Carol A. Ford, 84, of Paris, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023, at her daughter’s residence in Garfield Township in Newaygo.

She was born July 6, 1938, in Chicago, IL, the youngest daughter of two to Clifford and Rose (Fehrenkamp) Olson. When Carol was in the eighth grade her family moved from Chicago to Phoenix, AZ. Her parents owned and operated a restaurant in Phoenix and instead of attending school she helped her parents in the restaurant.   

It was on her 16^th birthday when her parents took her to the Riverside dance hall in Phoenix where Carol met her husband to be, Richard “Dick” Ford, who was in the US Air Force. They had 65 years of a wonderful marriage after marrying on May 26, 1956, in Reed City. After Dick’s passing at the end of 2021, she moved in with her daughter as she had advanced dementia and couldn’t care for herself.

Carol was a great cook in her day. Dick, Tom, and Peggy were blessed with her delicious meals. She loved animals and had all of the following in her lifetime; horses, cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats, ducks, guinea hens, guinea pigs, parakeets, and tropical fish, Carol had a green thumb and had house plants as well as her outdoor flower gardens. She loved arts and crafts, and was very good at it, loved dolls, and children. When her children were young, she was a 4-H Leader. After the children were raised, she did a lot of babysitting, and was a Sunday school teacher. Most of all Carol loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Peggy (Wayne) Deuling of Newaygo, and Thomas (Anastasia) Ford of Jal, NM; grandchildren Corey (Mallory) Ford of Bitley, Dallas Ford of Ypsilant, Amanda (Andrew) Parker of Muskegon, and Samuel Deuling of Newaygo; great grandson Colton Ford; and great granddaughter Margaret Parker. Carol was also preceded in death by her infant son Steven in 1959, her parents, her sister Joan (Olson) Forgue, and sister-in-law Carol Ann (Ford) Fralick

Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Please come and share your memory of Carol.  Carol’s family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. She will be laid to rest next to Dick in the Woodland Cemetery in Reed City. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Wendy Ann Montague, 67, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, February 13, 2023, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.

She was born November 9, 1955, in Pontiac, the daughter of John and Emily (Neyrinck) Perko and graduated from Pontiac High School.  Wendy studied at Michigan State University for Master Gardening, and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in C.A.D. 

In 1983, she married David A. Montague, and they made their home near Bergess Lake.  For many years, Wendy worked In Computer Design at Federal Screw Works in Big Rapids.  She enjoyed spending summers boating and tanning on Torch Lake, and winters were spent snowmobiling.  Wendy was also a member of the Big Rapids Eagles Aerie #2535.

Wendy is survived by her husband David; her daughter Shilo Hawkins of Big Rapids; three grandchildren, Adam, Austin, and Emily; brother Ken (Jeanetta) Perko; sister Alida Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Wendy’s Life will be held this summer. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) of Mecosta County.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Cynthia Marie Baugh, 65, of Rodney, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

She was born on March 21, 1957, in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of Fred and Esther (Barber) Ball. Cynthia graduated from Arthur Hill High School and later earned her nursing degree from West Shore Community College.

Cynthia was the RN Manager at Altercare of Big Rapids, and more recently at Mission Point (Metron) of Big Rapids where the care of the residents was her number one priority. She was the ultimate caregiver, the go to person, especially for family, but also any and everyone that she could help.

Cynthia was a nature lover, whether it be going on adventures through the woods, camping, fishing, or just taking a walk. She also had a love for animals. Cynthia was a member of the Big Rapids Eagles #2535.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 16 years, Jeff Baugh; her sons, Gary Marr, Chris, Ryan, and Jordan Baugh;  grandchildren, Caleb, Courtney and Ben Hudson, Tyler and Ahley Marr, and Temperance and Octavia Baugh; nephew Aiden Baugh; niece Katie Baugh; and additional family members, Miller and Jane Baugh. Harold and Amanda Hudson, Jenna and Keith Jeffrey and family, Amanda and Zach Hyder, Alan and Holly Baugh, and Lorrie and Scott Roke. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Nicole Hudson, and grandson Zachary Hudson.

Private family services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with final expenses. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Lorene “Lori” Frances Ireland, 68, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

She was born on March 2, 1954, in Akron, OH, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Frank and Dorothy (Oaks) Ireland and moved to Big Rapids as a child when her father accepted a teaching position at Ferris State University. Lorene graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1972. She earned her BA from Central Michigan University.

A Professional Artist for over 40 years, Lorene was renowned worldwide for her beautiful and awe-inspiring works. Lorene loved traveling for art shows and her artwork is showcased around the world. She established a successful art gallery in Nantucket Island where she spent the later part of her life. She received multiple recognition's for her incredible art pieces throughout her life, with the most notable award from the World of Wearable Art in New Zealand.

Lorene was a beloved and cherished Mother and Grandmother. She is survived by her children Natalie Buonsante, Lindsey Ireland, and Stephen McCracken; and her five grandchildren Logan, Aria, Sienna, Elliana, and Audrey.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 10, 2023, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Radhajyoti Kaminiski celebrating Lorene’s life. Spring burial will take place in the Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Lorene’s family will greet friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Big Rapids. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.