George Bates Phelps

George Bates Phelps of Fife Lake, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Lakeview Lutheran Manor in Cadillac, following a lingering illness. He was born October 13, 1920 in Silverwood, the son of the late Stewart and Edith (Bates) Phelps. He graduated from Mayville High School with the class of 1939, and began a lifelong career shortly after as a tool maker, a profession that complimented his meticulous and precise personality. He was employed at Severance Tool in Saginaw, Walbro in Cass City, and retired from Dixie Tool in Bridgeport. He was united in marriage with the former Elaine G. Hacker on May 12, 1942, and she survives him. George was a confirmed member of St. Johannes Lutheran Church in Kingsley, Michigan. He was an avid snowmobiler, and enjoyed making jewelry from stone, fishing, sightseeing and traveling in Northern Michigan, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family. George is survived by his wife of over seventy-two years, Elaine G. Phelps of Fife Lake; one daughter, Carolyn Parker of Caro; one son, Glen Phelps of Manton; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; daughter-in-law, Mary Phelps of Grayling; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bill & Loretta Hacker of Cass City, Robert & Winnie Williams of Dearborn, Bonnie Phelps of Mayville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James Stewart Phelps; two sisters, one brother and their spouses, Eleanor & Ernie Ihrke of Mayville, Ruth & Harold Harris of Marlette, and Robert Phelps; and one son-in-law, Roger Parker. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Leonard Astrowski officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw at a later date. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the donor's favorite charity. Visitation Information Date: Friday, June 27, 2014 Time: 5:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, June 28, 2014 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro. Cemetery Information