Obituaries
Clinton Ray Wethy
Clinton Ray Wethy of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 19, 2025, at the age of 61. Clint was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 4, 1963, the son of Dale and E. Darlene (Kroft) Wethy. He graduated from Holt High School in 1981. Clint liked classic cars and enjoyed tinkering on the family vehicles. He was an avid sports fan, a true Lions fan, even during the bad times. Clint also enjoyed hunting on his property any time he got the chance.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Wethy of Eaton Rapids; children, Samantha (Jacob) Feldpausch of DeWitt and Stephanie (Colin) Kennedy of Lansing; grandchildren, Charlie and Lewis Feldpausch, Sadie Kennedy; siblings, Dale Wethy Jr, Sandra (Jerry) VanLancker; in-laws, James and Carol Dyer; as well as several nieces and nephews. Clint was preceded in death by his parents; sister Shana (Randy) Odell.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff that cared for Clint over the past several months at Sparrow and U of M Hospitals.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please come dressed casual in your favorite Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Spartan apparel to honor Clint. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in loving memory of Clinton Ray Wethy. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Peter Paul Walacavage
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Peter Paul Walacavage, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, who left this world on February 17, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born on January 17, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan to Alexander and Genevieve (Janeck) Walacavage, and grew to become a man of strength, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Peter was the heart of his family, a pillar of support, and a source of wisdom and laughter. He shared many beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Eva, and together they built a life of cherished memories filled with love, adventure, and devotion. He was a proud father to his children, whom he loved beyond measure, and a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, who were his world.
He dedicated his life to service; a lifetime to his family, seven years in the Air Force National Guard, many years as an Electronics instructor with Lansing Community College, and happily devoted 54 years to his career at IDC Corporation as an Electrical Engineer.
Peter enjoyed many things. Which included working in his garage, helping countless others with his handyman talents, having a beer while watching his favorite sports team, or playing a game of cards. But his greatest joy was found in time spent with family. He especially enjoyed his time up north at the cabin by the river, or traveling the country visiting his loved ones. To know Peter was to be loved by him. You never had to question Peter’s love for you, he showed it in every action he made for you. It’s hard to use the word friend with Peter, because everyone was family to him. The world is truly better because Peter was in it.
Peter is survived by his loving wife, Eva, his children, Allison (Matt Piggott) Walacavage, Nicholas (Shelley) VanDeventer, Korey (Christie) VanDeventer, Kimberly Walacavage and Amanda (Matthew) Marriott. His seven grandchildren, Anna and Julia Piggott, Claire and Stephen VanDeventer, and Joanna, Ruthie and Evalyn Marriott. Brother, Alexander (Tena) Walacavage. Brother-in-laws, Bruce (Mary Jo) Allen, Duane (Molly) Allen and Jim (Cheryl) Allen, Special niece, Kristin (Steve) Panganis and nephew AJ (Annie) Walacavage, mother-in-law, Mary Allen and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Genevieve Walacavage, father-in-law Arthur Allen and mother-in-law, Mable Gearhart, brother-in laws Robert Allen and Ernest Allen and his beloved dog Lucky.
A Memorial Mass will be held on March 8, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing at 10:00 a.m. Family will begin to receive guests at 9:00 a.m. A celebration of Peter’s life will follow at the Country Creek Reception Hall in Dimondale, starting at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Gift of Life Michigan Chapter or the Nevada Donor Network in his memory.
His love and legacy will forever live in our hearts and in his last act of service as an organ donor. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center Neuro ICU and Nevada Donor Network staff for their incredible care to Peter and our family. Your work is unquestionably a calling and very much appreciated.
Dorothy Agnes Miller
Dorothy Agnes Miller of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 24, 2025, at the age of 82. Dorothy was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 27, 1943, the daughter of John and Laura (August) Drabick. A cherished member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Dorothy was deeply involved in religious activities, contributing her time and love to Martha’s Sisters and the Altar Society. Her devout connection to God was the cornerstone of her existence. Her commitment to service shone brightly through her volunteer work with the St. Vincent de Paul, where her presence was a comfort to those in need. Known for her delicious potato soup, Dorothy’s passion for cooking brought warmth to many tables. She also enjoyed baking for her family and friends anytime she could.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Becky) Miller of Charlotte, Donna (Adam) Boyd of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Daniel (Gerrie Rooks) Miller, Alex Miller, Rachel (Brandon Johnson) Miller, Ashley Wilson; brother, John Drabick; sister, Denise (Ray) Isabella; sister-in-law, Karen Drabick, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronnie Miller; brothers, Joseph and Donald Drabick.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. A visitation was also be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or Martha’s Sisters, 515 E. Knight St, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in loving memory of Dorothy Agnes Miller. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Stephen Ernest McGarry
Stephen Ernest McGarry, 79, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025. He was born on June 10, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Ernest and Sally (Donahue) McGarry. Throughout his childhood, Steve lived in various Michigan communities, before eventually settling in Eaton Rapids, where he built his life and legacy.
In 1964, Steve embarked on a long and dedicated career with The Christman Company where he spent 43 years playing a key role in the development and construction of numerous significant buildings. His work helped shape landmarks such as the Catholic Conference in Lansing, the McRee House, Molly Grove Chapel, the Accident Fund, the Wharton Center, and multiple hospitals throughout the region. He also contributed to projects at the Michigan State Capitol, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Central Michigan University leaving a lasting imprint on the state he loved.
Beyond his professional life, Steve found great joy in farming. He raised cattle and cultivated crops on his farm in Eaton Rapids, working the land with passion until just last summer. An avid outdoorsman, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Noreen Taft, Joanne Rogers, and Susan McGarry.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary (Komblevitz) McGarry; daughter, Ann McGarry; sons, John (Heidi) McGarry, Steve (Kerry) McGarry, James (Michelle) McGarry, Philip (Brenda) McGarry, and Chris Jacobs; 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Michael (Yvonne) McGarry, Sandra Coats, and Rebecca (Dale) Ernest; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
At this time, no services are planned. Those who wish to honor Steve’s memory are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dorothy Jean Paige
Dorothy Jean Paige, 99, of Bellevue, passed away on February 13, 2025 at SJ Flower House AFC Home in Nashville, MI. She was born on July 24, 1925 to Theadore J. and Mildred A. (Price) Burton in Battle Creek, MI. Dorothy graduated from Bellevue High School. She married her soulmate Leslie “Les” C. Paige on August 29, 1945 in Battle Creek and they were together for 66 years, Les preceded her in death on June 13, 2011.
Dorothy enjoyed working in her garden, reading, and traveling to Alaska. She rode on the back of Les’s motorcycle; they would go riding sometimes with her brother. They enjoyed camping and fishing in Florida at Lake Okeechobee. Dorothy also enjoyed farming and sitting by the river.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, Albert Burton, nieces, nephews and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Margaret Baker, Richard Burton, Madaline Willavize, Tom Burton, Ruth Smothers, and Bobbie Eaton.
There are no services scheduled at this time; cremation has taken place. Dorothy will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI with her husband, Les, at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.