Obituaries
Gary Lee Marsh
In Loving Memory of Gary Lee Marsh. On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Gary Lee Marsh, a remarkable man who graced our lives with his warmth and love. At the age of 83, Gary passed away in Lansing, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories.
Gary was born on February 9, 1940, in Owosso, Michigan, the son of Ester Marsh. His journey was one of love, dedication, and service. On September 12, 1992 he married Carol Beam. His favorite childhood memories were filled with the joy of following his loyal beagle, “Old Joe,” into the woods on his grandfather’s farm, where he found solace and companionship.
Gary’s professional life was marked by versatility and dedication. He began as a farmer, tending to the land and honing a strong work ethic. His career then led him to Mitchel Bentley in Ionia, where he played a vital role in building auto bodies, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 1957 Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Europe as a jet aircraft mechanic, a role that exemplified his unwavering commitment to excellence. After his military service, he briefly worked at the Detroit Free Press before finding his place at Consolidated Freight and later at Diamond Reo. His final chapter in the working world was with Oldsmobile and General Motors, where his innovative ideas earned him an award for improving manufacturing processes. He retired in 1990, having made a significant impact on his field. Even in retirement, he continued to share his skills, working briefly at Pray Funeral Home as a maintenance person.
Gary’s passions and interests were as diverse as his career. His love for Volkswagen cars was evident in his restoration of a 1968 VW Bug, a project he undertook without a manual. In addition to the Bug, he built three dune buggies, leaving a legacy of creativity and hands-on craftsmanship. Gary also had a deep affection for woodworking and gardening, where he showcased his skill and love for nature.
His sense of humor and love for sharing jokes and humorous stories were legendary. His favorite poem, “Now I lay me down to sleep, a bag of peanuts at my feet. If I should die before I wake, know I died with a belly ache,” perfectly captured his charming wit and warm spirit.
Above all else, Gary was most proud of his children and grandchildren and the joy of helping others. His caring nature and love for his family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Gary is survived by his three children: Lisa (Mike) Kavanagh, Tim (Julie) Marsh, and Jeff (Niki) Marsh; stepchildren, Alan (Jan) Groner, Joni Powell, Cara James, and Ann (Jesse) Kemp. His legacy continues through six grandchildren: Chad (Kris) Kavanagh, Cory (Maggie) Kavanagh, Timmy Marsh Jr., Amanda (Logan) Johnson, Jeremy (Shelby Wilbur) Marsh, Josh Marsh, and 9 step-grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren brought joy to his life. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Carol; and his mother Ester.
In honor of Gary’s remarkable life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 1-2:00 p.m. If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society.
As we say our final farewell, we take comfort in the knowledge that Gary’s spirit will continue to warm our hearts with cherished memories, laughter, and the enduring love he shared with us all. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Janice Marie Williams
Janice Marie Williams, age 66 of Bellevue, peacefully left this earth and went to be with her Lord on Friday, October 13, 2023. She was born on April 30, 1957, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Ronald and Bonnie (Roby) Johnson. Janice graduated Charlotte High School with the class of ’75. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. As a registered nurse, Janice worked for several years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. In 1982, Janice married the love of her life, Donald Williams.
Janice always had a heart for others and loved helping wherever she could. As a farm wife, she helped Donald on the farm and at the Eaton County Fair as a volunteer 4-H leader. For 19 years, Janice helped with the children’s ministry at Calvary Baptist Church. She loved cooking and baking for her family and taking care of them. One of her favorite pastimes was wool felting. Paramount in Janice’s life, though, was her love for her family and her Savior. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, and her siblings.
Those surviving her are her children; Hannah Ymker of Bellevue, Martha Williams of Bellevue, Alecia (Wesley) Storms of Centreville, Daniel Williams of Bellevue, and Janika Williams of Mackinac Island; four grandchildren, Samuel Ymker, Hunter Ymker, Isabella Storms, Esther Storms; siblings, Rich (Sue) Johnson, JoNesta (Dale) Thompson, Mike (Deb Eddy) Johnson; longtime friends, Vicky Wright and Darlene Zeliff; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Donald in 2013, and her parents Ronald and Bonnie Johnson.
The family received friends for a time of visitation at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment followed at the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Janice to her family to help with final expenses.
To view Janice’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Bryon L. Janousek
Bryon L. Janousek, age 57, lost his battle with cancer on October 13, 202. Bryon was co-owner of Ace Auto Repair, LLC for 20+ years with Dan Flory.
He is survived by his wife, Tracy; daughter Tracii Jo; and two grandsons that had a special place in his heart, Opie and Jaxson; his mom, Jeanne Graeber; sister, Jodi (Gary) Gould; brother, Shawn (Kolena) Janousek; his in-laws, Larry (Betty) Russell and Dennis (Colleen) TenEyck; brothers-in-law, Troy (Eileen) TenEyck and Eric (Jennifer) TenEyck; sister-in-law, Mandy TenEyck; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bryon was preceded in death by his dad, Terry Janousek and stepdad, Donald Graeber.
A Memorial Service will be held at his home on October 28, 2023, from 1:00-6:00 p.m., with a short service by Pastor Joe Benedict at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gilmore Car Museum in his memory at www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/support/donate or to the family, to be saved for his grandsons, at Highpoint Community Bank.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Jerry Ray Cairl
Jerry Ray Cairl of Eaton Rapids, passed away on October 16, 2023, at the age of 84. Jerry was born on June 30, 1939, in Wyman, MI to parents Alice (Jennings) Cairl and Walter Cleveland Cairl. He was raised with several siblings, Patricia, Joe, Mike, Tom, and Verona until moving to Perrinton, MI. He graduated from Fulton Middleton in 1958 and soon after married Linda Kay (Duttenhaver) Cairl. They had several children together and moved to the Lansing area where they were both employed. He is preceded in death by wife Linda (Duttenhaver) Cairl and children, Tracy, Randy, Steven, and Alan.
He worked a short period of time in an oil foundry, followed by Pepsi Cola and then finally to his career job of 30 years, at M & M Distributing as a route salesman and warehouse manager.
He married Shirley Jean (Heckard) in 1970 and welcomed her five children to his existing family of three.
They raised their children in Eaton Rapids and then moved to their retirement homestead in Barryton, MI, where he was a member of the Roadrunner Men’s Club and Barryton Methodist Church. They later returned to Eaton Rapids to be closer to family and gain fellowship with others in their prior community.
Jerry loved all things outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, and watch his garden grow. He enjoyed nurturing the wildlife- feeding birds, deer and even turkey. He was generous with his time, his advice, and beloved stories. He was above all humorous, quick-witted, and kept everyone laughing in life!
He is preceded in death by those mentioned previously and his wife, Shirley (Heckard) Cairl; parents, Alice (Jennings) Cairl and Walter Cairl; and brother, Joe Cairl.
Jerry is survived by his children, Jerilyn (Dan) O’Leary of Alger, Adam (Terri) Cairl of Williamston, Rochelle (Kevin) Caslavka of Holt, Renee’ Sutfin of TN, Stacy (Barb) Sutfin of East Tawas, Roxanne (Charles Ward) Lord of Holt, Steven (Alicia) Sutfin of Dansville; grandchildren, Logan (Andrea Scott) Lyon, Stephanie (Adam) Pikulski, Brandy Bragg, Jessica (James Martin) Lyon, Erin (Austin) Norton, Alison (Taryn) Laverdiere, Michael Lord, Joshua (Jacie Pitchford) Cairl, Jacob (Kylie) Cairl, Shelby (Zac) Pittman, Brittney Daly, Seth Caslavka, Dana Caslavka, James Gibson, and Tyler Sutfin; great grandchildren, Landon Lyon, Isla Lyon, Ruby Lyon, Leyna Lyon, Hudson Pikulski, Killian Loveall, Nora Loveall, Brecken Martin, Lynnlee Norton, Otto Norton, Dori Norton, Dilyn Laverdiere, Ivy Laverdiere, Wells Cairl; siblings, Patricia Zammeron, Mike (Connie) Cairl, Tom (Peg) Cairl, Verona (Keith) Nyquist.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. October 25, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Marty DeBow officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Aaron Spicer Babbitt
Aaron Spicer Babbitt of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully departed to join his heavenly father on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 35 after a two year battle with esophageal cancer. Aaron was born on December 28, 1987, in Hancock, MI, to parents Dan Babbitt and Lisa Price-Babbitt. He grew up in Eaton Rapids and was a proud member of the class of 2006.
Aaron was a true outdoors enthusiast, finding joy in hunting, fishing, and target shooting. He was a former member of the Grand Rapids Junior Pacers, competing on a national level in wheelchair basketball. Aaron also engaged in adaptive sports programs through Michigan State University. He is a graduate of Michigan Technical Institute and took great pride in his studies as a Pharmaceutical Technician.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Aaron dedicated his time to volunteering and advocating for Suicide Awareness and Prevention, as well as supporting the American Cancer Society. He was a cherished brother, son, uncle, grandson, and friend, who deeply loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them.
Aaron is preceded in death by his mother, Lisa Price-Babbitt; grandfather, Tom Price; grandfather, Jim McLaughlin; uncle, Rod McLaughlin; and cousin, Ryan Savage.
He is survived by his loving parents, Dan and Shari Babbitt; and his devoted grandparents, Bill and Judy Babbitt, Leona McLaughlin, and Donna Price. Aaron’s memory lives on through his sisters, Kristen (Tev Bergeron) Dembowske, Alexis (Andrew) Holmes, Sheila (Jake Stickler) Babbitt; as well as his nephews, Nolan and Corbin Dembowske, who he loved and adored to no end. He also leaves behind girlfriend, Becky Weston; and special friends, John Steward and Jason Boatman; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Aaron’s life was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. For those who wish to make memorial contributions, donations may be directed to the Craig Cartwright Memorial Fund or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in memory of Aaron and his passion for helping others. To share your memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.