Obituaries - 2022 - Page 1

Margaret Ann Wenta, age 98 of Fostoria died peacefully at her home in Florida on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 surrounded by family, love, and prayers.     She was born a coal miner’s daughter on December 7, 1923 in Blaine, OH to the late John and Sofia (Krisanda) Kapral. Margaret came from a large family with 12 girls and 1 boy. The family moved to Detroit, MI in 1930. During the depression they moved to an 80 acre farm in Deford. Margaret graduated from Cass City High School in 1941. Ironically, on December 7, 1941 Margaret celebrated her 18th birthday, became engaged, then later learned that Pearl Harbor was attacked. During WWII, she worked in an aircraft plant, Detroit Aluminum and Brass Works. Because of that job, she later became a member of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. In 1943, she married the love of her life, John P. Wenta at St. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church in Detroit. They were happily married for 64 years.    Margaret had a diverse career pathway which included being a homemaker, bus driver, school aide, county commissioner and a 4-H leader for 25 years. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tuscola County Polish-American Club and an active member of the Democratic Party. She enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles, reading, gardening, bowling and traveling. Her favorite trips were to Oregon, Wolverine, MI, Slovakia and Florida, but it was always nice to come back to Fostoria, her home of 74 years. Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, making memories, and bringing people together. She walked in faith, led by example and truly made the world a better place.     Margaret’s memory will be cherished by her children; James (Cindy) Wenta, Joanne (Karl) Metcalf and Janet (Dennis) Moore; 8 grandchildren, Dwight Wenta, Matthew (Carrie) Wenta, Nicole (Sean) Kennedy, Gregory (Shayna) Hatcher, Patrick (Melissa) Moore, Katie (Anthony) Rico, Shaun Moore and Michael Moore; 13 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; sister, Joan Klemkowsky; sister-in-law, Betty Wenta, friends and her 47 nieces and nephews.     She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Edward Wenta and grandson, Dustin Wenta.     A Memorial Mass will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mayville, MI. The family will receive visitors from 10 AM until the time of service at the church.   

Ronald A Thornton, age 79, of Mayville, MI passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 at McLaren Lapeer Regional Hospital, Lapeer, MI.

Ronald was born on February 10, 1942 in Mayville, MI to the late Eldred and Mabelle (White) Thornton. He attended Mayville High School with the class of 1960.  Ronald served in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Doris Tillack, on March 28, 1962 in Germany. Ronald was a man who enjoyed life. He loved the outdoors and was an avid pheasant and duck hunter as well as a fisherman. He also loved camping, golfing and animals, especially his dogs and Tigger his cat. Ronald was a little league coach who changed the lives of many kids and he also supported the Mayville Wildcats sports teams. He was a loving husband and father who raised five hardworking children. Ronald loved his family and enjoyed spending time with both his children and grandchildren.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris Thornton; his children, Leon (Lynne) Thornton, Robert Thornton, Jackie (Randy Schefka) Reda, Don (Frances) Thornton and Duncan (Hope) Thornton; six grandchildren, Trent Reda, Deanna (Michael) Hill, Ashlyn (Jacob) Dawson, Bradley Thornton, Leah (Zach) Bakewell and Taryn Thornton; five great grandchildren, Henry and Mark Hill, Penelope and Ledger Dawson and Nautica Thornton; his siblings, Nadene Miller, Leah Robbins, Daniel (Vicki) Thornton, Donald (Bonnie) Thornton; his sister-in-law, Winifred Thornton; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Craig Reda; stepfather, Ernest Fowler; siblings, Wildrex Thornton and Stuart (Bonnie) Thornton; and brothers-in-law, Joe Robbins and Jim Miller.

The Family will receive visitors from 10-11 AM on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Avram Funeral Home, Mayville, MI. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Avram Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rich Township Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to The Family Discretionary Fund in care of Doris Thornton.

Friends may share an online condolence at www.avramfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Avram Funeral Home, 6028 Lincoln St., PO Box 130, Mayville, MI 48744, Phone 989-843-5441.

Thomas Don Mawdesley of Clarksville, GA, passed away on his 76th birthday – Saturday, December 4, 2021.

Tom was born on December 4, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan to Don and Hartie Mawdesley as the first of 5 children. He graduated from Mayville High School in 1963 and completed his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Palmer Chiropractic College in 1973. As a community doctor he served his patients with care for many years and then transitioned into the classroom to become a special needs teacher.

In 1967, Tom met Sherry Dearing. They wed in 1968 and went on to have four boys: Brock, Scott, Wade and Aric.

Tom was a quiet, loving and respected father, grandfather, husband and brother. Growing up as the oldest of 5, he took it upon himself to look out for his younger siblings. Over the years, he held many roles of service in the church, including deacon, youth leader and bus ministry driver, providing a worthy example of dedicated service to his community. As his boys grew up, he continued to be supportive of their academic, athletic and spiritual pursuits.

Tom was passionate about any and all organized sports his children and grandchildren participated in including basketball, cheer and cross country. One of his goals was to attend as many of their games as possible and keep track of every stat they accomplished. Tom’s family was the most important thing in his life. There was nothing he cared about more than being a husband, dad and grandpa. He was preceded in death by a grandchild and is survived by his 3 sisters, brother, wife of 53 years, 4 sons and his 14 grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Tom and Sherry’s home church - Concord Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held and open to all on Thursday, December 9 from 10:00–11:00 am at Concord Baptist Church, 640 Main Street, Clermont, GA.
 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home and Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue Demorest, Georgia 30535. Phone number 706-778-1700.