Obituaries
Jerry Ray Cairl
Jerry Ray Cairl of Eaton Rapids, passed away on October 16, 2023, at the age of 84. Jerry was born on June 30, 1939, in Wyman, MI to parents Alice (Jennings) Cairl and Walter Cleveland Cairl. He was raised with several siblings, Patricia, Joe, Mike, Tom, and Verona until moving to Perrinton, MI. He graduated from Fulton Middleton in 1958 and soon after married Linda Kay (Duttenhaver) Cairl. They had several children together and moved to the Lansing area where they were both employed. He is preceded in death by wife Linda (Duttenhaver) Cairl and children, Tracy, Randy, Steven, and Alan.
He worked a short period of time in an oil foundry, followed by Pepsi Cola and then finally to his career job of 30 years, at M & M Distributing as a route salesman and warehouse manager.
He married Shirley Jean (Heckard) in 1970 and welcomed her five children to his existing family of three.
They raised their children in Eaton Rapids and then moved to their retirement homestead in Barryton, MI, where he was a member of the Roadrunner Men’s Club and Barryton Methodist Church. They later returned to Eaton Rapids to be closer to family and gain fellowship with others in their prior community.
Jerry loved all things outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, and watch his garden grow. He enjoyed nurturing the wildlife- feeding birds, deer and even turkey. He was generous with his time, his advice, and beloved stories. He was above all humorous, quick-witted, and kept everyone laughing in life!
He is preceded in death by those mentioned previously and his wife, Shirley (Heckard) Cairl; parents, Alice (Jennings) Cairl and Walter Cairl; and brother, Joe Cairl.
Jerry is survived by his children, Jerilyn (Dan) O’Leary of Alger, Adam (Terri) Cairl of Williamston, Rochelle (Kevin) Caslavka of Holt, Renee’ Sutfin of TN, Stacy (Barb) Sutfin of East Tawas, Roxanne (Charles Ward) Lord of Holt, Steven (Alicia) Sutfin of Dansville; grandchildren, Logan (Andrea Scott) Lyon, Stephanie (Adam) Pikulski, Brandy Bragg, Jessica (James Martin) Lyon, Erin (Austin) Norton, Alison (Taryn) Laverdiere, Michael Lord, Joshua (Jacie Pitchford) Cairl, Jacob (Kylie) Cairl, Shelby (Zac) Pittman, Brittney Daly, Seth Caslavka, Dana Caslavka, James Gibson, and Tyler Sutfin; great grandchildren, Landon Lyon, Isla Lyon, Ruby Lyon, Leyna Lyon, Hudson Pikulski, Killian Loveall, Nora Loveall, Brecken Martin, Lynnlee Norton, Otto Norton, Dori Norton, Dilyn Laverdiere, Ivy Laverdiere, Wells Cairl; siblings, Patricia Zammeron, Mike (Connie) Cairl, Tom (Peg) Cairl, Verona (Keith) Nyquist.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. October 25, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Marty DeBow officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Aaron Spicer Babbitt
Aaron Spicer Babbitt of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully departed to join his heavenly father on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 35 after a two year battle with esophageal cancer. Aaron was born on December 28, 1987, in Hancock, MI, to parents Dan Babbitt and Lisa Price-Babbitt. He grew up in Eaton Rapids and was a proud member of the class of 2006.
Aaron was a true outdoors enthusiast, finding joy in hunting, fishing, and target shooting. He was a former member of the Grand Rapids Junior Pacers, competing on a national level in wheelchair basketball. Aaron also engaged in adaptive sports programs through Michigan State University. He is a graduate of Michigan Technical Institute and took great pride in his studies as a Pharmaceutical Technician.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Aaron dedicated his time to volunteering and advocating for Suicide Awareness and Prevention, as well as supporting the American Cancer Society. He was a cherished brother, son, uncle, grandson, and friend, who deeply loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them.
Aaron is preceded in death by his mother, Lisa Price-Babbitt; grandfather, Tom Price; grandfather, Jim McLaughlin; uncle, Rod McLaughlin; and cousin, Ryan Savage.
He is survived by his loving parents, Dan and Shari Babbitt; and his devoted grandparents, Bill and Judy Babbitt, Leona McLaughlin, and Donna Price. Aaron’s memory lives on through his sisters, Kristen (Tev Bergeron) Dembowske, Alexis (Andrew) Holmes, Sheila (Jake Stickler) Babbitt; as well as his nephews, Nolan and Corbin Dembowske, who he loved and adored to no end. He also leaves behind girlfriend, Becky Weston; and special friends, John Steward and Jason Boatman; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Aaron’s life was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. For those who wish to make memorial contributions, donations may be directed to the Craig Cartwright Memorial Fund or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in memory of Aaron and his passion for helping others. To share your memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Linton Ray Davidson
Linton Ray Davidson of Eaton Rapids, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away October 12, 2023, at the age of 88. Linton was born in Eaton Rapids on February 25, 1935, the son of John and Helen (Fernsler) Davidson. Linton was known by everyone he knew for his kindness and sense of humor. To know him was to love him.
Linton graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1953 and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business from Hillsdale College in 1957. After college, he served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator stationed in France. He returned to Eaton Rapids in 1960, where he eventually became the third-generation owner of his family’s business, Davidson’s Woolen Mills. The Woolen Mills became Davidson’s Old Mill Yarn after a devastating fire in 1969, and Linton’s wife, kids and grandkids worked alongside him over the following decades. A pillar of the community, Linton served as President of the Eaton Rapids School Board and was involved in many local organizations, such as the Eaton Rapids Downtown Development Authority, the Explorer Scouts, the Eaton Rapids bowling league, and the Eaton Rapids Kiwanis (Special Olympics and 4th of July BBQ), of which he was a member for 53 years. He was also an amateur historian and provided many exhibits with the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society.
Linton is survived by the love of his life to whom he was married for 62 years, Arlene (Coats) Davidson; children, Eric (Julie) Davidson of Florida, Heather (Marty) Williamson of Eaton Rapids, and Todd (Renae) Davidson of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Leanne Slaughter, Jordan (Victor Hill) Sabolish, Nicolas Davidson, Victoria Davidson, Brittany (Zach) DeWindt, and Andrew Davidson; great-grandchildren, Arlo Slaughter, Oliver Hill, and Christian DeWindt; brother, James (Janet) Davidson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, John F. Davidson.
Linton’s family expresses their gratitude to Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids for their thoughtful and loving care. In honor of Linton, you can start your own Sunday night family popcorn tradition, starting at 6:36 sharp. (Unless you need more time, in which case 6:37 is acceptable).
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Education Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Linton Ray Davidson. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Steven Wayne White
Steven Wayne White, a big-hearted, friendly guy that was always helping others, took his final breath on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Steven, 63 of Potterville, was born October 12, 1959 in Charlotte to Charles “Sonny” and Rosalie (Ditchfield) White, and he was a Charlotte High School graduate. Over the years Steven worked in many places, including Christenson’s Furniture, Candy Ford, Beacon Sales, and from 1994-2007 he lived in Florida and worked at a sheet metal steel roofing repair business. A well-rounded person, he enjoyed many activities including scuba diving, fishing, painting pictures, rebuilding his 1965 Honda Dream, and even training dogs for the blind, but one thing he remained passionate about for his entire life was a well-manicured lawn. A great cook, Steven loved family gatherings and the opportunity to share his gifts with everyone. Also, known as a jolly guy, it was only fitting that he could grow the perfect Christmas beard, full and white so he looked like Santa.
Steven is survived by his sons, Zebulin (Jennifer) White, Cody (Kelly) White, and Joshua Webb; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; father, Charles “Sonny” (Sharon) White; mother, Rosalie White; siblings, Billy White, Sonny Gene White, Cristal White, and Ruth Henry; and beloved mother to his boys, Diana White.
Friends are encouraged to support Steven’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Celebration of Life was planned for Steven’s birthday on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Eagles Aerie 3552 in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to World Wildlife Fund https://shorturl.at/FNP59. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Douglas Stan DeYoung
Douglas Stan DeYoung, 75, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on April 26, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Stanley and Marvel (Shelp) DeYoung. Douglas was a graduate of Everett High School class of 1966.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife and companion of fifty-two years, Cynthia DeYoung; daughter Angela (Loren) Golden of Avondale, Arizona; sons, Brad (Young) Choi-DeYoung of Okemos and Lorenzo (Lisa) DeYoung of Houston, Texas; numerous foster children, including Nyaring Mabil of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Katie and Lily Golden, Max and Mia Choi-DeYoung, Marissa Trantham, Sydena and Lawrencia Vara-DeYoung, and Paul Mabil; sister Janice King of Lansing; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Doug served his country in the Vietnam War with honor and dedication in the United States Army, while stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Doug was employed at General Motors, where he worked for 37 years before retiring. He then worked for the Grand Ledge School District as a bus driver for 11 years, where he enjoyed greeting his students with a good morning. In addition, he worked for over 40 years at MSU football games, first as a ticket taker and then as an usher.
Doug had many hobbies throughout his life including watching NASCAR with his grandson, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and tinkering on his farm or cottage at Coldwater Lake, but nothing was as important to him as his family, whom he loved dearly. Family and friends alike will miss his fun loving, prankster side, as he was always ready to share a hug, a joke or humorous story.
In remembering Doug, we celebrate a life well-lived. His memory will forever be cherished by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, sister, and numerous friends and other family members. Doug’s life was a testament to the power of his deep faith in the Lord, and his loving, caring, compassionate personality was felt by everyone he met. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 517 S. Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Douglas DeYoung to the family C/O Cynthia DeYoung. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.