Obituaries
Gail Christensen Bresky
Gail Christensen Bresky of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 19, 2024, at the age of 71. Gail was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on January 12, 1953, the daughter of John and Joan (Ashley) Chambers. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 30 years in the Neonatal and Pediatric ICU. Gail enjoyed cross stitch, watching movies, baking and antiquing. She was a big MSU Spartans fan, Gail loved tailgating and socializing with friends and family.
Gail is survived by her children, Kyle Locke, John Bresky, Adam Bresky, Samantha Ellsworth; grandchildren, Amanda Reeve, Jordan (Morgan) Piper, Phoebe Trayer, Paige Trayer; great grandchildren, Taylor, Brooklyn, Londyn, Nora; nieces and nephews, Rebecca (Steve) Chambers, Rebecca Gonzalez, Gerald Chambers; brother, Scott (Samantha) Chambers. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wade Zenker; brother, Burke Chambers.
Memorial Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Gail Christensen Bresky. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Deborah Ann Laverty
Deborah Ann Laverty of Eaton Rapids, peacefully passed away at home on May 18, 2024, at the age of 66. Debbie was born on July 17, 1957, in Rushville, Indiana, the daughter of DeWayne and Pauline (Siefert) Nighbert. She was a homemaker and took impeccable care of her home. Debbie was very creative. She was always working on a project in her home to make it more beautiful. Debbie also enjoyed working outside in her yard. She did all the yardwork at her home and loved sprucing up her flower beds. Debbie had a special place in her heart for animals, she always had dogs and they brought her so much joy.
She is survived by her husband, Guy Laverty of Eaton Rapids; two brothers, one sister and several very special nieces and nephews. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in loving memory of Deborah Ann Laverty. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Carol Ann Quantrell
Carol Ann Quantrell, a woman with the biggest heart who would always go out of her way to help others, died on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Carol, 64, of Charlotte, was born on February 1, 1960 in Petoskey the daughter of Les and Charlotte Ferrett. She was later adopted by Arthur and Luella Saeger. Upon graduating from Millington High School, Carol began working as a Nurse’s Aide at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility and later Hayes Green Beach Hospital. On November 9, 1985, she married James “Jim” Quantrell, the couple would spend the next 38 years creating lasting memories. Most recently Carol worked at Walmart until her health worsened and she had to retire. Hobbies that Carol enjoyed included shopping, jigsaw puzzles, and family trips to Millington, MI. Family meant the world to Carol, she and Jim bowled with each other for several years, she also enjoyed running the chainsaw while helping cut wood, and coaching her son’s little league baseball team. Above all, once her grandchildren were born, they stole her heart, Emily and Jonathan meant the world to her.
Carol is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Justin (Alexis) Quantrell; grandchildren, Emily, and Jonathan; siblings, Jim Saeger, Dick Saeger, Linda Dues, Brenda Frahm, Cindy Morey, Michelle Franklin, Holly Odette, Bill Sobleskey, Steve Sobleskey, Rob Sobleskey, Carla Sundberg, David Sobleskey, Scott Sobleskey, and their spouses; father-in-law, Jack Quantrell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her biological mother, Charlotte Sobleskey; step-father, Robert Sobleskey; biological father, Les Ferrett; adoptive parents, Art and Luella Seagar; sister, Tunya Copple; and mother-in-law, Beverly Quantrell.
Friends are encouraged to support Carol’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Duane Royston 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 Carol’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 the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey David Reitz
Jeffrey David Reitz, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on December 7, 1961, in Eaton Rapids, he was the beloved son of David Reitz and Nickie (Householder) Reitz Koos. Jeff attended Eaton Rapids Public School and Everett High School. He dedicated his career to varies types of maintenance work and landscaping throughout his career, retiring in 2020.
Jeff was a car and boat racing enthusiast, often attending races at Spartan Speedway and Mid-Michigan Motorplex. He cherished the outdoors, finding joy in kayaking, canoeing, and riding bicycles and quads.
He is survived by his mother, Nickie Koos; his children, Ryan (Diamond) Reitz, Michael (Jessica) Reitz, Krystin (Josh) Moore, Rachel Reitz, Angel Reitz, and Brandon Reitz; his grandchildren, Daisy, Linsey, Jacob, Wyatt, McKenna, Caiden, Stella, Josh, Brayden, Aubrey; his great-grandchildren, Blake, Kayden, Grayson, Nichole, and Ella Rose; and his sisters, Lesley (Edward) Murray, Cori (Denis) Pido, and Heather (Albert) Lopez. He is also remembered by several nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, David Reitz; his stepfather, Charles Koos; his sister, Sue Reitz; and his infant daughter, Ashley Jo.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with visitation beginning at noon. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choosing, in memory of Jeff Reitz. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Elaine Augustine
Elaine Augustine, 90, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings, Michigan.
She was born on January 10, 1934, to Glenn and Lillian (Himebaugh) Brown in Bellevue, Michigan.
On October 10, 1954, Elaine married James Augustine in Bellevue, Michigan, sadly he passed away on March 13, 2018. For 21 years she worked for Bellevue Public Schools in the food service department, retiring in 1999. Elaine was a member of Heritage Hills Bible Church in Bellevue, Michigan. The neighborhood could always count on Elaine for having fresh baked cookies out on her back porch for you to help yourself to. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed helping with luncheons at Heritage Hills Bible Church. Elaine enjoyed tending to their garden and then canning the bountiful harvest. She didn’t know a stranger and always made you feel welcomed and loved. Elaine’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her loving children; Glenn Augustine of Battle Creek, Michigan, Harry (Louise) Augustine of Bellevue, Michigan, Dale Augustine of Bellevue, Michigan and Robyn (Bill) Courtney of Bellevue, Michigan; her 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Augustine, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Vera (Fred) Finney, her father and mother-in-law Harry (Margaret) Augustine, her brother-in-law, Jerry Augustine and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn (Jack) Thornton.
Visitation for Elaine took place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Heritage Hills Bible Church (13015 S M-66 Hwy, Bellevue, MI 49021).
The funeral service was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Hills Bible Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Aaron Sommers officiating.
Burial followed at Ellis Cemetery in Assyria Township, Michigan.
Memorials may be directed to the Bellevue Scholarship Fund or Heritage Hills Bible Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.