Arthea M. Sutton Watson, 86, of Big Rapids, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, December 30, 2021.

She was born October 28, 1935, in Howard City, the daughter of Arthur and Eunice (Rhineberger) Irwin. Arthea was a long-time resident of Reed City before relocating to Texas, and then to Big Rapids. She retired from Wolverine World Wide, was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, and a member of the Rogers Heights Christian Church. Arthea enjoyed sewing, camping, and was a devotional volunteer.

She is survived by her children, Debbie (Elmer) Ashbaugh of Lakeview, Willie (Theresa) Sutton of Reed City, Beverly Thorpe of Big Rapids, and Carol Sutton of Chassel, MI; two grandchildren, Brian (Carol) Sutton of Big Rapids and Amelia (Ryan) Craig of Hersey; six great grandchildren; brothers Lynn (Carol) Irwin of Rockford and Marvin Irwin of Morley; sister Coralie (Julius) Nash of Cadillac; and several nieces and nephews.  Arthea was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Albert (Bud) Sutton and Arthur Watson, three infant sons, her sister Marsha Epperson, and son-in-law Darwin Thorpe. 

A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at the Rogers Heights Christian Church with Scott Davidson officiating. Arthea’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Arthea will be laid to rest in the Bristol Dover cemetery. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Karla Kay Lake, 53, of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.

She was born January 23, 1968, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Loren E. and Joy D (Higley) Lake, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1986. Karla was employed at Hope Network for a few years and enjoyed being able to work and made many friends. She was raised and lived most of her life in Rodney, then moved to Mecosta in 2010. In April of 2020, after her twin sister and caregiver Kelly passed away, she moved to Mission Point Nursing Home in Big Rapids.

Karla loved living at Mission Point, she enjoyed making new friends with staff and residents. She enjoyed playing Bingo and the fun activities they offered daily. Karla loved her many cats through the years, she also loved watching birds, Detroit Tigers, and Disney movies. She loved doing word search, coloring and jigsaw puzzles. Karla’s smile, giggle, laugh, and sweet soul will be memories to cherish.  

Karla is survived by her sisters, Lori (Leonard E) Gray of Rodney and Cindy (Mike) Maxwell of Clare; nieces, Samantha Gray (Matthew Guthrie) and family of St. Louis, MI, Megan (Sam) Howell of Fredricksburg, VA, Michelle (Travis) Ludwig of Manistee, and Lauren Gray of Rodney; nephew Justin Gray of Mt. Pleasant; 2 great nieces Claire Ann and Charlotte Kay Ludwig; aunts, Charlene Morningstar of Big Rapids and Ginger Wilhelm of Portage, MI; and many cousins, friends, and loving caregivers. She was preceded in death by her parents, twin sister Kelly Sleeman, grandparents, Lyle and Cleo Higley and Orville and Edith Lake, and numerous aunts and uncles. 

A private family service will be held in the spring of 2022. Karla will be laid to rest next to her parents in the Pine Plains Cemetery. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Denis Grant Hurst, 74, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born June 4, 1947, in Big Rapids, the son of Grant and Carlin Hurst. 

For many years Denis lived in Lansing and worked for General Motors.  After retiring he moved back to Big Rapids. Denis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking.   

Denis is survived by three children, Richard and Craig (Rachel) Moore, and Lisa Woroniecki; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Anita and son Denis Hurst. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeremy Wicks officiating. Burial will follow at the Grant Center Cemetery. Denis’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Eric James Spaugh, Sr., 56, of Paris, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids.

He was born April 14, 1965, in Wayland, the son of Richard and Mary (Herring) Spaugh.  As a child, Eric’s family moved to Paris, where he has lived since. 

For many years, Eric has worked for the Mecosta County Park Commission as a Ranger at Brower’s Park in Stanwood.  In his spare time, he loved to hunt and fish, but most important to Eric was family time.   

On May 12, 1984, he married Barbra Sundquist, who survives.  Also surviving are their children,  Eric, Jr. (Suzanne) Spaugh of Reed City, Ashly Spaugh of Lake, and Riley Spaugh of Paris; 2 grandsons, Ira and Westley; his sister Cindy Spaugh of Hersey; 3 brothers, Robert Spaugh of Paris, Richard (Terri) Spaugh, II of Chippewa Lake, and Duane (Wilma) Kutchinski of Grant Center; and many nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Sharon Holmes officiating. Eric’s family will greet friends beginning at 12 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to fund a memorial in Eric’s name at Brower’s Park.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Terry Lee Carlson, 57, of Big Rapids, tragically lost his life in an accident in Denison, Texas on Monday, December 13, 2021.

He was born February 15, 1964, in Big Rapids, the youngest of four children born to Carl E. and Evelyn M. (Langworthy) Carlson. Terry attended Pineview School and Big Rapids High School.

After trying carpentry work for several years, he returned to the farm to become partners with his dad and brother Carl Jr. Outside of working on the family farm, Terry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hobbies such as, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Recently, in the past few years, Terry enjoyed attending church.

He is survived by his son Trevor Carlson; his daughter Erin Carlson; the mother of his children Karla (Nixon) Carlson; brother Carl Jr (Phillis) Carlson; sisters, Linda Aldrich (Larry) and Carmen Bechaz; nephews and nieces, Johnny Aldrich (Tonia), Jim Aldrich, Julie (Jesse) Waldron, and Tim Bechaz; uncles, Melvin and Norman Langworthy; aunts, Barbara and Donna Langworthy; and many great nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535, 18361 16 Mile Rd. Terry’s family will greet friends beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow after the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made for Terry’s family. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Ruth Marie Morlan, 65, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at her residence.

She was born January 15, 1956, in Big Rapids, the daughter of A. J. and Ida Mae (Titcombe) Morlan, and graduated from Reed City High School in 1974.  

For many years, Ruth worked at Wolverine World Wide and then for ServiceMaster. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing cross stitch, reading, and especially loved spending time with family. 

Ruth is survived by her siblings, Kit (Marianne) Morlan, Karen Morlan, Peggy Morlan, Sally (Meryl) Nichelson, Michael Morlan, and Patrick (Debra) Morlan; nieces and nephews, Rhea, Sasha, Jacob, and Sonya; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Salvation Army.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Nicholas Michael Caryl Skaggs, age 3, of Grant Center, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Saturday, December 4, 2021, in Mt. Pleasant.

Nicholas was born May 17, 2018, in Big Rapids, the son of Ashley R. (Curtice) and Nicholas L. Skaggs.  He was recently enrolled at Eastwood Childhood Special Education Program in Big Rapids, and loved to ride the bus!

Nicholas is survived by his parents; his sister Savanna; his brother Eugene; his grandparents Michelle Bates, William Curtice, Sr., Michael Squires, Sharla Onstott, and Papa Bill and G-Ma Loni; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including his special aunt and uncle Stacey and Garry Heckard.

A Celebration of Nicholas’ Life will be announced for a later date.  Memorial contributions in his name may be made for a trust fund being established for his siblings.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Debra C. Stephan, 69, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021, at her residence.

She was born October 23, 1952, in Reed City, the daughter of Joseph W. and Mary Kathleen (Baxter) Johnson, and graduated from Reed City High School in 1971.  On February 24, 1973, Debra married Lonny D. Stephan, and they lived near Hawkins for most of their lives.  Following his death on July 18, 2018, Debra moved into Big Rapids where she had since resided. 

For many years, Debra operated a day care center in their home, helping to raise many of the Hawkins children.  She also worked as a Medical Assistant for Dr. Joseph Wolschleger’s office for 10 years, meeting many whom she called friends.  In her spare time, Debra enjoyed craftwork, especially sewing and crocheting, and loved to go fishing with Lonny.  Spending time with friends was important, because if you were her friend, you were considered family! 

Debra is survived by two daughters, Christina (Shawn) Ward of Hersey, and Jennifer Rehkopf of Mt. Pleasant; 5 grandsons, Tyler, Erik, Devin, Parker, and Paris (Dana); 3 great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Kingston, and A’Niyah; her godchildren Peyton and Ethan Henderson; 2 sisters, Laura (Bob) Hopkins of Sears, and Eva Higgins of Evart; 1 brother Michael (Debbie) Johnson of Mansfield, OH; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per Debra’s request, no services are being planned.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Toys for Tots, or Pancreatic Research Fund at 415 Crossways Park Dr. Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797.  Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Donnie Ray “Buck” Laing, 58, of Lakeview, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 30, 2021, at his residence.

He was born July 11, 1963, in Reed City, the son of Donnie Parrish and Rosemary (Brown) Arndt, and attended Reed City Public Schools.  For many years, Buck was a truck driver for several different companies and lately for Doyle Forest Products. He loved football, especially the Lions, and also fantasy football. Buck was a kind, compassionate, and caring man who will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Buck is survived by his wife Debra; sisters, Patty Radabaugh, Crystal Dyer, and Mary (Roy); one niece and many nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Robert Laing, and sister Lola Lupien.

A Memorial gathering will be held from 11 a.m. -12 p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Family is requesting everyone to wear a mask. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Floyd Allen Johansen, 77, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.

He was born February 8, 1944, in Big Rapids, the son of Carl and Nina (Martiny) Johansen, and graduated from Barryton High School in 1962  During the Vietnam War, Floyd served with the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1967.  He returned to Big Rapids, and on June 29, 1968, married the love of his life Mary Olson. 

In his younger years, Floyd worked for Wolverine World Wide and Hanchett Manufacturing. He then worked at Casanova Lanes/Big Rapids Bowl for many years, and later at Ferris State University in the custodial department before retiring.

Floyd was an avid bowler, and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and playing softball as well.  He loved his flower garden, and also enjoyed photography.   Floyd was also a longtime member of the Big Rapids Aerie Eagles #2535, and former member of the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98.

Floyd and Mary celebrated their 53^rd wedding anniversary this summer. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Floyd is survived by his wife; their daughter Karmen (Perry) Douglass; grandchildren Britani and Alyssa Douglass; four sisters, Ida Mae Maneke, Ruth (Don) McCarthy, Josephine Ottobre, and Barb (Glen) Dalton; two brothers, Carl “Sonny” (Betty) and Charlie (Judy) Johansen; sisters-in-law Betty and Doris Johansen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Bob and his wife Adele, Norman, Ed, Gerald and his wife Pat, and Glenn Johansen, sister Arlene and her husband Herb Wilson, and brother-in-law Jim Maneke.

Per Floyd’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and family services with burial will take place in the Martiny Township Cemetery in Rodney in the spring of 2022. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for ARC (Animal Rescue Coalition) of Mecosta County. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Robert Daniel Martz, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Altercare of Big Rapids.

Bob was born July 21, 1930, in Big Rapids, the son of Otto Carl and Elizabeth (Reschke) Martz, and lived in Big Rapids his entire life.  He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School through the 8^th grade, and graduated from Big Rapids High School 1948. 

On June 30, 1950, Bob married Murlin Serrell in Big Rapids.  Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.  Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Bob returned to Big Rapids, and worked at Wolverine World Wide for 41 years until retiring.  Bob was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.   He formerly golfed in leagues at Falcon Head and Katke Golf Courses, bowled in several leagues, and enjoyed watching sports. 

Bob’s family wishes to extend their special thanks to the staffs at The Brook and Altercare for the loving care that he has received these past years. 

Bob is survived by his wife Murlin; their son Steve (Diane) Martz; their grandchildren Nicholas (Michelle) Martz and Marissa (fiancé Rick Ganzi) Martz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Van and Janet Serrell; brother-in-law Allen Hales; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Jane Martz in 2014 and his siblings and their spouses John and Velma Martz, Harold and Marjorie Martz, Fern and Harvey Henrikson, Grace and Russ Dunkel, and Esther Hales

Private family services will be held at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with burial to follow in the Highland View Cemetery.   A public Celebration of Bob’s Life will be announced in Spring of 2022.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.   Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.