Mary Putnam

Mary Ann Putnam, age 54, of Caro, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Mary Ann Russell was born on October 28, 1954 in Bay City to Phyllis (Cosens) Russell and the late Howard Russell of Fairgrove. Mary Ann was a Fairgrove High School graduate and then received an Associates Degree. On August 3, 1985 she was married to Larry Putnam at the Fairgrove Presbyterian Church. Mary Ann had been employed at the Caro Center until her retirement. She was an active member of the Caro United Methodist Church, the Association of Retired State Employees, and a member of the WOM. Mary Ann enjoyed bowling and driving school bus for Caro Schools. She is survived by her husband, Larry Putnam; her children, Rachel (Randy) Whittaker of Cass City, Adam Putnam of Caro and her step-son, George Putnam of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; two grandsons, Ethen and Travis; her mother, Phyllis Russell of Fairgrove; five siblings, Diane (Dennis) Nelson of Freeland, Howard Lee (Doozie) Russell of Mason, Bonnie Graham of Lansing, Kathi (Joe) Kaniszewski of Midland and Jim (Vicki) Russell of Fairgrove; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Cosens and Mr. and Mrs. James Russell; and her in-laws, Harold and Aileene Putnam. The funeral service will be held at the Caro United Methodist Church on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jerry Smith officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be at the Collon Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Caro United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.