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Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation, 7223 South Street, Benzonia, MI (2026)

05/05/2026

James “Jim” Ricco: of Frankfort, passed away on April 24, 2026, at his home. He was born in Detroit, MI to Dorothy and Joseph Pengelly on February 8, 1954.

Flint was home for Jim growing up but the family enjoyed coming to Herring Lake to spend summers with his cousins fishing and swimming. His father Joseph passed away when Jim was fourteen, later in 1969 his family would permanently move to Northern Michigan, at which time Jim’s mother Dorothy married Monte Ricco. Monte would legally adopt Jim and bought him his first snowmobile, that’s all it took, you couldn’t keep him off of it.

Jim’s high school years were spent at Frankfort High School playing Panther Football for Jim Buzzell, something to this day he says he will never forget. Jim graduated in 1972 and would marry Monica Codden and together they had two children Christa and Michael.

In 1974, he would start working for Koch Asphalt in Elberta, traveling for them to the various terminals throughout the United States. Jim would retire permanently in 2022 but found it hard to sit still. Soon, he would take on the maintenance position at the A&W and later found himself helping the Gilbert Family build their new home. Still, he had time for his “granddogs” helping his daughter and son in law when they would go out of town.

Jim will be remembered as a guy who kept busy helping family and friends, enjoyed going to basketball and football games or just sitting in his “man shed.” But the one thing that brought him the most enjoyment was watching Rexo and Loki swim, they never quit.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Ricco, father Joseph Pengelly and step-father Monte Ricco.

Jim is survived by his wife Monica and two very special pets Piper and Millie, daughter Christa (Ricco) Ketz and her husband Mark Ketz and son Michael Ricco.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Elberta Life Saving Station on July 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Those wishing to leave a memorial in Jim's name may do so to the Benzie Co. K9 Unit c/o Benzie County Sheriff’s Department. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.

05/05/2026

Deborah Ann Hewitt ,65, of Lake Ann, MI passed away after an extended illness on April 4, 2026, peacefully at home with her husband by her side.

Deb was born to Carrol L Berry and Peggy Rock on November 27, 1960 in Camp Lejeune, NC.

Deb was married to her soul mate and best friend Bert Hewitt for 47 years. Deb and Bert were high school sweethearts. They met on a blind date skiing at Crystal Mountain, she wasn't going to go on because she didn’t know how to ski. They shared nearly five decades of life, love, adventures, dreams, goals, and most importantly their family. Deb wanted to travel and explore but sadly her illness prevented her from being able to.

Deb enjoyed hosting cookouts at her home, which were filled with plenty of food, fun, and lasting memories—and of course, unforgettable bonfires with s'mores. She also loved to spend time outside in her flower garden, crocheting, reading, and anything else that allowed her to be creative.

Anyone who knew Deb would tell you she was feisty, and that you never had to guess what she was thinking, and she loved family and friends wholeheartedly.

Deb was proceeded in death by her parents, Carrol (Ruth) Berry, Peggy (Lester) Rock, parents in law Don Hewitt and Barbara Blood, siblings Lynn (Jon) Mulhollen, Tonya Berry, Chris Rock, brother in law Martin Hewitt.

Deb is survived by her loving husband Bert Hewitt, children Bert (Alicia) Hewitt, Tiffany (Lorin) Reed, grandchildren Arianne (JP) Jarman, Charles (Hannah) Reed, Dray, Stella, and Logan Hewitt, great grandkids; Eve and Alexis Jarman, Paisley, Everleigh, and Tobias Schweitzer-Reed, father in law Eldon Blood, siblings Walt (Karen) Rock, Tammie (Hershel) Brown, Diane ( Jeff) Rock, Audrey ( Rich) Milosh, Lonna Roack, siblings in law Pam (Keith) Hill, Sharon ( Don) Harris, Ron Hewitt, and John Hewitt, and too many nieces, nephews and cousins to list.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 13th at Inland Township Park at 3:00 pm. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

05/04/2026

Hope Elizabeth (Lee) Clifton, 90, of Thompsonville, passed away peacefully on April 27 2026 at home with her family by her side.

Born May 13, 1935, in Detroit, MI to Harry and Martha (Webber) Lee. After high school Hope worked for BC/BS and CNA Insurance in downtown Detroit for 10 plus years. While living in Detroit she met the love of her life William “Bill” Clifton, Bill and Hope married on February 15, 1964, and relocated to Thompsonville in 1972.

Hope was a people person, always a smile on her face. Theirs not a person she wouldn’t go up to and carry on a conversation with and always left an unforgettable impression. She was always the life of party wherever she went. She would dance all night if you let her.

After she retired from Mitchell Bentley Corp in Benzonia, she spent many years volunteering at the Maples and POMH Long Term Care. She loved helping out wherever she could. Hope was a member of the First Congregational Church in Thompsonville and loved going to church every Sunday.

Hope loved her flowers and made sure her yard looked nice every summer, there was never a w**d or dandelion she missed pulling, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Her grandkids meant the world to her. Growing up she never missed a sporting event, this carried on to the grandkids and into their adult playing years. Everyone knew when Gma Hopey was there, as she always carried a horn with her and was not afraid to use it. Even had it taken away at a basketball game once.

She was also known as the Skipbo Queen. She taught anyone that came through her doors how to play and enjoyed kicking our butts! It was hard to leave she would say “Just one more game!” that led to many more games.

Although dementia slowly took her away from us. We will always and forever love and cherish the memories we had with our dearest Hopey.

Hope is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, daughter Susan, sister Faith, brothers Robert, Jay (Joy) and Alfred (Lloyd) Lee.

Hope’s memory will live on through her children, Wendee (Louie) Gelakosky, Benzonia. MI, William “Bill” Clifton of Interlochen, Gary Koenig of Fort Mead, FL, Rochelle Barber (Carl Silk) Plymouth. MI and Joe (Glenda) Koenig of Detroit, MI; grandchildren Emily and Kalee Gelakosky, Karley and Billy Clifton, Christina (Randy) Miller, Lindsey (Ryan) Scranton, Kristine (Benjamin) Cook, Jeff (Melissa) Caskey, Rhonda (Craig) Woodley, Paul (Katie) Carr, Corey Carr, Amy (Ryan) Karbowski, Leah (Walter) Hash, Jonathan Barber, Kristy(Liviu) Florian; 24 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren, many nieces , nephews and one special friend, caregiver and Skipbo buddy Lori Cook.

A celebration of Hope’s life will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, May 24th, at Frist Congregational Church of Thompsonville. A luncheon will immediately follow the services. Burial will be in the Thompsonville Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions to the church. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.

05/03/2026

Cynthia “Cindy” Ellen Schnarr (Settles), 87, of Beulah, MI, passed away on April 30, 2026. Born on July 8, 1938, in Elberta, MI to Nelson Earl and Marie (Steinberg) Settles, Cindy graduated from Frankfort High School in 1956 then went on to study nursing in Detroit, MI. While living in Detroit she met the man who would become the great love of her life, William “Bill” Schnarr. Bill and Cindy married on September 12, 1959, and were inseparable until his death in 2020.

In 1969 Bill and Cindy moved to Honor, MI where they raised their family. Cindy, an RN, worked at different institutions in the area, including time as Director of Nursing at what is now The Maples, and was very proud of being a nurse. She really made a difference in people’s lives and was very good at what she did.

Cindy was loved by her family, friends, and neighbors. She was one of 13 siblings and had countless nieces and nephews, all of whom have wonderful stories about Aunt Cindy. Cindy had a quick wit, loved card games and making pies, and had a smile that could light up any room.

Cindy's memory will live on with her daughter Barbara (Enrico) Giatti of Bondeno, Italy; son William (Vernalee) Schnarr of Silverdale, WA; four grandchildren: Liv, Kaitlyn, William and Nathan; her brother Bill (Donna) Settles; her beloved friend, Jill; and several nieces and nephews.

Cindy is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and siblings Joann Kittendorf, Mary Grimm, Carolyn Johnson, Jeanette Mix, Winifred Keillor, Charles, Doug, Kenneth, Ray, Undine and Merle Settles.

A celebration of Cindy's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Benzie County Senior Resources. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, Mi.

04/30/2026

Lois Lavina (Reed) Weaver, age 86, of Frankfort passed away April 24, 2026, at The Maples.

She was born July 27, 1939, in Elberta, 1 of 12 children of the late Wesley and Pansy (Pierce) Reed. On April 17, 1976, Lois married Richard Weaver at the Blaine Christian Church in Arcadia.

Lois worked as a housekeeper at several resorts in Leelanau County. She was a former member of the United Methodist Church in Elberta. She loved gardening and working in the yard.

She is preceded in death by husband Richard, her parents, her twin brother Louis Reed, sisters Jennie Essenberg, Joan Corbin, Mary Jane VanDrycke, and Nina Kay Hall, and brothers Floyd “Red” Reed, and Edward Reed.

She is survived by 2 sons, David Reed and Russell (Crystal) Reed, 2 stepsons Richard Weaver and James Weaver, 10 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren, siblings Maudeen Dolph, Lillian Larson, Orlin (Kay) Reed, and Norma Cox.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

04/29/2026

Brian J. Nowak, age 69, of Benzonia, passed away on Saturday April 11, 2026, at Munson Medical Center.

Brian was born on June 21, 1956, in Traverse City, MI, the son of the late Stephen and Edna (Tweddle) Nowak. He graduated from Glen Lake High School.

He is survived by his son Brian (Cheryl) Nowak of Eaton Rapids, MI; grandchildren Mason and Megan Nowak of Eaton Rapids, MI; and siblings Gene (Joan) Nowak, Janet (Jesse) Crawford, Joyce (James) White, Stephen Nowak, Kenneth (Kathy) Nowak, Martha (Michael) Flees, Gerald (Paula) Nowak, Dennis (Joyce) Nowak, Richard (June) Nowak, Arnold (Sherry), and Judy
(Chris) Hammond.

Besides his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his son Kenneth W. Nowak, and his sister Rita (William) Inman.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on May 30, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia, MI.
Please feel free to share a photo with Brian’s family at https://www.tributeslides.com/up/15231834147243

04/28/2026

Charles Chuck" Louis Luxford, 87, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Munson Medical Center.

Chuck was born on June 24, 1938, in Frankfort, Michigan, to Louis "Smoky" Luxford and Eloise Clark. He spent part of his early life in Grand Rapids before settling in Elberta with his beloved wife, Imogene, where they remained for the rest of his life and became well-known and respected members of the community.

Chuck was an outstanding athlete in his younger years, known for his strength. determination, and competitive spirit. At just 10 years old, he was ski jumping at Elberta Mountain and was something of a daredevil, even jumping off the Frankfort pier as a very young boy.

Chuck and his beloved wife, Imogene, were longtime proud owners of the Mavfair Tavern, where they dedicated 36 years of service. He also worked as a bus driver for the Frankfort-Elberta School District for 30 years and served as a referee for 20 years. In addition, he proudly served on the Elberta Village Council, was actively involved in the Masons, and was a board member for Benzie National Bank, later known as West Michigan National Bank, contributing his time and effort to the betterment of his community. Known for his toughness and high standards, many of the students he transported over the years fondly remembered him as a strict but caring presence-and ultimately, one of the best drivers they ever had

Throughout his life, Chuck maintained a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting. fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and camping with family and friends, both locally and in Michigan Upper Peninsula.

Chuck will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need, and his deep love for his family

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Imogene; his children, Craig (Connie), Kelly Mark) and Michelle (Baver); his grandchildren, Garrett, Wade (Anna), Keeton (John), Kolby, Jordan (Katie), and Jenna (Brandon); seven great-grandchildren; his sister. Connie Toms; his sisters-in-law, Emily Luxford and Mary Luxford: as well as
many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: his brothers, Norm and Eugene; his sister, Molly Smith: and his brother-in-law, Lee Smith.

Chuck will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

A private family service will be held at Gilmore Twp Cemetery. Arrangements are with Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia

04/28/2026

Linda Ruthann Rackow, 88, Copemish, mother and grandmother, died April 21st 2026. She was born in Elberta on December 5th 1937 the daughter of Lawrence and Lorraine Worthington. Linda was a school bus driver for 13 years and worked as a teacher in Head Start. She was also a CENA at Lakeview Manor in Cadillac. She was a proud and doting grandmother. Linda was a member of Thompsonville Congregational Church, Rebekka’s and also leader of Topps 1628 of Interlochen.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Cleo, son John, daughter Lauretta Rackow, parents Lawrence and Lorraine Worthington, step father John VanAntwerp, sister Leila Carrier, and grandson Chad.
She is survived by children Cheryl (Randy) Newland, Elizabeth Rackow, daughter in law Carol Rackow, grandchildren Terri Davis, Olivia Rackow, Kevin Newland, Kristy Newland, Kelly (Jason) Horricks, great grandchildren Angeles Napier, Terriah Davis, Makenna Horricks, Megan Horricks, and Michael Davis, sister Tina Worthington, brother Frank Worthington, brother in law Bill (Margeret) Rackow, sisters in law Marilyn Wareham, Lois Rackow, Beverly Walton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private ceremony for the family will be held. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

04/25/2026

Alice Patricia "Pat" Ikens passed away April 18, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan and graduated from Reeths Puffer High School in 1959. She then attended Muskegon Business School to become a machinist. She used those skills to work at Ge**er Foods in Fremont, and then Misco-Howmet in Whitehall.

In 1961 she married Floyd, and they raised 3 children. The family relocated to Traverse City in 1977, where Pat worked various places. In 1982, they moved to Elberta, bought Elberta Sports Shop, and began a charter fishing business.

Pat took great pleasure in her annual visits to Canada and spent her winters in Florida. She treasured spending time camping with her family and loved activities such as hunting, fishing, trap shooting, feeding wild animals, snowmobiling, playing bingo, and singing.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Nina (Jones) Rozek, brothers Frank (Chic) Rozek, and Chuck Rozek, in laws George (Thelma) Haugen, brothers in law Robert Ikens, Paul Duell Jr, and Edward Haugen, and her beloved blue heeler Smokie.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years Floyd Ikens, sons Frank (Barb) Ikens, Patrick (Jennifer) Ikens, daughter Tina Wilkins, sister in law “Rosie” Duell, grandchildren Jared (Jazmin Dougherty) Ikens, Mea Ikens, Chad (Jessica) Marshall, Nicole (Coley) Marshall, Stephanie Lloyd, great grandchildren Jade Ikens, Ella Marshall, Hannah Marshall, Jaden Sherwood, Evan Sherwood. She is also survived by a very special cousin Jake Davidson, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank The Maples for all the care and compassion Pat received in their care. Contributions may be made to The Maples. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

04/23/2026

Diane Elaine (Manley) Lalomia passed away April 21, 2026, at the age of 69.

Diane grew up moving from place to place in a military family. She relied on art to keep her going in between the challenges of always making new friends. This passion grew with her throughout her life. After retirement she even blogged about art and expressing one’s individuality thus inspiring her name for herself as “The Lone Zebra”. Her love of textile art and spinning, led her to keep sheep, goats, and llamas, while her enthusiasm for painting included florals, dogs, cats, birds, and other natural scenes found right outside her back door.

In 1981, she married Vince, and together they had two children while relocating to various states, including Florida and Nebraska. In 2003, the family settled in Bear Lake, Michigan to provide care for Vince’s father. Subsequently, she established Beatitudes Bookstore in Manistee, Michigan.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents Emory and Geraldine Manley, and son Joseph.

She is survived by husband Vincent, daughter Tara (Aaron) Carter.

A service will be held Wednesday April 29th at the Blaine Christian Church at 1:00 pm with a visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

04/23/2026

Philip Clinton Bowerman (87) passed away in Edinburg, Texas on February 1, 2026. Phil was born in Ionia, MI the first child of Hugh and Carolyn (Peterson) Bowerman.

His early years were filled with farm and 4H adventures with his numerous first cousins from the Charles and Caroline Peterson clan. He moved to Carson City, MI in Junior High where his father opened a DeSoto dealership. After graduating from Carson City-Crystal High School in 1957 he began working for the family business and wooing Rosella Springsteen of Butternut, MI. They married and raised three sons in the area. Phil began working for the Michigan Department of Transportation in 1960. He spent most of his career in density testing and retired as Supervisor of Density Technology and a lead nuclear safety officer for the State of Michigan. In retirement Phil and Rosella relocated near Arcadia, MI where they grew spruce for Christmas and landscaping trees at Herring View Tree Farm. Phil was also an avid s***t and sporting clays shooter competing around the state and regularly at Kaleva’s Big Bear Sportsman’s Club and Mission S***t & Trap (TX)

He is survived by wife Rosella Bowerman, sons Steven P Bowerman; Kurt (Wendy) Bowerman, grandchildren: Jeremy Bowerman (Alma, MI), Amber Farrar (St Louis, MI), Kaitlyn Bowerman (Orlando, FL), Deborah Kersting (Wauwatosa, WI), Susan DeVries (St. Augustine, FL), and Philip Bowerman (Norman, OK).

He was preceded in death by son Scott Bowerman, parents Hugh (Daniel) & Carolyn (Amelia) Bowerman, sister Martha Kucks and in laws Jay & Annis Springsteen.

A graveside service will be held at Blaine Township Cemetery at 2:30 pm on Sunday April 26, 2026, with reception following at the Blaine Township Hall on White Owl Road. Memorial contributions can be made to Benzie Shores District Library (Frankfort, MI) or Big Bear Sportsman’s Club (Kaleva, MI). Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

04/22/2026

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