Ralph Eugene Grinnell Sr., 99, of Paris, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 20, 2023, at Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital.

He was born April 10, 1924, in Lake County’s Peacock Township, the son of Benjamin and Bertha (Mordridge) Grinnell. After graduating from the Chase Village High School, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he would train as a combat medic. Ralph served in the 75th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the Colmar Pocket during World War II. 

In 2008, he finally received the medals he earned from congressman Dave Camp, including the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with three bronze service stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Honorable service lapel pin.

Ralph is survived by his son Norman (Nancy) Grinnell of Paris; grandchildren Amanda (David) Cousineau and Eric Grinnell; and four great grandchildren, Megan (Jonathan) Lane, and Ryan, Nathan, and Logan Cousineau. He was preceded in death by his six siblings.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ken Lyons officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Chase Township Cemetery.  Ralph’s family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Mid Michigan Honor Flight at midmichiganhonorflight.org.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Roger Gerald O’Dell, 75, of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at his residence.

He was born July 1, 1948, in Toccoa, GA, the son of Joel and Shirley (Deaton) O’Dell, and moved with his family to Wyandotte at the age of four.  Roger graduated from Wyandotte Roosevelt High School in 1968, and immediately joined the U.S. Army.  He served four years during the Vietnam War, and upon his discharge he moved to Evart, and served for 10 years with the Army National Guard.

For many years, Roger worked for Evart Products/Ventra until retiring.  In 1993, Roger married Judy (nee Panek) Stewart, and they made their home in Stanwood.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and read his Bible every day.  Roger also spent many hours assisting and driving for his friends in the Amish community, and was nice to everyone he met.  A good Republican, Roger also loved to talk politics. 

He is survived by his wife Judy; their children Jason (Amy) O’Dell of Evart; Ashley (Michael) Flachs of Evart; Rose (Ray) Buss of Stanwood; and Garry (Conie) Stewart of Arkansas; his mother Shirley of Cadillac; 14 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, including Ella with whom he had a special bond; his three sisters, Janet (Jack) Johnson of Cadillac, Andrea (Ed) Everly of TN, and Erla Jo O’Dell of NC; and several nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his father, daughters Amanda and Patricia, and his brother Randy.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Robert Garrels officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids, with military honors provided by American Legion Post #98 Honor Guard.  Roger’s family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Monday, November 20, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the church, or Hospice of Michigan.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Lois “Kay” Story, 73, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away Sunday evening, November 5, 2023, surrounded by her cherished family.

She was born on November 29, 1949, in Reed City, to the late Lloyd and Leola (Flasher) Moss. Kay grew up on the family farm in Paris, and was the youngest of six children.

Kay spent the last 48 years with her best friend Thomas Story, whom she married on March 19, 1994. Throughout the years Kay enjoyed traveling with Tom and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed being Tom’s biggest fan while he played in many bands over the years.

Kay is survived by her husband Tom; her loving daughters, Jessica (Doug) Sharp, Venus Costie (Chris Cline), and Tanya (Russel) Wright; her sister Beverly Morneau; and brother Gary (Delores) Moss. Kay loved being a grandmother. She leaves 11 grandchildren to cherish her memory, Jordan Wright, Joshua Luce, Nikki Haney, Zackery Sharp, Phelicia, Zavior, Theodor, Ariana, and Kiarra Costie, and Collin and Dalton Wright. She has numerous great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces, all of whom she was very fond of.  Welcoming her to heaven are her son Walter Allen Wright, her oldest granddaughter Meranda Lynn Wright, and her siblings, Nora (Lyman) Tribe, Lewis (Jean) Moss, and Norman Moss.

Our wife and mother fought a cruel disease over the last five plus years. Tom was Kay’s primary caregiver, he never left her side during her declining health. Even when it took her ability to speak, she was always very much aware and knew what was going on. She knew she was very loved and was able to let us know she loved us. She is now healed, able to walk, talk , and laugh again.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Tom Jefferys officiating. Kay’s remains will be laid to rest at the Park Hill Cemetery in Green Township.  Her family will greet friends beginning at 11a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hospice of Michigan, or the Osceola County Commission on Aging.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Sandra Kay Drews, 58, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, November 6, 2023, at Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1965, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Mary Belle (Routley) Drews, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1983. 

For many years Sandy worked at Hayworth Manufacturing, and more recently bartended at the Big Rapids AmVets. She enjoyed kayaking, line dancing, and her casino bus trips. Most importantly Sandy loved spending time with family.

Sandy is survived by her two children, Ashley (Andrew) Chupp, and Bradley (Kaycie) Drews of Big Rapids; four grandchildren, Andria, Ashlyn, Braxtyn, and Kayson; her brother Richard (Jan) Drews of Vandalia; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Benson Lee Drews, and her brothers Christopher and Alfred Drews.

A Celebration of Sandy’s life will be from 1-4 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Stanwood Eagles Aerie  #4360. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Stanwood Eagles #4360. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Daniel Elmer Waite, Sr., 93, of Big Rapids,  passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at Mission Point of Big Rapids.

He was born September 20, 1930, in Big Rapids, the son of Henry and June (Squires) Waite. Daniel is survived by his four children, Daniel Waite, Jr. of  Big Rapids, Debra Miller of Rodney, Pammy (Robert Gray) Waite of Barryton, and Sandra Jehnzen of Big Rapids; twenty grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and his brother Earl Waite.

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.

Joyce Marie Hilligoss, 84, passed from this earth into the presence of her Lord on October 27th, 2023, with her husband by her side. 

She was born in London, Kentucky on January 9, 1939. Joyce was the eldest daughter of Alton and Verna Dick. She graduated from Aurora Indiana High School. Upon graduation, Joyce worked at Western Southern Life Insurance as a Claims Adjustor. 

She met John Hilligoss on August 2, 1959, at Church. They married on September 16, 1961. They had two daughters, Tina and Tawnya. Joyce was a devoted Servant of the Lord. She loved the Church in which she was always active from an early age. 

Joyce is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Hilligoss; their children Tina (Rex) Dukes of Stanwood and Tawnya Harper of Big Rapids; grandchildren, Chelsea, Jordan, Hailey, Timothy, Adam, Joshua, and Caleb; and one great grandchild, Ethan. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janice, and brother Charles. 

A memorial for family and close friends will be decided at a later date. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Barabara V. Whipple, 84, of Bitely, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Big Rapids Fields, surrounded by her family.

She was born November 30, 1938, in Home Township, Newaygo County, the daughter of Arthur “Joe” and Leona (Heckathorn) Cousineau, and lived in Home Township most of her life.  

Barb started work in housekeeping at Big Rapids Community Hospital, and retired after many years from Mecosta County Medical Center. She enjoyed attending country music concerts, and loved spending time with family.

On December 25, 1954, Barb married Leonard “Dean” Luce, who preceded her in death in 1978.  She married Carl Whipple on August 8 ,1985, and he preceded her in death in 1989.  Barb is survived by her children, Pamela (Ernie) Lee, Laurie (Leroy) Jackson, Kim (Tom) Thon, and Kevin (Tina) Luce; nine grandchildren, Jeremy ( Stacy), Jamie, Tom, Jr. (Sheri), Jessica, Shannon, Alicia (James), Gage, Heather, and Holly; 11 great grandchildren; her sister Betty (Thurl) Hartman of Traverse City; two sisters-in-law Maxine Cousineau and Linda Luce; and many nieces and nephews. Barb was also preceded in death by her brother Jim Cousineau and sister Lucille Fredrick.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend John Bookshaw officiating. Burial will follow in the Whipple Cemetery in Home Township.  Barb’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made for the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Spectrum Health Hospice.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.