ROBERT C. AKANS
Saline
Robert C. Akans, 81, of Saline died Feb. 22, 2007, at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Ann Arbor. He was born Aug. 31, 1925, in Belleville, the son of Guy C. and Margaretta M. (Duquette) Akans. He had been a Saline resident since 1969.
On July 12, 1947, in Belleville, he married Ruth E. Baker, and she survives.
Mr. Akans had been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Saline and had served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during World War II in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946.
Mr. Akans had been employed by Michigan Bell for more than 30 years and continued his employment at Electronic Data Systems.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, he is survived by four children, Robert (Kathleen) Akans of Johnstown, Pa., James C. (Cynthia) Akans of Gaylord, Nancy D. (Martin) Puscas of Novi and Cheryl D. (Paul) Whitfield of Saline.
Other survivors include 10 grandchildren, Kevin, Chris, Aaron, Sarah and Ethan Akans, Chase and Lauren Conrad, Kristi, Ryan, and Jason Whitfield; one brother, David Jack (Dorotha) Akans of Woodhaven; one sister, Peggy (Floyd) Stabnau of Belleville; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and six brothers.
A funeral was held Monday at the First United Methodist Church of Saline. The Rev. James Tuttle officiated. Burial was at the Hillside Cemetery in Belleville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Saline or Arbor Hospice. Envelopes are available at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline.
RAY A. DALTON
Milan
Ray A. Dalton, 61, of Milan died Feb. 25, 2007, at home with his family by his side. He was born March 20, 1945, in Detroit to Donald and Doris (Coleman) Dalton.
On Dec. 7, 1974, he married Lynn Spillane in Southgate, and she survives.
Mr. Dalton worked at General Motors Corp. for 43 years, retiring in 2006 as a tool and die maker. He was a member of the Maybee Sportsman's Club and was an avid shooter. He also enjoyed four wheeling on the sand dunes, spending time with his grandchildren and family vacations.
In addition to his wife, Lynn, he is survived by his children, Lori (Thomas) TenEyck of Clarkston, Thomas (Debra) Dalton of Canton and Steven (Stacey) Dalton of Royal Oak; two grandchildren, Austin and Hailey TenEyck; three brothers, Ken (Patti) of Arizona, Greg (Colleen) of Belleville and Mark (Cindy) of Saline; and one sister, Lynda Dalton of Canton.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ray A. Dalton Jr. on Jan. 16, 2004; two brothers, Donald and Chuck; and one sister, Dawn Hudson.
Visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service at the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan. A funeral will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Gordon Moore will officiate.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Dalton's name may be made to A.L.S. Association of Michigan.
Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook at www.ochalekstark.com.
VIOLA DICKS
Jackson
Formerly of Saline
Viola Wilhelmina (Hertler) Dicks, 93, of Jackson, formerly of Saline, died Feb. 23, 2007, in Jackson. She was born Nov. 27, 1913, on a farm in Saline Township to Charles and Johanna (Seitz) Hertler, the youngest of 16 children –– nine girls and seven boys.
Mrs. Dicks was a longtime resident of Saline and Jackson. She graduated from Saline High School, clerked at various stores in Saline and taught at Houghton Elementary School from where she retired.
She married her husband, Leland, in 1938, and they had one son, Dennis Carl Dicks.
Mrs. Dicks was an active member of her church, where she played the organ and taught Sunday school for many years.
She spent the last 23 years at Vista Grande Villa Retirement Community in Jackson, where she made many friends, played piano, enjoyed playing cards, quilted, sewed and made Raggedy Ann dolls.
Mrs. Dicks was preceded in death by her husband, Leland, in 2001 after 63 years of marriage; her son, Dennis, in 1999; her parents; and all 15 siblings.
She is survived by a loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Per Mrs. Dicks' request, cremation has taken place. A service of remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Friday at St James' United Church of Christ, 11005 W. Michigan Ave., in Saline. The Rev. Orval L.E. Willimann will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. James' church.
Arrangements were by Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home, 1806 E. Michigan Ave, in Jackson.