All Obituaries

Brent Emerson Modert of Eaton Rapids, Passed away November 29, 2021, at the age of 62. Brent was born in Jackson, January 14, 1959, the son of Burton and Joyce (Dockett) Modert. Brent was a 1977 graduate of Parkside High School in Jackson, and a very active member of the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Mason. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing tennis, kayaking, camping, and riding his bicycle. Brent is survived by his wife of 44 years, Shawne Modert; daughter, Sheena...

Jeffrey Scott Shellenbarger of Charlotte, Passed away November 23, 2021, at the age of 54. Jeff was born in Grand Rapids, December 27, 1966, the son of Robert Zalsman and Doris Craver. He worked for several years with Alro Steele before retiring early due to an auto accident. Jeff’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a member and a past president of the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club, a member of the NRA and the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Jeff was a kidney...

Domingo Licon Ayala of Jackson, Passed away November 23, 2021, at the age of 83. Domingo was born in Carlsbad, NM, June 16, 1938, the son of Eustacio and Ignacia Ayala. He attended Lovington School in NM. In 1958, he entered into the US Army where he served 3 tours during the Vietnam War and retired after 24 years. Domingo was a member of the American Legion in Jackson and a former member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Lansing. He was a devoted and loving family man that enjoyed...

Daniel William Hartnett of Onondaga, Passed away November 18, 2021, at the age of 66. Daniel was born in Rome, NY, February 4, 1955, the son of Daniel  W. and Carol Maryann (Cutter) Hartnett. He served with the United States Coast Guard from 1974-1978, went on to earn an Associates Degree in Environmental Science from Paul Smith College, and also served with the National Guard from 1986-1992. While serving with the National Guard, he worked as an engineer and mechanic. He was a...

David Charles Owen of Lansing, formerly of Eaton Rapids, Passed away November 15, 2021, at the age of 73. David was born in Eaton Rapids, MI., January 21, 1948, the son of Harold and Marion (Hine) Owen. He proudly served and was honorably discharged from the US Navy. David was very talented when it came to making quilts, sewing, and making bears. He was also famous for his apple pies, loved to camp and spend time with family and friends. David is survived by his wife of 45 years, Billie...

Kurtis Scott McCarrick of Eaton Rapids, Passed away on November 13, 2021, at the age of 60. Kurt was born in Charlotte, MI., July 30, 1961, the son of Herbert and Joyce (Parsons) McCarrick. He was a 1979 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and worked at Meijer for the past 42 years. Kurt was passionate about raising his honeybees, was a member of the Conservation Club and the NRA, and enjoyed hunting. Kurt is survived by his daughter, Autum McCarrick of Eaton Rapids; son,...

Bernard Thomas Steele of Eaton Rapids, Passed away November 7, 2021, at the age of 75. Bernard was born in Eaton Rapids, May 26, 1946, the son of Basel and Marvelmae (Parsons). He worked for Union Steel, and most recently, for Atmosphere Annealing as a production driver. Bernard was a member of the coffee club at McDonald’s. He enjoyed listening to country music and Elvis Presley, drag racing, bowling, hunting, fishing, playing euchre and solitaire. He was a true family man loving to...

Herbert Junior Sayles of Eaton Rapids, Passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, on November 5, 2021, at the age of 67. Herb was born in Lansing, MI, January 20, 1954, the son of Herbert and Martha Sayles. He loved growing vegetables in his garden and shared his hard work with many of our local residences. He also enjoyed shooting pool on leagues, playing the guitar, watching sports and NASCAR and hunting and fishing with friends. Herb is survived by the mother of his child, Sally...

Cheryl Lei Rochester of Lansing, formerly of Eaton Rapids, Passed away October 31, 2021, at the age of 61. Cheryl was born in Eaton Rapids, February 18, 1960, the daughter of Wilson Rochester and Carolyn (Hector) Eaton. She was a 1981 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Cheryl loved to play softball, dance, listen to music, talk on the phone, sometimes for hours, and was a huge fan of John Denver. Cheryl is survived by her mother; daughter, Angela (Mark) Gardner of Charlotte; sons,...

John F. Oatley Jr. of Eaton Rapids, Slipped into the arms of Jesus on October 28, 2021. He was born March 8, 1956, on his parent’s 1st anniversary. A very loving, caring Christian man who was always there for anyone who needed help. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing and joined the Marine Corp. John loved this country and was a proud Marine. He married Sonja Higbie in 1981 and was a great father to her two daughters. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary. Famous...