Obituaries
Everett Cook-Kirsch
Everett James Cook-Kirsch, of Dowling, Mich., was born on July 25, 2003, to Richard and Celeste Cook-Kirsch in Hastings, Michigan. On January 28, 2021, Everett passed away suddenly at home.
He had this innate ability to connect with animals, especially cats; he was often referred to as the ‘cat whisperer’ in the family. Growing up, when Everett played outside, there usually was a cat that would seek out his attention. Everett loved fishing, riding his quad, and spending time outdoors around nature and his animals.
Everett was a junior at Bellevue Community Schools, where he was elected Captain of the Bellevue soccer team (#10). He played with many different soccer teams over the years with many a special soccer coach that positively influenced his life. In addition to soccer, Everett and his siblings were active in 4H. They showed cattle at the Barry County Fair with Baseline 4H Club. Everett had many friends that he loved spending time with and was rarely alone. He had many fond memories of the fun he had during the week of the fair and all the family occasions where we would laugh and share stories.
The family would like Everett remembered for his fun-loving personality that could make friends wherever he went. He was a friendly, loving young man that was adored and loved in return by many.
Everett is survived by his parents Richard and Celeste, his siblings Griffith (Stephanie), Marshall (Lacey), and Sarah. His grandparents Ron and Sarah Cook and Dick and Linda Kirsch, and Great-Grandmother Carol Stansbury. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles and cousins, Eric, Shelli, Ellie Farnum and Ryan, Lisa, and Jack (Backus) Kirsch. He leaves behind a huge family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends who will miss him dearly.
Everett is preceded in death by Uncle Chad Cook, Great-Grandparents Norm Healy, Don and Louise Cook, Jake and Lori Jacobus, Margaret, and Wilbur Kirsch.
Instead of flowers or monetary donations, the family asks that you support your local 4H club, soccer teams, or animal shelter. We thank you for all for the kind thoughts, prayers, and food.
Everett’s family received friends on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home followed by a prayer service. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Everett’s family.
Rachel A. Bishop
Rachel Ann Bishop, age 80, of Olivet, passed away suddenly Tuesday, February 2, 2021. She was born December 1, 1940, in Battle Creek the daughter of William and Ardeth (Walters) Strong. Rachel was raised on Garfield Lake and lived her entire life on Garfield Road. She was an independent lady who learned from a young age how to take care of business. She always knew how to stretch a dollar and be sure that every last penny was used properly. Rachel adored her family. She cherished family gatherings and was always present at her children and grandchildren’s events. Rachel was an extremely thoughtful person. You could always count on a card in the mail for every special occasion. Rachel was a lover of nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors. She was very fond of all her pets, especially her cat, Sam.
Rachel is survived by her children, Ann (Bill) Lundy of Byron Center, Linda (Mike) Reynolds of Olivet, Todd (Carri Southwell) Bishop of Olivet; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Bev) Strong of Wildwood, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Lane Bishop; and brother, Jerry (Jo) Strong.
In keeping with Rachel’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are being planned at this time.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Rachel’s memory to the Calhoun County Humane Society, 165 Union St. South, Battle Creek, MI 49014.
To view Rachel’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Janetta K. Shilling
Janetta Kay Shilling, age 83, of Olivet, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021, in Marshall. She was born January 1, 1938, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Leslie and Beulah (Thornton) Emerson. Janetta graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1957. On October 26, 1958, she married the love of her life, William Shilling, at the Olivet Congregational Church and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Janetta was known for her loving and caring heart, big hugs, and sweet smile. She was a very thoughtful lady and was always concerned about the needs of others. Janetta adored her family and cherished each and every one of them. She enjoyed collecting antiques, primitives, and was always on the lookout for the next garage sale. Janetta was a devoted member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet for many years. Janetta’s wisdom and strong sense of right will be deeply missed by all who were privileged enough to have known her.
Janetta is survived by her children, Cindy (James) Flynn of Marshall, Brenda (Ted) Thomas of Marshall, Richard (Debra Farmer) Shilling of Olivet, Danny (Berniece) Shilling of Olivet; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; sister, Shirley Moore of Wyoming; and brother, Lee (Joanie) Emerson of Olivet.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William in 2016; and brothers, LaWayne Emerson, Jerrold Emerson.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran, Olivet, MI 49076, with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. Burial took place at Porter Cemetery in Convis Township.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Janetta’s honor to Faith Assembly of God or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To view Janetta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Robert D. Squires
Robert Dale Squires (AKA: Bobby, Bob or Robby) was born July 21, 1965 in Charlotte, Michigan and went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 25, 2021 after a long battle with pneumonia.
Robert had a young mind and a young heart and made friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger. People fell in love with his contagious smile and his light heartedness. He adored his Lord, his family, his friends, and his dog and bestie, “Little Bit.”
Robert graduated from Sibley High School in Sibley, Louisiana. He spent his adult years in Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, Crossville, Tennessee and most recently, Cullman, Alabama. He loved going to the movies, dancing, eating good food, welcoming people to church, hanging out with his family and just being happy. If there were more people in this world like Robert, the world would be a better place.
Preceding him in death were his beloved mother, Waneta Laughter; his father, Douglas Squires; his dad, Bryson Fredrick Laughter; his niece, Holi Tyler; and his nephew, Troy Nealey.
He is survived by his sisters, Sally (Johnny) Whaley of Cullman, Ala., Annette (Tony) Gee of New Port Richie, Fla., and Maurica Brown of Charlotte; his brothers, Rocky (Leigh) Tyler and Ralph Squires of Eaton Rapids; nieces, Maegan (Kyle) Taylor of Helena, Ala., Heather (Joe) Marsh of Springport, and Stacee (Justin) Robison of Eaton Rapids; nephews, Ryan (Amanda) Tyler, Kiefer (Jamie) Tyler, Dillon (Harley) Swan, all of Eaton Rapids, Michael Nealey of Strasburg, Col., and Todd (O’Malley) Nealey of Denver, Col.; and loads of grand nieces and nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will be held later in the spring – Robert loved a party.
Dylan H. J. Tokar
Dylan Harley Joseph Tokar, 32, of Elsie, Mich., a “one of a kind” original, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Eaton Rapids. Dylan was born August 11, 1988 in Lansing, the son of Ted and Cindy (Raines) Tokar. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School before going to work in various capacities. Throughout the years, he worked in construction and maintenance. Dylan was most at peace outdoors hunting, or behind the wheel of a fast car. He loved motorcycles, mud bogging, NASCAR, and beautiful women. Many will remember Dylan for his outspoken nature and constant readiness to help others.
Dylan is survived by his parents, Ted Tokar and Cindy Raines; brothers, Mike (Mary Jo) Tokar and Jason (Nicole) Tokar; several nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Harley and Bernadine Raines and Stephen and Dorothy Tokar; aunt, Sally Raines; and cousin, Kelsey Tokar.
Friends and Family are invited to support Dylan’s family. Visitation was scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial gathering will take place in the future, when restrictions are lifted and the weather improves. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any charity of choice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dylan on is tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.