Bethel Fricke

Bethel Ilene Fricke age 83, of Alma, MI, formerly of Middleton, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017 at Mid Michigan Medical Center, Midland, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 4, 2017 with Minister Michael Litwiller and Pastor Jim Barrett officiating.  Burial will take place at Hayes Road Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Bethel was born in Ashley, MI on April 7, 1934, the daughter of Roland and Grace (Anderson) Stoneman.  Bethel married Max W. Fricke on November 9, 1952. Max passed away October 20, 2000. Bethel enjoyed sewing and her flower beds.

She is survived by her children; Diane and Benny Bennett of Perrinton, MI, Nancy and Duane Trefil of Perrinton, MI, James Fricke of Middleton, MI, Janet and Philip Hinkle of Haines City, FL, Kathleen and James Peters of Freeland, MI, Elaine and Christopher Larsen of West Melbourne, FL, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and sisters in law; Vera (Mazel) Salisbury, and Gladine (William) Ryan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Max, young son Gary,infant great grandson Elijah Cameron, sister Ruth (Wilford) Whitford, brothers; Lloyd (Marge) Stoneman, Wilbur Stoneman, brothers in law; Marvin Fricke, Raymond (Patricia) Fricke, sister in law Mae (Jesse) Boehs, and infant twin brother of her husband Max, Verle Fricke.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Carson City, MI or Newark Church of God in Christ, Ithaca, MI.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.