Obituaries
Donald G. Erndt
Donald G. Erndt, of Hale, MI, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Hospice House with his family by his side. Don was born November 21, 1936, to George and Ruth (Peglow) Erndt in Bay City. He was a graduate of Bay City Central High School. Don honorably served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the United States Navy as a machinery repairman. After retiring from the Navy, Don worked as an electrician at American Hoist and the IB. He was a ranger at Warblers Cove and Northwoods boy scout camp in Lupton, MI. He spent the last ten years of his career as a salesman at Tractor Supply. Don enjoyed playing euchre with anyone willing, working on projects around the house, volunteering at the Fish Store in Hale and reading all of Louis L’Amour’s books. Don was beloved by many and will be missed dearly by all who remember him.
Don is survived by his wife, Sally (Bartlett) Erndt; children: Donnie Erndt of Bay City, Becky Erndt of Bay City, Robert (Lori) Stahl of Eaton Rapids, Wendy Stahl of East Lansing, Amanda McLendon of Lansing; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers Tony (Becky) Erndt of Texas, Gene Erndt of Bay City, Gerry (Diane) Erndt of Munger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Georgie and grandson Aiden McLendon. The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at the Hospice House. Their care, compassion and love did not go unnoticed, and the family thanks them for making Don’s final days comfortable. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God, 2764 S Michigan Rd. in Eaton Rapids.
Elizabeth Ann Paterson-Esterhai
Elizabeth Ann Paterson-Esterhai, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019, at the age of 92. Elizabeth was born on March 22, 1927, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Andrew and Theresa (McEwen) Paterson. She was raised in Washington and, after graduating high school, worked for a brokerage firm and as a tour guide at the Pentagon before moving to Michigan in 1971. Elizabeth went to work for the Lansing State Journal (LSJ) and retired in 2009. While at LSJ, she became very involved with Magic Johnson’s Above the Rim charity, where she volunteered much of her time. After retirement, she helped her son on the J & K Steamboat Michigan Princess, where she would wait tables.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis Franklin Esterhai; sisters, Mary Linch, Janet Green; and daughter-in-law, Lora Esterhai.
Surviving are her children, Betty (Bill) Steele, Rob Esterhai, Andrea Larson, Stephen Esterhai, Mark (Susan) Esterhai; grandchildren, Louis (Becky) Steele, Billy (Pam) Steele, Justin Larson, Matthew Larson, Andi Esterhai, Amber Esterhai; great-grandchildren, Marisa Steele, Andrew Steele, Shelby Steele, Zane Steele, Theresa Esterhai, Emma Larson, Jolie Larson, Charlie Dehnert, Sherlock Larson; brother, John (Jean) Paterson; dear friend, Millie Vance; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 1 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dennis M. Stacilauskas
Dennis M. Stacilauskas of Eaton Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 26, 2019, at the age of 73. Dennis was born in Grand Rapids on November 8, 1946, the son of Peter and Charlotte (Tungate) Stacilauskas. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1964 and attended Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree. Dennis worked for the State of Michigan as a social worker. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia; children, Amy (David) Oeseburg, Ann (Cory) Ellis, Alice Hewitt, Aaron (Heather) Stacilauskas, Alan (Papiya Ray) Stacilauskas, Amanda Stacilauskas, Amelia Stacilauskas, Arthur Stacilauskas; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Peter Stacilauskas and Nancee Wilcox. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Andrew Stacilauskas and brother, Larry Stacilauskas.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 31, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Diocese of Lansing Seminarians. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Pamela Jo Kamm
Pamela Jo Kamm, age 69, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019, at the Dimondale Nursing Center, where she had been residing for the past three years. She was born May 6, 1950, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Howard and Bonnie (Marker) Cotter. Pam was an Everett High School graduate, class of 1969. She enjoyed playing piano and accordion and loved anything to do with horses. She was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Center with their many functions. She was preceded in death by her mother Bonnie.
Surviving are her father, Howard, of Eaton Rapids; brother, Bruce (Pat) Cotter of Eaton Rapids; two sisters, Pat (Tim) Gordon of Charlotte and Penny (Norm) Klein of Russellville, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Capital City Baptist Church, 5100 Willoughby Rd., Holt MI 48842 with Dr. Daryl Franzel presiding. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Capital City Baptist Church in memory of Pam Kamm. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts
Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 27, 2019, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at the age of 94. Bette was born in Grand Rapids on September 15, 1925, the daughter of James and Pauline (Odette) Doran. Bette lived in the Lansing area for most of her life. She was married to Dale E. Metts, who was a teacher and administrator in the Lansing School District.
She will be missed by her eight children and their families: Tim (Connie) Metts, Dale (Sharon) Metts, Jeff (Chris) Metts, Tom (Rexine) Metts, John (Beth) Metts, Jerry (Paula) Metts, Mary (Tim) Fox and Beth (Phil) Spreitzer; 63 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Pauline (Ed) McGlade.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; grandchildren, Dale Metts III and Molly Metts; brothers, James Doran and John Doran; and sister, Verna Belle Rogers.
Bette was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, St. John’s Student Parish in East Lansing, St. Casimir’s Church in Lansing and St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids.
While raising her family, Bette sewed hand-made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her grandchildren and, after a few years, decided to start a small doll-making business which blossomed into a budding enterprise known as The Jolly Dolly Co. Bette made countless dolls for children in all sizes and colors. With her earnings, she purchased a 1973 Volkswagen van, which she and dad used for many family excursions until it was handed down to her son, Tom.
After raising her eight children, Bette sought to finish her education and received her nursing degree from Lansing Community College in 1975 and began working at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing until she retired. She also pursued her longtime passion for law enforcement and took several classes in criminal justice and qualified as a distinguished expert with a pistol.
Bette’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss her love and warm hugs.
The Metts family would like to thank Sheryl James and the Aviary staff at Island City Assisted Living as well as Elara Caring Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 30, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Right to Life of Michigan. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.