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Elaine Mills
Elaine Mills, a resident of Bridgeville, Michigan joined her husband in heaven on December 7, 2022 at the age of 74.
Elaine was born in Lansing on September 7, 1948 the daughter of Kenneth and Betty Miller and grew up in Lansing where she was a graduate of Sexton High School. She worked for many years with the Michigan State Treasury Department and later enjoyed working with Mobil Gas Station. On New Year’s Eve of 1978 she met Dennis Mills. They quickly fell in love, were wed on March 31, 1979, and together they a raised a close-knit village of children and grandchildren.
Elaine always looked forward to the holidays and opportunities to get family together and to bake for the occasion. She was always very caring and thoughtful and enjoyed making beans, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and other assorted foods for those visiting her home or returning from fishing and hunting trips. She was an amazing mom, a doting grandmother who loved babies in her arms, and for whom she fashioned a blanket for each of their births. Elaine had a strong faith, always knew God was with her, and this week her family takes comfort in knowing that she and her husband are together in God’s hands.
Elaine lost her beloved husband of over forty-three years on November 29, 2022. She is survived by children, Kandy Hale (Kenny Evans), Tammy Martinez, Pennie Mathias (Rich), Michele Cooley (Scott), Leon Mills (Celena), Kasey Robinson, Danielle Wells (Jeffrey), nine grandsons, five granddaughters, thirteen great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and dogs, Ruger and Scout. She was preceded in death by a son, Tracy Robinson, her parents, and her sister, Mary (Mike) Stowell.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Saturday, December 10, at 12 Noon with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. Burial will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 9 from 5-7 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of service. Memorials may be made in her name St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For further information please phone 989-224-4422.
Ethlynne Patricia Smith
Ethlynne Patricia Smith, age 89, of East Lansing, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns.
Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bath, MI. Visitation will be held 6-8 P.M. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M.
Ethlynne was born in Ionia, Michigan on September 28, 1933, the daughter of Karl Friedick and Thelma Emily (Erikson) Zander. On April 21, 1951 Ethlynne married Carlton Eugene Smith at Camp Stewart, GA. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage prior to his passing on September 25, 2004.
Ethlynne was a care giver all of her life. She had to leave school at an early age to care for her younger siblings. She was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles. She was a hard worker and loved her 25 years working for Oldsmobile. She enjoyed traveling, spending many years wintering in Florida with her husband.
She is survived by three children: Victoria Harris of St. Johns, MI; David (Sue) Smith of Bath, MI; and Jeffery (Meri) Smith of Laingsburg, MI; fourteen grandchildren: Sherry (Kirk) Wurm, Bill (Corissa) Harris, Shannon (Erik) Bonga, Brad (Mallorie) Harris, Scot (Trisha) Smith, Chad (Carlos) Smith, Nick (Jennifer) Smith, James (Amanda) Cronk, Chris (April) Smith, Ethan (Josephine) Smith, Katherine Smith, Josh (Dawnn) Barnes, Amanda (Keith) Cain, and Jillian (Tim) Maillet; thirty-five great- grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; brother Anthony Zander, and her best friend of 52 years Freda Sober. She was preceded in death by her father Karl Zander, mother Thelma Jenks, husband Carlton, son-in-law Bill Harris Sr., brother Karl Zander, sister Karline Buckley, and her sister Diana (Donald) Dehn.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Virginia Luella Jones
Virginia Luella (Winsor) Jones, age 92, of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully in her home on December 7, 2022, with her family by her side.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel. A private graveside service will be held at Lowe Cemetery with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held in the summer.
Virginia was born October 23, 1930, in Gratiot County, Michigan to Kenneth R. and Etha M. (Redman) Winsor. When she was small they moved to a farm on Maple Rapids Road in Clinton County. She graduated from Maple Rapids High School in 1949 and married John L. Jones on July 4, 1949 in Maple Rapids. John and Virginia lived on the Jones farm on West French Road where they raised their four children. When she wasn’t cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, sewing, mending, tending the garden, canning, etc., she did the accounting for the farm business. They remodeled the old farm house in 1967 and upgraded the kitchen and laundry room, making life easier just before her daughter left home.
In Virginia’s “spare time” she loved to knit and sew. When her children were young she handmade many of their clothes and knitted a pile of mittens over the years. She was a 4-H leader as well as a member of the Women’s Club and the Child Study Club. She and John also played Pinochle monthly with a group and attended Dinner Dances (she loved to dance). Later in life she played Bridge weekly. She was also a member of the Greenbush United Methodist Church until it closed.
Virginia loved to travel. She and John traveled together as often as they could get away from the farm–Colorado, Arizona, California, Washington, East Coast, Hawaii, and even one trip to France and England. One summer she and John even canoed the Boundary Waters in Canada and Minnesota (1975). She and John wintered in Florida with their Fifth Wheel trailer for a few years before he passed away in May 1985. Then, she bought a park model trailer in Zephyrhills where she spent many winters.
In October 1995 Virginia married Allen Robertson in Maple Rapids. They spent 18 happy years together, traveling between her home in Michigan and their place in Florida until Allen’s passing on May 31, 2013 in Zephyrhills, FL. Virginia continued going to Florida each winter but finally decided to sell her place and stay at her Michigan home. She sometimes missed the warmth of Florida but enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife that wandered through her yard daily. Most every Wednesday you could find her having lunch with her long-time neighborhood friends, and once a month with her high school classmates.
Virginia leaves her four children: Diana DeGraw, Robert (Kathleen) Jones, Richard (Stephanie) Jones and Eugene (Barbara) Jones; her 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren, 3 step-children, 3 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Dale Winsor, one sister Carol (Jack) Kidder, a niece and 3 nephews. She was predeceased by both of her husbands, her parents, infant granddaughter Mary E. Carmack and grandson Michael Carmack.
Memorials may be made to R.A.V.E. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Howard J. Heyboer
Howard J. Heyboer of St. Johns died peacefully at home on December 7, 2022 at the age of 73.
Howard was born on April 11, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the second of four children born to Warren and Evelyn (Goodblood) Heyboer. He graduated from Portland High School and married Margaret Thornton on October 24, 1981. Together they adopted one son, Chris Heyboer, and were foster parents for many children through the years. In 1983 Howard founded Heyboer Farms and his work became his greatest hobby. He also enjoyed raising cattle and visiting the antique tractors on Plow Days. He was an active member and an Elder at St. Peter Lutheran Church for many years.
He is survived by his son, Chris Heyboer; granddaughter, Leeanna Heyboer; brothers, Carl Heyboer and Dick (the late Sandy) Heyboer; sister, Arlene (Ken) Lee; nephews and nieces, Kevin, Tim and Steve, Kim, Mary, Luke, Melanie, Susie and Amy, Mike, Matt and Daniel; adoptive son, Justin Dygert, as well as extended family members, in-laws, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret in 2007 and his parents, Warren and Evelyn.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 4—8 PM at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 11 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 8990 Church Rd, St. Johns. Burial St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Peter Lutheran Church.
Lesley Clover Rockafellow
Lesley Clover (Spaulding) Rockafellow, age 64, of St. Johns, MI passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
In following Lesley’s wishes, a cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will take place at a later date.
Lesley was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 30, 1958, the daughter of Willard Leslie and Ila Jean (Hicks) Spaulding.
Lesley is survived by six children: Jeremy Goodman, Jennifer Ash, Courtney (Jared) Murray, Colt (Sara) Illian, Tristen (Chelsea) Rockafellow, and Elijah Illian; sixteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; three siblings: Billie (Michael) Johnson, Cathy Whitener, and Timothy (Nancy Heatherington) Doyle; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Ila Spaulding, father Willard Spaulding, daughter Brittaney Rockafellow, and son Buck Rockafellow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Family Funeral Homes to assist with Lesley’s funeral expenses. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Nicholas Brian Wright
Nicholas Brian “Toast” Wright, age 40 of Maple Rapids, MI, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022, at his home.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 2-5 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Nicholas was born in Carson City, Michigan on November 24, 1982 the son of Brian Douglas Wright and Kimberly Theresa Hall. Nicholas married Lisa M. Bordelon on August 11, 2007 in Pearl River, Louisiana.
Nick loved his guns and his truck. He enjoyed hunting. Nick’s kids were his heart and soul. He loved time with his family and would help anyone at any time. He will be remembered for his huge heart and loving nature, he was just fun to be around. Nick was proud of being a CPL holder and prided himself on gun safety. His beagle, Mona was his buddy.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Lisa Wright of Maple Rapids, MI; son, Ezera Wright of Maple Rapids, MI; daughter Sadie Wright of Maple Rapids, MI; son Richard Wright of Maple Rapids, MI; mother Kimberly Hall of Maple Rapids, MI; brother Roger Wright of Lansing, MI; and parents-in-law Richard and LaVonna Bordelon of Slidell, LA. Nick is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Brian Wright and grandparents.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of his family. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Betty Dennis Beach
Betty Dennis Beach was born in Ashley, Michigan on October 5, 1929, to Arnold and Minnie (Shonk) Martens, and passed away at the age of 93 on December 4, 2022, in Delta Township, Michigan.
Betty graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns in 1947. In October 1948 she married Fred Dennis. She worked at the Ovid Post Office for 30 years, beginning as a part-time clerk and retiring as Postmaster in 1990. She and Fred enjoyed their retirement between Lake City, Michigan and Estero, Florida until Fred passed in 2001.
In November 2003 Betty married Parke Beach, Jr., who preceded her in death in August 2021. In addition to her husbands, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Tom Campbell; brother, William Martens; and her stepson, David Beach.
Betty loved to read, knit, do cross stitch, and spend time with her family during the months she was in Michigan, and her ‘Florida family’ during the winter months.
Betty will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Audrey (the late Wendell) Conklin; children Cindy Campbell, Bruce Dennis, Deb Dennis, and son-in-law Tom Dillman; grandchildren Jeff Nordlund, Shawna Stewart and Jenn Coulliette; great grandchildren Travis, Corinne, Maxwell and Xavier; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving Betty is her stepdaughter, Kay Beach, along with her children and grandchildren.
A Funeral Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 11 AM. Friends may visit the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of the service. Burial Eureka Cemetery. A luncheon will follow back at the funeral home.
The family extends special thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookdale Delta and Careline Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Careline Hospice.
Harold Raymond Slagell
Harold Raymond Slagell of St. Johns went to his heavenly home on December 1, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital. He was nearly 92 years old.
Harold was born on December 3, 1930 in Gratiot County, Michigan, the youngest of seven children born to Samuel and Barbara (Zehr) Slagell. Harold met the young Carolyn Hankey at a church function, and the couple married on June 11, 1955. They made their home in St. Johns and together raised four children.
Harold was a man of strong faith and a great love of music. His father was a founding member of Bethel Mennonite Church in St. Johns, and Harold was a lifelong active member in the church. He sang in the male quartet and raised his family in the church and singing music together. He also participated in many community jamborees, sang many duets with Carolyn over their sixty-seven years of marriage, and played the mandolin and guitar. Music was always a large part of his life and he and Carolyn helped to instill their love of music with their family.
Harold found great joy in restoring tractors and antique gas engines. He was
always fascinated with tinkering and fixing things. Most of all, Harold cherished time spent with his family/ He enjoyed family gatherings and reunions. He will be forever remembered for his quiet nature, strong faith and great sense of humor.
He will be missed by many, especially his beloved wife, Carolyn Slagell; his children, Larry (Sara) Slagell of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Susan Slagell of Sacramento, California, Mark (Amy) Slagell of Ames, Iowa and Amy (Richard) Schrock of Foosland, Illinois; grandchildren, Samuel Slagell, Lucas (Clara) Slagell, Carter (Elisa) Slagell, Kenneth Slagell, Eli (Maria) Schrock and Aaron Schrock; great-granddaughter, Averi, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Barbara Slagell and six siblings, Earl, Ralph, Ollie, Dorothy, Marie and Viola.
A Memorial Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 11 AM. Friends may visit the funeral home from 10 AM until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow. A private graveside service will take place at Eureka Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Basic Needs Center, 213 N. Clinton Ave, St. Johns, Michigan. Harold, “the toilet paper guy”, donated many bulk packs of toilet paper to the Basic Needs Center.