Lori Jo Maxon, 65, of Big Rapids, went home to the Lord on July 23, 2023. 

Lori, a caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother is survived by her husband Bruce; sons Lenny (Amy) and Eli (Jamie) Teske; stepchildren Kathy (Scott) Wertanen and Dave Maxon; siblings Paul (Stacey) Bybee, Denise (Mikael) VanAlstine, and Ernie (Kris) Bybee; her grandchildren, step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Lavern Bybee (Karen), her mother Josephine Marie Robinson, stepfather Lonnie Robinson, sister Rebekah Ann Wroblewski, and brother Bradley Wayne Bybee.

Lori worked at Wolverine World Wide in Big Rapids where she made a great impact, formed many friendships, and had a great career.

She had a genuine love for her cockatiels and her cat, Stinky. Lori was very passionate about the Detroit Lions, cooking, and most of all her family. Her wishes are for everyone to take care of each other, and for all to reunite in the kingdom of heaven in the future.

Her impact, charisma, sense of humor, and love will forever be felt by her family and friends. A celebration of Lori’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Resurrection Life Church in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Resurrection Life Church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Della Jean (Todd) Hanson, 86, of Paris, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Della was born July 16, 1937, in Green Twp., the daughter of Delbert and Moah (Samis) Todd. She was raised in Paris and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1954.

She married the love of her life, Roy "Lyn" Lynwood Hanson in 1956, and they later built a home together in Paris to raise their family. Della was a hardworking woman, and in her younger years she worked at Fashion Industries in Big Rapids.  In 1969, she began working at Giant Family Center in Big Rapids, and retired as head cashier in 1993. Della's true passion was working outside at her home in her many flower and rock gardens, decorating birdhouses, and spending time with her many grandchildren.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband and family, making many wonderful memories together.

She will be dearly missed by her loving daughters, Julie (Rick) Modene, of Paris, Janice (Ted) MacKellar, of Paris, Jodie (Steve) Spencer, of Reed City, Jeanie Schneidt, of Traverse City, and Jackie (Bob) Lawson, of Brighton; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Alvin (Jeanette) Todd, of Paris; step-brother, Buck (Jackie) Harrison, of Paris; step-sister, Sis (Marty) Martin, of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Bill (Deb) Hanson, of Beaverton; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family members. Della was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, James and Gilbert “Bud” and his wife LaVal Todd, stepbrother Dennis Harrison, two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Barbara and John Hansen and Christine and Dennis Johansen, and other extended family members.

Della’s family will greet family and friends from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Following the visitation, Della will be laid to rest next to Lyn at Park Hill Cemetery in Paris. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Dennis Jay Bentley Jr., 46, of Stanwood, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, at his home after a very long illness. 

He was born October 9, 1976, in Reed City, MI, the son of Dennis Sr. and Arlene (Leiter) Bentley. Dennis attended Morley Stanwood Public Schools, and had a career in construction for his entire working years.

He enjoyed fishing and playing the card game magic with his son George. Dennis loved spending time with his children and granddaughter as much as he was able. He was a friendly man, the only stranger to him was a person he had not yet met.

Dennis is survived by his son George; five daughters, Gabbi, Rhianna, Claire, Chloe, and Harmony; his only granddaughter Quinn; his mother Arlene and stepfather Ray; his loving significant other and life partner, Donna; stepsons, Kevin and Brendan; stepdaughters, Kennedy and Lexi;  brother William; sister Dorothy; uncles, Harry and Jerome; and many nieces and nephews. If we missed someone, we are deeply sorry. Dennis was preceded in death by his father and uncle Raymond.

A Celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with final expenses. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Elaine Bechaz Baumunk, 100, lifetime Big Rapids resident, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Evergreen Terrace, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born on April 5, 1923, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Zimmerman) Colley, on a farm 5 miles east of Big Rapids.  The story goes that the doctor had to walk from Big Rapids with snowshoes on to deliver her because the snow was so deep.  Elaine attended a country school through 8th grade and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1941 with honors.  During World War II, Elaine worked for Hanchett Manufacturing.

In 1946, she married Joseph Bechaz, and they lived on a farm near Woodville.  In 1952, he lost his life in a farm accident. In 1954, Elaine married Lawerance “Red” Baumunk and they farmed west of Big Rapids.  

After raising 8 children, Red & Elaine decided it was time to travel.  Elaine, Red and the family traveled all through the west, went to Hawaii twice, Jamaica, and to the World’s Fair in Canada. Elaine with her family had visited 40 of the 50 states.

To celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary in February of 1979, Elaine and Red traveled to England where Elaine’s father was born.  Elaine also wanted to go to Europe and Asia, so she took a tour and visited Asia countries in 1981, and in 1982, Elaine traveled to many European countries.  The couple also traveled to Arizona every winter for a month with friends and to visit family. 

In their later years, Elaine and Red loved to dance and went to dances two or three times a week.  They had danced together when they were teenagers, and often laughed how many miles they had danced together throughout the years. 

Elaine and Red loved watching sports while their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren played.  If there was a game, Elaine would be there.  She, along with her family, attended 14 professional sports venues. Elaine also baked and decorated wedding cakes and did catering for more than 30 years.  

She is survived by two daughters, Karyl Cahill-Bechaz and Bonnie Doorenbos-Bechaz of Grand Rapids; 4 sons, Gary “Butch” Bechaz, Joe (Mary) Bechaz, Randy Baumunk, and Jeff (Jean) Baumunk, all of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Elaine was also preceded in death by her husband Lawerance “Red” Baumunk, two sons, Harry and Rodney Baumunk, and her brothers George and Joseph Colley.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.  Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery.  Elaine’s family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 19, from 6-8 p.m., and beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hospice of Michigan, Spectrum Health Hospice, or the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

George Terence Wales, 84, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at The Brook of Big Rapids. 

He was born July 6, 1939, in Traverse City, the son of George and Marguerite (Yates) Wales, and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1957.  George then earned his Associates Degree from Northwestern Michigan College in 1959.  On June 25, 1960, he married Alice Marie Wheeler in the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City.  

George went on to earn his BS Degree from Michigan State University in 1961. For two years, he taught at Mesick Consolidated Schools, and then Traverse City Central High School.  In 1967, he received his Masters of Arts Degree from Wayne State University, and then taught as an original faculty member at Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights for one year. 

George and Alice moved to Big Rapids in 1968 when he accepted a teaching position at Ferris State College.  He was a favorite professor for the many students that he taught, and he retired in 2002 as the Acting Department Head for Mathematics.  George was also the faculty liaison for the remodeling of the Arts and Sciences Building.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids.  George was also a licensed residential builder, and following his retirement he volunteered many hours for Habitat for Humanity.   A sports fan, George was also an avid supporter of FSU Hockey, and Tuba Bach as well.  He also loved collecting tools.    

George is survived by his wife Alice; two daughters, Valerie (Ken) Wales-Beatty of Grand Ledge and Judy (Alec Wondolkowski) Wales of Cedar Springs; two grandsons, Joseph Beatty and Matthew (Kelsey) Beatty, both of Grand Ledge; his brothers Terin (Marj) Wales of Harrison and Brian (Sherrie) Wales of Houghton Lake; his sister-in-law Joan Wheeler of AZ; his brother-in-law Bill (Joan) Wheeler of NJ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Roy Wheeler, Sr. 

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeremy Wicks officiating. George’s family will greet friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Alice and George Wales Hockey Scholarship at FSU, Tuba Bach, or a charity of choice.  Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.

Norma Beatrice MacKellar, 96, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, with her family by her side. 

She was born to Walter and Helen (Goodburn) Patten in Wheatland Township, MI during their visit to his parent’s house on February 3, 1927. The Patten’s went on to have another daughter, Leona, and raised the sisters in the Hersey and Paris areas. 

It was during her time attending middle school in Paris that Norma met the love of her life, Stanley MacKellar, and they later married on October 31, 1945. Stanley and Norma had one child, Rickie (MacKellar) Hoffman, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Norma was a proud patriot who was honored to serve her country from home during this tumultuous time in world history.

For many years she worked as a secretary at her son-in-law’s accounting practice, Hoffman & Associates, CPA, until his passing in 1987. Norma finished out her career at Ferris State University. 

She was an avid bingo player, had an admiration for all wildlife and its preservation, and was a diehard Detroit Red Wings fan. Norma valued family above everything and was a committed mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Stanley, her daughter and son-in-law Rickie and Orville Hoffman, her parents, stepfather Don Wilson, her sister Leona Symon, and nephews Mike and Terry Symon. She is survived by her grandchildren Chad Hoffman and Stacie (Richard) Langworthy; her great granddaughters Dakota Jones and Sierra Langworthy; six great-great grandchildren, Liliana, Adonia, Levi, and Elijah Jones, Faith and Hope Dennis; brother-in-law Doug (Elaine) MacKellar; sister-in-law Caroline; her nephew’s wife, Jan Symon; great nephews, Josh (Nikki), Jesse, and Nick (Jenny) Symon; great niece Heather (Justin) Bassett and each of their children. 

A special thank you to the Elara Caring Hospice team that took exceptional care of her with a personal touch. Also, thank you to Mohnke Funeral Home for the quality services that they have provided. 

A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions in Norma’s name may be made to Elara Caring Hospice, so they can continue their mission to help others in our community. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Nila Sue Biller, 68, of Mecosta, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare. 

She was born October 4, 1954, in Angola, IN, the daughter of Verna and Ruth (Dreher) Echler, and moved to Weidman in 1970.  For 20 years, Nila worked at Central Michigan University before retiring. 

On April 10, 1987, Nila married Dennis Biller, and they resided in Mecosta. Nila loved to listen to Denny’s band when they played functions, and enjoyed going to the casino, and playing bingo. She also enjoyed bowling on a league with her friend for many years. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.  

Dennis preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 2016.  Nila is survived by her daughter Shawna (Frank) Miller of Mecosta; her sons LC (Annie) Shaner of Weidman and Jim (Stacey) Thompson of Coopersville; stepson Wayne (Teresa) Biller; 17 grandchildren, Miranda, Colt, Elissa, Brenden, Peyton, LC Jr., Kayla, Paige, Elijah, Zack, Morgan, Nichole, Chelsea, Tanisha, Jordis, Zane, and Dakota; 12 great grandchildren; her sisters Verna Rakeshaw and Cindy Dornbush; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters Doris Bolf and Carolyn Oliver, and stepdaughter Tracy Biller.

A Celebration of Nila’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Miller’s home, 848 W. Maple St., Mecosta, MI 49332. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Susan P. Wheatlake Reginal Cancer Center. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com

Randy Alan Ripley, 59, of Howard City, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

He was born November 14, 1963, in Reed City, the son of Hiram and Marilyn (Edstrom) Ripley. On January 15, 1983, Randy married Glenna Smith, and they made their home near Howard City. For nearly 25 years, he worked for H&H Metal Source in Grand Rapids. 

Randy loved the outdoors…. either on the lake bass fishing or in the wood’s deer hunting. He enjoyed watching his grandkids play school sports, and listening to loud music, most often at an inappropriate time (and annoying to others!) 

Randy can be described as a funny, wise, hardworking, dedicated, loyal, and stubborn man. But most important was his love for Glenna, their children and grandchildren, whom he made sure knew how much he loved and treasured them. 

Randy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Glenna; their children, Trisha (Brian) Meldrum of Stanwood, Alan (Trisha) Ripley of Howard City, and Ashley (Bruce) Douglas of Rothbury; ten grandchildren, Mackenzie and Logan Meldrum, Kaileigh, Kaleb, and Gunner Ripley, Austin Cook, Korbin Stencel, and Sebastian, Lincoln, and Kaura Douglas; sisters, Angela (Bob) Shearer and Paula (Albert) Robinson; his uncle Jack Wilson; brothers – and sisters-in-law, Emerson (Mary) Smith, Terry (Kathy) Smith, and Dudley (Kay) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Any and all are welcome to join in the Celebration of Randy’s life on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 1:00pm at his home: 531 Poplar Howard City, MI 49329. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com