Purse & Son Funeral Home

08/01/2026

Virginia Ruth Butler
Funeral Service
August 1, 2026

07/28/2026

Virginia Ruth. Butler, age 90, of Onsted, Michigan, passed away July 27, 2026 at Hospice of Lenawee, Hospice Home, Adrian, Michigan. She was born December 20, 1935, in Blissfield, MI, the daughter of John and Mabel (Green) Russell. On December 26, 1953, she married
Donald Joseph Butler at Union Gospel Church, Tipton, Michigan. He prededed her in death on October 16, 2024.

In 1989, Virginia proudly fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her high school diploma from Onsted High School—a testament to her perseverance, determination, and belief that it is never too late to achieve a goal.

Virginia was a member of Union Gospel Church, Tipton, Michigan. She was a leader in Onsted of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Virginia worked briefly for Montgomery Ward, Adrian, MI and also for a number of years, at Sauk Valley Farms Resort, as a seamstress, for their sporting apparel. Later in her working career, she was employed with Provincial House, Adrian, MI.

Virginia was actively involved with many churches and their youth ministries throughout her life, with Union Gospel Church always serving as her home church. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she joyfully shared His love and the hope of the Gospel with everyone she met. Whether through a kind word, a warm embrace, or simply the way she lived, Virginia never missed an opportunity to point others to Christ.

She was a mother and grandmother to countless extended family members around the world, because everyone who was blessed to know her and experience her open heart instantly became part of the Butler family.

She is survived by daughters, Charline (John) O'Neill, Dawn Rodgers, and Stephanie (Robert) Whitney; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Butler, sons; Floyd (Linda Richard) Butler, and Tim (Lilian) Butler; adopted son David (Sheryl) Dowding; 30 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Don, and parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, a sister; son, Howard Butler; and son in law, Everett L. Rodgers.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Michigan with Rev. Jody Reithmille officiating. Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery, Tipton, Michigan.

Visitation will also be held, on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service.

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07/27/2026

DATELINE: ADRIAN, MICHIGAN
Lisa M. Cornwell, age 55, of Adrian, Michigan, passed away July 21, 2026 at Hospice of Lenawee.She was born July 25, 1970, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Harry and Patricia (Pienta) Pletcher, Jr.

Lisa is survived by her sister, Linda Pletcher-Farnsworth, brother, Todd (Lori) Pletcher,
her children, Michael Smith and John Smith, grandchildren, Rebecca and Levi, and her nieces and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband James Cornwell, Sr.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Adrian First Church of the Nazarene, 50 Industrial Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Following the memorial, there funeral dinner held in honor of Lisa, also at the church.

Final resting will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Jackson, Michigan.

View Lisa Marie Cornwell's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

07/26/2026

Thomas William McIntyre, affectionately known as “Tom,” passed away peacefully at his home
in Tecumseh, Michigan, on July 24, 2026.Tom was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 22, 1941,
to William Alfred McIntyre and Marjorie Penny McIntyre. On January 29, 1960, he married
Martha Warner McIntyre, who preceded him in death.

Tom devoted much of his life to the study and practice of chemistry. He earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree from DePauw University in 1962 and a Master of Science degree from the
University of Iowa in 1965. In 1967, he received his Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry
from the University of Iowa. He completed his dissertation, titled “Electrochemical Oxidation of
Aromatic Amines,” with his wife typing beside him, his one-year-old daughter on his lap, and his
four-a-year-old daughter playing nearby.

After completing his education, Tom worked as a chemist for Eli Lilly with the nickname of
“Tigger “ for his boundless energy. He later drew upon his lifelong entrepreneurial spirit to
establish Kingwood Laboratory, where he produced Moi-Stir 10 and swabs developed as
saliva-replacements for cancer patients undergoing radiation. This was later found to be helpful
for vocal performers.

Tom was also known for putting his knowledge of chemistry to practical use at home. Over the
years, he created cleaning solutions, soaps, health tonics, and numerous home remedies for
everything from insect bites to everyday ailments. He was also an avid gardener and shared his
love of gardening with his late wife, Martha.

Tom advocated for a healthy environment as an active member of the Human Ecology Action
League. He also demonstrated his compassion for those experiencing loss through his work
with the Memorial Advising Planning Society. Together, Tom and Martha taught those around
them about sustainable living and encouraged others to live simply in order to find greater
happiness and fulfillment.

Tom was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who showed his love and support
through his presence, generosity, and kindness. His compassion extended to everyone he
encountered. He made a genuine effort to learn the names and stories of those around him,
including those who made deliveries to his home. He knew his neighbors and caretakers well
and cared deeply about them. Whether with family, friends, or strangers, Tom had a gift for
making others feel seen and valued.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Warner McIntyre, and his son, David Allen
McIntyre. He is survived by his daughters, Carol Ann Benedict and her husband, Robert Harlow
Benedict III, and Lisa McIntyre Fredericksen; his granddaughters, Valerie Benedict and Dana
Holhfeld and her husband, Ezekiel Holhfeld; his grandson, Erik Fredericksen and his wife,
Marissa Fredericksen; and his great-granddaughter, Iris Holyfield (Cyrus Fredericksen, great-
grandson on the way)

Tom will be remembered for his brilliant and curious mind, his entrepreneurial spirit, his
compassion and love for others, and his deep devotion to his family.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering is currently being planned to take place at
Tom's residence here in Tecumseh, MI, approximately a few months from now.

Final arrangements were entrusted to Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Michigan.
Condolences may be offered online at: GILPURSEANDSON.COM

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07/19/2026

DATELINE: TECUMSEH, MICHIGAN

Connie (Mead) Frayer, age 77, of Britton/Tecumseh, Michigan, passed away July 14, 2026.
She was born January 25, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida. She grew up in Springport, Michigan the daughter of Howard and Doris (Clark) Mead.

She leaves behind a brother, sister-in-law, Cynthia Frayer-Norton, brother-in-law, Van Frayer; three children; 14 grandchildren; an abundant number of great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husban D.J. Frayer; sons, Kevin Mead and Robert "Bob" Frayer, a sister; parents, mother-in-law, Thelma Frayer, nephew, James Norton.

Connie was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Ridgeway Township, MI.

Following Connie's wishes, immediate cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Ridgeway Township, Michigan, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 12:00 noon.
Interment will immediately follow at Ridgeway Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be used according to their wishes.

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07/19/2026

In her own words...

Patricia Ann "Tricia" (Swain) Ferrett age 70, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026 surrounded by her family at home in Britton, Michigan.

She was born January 11, 1956, along with her twin brother, Patrick, to William and Paula (Witt) Swain in Port Huron, Michigan.
Tricia was a graduate of Port Huron Central High School and Jackson College. She married Ray Ferrett on August 11, 1979.

Tricia spent time during the summers in the Mackinaw area and winters in Florida. She visited several National Parks in the west. She enjoyed kayaking, bicycling, camping and also walking along the beaches collecting rocks, stones, fossils, and seashells. When visiting Port Huron, she liked to watch and listen to freighters as they passed by on the St. Clair River. She was proud of her time as an authorization agent for NBD aiding merchants in completing their business transactions.

She is survived by her husband and children: Rochelle Ferrett of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Matthew Ferrett of Belleville, Michigan, and Andrew Ferrett of Linden, Michigan. Also surviving are a brother, Steven (Dawn) Swain and sister Suzanne (Alex) Boskovic along with a niece, Lisa Kulman, and a nephew, Alexander Boskovic.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Patrick Swain, William Swain Jr., Edward Swain and Harry Swain.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Michigan, with Rev. Kyle Boils officiating.
Burial will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery, Ridgeway Township, Michigan.

Visitation and viewing will be held 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 and from 12:00 p.m. until time of service,
Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh Michigan

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07/03/2026

✅ One of the first things my dad taught me was that the little details matter.

⚠️ When placing a casket pillow, the zipper should always be turned toward the back so it remains hidden from view. We never rearranged or fluffed the pillow’s filling—we trusted the craftsmanship of those who made it and simply placed it with care and respect.

✅ It’s a small detail that many people may never notice, but after six decades of serving families, it’s one tradition I’ve proudly carried on from father to son…plus my dad, who has been gone now for almost 20 years — looking down on me, would notice if I did it any other way! 😆 ~ Barry Purse

06/28/2026

Donald C. Dietrich, age 90, of Britton, MI, formerly of Milan, MI, and Crossville, TN, went to be with the Lord on June 26, 2026. He was born February 10, 1936, in Columbus, OH, the son of Emory E. and Dolly B. (Katzmeyer) Dietrich. On May 16, 1959, he married Carol L. Anderson, at the Free Methodist Church, Milan, MI. She survives.

Don was a graduate of Milan High School, Class 1954. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict, as a Radio Operator 2nd Class. He was a member of Milan Baptist Church, Milan, MI, and Central Baptist Church, Crossville, TN.
Don was retired from Dundee Cement Company, Dundee, MI, after 30 years of service as mill operator. He was an avid outdoor sportsman.

In addition to his wife Carol, he is survived by, three sons, Kurt (Maria) Dietrich, Rod (Jorene) Dietrich, and Doyle Dietrich; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene Dietrich and David Dietrich.

Private burial and graveside services will be held at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan, MI.
Military honors will be rendered at the graveside by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.

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06/24/2026

✝️ Fayetta Hohenstein, age 80, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 23, 2026, in Onsted, MI. She was born on April 10, 1946, the daughter of Troy and Maggie (Collins) Hall in Weeksbury, KY.

✝️ She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend who was always helping and doing for others. Fayetta was a very active member of the Irish Hills Eagles for many years. She loved spending time with family and friends, celebrating holidays with her very large family, playing cards, telling jokes, she treasured every moment spent with them. She was very hard working, rarely ever taking time for herself. She had a love for flowers and birds, especially blue birds.

❤️ Fayetta is survived by her husband, David Hohenstein, sons Ronald (Tracy) Jones, Jason (Amy Aprill) Jones; sister-in-laws, Gail (David) Hohenstein-Thie and Jean Elliott;
and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

❤️ Fayetta was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

📅 Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, with Pastor Jon Turner officiating.
📅 Visitation will also be held, on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service.
🪦 Burial will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery, Ridgeway Township, Michigan.

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