Ransford Funeral Home - Caro

04/27/2026

Craig Riddell Cross

Craig Riddell Cross, age 75, of Owendale, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Toni & Trish House in Auburn. Craig was born on January 15, 1951, in Sterling, Colorado, the son of the late Irving and Grace (Riddell) Cross. A proud member of the Fort Collins High School Class of 1969, Craig was deeply involved in sports, competing in wrestling, football, and track. He dedicated over forty years of his life to the Michigan Sugar Company, beginning at Holly Sugar in Worland, Wyoming, and later transferring to the Sebewaing factory in 2000. There, he met the love of his life, Laurie Harder, and the two worked side by side until 2015. By the time he retired, Craig had become a respected maintenance foreman, known for being a jack of all trades.

Craig’s passion for sports remained with him throughout his life. He was a devoted Denver Broncos fan and often enjoyed watching wrestling and softball. In quieter moments, he took pleasure in feeding and watching birds, squirrels, and other wildlife around his home.

Left to cherish Craig’s memory is his stepchildren, Heather (Grant) Harder-Stinger, Jon (Maegan) Harder; step-grandchildren, Jonathon, Catarina, Sampson, Brooklynn, Nataley, and Jordan; siblings, Chuck Cross, Sandra (Mike) Haddorff, and Doug (Annie) Cross; many nieces and nephews; and his dear cats, Hope and Tom. In addition to his parents, Craig was preceded in death by his partner, Laurie.

In keeping with Craig's wishes cremation has taken place and there are no services planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, c/o Heather Sting-Harder, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.

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04/22/2026

04/21/2026

Karen Lee Gracey of Caro, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026. She was born on October 18, 1937, the daughter of the late Robert Gracey and Shirley McCaslin of Cass City. At the age of ten, her stepfather, Lee Rabideau, became a guiding presence in her life. Karen was a member of Cass City High School’s graduating Class of 1955.

Karen was married to Gary Parsell for thirty-eight years and a stay-at-home mom to their three children until 1966 when she began working in the dental office of Samuel Sinchak, D.D.S.

Karen was an accomplished seamstress, teaching the Bishop Sewing Method at Caro Schools Adult Education. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was employed at the Human Development Commission, Head Start Program, a social worker at Caro Community Hospital, and did vocational training and career assessment at Kingston’s Teen Ranch and the Tuscola County Tech Center.

While raising her three children, she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and also led The Hoof Printers, a 4-H group. Karen was a woman of deep faith and had a special relationship with God. The Bible study that gave birth to The Living Waters Chapel in Caro started around her dining room table.

Karen married Douglas Breeding in 2004, and they remained together until his passing in 2008.

Left to cherish many fond memories of Karen are her children, Dawn (Steve) Strachan, Lian (Roger) Parsell, and Troy (Anne) Parsell; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann Stanley; and brother, Richard Gracey. In addition to her parents and husband, Karen was preceded in death by a sister, Lynnea Rabideau Matthews.

In keeping with Karen’s wishes, interment has taken place at the Elkland Township Cemetery in Cass City.

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04/20/2026

Betty Lucille Baggs

Betty Lucille Baggs of Caro, age 101, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Satchell's Christian Home. She was born on February 23, 1925 in Flint, the daughter of the late Claude and Ella (Kelly) Raymond.

In keeping with Betty's wishes cremation has taken place and inurnment will take place at West Deerfield Cemetery in Lapeer.

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04/19/2026

With hearts full of gratitude and overflowing love, we celebrate the remarkable, irreplaceable, and truly one-of-a-kind life of Marion McCrary, born on September 12, 1941, to the blessed union of Margaret and Joseph C. McCrary. Marion was the cherished firstborn — and what a gift she was — later joined by 13 beloved siblings who would come to adore her. From her very first breath, Marion carried a light within her that no doctor, no diagnosis, and no limitation could ever dim. Because of her unique journey through life, Marion was embraced as the queen of the family — honored, celebrated, and deeply loved by every soul fortunate enough to know her. There is something profoundly beautiful about a family that lifts one of their own to royalty, and Marion wore that crown with grace every single day.
One of the most touching testaments to Marion's giving spirit was the way she wrapped her arms — and her heart — around nearly every child born into the family. She was a nurturer by nature, a safe harbor for the littlest ones, and it is no wonder she became the undisputed family favorite. To be cared for by Marion was to know you were loved without condition.
Marion's joys were as vibrant and colorful as she was. Her passion for drawing was a window into a creative soul that saw the world in ways entirely her own. She lit up at special events and gatherings, soaking in every moment, every laugh, every connection — because Marion understood, perhaps better than anyone, the precious gift of being present. She treasured the thoughtfulness behind every gift she received, responding with a warmth that made the giver feel just as blessed as she did.
Marion's life is also a breathtaking story of faith triumphing over fear — "disability" turned into "Superability." As a child, doctors solemnly declared she might not live past the age of 12. Her mother, a woman of extraordinary faith and fierce love, refused to receive that word. When Marion continued to thrive and doctors revised their prediction to age 25, her mother stood firm again, declaring with unwavering conviction: "I do not put my faith in man, but in God, who has the final say." What a prophetic declaration that was. Every one of those doctors has since passed on —and Marion? Marion lived to 84 years old. She didn't just survive their predictions; she outlived them entirely. What a mighty testimony.
Marion lived a life of true privilege — not because of wealth or status, but because she was genuinely, lavishly loved. Before their beloved mother passed away at the age of 42, she made one sacred request of her daughter Betty: "Promise me you will care for Marion." Betty made that promise. And for 57 extraordinary years, Betty kept it — faithfully, selflessly, and with a love that can only be described as divine.
With the unwavering support of her loving husband James Satchel, Betty's children, and her siblings, Marion was embraced with the kind of life most people only dream of: surrounded by love, dignity, laughter, and belonging every single day.
Marion McCrary leaves to cherish her memory her beloved siblings, Betty (James), Joseph, Jr. (Jennifer), Linda, Elane, André, Tony (Sharon), Marva (Samuel), Richardo, Reginald, Heidi, and Warren, Jr., and the countless lives she touched simply by being her irreplaceable, joyful, beautifully dressed, and deeply loved self, including her cousins, nieces, nephews, family, friends, Shay Lake church family, and the entire Tuscola County community. She is reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, Margaret and Joseph C. McCrary, as well as her brothers, Joe Lewis McCrary and Larry McCrary, and stepfather, Warren Anthony, Sr.
The family would like to extend a special thanks Crystal, Ray Ray, and the rest of the staff of Country Comfort Spectrum of Light of Tuscola County for their loving respite care of Marion.
A funeral service for Marion will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Shay Lake Non-Denominational Church, 4260 Shay Lake Road, Silverwood, MI, with Reverend Thomas L. Denmark presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

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04/17/2026

Gloria Jean Bucholz

Gloria Jean Bucholz of Deford, age 78, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday April 15, 2026 at home. Gloria was born on April 7, 1948 in Traverse City, the daughter of the late Donald and Violet (Duffett) Best. In her youth, she enjoyed traveling with her parents and was a graduate of Cass City High School.

Gloria worked as a homecare aide and was able to help many people in their time of need. She remained steadfast in her faith through regular Bible study, and her nurturing spirit extended into every aspect of her life, including her care for animals. Gloria absolutely loved cats and took in many over the years, giving them all her love and care.

She enjoyed riding mopeds and bikes, once she even joined the neighbor boys in riding off their ramps, a memory she held dear to her heart. Gloria could often be found crocheting and mastering crosswords or out in her gardens, as she had an impeccable green thumb. She was a hard-working woman with a heart of gold. Gloria will be remembered for her ability to get things done and take care of others.

Left to cherish Gloria’s memory are her sisters, Valerie Wasserman of Cass City and Gaydon Edwards of Deford; nine nieces and nephews; and many great- and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Bucholz; brother, Donald Best; sister, Sandra Russell; nephew, Jack Edwards III; and brother-in-law, Matt Wasserman.

A funeral service for Gloria will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, with Rev. Isaac Madanu officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or to American Cancer Society.

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04/13/2026

Thomas Lee Culbert of Caro, age 75, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City. Thomas was born on March 2, 1951, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Clayton and Marie (Brinkman) Culbert and was a 1969 graduate of Caro High School. It was in high school he began dating Linda Mikkelson, but their friendship began much earlier when the pair attended Sunday School together. They married after graduation on July 25, 1969, and spent over 56 years together. She is left to treasure his memory. Thomas enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country from March of 1970 until his honorable discharge in March 1972. He spent his working years as a resident care aid for the State of Michigan at the Caro Regional Center, retiring in 2002. Thomas was active in his community, enjoying time at the Caro Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge and American Legion Post #293 in Sebewaing. He and Linda were also devout members of St. Paul Lutheran church. In his free time, Thomas enjoyed rebuilding cars and woodworking. In his younger years he shot s***t and road his motorcycle around the Thumb. Thomas is remembered as being a funny, if sarcastic, man who always had a joke of some sort. He was well-liked and had friends everywhere he went who lovingly knew him as “Plugger,” a nickname he earned at 16 when working on motorcycles.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Linda Culbert; sons, Jason Culbert and Chad (Helen) Culbert; grandchildren, Jessica (Travis) Culbert, Alexa (Troy) Culbert, Kayliegh (Logan) Culbert, Justin Culbert, Coltin Culbert, and Liam Culbert; and great granddaughter, Hope; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Lee Culbert, Jr.; and brothers, Elman (Debbie) Culbert and James Culbert.

A funeral service for Thomas will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, with Rev. Richard L. Boshoven presiding. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, April 16, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to the American Heart Association.

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04/13/2026

We are honored to share that our funeral home family will be expanding to serve the Sebewaing community.
This transition comes through a thoughtful partnership with Gia Mellendorf-Gremel and her dedicated staff, who will continue to be a familiar and trusted presence in Sebewaing.
This collaboration unites two respected, long-standing funeral home traditions, allowing us to build upon a shared legacy while enhancing the level of service and support available to the families we serve. By combining our strengths, we are also able to offer additional services and resources to better meet the evolving needs of the families in our care.
Our locations in Caro, Pigeon, and Sebewaing will operate with a unified commitment to serving families with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
Families can be assured that all existing pre-arrangements will be fully honored, with the same care and attention with which they were made.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and are honored to continue this tradition of care alongside Gia and her exceptional team.

04/10/2026

Bonnie Jean Irvine

Bonnie Jean Irvine of Caro, age 85, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Devonshire Retirement Village in Lapeer. Bonnie was born December 11, 1940, in Caro, the daughter of the late Carl and Myrtle (VanGuilder) Parsell. She attended Caro Community Schools and following graduation, worked as an attendant nurse at a state hospital facility. She was united in marriage to Bob Irvine for over thirty years, until his passing in 2010.

In her spare time, Bonnie enjoyed decorating, painting, and organizing, and had a natural talent for growing plants and flowers both inside and outside her home. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and enjoyed playing euchre with friends and family. Bonnie was also a wonderful cook and baker, despite the time she accidentally added cinnamon instead of chili powder to a pot of chili – but everyone still ate it!

Bonnie will be remembered as a strong and hardworking woman, generous to those around her, with a great sense of humor and a determination to persevere through any challenge life brought her way.

Left to cherish her memory are seven children, Kellie, Shane, Renee, Scott, Kristy, Mitch, and Chris; fourteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Bonnie was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Lee Bradford.

In keeping with Bonnie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

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