Obituaries
Kay MacKenzie
Short in stature, but with a personality larger than life, Kay Lorain MacKenzie, 75, of Vermontville, left the pain of her earthly body and entered the arms of her Lord on October 2, 2022. Kay was born on November 11, 1946, in Rosebush, Michigan to Gerald and Gladys (House) Huber, the oldest of six children. The daughter of a preacher, Kay went to many different schools and traveled around Michigan with her family, graduating from Hastings High School in 1964. She met her future husband, Keith MacKenzie, in high school, and they were married exactly one year to the day after graduation. They started their family in 1968, and in 1972 became the 4K’s, Keith, Kay, Kristine, and Kirk. Kay and Keith leave a big hole in the hearts of the family, as they each received cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2021, and Keith died just six months ago in April.
With a great sense of humor and a love for pranks, Kay enjoyed keeping people guessing on what was coming next. Before a trip bear hunting, Kay and her kids painted her husband’s toenails while he was sleeping, and he didn’t know until he took off his boots and socks at bear camp and his brother commented on how pretty his toes were. She knew her son-in-law hated bugs, so she would buy little plastic bugs to put in his gifts, but this was just an example of the very special relationship they enjoyed, poking and prodding each other. He once gave her a toe tag for her birthday, and she thought that was the funniest gift and was so proud that she carried it in her wallet right next to her birth certificate. Kay was a unique and special person who enjoyed finding the humor in everything she did.
A very sentimental person, Kay loved all the gifts she received, and could share a memory about every special thing she had, and there were many that always had to stay on display so she could see them and remember. She also loved buying special gifts for her friends and family, always knowing what each person collected and keeping an eye out for gifts that showed how much she cared. One of her favorite things was going to resale shops and garage sales and finding snowmen, cardinals, anything MSU, Coca Cola memorabilia, and the list goes on and on because she remembered the things that every loved friend and family member collected.
Some of the special accomplishments that Kay was proud of included the many deer, rabbits, turkey, squirrel, and even black bear that she shot. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, and bowling on a women’s league for many years. In her church, she served as treasurer for many years, was a Sunday School teacher (which started when she was still in high school), led children’s church activities, helped organize luncheons at the church, and she received an award for her work with the WCG (Women of the Church of God) statewide newsletter. Kay had a special place in her heart for children, each with their own special nickname, each knowing their importance and how much they were loved by Kay and loved by the Lord.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Daniel) Sowles; son, Kirk MacKenzie; grandchildren, Carson (Amanda Webster) Ames, Jennelle Mackenzie Petras, Megan (Sam) Jordan, and Amanda (Mark) Wallis; bonus granddaughter, Macy (Devon) Wood; great-grandchildren, Logan Ames, Mackenzie Petras, and Myah Wallis; bonus great-grandson, Mason (Woody) Wood; brothers, Jay Huber, John Huber, and Rick Churchill; sisters, Loretta (Jim) Holm, Valera (Mike) Lewis, and Lori (Mike) Rogers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Don MacKenzie, Doug (Judy) MacKenzie, Den (Bonnie) MacKenzie, and Denice (Joe) Morgan; and many very loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith MacKenzie in April of 2022; sister, Evelyn Huber; infant brother, Jack Huber, sister-in-law, Marilyn MacKenzie; parents; and step-mother, Marilyn Roach.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate a life well lived by attending visitation and funeral services. Visitation was Thursday, October, 6 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Funeral Services were Friday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m. at the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte with Pastor Michael Rysko officiating. The funeral was webcast on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com, click on Kay’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone), and there will be a link for webcasting on this page. The family suggests memorial contributions to South Cochran Church of God. Everyone is invited to share memories of Kay on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Alys Eilene Hoover
Alys Eilene (Wisner) Hoover went to be with the Lord she loved on September 21, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born at home on January 8, 1927, to Joseph Cecil Wisner and Bertha Eva (Gibney) Wisner. The family moved during her childhood to Fremont, Indiana; Montgomery; Michigan, then Eden, Ohio where she graduated from high school. She graduated college from Western Michigan University with an associate degree in business, belonged to Sigma Tau Chi Honorary Business Fraternity and played saxophone in the band. Moving to East Lansing in the 1950’s, she worked for MSU for the State Soil Conservation Committee. She married Clarence R. Hoover in 1956. She was a stay-at-home mom to Debra until she reached high school, volunteering as a Camp Fire Girls leader, Girl Scout leader, and a reading mentor at Northwestern Elementary. She returned to work for the State of Michigan where she worked for the Department of Corrections until her retirement in 1986. A lifelong learner and traveler, she attended 33 Elderhostels and traveled with friends through Europe, Russia, and all 50 US States. She became a Christian clown, belonging to Circus Clown Alley #155 and loved to make children smile, participating in parades, circuses, and the fair. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in groups, missions, bible studies, and United Methodist Women for 60 years. She volunteered in the community at the hospital gift shop though the Auxiliary, at the Lansing Art Gallery, at blood drives, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She had many creative hobbies and was an avid MSU sports fan. She loved to play cards with friends at the Senior Center. Her example of participation and leadership in her church and community lives on in her family.
Alys was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1986; sisters, Mary Louise Richards and Jean Todd in 2015; granddaughter, Emily Salisbury; stepson, Rex Hoover of DeWitt. She is survived by her daughter, Debra (Mark) Salisbury of Eaton Rapids; stepdaughter, Carolyn (Billy) Crego; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at a later time. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Gary Allen Shelton
Gary Allen Shelton of Eaton Rapids, MI and formerly of Holopaw, Florida passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the age of 82. Gary was born on October 20, 1939, in Jackson, MI the son of Hugh Shelton and Mildred Hands. He was a graduate of Lansing Everett High School class of 1957. Gary moved to Florida in 1967 where he owned and operated Big G’s 441 A in St. Cloud and Holopaw Restaurant in Holopaw, FL. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Kissimmee Mounted Police and the Foresters. Gary also enjoyed playing cards, rodeos and racing at the Onondaga Dragway where he won numerous races in his younger years.
He is preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Hugh and Rose Shelton; mother and stepfather, Mildred (Wayne) Lewis; stepson, Terry Quint; and brother, William Shelton.
Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Sharon (Whitham) Shelton; son, Russell (Kim) Shelton; daughter, Kathy Parramore; stepchildren, Gretchen Greer, Troy (Wedon) Quint; grandchildren: Brittney (Gerald) LaTour, Ethan Shelton, Austin Tapp, Trinity Tapp, Sabrina Killmon, Shannon (Bill) Spahn; great grandchildren: Lake, Sutton, Bryston, Josie, Charlie, Emi, Fritz, Baby Killmon; brother, Donald (Margie) Shelton; sisters, Carolyn Brewer, Dorine VanDerhiede, Kathy (Bill) Mathis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity in memory of Gary. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Michael James Brininstool
Michael James Brininstool passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53 on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Michael, the son of Teresa and Howard Hector, was born on March 6, 1969. As a natural born welder and fabricator, he successfully ran his own fabricating business for several years. Mike was an outgoing, caring person who loved to make others smile and laugh. He spent his free time attending and watching the Detroit Lions play alongside his brothers and nephews. Fishing and hunting were a strong passion of Mike’s, but nothing compared to his love for his dog, Buddy, with whom he enjoyed long walks and trips to the river. He loved all kids and enjoyed joking and spending time with them. Mike was a first-time grandpa and could be found showing off pictures of his grandson.
Mike is survived by his children, Michael John of Springport and Jenna of Glenside, PA.; grandson, Elliott; parents, Teresa and Howard Hector of Eaton Rapids; brothers: Gary (Chelle) Brininstool of Lennon, Jesse (Heidi) Brininstool of Eaton Rapids, Howard Hector of Eaton Rapids, Chadwick (Melissa) Hector of Eaton Rapids, John Hector of Wellston, Aaron Brininstool of Iowa, Troy (Debbie) Rowlee of Eaton Rapids; sisters, Cheryl Hector of Eaton Rapids and Angela Mills of Mt. Pleasant; several nieces and nephews, and special family friends, the Kikendalls.
Mike was preceeded in death by his brother, James Brininstool.
Memorial Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8th at the Onondaga Sportsmans Club on Gale Road. The family would like to invite anyone who knew Mike to attend and to share memories.
William George Cataline
William George Cataline, age 88 of Lebanon, Kentucky, and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Springfield Nursing and Rehab. Bill was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 2, 1933, and throughout his life, lived in Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and Kentucky. He was a member of the East Tawas Presbyterian Church. After 30 years with General Motors, he retired in 1994. It was at this time that he and his wife Marilyn started traveling throughout the United States, visiting fifty capitals along the way.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Cataline; father, Leslie Cataline; stepfather, Harry Tracy; and a brother, Ron.
Surviving him are his wife, Marilyn Cataline; three children: Jeffrey, Julie, and Jon; brothers, Jim and Dick; a sister, Sharen; seven of nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Bill participated in sports in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and was active in Youth Football Programs in the Lansing, Michigan area. He loved traveling, biking, carpentry and building, and enjoying his grandchildren. He served his country with the U.S. Army.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, 315 S. River Street, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. A luncheon will be held at 3:00 p.m., also at Skinner Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Rosehill Cemetery at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.