Carole Sue Coville, 78, of Mecosta, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 23, 2022, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

Carole was born June 23, 1943, in West Bloomfield, the daughter of James and Helene (Zellman) Wray, and moved to Mecosta County as a child.  In 1961, she graduated from Mecosta High School. 

In addition to raising her three daughters, Carole worked in a variety of vocations, with most of her time being spent in the banking industry.  Carole was very artistic, and her talent was used to create paintings, ink drawings, and crafts.  But nothing made her happier than spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren.

Carole is survived by her husband of 25 years, Denny; her daughters Sheri (Mark) Christensen, Missy (Mike) Willems, and Teri Pike; stepchildren Brad Coville, Brenda (Trevor) Morgan, and Kelly (Rob Damoth) Coville; grandchildren Katie (Gary), Hilary (Clark), Madison (Josiah), Josie, Brooke, Blake, Brayden, Maize, and Robin; her brother Robert (Kim) Wray; and several nieces and nephews.  Carole was preceded in death by her parents.

To honor Carole’s wishes, no formal services will be held.  However, a small coffee and dessert open house will be held for family and friends on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Morton Township Hall  located in Mecosta.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Martha Jane Eckert, 83, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, May 16, 2022, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

She was born January 21, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1957. For several years Martha worked at Wolverine World Wide on Michigan Ave. in Big Rapids until the location was closed. She then worked for Dar-V-Don doing cleaning and restoration work before retiring.

Martha loved to knit, and would make lap robes that her son would take to the local nursing homes for the residents.

On June 30, 1957, Martha married Clayton Eckert, who preceded her in death in 2012. She is survived by their two sons Edward ( Patricia Redburn) Eckert of Mecosta and David (Steven Vance) Eckert of N. Carolina; granddaughter Kelly (Terry) Ruppert; five great grandchildren, Zander, Aiden, Nolan, Steven, and Destiny; her fur baby Leisha; brothers-in-law, Maynard Eckert and Harold (Elaine) Eckert, both of Big Rapids; sister-in-law Mildred “Millie” (J.J.) Greyzck of Belding; and many nieces and nephews. Martha was also preceded in death by a sister and two brothers.

Funeral services for Martha will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and she will be laid to rest next to Clayton in the Pine Plains Cemetery.  Martha’s family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 3^rd at the funeral home, and prior to services on Saturday .  Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Mecosta County Commission on Aging.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 Thomas Gordon Mehl, 80, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly May 1, 2022, of natural causes, after a life full of love, joy, warmth, humor, music, adventure, curiosity, dedication, creativity and compassion. 

He was born January 16, 1942, in Big Rapids, the son of Ernest George (Barney) and Lydia (Klausing) Mehl, and graduated from Big Rapids High School, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University. After a brief career in Advertising, he joined Ferris in the School of Business in which he taught for 40 years.  Tom retired from Ferris in 2020, as Professor of Advertising and Integrated Marketing.

Tom loved Ferris both as a student and teacher, citing the cordiality of the faculty and their close involvement with the students. Several hundred of Tom’s students sent messages after his death full of praise for Tom as a teacher, mentor and friend.  Many give Tom much credit for their personal success in life. Tom’s students were an extension of his family.  Many said he showed exceptional and genuine interest in them, as students and beyond school.  Tom often hosted parties for them, met them for lunch, tubed with them down the river, and stayed close, no matter where life took them.

Tom was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids.  He grew up in a very happy, loving and musical family. Tom was a fun guy, known for his quick wit and smile. He loved riding his bicycle, stargazing, planes, classic cars, all kinds of music, a good beer, his dogs and the Detroit Lions.  There was little in which he didn’t find pleasure, which is what made Tom such a delight to be around. He had stories for every occasion.

Tom is survived by his sister Marilyn (Bob) Fulmer; his brother David J. (Diane) Mehl; nieces Kathryn VanDyke Krause, Debra VanDyke Hecker, Nella VanDyke, Janet Mehl, Laurie Mehl Weldon, and Amy Mehl Romines; nephews James and John Fulmer; and numerous grand- nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James E., sister Patricia Van Dyke (Gordon), and nephews David C. Mehl and Michael Fulmer.

A Celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Thomas G. Mehl Scholarship fund for financially needy students at www.ferris.edugiving. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Lou Sweet, 88, of Big Rapids,  went to be in the arms of her Lord Jesus on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from Mission Point of Big Rapids.

She was born January 16, 1934, in Blanchard, the daughter of Asa and Lola Mae (Messer) Esch.  Mary Lou grew up in Morley and graduated from Morley High School in 1952. 

In her younger years, Mary Lou worked at the Paris Post Office.  More recently she had worked as a bookkeeper at Ferris State University until retiring in 1996.  Mary Lou loved to attend different churches in the area, and also formerly volunteered at Metron Nursing Center.

Mary Lou was formerly married to Clet Sweet, who preceded her in death in 2009.  She is survived by their children Tim and his wife Kathy of Hersey, and Kristi and her husband Jeff Wirth of Paris; granddaughters Jacqueline, Dani, Manaya, and Hailey; great-grandchildren Charlee, Layla, Nolan, Sadie, Kane, and Cassius is on the way; and several nieces and nephews.  Mary Lou was also preceded in death by her daughter Tami, 3 sisters, and 3 brothers. 

Mary Lou’s family will greet friends from 1:00 - -2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Committal services will begin at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Stanwood Cemetery, with Pastor Gregg Shewan officiating.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Area 5 Special Olympics.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

David L. Steeno, 77, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.  

He was born June 20, 1944, in Green Bay, WI, the son of Paul and Grace (Martell) Steeno, and graduated from Sheboygan South High School in 1962.  An amateur photographer, he developed his own film and captured many wonderful memories.  He even created a wedding album for his oldest sister and her husband. David served as a Blue Beret (Air Police) in the U. S. Air Force from August 1966 until 1970. He completed two tours during the Vietnam War and served as Chief of Operations of an 800-person security police squadron while stationed at Minot Air Force Base. 

Following his honorable discharge he attended Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Mary.  They were married in a small private ceremony in Midland in 1971.  David completed law school, went into private practice, and then transitioned into teaching. His career in education began at Illinois State and Western Illinois University. In 1986, David and Mary moved to Big Rapids with their children, Karen and John, so that David could accept a position at Ferris State University.  Both David and Mary served students at Ferris State University and the campus’ Catholic Church for many years thereafter.

As a professor of Michigan Criminal Law and one of the founding members of the Ferris State Law Enforcement Academy, David was passionate about providing a quality education for his students. He served the Ferris State Community for 25 years and became renowned for being able to cite complex case facts on demand. He was also instrumental in elevating the rights of citizens, training police cadets on implicit bias. Professor Steeno challenged the status quo whenever possible.

David and Mary were lifelong Green Bay Packer fans and attended many games at Lambeau Field as season ticket holders. David was very interested in Wisconsin sports, US and World history, astronomy, music, films, and books. He enjoyed spending time with his family sharing knowledge, learning something new, and telling clever dad jokes. He was a generous and thoughtful husband, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather.

Mary preceded David in death on August 26, 2016.  He is survived by their daughter Karen (Kyle) Oberhill and granddaughter Grace of Kalamazoo, MI; their son John (Chelsey) of Wyoming, MI; and his sisters Nancy (Dan) Behring of Onekema, MI, Cecelia (Jim) Pawlowski of Wisonsin and Colorado, and Kathy (Mike) Hardgrove of Fond du Lac, WI.  David also had and loved several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of David’s life will be announced at a later date.  His remains will be laid to rest next to Mary’s in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project: PO Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.   Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

She was a peacemaker. Mary Marjorie Gamble, 89, of Big Rapids winged her flight to the Heavenly kingdom on May 4, 2022, at home with family present. 

Mary was born in Detroit, MI on January 19, 1933, to Ruth and Edward Strohm. She was raised in Detroit along with her brother, Leland and graduated from Redford High School.  She went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Wayne State. Mary took her first job at Mary Free Bed Rehab Hospital in Grand Rapids and worked as an occupational therapist for MOISD for the remainder of her career. She was an advocate and supporter to all persons, especially children with special needs. 

Mary was united in marriage to Joseph Gamble on September 27th, 1958. After living in East Lansing MI and Vincennes IN, in 1965 Mary and Joe moved to Willow Ave in Big Rapids. She and Joe were members of the United Church of Big Rapids, where she participated as a church schoolteacher, in mission outreach, and as a member of the handbell choir. Mary was a kind and caring woman who will be greatly missed by family, neighbors and friends far and wide. She walked her faith in a myriad of practical ways, including philanthropy, astute listening, and opening/sharing her home with others.

Every fall, Mary and Joe would make the BEST preserves - including applesauce, peaches, pickles, pepper relish in preparation for sharing with family, making the tradition of Christmas gift-giving super special and authentic!  Traditions have also been passed on with family recipes for yellow cake, springerle and lebkuchen cookies, and Swedish tea rings, making the “Holiday Home” a cornucopia of welcoming smells and learning for all arrivals.

Mary organized and participated in peace marches & conferences, retreats, interfaith prayer groups, and international folk dances. She loved music and being a woodcarver, seamstress, calligrapher and gardener. Mary interacted with nature in a way unlike most. She saw the beauty in small and unusual objects; rocks, seashells, driftwood, leaves, feathers, flowers, and she made collections of all the treasures she found.  Treasured collections also included: notes, letters, lace, photographs, stories…speaking to the depth of her interest in people and their voices, with their own stories to tell. 

Mary’s gift in life was to bring peace and love to everyone with whom she came in contact.  She and Joe opened their home to provide respite to children with special needs, hosted exchange student Sanna, and numerous members of international choirs and bands. Ferris students Lydia and Naftali, who resided in the Gamble home during their schooling, became part of the family.  Mary’s lifelong love and care for dogs included training two puppies, Solomon and Sunray, for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Her loving puppy, Pearl, has added companionship and joy the past year and a half.

Mary is survived by her children, Alan (Prisca), Ken (Joanne), and Karen (James Gussert); grandchildren, Charlotte (Afam), Levi (Summer), Ginger (Mark), Jordan, and Griffin; and great-grandchildren, Hawkins, Ember, Suvi, Myra and Vesper, with 1 soon to arrive. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joe Gamble.

The Gamble Family expresses our deepest gratitude to Mary’s caregivers: Susan, Mary, Ericka, Taylor, Marissa, Caitlyn, Kelse, and others. Mary’s quality of life was greatly enhanced with the support of these caring individuals and Willow Avenue neighbors. We thank Susan for helping to sustain a peaceful, joyful, loving home.    

A memorial gathering will be held late August in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers, live in peace with all. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Betty Jean Hosking, 98, long-time resident of Iron Mountain, Michigan and currently of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at The Brook of Big Rapids

She was born November 24, 1923, in Hancock, MI, the daughter of Edward and Grace (Carlson) Chapman, and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1942. In 1947, Betty married Richard “Jack” Hosking, who preceded her in death in 2009.

Family was very important to Betty, and she enthusiastically attended her kids and grandchildren’s school and sports activities. In her later years she helped in the family business. Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, and a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. She was also a member of Pine Grove Country Club and spent many summers at the cottage in Spread Eagle, WI.

Betty is survived by her sons, James (Helene) Hosking of Downers Grove, IL and David (Suzanne) Hosking of Big Rapids. Also her daughter-in-law SueEllen Hosking of Spread Eagle, WI; her grandchildren, Jaclyn (Graegar) Smith, Meredith Hosking (Mark Donoho), Allison (Rich) Nemesi, Kate (Joe) Mohar, Erik (Rachel) Hosking, Carlyn Hosking, Michael (Yoshita) Hosking, Patrick (Alexandra) Hosking, Ryan Hosking, and Elizabeth Hosking; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son Robert, brother Myron Chapman, and sisters Marge Uren and Doris Knudsen.

Memorial services for Betty will be held later this summer in Iron Mountain. Interment will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, or the Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Please share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

 Monique Cecile Mercier, 55, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at her home with her family by her side.

She was born May 14, 1966, in Detroit, the daughter of Marcel and Cecile (Mathe) Mercier, and graduated from Redford Bishop Borgess High School in 1984. For several years after that, Monique worked as an accountant for Alpine Subaru-Nissan in Grand Rapids.

On July 28, 1990, Monique married Paul M. Difflipp, and has resided in Big Rapids since. For 18 years she worked in the office of Marco Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge Dealership, and then for several years at Phillips Ford. In 2010, Monique began working as a financial analyst for Mecosta County General Hospital. She was also a member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535, and loved boating!

Monique is survived by her husband Paul; her siblings, Muriel Dreyer of Grand Rapids, Collette Mercier of Ogden, UT, Gisele Mix of Grand Rapids, Gerald (Becky) Mercier of Ogden, UT, Yvonne Mercier (Mark Spraic) of Upton, CA, and Paul (Mary Jo) Mercier of Beverly Hills, MI; her sister-in-law Suzann Mercier; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Penny and Steve Stilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert, and brothers-in-law Marlin Dreyer and Thomas Mix.

A Celebration of Monique’s life will be announced for later this year. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com