Billie Anderson
November 28, 1925 – July 20, 2026
Billie Anderson, born November 28, 1925, in Charing Cross, London, England, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry, Michigan, at the age of 100, with her loving family at her side. Her century-long life was defined by resilience, curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Billie was the daughter of Winifred Wools Burdon and William Henry Burdon. At just seven years old, she immigrated to the United States with her mother aboard the Majestic, arriving on September 27, 1933. She became a proud naturalized citizen on November 8, 1948. After landing in New York, she traveled by train to Detroit, where her father and uncle were employed, beginning a lifelong connection to Michigan.
As a child, Billie delighted in paper dolls, roller skating on downtown Detroit sidewalks, and listening to radio shows on her crystal set. She often skipped school to spend time in the library, nurturing a love of reading that stayed with her throughout her life. She attended Irving Grade School, Jefferson International, and Northern High School, traveling by streetcar for six cents or walking when necessary. Her early years in Detroit included living in a rooming house with a Murphy bed that was always down and a shared bathroom used by several tenants – humble beginnings that never dimmed her spirit.
Billie’s lifelong passion for dance began in her youth and blossomed into an extensive career. She performed with the USO, where she met Bob Hope and received his autograph, studied dance at the Roth & Burdon Studio in Detroit, and even roomed with actress Joan Leslie. Dance remained central to her life: she later taught at Arthur Murray Studios, instructed ballroom dancing to grade school children, and served as a choreographer for community musicals.
On June 24, 1944, Billie married Zephery Newton, with whom she welcomed four daughters. As a young bride, she learned to cook through memorable trial and error – flat meringues, solid mashed potatoes, black lumpy gravy, hockey-puck hamburgers, and a very sweet cake frosted straight out of the oven. Over time, she became an excellent cook, known for her warmth and hospitality. The family lived in Herman Gardens in Detroit before moving through several homes in Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, and finally settling in Berkley in 1949.
Billie’s life was full of creativity and curiosity. She enjoyed crossword puzzles (always in pen), knitting, needlework, and collecting clown figurines, a passion she maintained for decades. She served as a Girl Scout leader, worked for many years with the Michigan State Police, and cherished two return trips to England – once with her mother in 1975 and again with her daughters in 2000. Her favorite childhood destination was visiting her grandmother in Cornwall, whom she lovingly called “GG.”
Billie is survived by her daughters: Nancy (Larry) Sell, Susan (Mark) Noldy, Janet (Michael) Nelson, and Renee (Fred) Burton; her brother Philip (Carole) Brooks; stepchildren Kathy Hagen and Liz (Mark) Thompson; 11 grandchildren – Jeffrey and Shelly Sell, Krista and Scott Noldy, Jennifer, Jessica, Johanna, and Jaclyn Hall, Nicole, Robert, and Christopher Garnier; 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called her “Granny Great”; and 11 step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother Winifred Brooks; sister Penny Brooks; spouses Zephery Newton, Melvin Degrazia, and Walter Anderson; grandson Jeffrey Jon Sell; sons-in-law Larry Sell and Mark Noldy; stepson Gregory Anderson; and stepbrothers Robert and Kenneth Brooks.
Billie lived a life of movement – across countries, across dance floors, across decades of change – and she carried joy with her wherever she went. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the creativity she inspired, and the stories she leaves behind.
Her family will forever remember her as a woman of grace, humor, determination, and boundless love.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Billie will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Three Lake Academy, W17540 Main Street, Curtis, Michigan 49820 in her honor.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Lawrence St. Ours
April 11, 1937 – July 25, 2026
Lawrence “Larry” J. St. Ours, 89, of Traverse City died July 25, 2026 at French Manor Terra.
Larry was born April 11, 1937, in Garden, Michigan, to Lawrence and Cecelia (Hockers) St. Ours. He married the love of his life, Linda K. Fossitt, on May 6, 1961.
Larry started his career in the Department of Natural Resources because he loved being outdoors. He also proudly served on the National Guard. His greatest career achievement was joining the Michigan State Police, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. From that point forward he became known as “Sarge.” This was not just a job for him, it was a calling. After retiring from the Michigan State Police, he worked at Interlochen Arts Academy where he enjoyed working with the staff and students.
Being a devoted community member, Larry was involved in many organizations including the Elks, Members Credit Union as a board member, and as a Red Cross volunteer. He was also an usher at St. Francis and Immaculate Conception churches. Larry enjoyed gardening, building, and especially going to their family cabins in Fayette, on the Garden peninsula, and in Curtis, Michigan.
Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Harley St. Ours, and his parents.
Mourning his loss is his wife, Linda St. Ours; his brother Duane St. Ours; his daughters Geraldine (Troy) Fellows, Bonnie (Robert) Scheele, Michelle St. Ours; his grandchildren Daniel (Kristin) Goethals, Todd (Melissa) Goethals, Shanna (Michael) Willman, Corey (Jessica) Fellows, Kayla (Donald) Stefanko, Abigail (Ethan) Warmuskerken, Dorien St. Ours; and 17 great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
A celebration of life will be held at Life Story Funeral Home in Traverse City, Michigan on Monday, August 3, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a short service.
Please visit Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City’s webpage at www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.
Lorna Mildred Hogue
December 25, 1929 – July 13, 2026
Longtime area resident Lorna Mildred Hogue, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, at the home of her daughter and granddaughter, Kit Wilson and Christy Brow, in Honor, Michigan, where she had been residing since September of 2022.
Born December 25, 1929, in Flint, Lorna was the daughter of the late Glenn and Norah (Shuler) Pollard. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Harold Hogue, in Lansing. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. In 1968, Lorna and Harold moved to the McMillan area, where they owned and operated the Sportsman’s Bar for several years until their retirement.
Lorna’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was an active member of the McMillan Methodist Church, where she served in nearly every leadership role, played piano for services, taught Sunday school, and chaired the Methodist Women’s Club. Her dedication to her church family was matched only by her devotion to her own. In quieter moments, Lorna enjoyed reading, crafting, and crocheting-pastimes that brought her joy and allowed her to share handmade gifts with those she loved.
In addition to her parents, Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, in 1986, along with ten siblings.
She is survived by her loving children: Marc (Norah) Hogue of Washoe Valley, Nevada, Kathryn “Kit” Wilson of Honor, Scott (Lisalee) Hogue of Lakefield Township, Kurt Hogue of Germfask, Matthew (Lorelle) Hogue of Tallahassee, Florida, Mandy Simmons of Newberry and Perri (Steven) Carbeno of Saginaw; as well as 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great greatgrandchild, all of whom carry forward her legacy of kindness, resilience, and faith.
A memorial service celebrating Lorna’s life will be held on Saturday September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am at the McMillan Methodist Church with Pastor Ian McDonald officiating. Interment will take place at East Lakefield Township Cemetery. Following the interment, the family extends an invitation to join with them at the Columbus Township Hall for a fellowship gathering and luncheon.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research or the McMillan Methodist Church in her honor.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
