Ransford Funeral Home - Caro

03/20/2026

03/20/2026

Jason Daniel Peterson

Jason Daniel Peterson, 46, of Akron, passed away at his home on March 18, 2026. He was born on March 5, 1980, in Fosston, Minnesota, to Daniel Peterson and Beverly (Finseth) Fenno. Jason graduated from Thief River Falls High School with the Class of 1998. He went on to work at Arctic Cat for many years before eventually making his home in Michigan.

Jason was widely known for his passion for strength training and competitive lifting. He competed in Strongman competitions, earning the title of Midwest’s Strongest Man and traveling to Reno for the finals. He spent countless hours training alongside his brother-in-law, Shawn, and in 2010, took a memorable trip to North Carolina to meet some of the sport’s top competitors.

Jason loved snowmobiling, riding ATVs, and being outdoors. He was very handy and always had a project to work on. Jason enjoyed playing cards with his family and spending time with his nieces and nephews, especially on their four-wheelers. Known as a gentle giant, Jason had a kind, humble, and patient spirit, along with a heart as big as his presence. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jason leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Daniel Peterson and Beverly (Nick) Fenno; sisters, Nickie (Shawn) Martinsen and Sarah (Jared) Wilberg; nieces and nephews, Jaden (Cheyenne) Martinsen, Jarek Martinsen, Josie Martinsen, Jacie Martinsen, Kohl (Chantelle) Peterson, Hannah Peterson, and Brenna Peterson; great-nieces and great-nephews, Waylon Martinsen, Brevon Martinsen, Beckham Peterson, Blaire Peterson, and Taytum Peterson; his dog, who was like his child, Luna; lifelong friend, who was like a brother, Jimmy Peltier; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents; great-nephew, Bentlie Peterson; uncle, Randy Finseth; and his dogs, Missy and Gibby.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

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03/18/2026

Kathryn Rae Smith

Kathryn Rae Smith of Caro, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 25, 1937, in Northville, the daughter of the late Samuel and Mona (Calkins) Smith. Kate graduated from Walled Lake High School with the Class of 1955 and went on to attend the Bronson School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, where she earned her degree as a registered nurse. Throughout her career, she served communities across Michigan, working in many settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, the health department, and as a traveling nurse.

Affectionately known as “Aunt Kate” to generations of family and friends, she rarely missed a sporting event, band concert, musical, birthday, or family gathering. She adored her nieces and nephews, as well as their families, and would do anything for them. Kate loved traveling, especially up to her cottage in Northport with family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and in her younger years, sewing. She will be forever remembered for her feisty, protective nature, her unwavering support of her family, and her constant presence in their lives. Kate was loving, giving, and selfless, and she shared a close, special bond with each family member that will always be remembered.

Kate leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings, David (Helena) Smith and Elizabeth “Liz” Zuercher; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Smith; nieces and nephews, Michelle (Ray) Perkins, Darek Smith, Kurt Smith, John (Laraine) Smith, Samuel (Elizabeth) Smith, Holly Anderton, Heidi (Brad) Brown, Keri (David) Moenssen, and Kami (Andy Smock) Zuercher; niece-in-law, Linda Smith; many, many great and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Kate was preceded in death by her brothers, Lowell Smith and Samuel Smith; brother-in-law, Jerry W. Zuercher; and nephew, Michael Smith.

Kate’s memorial service will be on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Marc Herron officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Heidi Brown.

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03/17/2026

Support our local American Legion and enjoy a delicious fish fry this Thursday, March 19th!

03/16/2026

Michelle Ann Oaks

Michelle Ann Oaks passed away on March 14, 2026, at Medilodge of Grand Blanc. She was born on July 12, 1965 in Marlette, the daughter of Carol Ann Clark.

Michelle graduated from high school and went on to work as a caregiver. She was also an author who wrote her own books, sharing her thoughts and stories with others.

Michelle is survived by her son, Joshua Oaks, who continues to carry her memory forward.

Throughout her life, Michelle showed kindness and care to those around her, both through her work and her writing. She will be remembered simply for who she was and the impact she made in her own way.

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03/14/2026

Richard L. Blakely of Caro, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Tuscola County Medical Care Facility in Caro, Michigan. On December 19, 1940, Richard was born in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Lewis and Fern (Richardson) Blakely. He was a 1959 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Following his graduation, Richard began his long life of service to community and country by enlisting in the United States Air Force from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1962. While in the Air Force, he met the woman who would become the love his life, Linda Sue Baker. They met at a USO dance in Oklahoma and Richard, being quite the dancer himself, caught Sue’s eye. The couple would wed on April 20, 1960, and share over 65 years of love and dedication to others. She survives him.

Richard spent 10 years in sales with Cooper Chevrolet in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Beginning his law-enforcement career, Richard graduated out of the 80th Class from the Michigan State Police Academy in Lansing. Richard was recruited as a State Trooper and assigned to West Branch before ultimately taking a position as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Tuscola County where he served his community until his retirement in 2004. During his time in law enforcement, he earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Delta College and then he finalized his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw State University.

Richard was deeply involved in his community throughout his life, in ways that extended well beyond his career. Richard was deeply faithful in his beliefs and lived out his faith in his everyday life. He was a member of Caro United Methodist Church, where he served as president of the United Methodist Men’s group, and participated in Lay and Youth Ministries. Richard had a strong belief in supporting Forgotten Men Ministries within the Tuscola County Jail and Florence State Prison, Arizona. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Gideons International, and the Freemasons.

Richard’s success with the Safety Ville Program in Tuscola County Schools led to his being chosen to attend the State of Michigan’s first D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Recruit School in 1988. He helped establish and develop the D.A.R.E. program in Tuscola County, building it into a successful program serving nine school districts across the county. Richard served as a D.A.R.E. officer for several decades, working closely with local students and schools. His dedication to children’s education and safety earned him the honor of D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year, and he was also elected to serve as D.A.R.E. Sergeant-at-Arms for the State of Michigan. In addition to his work with D.A.R.E., Richard was passionate about educating young people and taught Hunter’s Safety. During this time, he was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He and Sue’s teamwork to support the Arc of Tuscola County as an elected president and then serve on the board to the Arc of Bay County, as well as their endless support of individuals with developmental disabilities saw them placed within the Congressional Records of the State of Michigan as “Pillars of the Community.”

Richard was a devoted family man who treasured time with those closest to him. He and Sue enjoyed traveling across the country to visit family and create many cherished memories along the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Richard is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Sue; children, Michael Blakely, David (Julie Hanes) Blakey, Mary Beth Garrett, and Joshua Blakely; grandchildren, Rick Blakely, Brittany Blakely, Peyton (Nina) Blakely, Rebecca (Gerald) Ten Brink, Hannah (Dimitri Sepsakos) Blakely, Wylie Garrett, and Wynn (Katelyn Kennedy) Garrett; and ten great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

A funeral service for Richard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Caro United Methodist Church, 670 West Gilford Road, Caro, MI, with Pastor Bob Demyanovich presiding. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20 at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Caro United Methodist Church, the Arc of Bay City, or the Fraternal Order of Police, Greater Thumb Area Lodge #148.

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03/10/2026

George Charles Pryor

George Charles Pryor of Fairgrove, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1947 at the Caro Hospital to George J. and Glenna G. Pryor. He graduated from Caro High School in 1966, and married Susan L. Adams of Fairgrove in 1968. After attending Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New York, George returned to Tuscola County for the remainder of his years. He worked for a brief time at the Pioneer Sugar factory and the Hydromat Manufacturing plant in Caro before giving the remainder of his working years as the front desk ordering agent for Riecks Auto Parts of Kingston.

George served as a lay leader for thirty-five years at the Kingston Wesleyan Church, teaching Sunday School, leading youth ministries, sharing musical worship, and offering wisdom as a member of the church board. All who knew George were drawn in by his joyful and humble care for them. George’s sincere faith and thoughtful love consistently guided his words and actions inspiring others toward the same. George especially loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In later years, George actively participated in the Watrousville Historical Society and the Fairgrove Methodist Church. He enjoyed Bible study along with genealogical research, spending many hours exploring library histories, census records, and cemetery markers to record his family ancestry in both Michigan and Illinois.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife, three of their infant children, his parents, sisters, Connie and Barbara, and many extended family members. He is survived by his son, George (Linda) Pryor, his daughter Amy (Curtis) Jones; his grandchildren, Makenzie Jones, Andrew Jones, Gwendolyn Pryor, Makayla Jones; his sister, Patricia (Martin) Koss; as well as many loved cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

George’s funeral service will be on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairgrove Global Methodist Church with Rev. George Pryor officiating. George’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Elim Bible College, 7245 College St, Lima, NY 14485.

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03/10/2026

Goldie Jean Langworthy

Goldie Jean Langworthy of Caro, age 75, passed away at her home on Monday, March 2, 2026. She was born on June 14, 1950 in Caro.

Private burial will take place at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Saginaw.

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03/09/2026

Kenneth Howard Proctor

Kenneth Howard Proctor of Akron, age 75, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at home. He was born in Carson City on March 27, 1950, the son of the late Robert and Kenna Jean (Rohlfs) Proctor. Ken graduated from Akron-Fairgrove High School with the class of 1968. He married the love of his life, the former Victoria Kappen, on September 13, 1969 at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Cass City. Their marriage was blessed with over fifty-six years, three beautiful daughters, and countless laughs and memories.

Ken proudly served in the United States Army for two years. After returning home, he began his working career at Steering Gear before farming alongside his father. In 1995, Ken returned to school to pursue a career as a corrections officer. He served at the Saginaw Correctional Facility in Freeland and later with Tuscola County, retiring in 2012. In addition to his corrections career, Ken assisted with the Tuscola County Marine Patrol and dedicated more than twenty-three years to the Akron Fire Department, including five years as Fire Chief.

Ken enjoyed anything that involved being out on the water, fishing, ice fishing, or boating, he was always ready to go. He also liked flying his drone and spending time outdoors. His favorite pastime, however, was teasing his granddaughters and, most of all, spending time with them. Ken was a hard worker with a wonderful sense of humor. His laughter, love, and the joy he brought to others will always be remembered.

Ken leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Victoria Proctor; daughters, Shelly Proctor, Angela (John) Zagorski, and Erica Nowland; granddaughters, Jocelyn and Kara Nowland; sister, Nancy (Ron) Will; mother-in-law, Shirley Kappen; brother-in-law, Rob (Crystal) Kappen; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Wallace Kappen; brothers-in-law, Ronald Kappen, Charles Kappen, and Jack Kappen; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Kappen.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. Ken’s family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola County Veteran Affairs, American Heart Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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03/04/2026

Today we had the honor of meeting with Gift of Life Michigan, an organization dedicated to organ and tissue donation. At Ransford Funeral Home, we believe that even in moments of loss, there is an opportunity to create hope for others.
With Gift of Life Michigan, we work together to help families understand how their loved one can continue to make a difference. Organ and tissue donation allows a life to live on in the most meaningful way, through a lasting gift that can save and heal others.
We are grateful to stand alongside Gift of Life Michigan in supporting families and helping turn compassion into life-changing generosity. 💚

02/27/2026

M. Eugeana Rohlfs

Madeline "Eugeana" Rohlfs of Caro, age 92, passed away, Thursday, February 26, 2026. She was born October 24, 1933 in Fairgrove, the daughter of the late Glyde and Evelyn (Robinson) Rohlfs and was raised on the Rohlfs farm near Akron. She graduated from Akron High School and soon afterward became a homemaker and loving mother of five children. She learned to play the piano beautifully as a young girl and continued to play it her entire life, including at the Akron Presbyterian Church. In her younger years, she was employed at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility and Hydromat in Caro, and later became a talented stained-glass artist. She enjoyed walks in nature, music, reading, and growing flowers. Eugeana loved animals, especially dogs and horses, and had them most of her life. She lived in many states, including California, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and made close friends everywhere she went. Her beautiful smile will be deeply missed.

Eugeana is survived by her four children, Linda (Al) Spomer, Diane Arnold, Scott Priestley, and Chris (Peggy) Priestley; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Fatima Priestley; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Laurie; her son, James; granddaughter, Erica; son-in-law, Robert Arnold; and her significant other, Dean Zilar.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Private inurnment will be at Demorest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Fairgrove Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for the loving care Eugeana received during her time there.

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02/25/2026

Patricia Eileen Starkey

Patricia Eileen (Specht) Starkey of Akron, age 79, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Heritage Hill Assisted Living and Memory Care. Patricia was born October 2, 1946 in Saginaw, the daughter of the late Franklin H. and Viola (Graf) Specht. She enjoyed growing up on Malzahn Street in Saginaw. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School with the Class of 1964 and went on to attend Northwood Institute (now Northwood University).

On April 8, 1972, she married Thomas W. Starkey, and together they made their home in Akron, where Patricia lived for the remainder of her life. She worked as a secretary at Spicer Engineering before dedicating herself to raising her family as a homemaker. Later, she served as church secretary for over a decade at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairgrove.

Patricia’s greatest joy was her family. While she loved all of her grandchildren deeply, she shared a particularly close bond with her oldest grandson, Thomas, and treasured the time they spent together and the special memories they made as he was growing up.

She also shared an especially close relationship with her sister, Jacquie. One of her most cherished memories was a tour of Europe they were blessed to take together, shortly before Jacquie’s life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident in 1971 at the age of 19.

Her life centered around her faith, her family, and her church community. Patricia had a deep love for music, singing in the church choir and leading the children’s choir for many years. She founded and directed the children’s handbell choir, as well as directing the annual children’s Christmas program for many years. She also directed Christian musical productions at Grace, including The Music Machine and Baa Baa Bethlehem, bringing together congregation members of all ages to share the message of God’s love and faithfulness.

Patricia leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Melissa (Jonathan) Keller, Julie (Jerry) Hoefling, and Michael (Laura) Starkey; former son-in-law, Dane Couture; and her grandchildren, Thomas Couture, and Julia, Olivia, and Joshua Hargash; and her aunt, Marie Specht. In addition to her husband and parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her stepmother, Cornelia (Schrotenboer) Specht; sister, Jacqueline Marie Specht; father-in-law, John F. Starkey; mother-in-law, Marjorie (Hover) Starkey; and numerous beloved aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairgrove with Rev. Joshua Haller officiating. Burial will take place at Demorest Cemetery in Akron following the service. Patricia’s family will be present to receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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