Obituaries
Carolyn (Jecks) Suckow
Carolyn Faye (Jecks) Suckow was born on February 25, 1961 in Houston, Mo., to parents Lorena and Edward Jecks, and grew up in a busy, loving home with her six siblings in Eaton Rapids, Mich. She passed away on February 17, 2021.
After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, she attained a Bachelor of Arts at Olivet College and later, a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Southern California. She went on to work as a Congressional Aide in Washington DC, as a lobbyist for the University of Michigan, and later as a Public Affairs and Marketing Director and Student Advisor at the University of Southern California School of Engineering in Los Angeles. She retired in 2016.
As an energetic, outdoor enthusiast, she enjoyed hiking, rock climbing, cycling, downhill skiing, and kayaking. She was an avid reader, as well as a champion for social justice, and an advocate for the protection of nature.
Carolyn married Stephen William Suckow on April 26, 1996 in Napili Bay, Hawaii. They shared a love for the outdoors and enjoyed many adventures and many good times in their 25 years of marriage. They lived in Hermosa Beach, California until their retirement in 2016 when they moved to Corvallis, Oregon.
Always one to see the beauty in life, her upbeat attitude and positive energy will be missed by her friends and family. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Stephen Suckow; her mother, Lorena (Risner) Jecks; brothers, Steve Jecks, Jim Jecks, Dan Jecks, Joe Jecks; and sister Sandy (Jecks) Martinez. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Jecks; and sister, Linda (Jecks) Strang.
An intimate gathering of remembrance will be planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Carolyn’s name.
Please leave condolence messages for the family at mchenryfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Carolyn-Suckow.
Judith R. Bursley
Judith Rae Bursley, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2021 at the age of 79. Judy was born on January 21, 1942 in Eaton Rapids, Mich. the daughter of Dale White and Ruth “Maxine” (Burgess) Stanley. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1960 and went on to work as a secretary for Dimond Rio. Judy spent the majority of her life raising her children and taking care of her home. She was a talented seamstress, knitter and cook who won several ribbons for her famous cherry pies when she was younger. Judy also loved animals and had numerous pets over the years, especially horses and dogs.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Bursley; father, Dale White; and sister, Neola McBride.
Surviving are her mother, Maxine Stanley; children, William “Todd” (Melissa) Bursley, Robin (Donald) Freeman; grandchildren, Sara (Dustin) Bartel, Emily, Nicholas and Evan Freeman; great-grandchildren, Alexander and Jocelyn Bartel; and brother, Carl White.
She will be laid to rest with her husband, William at great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Mich. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asked that memorial contributions be made to your local humane society or animal shelter because of Judy’s great love for animals. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Patricia A. Kopack
Patricia Ann (Grove) Kopack, of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 16, 2021 at the age of 71. Patricia was born in Charlotte, Mich. on May 15, 1949, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Lewis) Grove. She married her husband Gerald in Las Vegas on January 19, 1990. Patricia worked in manufacturing making mobile homes, and as a bookkeeper for AmeriGas. She enjoyed playing board games, playing slots at the casino, walking her dog, making apple pie and meatloaf, working in the yard, and shoveling Michigan snow. Patricia was a loving and kind-hearted person who will be missed by all.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gerald Kopack; children, Gerald Kopack, Robert (and Magda Stawkowski) Kopack, and Donald (Cindy) Kopack; siblings, Kathy Shepherd, Charles (Donis) Grove, Mary Prater, and Daniel Grove; her dog, Baron. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Debra Cauchi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, 600 Buhl St, Mason, MI 48854. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.
James “Jim” Simons
James “Jim” Simons, age 69, of Onondaga, Mich. passed in his sleep Monday, February 8, 2021.
He enjoyed fishing, cars and had a love for the CB. Anyone who knew him knew his call sign as The Onondaga Hillbilly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ardena Simons of Onondaga; brothers, Richard Simons of LeRoy, and John Simons of Onondaga. He is survived by his son, Jamie Latoski; siblings, Jacqueline (Clare) Howell, Mitchell (Evelyn) Simons, Shirley (Alex) Mueller, Carl D. Simons, and Charlie (Helen) Simons. He also has two grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Let this be known, “The Onondaga Hillbilly is over and out.”
Patricia A. Kopack
Patricia Ann (Grove) Kopack, of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 16, 2021 at the age of 71. Patricia was born in Charlotte, Mich. on May 15, 1949, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Lewis) Grove. She married her husband Gerald in Las Vegas on January 19, 1990. Patricia worked in manufacturing making mobile homes, and as a bookkeeper for AmeriGas. She enjoyed playing board games, playing slots at the casino, walking her dog, making apple pie and meatloaf, working in the yard, and shoveling Michigan snow. Patricia was a loving and kind-hearted person who will be missed by all.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gerald Kopack; children, Gerald Kopack, Robert (and Magda Stawkowski) Kopack, and Donald (Cindy) Kopack; siblings, Kathy Shepherd, Charles (Donis) Grove, Mary Prater, and Daniel Grove; her dog, Baron. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Debra Cauchi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.