Obituaries
John Elwood Shumway
John Elwood Shumway, age 88, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 18, 2023. John was born in Lake Odessa on May 12, 1935, and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, bowling and square dancing in his younger years. He and his family spent many summers on Drummond Island making wonderful memories. John was an active member of Moose Lodge 288 where he received his Pilgrim Degree in 2002 and served as a long-time administrator. He also served in the Navy and retired from Diamond Reo. John will be missed by all who knew him.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Letha; first wife, Shirley (Birman); infant son, John; brothers, Bob (Betty) and Roy; and sisters, Bernice and Margaret.
He is survived by his wife, Barb, and her family; sons, Dennis (Jackie) and Randy; grandchildren: John E., Nicky (Simon) Barry, Jennifer (Mike) Coachman, Michelle (Roberto) Renteria, Derek, and Bradley (Danni); and 36 greatgrandchildren.
A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 20, 2024, at the VFW Post 7309 located at 1243 Hull Road in Mason, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the VFW. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Paul Exelby
Mr. Paul Exelby, age 85 of, Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023 at his home with his beloved wife and his dog “Stanley” at his side.
Paul is survived by his wife Robin, daughters Dr. Cynthia (Misty) Exelby of New Mexico, Deborah Ciampa of Charlotte, Paula (Russ) Angus of Bellevue, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Paul’s passing was made peaceful and gentle through the compassionate care of Wings of Hope Hospice.
Paul’s ashes will be laid to rest at a private family graveside service at Kalamo Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Elizabeth Walling
Elizabeth Walling, 87 of Charlotte, a quiet and very loving, family-oriented woman, died January 10, 2024. She was born Elizabeth Joan Castle in Owosso, the daughter of Howard and Laveina (Sheldon) Castle. In 1958 she married Richard Walling and devoted her life to being the best homemaker, a loving wife and mother, and even raised her first granddaughter. There were many homemade goodies that her family loved…she made a wonderful mac and cheese, peanut butter fudge, and many different cookies so there was always a treat around. While she never officially “worked” outside her home, she volunteered for the Family Independence Agency of Eaton County.
Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, making many beautiful items over the years for herself and others, and she enjoyed playing video games.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Edward Castle, Roberta (Roy) VanNortrick, and Ermie Walling; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Walling in 1980; special friend, Melvin Gardner; half-brothers, Howard Castle Jr. and George Castle; half-sisters, Dorthy Maurer and Lelah Allerding; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Elizabeth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, January 12, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Elizabeth’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Aneka Jan Aumiller
Aneka Jan Aumiller of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side January 5, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on December 15, 1947, the daughter of Max and Viola (Wolf) LeFevre. Aneka graduated from Springport High School in 1966 and married the love of her life, Bob on October 19, 1985. She had many hobbies, camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Aneka loved being outdoors and rock hunting with her family. She and her family spent many hours looking for rocks and making her husband load up and move rocks.
She is survived by her spouse, Robert Aumiller of Eaton Rapids; children, Michelle (Darren) Warner of Eaton Rapids, Corey (Cheryl) Hutchison of Onondaga, Hillary (Travis) Millen of Mason, Jarred (Mandy) Campbell of Traverse City; grandchildren, Cameron (Leah) Warner, Triston (Danielle) Warner, Shelby Warner, Gabrielle (Amanda) Hutchison, Austen (Makenzie) Hutchison, Maximus Hutchison, Roman Cushman, Brielle Campbell, Conner Campbell; great grandchildren, Bella Hutchison, Denver Warner, Emelia Warner, Oaklyn Hutchison; sisters, Debbie Newland, Loretta Bellows, Teresa Locke. Aneka was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Viola LeFevre; twin sister, Anita Warner.
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd, Lansing MI 48911, in loving memory of Aneka Jan Aumiller. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Beverly Jane Coolidge
Beverly Jane Coolidge of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side on January 4, 2024, at the age of 78. Beverly was born on June 24, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Paul and Betty (Herp) Orr. She worked for many years at Alice’s Greenhouse in Eaton Rapids before taking a position at Eaton Rapids Medical Center as a Medical Biller. Beverly was very devoted to her faith, she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte and often times would help out as a money counter during services. Beverly enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens, attending yoga classes and was a very devoted grandma. She would often get together with friends and play cards and she was an avid sports fan. You could always count on her to be rooting for the Michigan State Spartans.
Beverly is survived by her children, Scott (Erica) Coolidge, Tim (Deana) Coolidge, Craig (Michelle) Coolidge, Robert (Traci) Coolidge; grandchildren, Nick, Dylan, Nolan, Madison, Isaac, Max, Abby, Morgan, Marshall, Chase; three great grandchildren, Calum, Harlin, Hadley; brother, Kenneth Orr; sister-in-law, Lucy Orr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Coolidge; parents, Paul and Betty Orr; son, Brad Coolidge; brother, Jerry Orr; sister-in-law, Carole Orr.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd. Charlotte, MI. Visitation took place Thursday 6-8 p.m., at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte or McLaren Hospice, 401 West Greenlawn Ave, Lansing MI 48910, in loving memory of Beverly Jane Coolidge. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.