Obituaries
Terry Klont
Terry “Yogi” Klont, a wonderful husband, father, and friend, died peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2021, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia, surrounded by his family. Terry, 60, was born August 20, 1960, in Charlotte, Mich., the son of Pete and Judith (Bailey) Klont. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1978. On October 8, 1988 Terry married Sondra McCormick. Terry worked at General Motors as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. He retired from there with more than 30 years of employment. Terry was active in the Charlotte Junior Orioles, girls high school golf, and teaching Special Olympics golf. He was also a past member of the Sons of the American Legion. He owned Klonts Kustom Klubs, where he made golf clubs, and Klonts Kustom Kooking, which he operated with his brother Jeff.
Since his retirement he and Sondra and family enjoyed many years at their lake house. He was very proud of all of his grandchildren. He was known as the life of the party and always had a joke to tell. Besides his family, Terry’s second love was golf. For 26 years he organized the Yogi Invitational golf outing.
Terry is survived by his wife, Sondra; sons, Gene (Selena) Bennett, Todd Klont, Steve (Lisa) Klont, Scott (Anne) Belanger; daughter, Jenny (Brian) Bingaman; grandchildren, Landon, Bailey, Kiley, McKale, Smith, and Brynne; brothers, Jeff (Debbie) and Pete (Lauri); niece, Kelsey; nephews, Jacob and Karson; father-in-law, Gene McCormick; and Aunt, Marion Jones. He was predeceased by his parents, Uncle Rod Klont, and mother-in-law Virginia McCormick.
Friends are encouraged to support Terry’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. At Terry’s request, there will be no service or visitation. Cremation has taken place. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation or Charlotte Athletic Boosters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Scott E. Toney
Scott Edward Toney, also known as Slickster and Scotty T, age 41, of Bellevue, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2021, in Jackson, Mich. Scott was born on October 18, 1979, in Battle Creek, MI to parents Carl T. and Sharon K. (Peck) Toney.
During his childhood, Scott participated in Boy Scouts, 4-H, and enjoyed sports of all kinds which carried on throughout his entire life. His pitching was a force to be reckoned with at every level of baseball and softball he played.
Scott was a stay-at-home dad as well as an incredible homemaker and loved playing outside with his children, wife, and fur babies. He enjoyed the outdoors, everything from fishing to yard work to riding and driving recreational vehicles with his cousins and neighborhood friends. He also loved kayaking down the river with his family and friends, even by himself at times to enjoy God’s beauty. Scott coached his daughter’s softball and basketball teams (with his wife, Zimmy, and Lacy) from the time they started playing until the high school coaches took over. He enjoyed taking them to as many tournaments as he could. He was also very involved in each of his girls’ dance careers at Dance Dynamics, where they followed throughout the years, in their Aunt Melinda’s footsteps. Scott took great pride in the upkeep of his property including trails for the family and pets to enjoy whether by foot or on wheels. His favorite holiday has always been the 4th of July which he spent at Lyon Lake with his friends and family. He loved the Detroit Red Wings and Michigan State Spartans. Scott also enjoyed riding in the wind and had the shot of a sniper while enjoying target practice throughout the years. We know he was a believer and met at the gates of Heaven by all those who left before him.
Scott is survived by wife, Mandy L. (Arrington) Toney whom he loving referred to as “Mandalicious;” his three daughters, McKenna “My Angel/Kenna Kaye,” McKayla “My Princess/Kayla Rie” and MacKenzie “My Monkey/Kenzer;” parents, Carl and Sharon Toney of Marshall, Mich.; sister, Melinda Holbrook (Adam); nephew, Addison Holbrook; niece, Ashlynn Holbrook; many bonus children, Thomas Mason, Jayna Morris, Madison McClain, Harley Pritchard, Rylie Powell, Karley King, Kourtney King, Karter King and many others throughout the years; brothers for life, Tony Travis (Jessica), and Joe Dow (Tiffany); special friends for life, Brianna Novak (Jeff), Jason Clemmens (Jeanette), Jason Huggett (Lisa) and Chris Hazen (Melissa Eich); many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Toney, Peck, Arrington, McKiddie and Byrens families.
Scott was preceded in death by grandparents, Ceibert and Kathleen Toney, L.D. and Irene Peck, and Grandpa Johnny MacK Arrington; uncles, Beauford Toney and Michael Toney.
Visitation was held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall, Mich. on Thursday, June 24, 2021, with Pastor Matt Rohde of Springport Bible Church officiating. Cremation followed.
For those desiring to contribute to Scott’s memory, an Educational Fund is being set up for McKenna, McKayla and MacKenzie. Please make contributions payable to Mandy Toney, as a trust is being set up at Marshall Credit Union as soon as possible. You may also leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
Carol K. Janousek
Carol Kathleen (Clarke) Janousek, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 18, 1938, to James and Dorothy (Towns) Clarke and grew up on the family farm, “Wonderland Farms,” in Onondaga, Mich. She attended Eaton Rapids schools, graduating from High School with the class of ’57. She married Kenneth D. Janousek on October 27, 1957, and together they had three wonderful children: Debra (Janousek) Graeve, Mark Janousek, and Sandra (Janousek) Costello. She worked at Olivet Pharmacy and Olivet College. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and grandchildren, whether making sugar cookies at Christmas, carving pumpkins at Halloween, tending the garden in July, or preparing Sunday dinners each week for her family.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth D. Janousek; daughter, Debra (Steve) Graeve of Littleton, Colo.; son, Mark (Rosie) Janousek of Olivet; son-in-law, Joe Costello of Olivet; grandchildren, Lindsay (Chad) Stewart of Marshall, Kendra (Levi) VanSyckle of Marshall, Dan (Jacque) Graeve of Lakewood, Colo., Julie Graeve of Lakewood, Colo., Lacy Janousek of Marshall, Alissa Costello of Olivet, Tara Graeve of Littleton, Colo., Gino Costello of Olivet, and Gabrielle Costello of Olivet; four great-grandchildren, Meredith and Griffin Stewart, Jameson Janousek, and Brynna VanSyckle (and two more on the way!!); brother, Robert (Jo Ann) Clarke,; sister-in-law, Rebecca Clarke, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Carl, and her daughter, Sandi.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Nancy Wilson officiating. Interment followed the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Carol’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.
To view Carol’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Carl J. Florian
Carl John Florian, of Eaton Rapids, was carried away by the angels on June 19, 2021, at the age of 79. Carl was born in Jackson, Mich. on December 9, 1941, the son of Leo and Dema (VanDeusen) Florian. He worked for the State of Michigan in the Treasury Department for 37 years before retiring. Carl was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, teaching Sunday School and helping with the Wednesday night dinners. His hobbies included fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed editing the church’s Lenten Devotionals and his wife’s poetry. Carl is survived by his sons, Gregory (Danell) Florian of Lansing, John Florian of Mason, Jeffrey (Heather) Florian of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Alex and Benjamin Florian; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Dailey of Holt. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; brother, Richard Florian. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, Eaton Community Palliative Care or Youth Haven Ranch. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Michael M. Miller
Michael Monroe Miller, 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021. Some may have seen Michael as disabled, but the staff at Rainbow Homes helped Michael live a wonderful life full of “Abilities” for many years. His family is truly thankful that Michael’s life was enriched beyond measure because of the nurturing care and experiences they provided. The family also wishes to thank Sparrow Hospital, Regency at Lansing West, and Fairview AFC for their wonderful care of Michael for the last several months.
Previously employed at Felpausch and at Meijer in Mason, he retired from Peckham Industries in Lansing, Michigan in January 2020. Also, a greeter at his church, Michael enjoyed making friends and participating in lots of activities like making rock candy with his friends from Rainbow Homes at sister Ann’s at Christmas time. Michael also loved to bowl, play BINGO, watch Dukes of Hazard, learn to cook, and help fix things at Rainbow Homes. His love of Elvis included listening to all of his CD’s, wearing his Elvis costume, and a great trip to Graceland. If you asked Michael a question you could always count on an answer of “YupYup,” “Sometimes maybe,” “prit near,” or “I’ll think about it.”
His friends and family were all so proud of Michael after several years of “thinking about it” he overcame his fear of swimming and won a gold medal in the 25-meter freestyle and a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle at the 2008 Special Olympics Summer games.
Michael’s Mom and Dad, J. Robert and Rowena (Castle) Miller have been waiting in Heaven for him. He is survived by his sisters, Ann (Jim) Welling, Margot, and JoEllen; and brother, David. He always looked forward to spending time with his nephews and their families, John, Hattie, Joshua, Christopher, Karey, Kyler, Morgan and Avery, Patrick, Emily, Aiden, Benjamin and Madeline.
Michael has willed his body to the MSU Willed Body program. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, contributions can be made in Michael’s name to Rainbow Homes, 2111 Adelpha Ave. Apt B, Holt, MI, 48842 or Special Olympics Michigan, 2901 Wabash Road, Lansing, MI 48910.