Obituaries
Janet D. Verhelle
Janet Darlene Verhelle, age 74, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a 10-year battle with lung cancer. Janet was born on October 8, 1946 in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Altus and Evelin (Yaks) Smith. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Eastern High School class of 1964. Janet married Wayne Verhelle in 1967 and moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her family. She worked for short periods as an Avon representative, waiting tables and for the State of Michigan but found her calling taking care of her home and her children. She was a lover of all animals and had a special gift to speak to wildlife. Janet also enjoyed music, reading and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne; children, Christina Verhelle, Todd Verhelle, Scott Verhelle; half sister, Phyllis and numerous nieces and nephews. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Bonnie Raum and brother, Duane Smith.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Janet. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Teresa L. Howe
Teresa L. Howe
Teresa “Teri” Lynn Howe, a lifelong resident of the Eaton Rapids area passed away April 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 65 years old.
Teri was born in Eaton Rapids on July 21, 1954, the daughter of the late Harold “Punk” and Esther Linda (Dana) Howe. She was a 1972 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and a lifelong Greyhound and Spartan fan.
Teri began her career of helping and caring for others in the Sparrow Hospital System and subsequently retired from her position of Ward Clerk after 40 years exemplary service in 2016. She was also named Sparrow’s “Employee of the Year” at the Diamondale facility in 1996.
She was a dedicated and loving daughter, sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Teri took particular pleasure interacting with the accomplishments of her many nieces, nephews and friends.
She will always be remembered for her gentle smile, infectious laugh, love of life as well the special place in her heart she held for her friends. Her unique fondness and joy for the many Walt Disney characters – especially “Pooh”– always created a smile on people’s faces. The “Beach Boys” were also atop of her favorite vocalists list.
Teri is survived by her brother Bill (Marie) Howe of Bath, MI. Special friends Karen Miller of Ionia, MI, Kaye Sanders of Vermontville, MI, Penny Johnson of Diamondale, MI, Teresa A of South Carolina as well as nephews Mike (Margie) Howe, Springport, MI, Doug (Mary) Howe of Ingadine, MI, Tim Howe of Holt, MI, Chris (Susan) Howe of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Pettifor of Indianapolis, IN and nieces Penny Howe of Boseman, Montana, Michelle (Dean) Harmon of Martinsville, IN and Lynda (Melvin) Smallwood of Indianapolis, IN as well as several Great and Great Great nieces and nephews.
Teri was predeceased by her parents, sister Linda (Howe) Pettifor and brothers James and Walter (Elli) Howe.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Hailey M. Hunter
Hailey Marie Hunter passed away on April 25, 2021 at the age of 17. Hailey was born on December 29, 2003 in Lansing, Mich. the daughter of Stephanie Foreman and Matthew Hunter. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she was currently a Junior at Eaton Rapids High School. Hailey was fun loving with a smile that would light up a room. She enjoyed boating, camping, riding ATV’s and spending time outdoors enjoying warm weather and soaking up nature’s great beauties. She also loved animals and spending time with children, especially her nephew Miles.
Hailey is survived by her mother, Stephanie Foreman; father, Matthew (Teresa) Hunter; grandparents, Marie and David Denman, Karen (Dallas Hackworth) Foreman, Steven (Chris) Foreman; siblings, Hannah (Carlos Contreas) Morey, Kyle Miller, Lucy Hunter and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Phillip D. Bean
Phillip Donald “Don” Bean, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the age of 69. Don was born on July 11, 1951 in South Bend, Ind., the son of Phillip and Donna (Mittan) Bean. He moved to Lansing where he attended Lansing Sexton High School before enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War. Don was a Green Beret and served in the 173rd Army Airborne Brigade. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids and served on prison ministries for Ingham and Jackson counties. Don enjoyed motorcycles and dirt bikes and loved northern Michigan where he spent time trail riding, often with the Tomahawk Trail Riders Club. He was very generous and gave routinely to veteran and religious organizations. Don was above all a dedicated father and grandfather who cherished his children and the time he spent with them.
He is survived by his mother, Donna Bean; daughters, Rebecca (Kelly) Houlihan, Rachel (Nathan) Hunter; sons, Don (Lisa) Bean, Eli (Amanda) Bean, Isiah (Kelly) Bean, Josiah (Stephanie) Bean; grandchildren, Andrew Bean, Ryan Bean, Makayla Houlihan, Aelah Hunter, Kimber Hunter, Ryleigh Hunter, Uriah Hunter, Silas Bean, Savannah Bean; brother, Paul (Debbie) Bean; sisters, Rosalee (Rick) Allen, Marilyn (Dale) Cosner, Teresa Shely and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Bean and brother, Steven Bean.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Heroes Haven in Eaton Rapids, MI. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Deana J. Moore
Deana Joy Moore, age 85, a resident of Potterville, died on April 15, 2021. Deana was an underwriter for Farm Bureau Insurance. A private family funeral service will be held.