Robert Allen Arsnoe, 58, of Paris, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 28, 2023, at his home.

He was born March 30, 1965, in Muskegon, and attended Muskegon Public Schools. 

Rob loved the outdoors…. either camping, hiking, or just enjoying nature. Sometimes he could be found riding his quad or going 100 miles an hour across the field on his snowmobile. Rob can be described as a quiet, funny, loving, dedicated, loyal man.  He loved to make people laugh.

Rob is survived by his life partner Marilyn Williams, his best friend James Speck, and beloved dog Gunner, who was always by his side.

No services are planned at this time. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

(David) Bruce Maxon, Sr. 78, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully August 25, 2023, at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont.

Bruce was born May 22, 1945, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Donald Allen and Luella Mathilda (Leveque) Maxon. He grew up in Rodney, MI and graduated from the Mecosta Consolidated School System in May 1963.

He began his 42-year career at Wolverine World Wide in March 1964; working his way from laborer to plant manager, an accomplishment he was very proud of. Throughout those years, Bruce exemplified his extensive professional talents and skills and often shared stories about his career.

On January 9, 1965, he married Cheryl Ann Goodburn and together they had two children, Kathyrn Marie and David Bruce, Jr. They shared 29 years of marriage. Bruce was incredibly proud of his children, and he shared that sentiment often. The guidance, love and support he provided them will be cherished forever. He epitomized the importance and value of a strong work ethic, as his children watched how hard their father worked his entire life.

On May 3, 1996, Bruce married Lori Jo Teske and they were active members of Resurrection Life Church for many years.

Known for his quick-wit and sense of humor, the countless people that knew him will have a memory of Bruce that will make them smile.

Bruce is survived by his children Kathy (Scott) Wertanen and David Maxon, Jr.; grandchildren Jason Holland, and Jacob and Lucas Maxon; stepsons Lenny (Amy) and Eli (Jamie) Teske; step grandchildren Anne-Marie and Levi Teske; brothers Donald (Maxine) Maxon and Louis (Sue) Maxon; sisters Donna Whiteside, Carol Lintemuth, Claudia Miller, and Theresa (Jim Dennis) Maxon-VanVels; brother-in-law Raymond Miller; and many nieces, nephews and their families. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Lori (July 2023), parents, sisters Judy Miller and Joyce Holsworth, brothers-in-law Roy Holsworth, Don Whiteside, Glen Miller, Ronald Lintemuth, and nephew Doug Maxon.

There will be a celebration of Bruce’s life held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023,  at the Chippewa Township Community Building, with a luncheon to follow. A private burial service will be held in the Martiny Township Cemetery at a later date.

The family extends a most grateful thank you to the staff of Hospice of Michigan and the Newaygo County Compassion Home for the exemplary care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bruce’s name may be made to the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont, MI. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Shirley Jean Morse, 84, of Morley, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Reed City Fields Assisted Living.

Shirley was born November 18, 1938, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, the daughter of William and Beulah (Jenks) Moon.  She grew up in Barryton, and graduated from Barryton Rural High School in 1956.

For over 40 years, Shirley worked for the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency, and retired as the Executive Director.  She loved her home on Brady Lake in Aetna Township where she enjoyed her plants and flowers, and also worked seasonally as a cashier for Saenz Greenhouse.

Shirley was a member of the Hillcrest Church of God in Cedar Springs.  She served on the Board of Trustees for Aetna Township, and supported the Morley-Stanwood sports program.  Shirley also liked the Detroit Tigers, and was a Michigan State University basketball fan as well.

Shirley is survived by her children, Carol Starkey, Douglas Bennett, Gary (Lynnette) Bennett, David (Mary) Bennett, Scott Bennett, and Todd (Angie) Bennett; 10 grandchildren; 22 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters Lois and Sherron, and daughter-in-law Valerie Bennett.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Stanwood Buffalo Eagles 4360. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Hillcrest Church of God in Cedar Springs. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Mary Martha (Dunham) Henry, 89, went to her heavenly home, surrounded by her loving family, on August 12, 2023.

Mary was born on June 19, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Harman W. and Mary Rose (LeBeau) Dunham. Their family subsequently moved to Arlington, VA and later to Knoxville TN. They returned to Benton Harbor, MI where Mary attended high school. Mary then went on to Western Michigan University and became an elementary school teacher. At Western, she met and fell in love with a fellow student, Dave Henry - they were married on August 25, 1956. They lived in the Wayne County area where Mary taught in Plymouth, while Dave finished his degree at the University of Michigan. They began their family with John born in Detroit and Nancy born in Dearborn.

The family then moved to Big Rapids in 1959 when Dave became an instructor at Ferris Institute. The family expanded as Bill, Mike, Mary Anne, and Cathy were born. They raised their six children in Big Rapids where their kids attended St Mary’s School and Big Rapids High School.

Mary was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was also an active volunteer at St Paul’s student chapel, St Mary’s Catholic Church, and St Vincent DePaul’s. Mary was known for her strong faith and courageous spirit which carried her through her lingering illnesses late in life.

In their retired years, Dave and Mary would snowbird in Alabama and Florida. Most recently, Dave and Mary enjoyed living and spending family time at School Section Lake with the assistance of her exceptional caregiver Chasity Kangas and special friend Patti Kuikstra.

Mary is survived by her husband Dave; their children, John Henry of Byron Center, Bill (Tina) Henry of Grays Lake, Ill, Mike Henry of Thornton, CO, and Mary Anne (Tony) Jones of Rockford; several beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her sister Beth Jones of Stevensville. Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother David Dunham, and daughters Catherine Marie and Nancy Jean Henry.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids, with Father Dan DePew celebrant.  Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Mary’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m., Friday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Mecosta County Commission on Aging. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Sara Ham, born Sara Lenore McKibbin on July 3, 1938, peacefully passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, surrounded by her children.

Sara was born in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of Dorothy Doris Driscoll and Carl Eugene McKibbin. She lived on a small farm where the family boarded a calf named Ferdinand. Sara's fondness for Ferdinand led to her love of her favorite children's story, Ferdinand the Bull, which she would later read to her grandchildren. Sara eventually moved to a home on Iddings Street in Kendallville, Indiana, where she lived with her younger brother, Michael McKibbin, and a dog named Cinderella. According to her brother, in a time when opportunities for girls and young women to participate in sports were few and far between, Sara's obvious superior skills caused her to be picked for teams well before many of the neighborhood boys, much to their chagrin. Graduating in the top 10 of her class from Kendallville High School, Sara was active in leadership as a class officer, played volleyball and basketball, and participated in many plays and skits.

After graduating from high school, Sara attended Purdue University. One of her father's favorite stories about this decision was related to the long line of Purdue graduates from Sara's mother's side (Driscoll) and the fact that her father was the first to attend college from his family (McKibbin). When it was time for Sara to decide where to attend college, her father told her she could attend any college, but if she wanted him to pay for it, she had to go to Purdue! Shortly after she arrived at Purdue, Sara chose Speech Therapy as her major. She was also a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, where she served as an officer. In 1960, Sara graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Therapy and a minor in Theater.

Sara began her professional career as a speech therapist in South Bend, Indiana. She also met Ronald A. Ham during that time on a blind date. Sara eventually married Ron on June 1, 1963. After marriage, Sara moved to Kendallville where Ron was working, and she created the first speech therapy program at East Noble School Corporation. Later, Sara and Ron moved to W. Lafayette, Indiana, to pursue advanced degrees. A job offer for Ron from Ferris State College in Big Rapids brought Sara to Michigan, where she worked as a speech therapist for the Reed City Hospital, the Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District, and the Newaygo County Intermediate School Department. Sara also obtained a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University.

Sara and Ron brought up four children, Eron (Ham) Drake, Leah Ham, Carrie (Ham) Inglis, and Jason Ham, on an 80-acre hobby farm in Paris, Michigan, where they raised chickens, geese, dogs, rabbits, and a nanny goat. In 1980, the family moved into the city of Big Rapids. When asked what advice she gave her children growing up, Sara said, "To stand up for yourself, be kind, and be independent." While Sara said all of her children were her favorites, she was quick to name her favorite sons-in-law, especially if they complimented her infamous Bing Cherry Coke Salad, made her laugh, or were handy with tools.

Over the past several years, Sara could often be found helping organize holiday meals or family camping activities. She was also tireless in supporting and encouraging her nine grandchildren at various events such as band concerts, soccer matches, track meets, cross country meets, baseball games, hockey games, theater performances, and academic events and ceremonies.

When Sara wasn't visiting her children or grandchildren, she actively volunteered and served the Big Rapids community, including various roles at Manna Pantry, Stage M, Recycle Center of Mecosta County, the Red Cross, and assisting with local elections. While humble in nature, Sara was often recognized over the years for her volunteer contributions in newspaper articles or by various awards. Never one to sit still, Sara enjoyed many hobbies and activities including traveling, reading, collecting children's books, knitting, needlepoint, gardening, line dancing, tap dancing, meeting her lunch bunch, water aerobics, and taking soup or snacks to neighbors and friends.

Sara is survived by her children, Eron Drake (Doug), grandchildren Eli and Taya; Leah Ham (Jeff), grandchildren Zach and Kyle; Carrie Inglis (Cody), grandchildren Reid, Nolan, and Ty; Jason Ham and grandchildren Grieta and Teodors; her brother Michael McKibbin (Celeste Roseberry) and nephew Mark; and her cousin Monty Peffley (Mara). She is preceded in death by her husband Ron.

Sara's life and remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26, at 11 a.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Sara's family will greet friends and family at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Friends are invited to share any special remembrances of Sara during the celebration. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating in Sara's name to one of her favorite charities, such as Manna Pantry, Stage M, or the Recycle Center of Mecosta County. After a private family celebration, Sara will be buried at a later date at the Highland View Cemetery. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Alice Byrnes, born Alice Corene Cramer on August 17, 1938, was the first of three daughters of the late Alfred S. and Corene M. Cramer. She departed this earthly life on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the age of 84.

Alice graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1956, received her Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout , where she was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, in 1960, and earned her Masters from the College of Boca Raton in 1989.

She was an active member and held leadership roles in numerous Masonic and heritage organizations. Alice also volunteered for several community groups.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Ann Hockemeyer Fleming (Tom) and grandsons Sean and Kyle; her sister, Marilyn Cramer Beattie (John) and nephew Scott (Amy); her sister Emily Cramer Hancock; as well as several cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband James Byrnes and her son Eric Alan Hockemeyer.

A Celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at The United Church of Big Rapids, 120 S. State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alfred S. Cramer memorial Scholarship Endowment at www.ferris.edu/giving/give-now/index.htm or to the Alzheimer’s Association at her tribute page https://act.alz.org/goto/Alice_Byrnes. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Steven Roy Belliel, 75, of Big Rapids, passed on to greener heavenly pastures on August 3, 2023, while in his man-attic easy chair watching a football game. 

He was born in Grand Rapids in 1947, and attended Comstock Park High School. After high school he joined the US Navy and served on the USS Mathews and bother-duty on the Bausell during the Vietnam War. Steve started his career life attending Grand Rapids Community College and became trained and certified as a HVAC tech. He worked for Stratz Heating and Cooling, Mecosta County General Hospital, and finished his career at Johnson Controls.

Steve married Christine Kusto in 1969. They moved to Big Rapids and purchased an old farm west of town, and he began a lifetime of remodeling, farming, and gardening. In his spare time, Steve enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, and playing volleyball and basketball with the guys who became lifelong friends.

He is survived by his wife Chris; their children Bill (Laura) and Becky Belliel; two grandchildren, Derek (Samantha Roszell) Belliel and Chalice (Shane) Golden; one great grandson, Elijah with another on the way; his brother George Belliel; brother-in-law Ramon (Yisell) Kusto; and special cousin Kathy (Tony) Hall.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor David Huhtala officiating. Steven’s family will greet friends and family at 10 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Third Avenue United Methodist Church, 226 Third Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Skylar Arya Louise Perez-Morell, 9 weeks, was fitted with her angel wings Wednesday, August 2, 2023.  Her very brief life is hard to grasp, a life filled with overwhelming joy and so much love will be her unforgettable story.

Skylar was born May 30, 2023, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Briana Christy and Alejandro Perez-Morell. Her few weeks on Earth will bring an eternal light to the heavens.

Skylar is survived by her parents; her sister Alora Perez-Morell; grandparents, Misty (Matthew) Comerford and Gregory Sanders; several aunts and uncles; and many other extended family members.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with final expenses. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.