Catherine Mosley Custer
Died April 14, 2022
Catherine’s life in her own words:
Backpacker – Vacation Lover
Co-raiser of the highest quality, kind, fun and remarkable human beings.
Two gifts to all of us, she left behind Chase Custer and Cora Custer. I love you so much and I wish you such good things for each of you.
Outstanding selector of a LIFETIME partner, Craig Custer. Thank you for a life of laughter and fun.
Catherine graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 1995.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. Catherine worked as a juvenile probation officer for Henry County and Rush County for many years. Most recently, she worked as an investigator for the Rush County Prosecutor’s office.
None of this seems to matter much now. What matters is that she was loved and she loved us.
Catherine was the daughter of Boyd and the late Janet Mosley of Curtis, Michigan, the sister of Vance Mosley of Curtis, Michigan and the granddaughter of Bertha Poe of Rushville, Indiana.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Caldwell Pioneer Acres, 3707 South 200 West, Rushville, Indiana on April 30, 2022 between the hours of 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Memorial service will start at 5:00 pm, with a meal and drinks to follow. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you live your life to the fullest and enjoy every minute.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Curtis Chamber of Commerce Grooming Fund, P.O. Box 477, Curtis, Michigan 49820.
A special THANK YOU to all of the medical professionals at Hancock Regional Hospital Oncology. You helped Catherine live her life to the fullest!
Virginia Belle Bell
December 30, 1935 – April 10, 2022
Virginia Belle (Hamilton) Bell, age 86, of Marquette, passed away Sunday morning, April 10, 2022, at home, in the loving, comforting care of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice.
Born December 30, 1935, in Lapeer, Michigan, a daughter of Roy Lee and Margaret Lavina (Rauh) Hamilton, Virginia was raised on the family farm outside of Capac, Michigan.
At age 7, Virginia was inspired by her church’s female pastor and a visiting female missionary, to consider being called to ministry, a call she would answer later in life. As a youngster, she was her dad’s helper and was involved in 4-H club work, later becoming St. Clair County’s “Queen of Dairying” and went on to win the 1953 title for the state of Michigan as well. Along with the title she received a scholarship to Michigan State University, where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Education.
She married her long-time friend and high school sweetheart, John “Jack” Bell, Sr., on August 28, 1955 in Capac, and had two children. She taught sixth grade in Bancroft, Michigan and special education for Macomb County Intermediate School District based in Mt. Clemens. She taught her students life skills, including lawn care, home maintenance, auto shop, and cooking skills.
Throughout her years of teaching Virginia worked as a missionary, using her vacation time to serve others and spread God’s Word. She made regular trips to Haiti for two weeks at a time from 1981-2012. She served in the ministry guest house in Les Cayes, and hosted a team of medical personnel from Marquette following the earthquake in 2012. She also served on numerous other missions in Russia, Poland, Cuba, Liberia, and Alaska.
After retiring from teaching, Virginia and her husband, Jack, moved to the eastern UP in the Paradise area. Virginia became a United Methodist Church certified pastor serving the community of Paradise and other small communities in the God’s Country Cooperative. She was the director of a store very similar to The New Free Store.
Jack and Virginia spent the winters of 2014 and 2015 in Marquette and attended Grace United Methodist Church in 2016. Virginia was involved with the Free Store at Grace United Methodist and helped in the kitchen serving soup and sandwiches to shoppers. After the store moved to Harvey, Virginia was still involved with the many food oriented fundraisers The New Free Store has conducted over the years. She also worked at the front desk on shopping days greeting the shoppers, holding babies and puppies, and helping with the record keeping.
Virginia and her daughter, Jayme, are generous donors to and friends of The New Free Store. Virginia also continued to contribute to our community through her quilting and knitting. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, the Messiah Quilters, and member of the Knotty Knitters. Throughout the years, Virginia touched many lives through her hard work, dedication, friendship, and guidance. (The preceding information was taken from an article on Virginia in the Winter 2022 edition of The New Free Store Newsletter).
Virginia is survived by her children, Jayme Bell of Marquette and John (Colleen) Bell of McMillan; her grandchildren, Samantha (John) Feskorn, Jill Plesscer, Joseph Dupius; great-grandchildren, Alley, Kayla (Joey), Brianna, Gabby, Alanah, and Emma; and great great-grandson, Joe. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John “Jack” Bell, Sr., in 2017; and her sister, Gertrude.
Friends may call at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 7, beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in Magnuson Hall. Interment will be made in the Paradise Methodist Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to The New Free Store, 1428 E. M-28, Marquette, MI 49855; Messiah Quilters, 305 W. Magnetic Street, Marquette, MI 49855; God’s Country Cooperative Parish, 110 W. Harrie Street, Newberry, MI 49868; the Marquette City Band, 300 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855; or UP Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com
Derrick R. Maddox
October 3, 1979 – March 9, 2022
Derrick Richard Maddox, 42, of McMillan, died unexpectedly Wednesday March 9, 2022 at his residence.
Born October 3, 1979 in Newberry, son of the late Ronald Maddox and Linda (Johnson) Mercure, Derrick was a graduate of Marquette High School.
Derrick was musician playing in several bands for many years. In addition to music, Derrick was a lover of art and was especially close to his uncle Greg Robinson and his cousins Ellory, Rowen and Chesnee Curley. His charming personality and bright smile drew people in.
In addition to his parents, Derrick is preceded in death by his siblings Nelson Maddox and Tina Sormunen; nephew Cody Sormunen.
Survivors include by his aunt Eunice (Greg) Robinson of Newberry and uncles Chuck (Kathy) Johnson of Newberry and Mike (Sylvia) Johnson of Minot, North Dakota; nieces and nephews Wyatt Sormunen, Tarissa (Keith) Hollingshead, Rhyanna Maddox, Megan Maddox and Alexis Maddox; several aunts, uncles, cousins and too many close friends to list.
Graveside services will be held at the Columbus Township Cemetery in McMillan at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
