Russell "Zeke" Jerre Hubbard, a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Russell was born on May 20, 1949 in Greenville, the son of Jerre and Julia Lyndsey Hubbard. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1968, even after missing much school during his childhood elementary years due to bouts of rheumatic fever. His first job was at the age of 16 working for Duane Sweat at The Log Cabin party store, where he worked for the next 47 years every Friday night until his passing. He never gave this job up due to his love of the customers. He also worked for his parents at Hubbard Polish and Buffing until 1990, and then went to work at AGA Marvel (formerly Northland Corporation) in Greenville, where he worked for the next 22 years. Russell loved his grandchildren more than anything else. They brought immense joy to his life and the grandkids equally loved and adored their Papa . Russell was an outdoor enthusiast. He and his wife Chris often camped with the grandkids in tow. He loved traveling to northern Michigan with one of his favorite stops being the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island, where they would bike the island with the grandkids. Hunting, fishing, and collecting every kind of tractor for his grandsons were some of his favorite pastimes. He and Chris enjoyed traveling to antique car shows, where they would show his 1965 Dodge Coronet. They also had a very old Dodge pickup truck that they hoped to restore one day. In the 1970s, Russell dabbled in politics and ran for Constable of Harvard in Oakfield Township, in which he was elected. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Greenville and a former member of the Flat River Antique Auto Club and the River Valley Cruisers of Newaygo. He was a man of few words, but those few words were from the heart. He was treasured by those who loved him and will be dearly missed. Russell is survived by his loving wife, Christine; daughters, Jennifer and Bradley Stauffer and Christine Tipton, all of Greenville, grandchildren, Jenica, Tevin, and Jayden Tipton and Lauren Stauffer, all of Greenville; father, Jerre Hubbard of Kalamazoo; sisters, Judy and Dr. Bruce Dorais of Gull Lake, Doreen and Dave Walenga of Sand Lake, Gisele Hubbard of Kalamazoo, and Sheila and Mike Grunwell of Schoolcraft; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Marianne LaMange of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Mary LaMange of Middleville; his best friends, Jerry Enbody of Cedar Springs and John Enbody of Greenville; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia in 2008; son-in-law, Brian Tipton in 2007; brother-in-law, Craig LaMange in 2005; and special nephews, Scott Trout in 2000 and Tim LaMange in 2004. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 20 at the First Congregational Church of Greenville, the Rev. Dr. Jerrold T. Jones officiating. Interment will be in Oakfield Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Congregational Church or to the Montcalm Community/Flat River Work Camp II.
There are currently 55 condolences.
Jenica Tipton
Friday December 7, 2012 at
9:32 AM
Hi Gramps! I just want to say I love you and miss you so much! Tell my dad I love him and miss him. So glad u got to give your grandfather granddaughter talk to me a week before you passed away. If you and my dad were here right now I would tell you guys that I'm 3 months pregnant well I love you.and I hope you and dad are watching over your loved ones and make sure they stay healthy and safe! Well I love you see you guys some day <3
Julie Hendricks - Lindsey family Historian jewelannah@juno.com
Monday July 2, 2012 at
3:50 AM
Dearest Cousins, I am so sorry for your loss! I have searched for your mother, Julia Lindsey Hubbard for many years and just this week learned more about her. Her Dad, Floyd Lindsey Sr. was my Grandmother's much younger Baby brother. Grandmother was Mabel Belle Lindsey (Mrs. Bert McAlonan)1887-1919. Russell sounds like a cousin anyone would be extra proud of. It breaks my heart that we never got a chance to meet. I have a darling snapshot of Judy Hubbard when little and would like to share the family History and pictures with all of Russell's relatives. Please e-mail me. May God Bless You all.
Julie Hendricks - Spokane, WA
Nick Lober
Thursday June 28, 2012 at
4:49 PM
I had the privilege of working with Russ. I remembered seeing him at the Log Cabin store. Clearly one of the nicest people on the planet. He will be missed by many.
Christine A. Hubbard
Tuesday June 26, 2012 at
11:06 AM
Missing you is just a beginning,our lives now changed forever. Always in our hearts and minds with memories to last forever. We can no longer hug you or kiss and say goodnight, but knowing you are in God's arms will keep us till we are with you again. My love always and forever.
Robin Miller
Friday June 22, 2012 at
4:01 PM
With my deepest sympathy I'm sorry for you loss, he was a nice man to work with and he will be missed.
Judd Bancroft
Wednesday June 20, 2012 at
10:27 PM
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. He will be missed by many and loved by all.
Darrell Hubbard
Wednesday June 20, 2012 at
6:45 PM
Russ you will be missed, but we will have our memories of you forever! Darrell
Cindy Backing
Wednesday June 20, 2012 at
3:51 PM
So sorry to hear about your husband, Russ ... He will forever live in your heart. Cherish the life time of memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Mariann Graham
Wednesday June 20, 2012 at
8:27 AM
Chris, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. He has joined a great group up there!
Cousin Mariann
Walter Hammond
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
8:42 PM
My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Russ at the family polishing shop back in the 70's.
Michele Bogue
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
8:29 PM
Jen and Chris; I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families.
Norm and Valerie Hill
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
4:51 PM
Peggy Devereaux
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
4:36 PM
Chris,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thought and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. I will miss seeing Russ at Three Seasons Campground.
Dan and Carol Sawdy
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
4:06 PM
Chris, after 31 years of working together I can clearly say that I never saw you happier than you were after you married Russ. Keep those memories in your heart my friend. Life continues and God will get you through this till you both meet again. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sorrowful time.
Dan and Carol
Lee & Kathy Enbody
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
2:39 PM
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family, Russ was a great person and will be missed by many!
Lee & Kathy Enbody
Heidi Pollock
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
2:13 PM
Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have a lot of great people in your life to lean on during this hard time. You won't be far from my thoughts and prayers.
Heidi
Char
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
10:42 AM
Chris and family, It is hard losing a love one, but take comfort in knowing that he is in a far better place. Our prayers are with you. Char & Larry
Dennis Moody
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
12:54 AM
I will miss Russ. He always asked me how my life was going and would give me great advice. We talked a lot about his grandkids and how proud he was of them. I used to park next to him at the old shop and I think he was always sleeping in his truck when I got to work. But he always woke up and said good morning to me when I got out of my truck. He was one of a kind. So sorry for your loss. I won't be the same at work with out him.
kara loveless moody
Tuesday June 19, 2012 at
12:34 AM
Jen and Chris, your dad was a great guy and I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Ken and Deb Cooper
Monday June 18, 2012 at
11:41 PM
So sorry to hear about Russ - we were family for so many years. I have a lot of fond memories of snowmobiling in Cadillac and deer hunting with him. Took him on his first deer hunt (of course, he got lost!). Always a smile and a truly happy person. The world is a poorer place today, but heaven is so much richer. Rest easy, old friend.
Bill, Nikki Pollock
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:49 PM
So sorry for your families loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Austin, Tara, Alyssa and Alayna Williams
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:07 PM
Aunt chris and family. Again so sorry for your loss!! We love you.
brian and emily petersen
Monday June 18, 2012 at
8:58 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dick & Linda Sowerby
Monday June 18, 2012 at
8:41 PM
To the family, we were so sorry to hear of Russ's passing. What a great man. Will miss seeing him on our Friday night ice cream runs. Prayers to the family.
Krista Byer
Monday June 18, 2012 at
8:07 PM
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. He always had a warm smile and kind words to share with us all at work. He will be missed.
Curt Hockstra
Monday June 18, 2012 at
7:54 PM
Even though my time with Russ at Aga Marvel was short, I learned what a gentle and friendly man he really was. He always had a smile and a "good morning" for me. He will be dearly missed by myself and the rest of his co-workers at Aga Marvel.
James Ritzema
Monday June 18, 2012 at
7:47 PM
Will miss Russ. We were classmates and I saw him frequently in church. Sorry for your loss Chris.
Laura Rydahl
Monday June 18, 2012 at
6:55 PM
Jen and Chris I am so sad to hear of your Dad's sudden passing. I know the loss is heartbreaking. Just know your not alone, many thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family.
Kathy Nester and Ed Quinn
Monday June 18, 2012 at
6:51 PM
We are sorry for the lost of a very special man in your lives. He will be truly missed by all,but never be forgotten.Always treasure the beautiful and meaningful memories and treasure every moment togetherwith family and friends.
Love best of friends forever and old neighbors KATHY SPICA NESTER
Bill Barnhill
Monday June 18, 2012 at
6:36 PM
Russ was the best, I enjoyed working with him at Aga. We talked everyday, and I will miss that, along with his positive attitude on life. I give my heartfelt condolences to the family. He will be missed alot at Aga, by everyone that knew him.
Gary Larsen
Monday June 18, 2012 at
6:03 PM
My sincere sympathy to the family, and sorry about your loss.
Greg and Brenda Wallin
Monday June 18, 2012 at
5:27 PM
So sorry for your loss Chris, Jen, Chris and families. Thoughts, prayers and love to each of you during this difficult time.
julie papp
Monday June 18, 2012 at
3:33 PM
We will miss u uncle russ love u
Kim Johnson
Monday June 18, 2012 at
2:36 PM
Jen and family. . Please know my thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. Love to you and yours.
Monday June 18, 2012 at
1:55 PM
Kim & Cheryl Merritt
Monday June 18, 2012 at
12:37 PM
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow, know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Comden
Monday June 18, 2012 at
12:37 PM
Worked a few years with Russ at Northland, fond memories of his laughter and friendly smile, even after Northland we would run into each other at the grocery store and Russ would always take the time to talk and update me on the grandkids. Russ will be missed.
Deanna Kent Whitehead
Monday June 18, 2012 at
12:07 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deanna and family
Wendy and Carl Pellow
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:44 AM
Chris and family -
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Russ was a wonderful person and will be remembered by so many of us for a long time. May God wrap his arms around you as you recompose and move forward. Take care my friend.
Timothy Enbody
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:36 AM
Gerry&Patti Vansyckle
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:04 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss.Hold your memories in your heart.
Amy Ruffer
Monday June 18, 2012 at
9:02 AM
Russ was like a uncle to us kids. He will be missed deeply. My heart goes out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. We've had great memories that will live in our hearts forever.
mlamange@xrite.com
Monday June 18, 2012 at
8:16 AM
Here it is mom
Candy Outman
Monday June 18, 2012 at
8:02 AM
Dear Chris and family, I am so sorry to hear of Russ's passing. I remember Russ as we called him "Zeke" from the Log Cabin Grocery which he worked there when I was a little girl. He worked for my uncle's brother Duane Sweat...He was such a good man. He surely will be missed and many prayers of strength sent your way at this time of sorrow.
Donald & Norma Grunwell
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
11:29 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time. My God's peace be with you all.
nathan and alberta burley
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
11:11 PM
nathan worked at the buffing with Russ for several years. So sorry for your loss.
Angela Johnson
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
10:38 PM
Words can't express how sad we are about Russ' passing. I grew up with Russ, as my parents bought the Log Cabin when I was 13. We have many Friday night memories with him and that store will never be the same without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pete and Cindy Enbody
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
9:33 PM
Sorry for your loss. Russ will be missed.
Derek,Kim,Tyler,Alexandra Trout
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
5:31 PM
We are all gonna miss you Uncle Russ....We love You.
Judy Dorais
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
5:09 PM
Zeke, My Brother
Oh, how I loved my brother!
So many memories.
I will miss you so much.
Love you,
Judy
Sheila Grunwell
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
4:25 PM
Russ you will be missed very,very much. I love you and couldn't have asked for a better brother. I love you and miss you so much.
Love your sister Sheila
Bradley Lillie
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
4:14 PM
Jen and Chris and families, Just wanted to say again how sorry I am about your Dads passing. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doreen Walenga
Sunday June 17, 2012 at
3:10 AM
Russ you will be so missed we all love you
Love your sister Doreen
Ron and Brenda Tipton
Saturday June 16, 2012 at
8:57 PM
Chris and family so sorry to hear about Russ's passing. What a kind man, always so friendly to talk to. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Timothy Enbody
Saturday June 16, 2012 at
4:11 PM
My brother from a different Mother is how Russ and the Enbody boys referred to one another. He was a good friend and will be missed and remembered always and forever. We will raise a glass to him and share a memory or two at his hunting shack soon. Gods speed old friend, we'll see you soon.
Russell "Zeke" Jerre Hubbard, a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Russell was born on May 20, 1949 in Greenville, the son of Jerre and Julia Lyndsey Hubbard. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1968, even after missing much school during his childhood elementary years due to bouts of rheumatic fever. His first job was at the age of 16 working for Duane Sweat at The Log Cabin party store, where he worked for the next 47 years every Friday night until his passing. He never gave this job up due to his love of the customers. He also worked for his parents at Hubbard Polish and Buffing until 1990, and then went to work at AGA Marvel (formerly Northland Corporation) in Greenville, where he worked for the next 22 years. Russell loved his grandchildren more than anything else. They brought immense joy to his life and the grandkids equally loved and adored their Papa . Russell was an outdoor enthusiast. He and his wife Chris often camped with the grandkids in tow. He loved traveling to northern Michigan with one of his favorite stops being the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island, where they would bike the island with the grandkids. Hunting, fishing, and collecting every kind of tractor for his grandsons were some of his favorite pastimes. He and Chris enjoyed traveling to antique car shows, where they would show his 1965 Dodge Coronet. They also had a very old Dodge pickup truck that they hoped to restore one day. In the 1970s, Russell dabbled in politics and ran for Constable of Harvard in Oakfield Township, in which he was elected. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Greenville and a former member of the Flat River Antique Auto Club and the River Valley Cruisers of Newaygo. He was a man of few words, but those few words were from the heart. He was treasured by those who loved him and will be dearly missed. Russell is survived by his loving wife, Christine; daughters, Jennifer and Bradley Stauffer and Christine Tipton, all of Greenville, grandchildren, Jenica, Tevin, and Jayden Tipton and Lauren Stauffer, all of Greenville; father, Jerre Hubbard of Kalamazoo; sisters, Judy and Dr. Bruce Dorais of Gull Lake, Doreen and Dave Walenga of Sand Lake, Gisele Hubbard of Kalamazoo, and Sheila and Mike Grunwell of Schoolcraft; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Marianne LaMange of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Mary LaMange of Middleville; his best friends, Jerry Enbody of Cedar Springs and John Enbody of Greenville; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia in 2008; son-in-law, Brian Tipton in 2007; brother-in-law, Craig LaMange in 2005; and special nephews, Scott Trout in 2000 and Tim LaMange in 2004. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 20 at the First Congregational Church of Greenville, the Rev. Dr. Jerrold T. Jones officiating. Interment will be in Oakfield Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Congregational Church or to the Montcalm Community/Flat River Work Camp II.
