Marcos A. “Mark” Solis, 61, of Big Rapids, went to be with his Savior on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

He was born February 12, 1960, in Mercedes, TX, the son of Mike and Elena (Chapa) Solis, and moved with his family to Big Rapids at the age of 13.  In 1979, Mark graduated from Big Rapids High School.  He worked for several years at Kline’s Department Store, and Standard Lumber.

For over 20 years, Mark served as a Deputy for the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Department.  Among his many accomplishments, he earned the national distinction of “Top Cop” in 1997, and traveled to Washington DC to accept his award.  He also worked with area youth through the Probate Court System, and assisted at the Muskegon River Youth Home.   Mark currently worked as a salesman at Paris Auto Sales. 

Mark was actively involved with his community.  He helped to found the Rocket Football Program in Big Rapids, and was instrumental in developing the Holland Park Veterans & Homefront Heroes Memorial.  He was a member of the AmVets Post #1941, the Eagles Aerie #2535, and the BPO Elks #974, where he loved to DJ the teen dances.   He also was a member of the Stanwood Lions Club.

On July 17, 1999, he married Elizabeth (Wiseman), who survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Tony Seaborn and Ryder Solis; one daughter Katelyn Solis; his siblings, Mike (Tammy) Solis of Reed City, Marisa (Hugh) Roberts of Fenwick, David (Margaret) Solis of Big Rapids, and John Solis of Cedar Springs; a Aunt Angelina Green of Sparta; a sister-in law Jennifer Solis; his father and mother-in-law Jon and Barb Wiseman;  a sister-in-law Katie (Ken) McLeod; and many nieces and nephews.  Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jesus. 

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Big Rapids Eagles Aerie #2535, 18361 16 Mile Road, with Pastor John Morris officiating.  Mark’s family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Eagles, and a luncheon will follow the services.  He will be laid to rest on the family plot in Mt Carmel Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Veterans & Homefront Heroes Memorial 226 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.   Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 Joyce Louise Wooster, 94, of Reed City, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.   

She was born February 5, 1927, in Greenville, MI, the daughter of Leland and Lydia (Braley) Bower, and graduated from Greenville High School in 1944.

On June 8, 1947, Joyce married Leon Wooster at the First Methodist Church in Greenville, and moved to Reed City in 1963. They were happily married nearly 63 years before his passing on April 1, 2010.   Joyce was a longtime member of the Reed City United Methodist Church.

She retired from Farm Bureau Insurance as office manager. Joyce loved her family and her numerous pets. Joyce enjoyed cooking and baking, reading, and generous giving to various charities. Along with her husband, she enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years. She shared an interest in antique cars with Leon and enjoyed touring with friends on various excursions with the VMCCA (Vintage Motor Car Club of America).

Joyce is survived by her daughters Candace (Gary) Keinath and Melissa Wooster; her grandchildren, Laura and Adam Keinath; her sister Gloria McComb; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Wayne Bower.  

Per her wishes cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Reed City United Methodist Church, 503 S, Chestnut St., Reed City, MI 49677 or the Missaukee Humane Society P.O. Box D, Lake City, MI 49651.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Reverend Richard Lee Ostrander Sr, 72, went home with Jesus on October 17th, 2021.

Born in 1949 to Myron and Lounetta Ostrander, he was best known to his friends and family as a pastor and follower of Christ, diehard Michigan State fan, John Wayne enthusiast, or pretty much anything western, and an individual who could light up the room and make the world feel less dark with his friendly disposition, warm embrace, unbelievable prayers, and terrible jokes. 

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Lydia Ostrander (Snider); their daughters Jennifer (Tommy) and Elizabeth (Kevin); their sons Richard Jr (Sherry) and Andrew (Laura); his grandchildren Natasha (Derrick), Sean, Lacie, Melonie, Israel (Ashlen), Richard Jr III, Blessing (Justin), Abbigail, Adam, Andrea, Ashton, Lydia, Malachi, and Emmanuel; his brothers Fred and Ron; his sisters Nancy, Julie, and Linda; his brothers-in-law Claude (Sherry) and Larry (Faye); his sisters-in-law, Bea (Ted), Gladys (Larry), and Fran, all of whom he was very close to; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mike and Don, sisters Gloria, Carol, and Jean and grandchildren Austin, Gabrielle, and Adonai. 

Richard served the Lord as Pastor at various churches, including Big Rapids Free Methodist Church. He was a loving father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend to so many people. Richard will be dearly missed every single day and remembered for his absolutely beautiful, kind, loving, crazy, humble, and generous spirit. He is likely looking down at us all and saying, "Glory Hallelujah"; "I didn't do too bad.” 

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

Richard’s family will greet friends on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., and Thursday, October 21, 2021, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, MI. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Reed City Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Chris DeMott officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church, and committal with burial will be on Saturday at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for final expenses.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Harriette M. Flanigan, 93, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021, at Evergreen Terrace.   

She was born September 16, 1928, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Carl and Suzanne (Dodsworth) McGeehan, attended the 3^rd ward grade school, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1946.   

Harriette worked at the Pioneer Newspaper in her high school years, and also as a nurse’s aide at Stanwood Hospital and Big Rapids Community Hospital. Her love of nursing led her to complete her desire to attend and graduate from the then pilot two-year program at Ferris State College with an Associate’s degree in nursing. Harriette continued her employment as a RN at Big Rapids Community Hospital , mainly in the obstetrics and nursery department. Several years later her career took her to the FSU Health Center, and then the State of Michigan Corrections Dept. in Ionia.

Harriette is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Karl) Porter-London of Big Rapids; her grandson Aaron Franklin and family; her sister Connie Munschy of Ionia; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her sons Stephan and Paul, her daughter Carlene, and brothers Dudley and Thomas. 

Harriette’s family will greet friends from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Private burial services will be at the Highland View Cemetery on Monday, October 18, and will also memorialize her son Paul, who passed away last year. 

Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice.  Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Gary Arthur Thebo, 78, of Big Rapids, passed peacefully at his home on Monday, October 11, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 26, 1943, in Detroit, the son of Art and Joyce (Lowden) Thebo, and grew up in Norwich Township.   On November 14, 1959, Gary married Diane (Burkett).

In 1974, Gary opened his business in the Grand Rapids area, Wyoming Excavators, and worked for over 25 years until retiring and turning the business over to his son Chuck, who still operates it.  He and Diane returned to Norwich Township and built their home near where he was raised.  They also enjoyed spending winters in Florida. 

Gary loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, and working on his farm.  He was a ferocious card player, especially at Set-back, and also liked to entertain folks with his jokes and storytelling.

Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane; their son Chuck (Laurie) Thebo; their daughters, Kathy Thebo (Ricky Geldhof), and Sherrie (Len) Cook;  “Papa” to 8 cherished grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; also, his sister Sharyn (Scott) VanderKolk; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Rick and Ron, and his sister Sandy Ensing.

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be announced at a later date.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.   Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Lucille Violet Ranik, 94, of Canadian Lakes, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.   

She was born December 17, 1926, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Stanley and Jennie (Nowakowska) Ostapowicz, and graduated from Kelly High School in Chicago.   For many years, Lucille worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago.

In 1991, she moved to Canadian Lakes.  Lucille loved celebrating Christmas if she had her way Christmas would last all year long. After retiring she enjoyed baking and decorating, especially for the holidays and feeding and watching the wildlife around her home. Her former husband John preceded her in death in 2001.

Lucille is survived by her son, John R. Ranik of Canadian Lakes; her godchild Teresa Baker; and several nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by her brother Larry.   

Funeral services will take place on Friday, October 15, 2021, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery near Chicago.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice.   Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory of express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com. 

Robert Galer, 63, of Pendleton, Indiana, formerly of Mecosta/Big Rapids, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, October 10, 2021.

He was born May 4, 1958, in Stanwood, MI, the son of Virgil and Donna (Bushre) Galer and grew up in Mecosta, and graduated from Chippewa Hills High School in 1976. In 1978 he married Barbara McGorman, and they resided in the Big Rapids area before moving to Indiana.

Robert was a valued employee with S. Abraham and Sons for 35+ years. He was a volunteer firefighter and former chief for the Mecosta Township Fire Department and also volunteered on the Sherriff posse for several years. Robert was active with his church community and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  He had a contagious personality and laughter to fill a room or bring a smile to your face.

Robert’s ultimate goal was to retire with wife in hand living out the rest of their days enjoying fishing, camping and spending time on the pontoon.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; their daughters, Ruby Beeny (Dave), Rebecca Groover (Don), Bobbie Leisure (Dave); 11 grandchildren, Cheyenne and Madison Beeny, William, Christian, Anthony, Joshua, and Katelyn Chrivia, Donovan and Isabella Groover, and Kayla and Kimber Leisure; one great grandson Oliver Chrivia; his father Virgil Galer; his sister Pamela Graham (Scott); mother-in-law Hilda Spedowski; brothers-in-law, Mike McGorman and Steve Maguire; sisters-in-law, Dora Smith, Patsy Bourke, and Karen Vansyckle; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was proceeded in death by his mother Donna Galer and brother-in-law Glen McGorman.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Paris Manuel officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mecosta. Robert’s family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, at the funeral home, and beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Family is requesting no flowers due to an allergic reaction. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Gilbert Arvin “Bud” Todd, 80, of Hawkins, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at his home.

He was born October 25, 1940, in Big Rapids, the son of Delbert and Moah (Samis) Todd, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958.  Bud then earned his Associates Degree in Welding from Ferris Institute.

On August 6, 1960, Bud married Val Sweet in Reed City.  The couple lived in Grand Rapids for 5 years when Bud worked as a tool & die welder for General Motors.  They returned to the area to raise their family, and Bud continued his work for GM, retiring after 30 years.  He formerly served as the Barton Township Supervisor

Bud loved working on his farm, and was proud of his John Deere tractors.  He enjoyed building, and rebuilt and owned the Hawkins General Store for 10 years.  Bud also restored family cottages in the UP, and helped with many building projects for friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed hunting in different parts of the country.

Bud is survived by his wife Val; their children, Teri (Terry) Hays of Reed City, Lauri (Tom) Knoop of Reed City, and Jeff (Renee) Todd of Ortonville; seven grandchildren, Todd (Mandy) Hays, Garrett (Loretta) Hays, Trenton (Amanda) Hays, Kyle (Megan) Knoop, Lacey Knoop, Summer (Michael) Goessman, and Skylar Todd; nine great grandchildren; his sister Della Hanson of Paris; his brother Alvin (Jeannette) Todd of Paris; stepbrother Buck (Jackie); stepsister Sis (Marty); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Lynwood Hanson, stepfather Art Harrison, and stepbrother Denny Harrison.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Daniel Hofmann officiating. Burial will follow in the Parkhill Cemetery in Green Township. Bud’s family will great friends beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), or the American Diabetes Association.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Gale L. Bottomley, age 95 of Barryton, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021 at his home.  He was born August 4, 1926 in Charlotte the son of Frederick and Myrta Bottomley.  At a very young age, Gale enlisted in the United States Coast Guard.  He served in the American Merchant Marine in Oceangoing Service during the period of Armed Conflict from December 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945.  Following his honorable discharge, Gale worked in construction, worked different factory jobs and ended his career working maintenance for the Village of Barryton; a job he truly enjoyed.  

Gale married Beverly in 1976 and they made their home in Barryton.  He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles aerie 3761 in Lake.

Gale is survived by his beloved wife Beverly of Barryton; children, Cinda Kushmaul of Edmond, OK, Rhoda Knox of Barryton, James (Debbie) Tice of Barryton, Dean (Barb) Tice of North Carolina, Frederick Bottomley and Kenneth Bottomley; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and son-in-law, Michael Knox.

Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton with the family greeting friends one hour prior to services. Gale will be laid to rest at Brown Cemetery in Barryton with military honors under the auspices of the Gerald Pitts American Legion Post #473 of Barryton. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer society or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Alexia Riley, 16

   Alexia was born on December 20, 2004, was granted her wings on September 22, 2021.

   Alexia was a lover of animals, she didn’t care if they flew, crawled were big or small. She had a love of music that crossed all genres. Her love of art was tasteful and unmatched.

   Anyone who knew Alexia will know. She was a ray of light, bright as the dawn and as warm as the sun. If you knew her, you know Alexia could touch the heart of anyone she met. She will be missed by all of those souls.

   Alexia’s family will always love her, she will forever be in their hearts. So, until they all meet again, have a great adventure, they will see you then.

   Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.