Obituaries
Fred McCoy Fox, Jr.
Fred McCoy Fox, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, MI peacefully passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the age of 82. Fred was born on July 2, 1941, in Nashville, TN the son of Fred and Sarah (Tidwell) Fox. At the age of six, the Fox family relocated to Michigan, where Fred was raised in Eaton Rapids, ultimately graduating with the class of 1959.
Fred’s path led him to serve in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1962, stationed in San Diego, CA. Upon his honorable discharge, he embarked on a lifelong journey with the love of his life, Mary Lou Essig, whom he wed in 1963.
During his working years, Fred dedicated himself to a career as a pipefitter and later as a supervisor at Oldsmobile Plant 3 in Lansing, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred McCoy Fox, and Sarah Jane (Tidwell, Fox) Stokes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Fox; his loving daughters, Patricia Jane (Fred) Lankton, Kimberly Lynn (Ken) McElroy; and his son, Fred McCoy Fox, III (Eric Scheuering). His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Zachary Allen (Angela) Lankton, Valerie Nicole (Nathan) Schwinnen, Alicia Marie McElroy (Eric Ward), Alexus Rae McElroy, and Miles Scheuering; as well as three adoring great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his sister, Nancy Jean Wireman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred will forever be etched in our hearts for his immense kindness, charismatic personality, and, above all, his unwavering dedication as a role model for what it means to be a loving family man. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, regardless of whether their time was long or short.
In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held for Fred. To share your memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John Frederick Oatley, Sr.
John Frederick Oatley, Sr., of Eaton Rapids and Holt, Michigan, passed into the arms of Jesus on October 22, 2023 at the age of 91.
John was born to Chester and Jennie (Farnam) Oatley on November 27, 1931 in beautiful Frankfort, Michigan. John grew up with a large family and learned the values of hard work. Frankfort would be where John met the love of his life, Helen Katrine Bloom. They were married on March 8, 1952. They shared 67 wonderful years together.
John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. John would later go to school on the GI Bill. He attended Dental School in Elkhart, Indiana to become a dental technician. John settled in Lansing, Michigan. He first worked for Dr. Nolan and later Dr. Larry Stone for over 30 years until his retirement in 1992.
John and Katrine raised five children and lead a very busy life. Together they enjoyed family vacations, lots of camping, trips up north to visit family and countless activities. John loved working around the house and yard, tinkering in his garage, feeding the birds. John also had a special knack for fixing the impossible, where it may have taken some time for him to think on it, but he would always come up with a solution to get it fixed. John was an avid deer hunter, loved the outdoors, swimming in Lake Michigan and loved his country dearly.
John was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Lansing for over 60 years. He also was a volunteer for meals on Wheels along with his wife, Katrine for many years.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Katrine Oatley; sons, John Oatley, Jr. and Dean Oatley; granddaughters, Diana Cuatt and Shannon Sharp; grandson, Dean A. Oatley; daughter-in-law, Linda Oatley; sisters, Betty Shattuck, Dixie Buehrer and Dorothy Round; and brother, Ted Oatley. He is survived by his children: David Oatley of Mason, Brenda (Tom) Cuatt of Springport, Brian (Karen) Oatley of Eaton Rapids, Sonja Oatley of Eaton Rapids, and Carleen Oatley of Alabama; sister-in-law, Jeanette Oatley of Texas; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews also survive.
A Funeral Service to remember and celebrate John’s life was held Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Holt Chapel with Pastor Peter Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family received relatives and friends Friday, October 27, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing, Michigan.
James Vincent Brinker
James Vincent Brinker, age 29, of Lansing, Michigan, died unexpectedly in his sleep October 15, 2023. He was born June 18, 1994 in Lansing to John and Jennette (Guy) Brinker, the youngest of five children and an identical twin. He grew up in Charlotte, MI, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 2012, and later Spring Arbor University in 2016, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. He worked at Auto Owners Insurance in Lansing as a Predictive Modeler since 2016. He will be missed by all who called him husband, dad, brother, son, uncle, and friend, and will be remembered for his service, thoughtfulness, and love for others.
In 2014 he married Alana Ann Retzer, his high school sweetheart, and they enjoyed a wonderful life together traveling, making a home in their Lansing neighborhood, practicing their Christian faith, and eventually growing their family. Their son, Sage William, was born in March of 2022, and immediately became James’ pride and joy. James was a devoted, enthusiastic, and nurturing parent, taking on many of the responsibilities of raising Sage. He and Alana were excited to welcome their second child, a girl, this December.
James was devoted to his family, immediate and extended, as well as his church family, and was proud to be a member of Lansing Central Free Methodist Church. Volunteering on the board of the church as well as wherever he was needed, James loved to serve and cherished the faith community his church provided.
James’ lifelong favorite hobby was long-distance running, and he especially valued his participation on track and cross-country teams from middle school through college. Fall was his favorite season and best time to go for a run; he so enjoyed the smell and feel of the crisp Autumn air. James also enjoyed cooking and baking for his family and friends; he was known for his ginger molasses Christmas cookies and was working on making the perfect gluten free chocolate chip cookie (and many say he already did!). James also greatly enjoyed films, podcasts, and listening to music.
James is survived by his wife, Alana; son, Sage (19 months old); a daughter due to arrive in December; mother, Jennette (Donald) Stahelin; father, John Brinker; siblings, April (Adam) Gibbs, Kayla Denton, John (Marina) Brinker, and Jared (Janelle) Brinker; mother-in-law, Patricia Retzer; grandmothers, Francine Swisher and Marjorie Morris; brother-in-law, Patrick (Jessica) Retzer; and his beloved nieces and nephews Xander (18), Phoenix (17), Haven (16), Lilith (7), Sailor (3), Ember (1), Lucas (8), Isabella (6), Oliver (5); and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Ronald Brinker and Bill Morris; and father-in-law, Gerard Retzer.
Friends are encouraged to support James’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, October 20, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. at Central Free Methodist Church in Lansing with Pastor Joanna DeWolf officiating. The funeral will be webcast from the church’s YouTube page at the following link here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOHjAThthao. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to James’s favorite charities: Partners in Health International or Family and Child Charities of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sandra Kay Borseth
Sandra Kay Borseth, a feisty, loving, and witty mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Friday, October 13, 2023. Sandra, 78, of Lansing, MI. the daughter of Kenneth and Mary (Stillwell) Smith was born on July 30, 1945. She worked as a secretary for several companies over the years, most recently and where she retired is the State of Michigan with the Department of Corrections. Anyone that knew Sandra knew that she loved her Bingo. She could be found most days at the Carousel Bingo Hall. It was at the Bingo Hall where she was given the nickname “Buny.” Other hobbies she enjoyed were watching the Game Show Network, fishing, spending time at the family cottage on Bass Lake, sewing, knitting, cooking, and baking. In October of 1995 Sandra married Ronald Borseth. They were married for a short time before his passing. Sandra was strong with her Catholic faith; she attended St. Gerard Catholic Church. Above all, her family was the most important thing to her, with her Bingo winnings a close second. In a letter Sandra wrote to her children she said, “Don’t cry and don’t mourn my death. Instead, be happy that I have gone to be with my family that is already there.”
Sandra is survived by her children, Gerald (Wendy) Heppe II, and Melinda (Jeffrey) Wood; grandchildren, Devon (Macy) Wood, Bailey (Peter Rice) Wood, Diedrich Heppe, Marissa (Jared Martin) Wood, and Broch Heppe; 1 great-grandson, Mason, with another on the way; and dear friend, Denny Hardin. She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Borseth; the father to her children, Gerald Heppe; sisters, Winonna Dyer, and Loretta Nead; and her parents.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Moores AFC Home for the loving care provided. Specifically, Shelby, Paula, Cindy, Ashley, and Kim. The family is forever grateful. Friends are encouraged to support Sandra’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life for Sandra for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Harmony Cares Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sarah Jane Nichols
Sarah Jane (Wood) Nichols passed away peacefully in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on October 14, 2023, having graced this world with her thoughtful and generous presence since July 3, 1954. Born in Charlotte, Michigan, Sarah created a vibrant legacy that spanned family, work, and community.
She is survived by her sons, Jim (Jodi) Nichols, and Bill (Allison Bazaire) Nichols, along with three grandchildren who were her utmost delight: Easton, Keiser, and Eli Nichols. Sarah’s siblings, Nancy Adams, Norm (Jackie) Wood, Wilmott (Deborah) Wood, Edgar Wood, and John (Nicole) Wood, and their families, share in the loss. Her loving sisters-in-law, Mary Dewald, Pat Nichols and Sandy Wood, and brother-in-law, Larry (Brigette) Nichols, will forever remember her warmth. Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Nichols, daughter, Mary Nichols, her parents, and brother, Robert Wood.
Beyond her family by blood, Sarah’s unwavering heart held a chosen family dear. Lacey (Brian) Helmus, and their children Ellie, Laylee, and Jack, as well as the broader Patterson family equally mourn their loss. Sarah had numerous “other kids” that she loved and cherished their presence in her life.
Starting as a teen, Sarah served the State of Michigan for nearly 39 years – a position she initially took up for three months at the tender age of 16. Her dedication to her work was clear evidence of her tenacity and commitment.
On June 16, 1979, Sarah married the love of her life, Harold Nichols. During their 38 years together before Harold’s passing in December 2016, the couple savored their shared passion for travel. Sarah’s selflessness shone brightly through an annual Easter egg hunt tradition she started even before she had children of her own. This event celebrated its 40th year last Easter, bringing Sarah immense joy as she filled over 3,000 eggs, witnessing hundreds of thrilled children participating.
Sarah was part of the congregation of the First Baptist Church in Middleville. People remember her as a woman who was both thoughtful and generous, willing to extend her hand to help anyone in need.
Sarah’s spirit will be missed not only by her family but also by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who are left to cherish her memory. Sarah made a mark on this world with the love she spread, the work she accomplished, and the families she built. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the values, love, and joy she brought into our lives.
Sarah’s family received friends on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home. A celebration of Sarah’s life was conducted on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Middleville, with Pastor Nate Archer officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest next to her husband at Mount Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Memorial contributions to the Mary Fund will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Sarah’s family.