Obituaries
Matthew David O’Daniel
Matthew David O’Daniel, our beloved son, brother, and friend, age 21, of Eaton Rapids, passed away as a result of a car accident on March 15, 2023. Matthew was born in Lansing on July 24, 2001, the son of David and Ann O’Daniel. He graduated with honors from Eaton Rapids High School in 2019, where he participated in cross country, swimming, track, and marching/concert bands. He was attending Michigan State University studying International Relations in the James Madison College. Matthew also was a rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, Charlie Company 3rd Platoon, Marine Forces Reserve, with the rank of Lance Corporal. In boot camp, he earned the honor of expert marksman. His plans were to complete his degree at MSU, continue his career with the U.S. Marines, and serve his country. He was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church and had been a fifteen-year member of the 4-H program, where he participated in shooting sports, poultry, and numerous other activities with his clubs. As per his final wishes, he was an organ donor through the Gift of Life program. Matthew unfailingly brightened the lives of all he met, put the needs of others before his own, and was always willing to help.
Matthew loved the outdoors, especially family vacations spent swimming, hiking, and camping. He made a habit of coming home on Sundays to go to Mass with his mom and dad. This also gave him time to spend with the family pets, which he adored. He will be missed dearly, especially by his family, Marine brothers, and roommates: Patrick and Tim O’Daniel (cousins), and best friend Jordan Hawkins.
Matthew is survived by his parents; sister, Sarah (Kevin) O’Daniel-Heichlinger of Frederick, MD; grandmothers, Kay O’Daniel of East Leroy, MI and Joann Poirier of Standish, MI; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Louis O’Daniel and Richard Poirier.
A Funeral Mass with Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Eaton Rapids, MI. Visitation was Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with a Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, or to a scholarship program that is being set up in Matthew’s name. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Judith Kay Tink
Judith “Judy” Kay Tink of St. Johns, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by her family, March 19, 2023, at the age of 80. Judy was born in Kalamazoo, MI, January 30, 1943, the daughter of Harland and Barbara (Weber) Kelley. She retired from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association in 2008 with 25 years of service. Judy enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing bingo, gardening, canning, and working on puzzles. She volunteered at Heart and Hands, was a member of the First United Methodist Church and involved with the Stephen’s Ministries.
Judy is survived by her children, Lisa Ulman, Steve (Sue) Tink, Laura (Ross) Phillips, Scott (Julie) Tink; 10 Grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; sister, Merry Lou Scalzo. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Daniel Tink; son, Samuel Tink; sisters, Dixie Drewett, Beverly Coulon.
Funeral services were Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Special Olympics or Heart and Hands. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Martin Arthur Husby
Martin Arthur Husby of Potterville, passed away March 17, 2023, at the age of 66. Marty was born in Lansing, September 15, 1956, the son of Charles and Helen (Hawley) Husby. He was a 1974 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Marty worked for Hal Clark Tailors in Lansing and was “Mr. Marty” the water safety instructor for Eaton Rapids, Charlotte and Holt Schools, proudly instructing thousands of his little fishies. He enjoyed watching and learning things from the Discovery Channel, bird watching, and gardening. Marty was most of all a family man that shared his laughs, hugs, tears and love with his large family. He will be greatly missed by all of them along with his pets and friends.
Marty is survived by his wife, Nila Husby; children, Heidi (Matt) Kirchen of Charlotte, Laurah (Kate and Chris) Calligan of Warren, Charles Husby of Lansing, Trisha (R. Adam) Lentz of Potterville, Jessica (Tim) David of Bath, Adam (Hannah) Husby of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Courtney, Tanner, Montgomery, Zander, Dylan, Camdyn, Arthur, Christopher, Daniel, Isaac, Wyatt, Ella and Sawyer; sisters, Christine Hays, Amy Richter; brother, Thomas (Patricia) Husby; numerous nieces and nephews; his dogs, Little Girl Sprout, Ruby “Ru”; his cats, Vallie, Oscar and Chuckie. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Gordon Hays.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Donald Leroy Bowerman
Donald Leroy Bowerman, age 66, of Vermontville, Michigan, passed away on March 7, 2023, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Don was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 8, 1956. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing and attended Lansing Community College. He served his country in the United States Navy for four years. He was united in marriage with Laura (Berry) Bowerman on July 12, 1996. Don retired in 2016, having worked in construction and later as a building maintenance technician in Lansing.
Don is survived by his loving wife Laura; his three sons, Eric (Andrea), Paul and Greg Bowerman; four grandchildren: Cloe, Zoey, Aleric and Jansen Bowerman; one great-grandchild, Raven Bowerman; his mother, Frances Patterson; and his brother Steven Bowerman.
In his retirement, Don enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs, riding his beautiful Harley Davidson Night Train, and playing pool in various leagues.
His cremains will be placed in the columbarium at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Don’s name to the Eaton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 233, Olivet, MI 49076. For assistance with memorials, please visit the funeral home. Memorial donations may also be made on line at https://eatoncountyhumanesociety.org/donate/.
Shalon Lee Kilbourn
Shalon Lee Kilbourn, 37, of St. Johns died unexpectedly on Monday, March 13, 2023. Shalon was born on March 16, 1985, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Robert Kilbourn and Kerrie (McNary) Fajnor. Her pride and joy were her boys, Micah and Lucas. They enjoyed crafts, anything around the water, and the quality time they had. Shalon enjoyed making others laughs, she was keen for her jokes. Above all Shalon will be missed for the love that she showed to her family.
Shalon is survived by her parents, Robert Kilbourn, and Kerrie Fajnor; sons, Micah and Lucas; boyfriend, Greg Bizupic; siblings, Teresa (Eric) Oswald, Cindy Kilbourn, Leisha Striplin, and Craig Kilbourn. She was predeceased by her brothers, Brian and Shane Kilbourn.
Friends are encouraged to support Shalon’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. Visitation will be held just prior from 1-2:00 p.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.