BATES (Kenneth). Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, 18th February 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Ken, of Congleton, aged 82, was a devoted husband of the late Gwen, loving dad to Mike and Andrew, much loved father-in-law to Jane, treasured granddad to Lucy and Jess and happy great-granddad to Skylar and Mylah. Ken will be sadly missed by all his family and friends and fondly remembered. The funeral service is to take place at St Mary’s Church, Astbury, on Friday, 28th March at 11am. Family flowers only; donations, if desired, to Cancer Research UK. Enquiries to: John Garside and Son, Mountbatten House, Stonehouse Green, Congleton, 01260 298 829.
BEBBINGTON (John). On Wednesday, 12th February 2025, peacefully at home in Haslington, John, aged 82. The dearly loved husband of Barbara and a much-loved dad, granddad and great-granddad. The funeral service and committal is to take place on Tuesday, 18th March at Crewe Crematorium at 1pm. family flowers only, by request; donations, if desired, to Parkinson’s UK. All enquiries to Peter Forshaw Funeral Services, 01606 836 708.
HARVEY (Olga, nee Sproston). At rest on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at Newton House Residential Home, Grantham, Olga, aged 81, formerly of Congleton. A devoted and beloved wife of the late Keith; dearest mum of Jason; loving mother-in-law to Sarah; treasured nan of Alexandra and Sebastian; a dear sister-in-law and aunt, and a good friend and neighbour to many. Olga will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all her family and friends. The funeral service will take place at Macclesfield Crematorium on Wednesday, 19th March at 1.15 pm. Will relatives and friends wishing to attend kindly meet for the service. No flowers by request, donations preferred and gratefully received to Macmillan Cancer Support c/o the funeral director. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Ryan Dolman, Dolven Funeral Services, Independent family Funeral Directors, 31-33, Congleton Road, Biddulph, 01782 379 191.
JEFF (Graham Roy). At rest on Thursday, 20th February 2025 at Macclesfield District General Hospital, Graham, aged 88, of Congleton. The loving husband of the late Sylvia; much-loved dad of Carole, Martin and Anthony; very dear father-in-law of Ian and Nancy; cherished granddad of Leanne and Hailey; uncle to Sandra, David, Kevin and Christine and a dear friend of Andrea and Gareth. Sadly missed but fondly remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him. The funeral service is to take place on Wednesday, 26th March at Macclesfield Crematorium at 2pm. Family flowers only; donations, if desired, for the RLNI. Enquiries to: John Garside and Son, Mountbatten House, Stonehouse Green, Congleton, 01260 298 829.
ROWLEY (Keith). Passed away very peacefully at Macclesfield District General Hospital after a long illness, aged 80. Keith was born at Congleton War Memorial, one of twins. He was the dearly loved husband of Joan and devoted dad of David and James; treasured brother of Alec; much-loved granddad of Zander, Biella and Zack; respected and loved by daughters-in-law Winnie and Wendy; fondly loved by nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend of Robert. Keith will be lovingly remembered for his strength of character, love of family, artistic creativity, love of adventure activities and passion for his work, and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. The funeral will be held at Birches Crematorium, Northwich, at 1.30pm on Friday, 21st March. Will friends please accept this notice as an invitation to join us in celebrating Keith’s life. Formal dress is not required. You are warmly invited to continue sharing your memories of Keith after the service at The Railway Inn, Congleton. The family are truly grateful for all the kind messages of condolences and cards that have been sent in Keith’s memory. We request that instead of flowers, donations can be made to East Cheshire Hospice. A donation box will be available at the service. However, donations can be sent via the funeral directors. The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Abi and Jason at Larvin and Clegg Funeral Care, 20, Antrobus Street, Congleton, 01260 297 963. larvinandclegg.co.uk. Please direct all enquiries to them.
SPROSTON (Doris). On Thursday, 20th February 2025, peacefully at Hollymere House Care Home, Haslington, Doris passed away, aged 98. A devoted wife of the late Herbert; a loving mother of Helen and Wendy; a cherished grandma of Anna and Lucy, and a treasured great-grandma of Rowan and Wren, and David, Roy and Mike. Doris will be sadly missed by her loving family and friends. The funeral service is to take place at Holmes Chapel Methodist Church, Holmes Chapel, on Thursday, 27th March at 11.30am followed by interment at Holmes Chapel Cemetery. Family flowers only, please; donations, if desired, to British Heart Foundation in memory of Doris. All enquiries to Peter Forshaw Funeral Services, 01606 836 708.
THORNBER (Ann). Peacefully on 27th February 2025 at Royal Stoke University Hospital, Ann, aged 88, of Mossley. The dearly loved and devoted wife of the late Geoff Thornber; loving mum of Paul and Kay; dear mother-in-law of Sue and Kevin, and a cherished grandma of Eleanor, Laura and Tom. The cortege is to leave her daughter’s home on Thursday, 3rd April at 10.10am for committal at Macclesfield Crematorium at 10.45am, prior to a service of thanksgiving for Ann’s life at Congleton United Reformed Church at 11.45am. Will relatives please accept this, the only intimation, and would friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the crematorium or church. Family flowers only; donations, if desired, to British Heart Foundation or Stroke Association. All enquiries and donations to Alan Finneron Funeral Directors, 32, West Street, Congleton, 01260 277 622.
WOOD (Jessie, nee Hall). Jessie Wood, aged 102, passed away peacefully on 26th February 2025 at Tall Oaks Care Home, Biddulph. She was the wife of the late Cyril; mother to the late John and Alan; grandmother to Michael, Maria, Victoria, Jacqueline and Peter, and grandmother to four generations. Jessie will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all her family and friends. Jessie’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, 18th March at 2pm, at St Lawrence’s Church, Biddulph. Would family and friends please meet at the church. Family flowers only, please; donations kindly received to Macmillan Cancer Support. All enquiries to: John Garside, 2, Cross Street, Biddulph, 01782 513 210.
