On August 8, 2026, Darline W. (Ferguson) Hitzemann passed away into the loving arms of Jesus at the age of 99. 

She was born on the Ferguson Family Farm on June 2, 1927, to Garnet and Ruth (Hanes) Ferguson of Farwell, Michigan. Although she resided mainly in Reed City, she worked as a waitress at several restaurants in Clare, at a factory in Pontiac, and proudly served ice cream at Jones Ice Cream in Baldwin. On June 3, 1978, she married the love of her life, the late Russel E. Hitzemann, and together they sold real estate until 1984.

Darline was an excellent homemaker, cook, and baker. As the true matriarch of the family, she checked in daily with a phone call and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. Her greatest passion, however, was her love for Jesus Christ her Savior. She was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many decades, and everyone knew her love for God because she was always happy to share the Gospel.

Darline is survived by her siblings, David Ferguson, Nola Schocknesse, and Bruce Ferguson; her daughter-in-law, Gwen Steadman; her granddaughters, Dee-Dee (Steadman) Whipple and Shannon Niedecker; and her grandsons, Arthur Steadman and Terry Harrison; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Hitzemann; her parents, Garnet and Ruth Ferguson; her son, Garnet Lyle “Butch” Steadman; and her siblings, Mary Gott, Tean McConnell, Art Ferguson, Don Ferguson, and Vaudrey (Post) Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Reed City, Michigan, on August 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, with the service to follow. After the service, a luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall, followed by a graveside interment.  These services will be private, for family only, or by invitation.