Merkle Funeral Service Life Stories

November 7, 1962 – July 28, 2010

Kathleen G. Kwaiser was born in Saginaw on November 7, 1962 the daughter of Eugene and Ethel (Allman) Kwaiser. She graduated from Bridgport High in 1981.

Some seventeen years ago, Kathleen met, what would turn out to be the love of her life, Mark Carter. Katheen and Mark developed a remarkable relationship. They were the best of friends and enjoyed spending every moment of their day together. There relationship was so strong that they built their dream home, a project that took two years to complete, together along the shores of Lake Erie. On November 8, 2004 in the home that they built and shared, they exchanged nuptials. During the wedding two shooting stars flew over the Lake. A full lunar eclipse happened during the reception. Stephanie was the best person – “Our Stephie girl”.

Kathleen’s personality drew others to her. She loved life and lived it. Kathleen was a musical encyclopedia. She had an innate ability, knowing every band, every artist, and every song – she was great to have at parties since she knew the answers to the trivia questions. Kathleen had a passion for Christmas, and with that passion, came the love of Frankenmuth and everything about it. She loved children and wildlife. Kathy was co-founder of Team Chimp.

Kathleen had a love for her family and friends, and she cherished the time spent with each of them. She also liked gardening. But her favorite hobby was definitely Mark, although she also loved to laugh with Stephanie.

Kathleen Grace Carter age 47 of Estral Beach passed away in her husband’s arms at 1:55am, Wednesday, July 28 at home. Her passing was preceded by father-in-law: Fred Carter.

She leaves to cherish her memory a beloved husband: Mark of Estral Beach; daughter: Stephanie Carter of Raleigh, North Carolina; mother: Ethel of Saginaw; father: Eugene of Mesa, Arizona; two sisters: Gena (John) Harken of Frankenmuth and Pat (Kurt) Louvier of Mesa; brother: Michael (Sally) Kwaiser of Valparaiso, Indiana; mother-in-law: Miriam Carter of Orion Township; four nephews: Bayard Harken, Michael, Matthew, and Christopher Chafee; and three nieces: Morgan and Abby Louvier, and Samantha Kwaiser.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until a Celebration of Her Life at 3:30pm on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

December 20, 1943 – July 26, 2010

Carol Ann Gregoire was born in Detroit on December 20, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Orville Raspbury and Dorothy (Snyder) Raspbury. She attended school at Our Lady of Lourdes in River Rouge and graduated in 1961.

Carol married her true love, Dennis Gregoire, on October 4, 1968 also at Our Lady of Lourdes. She would become a homemaker and tirelessly raise the couple’s three daughters. Carol led by example reciting her Rosary very regularly and she was active in church being a former member of the Altar Society. She had been a member of St. Patrick Parish for thirty-one years.

Carol loved being a caring wife and mother later in life she cherished being a grandmother. Some of her favorite pastimes were sewing and baking, She was a lifelong member of Weight Watchers and enjoyed working out regularly at Curves of Carleton. Carol was passionate about her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking them on day trips; visiting the beach, Apple Charlie’s, or Crosswinds Marsh to name just a few. She also enjoyed frequenting all the grandchildren’s sporting events and just playing in the yard.

Carol Ann Gregoire, age 66 of Newport, passed away at 4:00am, Monday, July 26, 2010 at home. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her father.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband of 42 years: Dennis of Newport; three daughters: Wendy Martin of Ida and son-in-law Maury Martin of Carleton, Leah. (Michael) Prucka of Ann Arbor, and Erin (Aaron) Shrewsbury of Carleton; her mother: Dorothy Raspbury of Riverview; three sisters: Nancy (Martin) Wright of Rockwood, Lisa Raspbury of Northville, and Janet (David) Jantosik of Kennewick, Washington; two brothers: Ronald (Sharon) Raspbury of Gibraltar and Gary (Sandy) LaFrambois of Rockwood; seven grandchildren: Noah, Mya, and Laila Martin, Adam Prucka, and Caleb, Renee, and Joelle Shrewsbury.

The family will receive friends at St. Patrick’s Church from 8:30am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 9:30am, Friday, July 30, 2010. Father Robert Bauer, pastor of the church officiating. A walking procession will follow to the church cemetery for burial.

Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 is entrusted with her arrangements.
For those who desire memorials may be made to the St. Patrick School Tuition Assistance Fund.

December 23, 1946 – July 25, 2010

Paula Rae Inglehart was born in Adrian, Michigan on December 23, 1946. She was one of three children born from the union of the late Paul Inglehart and the late Lutrelle (Bradish) Inglehart. She graduated from Madison High School.

Paula married the love of her life Richard Marrs on June 27, 1969 in Monroe. Paula served her family as a homemaker for many years. She completed her studies and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Siena Heights. As a young woman she enjoyed ceramics and photography. She loved to spend time with her children, then her grandchildren, and now her great grandson: Ethan.

Several years ago, Paula was called to a new life work. She became Pastor Paula for the Rapha Ministries International, and served at Lambertville Christian Fellowship before coming to the Rapha Christian Center.

Pastor Paula has been a “mother” to many spiritual children in the Body of Christ. She manifested the heart and ministry of the Chief Shepherd, Christ Jesus by lovingly caring for His sheep. She brought the hurting and lonely into her home and ministered life and love to them. Like the woman in Acts 9 named Dorcas, “she was abounding in good deeds and acts of charity.” When Dorcas died, the people cried and remembered all the things she had done for them. Paula’s family and friends remember all the things she has done for them.

Paula was a woman of integrity, a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was hospitable, loving, a friend to believers, a lover of goodness, sensible, and holding fast to the sure and trustworthy Word of God. She was able to give good counsel and was a teacher of what was right and noble. She was a pattern and a model of good deeds and works.

Paula “fought the good fight, finished the race, and firmly kept the faith.” The victor’s crown of righteousness is waiting for her which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her at the Judgment Seat of Christ because she loved Him and welcomed His presence and power in her life.

Paula age 63 of Monroe passed away Sunday morning, July 25, 2010 at home. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a son Richard Marrs, Jr. and a sister: Luanne Inglehart at birth.

To cherish her memory she leaves a husband: Richard; a son: Stephen (Michelle) Marrs of Ann Arbor; a daughter: Alicia Marrs of Monroe; brother: Kevin (Peggy) Inglehart of Kansas; sister: Lynne (Ben) Sottile of Carleton; five grandchildren: Ashleigh (Dave) Riggs, Brittany Essary, Maddalyn, Sophia, and Michael Marrs; and one great grandchild: Ethan Riggs.

Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 8:00pm; Thursday, July 29, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A service of celebration in her honor will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Rapha Christian Ministries, 11166 South Dixie Highway, Erie.

In lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to Rapha Ministries International or to Mercy Memorial Hospice.

July 1, 1947 – July 20, 2010

Allen D. Merkle. age 63, still handsome after a nine month arduous fight with cancer, he courageously left this world and went on to the next, the evening of July 20, 2010. An artificer, he died peacefully in his home, surrounded by the beauty in which he designed and created. An army veteran, he honored his country and respected those who fought for it. At the age of fourteen, he learned welding and excelled at it, to later work at various companies, mastering the trade. He started building decks on the side and went into business for himself. From there he learned the sky was the limit and opened the door to a vast range of carpentry talents that he possessed. He had an uncanny vision in design for homes and had the shear brilliance to execute it. He had an amazing sense of humor and brought smiles to many, many faces. He loved to have a good time, to sing, dance, laugh and playing the guitar. He loved to take people to dinner and took pleasure in a great meal and service. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do or figure out. He was an unselfish person and did whatever he could to take care of the people he loved.

An invigorating person with strong aptitude, he will be deeply and eternally missed by those who knew and loved him; His Best Friend and Love, Janice Merkle, sister: Karen (Merkle) Waske, daughters: Erin Merkle and Kara (Ferguson) Solanick, sons: Scott Merkle and Gary Ferguson Jr., and four beautiful grandchildren in which he deeply loved and adored, Kailey and Hannah Solanick, Joelle Franko and Sarah Merkle; his extended family, Dave Solanick, Joe Franko and Dawn Merkle; his beloved pets, Lucy and Pepper, who will be absolutely lost without him. It was his wishes to not have a service, but to only remember him and know that he was very thankful for all the Staff at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital, Veterans Hospital in Detroit, Hospice of Michigan, Merkle Funeral Service, his friends that thought of him, his family that were there for him and that gave undying care and endless love. He appreciated everyone that was involved in the hardest time of his life. Cremation has taken place and he will rest in the home he loved and shared with his best friend and love of a lifetime.

March 8, 1963 – July 23, 2010

Billie Jean Cosby II was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 8, 1963. He was the son of Billie Jean Cosby I and Janet Eileen (Engle) Cosby.

He married the former Charlene Fordyce in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 18, 1993.

In September of 2007 the family moved to Dayton, Tennessee and Billie took employment with the La-Z-Boy Company. He worked as laborer manufacturing furniture. He had attended the Walnut Grove Church in Dayton. Billie loved to help other by working on cars – and he usually got the best of them. He enjoyed traveling, and loved to fish and camp. His favorite pastime of all, however, was spending quality time with his family, children, and grandchildren.

Billie Cosby II age 47 of Dayton, Tennessee passed away Friday morning, July 23, 2010 at the Bixby Medical Center in Adrian. His passing was preceded by his grandparents, a brother-in-law: Ronald Anderson in October of 2007 and his father-in-law: James H. Fordyce in September of 1997.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife: Charlene of Dayton, Tennessee; his parents: Billie Cosby I of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Janet Cosby of Petersburg; a mother-in-law: Loretta Fordyce of Battle Creek, Michigan; ten children: Billie J. Cosby III of Monroe, Connie L. Cosby of Monroe, Adam J. Cosby of Monroe, Jessica Cosby of Toledo, Crystal Goudy of Terre Haute, Indiana, Jamie Goudy of Terre Haute, Tommie Goudy of Dayton, TN, Maegan Goudy of Bloomington, IN, Nicholas Goudy of Dayton, TN, and Donnie Blair of Dayton, TN; four sisters: Ellen Cosby of Monroe, Tina (David) Shock of Monroe, Sherrie Anderson of Petersburg, and Kathie (Jeff) Petree of Newport; three brothers: Johnny (Susan) Cosby of Monroe, Daniel (LuAnn) Cosby of Toledo, and Tommy Cosby of Monroe; ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 1:30pm until a Celebration of His Life at 2:00pm, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for his final rest.

Memorial donations for those who desire can be made to Autism research at Generation Rescue, 13636 Ventura Blvd. #239; Sherman Oaks, California 91423 or to a Children’s Heart Foundation.

June 30, 1931-May 4, 2010

Thomas John Monaghan, age 78, Lambertville, Michigan, died peacefully in his home with his loving family at his side May 4, 2010. He was born June 30, 1931 in Sandusky, Ohio to Clayton and Mary Lucille Monaghan. He served in the Navy as Electrical Mate Second Class and was a Korean War Veteran. He graduated from Findlay College with his Bachelors of Science degree and attended the University of Oklahoma with his Masters in Natural Science.

Tom was a loving, caring person who deeply enjoyed life and all it had to offer. He loved being with family and friends. He was a teacher for over 25 years, best known for teaching 7th and 8th grade science and math at Glenwood, coaching track and the chess club. Tom loved life and people around him. He knew no stranger and took every opportunity to share his life experiences with others and learn from them. He was also very proud of his Irish heritage. He loved nature, birds, golfing, football (Notre Dame, OSU, and Sooners), singing and traveling. He resided in Palm Springs for 11 years with his wife Evelyn, where he enjoyed being involved with the Senior Center and singing in the Cantatas with retired entertainers.

Tom had a strong faith in God and in people. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance, Michigan, and previous member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Findlay, Ohio.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; son, Tim (Tracey) Monaghan of Grand Rapids, Ohio; daughters: Shannon (Don) Shartell of Pandora, Ohio; Kendra Monaghan of Findlay, Ohio; a stepson, Len (Georgianna) Lingar; and Stepdaughter: Sharon Mullin of Monroe, Michigan; brother: Bill (Judy) Monaghan of Sandusky, Ohio; sister, Mary Lou White of Sandusky, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

A private viewing was held with the family following his death in his home. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 7th at 3:00pm at St. Michael’s Parish downtown location, 617 West Main Cross, Findlay, Ohio (419) 422-2646. All friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family directly following the Mass from 4:00pm 7:00pm at the K of C hall across from the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

November 11, 1946 – July 17, 2010

Marvin Joseph Russeau was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 11, 1946. He was one of three children the only son born from the union of the late Marvin Russeau and the late Beatrice (Chatner) Russeau. Marvin attended Monroe Schools and Monroe High School.

As a young man Marvin received the nickname of “Doc” from his uncle. Doc married the love of his life the former Peggy Mercure on June 20, 1970 at the First Congregational Church in Rockwood, Michigan.

Doc worked in the construction industry for more than thirty years. He was a laborer with the Monroe and Detroit Locals. At the age of 52 Marvin took a medical retirement.

Doc enjoyed cooking and his specialty was chicken casserole although every dish was spicy and required the assistance of a good antacid. He loved to hunt and fish, and spent countless times with friends Up North. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved to travel. Doc was a devout NASCAR follower and a fan of the number “48” car, Jimmie Johnson.

Marvin’s new pastime became taking care of his grandson: Denny. Together they conquered new things every day; whether visiting the pumpkin patch, shopping, gong out to eat at Bob Evans, or spending time at carnivals and fairs.

Marvin J. “Doc” Russeau age 63 of Newport passed away unexpectedly at 10:19am, Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. His passing was preceded by his parents.

He leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife of forty years: Peggy of Newport; his daughter: Cindy (Mark) Davidson of Wyandotte; two sons: Douglas and Donald Russeau; two sisters: Bege (Phil) Burns of Monroe and Janet (John) Tackett also of Monroe; several grandchildren including: Denny Davidson of Wyandotte.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until a Celebration of His Life at 7:00pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. The Rev. Milton Resh pastor of Southwest Fellowship Church in Taylor, Michigan will officiate.

For those who desire to make memorials in Doc’s name – St. Jude Children’s Hospital is suggested.

September 17, 1928 – July 16, 2010

Mildred Carr was born in Kentucky on September 17, 1928. She was the daughter of the late Paris Carr and the late Rebecca (Tyree) Carr. She moved from Kentucky to Michigan in 1942.

Mildred married the love of her life, Cecil Bastien on April 26, 1959. She became a homemaker and took on the responsibility of raising the children. The Bastiens would share forty years of marriage together before Cecil’s passing in 1989.

Mildred attended the Carleton Church of God, and she was well known for her kind spirit and generous heart. She valued the time that she spent with her children and grandchildren. Mildred also had a special bond with her sister: Nomel. Mildred and Nomel found the time to spend every day together. Mildred also had a passion for music, and loved working in the yard.

Mildred Bastien age 81 of LaSalle passed away at 2:40am, Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Medilodge of Monroe. In addition to her parents: Paris and Rebecca Carr and her husband: Cecil; her passing was preceded by three brothers: Raymond Carr, William Carr, and Bromley Carr; a sister: Nomel Taylor; one granddaughter: Brandie; and a son: Essie “Tony” Noel.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughter: Sharon (Benjamin) Dykes of LaSalle, Michigan; a brother: Charles (Joyce) Carr of Tennessee; three grandchildren: Michelle (Tracey) Raymar, Vicki (Dan) Gracyk, Jason McNeil; and seven great grandchildren.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, July 19, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 also at Merkle’s. The Rev. Gary Pickerell, Associate Pastor of Victory Temple Church in Monroe will officiate.

Services have been set for Clara M. Berns, 82, who passed away at her home in Meridian, Idaho on Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

Friends may gather on Monday, July 19, 2010 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 8109 Swan Creek Road at 10:00am for the Mass of the Resurrection. Father Victor Roman pastor of the church will officiate. Following mass she will be laid to rest at the church cemetery. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 is entrusted with her arrangements.

Clara Mary Lesiak was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 6, 1928. She was the daughter of the late Valentine and the late Marianne Lesiak. She was raised by Thomas and Doris Rabbitt of Newport, Michigan. Clara attended St. Mary Academy. In 1951 she married Louis A. Berns at St. Charles Catholic Church.

Clara was a member of St. Charles Parish her entire life. For seventy-four years she was a member of the Christian mother of St. Charles, was a Camp Fire leader, a volunteer at Mercy Mermorial Hospital, Heartbeat and Life, and a member of Frenchtown Senior Citizens.

Clara was also a member of American Legion Unit 113 of Meridian, Idaho, St. Vincent de Paul; the Young at Heart Senior Citizen, NCCW, and Soul Purpose community of Holy Apostles Church in Meridian.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her husband: Louis A. Berns, two sons: Mark Berns and Chad (Rose) Berns; daughters: Rebecca (Kevin) Winston, Constance (David) Leach, Chris Anne (Frank) West; twelve grandchildren; five step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and three step great grandchildren.

Her passing was preceded by her grandchild: Francis West; three brothers: Joseph Lesiak, Walter Lesiak, Alex Lesiak; and one sister: Charlotte Campbell.

Memorial donations can be made to the charity of the donors choice.

July 30, 1986 – July 11, 2010

William James Domine was born at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on July 30, 1986. He was the son of Daryl Scott Domine and Karen Earlene (Pierce) Domine. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church and there school before attending Monroe High School. Following high school William earned his GED.

He loved sports and enjoyed playing hockey and basketball. William also had a passion for riding his Harley and enjoyed the freedom that it brought. He was kind, sensitive, and just known as an all around nice guy. William was well loved by everyone who met him and he was an extremely giving individual – always willing to lend a helping hand.

For the past three years William had worked in the construction industry. He had been employed by the Operating Engineers Local 324.

William James Domine age 23 of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at his home. His passing was preceded by his mother: Karen and a brother: Jacob Whitman.

He leaves to cherish his memory a father: Daryl S. Domnie and his mate: Julie Kleinow of Monroe; and a sister: Holly Nicole Domine.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm, Friday, July 16, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 6:00pm with the Rev. Ronald Schultz pastor of Grace Lutheran Church officiating.