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Ransford Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 205 W Sherman Street, Caro, MI (2025)

09/24/2025

Bruce Ray Hullinger, age 68, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Born in Downers Grove, Illinois, on June 1, 1957, he was placed for adoption by his biological parents and was adopted by Raymond and Marie (Kearnes) Hullinger.

Bruce gave his life to Christ and loved nothing more than helping others whenever he could. He would give the shirt off his back, even if it was the last one he had. Though he rarely asked for help himself, he always tried to give more than he received. Bruce especially loved driving semi-trucks and spending time with his daughters and grandson.

His friends knew him as a man with a great sense of humor who loved playing practical jokes, but they also knew they could always count on him.

Bruce traveled to all forty-eight continental states, often taking his daughters along with him during the summers. He delighted in making surprise trips home, sometimes picking them up from school in his semi-truck. He also cherished spending 2–3 weeks with his daughters at his parents’ home each summer, affectionately called “the lake house.” There, his father, Ray, would take the family out on the boat so the grandchildren could go tubing. Bruce loved swimming, sharing good food, and most of all, being with his family.

Bruce is survived by his father, Raymond Hullinger; his daughters, Brandy Hullinger and Ashley (Mark) Wendling; his grandson, Dominic Wendling; his sister, Cindy (Bill) Pavelek; his niece, Mia Vamvas, and her children; and his nephew, Max, and his children. Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Hullinger, and his grandparents.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

09/23/2025

Dolly Ann Morley, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Medilodge of Cass City. Dolly was born March 8, 1957 in Elkton, the daughter of the late Gustave and Iris (Groth) Bittner. She attended Owendale-Gagetown Area Schools and graduated with the Class of 1977. In 1981, she married Clare Morley and the couple cherished over forty-four years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, Clare Morley of Gagetown.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. Dolly’s family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

09/22/2025

Gerry Frick of Caro, age 91, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at United Hospice Residence in Marlette. Gerry was born October 3, 1933 in Hamtramck, the daughter of the late Stanley and Gertrude (Bugenski) Kozel. Her father passed away when she was very young. When her mother married William Lange, Gerry was blessed with the only father she ever knew. After moving to the farm on M-46 she met her neighbor Marie (Blink) LaPratt and they started a friendship that spanned over 80 years. Gerry attended the Four Town Country School and later went to Caro High School graduating with the class of 1952.

On November 29, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart Wayne Frick at St Joseph Catholic Church in Mayville. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage before Wayne passed in 2019. While working at the local bakery after graduation Gerry learned how to decorate cakes. She used that skill to make countless birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren. Gerry also worked for Manasse's Jewelry store for 10 years. She started her life's work when she began working for Dr. Nigg and Dr. Miles as a receptionist. Gerry was still there when it was named Caro Family Physicians and worked for a total of 45 years. She formed friendships and bonds with her coworkers that lasted a lifetime.

Gerry enjoyed going to lunch with the "girls" once a month. She was an avid reader, a trait which she passed down to the next three generations of her family. Gerry was a phenomenal cook and baker, and she loved to share what she made with others. At Christmas, she baked hundreds of cookies and made-up boxes that she would deliver to family and friends. Gerry was a founding member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mayville where she taught catechism and was a regular worker at the fish fries held there. Her biggest joy in life was her family. Gerry’s constant presence, love and devotion impacted three generations, and we are all the better for it.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Chris & Jackie Frick, Cathy Fisher, Suzann & Glen Harding all of Caro; grandchildren, Wayne M Frick, William & Kelsey Frick, Becky Fisher and her husband, Scott Melton, Andy Fisher, Abbie & Shawn Rosenski, Paul & Hannah Harding, eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was proceeded in death by her husband Wayne, brother Larry Kozel and son-in-law Ralph Fisher.

Gerry’s funeral service will be on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Parish, St. Joseph Church in Mayville. Rev. Isaac Madanu will officiate with the burial following at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro. The family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro and again at church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to United Hospice Service, 2770 Main, PO Box 307, Marlette, MI 48453.

09/15/2025

We are excited to share that tomorrow our name will officially return to Ransford Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
For nearly a century, our family-owned funeral home has had the honor of serving Caro. The name on our sign has changed a few times, but the commitment and compassion behind it have always remained the same. Returning to Ransford Funeral Home & Cremation Services feels like coming home to our roots while preparing for the next chapter and our centennial celebration next year.
Our story includes an important chapter in 2011, when we merged with Collon Funeral Home. That moment brought together two strong traditions of care that placed families first. We are thankful to the Collon family for their graciousness during that transition and to the Collon staff who continue to serve faithfully with us today. Their presence and dedication remain an important part of who we are.
To our community, thank you for the trust and support you have given us through every chapter of our history. You have allowed us to walk beside your families for nearly 100 years, and that honor is something we never take for granted.
We are excited for what’s ahead and remain devoted to serving you with compassion, honoring both the Ransford and Collon legacies in all that we do.

09/15/2025

Tommy Forrest Valentine of Akron, age 83, passed away at home on September 13, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born September 23, 1941 in Goodrich, the son of the late Forrest and Florence (Craft) Valentine. A proud graduate of Akron High School, Tom began his career at Caro State Hospital before joining Consumer’s Energy as a welder, where he devoted thirty-seven years of service until his retirement in 2003. On July 30, 1959, Tom married the love of his life, Sandra (Peterhans). Together they shared over sixty-six cherished years, raising three children and creating countless memories.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and faithfully served the Village of Akron as a councilman for twenty years. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren at their sporting events. Remembered for his quick wit, devotion, and generous heart, Tom leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will be forever cherished by his family and friends.

Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Sandra Valentine; their children, Jeffrey (Lynn) Valentine, James (Lisa) Valentine, and Marla (Chris) Carland; grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Ruppal, Tommy Ruppal (Heather), Tyson (Carly) Valentine, Cami (Garrett) McNeil, Calie (Mac) Montgomery, Theresa (Blake) Buckmaster, and Barbara (John) Adams; great-grandchildren, Caylyn, Amaia, Briella, Paisley, Briggs, Bronx, McCoy, Moxon, Blakely, Tripp, Trace, Hudson, Eli, Grace, Sawyer, and Nora; sister, MaryAnn (James) Fox; brothers-in-law, Robert Peterhans and Richard Peterhans; sister-in-law, Mari (John) Young; several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Geraldine (Tye) Bonter and Reva (Richard) Samson; sisters-in-law, Joyce Peterhans and Jewell Peterhans.

Tom’s memorial service will be on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Keith Aeder officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to USA Pride Softball or USA Little League, both of Sebewaing.

09/09/2025

Gerald Allyn “Gary” Dunham of Caro, age 73, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 29, 1952, the son of the late O.D. and Marjorie (Stout) Dunham. Gary graduated from Fairgrove High School and later from the Northeastern Police Academy at Delta College. His early years of hard work began at Weber Steel, but it was law enforcement that became his true calling. Gary dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department, beginning in the jail, moving on to the road patrol for ten years, and later finding his greatest fulfillment at the Friend of the Court, where he worked for over fourteen years.
A man of faith, Gary was a member of Caro First Baptist Church, active with Awana, and went on many mission trips to South America. He was a member of the Tuscola County Gun Club, and the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was hunting woodchucks, deer, and pheasants, shooting s***t, or woodworking. He loved the freedom of the open road on his Honda motorcycle, taking countless trips. Gary stood by the Detroit Lions through thick and thin, mostly thin. In classic Lions fashion, they managed to disappoint him one last time before he left us.
Gary was a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur, though in truth he simply loved them all equally and frequently. He had a stubborn streak at times, but that was matched with generosity, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His work ethic was unmatched, and his sense of humor kept those around him laughing. A true family man, he loved being around his children and grandchildren.
Gary leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Jennifer (Antoine) LaPratt, Matt (Jaylee Burnham) Dunham, and Michael Dunham; grandchildren, Abbey and Owen LaPratt and Madison and Waylon Dunham; brothers, Larry Dunham and Bob (Denise) Dunham; five nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Dunham and grandchildren, Allison LaPratt and Andrew LaPratt.
Gary’s funeral service will be on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Herron and Rev. Ronald Wigand officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Jennifer LaPratt, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.

09/04/2025

Michael Lee Edginton, born on August 2, 1953, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Edginton, his sister Kathy White, his brother Robbie Edginton, his grandmother Mary “Sugar Cookie” Foxall, and his grandfather Walter “Toddy” Foxall.

He is survived by his children, Michael Edward Edginton and his wife Angela, and Heather LeeAnn Edginton, along with her fiancé, Guy. He is also survived by his mother, Martha "Marty" Mumford, his brother Terry Edginton and his wife Kim, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved greatly.

Mike had a fantastic sense of humor and loved to crack jokes, no matter the occasion. In his earlier years, he enjoyed painting Bob Ross–style paintings, had a dog sled team, built train sets with his children, practiced wood burning art, and also hunted, fished, and camped with his best friend, Burt. He played guitar and was in a band with his son, Michael. He was always proud of his children’s artistic and musical talents.

He had a passion for cooking, having learned from chefs in Florida, and was a fantastic provider for his family. He commuted over an hour to work at GM to ensure they had everything they needed. The family was very proud of him when he went back to school at age 40 at the Motorcycle Institute of Orlando, Florida, to get his motorcycle mechanic certification. After that, he worked at ABC Harley Davidson, where he made many friends and memories.

He also had a love for Halloween and would set up yard displays with his sister, and he had a passion for karaoke, always encouraging his daughter to sing loudly, as if he were in the very back listening. His favorite piece of advice was to “put on your Teflon jacket” and never let anything stick to you.

He was a positive man, always ready to help others, and in his final days, he still cracked jokes and made his family aware of how much he truly appreciated them. He wanted to remind everybody to love hard and live life to the fullest.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, cremation is to take place, with a memorial service to be held at Hope Community Church in Waterford at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family discretionary fund c/o Heather Edginton, 205 West Sherman St., Caro, MI 48723.

09/02/2025

Beverly Trisch of Caro, age 80, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro. Beverly was born March 9, 1945 in Caro, the daughter of the late Glenn and Marian (Biles) LeValley. She graduated from Akron-Fairgrove High School in 1963 and cherished the friendships she built there, staying closely connected with her classmates through weekly meetups to chat and catch up over coffee or lunch.
On March 21, 1964, Bev married Donald Trisch, and together they shared more than fifty-five years of marriage until his passing in 2019.
Bev had a gift for creating beauty around her. She was an exceptional gardener whose flower beds and immaculately kept yard reflected both her care and creativity. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino for a bit of fun, and was a long-time member of Caro United Methodist Church.
Bev is survived by a brother, David LeValley and his wife, Elizabeth, of Bay City; niece, Christine Gibbs and her husband, David, of Traverse City; nephew, Gregory LeValley and his wife, Courtney, of Plainwell; and brother-in-law, Louis Trisch, and his wife, Cheryl, of Caro. In addition to her parents and husband, Beverly was preceded in death by a son, Brian Trisch.
In keeping with Bev’s wishes, cremation has taken place. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Caro United Methodist Church Memorial Garden. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Caro United Methodist Church.

09/01/2025

Leland Ward Teschendorf of Caro, age 75, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Covenant Medical Center – Harrison, in Saginaw. He was born November 21, 1949 in Bad Axe, the son of the late Ward and Maxine (Witherspoon) Teschendorf. Lee graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University in 1971. On March 1, 1975, Lee married the love of his life, Christine Cox, celebrating fifty years of marriage this past March. Their marriage was blessed with countless memories, a beautiful daughter, and so much love.

In 1973, Lee began working for the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office as a Road Patrol Deputy, working his way up to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Jail Administrator and in 2008 was elected as Sheriff. He was skilled with the knowledge of guns and ammo and a proud member of the National Rifle Association, Caro Gun Club, and Richville Gun Club. Lee was an active member in the community, being a 2008 LEAD Tuscola graduate, past president and treasurer of the Greater Thumb Area Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 148, 2012 Honorary Chairman for Tuscola County United Way, served as a Vice Chair of Thumb Narcotics Unit, was the Tuscola Senior Citizens TRIAD coordinator, and First Vice Commander, Caro Squadron 7 Sons of the American Legion.

Lee was a member of many organizations, including, Caro Rotary, Caro Moose Lodge, Michigan Sheriff’s Association, Thumb Area Pheasants Forever, and Tuscola County Ducks Unlimited. He loved being outside and working on the family farm. Lee was always up to go hunting and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He was a loyal family man and consistently kind and understanding of everyone. Lee’s patience, knowledge, and devotion will be missed dearly.

Lee leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Christine Teschendorf; their daughter, Kristen Teschendorf; brother, Alan (Sharon) Teschendorf; nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Ryan) Robinson, Cindy (Scott) Briggs, Scott (Betheen) Teschendorf, Ryan (Baily) Teschendorf, Kyle Teschendorf, and Sonya (Andre) Paquette; uncle, August (Joann) Teschendorf; aunt, Molly Teschendorf; sister-in-law, Kathy (Eugene) Esckelson. In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Teschendorf.

Lee’s funeral service will be on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Paul McNett will officiate with the burial at New River Cemetery in Port Hope following the luncheon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again on Friday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Special Olympics or American Cancer Society.

09/01/2025

Cora Lou Downing, 91, of Caro, passed away peacefully, at her daughter Shelli’s home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, August 30, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1934, in Caro, the daughter of the late Benjamin and Esther (Dickinson) Hutton. A proud graduate of Caro High School, Cora Lou went on to marry the love of her life, Richard Paul Downing, on August 14, 1952. In the early years of their marriage, Richard’s military service took them to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they spent a few memorable years. Alaska remained a place of deep meaning in Cora Lou’s heart throughout her life. Cora Lou and Richard shared more than seventy-two beautiful years together, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, until his passing on September 12, 2024.

A woman of steadfast faith, Cora Lou was a devoted and active member of Caro First Baptist Church. Guided by her deep faith and generous heart, she lovingly raised her seven children. Over the span of three decades, Cora Lou and Richard also welcomed more than three hundred foster children into their home, touching lives with compassion, kindness, and unwavering generosity. A gifted homemaker and exceptional cook, Cora Lou especially enjoyed canning and spending time outdoors. In her younger years she cherished time spent traveling with her family and camping. She absolutely adored all animals—above all, dogs. Cora Lou will always be remembered for her love and determination.

Cora Lou leaves to cherish her memory, children, Rob (Susan) Downing, Ross (Linda) Downing, Kelli Sue (Heath) Jackson, Margie (Jerry) McPhillips, Shelli Downing (Shawn York), Jennifer (Gavin) Sykes-McLaughlin, and Cheryl (Pat) Dillon; son-in-law, Brent Harrington; daughter-in-law, Dawn Downing; grandchildren, Jared, Jade, Aimee, Jamie, Kristy, Chad, Ryan, David, Andrea, Dwayne, Meghin, Sara, Kaylin, Kylie, Alex, Rayne, Corey, Cara, Caleb, Collin, Caylee, Rhys, Bryn, Liam, Mandy, Tammy, Samantha, and Ali; thirty plus great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Richard, Cora Lou was preceded in death by her children, Sherri Harrington and Steven Downing; daughter-in-law, Margaret Mary Downing; grandson, David Wilcher; brother, Elwin (Peggy) Hutton.

Cora Lou’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro First Baptist Church. Rev. Marc Herron will officiate with the burial following at Indianfields Township Cemetery. The family will be present at the church to receive visitors on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Following the graveside service, there will be a luncheon at approximately 1:00 p.m. at the church to continue honoring Cora Lou. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Cass River Pet Friendz.

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