Obituaries
Clayton Jake Higelmire
Clayton Jake Higelmire, 27, of Paris, Michigan passed away on November 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, MI. He was born on August 12, 1997, to David D. and Melaine A. (Stone) Higelmire, Jr. in Charlotte, MI. On June 24, 2023, he married Breanna Barnes at his grandparents’ home.
Clayton graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and Olivet College. While in high school and college he wrestled and played football. His high school football team won the District Championship in 2014 and 2015. He was a two time All State wrestler in high school and placed 2nd and 4th in the State. When he was at Olivet College, Clayton was the Freshman of the Year in 2017. In 2018 and 2019 he was a starter for Olivet College at the NCAA Regional Championships. After college, he worked for BBR Mobile Home Set-Up. Clayton had a kind heart and was a hard worker. He was a proud Dad and husband to his son, Beau and wife, Breanna. He loved adventures and meeting new people.
Clayton is survived by his loving family, Breanna and son, Beau David Higelmire; parents, Dave and Melaine Higelmire; grandparents, David and Linda Higelmire, Kathy and Melvin Stone; grandmother, Mabel Stone; brother, Thomas Higelmire and in-laws, Chuck and Sue Barnes.
He was preceded in death by his aunt, Kimmie (Higelmire) Sebastian; uncles, Charlie Knight, Denny Burton, Buck Sanders and cousin, Andrew Higelmire.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 1:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Marshall, Michigan with Pastor Don Francis, officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Clayton’s wife and son, Breanna and Beau Higelmire. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
Shirley L. Mayne
Shirley L. Mayne, 95, of Harlem, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Shirley was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved writing poetry, practicing yoga, gardening, crocheting, and baking. Known for her scrumptious peanut butter cookies and peanut butter pies, her kitchen was a haven of warmth and delicious aromas.
Affectionately known as “Grandma Shirley,” she found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley’s unwavering love for her family created cherished memories that will be treasured for generations.
In addition to her family, Shirley opened her heart and home to her bonus son, Robbie Ripkey, whom she lovingly cared for over many years. Her compassion and nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, numerous siblings and her precious fur baby, Pixie. She is survived by her three children: Michael (Amanda) Mayne, Linda (David Williams) Heath, and Karen (Richard) Williams; her sister, Bonnie (Richard) Gilmore; her grandchildren: Josh Heath, Jessica Quattlebaum, Aaron Heath, Daniel Mayne, Amber Carper, Leah Hubbard, and Keith Mayne; her great-grandchildren: Jacob, Dylan, Lorelai, Georgia, Harrison, Wilder, Max, Lyla, Harper, Caleb, Jordan, and Ashlynn; and her bonus son, Robbie Ripkey.
A private service will be held to honor Shirley’s life.
Shirley’s legacy of love, creativity, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Laurel Dwight Mott
Laurel Dwight Mott, 82, passed away peacefully at his home, on the morning of November 12, 2024, with family by his side. He was born at his parent’s home, “just down the road”, on April 18, 1942, to Leslie Dwight and Wilma Olive (Oteney) Mott.
Laurel graduated in 1960 from Olivet High School where he met his sweetheart and lifelong love, Eleanor K. Sine. They were married on April 15, 1962. Devoted to raising their family and committed to growing their farm, they bought a house, “just up the road” from Laurel’s parents and it became a very loving family home where they lived their entire lives, happily married for nearly 58 years, until her unexpected passing in 2019. His grandson, Calen, then graciously moved his own family in with him and with loving devoted care from them and that of his daughter, Christine, Laurel was able to remain at home until he was reunited once again with his wife.
Laurel not only farmed but worked as a crane operator and retired from General Motors in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.
While his family was always his “why,” he spent countless hours pouring sweat equity and hard work into the family farm. At first helping alongside his father, and then taking over the operation, with the help from his devoted wife, they lovingly attended to their cattle, fields, and chores.
About 10 years after his retirement from General Motors, Laurel received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and as the cruel disease progressed, he quietly relinquished his farming responsibilities to his grandson, Calen, who shares his love of farming and nature.
Laurel truly enjoyed nature and animals and for many of his younger years, he was an avid hunter of fox, pheasant, and deer when the time allowed it.
While his time primarily revolved around work, be it at GM or the farm, he was always involved and interested in sports. He enjoyed the games immensely, whether it was playing, coaching, or watching. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and after he was married, continued to play for several seasons in men’s recreational softball and basketball leagues. For several years, he also coached his son’s baseball teams and his daughter’s summer softball teams. He and Eleanor were regulars for many years at all the Olivet Eagles games, especially when their children and grandsons played. They never missed a game if it was possible. They were longtime loud and proud fans of the MSU Spartans and Detroit Tigers and enjoyed cheering them on. Laurel also enjoyed listening to the Detroit Redwings on the radio and would often time his breaks around the games. He became very fond of the game of golf, enjoying many golf outings and the occasional card game gatherings with his friends, as well as their annual trips to Air Way Lodge.
Commitment to farm life didn’t leave much time for travel, but Laurel and Eleanor greatly enjoyed the trips they were able to take to Texas to spend time with their son and his family.
Laurel Dwight, named after his grandfather and father, was often called “Laurie” by his dad, “LD” by his wife, and known as “G Pa” by his family. It is truly a testament to the wonderful loving man he was, that five of his family members are named after him.
He was a hardworking, loving, kind, and generous man of great strength, character, and integrity and someone you could always count on. He was loved and admired by all who knew him and he will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed.
Laurel is survived by his children; Scott (Dawn) Mott of Allen, TX, and Christine (Rob) Bramer of Olivet, MI; eight grandchildren, Calen (Jessica) Bramer of Olivet, MI; Cameron (Erin) Bramer of Olivet, MI; Kiler Bramer of Olivet, MI; Jaclyn (Young) and Charlie Smith of Mckinney, TX; Macy (Young) and Chris Middleton of Prosper, TX; Caitlan (Young) and Jon Ropson of Aubrey, TX; Peyton Mott of McKinney, TX; Trevor (Campbell) Mott of Allen, TX; 16 great grandchildren, Lily and Laurelei Bramer, Blakely and Emersyn Bramer, Zaiden, Zavier, and Zilas Bramer, Triniti, Graci, Hope, and Abagail Smith; Prescott, Oliver, and Claire Middleton; Max and Nora Ropson; brother, Anthony J Mott and brother-in-law, Gerald Campbell; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Eleanor; his parents; and his siblings, Shirley Campbell and Richard Mott.
A memorial gathering will be held on December 15, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076.
If you would like to make a donation in his memory, his family asks that you please consider donating to the Olivet Class of 1982 Scholarship Fund through the Marshall Community Foundation, 614 Homer Road, Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Laurel’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Helen Bond
Helen Bond, age 88, of Lake Odessa, MI passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024, at her home.
She is survived by children, Peggy (Steve) Rathburn and Scott (Robin) Bond; her siblings, Robert (Lois) Gardner, Forrest (Elaine) Gardner, Shirley (Rodney) Harmon, and Diane Gardner; grandchildren, Robert (Andrea) Bond, Ashley (Kyle Arnie) Bond, Gregory (Katherine) Rathburn, Holly (Michael) Brandt; and great-grandchildren, Aubree, Arian, Kendall Bond, Damien Gibson, Payton Arnie, Chase, Cruize, Cayll, and Knox Rathburn. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, and her brother Roger Gardner.
The family held a celebration of Helen’s life on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville where guests were invited to share a light lunch and celebrate the many highlights and stories of Helen’s life.
Interment took place privately at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, MI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Tammy Reynolds
Tammy (Bennett) Reynolds, born on April 18, 1967, in Belding, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Tammy was a graduate of Holt High School and devoted her life’s work to the students of Beekman Center in Lansing, where she began her career in 1991 and retired in January 2024.
Throughout her time in special education, Tammy dedicated herself to countless initiatives. She passionately supported the Beekman Bell Choir, Yearbook, Cheer and Dance Teams, PBIS Store, Beekman Car Show (benefiting the Horse Therapy Center), and the Special Olympics. She also championed the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes charity walk, raising funds for cancer research. Another cherished space for Tammy at Beekman was the Pet Shop, where her deep love for animals shined brightly.
Tammy had a unique bond with animals, both at Beekman and beyond. Her gentle spirit seemed to attract wildlife; a herd of deer would often gather nightly to be near her, and she lovingly fostered and rehomed countless lost and injured animals.
In every role—as a mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend—Tammy put others first, even when she was facing her own battle. Her family and friends will always remember her bright smile, which could lift any heart, and her contagious laugh that filled every room with joy.
Tammy was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Johnson; and her beloved angel grandbaby, Gabby. She is survived by her father, Leo (Kathy) Bennett; brother, Jeremy; sister, Teri; stepbrother, Todd; stepsister, Melissa; step father, Dan Johnson; children, Cody and Jordan Campbell, Amanda (Phillip) Clark, and Tony Reynolds; cherished grandchildren, Aliyah, Sophia, Brynlee, and Anthony; and her husband of 25 years, Don Reynolds, the love of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Area 8 Special Olympics in Lansing. To send a message of sympathy, sign Tammy’s online guestbook, or share a memory, please visit www.NeptuneSociety.com.