All Obituaries

Elizabeth Jane Lacey, age 88 of Portage, passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at her home. Betty was born November 6, 1931 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of Earl Miles and Anna Lillian (Ingram) Lacey. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James E. Lacey. Betty is survived by her four sisters: Jean (Charles) Beatty, Shirley (Norman) Collins, Ruth (Bill) Nalley and Linda Hart; sister in law: Dianna Lacey; eleven nieces and nephews and eighteen great-nieces and...

Jay Bonke, age 45, of Phoenix, Arizona and formerly of Battle Creek passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2020. Jay was born August 31,1974 in Battle Creek to Sherry (Bonke) Beninghaus and Jim Sheldon. Jay graduated from Lakeview high school in 1993, Jay received an associate degree in HVAC from Eastern Arizona College.  Jay held many different jobs but his entrepreneurial spirit always lead the way.  Jay loved woodworking, bowling, helping the less fortunate homeless and veterans...

Ross D Feneley age 79 May 7,1941-July 11,2020 Survived by his wife Theresa ( Terry) Reber Feneley, 4 children: Sharon Feneley-Driscoll, Marcella Nowicki, Jeffrey Feneley, Michael Feneley, son-in-law Brian Driscoll, and 10 grandchildren. Ross was born and raised in Engadine, Michigan. Graduated from Central Michigan University with a biology major and a chemistry minor. Further studied to become a food scientist: working at Gerber Products in Fremont, Michigan, RW Snyder Company, where he...

Eugene “Gene” J. Pursell, age 93, of Battle Creek, passed away on July 30, 2020 at his residence.  He was born on April 21, 1927 in Battle Creek, the son of Harry and Eva (Styphenic) Pursell.  He was a lifelong area resident, having lived in Level Park then Battle Creek.   Gene served in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean war.  He was employed as a carman for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.  Gene was a member of St. Johns Evangelical...

Arrangements are pending.

On Monday, July 27, 2020, surrounded by her family, Sandra was promoted to Heaven. Sandra was born on September 1, 1947, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Leroy D. and Beulah M. (Brown) Whipple. She had been a lifelong resident of the area graduating from Harper Creek High School in 1965. On October 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to David A. VanDorsten who survives. Sandra was employed as a lead secretary for the Calhoun County Health Department retiring after 38 years of service. She...

Beverly A. Priess, age 75 of Battle Creek, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020. She was born June 29, 1945 in Franklin, New Jersey the daughter of Harrison Lee and Idella Mary (Banks) Aten. She graduated from Newberry High School in Newberry, Michigan and the Humboldt Institute. Bev worked in banking for many years, Cut Rate Grocery for 17 years and Allstate Insurance for the past 22 years. On September 2, 1967 she was married to Elwood A. Priess who survives. Also surviving is her oldest...

Joan Kay Harshman, age 84, of Edmond, Oklahoma and formerly of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, July 20, 2020 at her home in Edmond where she had lived since 1995. She was born January 26, 1936 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of William C. and Katherine (Keller) Davis. Joan graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and soon after married Raymond L. Harshman who survives. She is also survived by two children: Dr. William L. Harshman and Katharine Harshman; several grandchildren;...

Tony Allen Conine aka The WARRAT passes away Saturday the 25th of July peacefully in the hospital surrounded by his children. Tony was born July 31st, 1963 and lived on of the most eventful life in those 56 years. He had many jobs in his life but his favorite profession was being a Security Officer. He was a man that wanted to help anyone he could. His loved ones got to see his caring side and his enemies witnesses the demon inside. Tony was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the...

   Bernard Rudd, 62, went to be with the Lord on July 25, 2020 with his family by his side. He was born in Battle Creek, MI, the son of John and Neoma Rudd. He is survived by his Wife, Cheryl, his Children, Preston, John, Stacey, Tracey, Charles, Matt, Michelle and Gary; Sisters, Carlene, Maxine and Willa; Brothers, Bill, Butch (Judy); many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents; Sons, Bernard Jr., Christopher; Sisters,...