John H. Maule

John Henry Maule, age 78, of Big Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Greenville, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at home under the loving care of his family and Community Harmony Hospice.

The son of Clayton Rudolph & June Margaret (Nelson) Maule, he was born on April 15, 1947 in Greenville and grew up on the family farm north of Greenville, where he began his lifelong love of animals. John attended Greenville Public Schools, lived in the area most of his life, and moved to Big Rapids in the fall of 2020.

On September 16, 1967, in Greenville, he married Mary Ruth Rogers and together they raised four children and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. John worked for Gall Neon Sign Company for 18 years, then went to work for Gillespie Petroleum Containment until retiring in 2002. For many years, John played in a local band, “John Henry and 9 Lb. Hammers”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton “Mountain” & June Maule; a brother, Kenneth Maule; and a granddaughter, Gracie Palethorpe.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Maule of Big Rapids; their children, Randy Maule of Newbury, Ohio, Judy Quiroz of Ionia, Cristy “Bubba” & Leslie Maule of Lakeview, and Karen Maule of Reed City; his grandchildren, Jessica & Michael Palethorpe, Whitney Umbenhour, Edward “E.J.” Umbenhour, Jr., Jolana & Danica Niles, and Jacob & Drew Maule; his great-grandchildren, Warren Palthorpe, Ava Palethorpe, Nolan Palthorpe, Serenity Maule, Colton Maule, Charisma Maule, and Blakely Niles; a brother-in-law, George “Mike” Rogers; three sisters-in-law, Hazel Smith, Pat Vanwormer, and Laura Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at the First Church of God, 101 S Franklin Street at W. Grove Street, Greenville, with Pastor Matt Stone officiating. A time of food and fellowship will follow the ceremony in the church hall.

Instead of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign John’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.