Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services

12/22/2025

Roger Dean Sweet

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12/19/2025

Robert E. Crane, Jr.

Robert E. Crane, Jr. age 76 of Battle Creek, MI passed away at his home with his daughter by his side on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Jennifer and her son Anthony took great pride in caring for him in his final days with the assistance of Centrica Care Hospice. Robert was born May 25, 1949, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Robert Earl and Virginia Louise (Peck) Crane. He was a 1967 graduate of Springfield High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army following graduation. After his honorable discharge he worked at Post Cereals for over 35 years and retired from there. He enjoyed gardening and going to car shows, spent summers camping at Crooked Lake in Delton, and loved to fish and deer hunt. On July 14, 1973, he was married to Sherry James, they had two children together and later divorced. Robert is survived by his daughter Jennifer Crane-Gibson of Battle Creek; son Eric (Wendi) Crane of Battle Creek; two grandchildren: Britney Watson of Portage and Anthony Watson of Battle Creek; seven great-grandchildren: Stafano Davis, Jr., Audrey Boyce, Braxtyn and Bryson Boyce, Aniya Upton, Anthony Watson, Jr and Avayah Watson; his mother Virginia Crane of Battle Creek; two sisters: Carole (John) Flick of Burnsville, MN and Linda (Mark) Haineault of Battle Creek; brother William “Bill” Crane of Battle Creek and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm. Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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12/19/2025

Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou Smith, age 88 of Battle Creek, and formerly of Athens, passed away on December 16, 2025 at Reflections Memory Care. She was born on June 1, 1937 in Athens, Michigan, the daughter of Marcus and Mary (Lucas) Prough. Mary graduated Valedictorian of Athens High School, class of 1955. Mary moved from Athens to Battle Creek in 1956. She previously worked in food service for Harper Creek Schools, and as a bookkeeper for Athens Schools, Jerry's Marathon Station, and Carquest retiring in 2003. Mary was an avid gardener and cook. She also enjoyed camping, babysitting, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was united in marriage on July 1, 1956 to Gerald “Jerry” Smith at the Athens Congregational Church, he survives. Also surviving are her sons; Denis (Susan) Smith of St. Petersburg, FL., David (Wendy) Smith of Battle Creek, daughter in law; Susan Smith of Battle Creek, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Douglas Smith, brothers, Richard, Clinton and Leonard Prough, sisters, Wanda Snyder, and Betty Wright. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Funeral service scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the funeral home, Rev. Rick Foster of Country Chapel Church officiating. Interment will follow the service at Burr Oak Cemetery, Athens. Memorial contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Country Chapel Church. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org

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12/17/2025

Timothy Elson Parrish

Timothy E. Parrish, age 63, of Battle Creek passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2025 at his home. He was born in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Dean and Ruth (Henry) Parrish. Tim moved from Jackson to Battle Creek as a young child. He graduated in 1980 from Battle Creek Central High School. He previously worked in Management at Meijer, and as a card dealer at Firekeepers Casino for 10 years, retiring in 2020. His hobbies included playing video games and watching football and baseball. He was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. Tim loved spending time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids. Tim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children; Zach (Victoria) Parrish, Randee (Luke) Brown, Brook (Cody) Rose, all of Battle Creek, brothers; Jeff (Kim) Parrish and Craig Parrish, nephew, Craig Parrish, niece, Heather Parrish and 14 grandchildren. In accordance to his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made at https://gofund.me/3df2d8355 to help the family with final expenses. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org

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12/16/2025

Anne Marie Jakubiak

Anne Marie Jakubiak, Age 75, born on August 15, 1950, in Pontiac, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Anne Marie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and Great Grandmother and she leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity.

She was the proud owner and operator of AM Sewing Services, where her passion for sewing intertwined with her entrepreneurial spirit. Anne Marie's dedication to her craft was reflected in her meticulous work and her ability to bring joy to those who enjoyed her creations. Christmas was her favorite time of the year as she would fill stockings with every kind of goodies, boxes with presents, and cards to everyone she knew. Christmas meant the most important things, Family… especially her children and grandchildren.

Alongside her professional achievements, Anne Marie was highly educated, she was a 1969 graduate of Marian Highschool before having earned Bachelor's degrees in Business and Psychology from Siena Heights University, as well as in Journalism and English from Madonna University. Her love for reading and writing was evident to all who knew her.

Anne Marie served the Council of Catholic Women in many, many capacities. She has been a member of the CCW as well as serving on the board for many years. As a Board Member, she held the office of president, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary.

Married to Steven Jakubiak on May 27, 1995, Anne Marie shared a beautiful life filled with family and cherished memories. She is survived by her husband, Steven Jakubiak, her sons Richard (Michelle) Merrill, Thomas (Tammy) Merrill, Matthew, and Michael Merrill, her siblings Susan Studinger, Kristine (Ned) Moser, John (Diane) King, Mark King, Kitty Dault, and David (Ellen) King. Anne Marie also cherished the time she spent with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents Max Sr. and Bertie King, sister Mary King, and her brother Max Jr. Anne Marie will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Visitation will be held on December 19, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM at Richard A Henry Funeral Home in Battle Creek a luncheon to follow the funeral service. Anne Marie's family invites all who knew her to celebrate her life and legacy. In leu of flower donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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12/14/2025

Lee Smittendorf

Lee Smittendorf, age 88, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as distinctive and memorable as the voice that made him famous. He was born June 27, 1937 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of Vern and Marjorie (Metty) Smittendorf. He graduated from Athens High School in 1956.

A master auctioneer, storyteller, and connector of people, Lee didn’t just sell items, he created moments. Whether standing behind an auction block or in the middle of a conversation, Lee had an undeniable way of capturing attention, building trust, and making everyone feel part of something bigger.

Auctioneering wasn’t just Lee’s profession, it was his art. With quick wit, sharp instincts, and a rhythm all his own, he could read a room in seconds and bring it to life. His calls were fast, confident, and entertaining, but what truly set him apart was his authenticity. People didn’t just bid because they wanted what was on the block, they bid because Lee made the experience unforgettable.

Beyond the auction floor, Lee was curious about people and their stories. He loved conversation, laughter, and a well-told tale. He had a gift for making connections between buyers and sellers, neighbors, and strangers who left feeling like they’d known him for years. His energy was magnetic and his presence unmistakable.

Lee was an avid hunter and looked forward to the season each year with his good friends. In fact, just last month he got to hunt one more time with his good friend, Ed. Those who knew Lee know that the world feels a little quieter without him. But his voice-both literal and figurative will echo on in the stories shared, the memories retold, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Lee was always surrounded by family and friends; he shared precious moments with his “main squeeze” Marsha Laya. Lee is survived by a daughter Shannon (Dan) Frizzo, son L J (Tomissa) Smittendorf, stepchildren Nia Suter and Ben Laya, sister Vicky Biesel, and 8 grandchildren: Derek (Ashley) Smittendorf, Darci (Nathan) Heath, Maggie Frizzo, Lucas Frizzo, Pierre Laya, Anthony Kennedy, Ashley Smittendorf, Dr. Jennifer Smittendorf and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Dan Smittendorf, a stepdaughter Sarah Laya and a sister Patricia Thorson.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 703 Capital Avenue, S.W., Battle Creek, MI where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared exactly the way he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Athens Area Community Foundation for Lee Smittendorf Scholarship Fund. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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12/13/2025

William N. Schobert

William Nolden Schobert, age 90, of Lansing, Michigan passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born on October 14, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to William and Mable Schobert. William married his beloved wife, Thelma Schobert, on November 19, 1960 in Hillsdale, Michigan and they raised three children together. William graduated with a civil engineering degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London Connecticut in 1959. He went on to a 20-year career as an officer, eventually retiring as a Commander. His service resulted in frequent transfers requiring family moves to Michigan, Connecticut, Virginia, New Jersey, Guam of the Mariana Islands and Louisiana. William served on multiple Coast Guard Cutters including the Mackinaw out of Cheboygan, Michigan, the Yeaton out of New London, Connecticut, the Woodbine out of Grand Haven, Michigan and the Mallow out of Guam. Before his transfer to the Woodbine, he was given a one-year deployment overseeing a Long-Range Aid to Navigation station in Estartit, Spain. He was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching college sports and professional football and baseball. He especially enjoyed attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren at every level they participated in. William is survived by children Douglas (Donna) Schobert, Eric (Kimberly) Schobert and Kirsten (Barry) Ford; grandchildren, Melissa, Ronnie, Megan, Cody and Mackenzie; great-grandchildren, Mila and Isaac; and sibling Timothy. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mable Schobert and his brothers Hugo and Daniel. Funeral service scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI., where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place following the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www.henryfuneralhome.org

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12/11/2025

Leah L. Dixon

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12/10/2025

Rena L. Sutter

Private service to take place.

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12/09/2025

View Joe E. Romo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/08/2025

View Juanita Rose Pursell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/08/2025

View Linda Ann Landers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.