Obituaries

Augustus Mart “Gus” Harrell Jr., age 80, of Marcellus, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at The Orchards of Three Rivers. He was born February 18, 1946 in Decatur, the son of Augustus M. and Sarah E. (Long) Harrell Sr. Gus worked at Welch’s in Lawton for many years as a specialized mechanic. His conscientiousness and eye for detail kept …

Ellen Marie Jones, age 84, of Portage, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Beta House in Portage. She was born on October 5, 1941, the daughter of James Leo and Marcella (Hessell) Cox. In accordance with her wishes, a private family burial will take place at Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville. Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock …

Carol Jean Hines, age 88, passed peacefully on a beautiful Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, at the Orchards of Three Rivers (formerly Edgewood Health and Rehab), where she resided under loving care for three years. Carol was born on November 13, 1937 at her family home, first born daughter to Isabelle and Glen Butler. She was a devoted big sister …

Charles “Chuck” Edward Hunt, Jr., age 49, of Athens, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Through his selfless decision to be a tissue donor, Chuck gave the gift of hope and healing to others, continuing to make a difference even after his passing. Chuck was born on April 30, 1977 in Bartow, Florida, …

Anita Marie Bonney, age 67, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Warren, MI following a brief illness. She was born on February 22, 1959 in Chicago, the daughter of Eddie Allen and Elvie Ross. Anita attended Mendon High School and was part of the 1977 graduating class. For nearly 20 years, Anita was an exceptional Educational Representative in …

Ruth Ann Leck, age 91, died on May 8, 2026.  She was born January 22, 1935 in Pittsburg, IL, and was the daughter of Len and Carrie Peebles. She was preceded in passing by her parents; siblings; Joseph (Jean), Harold (Charlotte), Mary Lou (Jim), Rose (Earl), Sue (Phil); and many nieces and nephews. Her favorite past time was cooking and …

Dale Eugene Mais, age 74, of Marcellus, passed away on May 5, 2026 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. He was born on March 24, 1952 in South Bend, the son of Rollin and Violet (Pane) Mais. Dale met the love of his life, Ellen Barrell, when they were just 16 years old at John Adams High School in South Bend. …

Jarod Allyn Mayer, age 47, of Kansas City, Missouri, and a former resident of Bronson and Burr Oak, Michigan, passed away on April 27, 2026, at his home. A Celebration of Life for Jarod will be held at a later date. He was born June 1, 1978 in Sturgis, son of Nile L. and Beverly L. (Arver) Mayer. Many special …

Gundars Strautnieks, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place. He was born Sept. 28, 1932 in Rauna, Latvia, the son of Edgars and Irma (Smukulis) Strautnieks. Moved from Rauna to Penkule, Latvia where he finished 5th grade before being displaced by the war and spending the next 6 years in various refugee …

Jerry Calvin Metzger, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away on May 10, 2026 at Medilodge of Portage in Portage, Michigan. He was born May 9, 1946 in Battle Creek, son of the late John and Beulah (Young) Metzger. Jerry made his home in Sturgis until 1972 when he moved to Fayette, Ohio, where he was employed by the Walther Corporation. …