Mary Lou Schantz, age 83, passed away on March 13, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Lou was born August 23, 1935, the daughter of George and Gladys (Bowerman) Eggleston. On September 6, 1952, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Ralph Schantz, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 2017.

An accomplished seamstress, Mary Lou was employed by Baby Bliss for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, making porcelain dolls, and watching her favorite movie, State Fair. Mary Lou was also an avid collector and in her younger years she belonged to a social quilting club. Mary Lou could often be found in the kitchen, cooking, canning-especially tomatoes, and baking. Her family always looked forward to her Easter Bunny cake. Mary Lou loved animals, especially her dog, Chichi.

Mary Lou is survived by daughters: Cindy (Greg) Wieck, Dawn (Lloyd) Kilmer, and Karen Nicholson; sons: John (Doris) Schantz and Randy Schantz; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and foreign exchange children: Tewe Pannier, Ada Steen, Kiyomi Itakura. Mary Lou was also preceded in death by her parents, son in law, Robert Nicholson; infant brother: William Eggleston; brothers, George Eggleston Jr. and Ray Eggleston; special cousin, Katego Sorlas, and foreign exchange son, Lars Maelen.

Mary Lou’s family will receive friends Sunday, March 17, 2019, 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home where her funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Pastor Tony Shumaker, officiating. Private interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Ralph.

Memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of one’s choice will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Mary Lou’s family.

Gordon Burdett Barlow passed away on March 12, 2019.  He was born on May 29, 1932 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Paul and Mary (Smith) Barlow. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1952. On December 14, 1957, Gordon married Jane Brownell.

Gordon was an auctioneer from 1969 until the late 1990’s when he retired. He opened Barlow Auction House with his wife, Jane, in 1972. Gordon helped build the Gun Lake beaches from 1956 to 1959 and worked in manufacturing at Flexfab and Hastings Piston Rings. He started Barlow Realty in the mid-1970’s. He was also the producer and editor of Michigan Horseman’s Magazine. Gordon proudly served as a Flight Engineer in the Airforce from 1952-1956.

Gordon enjoyed growing and grafting trees, gardening, and collecting antiques and postcards. He looked forward to spending time with his family and loved having picnics with them. He was skilled at breeding and training horses on the family farm and enjoyed attending auctions and garage sales. Gordon was a member of the Hastings Area Rotary Club, the Gideons, Michigan State Auctioneers Association, and the Michigan Nut Grower’s Association. He was the President of the Michigan State Auctioneers Association in 1977 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hastings.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane (Brownell) Barlow, daughters Deborah (Tim) Wisniewski, Diane (John) Haines, son David (Deborah) Barlow, grandchildren Sarah (Michael) Hofmann, Tyler (Hannah) Wisniewski, Michelle Krebs, Ashley (Dan) Terpstra, Brandon Haines, Alex Barlow, Dylan Wisniewski, and great-grandchildren Molly Krebs and Olivia Terpstra.

A service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, in Hastings, with the family receiving visitors at 1:00 PM. Burial will occur directly after the service at the Rutland Township Cemetery on North M37 with a memorial dinner to follow at Hope Township Hall. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.

Jack Nelson Lambka, age 88, of Hastings, died on March 3, 2019 in Middleville, Michigan.  He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Roy and Sydona (Jennings) Lambka.  He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School.  He married Beverly Fountain on March 4, 1950.  He honorably served his country in the US Airforce, stationed in England.  He worked at E. W. Bliss Company for 25 years and The Viking Corporation for 15 years.

Jack was passionate about cars, built dune buggies, and was the president of the Corvette Club in Battle Creek.  He loved doing woodworking and building.  He built 2 houses and remodeled one. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Lambka, and grandson Barrett Sherwood.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly, twin daughters Linda (Jim) Wright, Brenda (Brad) Sanders, grandchildren Kristen Smith, David (Jen) Wright, DeeAnne (Nathan) Stencel, Joshua (Val) Sanders, Kathryn Sanders, and 6 greatgrandchildren.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America Troop 175 c/o American Legion Post 45, PO Box 152, Hastings, MI 49058.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings.  Services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. 

To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.