Obituaries
Kay René (Hill) McAttee
Kay René (Hill) McAttee of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 5, 2020, at the age of 72. Kay was born in Lansing on February 6, 1947, the daughter of Robert and Marilyn (Ramsdill) Hill. She married the love of her life, John “Jack” McAttee, in 1976 and laid him to rest in 2010. Kay owned and operated the Flutterby Creations shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for over 20 years. She was an advocate for protecting all animals, taking in many cats and feeding numerous other animals around her home and rescuing greyhounds and whippets.
Kay is survived by her mother; brother, Kevin (Kim Kampf) Hill of Jackson; sister, Denise (Gil) Hensley of KY; nieces and nephews, Jessica (Charlie) Eaton, Josh (Jaime) Dutzy, Jason Dutzy, Chelsea (Troy) Forrest, Cayla Hill, Elizabeth (Mike) Murphy, Emily (Dakoda Barton) Kampf; great-nieces, Haiden Murphy, Madeline Barton; great-nephew, Landon Murphy and baby Forrest on the way. She was preceded in death by her father and husband “Jack.”
Funeral services were scheduled for January 10, 2020, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Greyhound Rescue or the Saved By Zade Cat Rescue Mission. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Pamela Ann Garland (Moreau)
Pamela Ann Garland (Moreau), age 61, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. She was born July 15th, 1958.
On New Year’s Day, 2019, Pam chose a word which she wanted to live by instead of a resolution. That word was “adventure.” Throughout the year, as cancer kept attacking her, she joked that she should have been more specific as to what kind of adventure she meant. In the early hours of December 18, 2019, Pam began her ultimate adventure suddenly, as cancer claimed yet another victim.
Her husband of 39 years, David, was by her side as she passed. Her son, Justin, had just said goodbye the previous morning as he headed home to Texas to his wife, Melissa (Ward) Garland, and his two boys, Max (5) and Kai (3). Those two grandchildren were the “sunshine” in Pam’s life. She is deeply missed by each of them.
Pam was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Moreau. She is survived by her father, Douglas Moreau, step-mother Karen (McCoy) Moreau, and brothers Michael and Matthew, their spouses Marisue (Bordeau) Moreau and Robin (Mercer) Moreau, respectively, and several nieces and nephews.
Pam was a 1976 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. She then went on to graduate from Grand Valley State College with a degree in special education followed by a master’s in special education from Grand Valley State University. She taught various levels of special needs children with the majority of her time with early childhood special needs students in Kentwood Public Schools at Meadowlawn Elementary School and, finally, Hamilton Early Childhood Center. She retired from education in 2014.
Pam always had a flair for the arts; be it stained glass, quilting, bead making or painting. At age 50, she decided to begin a new venture as a fitness competitor. She proceeded to work out and compete, primarily with Ultimate Fitness Events (UFE). Her goal was to compete until age 60. This was almost thwarted by the onset of cancer at age 59. But, five months after her last chemo and radiation treatment, she fulfilled that goal. She continued working for UFE upon “retiring” from competition. The UFE family’s support of Pam throughout her battle has been greatly appreciated.
Pam may be best remembered, however, for her constant humor and positive outlook as she battled cancer time and time again. Her Facebook and Instagram posts gave many people inspiration to achieve and move through obstacles they faced. Her humorous pictures of her journey through cancer also gave people something to smile about to brighten their day.
A memorial time will be held in Chapel Hall at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1934 52nd St. SE, in Kentwood, Mich., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 25. Friends are asked to stop by and share their memories of Pam. In lieu of flowers, people are asked to make contributions to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids MI 49546.
Donald G. Erndt
Donald G. Erndt, of Hale, MI, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Hospice House with his family by his side. Don was born November 21, 1936, to George and Ruth (Peglow) Erndt in Bay City. He was a graduate of Bay City Central High School. Don honorably served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the United States Navy as a machinery repairman. After retiring from the Navy, Don worked as an electrician at American Hoist and the IB. He was a ranger at Warblers Cove and Northwoods boy scout camp in Lupton, MI. He spent the last ten years of his career as a salesman at Tractor Supply. Don enjoyed playing euchre with anyone willing, working on projects around the house, volunteering at the Fish Store in Hale and reading all of Louis L’Amour’s books. Don was beloved by many and will be missed dearly by all who remember him.
Don is survived by his wife, Sally (Bartlett) Erndt; children: Donnie Erndt of Bay City, Becky Erndt of Bay City, Robert (Lori) Stahl of Eaton Rapids, Wendy Stahl of East Lansing, Amanda McLendon of Lansing; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Tony (Becky) Erndt of Texas, Gene Erndt of Bay City, Gerry (Diane) Erndt of Munger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Georgie and grandson Aiden McLendon. The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at the Hospice House. Their care, compassion and love did not go unnoticed, and the family thanks them for making Don’s final days comfortable. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God, 2764 S Michigan Rd. in Eaton Rapids.
Elizabeth Ann Paterson-Esterhai
Elizabeth Ann Paterson-Esterhai, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019, at the age of 92. Elizabeth was born on March 22, 1927, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Andrew and Theresa (McEwen) Paterson. She was raised in Washington and, after graduating high school, worked for a brokerage firm and as a tour guide at the Pentagon before moving to Michigan in 1971. Elizabeth went to work for the Lansing State Journal (LSJ) and retired in 2009. While at LSJ, she became very involved with Magic Johnson’s Above the Rim charity, where she volunteered much of her time. After retirement, she helped her son on the J & K Steamboat Michigan Princess, where she would wait tables.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis Franklin Esterhai; sisters, Mary Linch, Janet Green; and daughter-in-law, Lora Esterhai.
Surviving are her children, Betty (Bill) Steele, Rob Esterhai, Andrea Larson, Stephen Esterhai, Mark (Susan) Esterhai; grandchildren, Louis (Becky) Steele, Billy (Pam) Steele, Justin Larson, Matthew Larson, Andi Esterhai, Amber Esterhai; great-grandchildren, Marisa Steele, Andrew Steele, Shelby Steele, Zane Steele, Theresa Esterhai, Emma Larson, Jolie Larson, Charlie Dehnert, Sherlock Larson; brother, John (Jean) Paterson; dear friend, Millie Vance; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 1 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dennis M. Stacilauskas
Dennis M. Stacilauskas of Eaton Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 26, 2019, at the age of 73. Dennis was born in Grand Rapids on November 8, 1946, the son of Peter and Charlotte (Tungate) Stacilauskas. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1964 and attended Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree. Dennis worked for the State of Michigan as a social worker. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia; children, Amy (David) Oeseburg, Ann (Cory) Ellis, Alice Hewitt, Aaron (Heather) Stacilauskas, Alan (Papiya Ray) Stacilauskas, Amanda Stacilauskas, Amelia Stacilauskas, Arthur Stacilauskas; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Peter Stacilauskas and Nancee Wilcox. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Andrew Stacilauskas and brother, Larry Stacilauskas.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 31, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Diocese of Lansing Seminarians. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Pamela Jo Kamm
Pamela Jo Kamm, age 69, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019, at the Dimondale Nursing Center, where she had been residing for the past three years. She was born May 6, 1950, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Howard and Bonnie (Marker) Cotter. Pam was an Everett High School graduate, class of 1969. She enjoyed playing piano and accordion and loved anything to do with horses. She was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Center with their many functions. She was preceded in death by her mother Bonnie.
Surviving are her father, Howard, of Eaton Rapids; brother, Bruce (Pat) Cotter of Eaton Rapids; two sisters, Pat (Tim) Gordon of Charlotte and Penny (Norm) Klein of Russellville, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Capital City Baptist Church, 5100 Willoughby Rd., Holt MI 48842 with Dr. Daryl Franzel presiding. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Capital City Baptist Church in memory of Pam Kamm. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts
Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 27, 2019, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at the age of 94. Bette was born in Grand Rapids on September 15, 1925, the daughter of James and Pauline (Odette) Doran. Bette lived in the Lansing area for most of her life. She was married to Dale E. Metts, who was a teacher and administrator in the Lansing School District.
She will be missed by her eight children and their families: Tim (Connie) Metts, Dale (Sharon) Metts, Jeff (Chris) Metts, Tom (Rexine) Metts, John (Beth) Metts, Jerry (Paula) Metts, Mary (Tim) Fox and Beth (Phil) Spreitzer; 63 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Pauline (Ed) McGlade.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; grandchildren, Dale Metts III and Molly Metts; brothers, James Doran and John Doran; and sister, Verna Belle Rogers.
Bette was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, St. John’s Student Parish in East Lansing, St. Casimir’s Church in Lansing and St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids.
While raising her family, Bette sewed hand-made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her grandchildren and, after a few years, decided to start a small doll-making business which blossomed into a budding enterprise known as The Jolly Dolly Co. Bette made countless dolls for children in all sizes and colors. With her earnings, she purchased a 1973 Volkswagen van, which she and dad used for many family excursions until it was handed down to her son, Tom.
After raising her eight children, Bette sought to finish her education and received her nursing degree from Lansing Community College in 1975 and began working at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing until she retired. She also pursued her longtime passion for law enforcement and took several classes in criminal justice and qualified as a distinguished expert with a pistol.
Bette’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss her love and warm hugs.
The Metts family would like to thank Sheryl James and the Aviary staff at Island City Assisted Living as well as Elara Caring Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 30, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Right to Life of Michigan. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
William Douglas Galvin
William Douglas Galvin, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at the age of 92. Doug was born on October 4, 1927, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Samuel and Lilly (Snow) Galvin. He attended school in Eaton Rapids before leaving to work on the family farm. Doug proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS New Jersey during World War II. Upon returning home, he went to work for General Motors, where he retired after 30 years. Doug enjoyed his retirement on Spider Lake in Traverse City, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and hosting his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Janet (Jardot) Galvin; siblings, Erwin, Lawrence, Nadene, Pauline, Ivan; and daughter-in-law, Sheila Strang.
Surviving are his wife, Marjorie Galvin; son, Mike Galvin; stepchildren, Karen DeYoung, Patti (Scott) Compton, Steve (Jo) DeYoung; grandchildren, Shawntell Galvin, Samuel (Sara) Galvin; great grandchildren, Amelia and Lincoln Galvin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in May of 2020. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Sheila Marie Clark
Sheila Marie Clark, of Leslie, and formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the age of 66. Sheila was born on February 23, 1953, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of William and Bonnie Holwig. She was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and went on to work for the federal government in Washington D.C. before returning home to work for the State of Michigan in the Bureau of Automotive Regulations, where she retired in 2009. Sheila loved animals, especially cats, and was fondly referred to as the “cat lady” by her friends. She was talented at knitting, cross stitching and needle pointing and would often make baby blankets for many family and friends. Sheila was a regular at the monthly State of Michigan retiree lunches, where she enjoyed the company of her former coworkers.
She was preceded in death by parents and brother, Tim Holwig.
Sheila is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Clark; sisters-in-law, Connie (Rick) Maynard, Jeanine Christman and numerous cousins and extended family and friends.
A memorial gathering was scheduled to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Sheila. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Carson Andrew Eaton
Carson Andrew Eaton, age 11, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on December 13, 2019, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pediatric brain cancer. Carson was born on October 25, 2008, in Lansing, the son of Mark and Lorie (May) Eaton. He attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where he was currently in the fifth grade. Carson was a happy kid who loved to play practical jokes and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing soccer, basketball and his favorite video game, Fortnite. Carson also loved turtles, especially his pet turtle Waddles. Above all, he was a loving son, grandson, brother and friend who will be dearly missed by all who cherish his memory.
Carson is survived by his parents, Mark and Lorie; twin-brother, Brennan Eaton; half-brother, Austin Eaton; sister, Sienna Eaton; grandparents, Terry and Janie Eaton, Carol and Gary May; aunts and uncles, David and Zinda May, Rick and Jenifer May; great aunts, Judy Craft, Delores Craft and cousins, Cameron May, Teah May and Emily May. He was preceded in death by great aunt Debbie Kay Eaton and beloved dog Rusty.
A Celebration of Carson’s Life will be held January 11, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Recreational Outreach Center (ROC) at 1706 W. Dansville Rd. in Mason. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Carson A. Eaton Memorial Scholarship Fund. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.