Joann Joyce Thorp of Luther passed away peacefully surrounded by family late on Sunday, August 30, 2026.  She was 78 years old.

She was born on October 4, 1947, to Joseph and Della (Briggs) Borton in Reed City and was a member of the last graduating class of the Luther High School in 1965.  On June 3, 1967, she was married to Lawrence Edward Thorp Sr.  

Joann was always kind to everyone and took care of many people in the community; she was always ready and willing to lend a hand.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Jody (Scott) Lucas of Luther and her son Larry Jr. (Christine) Thorp of Hersey; Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Della Borton; stepmother Mildred; sister Rosie and brother Clarence; and her son Jamie.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Luther Lions Club located at 1003 State Street, Luther, MI 49656.

Wynter Iris Coriano, of Evart, is now energizing Heaven. She is making sure every-being is on their toes and has plenty to do.  She has an endless supply of makeup, bubbles and chalk to draw on the sidewalks with. On August 18, 2026, her 4 year old body became new, and this lil ballerina gained her beautiful wings.

Wynter was born on April 25, 2022 in Big Rapids to Yajaira Coriano, whom she loved and often tried baking and cooking with. They resided with: Grandma Lyndsie and Uncles, Haidyn, Gavin, Emmerik, Isaiah and Brayden, whom she always looked forward to wrestling around with, playing football and having Nerf gun fights, which made her a comfortable mix of a tomboy and girly girl. Her family also includes Aunt Macie & Uncle Troy; beloved cousins Keatyn, Ariah, Caitlyn and Westyn; Grand-dad, Travis who is a father at heart to Yadi; Papa Justin; maternal grandma, Alisha who loved her spirit and zest for life; her biological family and many aunts, uncles and friends.

Wynter was proceeded in death by grandma Eva and grandpa Matt “Sunny”.

In honor of Wynter, ride your bike, bring your nerf gun or chalk, wear a tutu or dress in bright colors and be prepared to join Wynter’s family and friends for an eventful spirited visitation from 1PM to 3PM, Saturday, September 12th at Corey Funeral Home, Evart, MI.

Condolences, joyful stories, and words of comfort can be left online at www.coreyfuneralhome.com

Ross Davis always had a way of going about things his own way. On September 1, 2026 he finished his chapter in the book of life and passed peacefully, at home, in his sleep. He made it past his goal. He wanted to make it to his 80th, and he did.

Born August 13, 1946 in Reed City, Ross was the oldest child of John and Hazel (Blodgett) Davis. In 1964 he graduated from Evart and joined the United States Navy, where he fought in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged, making the rank of SM2.

Throughout the years, Ross held many jobs and in 2009 retired from Dewitt Motor Freight.

Ross was known to be independent and a good caretaker, raising his children and his granddaughter, with the same resilience. He was a fighter whose inner strength matched his muscle.

He leaves behind: Son, Gerald and Daughter, Georgia; granddaughters, Megan & Harlee; two sisters, Linda “Lin” Stalter and Marilyn Zurek; his brothers at the VFW and nieces, nephews, extended family & friends.

Ross was preceded in death by:  his parents; stepfather, Gerald Brown; brothers, James and David; infant granddaughter, Angel Rae and daughter-in-law, Karen Rozanski, (who is probably showing him where the big bucks have been).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Michigan. A huge thank you goes to his granddaughter Megan for helping day and night along with Hospice.

Please join us on Saturday, September 19th at the Evart VFW from 1 to 3 PM with military honors and a short time of reflection beginning at 2 PM.

Condolences can be left online at coreyfuneralhome.com

JoAnne Marie (Seeley) Travis, 91, passed away on Tuesday August 25, 2026 in Evart, Michigan. JoAnne was born in Bath, Michigan on June 7, 1935 to Ivan and Pauline (Mull) Seeley. She graduated in 1953 from Okemos High School.

JoAnne’s 3 children with her first husband Lawrence “Herb” Hovey are Duane (Glenda) Hovey, Karen (Doug) Hodges and Lisa (Jason) Hartshorn.

JoAnne worked at the Jackson Osteopathic Hospital in HR. In 2006 JoAnne married Joe Travis from the neighborhood that they both grew up in. They moved to Chippewa Lake, Michigan where they had many happy years living the lake life. JoAnne enjoyed crafts, gardening, visiting with neighbors, friends and family. 

She leaves behind her 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens on Friday, September

18, 2026 at 12:00PM

Ruth Jessie Gunn, age 89, of Big Rapids, passed away on August 31, 2026. Ruth was born on October 24, 1936 to Claude and Loretta (Blazac) Price.

Ruth had a talent for baking, and was especially gifted at making homemade banana bread. Not only was her baking delicious, but her home cooked meals could knock your socks off; specifically her goulash which was a family favorite. She was a hard worker, and dedicated herself to any task she was given. She served as the cook at Friend's Nursing Home in North Carolina until she was 76 years old. Her beloved cat Rachel was her best friend and brought so much joy to her life. Ruth's love and kindness will never be forgotten.

Ruth will be remembered by her three children, Loretta (Thomas) Altman, Debra Steffes, and Thomas Jr.; 13 Grandchildren; 10 Great-Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Loretta; daughter Tammy Gunn; and siblings, Claude Price, and Mildred Ryan.

Per Ruth's wishes, no services will take place at this time.

Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, of Big Rapids.

Robert Paul Bowers, age 82, of Coral, Michigan, passed away at Hathaway Hills in Greenville, Michigan, on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Robert "Bob" was born on December 2, 1943 to Arnold and Julia Thelma (Herzog) Bowers. Bob was raised in the Greenville area and graduated from Greenville High School. He married the love of his life, Nancy Rowland on January 18, 1964 in Turk Lake. Bob was employed for over 40 years at Borgman Ford in the body shop. He enjoyed fixing and working on cars, riding motorcycles, hunting, and snowmobiling. Bob loved spending time with his family; especially summers at their cottage on Rainbow Lake. He will be remembered as a caring father and grandfather.

Bob will be missed and is survived by his sons Robert "Rob" (Lynne) Bowers of Stanton, Joseph (Debra) Bowers of Howard City, granddaughter, Stacy (Ian) Bowers of Stanton; 2 great-grandchildren, Lillian and Gidian; brother, John (Ann) Bowers of Manistee; sister, Cheryl (Leimanu) Tom of Jenison; sisters-in-law; Linda Hansen of Coral and Cheryl Rowland of Sand Lake; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents Arnold and Julia Thelma; and his brother and sister-in-law Fred and Joan Bowers.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11 am at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview. The family will greet family and friends for visitation from 10am-11am, until time of service.

John T. Wichman, 79, of Lakeview, Michigan, passed away on August 21, 2026.

John was born July 19, 1947, in New York, and spent much of his early life in New Jersey. Later years took him to Florida, and eventually to Lakeview, Michigan, which became his final home.

From 1969 to 1970, John served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He carried that service with him for the rest of his life and spoke of it with pride. He was a devoted member of VFW Hough-Pontius Post 3701 in Lakeview, where he served as commander and later as chaplain. In March of 2019 he traveled to Lansing and delivered the invocation before a session of the Michigan Senate, a day he was proud of. The company of fellow veterans meant a great deal to him.

That same instinct showed up in the work he chose. He served as a firefighter until an injury brought that chapter to a close, and for years afterward he worked as a security guard in malls across Florida, looking out for the people who passed through them.

In his retirement years, John took a job as a cashier at Leppink’s Food Center in Lakeview. He enjoyed it because it kept him around people, talking with familiar faces and meeting new ones. He had an endearing personality, and customers remembered him. Many became friends, and when he wasn’t there, he was missed.

His passion in life was being there for people. That is how his family chooses to remember him: the man who served others.

John was a practicing Lutheran.

He is survived by his significant other, Teresa Hendrie; his children, Jason Wichman, Jessica Williams (Hendrie), Joseph Hendrie, Junior Gonzalez, Matthew Vinson, and Kyle Hendrie-Evans and his wife, Melissa; his grandchildren, Rashawn, Demario, and Jaceyon; his sister, Joyce Wichman Ranck Sherman, and her husband, Walter, of Chicago; his nephew, Peter Ranck; his niece, Karen Russo; many others who called him grandpa; and his faithful companion, his dog Zumba.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Lakeview.

A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Those wishing to attend may contact Kyle at (616) 585-1528 for more information.

Dennis Thomas Ososki, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, at the age of 85, in his home in Big Rapids, MI. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 8th, 1941, Dennis lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion, which touched the lives of many around him.

Dennis was a respected business owner of The Carpet Gallery for 57 years, demonstrating the same dedication and integrity in his work as he did in every aspect of his life. Known for his dedication to supporting his family, Dennis was not only hardworking and very intelligent but also possessed an admirable wit and unwavering honesty that earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him. Beyond his career, Dennis had a passion for life that was evident in his varied interests. He loved spending his leisure time on the golf course, bowling lanes, and softball fields, and he especially found joy in attending and supporting his grandchildren's sporting events. He also dedicated time to coaching, sharing his love for sports and life lessons with younger generations.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Marcia Ososki, with whom he shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud and loving father to his five children: Tom, Rick, John, Jill, and Neil. His legacy further extends through his cherished grandchildren: Kyle, Caden, Sienna, Saige, Ryan, Mackenzie, Brody, Hailey, Oliver, Jonah, Hunter, and Easton. His family was the pride and joy of his life. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Ososki, Julia Ososki, his sister, Tina Mann, and stepfather Robert Renis.

Visitation will be held at St Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, MI, on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Following services Dennis will be laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow the graveside at the church for family and friends to gather and celebrate Dennis’s life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes in Big Rapids.

Lee Earl Schuchaskie, 69, of Barryton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2026. Lee was born on January 3rd, 1957, in Owosso, Michigan, and spent the rest of his life in the Barryton community he called home.

Lee was a hardworking, quiet and deeply caring man. He was the kind of person that might seem reserved when you first met him, but once you got to know him, he had countless funny and interesting stories to share. He was a man who took pride in working with his hands and creating things from the ground up.

Throughout his life, Lee worked as a logger and a craftsman and later as a school bus driver for the Chippewa Hills School District in Remus, Michigan. He loved logging, woodworking, and building, and there was rarely a project he wasn’t willing to take on.

One of Lee's greatest passions was his love of pirates. He embraced the pirate lifestyle wholeheartedly, attending renaissance festivals, pirate festivals, conventions, and other events where he could meet people who shared his passion. His creativity and craftsmanship came together in one of his favorite projects: transforming pontoon boats into pirate ships. He built three pirate ships of his own.

He also had a lifelong love of cats, a good cup of coffee, and the simple pleasure of spending time with the people he cared about.

Lee also spent years chasing a dream of being a contestant on the show “Survivor.” He was determined to make it onto the show and attended numerous casting calls, continuing to try year after year. His persistence and willingness to chase that dream reflected the adventurous and determined spirit that made him who he was.

Lee is survived by his wife Diane Schuchaskie, and his daughter Hope Schuchaskie; his brother Allen and his daughter Pauline; his sister Ruby and her husband Robert, and their children Scott and Tony; his sister Bonnie and her sons Marcus, Kevin, Clarency, and her daughters Jessica and Francis; and his beloved niece Sarah Baker (Landis), whom he adored deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Clarence Schuchaskie, and his sister Connie.

Lee will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. His stories will be remembered, his creations will remain as pieces of him, and the adventures he shared with those he loved will never be forgotten.

One especially treasured memory was performing alongside both Hope and Sarah in the Wizard Of Oz. These moments of laughter, creativity, and togetherness were precious to Lee and his family. And they will remain cherished memories for years to come.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad. I love you more than words could ever say. You will always be my favorite pirate.

Tina Lee Gunnells, beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the age of 54. TIna was born on May 29, 1972, to Jeffery Maxon and Darlene Hale. Tina was a resident of Barryton, MI, where she not only built her family home but also countless treasured memories with her loved ones.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Nicholis Gunnells, who stood by her side through life's many turns. A proud and loving mother, Tina leaves behind her cherished children: Kayla Gark-Moore, Emily Gark, Mercedes Pyke, Norman Pyke, stepson Dominick Meldrun, and adopted children Erik Clark and Brandon Clark. Her legacy of love continues through her adored grandchildren: Freya Moore, Lyla Moore, Colton Moore, and Oliver. Tina is also survived by her brother, Jeffery Maxon Jr., and nephew, Jeffery Maxon III, as well as her best friend, Suzette Williams, and mother, Darlene Neuman. She is preceded in death by her father, Jeffery Maxon.

Professionally, Tina was known for her hard work and dedication as a truck driver for Ventra, where she brought the same passion and reliability to her role as she did to her personal life. Tina's interests were as vibrant and diverse as her personality. An enthusiast of arts and crafts, she delighted in painting and creating unique t-shirts. Her love for rock hunting and the great outdoors was a testament to her adventurous spirit, always seeking beauty and stories in the world around her.

With respect to TIna's wishes, no services will be held at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes in Barryton.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Moore, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who departed this life on Monday, August 24th, 2026, at the age of 84. Ruth was born on Saturday, June 27th, 1942, and her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.

Ruth dedicated many years of her life to working at Wolverine, skillfully sewing their shoes together. Afterward, she and her late husband, Carl Moore, turned to farming, where they devoted 20 fruitful years to cultivating the land and nurturing their community. Ruth had a passion for cooking and was renowned for baking the best pies around. Her love for the outdoors was reflected in her vibrant garden, and she enjoyed bowling and listening to music, which filled her heart with joy and serenity.

She will be lovingly remembered by her surviving family: her sons, Carl Moore and Rick Moore; her cherished grandchild, Melanie Moore; and her great-grandchild, Alexandria Biebel. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Islla Cole, her brother, Richard Johnson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Carl Moore; her parents, George and Isla Moore, her son, Jerry Moore; and her grandchildren, Bethany and Stephanie Moore. Though gone from this world, their spirits reunite now in eternal peace.

Ruth was a woman of strength, love, and care, as described by her children. Her ability to inspire warmth and community among her loved ones will be missed dearly but held close in our hearts.

A graveside service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held at Higbee Cemetery in Morley, Michigan, on Friday, August 28th, 2026, at 11:00 am. Arrangements have been provided by Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids.

Jeremy Wayne McNeilly, 48, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Jeremy was born November 22, 1977, the son of Mark McNeilly and Cinda Clark. Jeremy was part owner of T and J Custom Services and enjoyed the work he did. He also enjoyed working on cars, woodworking, camping, socializing, and most of all being with his family. He was a loving, intelligent, creative, sarcastic man who will be deeply missed.

Jeremy is survived by: his father and step-mother, Mark and Mary McNeilly; significant other, Sonya Lovell; brothers, John Gardner, Shawn (Karen) McNeilly, and PJ(Missy) McNeilly; grandmother, Donna Bemmer; step-grandmother, Thrasilla Renne; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life Open House will take place on Friday August 28, 2026 from 2-4PM at Dagget Gilbert Funeral Home 19238 30th Ave Barryton Michigan.

Arthur “Art” Anderson, 74, of Big Rapids, Michigan, was born on January 31, 1952, and passed away at home on August 22, 2026, after experiencing some recent health concerns.

Art was a simple, hardworking man with an exceptionally kind heart. He spent many years working as a drywaller and was truly gifted at his craft. Art could make any wall look perfect—although, as those who knew him would lovingly say, perfection sometimes took a little time. He took great pride in his work, and many of the people he worked alongside or completed jobs for over the years became his good friends.

Art was meticulous in everything he did. His attention to detail could sometimes drive those around him a little crazy, but it was also part of what made Art who he was—and even that will be deeply missed. He was an amazing problem-solver who could troubleshoot nearly anything. If something was broken or wasn’t working quite right, Art could usually rig up a way to make it work.

In true Art fashion, he completed one final drywall job on the Friday before his passing. It would not be like Art to leave things undone. Working was an important part of who he was, and he continued doing what he knew and loved for as long as he was able.

Art was a man of routine who did not need much to be content. He lived quietly, valued an honest day’s work, and appreciated the familiar people and simple pleasures in life—including a good lottery scratch-off ticket. For 40 years, Art looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a treasured tradition filled with friendship, familiar places, and many good memories. He also enjoyed spending time playing cards with friends.

Art shared an especially close bond with his mother, Barb. She held a very special place in his heart, and the relationship they shared was an important part of his life.

Although Art was reserved, those who were privileged enough to truly know him found a loyal friend with a gentle spirit. He was also quick-witted and could always be counted on for a funny little comeback, often delivered in his own quiet, understated way. His friendships ran deep, and his honesty and kindness never wavered.

Art is survived by his sister, Mary, as well as the many friends who became like family to him throughout his life.

Art may have lived a quiet and uncomplicated life, but he made a lasting impression on those who knew him. He always enjoyed the possibility of winning big with a scratch-off ticket, but on August 22, Art received the greatest prize of all: entering Heaven, being reunited with his beloved mom, and finally finding true and lasting peace.

Those who loved Art find comfort in imagining him sitting with his mom, sipping his black coffee or Diet Coke and enjoying something sweet—and, in true Art fashion, already looking for a crack in Heaven that needs patching or a problem that needs fixing. His skilled hands, quick wit, kind heart, familiar routines, and steady presence will be deeply missed.

On August 18, 2026, we said goodbye to Scott Allen Gilmore, age 55, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Scott lived life with an enthusiasm that was impossible to miss. He had a natural ability to figure things out and was always willing to take on a challenge. He enjoyed being busy, working with his hands, and making the most of life.

Above all else, Scott loved his family. They were his world, and he loved them with his whole heart. He was fiercely protective of the people he loved and would do anything he could to take care of them.

Scott began his career as a welder, a passion that also brought many lifelong friendships into his life. He later served with the Sheriff’s Department, where he found another brotherhood and formed friendships that remained important to him long after retirement.

Scott’s final career was plumbing, and he absolutely loved it. He often said he wished he had gone into plumbing from the beginning. He enjoyed the work, the challenges, and helping people. Retirement was never really in Scott’s plans—he always said he never planned to retire.

Scott loved spending time at Chippewa Lake, going to the U.P., riding side-by-sides, and camping at their family horse camp. He loved being outside and making memories with the people closest to him. And, of course, there was Annie, his beloved black Lab and best friend, who held a special place in Scott’s heart.

Scott was blessed with friends who became family. He loved them like brothers, and they loved him the same way. They stood beside him, supported him, shared countless laughs and memories with him, and were there for him through both the good times and the difficult ones, to the very end.

Scott will be remembered for his big heart, his enthusiasm for life, his loyalty, his determination, and most of all, the love he gave to his family and the people he cared about.

He lived life fully, loved deeply, and made lasting memories with the people who meant the most to him. He will be missed more than words can say.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chase Fellowship Church, followed by a celebration of life in Chippewa Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chase Fellowship Church.

Gregory Vaughn Mason Sr., 75, of Howard City, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Orchards of Big Rapids. He was born August 12, 1951, in Big Rapids.

Greg worked as a painter at Steelcase in Grand Rapids. He lived in Morley for several years and had lived in Howard City for the last eight years. On May 20, 1988, he married the love of his life, Kathy Hoaglin. After high school, Greg proudly served in the U.S. Navy.

Greg was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved working on motorcycles, riding them, building them, and especially ice racing. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling on vacations, and spending time with family and friends. Greg loved babies and especially enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren.

Greg was loving, a little bit stubborn, and very opinionated. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his presence was known wherever he was. He made friends with anyone and everyone he met and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Greg is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Greg Mason Jr., Harley (Emily Wester) Mason, and Carrie (Robert) SanMiguel; grandchildren, Leah, Lily, Konnor, Danika, Ernest, Gracie, Kenzie, Wyatt, and one more on the way; great-grandchildren, Octavia, Charlie, and Evangeline; sisters, Cindy (Dennis) DeVereaux and Barb Aley; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marlene (Brian) Woodard, Kenny Hoaglin, Julie (Buddy) Manley, Becky (Shad) Lockwood, and Eric Hoaglin; and many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Ila Tule; his brother, Steve Mason; his sister, Gloria Herney; his infant grandson Clay Brimmer, his in-laws, Kenny and Nancy Hoaglin, and brother-in-law Art Hurney.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at a later date. Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids.