Arlyne I. Kline
The following poem was written for Arlyne I. Kline who passed away on March 31, 2026.
WE CALL HER MA
By Rose White ~ June 25, 2024
She was born on June 30, 1924.
Her mother was Louise and her father was Erford.
She believes in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Praying the Good News that her friends will all hear it.
She’s quick-witted, feisty and so darn cute.
Just ask her opinion, she’ll give you the truth.
She is ready to celebrate anytime, there’s no doubt.
Because her greatest fear is the fear of missing out.
She loves spending time with family and friends
With the greatest of hopes that this time will never end.
She goes out to eat and never misses a beat
While secretly wondering what’s for the treat.
She likes ice cream, chocolate and sour cream donuts.
Loves all sweets and wants everyone to know it.
She enjoys peacocks, motorcycles and beautiful lilies
Talking, laughing and acting silly.
She watches television more then she should,
Seeing too much of the news is never good.
She is class from her stylish clothes
Down to her beautifully painted toes.
She decorates her home with her memories and loves
Pictures of family, friends and heaven above.
She is sweet, loving and set in her ways.
We love her so much and thank God every day.
Carol Jean (Keith) Kerby
March 7, 1936 – April 2, 2026
Carol Jean (Keith) Kerby, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland, Mich. She was born on March 7, 1936, at her grandparents’ farmhouse in Eldorado, Mich., to Ben and Henrietta (Hartman) Keith.
Carol lived a short time in Weidman, Mich., before moving to West Branch in 1938 when her parents purchased the West Branch Greenhouse, later working there in her young adult life. After graduating from West Branch High School, she attended Central Michigan College and then moved to Ann Arbor to work for Bendix Aerospace and the University of Michigan. In 1964, Carol married Richard W. Kerby, and they moved to California for a few years before returning to West Branch to raise their family.
Carol was at the heart of every gathering and loved when she could use her gift of hospitality to welcome others into her beloved home. Nothing made her happier than sharing music, laughter, and the delicious meals she loved to cook for anyone who happened to stop by. She especially loved spending time with her family whom she cherished above all else. Carol’s lifelong passions included golfing at West Branch Country Club with Rick and the girls, playing piano/organ at numerous churches, assisted living homes, community events and musical productions; playing cards with special friends; camping and traveling with Brenda Simmons to Florida and England, and cheering U of M and the Detroit Lions and Tigers to victory (a tough job at times). Carol lived life to the fullest, making every day count.
She is survived by four daughters, Karrie (Kevon) Martis of Riga, Mich., Ketha (John) Knuth and children/grandchildren of Marysville, Mich., Karla (Dan) Davidson of Delton, Mich., Kelly (Phil) Hinkson of West Branch; grandchildren, Madelyn (Emily) Kerby, Noah Martis, Adam Martis, Conner Gough, Cooper Gough (fiancée Natasha Greer); foster son, David Likavec and sons, Zachary, Hunter, Trevor; brother, Wayne (Kathy) Keith; sister-in-law Jeanie Keith; nieces Kirsten (Bob) Turner, Kimberlee Keith, Karyn (Paul) Carlson; nephews Eric (MaryAnn) Carlson, Kurt Carlson, Ben (Katie) Keith; several great-nieces and nephews; cousins and many close friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a brother, nephew and great-nephew.
The funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church in West Branch on Friday, April 10, 2026, with visitation the day before at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes in West Branch.
Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church – Pipe Organ Resurrection.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol Jean Kerby, please visit our flower shop at the West Branch Outlet or call West Branch Greenhouse directly at 989-345-1133.
Michael Dee Van Wormer
Oct. 24, 1942 – April 4, 2026
Michael Dee Van Wormer, a devoted family man, dedicated community servant, and respected business owner, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at The Brook of West Branch, Mich. Born on Oct. 24, 1942, in Flint, Mich., to Austin and Olive (Uren) Van Wormer, Michael’s life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to hard work, family, and community.
Michael attended St. Agnes School in Flint for 11 years before graduating from Beecher High School in 1960. Early in his career, he worked for Hamady Brothers and Wonder Bread, gaining valuable experience that would serve him well in his later pursuits. He demonstrated strong leadership and dedication being a volunteer fireman for the Beecher Fire Department. As owner and president of MVW and Associates, he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
In 1980, Michael and his family relocated to St. Helen, Mich., where he immersed himself in various civic roles. Michael served as Richfield Township Supervisor, took part in the police reserves and CERT, and contributed to the Roscommon County Road Commission and the Roscommon County Planning Commission. Additionally, he was a founding member of the St. Helen Chamber of Commerce and served as chairman of the Republican Party in the area. These endeavors underscored his lifelong dedication to improving the communities he called home.
Michael was a man of strong character and a tireless work ethic, qualities evident to all who knew him. Outside of his professional and civic life, he found joy in fishing, hunting, and camping — passions that allowed him to connect with nature and spend cherished time with family and friends.
On a personal note, Michael’s proudest accomplishment was marrying his beloved wife, Joyce Robinson, on Oct. 7, 1961. Their marriage spanned 64 years of partnership and love. Together they raised a large and loving family.
Michael is survived by Joyce and their children, Michael (Viola) Van Wormer, Jeffrey (Jill) Van Wormer, James (Rachel) Van Wormer, Julie (Paul) Tatro, and Tina (Jack) Vliet. He was a proud grandfather to Aaron (Jody), Brandon (Pranjali), Gabe, Jenny (Joshua), Michon, Skylar, Erica, Zachary (Megan), Michaela, Amanda (the late Carman Bloss), Jack II (Cassidy), Kacie, and a great-grandfather to Aubrey, Atticus, Brinley, Colby Michael, Leila, Lauren, Jack, and Jonathan.
Michael also shared a very special relationship with his brother, Pat (Debbie) Van Wormer, and is survived by his sister, Kathy Fremd, and brother-in-law, Joe Slavens, along with several nieces and nephews who remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Austin; mother Olive; brother Gerald; daughter Baby Kelly; son Baby Kenneth, and granddaughter Baby Sofia Rose — family members who remain forever in his heart.
Services to honor Michael’s life and legacy were held on April 8 at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes in West Branch, located at 109 E. Houghton Ave., with visitation and a rosary. On Thursday, April 9, visitation continued at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Branch, until the time of the funeral service. Burial took place at Fairview Cemetery in Richfield Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice, 3217 M-55 Suite B, West Branch, MI 48661.