Norma Vondett Scharlow was born August 24th, 1939, in Sears, Michigan, to Arthur and LayOla (Barnes) Holmes. She passed away on September 22nd, 2026, with her children by her side. Norma graduated from Reed City High School in 1957. 

Norma retired from Ferris State College, where she worked in Media Distribution. During her time there, she became very close with her co-workers and the students. Prior to her employment at Ferris, she worked at Ferrell Gas (Norgas) for more than 25 years. 

For the last three years of her life she resided at the Reed City Fields, where she became connected with her caregivers and other residents. The family is grateful for the care that staff provided her. 

Norma married Jack Scharlow on July 18th, 1957 and together they raised three children who survive. Daughter Pat Reinert (Scott); son David Scharlow (Shelly) and Kris Griffin (Dave). 

Norma leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply: grandchildren Monique Montgomery and Jason Montgomery (Cara), Zack Griffin (April), Julianne Jones (Andre), and Ashleigh Scharlow; great-grandchildren Caleb, Ryan, and Lilli Montgomery, Kendrick and Jayda Jones, and Mairyn Griffin; nieces and nephews Angie Hamilton (Paul), Brad Phelps (Carol), Jim Bittner (Diane), and Sue Bittner; brother-in-law Herb Phelps; and her closest cousins, Dale Barnes and Dee Stoepker (David). 

Along with her husband, Jack, and her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Julie (Holmes) Phelps; her in-laws, William and Eliese Scharlow; her Aunt Nina and Uncle Dorman Barnes, and her precious grandchildren, Katie and David Scharlow II. 

Norma loved family gatherings and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. Many cherished hours were spent at Grandma Holmes’ house for Sunday get-togethers and holidays, as well as canning and baking. These times remain treasured memories for her family. Norma was often the mediator during family games of Euchre and Pedro, which could sometimes get a little out of hand, especially when the men in the family were involved. 

Norma relied heavily on her faith throughout her life, especially as she faced several illnesses and the heartbreaking losses of her parents, sister, and two of her very young grandchildren. She was involved in several churches throughout the years, and her faith remained an important part of her life. 

Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. She also loved her in-laws as though they were her own family. Norma welcomed Pat, Dave, and Kris’s friends into her home and always made an effort to prepare everyone’s favorite foods. Her home was a place where family and friends felt welcomed, loved, and cared for. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on September 29th, 2026, at the Reed City Church of the Nazarene 5300 S. 220th Avenue Reed City, MI 49677. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Lillian Gross, age 91, quietly departed this world on September 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on August 7, 1935, Lillian consistently radiated warmth and kindness throughout her life. As a beloved mother, sister, and friend, she touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Lillian dedicated 30 remarkable years of her career to the Federal Aviation Administration, contributing her talents to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. After her retirement, she embraced life with an enthusiasm that inspired her family and friends.

Lillian had a zest for life that was evident in her many passions. She found joy in playing cards, music, and the piano and organ, captivating those around her with her melodic talents. Her love for games was infectious, whether it was a lively round of Yahtzee, visiting a casino or exploring new worlds through computer games.

Her heart was also deeply connected to her roots at Cowden Lake, where she cherished many special friends and the serene moments spent in her favorite rocking chair, soaking in the beauty of nature that surrounded her. Lillian contributed to her community through her heartfelt volunteer work, crafting beautiful cards that brought joy to those who received them.

Lillian is survived by her devoted daughters, Deb Gross and Julia (Cliff) Kozminski, and her son Dan Gross. She will be dearly missed by her brother-in-law Bernard (Rosemary) Gross and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Among those whose lives she deeply influenced was her treasured friend of 88 years, Marilyn Ziomkowski , with whom she shared countless memories.

Friends and family will gather to honor Lillian's beautiful life during visitation on October 2nd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview, MI. A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis De Sales Church on Saturday, October 3rd, at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon to celebrate her remarkable life.

Lillian's memory will forever shine bright in our hearts, reminding us of the love she freely gave and the joy she brought to our lives. May she rest in peace, knowing her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Gross, parents, Jerome and Arletta, Ruth Vert, Robert Vert, Jake (Jean) Gross, Gerald Gross, and Geraldine (Ron) Pawloski.

Michael “Irish Mike” Moran, of Blanchard, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the Comfort Home in Reed City with his loving family by his side on September 22, 2026. Born July 10, 1962, in Cahirsiveen Co. Kerry, Ireland, to John “Jackie “and Noreen Moran, Mike lived a life defined by hard work, family, horses, friendship, and a wonderful Irish sense of humor.

Mike also proudly served in Ireland’s National Guard for two years as a member of the FCA (Fórsa Cosanta Aitiuil), meaning the Local Defense Force in Irish.

At the age of 25, Mike came to America while on vacation and, as the story goes, decided to stay because of his friendship with his “American” parents Don and Ruthie Marckum. His journey brought him from Boston, Massachusetts, to New York, then to Dallas, Texas, before ultimately making Blanchard, Michigan, his home. Although America became his home, Ireland was always a piece of his heart. He treasured his trips back home and remained deeply connected to his family and his Irish roots.

Mike was a hardworking truck driver and spent much of his career behind the wheel of a semi. If you knew Mike, you knew his sense of humor about himself. His trucking handle was “Scale Runner,” a nickname that came from his lifelong tendency to avoid scales whenever possible – mostly because he was usually on the heavier side and preferred that number remain a mystery! He worked for Hollenbeck, ETV and TQI, among others, and was known as someone who could always be counted on to get the job done.

His greatest passion, however, was horses. Mike grew up around horses in Ireland and spent countless hours riding, working with, and caring for them. As a young man, he drove a truck and transported animals for people throughout Ireland, taking them to fairs and markets. He was an exceptional equestrian and an accomplished horseman—someone who truly understood horses and loved every part of being around them.

Mike’s family described him as quiet, sincere, kind, and incredibly hardworking. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making people laugh without ever needing to be the loudest person in the room. He loved the outdoors and cherished the simple things in life.

Mike also thoroughly enjoyed his time at the gym, also known as the Blanchard Bar, where he met countless friends throughout the years. Many of those friendships became much more than friendships—they became family. Mike had a gift for making connections and leaving an impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Mike loved his family and siblings dearly. They shared that he was the best brother they could ever have wished for. His Irish spirit, quiet kindness, hard work, humor, and love for horses and people will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mike predeceased by his father Jackie Moran and survived by his mother, Noreen Moran nee O’Shea of Waterville, sisters, brothers, sister in law and brothers in law, Máire Moran and Vincent Rogan, Waterville, Séamus Moran, California, Bríd Moran and John O’Shea, Caherdaniel, Emer Moran and Colm O’Shea, Boston, Áine Moran and Frank O’ Sullivan, Limerick, Seán and Elaine Moran, Waterville, nieces and nephews, Enda, Aoife and Maeve (Boston), Iarla and Síofra (Caherdaniel), Fintan, Darragh, Sarah and Aisling (Limerick) and Edel (Waterville) four aunts; one uncle; numerous cousins; extended family in Ireland; and his many treasured friends.

A memorial service celebrating Irish Mike's life will take place at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan, on November 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. with family receiving friends one hour prior to service. Patti Hicks to officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that all memorial contributions be made to the Comfort House, for their care.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan.

Michael may have crossed an ocean to make America his home, but he never left Ireland behind. His heart remained with his family, his horses, and the people he loved. Slán go fóill, Irish Mike. You will be missed more than words can say.