Obituaries
Deborah Ann Laverty
Deborah Ann Laverty of Eaton Rapids, peacefully passed away at home on May 18, 2024, at the age of 66. Debbie was born on July 17, 1957, in Rushville, Indiana, the daughter of DeWayne and Pauline (Siefert) Nighbert. She was a homemaker and took impeccable care of her home. Debbie was very creative. She was always working on a project in her home to make it more beautiful. Debbie also enjoyed working outside in her yard. She did all the yardwork at her home and loved sprucing up her flower beds. Debbie had a special place in her heart for animals, she always had dogs and they brought her so much joy.
She is survived by her husband, Guy Laverty of Eaton Rapids; two brothers, one sister and several very special nieces and nephews. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in loving memory of Deborah Ann Laverty. 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.
Carol Ann Quantrell
Carol Ann Quantrell, a woman with the biggest heart who would always go out of her way to help others, died on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Carol, 64, of Charlotte, was born on February 1, 1960 in Petoskey the daughter of Les and Charlotte Ferrett. She was later adopted by Arthur and Luella Saeger. Upon graduating from Millington High School, Carol began working as a Nurse’s Aide at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility and later Hayes Green Beach Hospital. On November 9, 1985, she married James “Jim” Quantrell, the couple would spend the next 38 years creating lasting memories. Most recently Carol worked at Walmart until her health worsened and she had to retire. Hobbies that Carol enjoyed included shopping, jigsaw puzzles, and family trips to Millington, MI. Family meant the world to Carol, she and Jim bowled with each other for several years, she also enjoyed running the chainsaw while helping cut wood, and coaching her son’s little league baseball team. Above all, once her grandchildren were born, they stole her heart, Emily and Jonathan meant the world to her.
Carol is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Justin (Alexis) Quantrell; grandchildren, Emily, and Jonathan; siblings, Jim Saeger, Dick Saeger, Linda Dues, Brenda Frahm, Cindy Morey, Michelle Franklin, Holly Odette, Bill Sobleskey, Steve Sobleskey, Rob Sobleskey, Carla Sundberg, David Sobleskey, Scott Sobleskey, and their spouses; father-in-law, Jack Quantrell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her biological mother, Charlotte Sobleskey; step-father, Robert Sobleskey; biological father, Les Ferrett; adoptive parents, Art and Luella Seagar; sister, Tunya Copple; and mother-in-law, Beverly Quantrell.
Friends are encouraged to support Carol’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, May 31, 2024, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Duane Royston 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 Carol’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 the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey David Reitz
Jeffrey David Reitz, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on December 7, 1961, in Eaton Rapids, he was the beloved son of David Reitz and Nickie (Householder) Reitz Koos. Jeff attended Eaton Rapids Public School and Everett High School. He dedicated his career to varies types of maintenance work and landscaping throughout his career, retiring in 2020.
Jeff was a car and boat racing enthusiast, often attending races at Spartan Speedway and Mid-Michigan Motorplex. He cherished the outdoors, finding joy in kayaking, canoeing, and riding bicycles and quads.
He is survived by his mother, Nickie Koos; his children, Ryan (Diamond) Reitz, Michael (Jessica) Reitz, Krystin (Josh) Moore, Rachel Reitz, Angel Reitz, and Brandon Reitz; his grandchildren, Daisy, Linsey, Jacob, Wyatt, McKenna, Caiden, Stella, Josh, Brayden, Aubrey; his great-grandchildren, Blake, Kayden, Grayson, Nichole, and Ella Rose; and his sisters, Lesley (Edward) Murray, Cori (Denis) Pido, and Heather (Albert) Lopez. He is also remembered by several nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, David Reitz; his stepfather, Charles Koos; his sister, Sue Reitz; and his infant daughter, Ashley Jo.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with visitation beginning at noon. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choosing, in memory of Jeff Reitz. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Elaine Augustine
Elaine Augustine, 90, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings, Michigan.
She was born on January 10, 1934, to Glenn and Lillian (Himebaugh) Brown in Bellevue, Michigan.
On October 10, 1954, Elaine married James Augustine in Bellevue, Michigan, sadly he passed away on March 13, 2018. For 21 years she worked for Bellevue Public Schools in the food service department, retiring in 1999. Elaine was a member of Heritage Hills Bible Church in Bellevue, Michigan. The neighborhood could always count on Elaine for having fresh baked cookies out on her back porch for you to help yourself to. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed helping with luncheons at Heritage Hills Bible Church. Elaine enjoyed tending to their garden and then canning the bountiful harvest. She didn’t know a stranger and always made you feel welcomed and loved. Elaine’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her loving children; Glenn Augustine of Battle Creek, Michigan, Harry (Louise) Augustine of Bellevue, Michigan, Dale Augustine of Bellevue, Michigan and Robyn (Bill) Courtney of Bellevue, Michigan; her 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Augustine, her parents, her sister and brother-in-law Vera (Fred) Finney, her father and mother-in-law Harry (Margaret) Augustine, her brother-in-law, Jerry Augustine and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn (Jack) Thornton.
Visitation for Elaine took place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Heritage Hills Bible Church (13015 S M-66 Hwy, Bellevue, MI 49021).
The funeral service was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Hills Bible Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Aaron Sommers officiating.
Burial followed at Ellis Cemetery in Assyria Township, Michigan.
Memorials may be directed to the Bellevue Scholarship Fund or Heritage Hills Bible Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Connie Louise Bazaire
Connie Louise Bazaire, of Parrish, Florida, formerly Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Connie was born on June 2, 1937, in Charlotte to Theodore and Atha Carter. Connie established lifelong roots in the Charlotte community, beginning with her role as a trusted employee and helper to her father, Theo, in his first grocery store (Carter’s IGA) on Lansing Road. In her High School years (1951-1955), Connie loved playing the flute and piccolo in the Charlotte High School Marching Band, under the direction of Robert K. Powell. Mr. Powell had a long history with the music department at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, and was instrumental in helping Connie receive a music scholarship to continue playing her beloved instruments in College for the Hilltoppers marching band. In 1957, Connie transferred to Michigan State University to study Nursing, and so began the “Spartan years,” that would be some of the best of her life. While at Michigan State, Connie met her husband Keith during her last year on campus, and the two would later marry in June of 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Connie and Keith were both avid Michigan State Football and Basketball fans and would attend countless tailgates and games over the years. Connie’s sons would joke with her about being the “President de Facto” of the Izz-zone (Southern Chapter).
Connie began her nursing career as an RN at Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit Michigan, and enjoyed learning the hands-on practice of nursing while she was there. After marrying Keith, Connie would join him in Columbus Ohio, at Ohio State University, where he was obtaining his master’s degree. Following OSU, the two would settle in Midland, Michigan, where Keith began working for Dow Chemical. Keith and Connie would eventually move back to Charlotte in 1969, and Connie would continue her Nursing career at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Ultimately, Connie would finish her career as a Hospital Administrator, as the Director of Nurses at Hayes Green Beach, retiring from that position in 1985. Connie loved being a part of the Charlotte community, and over the years would become a member of many volunteer organizations, and groups. Women’s Club of Charlotte, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mobile Meals, as well as a contributor to the ongoing donor funding for Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
Connie, alongside Keith would enjoy many years of traveling with their life-long friends, Larry and Sonnie Cody of Charlotte. The Bazaire’s and Cody’s would spend many wonderful years travelling to Maui, Hawaii, and built a lifetime of memories on the Island. Inspired by Keith’s private pilot flying lessons, Connie would join him in the process of obtaining her own pilot’s license shortly after Keith earned his “wings” in 1988.
Later in life, after her three sons began their own journeys, she would rediscover her love for playing cards (most notably Bridge). She cherished her time with the bridge club that would gather at Evelyn Bay Coffee shop in downtown Charlotte.
Throughout the years, Connie enjoyed giving back to the community of Charlotte, her time spent with her children and grandchildren, nurturing local friendships, and staying involved at her church and hospital. Connie will be missed by many. She had a great sense of humor, a giving nature, and tremendous strength as a mother of three boys.
Connie is survived by her eldest son, Jeffrey; son, Kevin; and son, Michael (Erron Sparks); grandchildren, Allison Bazaire (Bill), Carter Bazaire (Lincy), Ty Pion (Kristin), Brooke Miller (Daniel); great-grandchild Hazel. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; father, Theo; mother, Atha; sister, Carol Carter (Gray); father-in-law, Henry Bazaire; and mother-in-law, Wilma Bazaire.
Family and friends are encouraged to support Connie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan, Summer 2024. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.