Cedar Springs - Blanche Melinda NAFFZIGER, 94, Sand Lake, passed away Thursday at her residence.
She was born in 1904 to Minnie EICHENBERG and William JONES.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; her daughter, Irene; a stepson, Leland; sons-in-law, Johnny WHITE, August BRADLEY, and Bill WIGGINS.
Surviving are her children, Virginia MC CLENDON, Harold NAFFZIGER, Eugene and Freda NAFFZIGER, Pat and Russell MERLINGTON, all of Cedar Springs, Geraldine and George BATCHELDER of Grand Rapids, Virgilean BRADLEY of Pierson, Lorraine WIGGINS of Sparta; a stepson, Leo and Glenna BEARD and their children of Clare; a sister-in-law, Leona BEARD and children of Lyons; a stepdaughter, Margerate BLAIR and children of San Diego; 33 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are Monday at 11 a.m. at the new Bliss-Witters Cedar Chapel, 13603 Northland Drive. N.E., Cedar Springs, with the Revs. Wayne Hull of the Greenville Free Methodist Church and Garry Cruce of the Cedar Springs Free Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Blythefield Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association have been suggested.
Contributed by Linda Johnston Return to Top
NEFF, FREDERICK
unknown paper clipping December 20, 1914
Leading Business Man of McBride Died Suddenly Last Sunday Morning
Frederick Neff, for thirty-two years a resident of McBride, died suddenly at his home in that village last Sunday. Mr. Neff suffered a stroke of paralysis while in California last winter but was able to be about as usual until the time of his death. Deceased was the leading business man of McBride and in the lumbering days was extensively engaged in lumbering. He was senior member of the F. Neff & Son bank, a veteran of the Civil War and a thirty-second degree Mason. Funeral services were held at the residence Wednesday afternoon, Rev. H. B. Johnson of Stanton officiating. Several members from the Ionia Commandery acted as an escort, the Blue lodge of Edmore had charge of the services at the McBride Cemetery and members of the G. A. R. attended in a body. A large number of people attended the funeral to pay their last tribute of respect to one who has been so active in the affairs of this part of the county for so many years.
Fredereick Neff was born in Roxbury, Mass., Nov. 17, 1842. His parents soon moved to Lorain County, Ohio. When 16 years of age he enlisted in Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery at Cleveland and served four years and two months. Soon after returning from the Civil War he came to Muir, Mich., and was married to Hannah Greennhoe. To this union were born two children, Frederick and Sherman. His wife died in 1869 and four years later the son, Frederick, died (he actually died in 1870). January 1, 1871, he was married to Susanah Richard of Akron, Ohio. In 1882 he moved to McBride, where he resided until his sudden death December 20, 1914, leaving a wife, son, two granddaughters, five brothers and other relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
No one hears the door that opens,
Through which they pass beyond our call.
Soft as loosened leaves of roses,
One by one our loved ones fall.
Contributed by Paula Johnson Return to Top
