Obituaries
Myrtle Jean Taylor
Myrtle Jean Taylor, age 85, of Hastings, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday, January 6, 2024. She was born April 28, 1938, in Blue Diamond, Kentucky the daughter of Walter and Lila (Bowling) Napier. Myrtle was very proud of her heritage and her Kentucky home. She along with her family moved to Michigan to find work when she was a young girl. Myrtle was a lifelong antique collector and dealer. Her faith and family were first and foremost in her life. She was a devoted Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. Myrtle adored her family and especially loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
Myrtle is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert; children, Angie Heir of Lansing, Martin (Jelyn) Gullett of Florence, Arizona, Lee (Shelly) Gullett of Grandville, Kimberly (Joe Jr.) Russman of Portland, Stacy (Ron) Adams of Portland, Michael Taylor of Portage; numerous grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; five sisters; and daughter, Kathy Smith.
Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. James K. Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
To view Myrtle’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
John Elwood Shumway
John Elwood Shumway, age 88, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 18, 2023. John was born in Lake Odessa on May 12, 1935, and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, bowling and square dancing in his younger years. He and his family spent many summers on Drummond Island making wonderful memories. John was an active member of Moose Lodge 288 where he received his Pilgrim Degree in 2002 and served as a long-time administrator. He also served in the Navy and retired from Diamond Reo. John will be missed by all who knew him.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Letha; first wife, Shirley (Birman); infant son, John; brothers, Bob (Betty) and Roy; and sisters, Bernice and Margaret.
He is survived by his wife, Barb, and her family; sons, Dennis (Jackie) and Randy; grandchildren: John E., Nicky (Simon) Barry, Jennifer (Mike) Coachman, Michelle (Roberto) Renteria, Derek, and Bradley (Danni); and 36 greatgrandchildren.
A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 20, 2024, at the VFW Post 7309 located at 1243 Hull Road in Mason, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the VFW. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Paul Exelby
Mr. Paul Exelby, age 85 of, Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023 at his home with his beloved wife and his dog “Stanley” at his side.
Paul is survived by his wife Robin, daughters Dr. Cynthia (Misty) Exelby of New Mexico, Deborah Ciampa of Charlotte, Paula (Russ) Angus of Bellevue, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Paul’s passing was made peaceful and gentle through the compassionate care of Wings of Hope Hospice.
Paul’s ashes will be laid to rest at a private family graveside service at Kalamo Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Elizabeth Walling
Elizabeth Walling, 87 of Charlotte, a quiet and very loving, family-oriented woman, died January 10, 2024. She was born Elizabeth Joan Castle in Owosso, the daughter of Howard and Laveina (Sheldon) Castle. In 1958 she married Richard Walling and devoted her life to being the best homemaker, a loving wife and mother, and even raised her first granddaughter. There were many homemade goodies that her family loved…she made a wonderful mac and cheese, peanut butter fudge, and many different cookies so there was always a treat around. While she never officially “worked” outside her home, she volunteered for the Family Independence Agency of Eaton County.
Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, making many beautiful items over the years for herself and others, and she enjoyed playing video games.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Edward Castle, Roberta (Roy) VanNortrick, and Ermie Walling; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Walling in 1980; special friend, Melvin Gardner; half-brothers, Howard Castle Jr. and George Castle; half-sisters, Dorthy Maurer and Lelah Allerding; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Elizabeth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, January 12, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Elizabeth’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Aneka Jan Aumiller
Aneka Jan Aumiller of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side January 5, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on December 15, 1947, the daughter of Max and Viola (Wolf) LeFevre. Aneka graduated from Springport High School in 1966 and married the love of her life, Bob on October 19, 1985. She had many hobbies, camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Aneka loved being outdoors and rock hunting with her family. She and her family spent many hours looking for rocks and making her husband load up and move rocks.
She is survived by her spouse, Robert Aumiller of Eaton Rapids; children, Michelle (Darren) Warner of Eaton Rapids, Corey (Cheryl) Hutchison of Onondaga, Hillary (Travis) Millen of Mason, Jarred (Mandy) Campbell of Traverse City; grandchildren, Cameron (Leah) Warner, Triston (Danielle) Warner, Shelby Warner, Gabrielle (Amanda) Hutchison, Austen (Makenzie) Hutchison, Maximus Hutchison, Roman Cushman, Brielle Campbell, Conner Campbell; great grandchildren, Bella Hutchison, Denver Warner, Emelia Warner, Oaklyn Hutchison; sisters, Debbie Newland, Loretta Bellows, Teresa Locke. Aneka was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Viola LeFevre; twin sister, Anita Warner.
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd, Lansing MI 48911, in loving memory of Aneka Jan Aumiller. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.