Obituaries
Patricia Ella Swank
Patricia Ella Swank (Knevitt) went to sleep on earth and woke up in heaven on February 23, 2025, just the way she always said she wanted to go. She was born in Queens, New York in 1941. She later moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she met and eventually married my dad, Bill Knevitt. Their first years of marriage were spent at the University of Michigan where my mom put my dad through music school; he was also in the Michigan Marching Band. One of my mom’s greatest loves was the band. She would attend every rehearsal and football game to watch them march. After college, they moved to Eaton Rapids, where my dad became the band director. Many times my mom would tell me how much she loved this community. She was very active in our church, the First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and singing in choir. She was also a member and president of the Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Jan McRee. One of her greatest accomplishments was raising funds for the trees that line Main Street, I think of her every time I see them. After a few years, my dad left and it was just her and I. Times were hard but she always did everything she could to take care of me. She went to work at Green Bay Foods (the “Pickle Factory”). What a tough job, but she met Doug Swank and they were married in 1984. Doug was so good to her; I will always be grateful to him for giving her a great life. Doug died in 2016 and it was then that I started to see a decline in my mom. She was eventually diagnosed with dementia and I had to move her to an assisted living facility. She quickly made friends, like she always does, and made the best of the situation. One friend in particular, Marie, took her under her wing and they were inseparable. My deepest thanks to Marie! Her friendship made the transition so much easier.
I was thinking about what defines my mom and came up with this list. First, her faith and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always used to say next to Billy Graham, my mom is one of the finest Christian witnesses I’ve ever known. She cared for people, many of you were the recipients of cards and silly jokes from my mom. That was her way of showing she cared. Second, I like to think it was her family. Third, music. You might not know it, but my mom was a terrific clarinet and saxophone player and could play all the woodwinds. Her and my dad gave me a love for music. Lastly, animals, my mom loved animals and was determined to save all of them. We always had a house full of animals, and later on she went to work for Eastwood Veterinary Clinic where she quickly set up an adoption program in the front office. I found a notepad of hers where she kept track of the animals saved and it was over 100 animals! She instilled a love for animals in me, and I’m determined to save them all too!
To name everyone who took care of my mom would be too hard because so many great people were involved in her care. I would like to thank the staff at StoryPoint (Grand Ledge) for making the last few months of her life great. CareLine (Hospice) did an outstanding job taking care of her. I would like to thank Debbie Davis, who was such a good friend to my mom, and quickly became family! I would also like to thank my husband, Lynn. His unwavering support of my mom and I made this journey a little easier.
I would like to thank a very special person in my mom’s life, her dear friend Lynn Mitchell. Lynn was a friend to my mom for over 50 years and was very faithful to visit her at the facilities, even when my mom was declining. Lynn, you are the true example of what a friendship should be. I will never forget your kindness.
If you would like to do something in memory of my mom, please consider volunteering at an assisted living facility. Those folks love to sit and visit and talk about their lives. I would also ask that you consider making a donation to an animal charity. My mom would love that!
I am told you can only take one thing to heaven with you and that is your children. I am so glad my mom made sure I knew the way of salvation and that I will see her again. I am sure when she got to heaven, the Lord was standing there and said the words we all hope to hear … “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.
There will be no funeral services. A private graveside service is being planned for a later date.
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.