Lyle Whitford

Lyle C. Whitford age 87 of Ithaca, MI died Friday, May 30, 2008 at Gratiot Medical Center, Alma, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca Chapel Ithaca, MI, on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Robert Norris will officiate with burial at North Star Cemetery North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 6-8 P.M. and Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.

Lyle was born in Washington Township, Gratiot County, Michigan on September 6, 1920, the son Clifton and Ella ( Johnson ) Whitford. Lyle married Frankie Glenadean Sutliff on June 1, 1941 in Gratiot County. She died on March 4, 1996. On October 24, 1998 he married Vera Eckelbarger in Ithaca, MI. She died on June 7, 2005. Lyle was a life long farmer. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and playing shuffle board. He was a member of Ithaca Baptist Church for over 50 years.

He is survived by 2 sons; Gale & Ruth Ann Whitford of Ithaca, MI, Keith & Cheryl Whitford of Three Rivers, MI, grandchildren; Kent & Jennifer Whitford of Ithaca, MI, Bob & Gail Ann Grover of Lake Isabella, MI, Troy Whitford of Three Rivers, MI, Todd Whitford of Los Angeles, CA, Anne & Omar Espinoza of Grand Rapids, MI, Marc & Angie Whitford of Rockford, MI, 10 great grandchildren, 2 step-daughters; Colleen & Duane Wineland of Ithaca, MI, Jeanene & Dave Wright of Ithaca, MI, 1 step-son Dave & Jan Eckelbarger of Ithaca, MI, 2 sisters; Vivian & Steve Slocum of Flushing, MI, Lillian Bishop of Flushing, MI, 1 brother Bobbie & Betty Whitford of Rapid River, MI, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and wives.

Memorials may be made to Ithaca Baptist Church 221 Norton Gibbs Drive Ithaca, MI 48847. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca Chapel Ithaca, Michigan.

Read Lyle Whitford's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.