Denise Marie Puckett
November 2, 1951 – June 29, 2023
Denise Marie Puckett, age 71, of Newberry, MI, passed away on June 29, 2023, at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital with family by her side. Denise was born on November 2, 1951, in Alexandria, Virginia, the daughter of Rector Laverne and Mary (McAnany) Soder.
Denise grew up on the corner at Curtis Service in Curtis, MI. She graduated from Newberry High School in 1969. Denise worked as a nurse’s aide at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, where she met John Puckett. They married in July of 1986, and the couple made their home in Newberry, MI. They were happily married 31 years until his passing in 2018. For over two decades she and John enjoyed bowling together at Tahqua-Lanes.
Through the years, Denise also greeted customers at Curtis Service and the Fish and Hunt Shop in Curtis. In Newberry, Denise worked as a personal caregiver for home health agencies. She enjoyed reading, gardening and crocheting items for family and friends. After retiring Denise began crafting jewelry—creating earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Denise is survived by her brothers Rick (Linda) Soder of Curtis MI; Mike Soder of Curtis, MI; John (Dora) Soder of Curtis, MI; son John (Jennifer) Puckett of Ypsilanti, MI; daughters Jane Elizabeth Swisher of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; Mary Catherine “Molly” (Chris) Herlik of Manistique, MI; Megan Marie Puckett of Newberry, MI; stepchildren Julie Tann of Traverse City, MI and Jeffrey (Lori) Puckett of Newberry, MI; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Rector and Mary Soder, her husband John Puckett and daughter Sarah Rebecca White.
Memorial donations in Denise’s name may be sent to the family for future designation. Fausett Family Funeral Home of Manistique is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on their website at www.fausettfh.com.
Robert Lee Hill
June 26, 1937 – July 5, 2023
Longtime Newberry resident, Robert Lee Hill, 86, died suddenly but peacefully Wednesday morning, July 5, 2023 at his residence.
Born June 26, 1937 in Wells, Michigan, son of the late Robert and Edna (Polkey) Hill, Bob was a 1955 graduate of Baraga High School and attended Suomi College.
On January 7, 1958, Bob enlisted into the United States Army serving stateside at Fort Hood, Texas and, on February 22, 1959, married the love of his life, the former Ruth M. Hattula. Bob was honorably discharged on January 6, 1960 attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class and continued in the Army Reserves until his discharge on January 6, 1964.
Bob started his employment career as a Forester with Celotex, Mead, Superior Studs and Louisiana Pacific for 41 years of service until his retirement in 2000. Throughout his career in forestry, Bob established several lifelong relationships and rapport with his co-workers spanning the Upper Peninsula and Canada.
A resident of Newberry since 1965, Bob was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and active member and former Exalted Ruler (1976-1977) of the B.P.O.E. #1705.
Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at their camp, Frosty Acres, his daily conversations with the men at Rahilly’s IGA meat department and an avid fan of the Detroit Lions.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 64 years, Ruth, of Newberry; sons Mark (Ann) Hill of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and Michael (Tammie) Hill of Maple City, Michigan; grandchildren Ashley (Matt) Klug, Tony (Michelle) Hill, Emily Giesseman, Jordan (Hallie) Hill and Madison (Trevor Needham) Hill; seven great-grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Bob will be held Friday July 14, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home. An Elks memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm with concluding military rites rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Education Foundation, PO Box 482, Newberry, Michigan 49868 specified for a scholarship to a graduate entering the field of forestry in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Betty (Fyvie) Frazier
July 15, 1954 – June 26, 2023
Betty (Fyvie) Frazier a loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at her Traverse City home on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the age of 68.
Betty leaves behind and will be greatly missed by her husband of 42 years Peter Frazier, her daughters Heather Vallier Dalimonte and Amber Frazier (Steve). Betty was the proud grandma to all her grandchildren including Lacey Dalimonte, Linc (Marissa) Dalimonte, Madison (Paul) Jaco, Isabella Dalimonte and Miles Mays.
Betty was born to Donald and Freda (Goodell) Fyvie of Newberry on July 15, 1954. She is survived by four siblings. She attended Newberry High School. In 1973 Betty started a 35 year successful career with United Parcel Service. She started as a part time clerk, became a driver, and eventually worked her way to a division manager. She was one of the first successful women in this male dominated industry. This was a huge source of pride in Betty’s life for which she achieved many accolades and she made many lasting friendships over the course of her 35 year career.
Betty had a love for the holidays and especially loved all of the Christmas traditions with her family. In addition, she planned many, now truly treasured, family vacations. Over the years Peter and Betty have also hosted many memorable gatherings of family & friends and warmly welcomed so many into their home.
In lieu of a traditional funeral and in true Betty fashion, the family will be honoring Betty’s final wishes with a private cremation and will be hosting a fun celebration of life gathering at the Frazier residence in August. We will be posting updates on this event on Facebook. Betty also loved a good story, so in that spirit we invite you to share with her family any fond memories or stories of her to be displayed at her celebration of life.
Leoral M. Loughridge
July 6, 1925 – July 3, 2023
Longtime Newberry resident, Leoral “Lee” Margaret Loughridge, 97, died Monday evening. July 3, 2023 at Golden Leaves Living Center in the presence of her granddaughter, who was at her bedside holding her hand.
Born July 6, 1925 in Newberry, daughter of the late Floyd and Lois (Wertenbeyer) Leonard, Lee was a 1943 graduate of Newberry High School.
Lee met her future husband, Jack Loughridge, in Lakeland, Florida and they were united in marriage on March 2, 1946 in Wabash, Indiana. Jack enlisted into the United States Air Force and Lee followed him throughout his military career as a Flight Engineer for 22 years until his honorable discharge in 1965, moving to Newberry.
Lee was employed as a clinical record keeper at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for 24 years until her retirement in 1989.
Lee was a member of the Newberry United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star and was a volunteer for the senior citizens organization and the Luce County Historical Museum.
In addition to her parents, Lee is preceded in death by her husband, Jack, in 1985 and son, Tom, in 2004 and daughter-in-law Nanci in 2018.
Survivors include her granddaughter Laura (Scott) Carr of Mattawan, great-granddaughter Melissa Lee Bradley, great-grandson Ian Bradley and great-great-granddaughter Morgan Lee Roush.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry with Pastor Ron Oberle officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the Newberry United Methodist Church or the Newberry Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Phyllis Marie Trim
March 4, 1925 – July 7, 2023
Phyllis Marie Trim, 98, of Newberry, passed away Friday evening July 7, 2023 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. Phyllis was born March 4, 1925 in Newberry, daughter of the late Walter and Hannah (Paquin) Blakely.
Phyllis had several jobs during her lifetime. After receiving an associate degree in June 1982 in Social Science from Oakland Community College, she decided to move from Oakland County Michigan back to her grandfather’s homestead in Engadine. She continued to work in the field of social sciences until the age of 88 years old. She then enjoyed her hobbies of gardening, family genealogy and oil painting. She was a member of the Engadine Historical Society and the Engadine United Methodist Church. She moved back to Newberry about five years ago.
She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil B. Trim and siblings Laura Blakely, John “Jack” Blakely, William Blakely, Eleanor Caswell, Donald Blakely, Shirley Smith, Delores Campbell, Robert Blakely, George Blakely, Conrad Blakely and children Deborah Mash and Cecil A. Trim.
Survivors include her children Cynthia Reinhold of Biloxi, Mississippi, Antoinette Robertson of Lake Orion, George Trim of Roscommon and John Trim along with 14 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Phyllis’s family would like to thank her niece Barbara Blakely for spending time with her and helping her out during the past two years.
An interment service will be held later this year.
Memorials may be directed to the Engadine United Methodist Church in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joseph Viviano
Died April 12, 2023
Joseph Viviano, age 92, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Sebring, Florida. He was born in Detroit, Michigan and is the son of Vito and Stefana (DeLisi) Viviano. Joe retired from MichCon Gas Co. Retiring to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and later moving to Lake Placid, Florida. He was a member of the American Legion Post 25, Elk Lodge 2669, and the Manistique Lakes Lions Club of Curtis.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Vonda Lee. His children, Paula (Jim) Ramelis, Joe W. Viviano, Judy (Pat) Vitucci, and Larry Viviano, are all from Michigan. His stepchildren, Barb York, Kathy (Mike) Charbonneau, and Susan Thomas (Jimmy), are all from Michigan. Papa to his grandchildren Greg (Dawn) Deyak, Michael (Kelly) Ramelis, Mallory (Sean)Ramelis, Joe R. Viviano, Becky (David) Grapentin, Jason (Michelle) Ruth, Maria (Justin) Vitucci, Anna (Mark) Capwell, Angelina (Patrick)Villerot, Antonia (Robert) Boyd, Nathan Charbonneau, Marissa (Aaron) Kunzleman, Sarah (Isaac) Charbonneau, Earl Colmus III, and Joshua Colmus, Jamie (Paul) Rozell, Jennifer York. Papa Joe to his eighteen great grandchildren. He also leaves one sister, many nieces and nephews, and very good friends.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 38 years, Angie (Laslovich), his 5 siblings, and stepson David York.
Graveside service on Friday, July 28 at noon at the Sandtown Cemetery. Light luncheon to follow at the Curtis Community Center.
Ruth S. Alexander
February 1, 1950 – July 7, 2023
Lifelong Newberry resident, Ruth “Ruthie” Suzanne Alexander, 73, died Friday morning July 7, 2023 in the presence of her loving family and the care of North Woods Hospice.
Born February 1, 1950 in Newberry, daughter of the late Vernor and Mary Lee (Francisco) Erickson, Ruthie was a 1968 graduate of Newberry High School.
Ruthie was employed as a paraprofessional at Tahquamenon Area Schools 42 years until her retirement in 2021. During this time, Ruthie established many close, loving relationships with her students and their parents. She truly loved helping others and will be missed by many.
Ruthie enjoyed baking, taking trips to Lake Superior and Round Lake, flower gardening (daffodils and tulips were her favorites) and her pet animals.
In addition to her parents, Ruthie is preceded in death by her infant siblings Clyde and Cathy Lee.
Survivors include her children Allan (Jennifer Cain) Alexander of Newberry and Laura (Samuel Avery) Labert of Belleview, Florida; grandchildren Caleb (Marie), Phillip (Syntillie Stahl), Collin (Alexandria) and Brendan; great-granddaughter Sophia.
Per her request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Ruthie will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Animal Shelter, PO Box 345, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Edward G. Fillman
September 29, 1923 – July 1, 2023
Lifelong resident of Engadine and Newberry, Edward Gustav Fillman, 99, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home Saturday July 1, 2023 with his family by his side. Ed was born September 29, 1923 to Gustav and Aurelia (Lehman) Fillman on their homestead in Engadine. He attended and was confirmed “in German” at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Engadine.
Eddie’s dedication in working on his family’s farm and hauling hay to area camps with his Dad established his great work ethic at a young age. He valued the good homemade meals, especially pie, prepared by his mother for the entire farm crew and by those prepared at other farms. He said he had “eaten at every farm in Engadine” and “at every logging camp” north of Newberry. He was proud that he helped raise nearly every barn in the Engadine area. He skated ponds, hiked up hills to ski down, ran everywhere he went and, said he, “jumped the ditches” to fish and hunt rabbit, birds and deer as a youngster. He spoke of playing Duck on a Rock which, as the name implies, often left playmates with bumps and scrapes and a few missing teeth and also spoke of playing Shinny in a Hole, similarly “safe” game, using carefully scouted sticks from the woods and a tree knot or hunk of wood as the puck.
Ed had a special relationship with his Uncle Bill Fillman as a child and into his adulthood which cultivated a lifelong love of baseball. He practiced as a youngster by throwing a baseball against the barn when he couldn’t talk his brother into playing catch. As a young man, he would play for several area teams each season from Curtis, to McMillan, to Naubinway and was proud to always be Leadoff Man. He favored shortstop or second base but would play any position, except catcher. He was ferociously loyal to the Detroit Tigers to the point of sitting in the car, listening on the radio wherever he was at game time, no matter what was happening around him. When watching on television, he would critique (to put it nicely), every pitch, swing, throw, catch, steal or error. He gave no mercy. He knew most every major league player by name and their abilities or inabilities which he shared while watching any team if the Tigers had a night off. You heard these politically incorrect observations as he watched the game whether you wanted to or not. They were just facts.
His love of deer hunting continued throughout his life and he began his excitement for the next season starting the day the current season ended and continued it throughout the year. He hunted just last fall at age 98 and his family believes this year he’ll be hunting with Fred Bear.
He was a loyal friend and enjoyed his time spent at local establishments and was a great companion “driving around the horn”. He is well known for his quick and unpredictable, humorous, one of a kind, comments and comebacks. Eddie was generous and trusting to a fault but never held any grudges or regrets when this trait occasionally backfired and he encouraged his children to do the same. He held true to his belief that you shouldn’t quarrel with anyone and “just be nice now” was what his kids heard during a sibling rivalry.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Billy Fillman, his wife Beverly “Tiny” Fillman and his former wife, friend and mother of his children, Phyllis Fillman, his brother-in-law Ray Arciszewski and sister-in-law Helen Fillman. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law’s Ronald Underwood and Ernest Haas.
Ed is survived by his sister Velda Arciszewski and his children Larry (Susan Forrester) Fillman, Dianne Brown Underwood, Donna Haas and Deborah (Matt) Jordan; eight grandchildren Bryan Fillman, Michael Brown, Kristie (Brown) Lowetz, Hilary (Haas) Tolson, Andrew Haas, Kaytlyn (Jordan) Coors, Matthew Jordan and Mark Jordan along with 12 great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday July 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery (Rapinville) in Engadine with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating followed by a light luncheon at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Fellowship Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at the Newberry Elks Lodge on September 30, 2023. We invite all to come and share a brief remembrance and prayer followed by storytelling, appetizers and music.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
