home in Ithaca, MI with his family by his side.  Den was the son of Hollis and Louise (Rhynard) Cooper..  He is survived by his children Douglas Cooper, Deborah (Ted) Komperda, Daryl (Denise Reese) Cooper, K-j (Michael) Krum, Step-Daughter Pat Dixon.  His brother Dee (Bonnie) Cooper, His sister June Smith, and brother-in-law Richard Abbott as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Dennis and his family hosted the Rhynard Reunion for many years in the 1990s, always making them very special events!

Duane G. Heath (Bum), Saginaw, Mighigan, Passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Age 95 years. The son of the late Charles E. and Myrtle Z. (Rhynard) Heath was born December 10, 1918, in Northstar, Michigan.  He graduated from Ithaca High School, Class of 1938.  He served with the U.S. Army Infantry, 13th replacement depot in the Pacific during WWII.  He married Shirley Baker VerVoort, October 20, 1951.  She passed away September 13, 1964.  He was connected with the Heath Meat Company for many years, employed by Dunn Tile and Block supply for three years, and later, by Morley Brothers Industrial Division as a sales rep.  He was also employed as a greeter at W.L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel.  He was a member of the Eagles Club #497, a life member of the B.P.O.E. #47 and was Elk of the year in 1968-69.  He was also an active sponsor in association with the St. Vincent's Orphan bowling league and also acted as Santa Claus for the orphans.  He was a member and past President of the S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A., Inc. Chapter #6 (Barbershop Quartet), and a past member of the Saginaw Home Builders Association.  He was a life member of American Legion Post #439 was a member of the D.A.V. #117.  Bum was also an active sportsman and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, golf and bowling to name a few. Surviving are two sons, Michael C. Heath and his wife, Lorrie, Greensboro, GA, Gary W. Heath, Napoleon, Ohio, three grandchildren, Jason, Derek, and Erin, three great grandchildren, two nieces and four nephews.  He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Ashley Heath, sister, two brothers, Maxine Cheney, Howard and Cloyd (Dan) Heath. Military committal service was Monday, June 30, 2014, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the auspices of American Legion Post #439.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the charity of their choice.

Information has been received of the passing of Clare Rhynard on Nov. 6, 2004 in Arizona. It is also reported his sister, Mable of St., Louis died previously. More information as it becomes available.

Rhynard, Victor Haslett, MI Age 94, died May 31, 2004. Born August 22, 1909 in Edmore, Michigan the son of Nancy and Ervin Rhynard. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Merna and brothers, Lyle and Wayne. He is survived by his wife, Anna M.; sister, Mabel Crawford; brother, Clare Rhynard; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was owner and manager of Rhynard Truck Sales for 50 years. He retired October 19, 1993. He was President of Michigan GMC Truck Dealers Association. The Funeral Liturgy will be held Thursday, June 3, 10 AM at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel Wednesday from 6-8 PM. (Obituary from the Lansing State Journal)

Wanda Graham passed away on January 30, 2004.  Wanda is the daughter of John and Elvah (Rhynard) Gott.

Kenneth Earl Rhynard, 76, of Manistique, died Friday, April 4th, 2003, at Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique. He was born January 12, 1927, in Flint, Mich., the son of the late Earl and Ethel (Lewis) Rhynard and was a graduate of Alma High School.  He attended Alma College and later received a football scholarship from and was a graduate of Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, in the Asiatic Pacific area and served in the U.S. Navy again during the Korean War. On September 29, 1956, he married the former Mary Ann Walters in Manistique.  They lived in the Lower Michigan area for several years and returned to Manistique in 1981 following his retirement. He served in the Michigan State Police for 31 years, seeing duty in Ypsilanti, Manistique, Munising and Bay City Posts.  He retired in 1981 as a sergeant after working as a civil defense coordinator for the State Police in Bay City.   He was a life member of the Alma Masonic Lodge, a member of the Lakeside Lodge 371 of Manistique, and was a past president of the Exchange Club in Auburn, Michigan.  He enjoyed scuba diving, operating ham radios, fishing, hunting and reading. Survivors include: his wife, Mary Ann Rhynard of Manistique, two sons, Mark (Cindy) Rhynard of Auburn, Michigan, and Kurt (Michele) Rhynard of New Berlin, Wisconsin; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, one sister, Geraldine Currie, preceded him in death. Friends may call from call from 4-6 p.m., Monday April 14, at the Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique.  A veteran's memorial service will be held at 5 p.m.  Services celebrating the life of Ken will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Celebrant Carole Cooper officiating.  Burial will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Manistique.

In Loving Memory of Leslie Rhynard  Leslie was born in Middleton, MI on March 7, 1924, the only child of Frank and Beatrice (Counsellor) Rhynard.  He graduated from Ashley High School in 1941.  He entered the United States Marine Corp in December of 1942.  Les served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  He retired in 1971 after 28 years of military service, having attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.  Les moved to Phoenix, AZ with his family, where he lived the remainder of his life.  After a long illness he passed away on August 1, 2002.  He was a dedicated member of Galilee Baptist Church beginning in 1974. He was an avid bowler.  In his final years, he participated in three bowling leagues: Galilee Baptist Church, Retired Bowlers, and Non-Smokers.  He was a founding member of the Western Rhynard Reunion held annually in California. Les was devoted to his family and was very active in their lives.  He will be dearly missed by: Gracie, the mother of his children; daughter Barbara, her husband Dave, and their children, David and Rebecca;  daughter Sherri, her husband Karl, and their daughters, Meghan and Korey;  daughter Wanda,  her husband Johnnie, and their sons, Shelby and Chase:  son Leslie, his wife Beckey, and their children, Jayde, Wilson, Mason, and Easton;  and sons, Adam and Paul.       Les greatly enjoyed his ten grandchildren.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ashley Heath.  Ashley, Gary Heath's daughter, was killed in an automobile accident on Saturday, June 1, 2002 in Napoleon, Ohio.  Ashley was to have graduated from high school in June and was looking forward to starting college at Bowling Green University this coming fall.  Our heartfelt condolences to the Heath family.  Gary is the son of Duane "Bum" Heath, who is the son of Myrtie (Rhynard) Heath, who is the daughter of Jasper and Melvina Rhynard.

Nona Maxine (Heath) Cheney, 79, of Ithaca, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at Schnepp Health Care Center in St. Louis.  She was born March 22, 1922, in Ithaca, the daughter of Charles E. and Zyllie Myrtie (Rhynard) Heath.  On May 27, 1961 she married Carl Cheney, in Ithaca. She is survived by her husband, Carl Cheney of Ithaca; son, Mike Armstrong of Oakton, VA.; daughter, Sydney (Teryl) Studer of Millington; grandchildren, Matt (Ruth Anne) Studer of Columbus, Ohio, Marc (Priscilla) Studer of Fitchburg, Mass., and Meredith Studer of Millington; great-granddaughter, Riana Studer of Columbus, Ohio; sister-in-law, Marjorie Heath of Saginaw; and brother, Duane "Bum" Heath of Saginaw. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Howard Heath and Cloyd "Dan" Heath.  Funeral services were Friday, May 18, at the Dodge Funeral Home in Middleton, with Pastor George Showers of the New Haven Church of God officiating.  Interment was in the New Haven Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the New Haven Church of God Building Fund.