Michael G. Snyder

EL PASO, Texas — Michael G. Snyder, 47, passed away March 26, 2007, at Beaumont VA Hospital in El Paso, Texas, following a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).

Sgt. Snyder was retired from the U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Division. He was the recipient of many medals, awards and commendations during his Army career. He was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in 1990-91.

A viewing for family and friends was followed by services performed by the Fort Bliss Army National Honor Guard and Chaplain Johnston. Cremation preceded burial in Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Michael was born in Escanaba on Jan. 31, 1960.

He is survived by his mother, Carole Kamp of Stanwood, Mich.; maternal grandmother, Hannah Johnson of Escanaba and children, Andrew and Daniel of El Paso, Texas, Melissa of Edgerton, Wis., and Michelle of Bennington, Vt.

Also surviving is his loving caregiver, Beverly Snyder and stepsons, Joe, Tony and Kenny of El Paso, Texas and two half-brothers, Scott Little of Madison, Wis. and Joseph Kamp of Traverse City. Other family members include aunts, Georgianna Peterson and Robin Johnson of Austin, Texas; nephews, Kino, Cole, Aidan and Owen; as well as several cousins and special friend, Lou Dellinger.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Patrick T. Snyder of Madison, Wis., and grandparents, Walter and Ruth Snyder of Escanaba

Hurst, Steven Robert, 41, of Dade City, died Tuesday (April 10, 2007) after a long battle with Lou Gehrig?s disease. He came here from his native New Jersey. He was a Navy veteran and a general manager at Celebration Station until illness forced him to retire. He was a member of Riverhills Church of God and served as chairman of the church?s school board. He enjoyed NASCAR, riding motorcycles and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Laura; two children, Shawn and Lauren; his mother, Barbara Hurst, New Jersey; his father, Joseph Hurst, Hawaii; two sisters, Donna Walton and Sandra Beckett; and two brothers, Kevin and Patrick. Hodges Family Funeral Home, Dade City.

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Willard Madison Marvel died at Rex Hospital on Easter Sunday after a long and courageous battle with ALS.
He was born in Milton, DE. Will served in the United States Air Force for eight years before completing a degree in Computer Science. He managed the Technical Support Division of Perdue, Inc. for the last 17 years of his career. Will had a passion for cycling. Before his illness, Will and his wife spent many hours riding their tandem bicycle, planning vacations around cycling events with a wide circle of friends. Will was an active member of Genesis United Methodist Church and loved his church family.
He was a devoted father, friend, and mentor.
Surviving are: his cherished wife, Carol Adams; two children, Sharon Johnston and Jeffery Marvel and his wife, Blair; two stepchildren, Kimberly Small and Clayton Small and his wife, Ann; brothers, James Marvel and his wife, Marion, Phillip Marvel and his wife, Beverly; sister, Amy Smith and her husband, Carlton.
Son of Ruth Marvel, Will was predeceased by his father, Harry Marvel. A tireless champion for quality living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Will inspired all who knew him. He was a role model for many affected by this terrible disease and kept his wry sense of humor. He spent much of his time involved with ALS support groups, planning fundraisers, and participating in ALS Advocacy Days in Washington, DC. Although Will's presence will always be with us, he will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Will's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Genesis United Methodist Church, 850 High House Road, Cary, NC 27519. A memorial service will also be held in his hometown of Milton, DE on April 21, 2007.
Will would want to be remembered by donations to the ALS Association, Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, 120-101 Penmarc Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Published in The News & Observer on 4/11/2007.
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Sherry Gay Ketzbeau
KETZBEAU, Sherry Gay - Age 56, of Linden, died Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at home. Funeral services will be held 1PM Saturday, April 14, 2007 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, Rev. Allen F. Schweizer officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be held 1-9PM Friday and 11AM Saturday until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS of Michigan or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sherry was born November 2, 1950 in Flint the daughter of Ward and Mildred (Eggelston) Kramer. She married Steven Ketzbeau on May 25, 1991 in Port Austin. Sherry was a graduate of Mott Community College Nursing School, and had been employed by McLaren Regional Medical Center and Kith Haven Care Center. She loved animals of all kinds and had rescued many from undesirable conditions. Sherry enjoyed gardening, but most of all she loved her children and grandchildren. Surviving are her husband, Steven of Linden; 2 children, Kristina Vert (Herbert) of Burton, Jeremy Vert (Manda) of Flint; 3 grandchildren, Megan Vert, Faith Sego, Tyler Vert; and many other loving friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. The family extends many thanks to Heartland Hospice and all the caregivers throughout the years. Those desiring may share online condolences or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

My sincere condolences go out to Sherry's family.

Sherry Ketzbeau
http://lindenwoods.tripod.com/

ALS victim's advocacy, attitude recalled
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
By TJ Greaney ~ Southeast Missourian
Jim Trickey, a local man who fought a five-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease, died Saturday at his home in Cape Girardeau.

Friends and family gathered Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home to remember the man who traveled to China to undergo radical surgery in an attempt to extend his life.

"He just made the best of the situation and he was such an advocate for the cause and became a poster child for it. He kept that attitude to his last day," said his father, James Trickey Sr.

In 2005, Trickey traveled to China, where surgeons implanted four million cells into the frontal lobe of his brain. The stem cells from aborted fetuses were intended to regenerate and possibly repair damaged nerves in his brain.

Similar tests have been conducted in the United States, but never on human patients.

The disease, also known as ALS, causes a progressive degeneration in the central nerve system resulting in the atrophy and lack of control of muscles.

Trickey Sr. said the operation had a temporary positive impact.

"There was an improvement. He went over there and couldn't walk very well, but he spent the next day after the operation walking to Tiananmen Square and to the Great Wall of China. Within months of coming home he had regressed and was back in the wheelchair," he said.

Trickey Sr. wants people to remember someone who kept his dignity and humor while facing the grimmest of diseases.

"He had the greatest attitude and the greatest smile and he was so mischievous. You know throughout his fight he was constantly cutting up with everybody which made it easier for the whole family," he said.

Trickey worked as a building inspector for the city of Jackson and is survived by his wife, Brandy Nichole Trickey. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at La Croix United Methodist Church.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

http://www.semissouria...(cropped)

Music legend Gary Rosen dies
By HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN, Reformer Staff



Wednesday, April 18
BRATTLEBORO -- For more than 25 years, Gary Rosen's music has encouraged us to get up and sing.
And now his audience and fans will have to continue the song without him.

Rosen, the Brattleboro musician who took his inventive and unique style of family entertainment to audiences of all ages across the country, died Saturday from complications brought on from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

He was 60.

Rosen and his former partner, Bill Shontz, formed the duo Rosenshontz in New York City in the late 1970s and they moved up to the Brattleboro area at about the same time.

Rosenshontz is credited with bringing a higher level of sophistication and musicianship to children's music. The group performed at hundreds of shows and appeared on national television before breaking up in 1996.

Rosen continued performing for families and released a number of solo CDs after Rosenshontz split up.

He recorded and performed in concert until complications from ALS made it impossible to perform.

In a prepared statement from the Rosen family, Mary Rosen said her husband kept a positive outlook


throughout the time that he battled the incurable sickness.
"Gary lived life to the fullest and found joy in every day, despite his disease," she wrote.

"Gary always said, 'It's not going to get my spirit.' And it didn't. He kept the twinkle in his eye, and the smile on his face, and he overcame the fear of knowing what the day might bring."

In Rosen's final two years, a group of about 20 volunteers cared for him and his family as the debilitating illness progressed.

The family said the Brattleboro community came together to lend tremendous support. "In April of 2005, Bonnie Stearns pulled together a 'circle of care,' and what a circle it has been. Since Bonnie held the first meeting, the family has welcomed and loved all the support that everyone provided. Because of Bonnie's initiative, patience, determination, and understanding of what was needed, Gary continued to live comfortably in his home."

Stephen Stearns, director of the New England Youth Theater and a close friend of the family, worked with Rosen and the two shared performing stages around New England throughout their careers.

Stearns said Rosen helped build Brattleboro into a strong community that supports artists, and he said the music Rosen wrote will live on like the great traditional folk songs of the past.

"He made a huge difference on the music scene in New England and nationwide," Stearns said. "He wrote songs that touch people. Gary's music goes beyond cute. It goes to the heart and soul of the human experience and the dreams of the child. It is not simple, formula stuff. It comes out of a deep understanding of children, and their longing to find their voices."

Stearns also said Rosen's success changed the way the entertainment industry looked at children's music.

The success of Rosenshontz created a market that could fill a small hall with parents and children who were willing to pay for a ticket and come out to hear his songs.

"Gary's music opened that door and people saw that you could make a living and raise children because out of the work he was doing there was demand for those things," said Stearns. "It became a real way for artists and theater and children performers to succeed."

Peter Amidon, a Brattleboro musician who came to southern Vermont at about the same time that Rosen did, said that the town was drawing artists from around the East Coast.

Amidon said he remembers walking down Elliot Street and hearing the music of Rosenshontz coming from a performance space that has since closed.

Amidon said he was struck by how the young audience reacted to the music.

"Young children can be brutally honest and they will not be engaged against their will," said Amidon. "He definitely had a particular gift for engaging young children and he had a lot of other gifts as well."

Amidon performs folk music, and though he did not cross musical paths often with Rosen, he said Brattleboro's cultural palette has lost a color that will never be replaced.

"He was always very expressive and we always came out feeling like we got a gift from him," Amidon said. "Gary had a particular niche carved out and I don't see anyone jumping in to fill it."

Rosen and Shontz started playing children's music almost by accident. The two met and started playing folk and rock and roll in Greenwich Village in the mid-'70s.

After performing for tips outside of the gorilla cage at the Central Park Zoo, Shontz remembers, the pair found that parents and children reacted well to their early brand of family entertainment.

"We would play every gig we could get and children's music was one," Shontz remembered.

After playing a show in Vermont, they decided to move to the area.

They got a job playing for the schools in Windham County and, after working up a repertoire that would appeal to anyone between the ages of 5 and 17, the duo decided to concentrate on playing music for young people.

For many years Rosenshontz booked its own shows and sold albums out of the back of a well-traveled vehicle.

"We had to create a show for every age group and decided that was our niche," said Shontz.

Then a national booking agent signed them and the duo started appearing on national television and touring more extensively.

"It took off, and everything went crazy," he said.

Their recordings featured professional session musicians, which Shontz said was a change from most of the children's music available at the time.

The new musical form appealed to parents as well as their children, and at one point Rosenshontz sold out 43 shows in a row across the country.

Their original 1978 album, "Rosenshontz Tickles You," still sells. "From the beginning we never babied the music," Shontz said. "If we played rock it was rock. If it was swing, we played swing. We took children's music up several notches. The whole point was to make music that wouldn't drive parents crazy."

Rosen was born in Amherst, Mass., and attended Oberlin College. He played the clarinet in junior high school and picked up the guitar with millions of other teenagers during the folk movement in the 1960s.

He cited Pete Seeger as an early influence.

Throughout his career, Rosen has performed at The White House, New York's Town Hall, The Smithsonian and he once sang the National Anthem at Fenway Park.

His recordings have been recognized with a National Parenting Publication Award, a Children's Music Web Award and a Parent's Choice Award.

He was diagnosed with ALS in 2004 and lost the ability to play his guitar shortly thereafter, though he continued to sing at local shows with his children.

At a benefit concert last year, about $20,000 was raised to help the family augment what insurance does not cover. Some of the money is being put away in a trust fund for Rosen's family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children; Lela, Penn and Eliza.

Gary Rosen's obituary, click here
For a guest book where friends may share remembrances, click here
Audio clips of Gary Rosen's music
Photo gallery
http://www.reformer.com/ci_5692110

Joan M. LinneInterior Designer



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Joan Margaret Shackelford Linne, 74, an interior designer in the furniture department at Woodward & Lothrop for 30 years, died April 8 at her daughter's home in Centreville. She had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mrs. Linne was a professional model for about seven years in her youth, having graduated from a local modeling school. She was named the 1949 May Day Queen at Stafford High School, and in 1952, she was a princess in the Cherry Blossom festival.



She also graduated from a local interior design institute and began working at the department story in 1962, retiring in 1992.

Her husband of 52 years, William Arthur Linne, died in 2006.

Survivors include three children, LuLynne Linne of Centreville, Tara Marie Mahootian of Shepherdstown, W.Va., and William Linne of Falls Church; and five grandchildren.

Nancy Inez Pawlik


NANCY INEZ RAPP PAWLIK OAKHURST, Calif. - Nancy Inez Rapp Pawlik passed away Monday, April 2, 2007, after a long and painful battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. God saw fit to take his daughter Nancy home to heaven. Born June 11, 1946, the daughter of Dan and Edna (Rittmeyer) Rapp. She was a graduate of Durand High School. Nancy was such a gift and talent to all. Whether it was in her career as an aero-tech office manger, raising and sacrificing for her three children, being a great neighbor, devoting herself to her husband, helping in community efforts, being a loving sister to her blood brothers and sisters or serving her Lord in church. We all shall miss her beautiful face, smile, laughter, genius, kindred spirit and the grace of being in her presence. Her truest desire was that each and every one of us will be reunited in the eternal joy and glory of God's kingdom. Her favorite bible verse was and still is John 11:25, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Nancy is survived by her husband and caretaker, John; her children, Guy, Troy and Amy, with their respective families; five grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Gary (Connie) Rapp, Dennis (Sue) Rapp, Bobbi "Roberta" (Jim) Montgomery, Doris (Bob) Akin and their respective families. Preceded in death by both parents; and her sister, Judy Dorney. A private funeral was April 7, 2007. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, in Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644. It was Nancy's request that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to your local A.L.S Association on her behalf and others with this disease. For more information call 559-683-6742.

Fogarty, Deborah Christine Brooker

Nov. 2, 1950-April 15, 2007
"Devoted mother, loving sister, loyal daughter, doting grandmother, adoring aunt, beloved teacher, gifted musician, cherished friend, child of God."
Debbie was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, and grew up in East Worcester. She attended Worcester Central School and graduated with the class of 1969.
She was a member of the Honor Society and was consistently active in both band and chorus which led her to be the accompanist for many of the school's plays and graduations. She was proud to be an exchange student, spending time in Argentina and Spain. She furthered her education at the Crane School of Music via Potsdam State University in Potsdam, where she was classically trained in piano and voice. She also managed to attain majors in Spanish and French as well, which led her to teach high school French and then Spanish at a few schools in upstate New York. Her last position was at Lisbon Central School, where she remained a favorite of many students for almost 20 years.
She was honored in "Madison's Who's Who of Executives and Professionals" on several occasions, and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the American Federation of Teachers. Her students nominated her for The National Teacher of the Month many times, sending in essay upon essay stating the reasons why they believed in her so deeply, mostly because she believed in them.
Beginning her musical career with Mrs. Florence Russell, she became an accomplished pianist and vocalist and for many years was the Minister of Music at the Potsdam Church of the Nazarene.
She raised her family in the Potsdam area, finally settling in Norwood. She returned to East Worcester two years ago after her ALS diagnosis to be with her family.
She was an avid reader and was a tremendously talented knitter and crocheter. She also loved to create beautiful cross-stitch pieces for friends and family.
She was immeasurably kind and generous, never letting anyone she knew to be without comfort and love. She had a vast heart and is remembered by everyone she ever came in contact with as one of the most extraordinary individuals you could ever be blessed to know.
She quietly lost her courageous battle with ALS at 12:33 p.m. as the snow fell outside Sunday, April 15, 2007.
She was deeply loved by her three children, Heather Lyn (Fogarty) Mortellaro (and husband, Richard) of Corfu, Lisa Ann Fogarty of Potsdam and Joseph Michael Fogarty of Norwood. She delighted in her three grandchildren, Kaitlyn (9), Kyle (1) and Avery (4).
She is survived by her loving parents, Louis S. Brooker and Esther (Mathewson) Brooker, of East Worcester; one brother, Louis S. Brooker Jr. (and wife, Barbara) of New Jersey; and two sisters, Lynn B. Urrey and Kathleen A. Shaffer, both of New York. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in New York, Virginia and South Carolina.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Edmond E. and Angela (Radez) Brooker, of Worcester, and Glenn W. and Alice E. (Skellie) Mathewson, of Westford.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions in her name to be made to the ALS Association, PO Box 127, Elbridge, NY 13060, Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 327 West Main St., Cobleskill, NY 12043, East Worcester First Responders, PO Box 781, East Worcester, NY 12064, Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197 or the MDA, 1249 Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905.
Viewing will be held at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main St., Worcester, beginning at 6 p.m. in the evening and lasting until 8 p.m. April 20, 2007, when the family will be in attendance.
There will be an additional viewing at the East Worcester United Methodist Church from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2007, followed by funeral services to begin at 11 a.m. Friends and family are invited to stay for refreshments immediately following.
Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester, at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.
The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel is serving the family.

Published in The Daily Star on 4/18/2007.

JULIA ADAMS


Julia Adams

Julia (Augustis) Adams, of Culpeper, VA, 83, born in Jersey City, NJ, and who made her home in Wilmington, DE for 49 years, was called home by her Lord on Monday, April 9, 2007. With her family by her side, she passed away peacefully after a 3 year courageous battle with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Julia honored her Lord by doing His work every day. Her loving spirit and caring devotion to others inspired all whose lives she touched. She took advantage of every opportunity to bring into the hearts of others the light and beauty of God's love. In her final days, her radiant spirit showed us all the path to a better day. We are blessed to have shared in her life. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. God now holds her gently in his embrace. Julia's parents came to the U.S.A. from Lithuania. At age 45, with 4 children at home, she attended the University of Delaware and graduated with honors. She worked at Aldersgate Methodist Church for 6 years, then became a Human Relations Coordinator at the DuPont Company, where she was employed for 15 years. She worked as a volunteer docent at Winterthur Museum and the Delaware Riverfront Arts Center. She was a member of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, Wilmington, DE. Julia's greatest joy in life was found in being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She volunteered at Christiana and St. Francis Hospitals through the Junior Board of Wilmington. She hosted students from around the world who were attending the University of Delaware. For 40 years, she considered Mac and Noriko Hatada of Osaka, Japan, family members and they hosted Julia in their country in 1998. It was her firm belief that people from all nations and all walks of life should embrace the opportunity to come together and share their lives with one another. She vacationed with friends and family in Avalon, NJ for over 30 years.

Those remaining here to celebrate her life are her husband of 62 years, Joseph J. Adams, of Culpeper, VA; her 4 children, John Adams, and wife, Christine, of Wilmington, DE, Janet Kovach, and husband, Lou, of North Venice, FL, Jill Devine, and husband, Donald, of Cincinnati, OH, and June Brick, and husband, Jonathan, of Culpeper, VA; her sister-in-law, Elenor Adams, of Paterson, NJ (sister of Joe); her grandchildren, Alethea Avatara, and husband, Satyan, Alyssa Adams, of Bucerias, Mexico, Anna Adams, of Newark, DE, Lauren Brick, of Tallahassee, FL, Jenna Brick, of Charlottesville, VA, and Julianne Brick, of Culpeper, VA; her great-grandchildren, Devon and Peyton Arcieri and Braeden Avatara of Landenberg, PA. Julia was predeceased by her mother, Tekla Augustis, in 1966; her father, John Augustis, in 1962; and her brother, Anthony Augustis, in 1992.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Precious Blood Church, 114 East Edmondson Street, Culpeper, VA on May 3, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, her family ask that donations be made to either Hospice of the Rapidan, 1200 Sunset Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701; or the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855.