Ransford Funeral Home - Caro

04/02/2026

*Service details have been updated*

Lisa Renee Wilmot (Mathews) of Caro, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at her home in Caro. Lisa was born on September 3, 1963, in Marlette, Michigan, to Linda (Bowerman) Habdas and the late Larry Mathews, and was a 1981 graduate of Kingston High School. It was during high school that she met Scott Wilmot. The couple married on July 30, 1983, and spent over 42 years of loving marriage together raising their two cherished children, Dustin and Leigha. Scott survives her. She attended St. Clair Community College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and beginning her life of caring for others. While nursing for many people is a job or career, for Lisa it was her love and passion. She shared her love and care with the community, treating her patients like they were her own family. Lisa brought comfort and grace to countless people during some of their worst times, and she never shied away from the responsibility of supporting those around her.

Lisa spent her free time with her friends and family, showing the same love and commitment to them that she did her patients. She loved riding motorcycles with Scott and caring for her three granddaughters, as well as spending time with her mother Linda. Countless lives were touched by Lisa’s grace, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Scott; children, Dustin (Nicole) Wilmot and Leigha (Dan Cheney) Wilmot; granddaughters, Lakeyn, Alivia, and Taylyn; mother, Linda (Tom) Habdas; and brother, Darren (Tracey) Mathews; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Mathews.

In accordance with Lisa’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Her celebration of life party will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m. All who knew Lisa, personally or professionally, are welcome. The celebration will be at Lisa’s brother and sister-in-law’s residence, 215 East Barnes Road, Fostoria, where there will be games, rides, food, and drink, though guests are encouraged to bring food and drink to share. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, with checks made payable to Scott Wilmot.

View Lisa Renee Wilmot's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Bonnie Dunham

Bonnie Dunham, 85, passed away on March 26th, 2026 at her home in Frankenmuth, Michigan. She will be fondly remembered by those whose lives she touched as “The sweetest person I have ever met”. Bonnie was a loving and caring mother to her two sons, adored her grandchildren, and spent sixty-two years with the love of her life, Dan Dunham.

Bonnie was born on October 29, 1940, in Vermillion, South Dakota where her father, Fred Dick Jr., was completing residency for his medical degree. In 1941, Fred left for the war and her mother, Thelma Dick, relocated them to Waverly, Iowa and then Cedar Falls, Iowa to be close to her parents. After her father’s return from the war in 1945, the family lived in Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio, finally settling in Waterloo, Iowa in 1954. Bonnie graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1959 where she first met Dan. Upon graduation, Bonnie attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and returned to Waterloo in 1961 where she and Dan were united in marriage. Bonnie trained to be a clinical cytologist at Allen Hospital while Dan was finishing his degree at State College of Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Clinical Cytology was her profession for the rest of her working career. In 1967, Bonnie and Dan moved to Dubuque, Iowa, with two young sons in tow, where Bonnie continued her career in cytology at a local hospital laboratory and Dan was hired as a high school teacher and wrestling coach. It was a busy, challenging time for the young family, raising two boys while balancing work and home life. Bonnie was a consummate homemaker, a compassionate, loving mother to her children, and a dedicated partner to her husband, Dan, who spent many nights and weekends traveling with the high school sports teams. She also enjoyed the many trips to the family cabin on Lake Sissabagama in northern Wisconsin and visits to their getaway property on the Mississippi River in Lansing Iowa. Dan and the boys loved to fish and Bonnie would always coax the “men” away from fishing time to enjoy local shops, tourist attractions, and restaurants. As Bonnie and Dan neared retirement, in 1985, they moved to their final residency in Iowa, living on a high ridge overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River Valley in Balltown, Iowa.

Bonnie was a very artistic person who expressed her talents through painting porcelain and eventually painting barn quilts. She was very active in the Doll community, making and painting many porcelain dolls, collecting antique dolls, and sharing this passion with her mother, Thelma, and her sister, Pat. Bonnie was very passionate about her family genealogy, maternal and paternal, spending many hours on research and documentation to leave the legacies for her family. She also enjoyed plants and flowers and spent much of her adult life elbow-deep in potting soil to create a beautiful surrounding for all to enjoy.

Bonnie is survived by her two sons, David (Christine) Dunham and Douglas Dunham; sister, Patricia (Bob) McCabe; brother, John Dick; sister-in-law, Judy Robb; grandchildren, Nick (Jennifer) Jones, David Dunham, Emily (Alex) Kuzmanovic, Kaylyn (Chad) Welsh, and Hannah Dunham; and seven great-grandchildren. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Dunham; parents, Fred Dick Jr. and Thelma (Titus) Dick; and brother, Fred Dee.

Per Bonnie’s request, the family is having a private celebration in Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Bonnie has requested that donations be made to support the annual Dan Dunham Heritage Classic Youth Day. Please make checks out to “DubuqueLand Pheasants Forever” and mail donation to: D. Dunham, P.O. Box 97, Vassar, MI 48768.

View Bonnie Dunham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Brian Robert Hutchinson

With great sadness, we share that Brian Robert Hutchinson, the man, the myth, the legend, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 while at his home. Brian was born on March 1, 1959 in Cass City to the late Donald and Geraldine (Michalski) Hutchinson.

Brian had a deep love for fishing and took every opportunity to share that passion with his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time outdoors or in his garage, always working on something. He loved racing, from cars to motorcycles, and most recently flat track racing in the senior division.

As a skilled machinist and lifelong tinkerer, Brian had a gift for fixing things and was never shy about offering advice on how to do it the right way. He found joy in gardening and bird watching, and he was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, often listening to games with the radio on full blast. He also never gave up on his belief that sleeveless shirts were still in style.

Brian was known for making a mean noodle salad and the perfect sloppy-joes, and he never showed up empty-handed, always bringing the best snacks to share. If we called him, he would be here without hesitation. We only wish we could call him one more time. He was a devoted father and a proud grandfather who treasured every moment with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lee (Patricia) Hutchinson and Ashley Hutchinson; grandchildren, William and Olivia; and brothers, Mark (Jean) Hutchinson and Paul (Emma) Hutchinson.

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

View Brian Robert Hutchinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

03/30/2026

Elsa Mae Lawler Bursch

Elsa Mae Lawler Bursch of Caro, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Elsa was born on June 17, 1944, in Saginaw, the daughter of the late Clyde Field and Jessie (Higby) Keller. She graduated from high school and went on to become a successful business owner, operating her own embossing company, Topham Inc., in Saginaw for over thirty years. In 1974, Elsa married Den Lawler, and the two shared nearly thirty wonderful years together before his passing in 2002. She later found love again with Leroy Bursch, together they spent ten cherished years until his passing in 2017.

Elsa loved all animals, she especially enjoyed going to dog shows and caring for the birds she faithfully fed and watched. Elsa was happiest when she was taking a warm bath and reading a good book, putting puzzles together, and spending time with her family. Elsa will always be remembered for her giving, honest, and loving spirit.

Elsa leaves to cherish her memory, her identical twin daughters, Karen (Jeff) Romain and Kathy Imker; grandchildren, Don (Stacy) Doyle, Alexis (Barry) Schultz, Jill (Josh) Cook, Robert Imker III, and Kara Imker; several great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly McIntyre. In addition to her parents and husbands, Elsa was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Field.

In keeping with Elsa’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Cass River Pet Friendz.

View Elsa Mae Lawler Bursch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Royal Emerald Vollmar of Unionville, age 98, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Royal was born in Caro on February 13, 1928, to the late Otto and Opal (Butcher) Vollmar.

A funeral service for Royal will be held at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street. The family encourages friends and well-wishers to reach out to them for service details. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Lighthouse Baptist Church.

View Royal Emerald Vollmar's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

After extended health problems and with his family’s love and support in his final days, Randy Leonard LaPratt of Caro, age 68, passed away with his daughter Miranda by his side on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Fisher Senior Care and Rehab in Mayville. Randy was born on June 24, 1957, in Caro, Michigan, to the late Leonard and Ardith “Kaye” (McGill) LaPratt and graduated from Caro High School. He was a jack of all trades, working in construction and contracting as a mason, carpenter, builder, and many other skilled trades. Randy’s first love was time spent with his grandkids whom he cherished. He loved birds, especially his hummingbirds, and tried to spend as much time in nature as he could hunting, fishing, and tending to his flowers. He is remembered as being a down to earth, though sometimes sassy man who spoke his mind but was fiercely loving and protective of his family.

Randy is survived by children, Shane (Sabrina) LaPratt and Miranda (David Arms) LaPratt; grandchildren, Savannah Arms, Destiny LaPratt, Dylan LaPratt, Shaianna (Joe Zerby) LaPratt, Shannen Longhway, Tyler Osantowske, and Brianna Osantowske; and siblings, Bob LaPratt and Sue LaPratt; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Randy was preceded in death by sister, Sandy Kammerer and brother, Rodney LaPratt.

A funeral service for Randy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, with pastor Paul McNett presiding. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday. Committal with military honors is to follow at Indianfields Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuscola County 4-H.

View Randy Leonard LaPratt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

Pamela Jean Ruby

Pamela Jean Ruby of Caro, age 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the LaVinge Home in Burton. Pamela was born on July 5, 1958 in Saginaw, to the late Duane and Janice (Schnarr) Ruby. She grew up in Saginaw in her early childhood and later attended Caro High School.

Left to cherish Pamela’s memory are her children; Danielle (Terry) Williams, Christopher Forman, Nicholas Forman; granddaughter, Joni Williams; and siblings, Linda (Bob) Tollfree, Cindy (Jeff) Hawley, Tom Ruby, and Janette Mossner. In addition to her parents, Pamela was preceded in death by her children, Jesse Forman and Josh Forman; and brother Steven Ruby.

In keeping Pamela’s wishes cremation is to take place.

View Pamela Jean Ruby's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating.

Jay L. Salgat, Sr. of Caro, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Heritage Hill Assisted Living. Jay was born on July 24, 1934, in Caro, the son of the late Charles and Josephine (Vandervoort) Salgat. He was a proud 1952 graduate of Caro High School.

Jay faithfully served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. On August 16, 1958, he was united in marriage with Janet (Gaul) Salgat in Caro. Janet preceded him in death on April 1, 2020.

A lifelong resident of Caro, Jay dedicated his life to his family farm and to a distinguished forty-three year career at Eaton/Grede foundry in Vassar. Known for his exceptional skills as a farmer, mechanic, welder, and builder, Jay was a perfectionist who took immense pride in every task he undertook. He became the local expert in the care of apple trees and in producing apple cider, generously sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and local retirement homes.

When not working or tinkering on the farm, Jay enjoyed tending to his yard, camping, hunting, and fishing. His passion for the outdoors and for hands-on projects defined his life and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Jay leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Jay L. Salgat Jr. (Angie Gullekson) of Cadillac and Brian (Jo) Salgat of Lowell; grandchildren, Bradley (Lexi DiPietro) Salgat of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and Parker Salgat of Lowell; sister, Evelyn Montague of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Jay was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Peggy (Armstrong) Salgat; brothers, Raymond, Wilbur, Elmer, Leland “Bud”, and Lucein “Lue” Salgat; sisters, Sylvia Frederick, Goldie Chiti, and Gladys Calihan.

In keeping with Jay’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating.

Our family would like to express our appreciation to Heritage Hill Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice for their kindness and compassion while our father was under their care. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in memory of Jay to either organization.

View Jay L. Salgat, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Lisa Renee Wilmot (Mathews) of Caro, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at her home in Caro. Lisa was born on September 3, 1963, in Marlette, Michigan, to Linda (Bowerman) Habdas and the late Larry Mathews, and was a 1981 graduate of Kingston High School. It was during high school that she met Scott Wilmot. The couple married on July 30, 1983, and spent over 42 years of loving marriage together raising their two cherished children, Dustin and Leigha. Scott survives her. She attended St. Clair Community College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and beginning her life of caring for others. While nursing for many people is a job or career, for Lisa it was her love and passion. She shared her love and care with the community, treating her patients like they were her own family. Lisa brought comfort and grace to countless people during some of their worst times, and she never shied away from the responsibility of supporting those around her.

Lisa spent her free time with her friends and family, showing the same love and commitment to them that she did her patients. She loved riding motorcycles with Scott and caring for her three granddaughters, as well as spending time with her mother Linda. Countless lives were touched by Lisa’s grace, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Scott; children, Dustin (Nicole) Wilmot and Leigha (Dan Cheney) Wilmot; granddaughters, Lakeyn, Alivia, and Taylyn; mother, Linda (Tom) Habdas; and brother, Darren (Tracey) Mathews; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Mathews.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation is to take place, with a celebration of Lisa’s life planned for a later date. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, with checks made payable to Scott Wilmot.

View Lisa Renee Wilmot's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/24/2026

Charles Frederick Holzworth

Charles Frederick Holzworth of Caro, age 91, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Tuscola County Medical Care Community surrounded by the love of his family. He was born September 1, 1934 in Caro, the son of the late Jacob and Winifred (Hickey) Holzworth. Charles graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1953, and later that same year he married the love of his life, the former Patricia Conner, on September 26th.

Charles began working at Kroger at the age of 17 and dedicated thirty-three years there, retiring in 1984 as a senior grocery clerk. During that time, he endured a serious battle with renal tuberculosis, spending two years in the hospital fighting a disease he was not expected to survive. True to his hardworking nature, Charles also drove a school bus from 1967 until 2007. He loved driving students and was always willing to volunteer for away games.

A lifelong lover of horses, Charles raced at rodeos and participated in harness racing, working alongside Howard Putnam to train and groom many horses over the years. He was a charter member of the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Posse Mounted Division, serving for many years alongside his brother, Elwood Sharp. Charles looked forward to providing security for the county fair each year, where he enjoyed seeing the horses and reconnecting with familiar faces. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and had a deep love for animals. He shared his life with dogs at every stage, first as trusted hunting companions and later as devoted friends. His most recent companion, Sudie the Dachshund, held an especially cherished place in his heart.

Charles had quite a sweet tooth, a love he inherited from his mother’s baking. He was known as the “Bingo King” at Tuscola County Medical Care Community, winning countless prizes that he happily passed along to his great-grandchildren. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren, teasing them, giving playful “horse bites,” and sharing special moments like staying home on school days to watch The Price Is Right, where he seemed to guess every price correctly. He also shared his love of horses with them, always eager to take anyone willing for a ride.

Known for his quiet demeanor, Charles was a man of few words, but his sense of humor and playful nature spoke volumes. If he was teasing you, you knew you were on his good side. His loving warmth, work ethic, and gentle presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of seventy-two years, Patricia Holzworth of Caro; children, Charles (Barbara) Holzworth, David (Ronda) Holzworth, both of Caro, Tamara (Eric) Hugger of Ada, and Lori (Douglas) Block of Weidman; grandchildren, Jennifer (Matthew) Hostetler, Steven (Chelsea) Holzworth of Traverse City, David Holzworth of Bonita Spring, FL, Casey Nachtweih of Clarkston, Jessica (Marshall) Harvey of North Pole, AK, Jacob (Diane) Brown of Lake Orion, Zachary Mis of Lansing, Kyle (Heidi) Brohm of Shipshewana, IN, and Caitlin Brohm of Rittman, OH; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Konrad (Kathleen) Holzworth of LaGrange, IN; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Hazel Grace Brohm; and siblings, Elwood (Onalee) Sharp, Charlotte (Dale) Tomlinson, and George Holzworth. The family would like to thank the Tuscola County Medical Care Community for the excellent care they provided to Charles.

In keeping with Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Herron officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Baptist Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

View Charles Frederick Holzworth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.