Obituaries
Delores Louise Cassidy
Delores Louise Cassidy (Dee) of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 19, 2023, at the age of 78. Dee was born on January 13, 1945, to Elida (Letts) Cassidy of Eaton Rapids and Edgar B. Cassidy of Cleveland, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elida in 1998 and her father, Edgar, who lost his life in World War II in 1945. Dee is also preceded in death by special cousins, Mary Lou Letts Foess and Marietta Harris Schafer. She is survived by her foster son, Scott Newsome of Eaton Rapids, and many very special cousins. Although Dee was an only child she did not lack for family.
Dee completed her bachelor’s at Michigan State University, graduating Suma Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kapa. She completed both of her master’s degrees at MSU as well. Dee taught English, Writing and Journalism for many years in Eaton Rapids, where she was known affectionately as “teacher lady.” She had been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids for many years and was a member of the Capital Area Brain Injury Association, where she had many wonderful friends.
Visitation was held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Monday, October 23. The funeral service was held at First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, on Tuesday, October 24. Interment followed at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Capital Area Brain Injury Association, 901 Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910 in Dee’s memory. To leave condolences for the family visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Anita Jane Warner
Anita Jane Warner of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 28, 2023, at the age of 75. Anita was born in Springport, Michigan on December 15, 1947, the daughter of Max and Viola (Wolf) LeFevre. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with her husband.
Anita is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Robert “Bob” Warner of Eaton Rapids; children, Keith Rockafellow II of Eaton Rapids, Darren (Michelle) Warner of Eaton Rapids; four sisters; and numerous grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Rockafellow; parents, Max and Viola, as well as, several aunts and uncles.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel of Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204 in loving memory of Anita Jane Warner. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Arlene Marie Sargent
Arlene Marie Sargent, 81, of Vermontville passed away on October 30, 2023. A service was held on Friday, November 3, 2023, 2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
John A. Halsey
John A. Halsey, 89, of Yorkville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023. He was born in Olivet, Michigan in 1934 to Victor and Dorothy (Southworth) Halsey.
John attended Olivet High School before studying Agriculture at Michigan University, Judson University for Divinity and Wayne State for master’s in social work.
John was preceded in death by Victor and Dorothy Halsey (parents) and Thain Scheid (grandson).
John is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Schroeder-Halsey; his brother, Ron Halsey; his sister, Nancy Crane; his children, Nicki Maillet (Gary), Mark Halsey (Nancy Jones), Phil Elam (Joe Ruffle) and Cynthia Geoghegan (Paul); and his stepson, David Schroeder (Jennifer). He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Lars Scheid (Amity), Brittany Scheid, Kirsten Elam (Zack Newton), Kaela Bartlett (Josiah), Kara Prachar, Riley Geoghegan, James Schroeder (Alyssa Caliendo), Clara Schroeder, Mike Smith (Laura); 13 great-grandchildren: Nicholas Mower, Eli Mower, Josiah Mower (Bailey), Tahlia Dishmon (Mike), Jayson Scheid, Kasandra Scheid, Dracen Scheid, Audrey Sowa, McKenna Newton, Ada Bartlett, Isla Bartlett, Amos Bartlett and Alan Smith, as well as two great great-grandchildren, Avalynn Mower and Elliot Mower.
He loved God, his family, and his birds. He lived a long and full life. Enjoyed tinkering with everything and couldn’t find anything he couldn’t fix.
For further information please call The Healy Chapel, Aurora, IL at 630-897-9291 or visit healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.
James Willis Drown
James Willis Drown, 88, of Potterville, MI passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023. He was born on June 27, 1936, son of Herba and Nellie (Smith) Drown. Jim graduated from Engadine High School and then went on to proudly serve his country for the United States Army Airborne Division. He retired from L.E. Myers Co. as a Heavy Equipment Operator after 25 years. Jim also volunteered at Hayes Green Beach for 29 years. He loved sports, especially baseball, following and watching high school sporting events.
James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Drown; son, Jeffrey Drown; granddaughter, Natalie Drown; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Richard) Catey, Kristine Hernden, Constance Teddy, and Barbara (Roger) Wickerham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert (Eleanor) Drown; and sister, Doris (Robert) Laban.
A Funeral Service with Military Honors was held Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Grand Ledge, 517 S Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. Visitation took place Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of James Drown to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The family has entrusted their care to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.