Michael John Jegla, of Westphalia, passed away at home on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the age of 68. He was born on September 6, 1954, the son of Robert and Artis (Pinkney) Jegla. Mike graduated from Pewamo-Westphalia High School Class of 1972. After high school, Mike began his extensive professional painting career, he owned and operated Country Painters for more than 43 years. Not only was Mike a wonderful painter, but he was handy in many aspects around the house. Mike was happiest when...

Jack Patrick Newton, Jr., of Ovid, Michigan, passed away suddenly on January 26, 2023 at the age of 14. He was born to loving parents, Jack Newton, Sr. and Amy (Ayers) on October 24, 2008 in Lansing, Michigan. Jack lived a full and adventurous life in his short 14 years on Earth. He was exceptionally kind and loving to everyone he came across. He was always sure that others needs were met before his own and he made many friends along the way. Jack was very protective of his brothers, they...

John Neal Rossell, 67, of Ionia, passed away surrounded by his family on January 23, 2023 after a three year courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Ionia, Michigan on August 21, 1955, the son of Floyd N. and Lois M. (Slater) Rossell. John had a heart of gold and was willing to help anyone in need. He had an extensive knife collection which he was very proud of. He was a locksmith in the Ionia area for many years and was very handy around the house. Preceding John in death are his...

Timothy Harold Belen, of Westphalia, passed away on January 20, 2023, at the age of 81.  He was born in Westphalia, Michigan on January 11, 1942, the son of Norbert and Marian (Wieber) Belen.  He retired from General Motors after 35 years of service.  Tim was a life-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1961.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served in the Michigan National Guard.  Tim was a...

Nola "Dimples" Jean Slocum, age 80, passed away January 16, 2023 after her courageous battle with Breast Cancer that had metastized to her bones. She was born on February 10, 1942 and was married to James Slocum for a total of 57 years. They had first married August 4, 1961, and divorced February 17, 1977, to remarry the second time March 20, 1982. Dimples was a strong, beautiful, and a very independent woman. She loved spending time with family and friends whenever possible....

David Joseph Lenneman, of Portland, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on January 13, 2023 at the age of 67. He was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 6, 1955, the son of Joseph and Julianne (Schafer) Lenneman. Dave was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. He was very active in AA over the years, where he worked hard to support anyone who needed a sponsor or a listening ear to talk to. Dave enjoyed...

Barbara Ann Densmore, of Portland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 12, 2023 at the age of 86. She was born in Portland on January 5, 1937 to Peter and Helen (Fernholz) Gensterblum. Barb was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a graduate of St. Patrick High School Class of 1955. She went on to work at the Secretary of State for over 30 years before her retirement. Barb loved spending time with her family and making memories at Cobb Lake. She...

Teresa "Terri" JoAnn Howland, age 64, peacefully passed away January 9, 2023 with her family at her bedside.  She was born on April 29, 1958 and was happily married to Ron Howland for over 35 years and enjoyed many years of happiness.  Terri was a beautiful, strong, amazing mother with three children who were blessed to call her mom, Christine Caster (Rob), Wendy Wagner (Bryon) and Paul Howland, eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild, on the way....

Lyle Oliver Braley, of Portland, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 6, 2023, at the age of 88. Lyle was born on November 7, 1934, in Edmore, MI to John and Madge (Brokaw) Braley. Lyle was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from the Lansing School District in 2000, after many years of service. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on cars for everyone. Preceding Lyle in...

Lynda Mae Russman (Sandborn), age 78, of Portland went to Heaven on January 6, 2023. She was born on July 5, 1944 to a family of 5. Happily married to a loving husband, Jim Russman for 55 years. A loving mother to Dan, Deb, and Dianne Russman. She enjoyed golf, her bowling league, and caring for and riding her horses. Lynda was a registered nurse for 45 years providing care to all of her patients. She was known to make the most of each day rain, snow, or shine. She would be seen outside...