Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation

01/31/2026

Timothy Jay Toms of Frankfort passed away January 25, at the age of 66.

Tim was a lifelong resident of Frankfort and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1979. During his school years, he participated in basketball and played percussion in the band. Throughout his early working days, Tim worked at Pet Milk, delivered newspapers for Bob McNabb, served as a bartender at Baker’s Bar, contributed to plumbing projects under his brother Larry Toms, and gained construction experience with his brother Mike Toms. In 1991, he began his career with Leelanau Sands Casino, where he advanced to the position of Pit Supervisor after five years, ultimately dedicating 32 years of service to the organization. Tim valued his relationships with colleagues and found true purpose in his work. He was known for his cheerful demeanor and lighthearted interactions with both friends and acquaintances.

Tim started playing music young, mastering drums, acoustic guitar, and bass. He taught himself pedal steel guitar, his favorite instrument. Tim played in several bands, most notably with his father in "Tennessee 2+3," and briefly with "The Mavericks" in the early '90s. He was respected in the community for his steel guitar skills, which people still praise today. When he wasn’t making music, he was listening to his favorites, Waylon Jennings, Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and any other early country.

He loved all Detroit Sports including University of Michigan and enjoyed watching the Red Wings when they came up north to training camp.

He valued spending his free time with family, particularly his parents and grandchildren. Golf was among his preferred activities, which he enjoyed alongside his son and friends. He also appreciated participating in card games such as Euchre, Poker, and Blackjack, and took pleasure in grilling steaks.

Tim is survived by son Kyle (Jenna) Toms, grandkids Kolten, Kyleigh, Braylon, and Travon, niece Morgan Toms, nephews Josh Toms and Corey Toms.

He was preceded in death by parents Bernetta and Chester Toms, siblings Larry Toms, and Mike Toms.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life” -Romans 6:4

Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

01/30/2026

Anna Marie Hutchison, 73, passed away at her home in Empire, Michigan, on January 18, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1952, in Hancock, Michigan, a place whose natural beauty shaped her lifelong love of the outdoors. Anna graduated from Osborn High School in Detroit, Michigan, in June 1970.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Hutchison; her parents, David and Jennie Romberg; her stepmother, Norma Romberg; and her sister, Cynthia Romberg.

She is survived by her sons, Brian and Scott Brazaski; her sister, Dianne Alessandrini; her brothers, David, Keith, and Kevin Romberg; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Family was at the heart of everything Anna did. She cared deeply for each of them, and her warmth, loyalty, and steady presence were felt by all who knew her.

A retired mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, Anna served her community with dedication and a friendly spirit. She found her greatest joy outdoors. Crosscountry skiing, hiking, and exploring the forests and lakeshores of Northern Michigan were among her favorite pastimes. She especially loved the shores of Lake Michigan, where she spent countless hours walking the beaches, searching for sand dollars and Petoskey stones, and taking in the beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and condolences on Anna’s tribute page at the Jowett Family Funeral Home website: https://www.jowettfamilyfuneralhome.com

01/30/2026

Delores Edna Jones, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. She was born on February 14, 1935, to Alice Imogene (Rice) Heinze and William Hugh Heinze, and was the youngest of four sisters. She spent her life deeply rooted in Northern Michigan. On April 28, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Eugene Jones, while he was home on military leave during the Korean War. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2013.

Delores was devoted to her family and home as a stay-at-home mother, while also playing an essential role in the family’s livelihood by helping to run her husband’s water well-drilling business. She managed both with dedication and care, always placing her family first.

She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. Delores enjoyed fishing and hunting alongside her family and cherished time spent outdoors. She expressed her love through her many talents and traditions; her family will dearly miss the special treats she made, including her homemade raspberry jelly, rosettes, pecan pie, and cookies. She also created beautiful baskets and lovingly knit blankets—gifts that will continue to warm both homes and hearts.

In later years, Delores found companionship and renewed happiness with her beloved partner of more than ten years, Dan Remahl. Delores and Dan formed a bond and loving relationship that kept them both active through daily walks, short journeys around the state, and many happy moments, including countless games of cribbage.

She is survived by her children, William Jones of Bear Lake, Janice (James Williams) Haedicke of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Scott (Deborah) Jones of Beulah; her grandchildren, Cortney (Ryan)
Gailey, Caitlin (Jon) Braam, Craig Jones, and Matthew (Lydia) Haedicke; her great-grandchildren, Madeleine Haedicke, Lavinia Gailey, and Leora Gailey; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her partner, Dan Remahl.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jones; her parents, Imogene and Hugh Heinze; her sisters, Ardith Jones, Beatrice Kleis, and Carol Strom; and her son-in-law, Jack Haedicke.

In accordance with her wishes, a visitation will be held for immediate family on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Jowett Family Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held for family
and close friends on April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Munson Hospice House.

Delores will be remembered as a strong and thoughtful woman who was deeply devoted to her family. She showed her love through quiet acts of care, a steady presence, and the traditions she
created and shared with those she loved.

01/30/2026

Birt Phillip Zaika of Bear Lake passed away January 20, 2026, at the age of 82. Birt made an impact both personally and professionally; he was involved in the automotive industry as both a salesperson and a mechanic. His family took pride in seeing so many cars coming from his hands, especially his grandchildren who adored him.

He is survived by girlfriend Laura Bartley, son Birt Zaika Jr., daughter Angie Patton, brother Fred Zaika, grandchildren Rachelle Hamilton, Dillion Long, Corey Nardi, Haley (Patton) Minton, 3 great grandchildren; Aaralyn Hamilton, Adeline Sassaman, and Maya Minton, nephew Fred Zaika.

He was preceded in death by daughter Teresa Zaika, first wife Germaine Nice, and second wife Sharon Carpenter, and parents Fred and Wilma Zaika.

01/30/2026

Russell Eugene Mix, 80, of Elberta, passed away on January 24, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Russ was born on March 10, 1945, brought into the world by his grandmother Bessie Mix. He was the first child in his family, and spent his entire life in Benzie County—a place he loved deeply and proudly called home. He attended both Frankfort High School and Benzie Central High School, graduating from Benzie Central. He later attended Ferris State College, where he earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology.

Russ’s love of mechanics began at a young age, learning the trade from his father. In 1972, he purchased Mix’s Service in Elberta from him and went on to run the business successfully for more than 40 years. Russ took great pride in his work and in doing things the right way. He was known as an honest, skilled mechanic who was always willing to help someone in need of repair—whether it was a vehicle or a neighbor needing a hand, or a complete stranger broken down on the side of the road. For nearly 20 years, he partnered with Frankfort High School to teach automotive skills to a few young men each year, quietly shaping the next generation of tradesmen.

Russ had a deep love for the village of Elberta and the people who called it home. He cared especially about the local kids, always keeping an eye out for them and taking quiet pride in watching them grow up. Whether offering advice, encouragement, or simply putting a smile on someone’s face, Russ believed in the value of community and looking out for one another. Elberta wasn’t just where he worked—it was where he belonged, and the people there were extended family to him.

Beyond the garage, Russ found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He especially loved deer hunting, so much so that his business closed for a week or more every November while he headed into the woods with close friends. Russ suffered his first heart attack while deer hunting—doing what he loved most. He was able to sound the alarm, and his lifelong friend, Mike Bishop, found him and got him medical attention. Thanks to Mike’s quick actions, Russ was given more than ten additional years with the people who loved him. He also enjoyed fishing and other forms of hunting, always happiest when surrounded by nature and good company.

Russ became a father on October 12, 1968, with the birth of his daughter, Melanie Beth (Mix) Shutler. He welcomed his second daughter, Andrea Sue (Mix) Winfield, on May 1, 1970. Being a father and later a grandfather and great-grandfather were roles he held close to his heart. On October 24, 2001, Russ married the woman he referred to as "Real Love", Sue Bishop.

Russ was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannette Earline (Settles) Mix; his father, Oral Eugene Mix; and his father’s second wife, Dorothy Irene (Boynton) Mix.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Bishop; his daughters, Melanie Beth (Mix) Shutler and her husband Robert, and Andrea Sue (Mix) Winfield and her husband Gerrold; and the mother of his children, Susan Harold.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Julianne Renee (Fitch) Pueblo and her husband Matthew, Cassidy Isabelle Osborn, Cadence Jeannette Mix-Dean, and Dawson Janus Mix-Dean; and by his great-grandchildren: Nya, Lexi, Lucas, and Kylie Pueblo.

Russ is survived by his sister, Jeredith Ann (Mix) Timmer; his brother, Roger Earl Mix and his wife Lee; and his half-brother, Patrick McConnell.

He is further survived by many nieces and nephews: Kurt Mix and his wife Ashley, Kylie Mix, Varney Fanbullah, Jimah Littlefield, and Morgan Anne Timmer.

Russ will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generosity, his love of the outdoors, and his quiet willingness to show up for others when they needed him most. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the skills he passed down, and the many lives he helped along the way.

We will be having a Celebration of Life in the late spring for everyone to gather and share memories. The date is to be determined. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

01/29/2026

Katherine Louise (Barker) Bush of Kingsley passed away January 21, 2026, at the age of 54. She worked at Hillcrest AFC in Kingsley caring for her beloved patients.

She is survived by son Benjamin Bush, daughters Meagan Thompson, and Danielle Swisher, sisters Karolyne, and Jennifer.

She was preceded in death by parents Benny and Darlene Barker, husband Thomas Bush, and brother Jeffrey.

A service will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

01/28/2026

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01/27/2026

Michael Arthur Ryan was born two months prematurely, in Taft, California on October 30, 1948.
He passed away at Munson Medical Center on January 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a medical emergency. His parents were Arthur Ryan and Willie Elizabeth (Beard) Ryan.

Big Mike, Mic, Daddy, Daddio, Uncle Mike, Grandpa, GeeGee or Geeg, whatever term of endearment you referred to him as, was certainly a man that will not soon be forgotten. He was a truly humble man who helped others without fanfare, strove always to be a testament to his faith in Jesus and unequivocally, he loved BIG. Spending time with his family was his greatest happiness, second only to cutting wood. “It Is Well with My Soul” was not only his favorite hymn, but a way of life for Mike. Even through immense tragedy, it was always well with his soul because he knew who was in control, his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mike spent summers in Beulah and Crystal Lake as a child, and moved to Benzie County with his parents, permanently, in 1959. His parents became turkey farmers and lived in many different homes in the Benzie County area, including on Marshall Road, County Road 669, Narrow Gauge Road, Ely Road, and Arborvitae Road. He had several jobs in high school and worked in the pines (as most young men did back then). He also worked for Les Bair, Bob Rayle, and Don Andrews. He graduated from Benzie Central High School in 1966 and attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City for two years, studying to be a biology teacher and/or an ornithologist planning to eventually transfer to Michigan State University. In 1968, he went to Alaska and worked for a while for his uncle at Standard Oil, then came back to Michigan, and on March 20, 1969, heeded the call to serve his country and join the United States Army. He served for two years which included a tour in Vietnam, Company D, in the 84th Engineering, 4th Division Battalion. Mike’s Army processing took place in Detroit, MI, basic training at Fort Knox; AIT was in Fort Polk Louisiana. He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Schwa Bish Gmund in Germany, serving in a Pershing missile group. He was assigned to be a clerk in the motor pool. He wanted to find a different kind of role because he was out of his element with no training. He was then 10-49’d (volunteered) to Vietnam. “I was too young to vote, but old enough to carry a gun & fight for our country, with no concept of the nightmares to come.” While in Vietnam, Mike was a heavy vehicle driver in D-company in the 84th engineer battalion where he received job-specific training. No matter the training or role, all soldiers became multifaceted in myriad positions. Mike was a landmine sweeper, assisted with road repair & served in the following locations while in Vietnam: Tuy Hoa. An Khe, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, then to Buon ma Thuot where he ended his tour and came home to Michigan. He served in Vietnam: January 18, 1970 – December 11, 1970 Mike was honorably discharged as an E4. He was awarded a sharpshooter medal, Vietnam service medal, and VCM/60 device. After his service he returned home to Northern Michigan and over the next few years he worked for Ott Edinger, Joe Link, All Lakes Dock & Hoist, HW Jenks, Curt Barons, M&L Masonry, Crystal Mountain, and General Production and KB Oil (in California), all before finding his home with Paul Maurer General contracting, where he worked in construction for 31 years.

Mike embarked on a 53-year adventure when he married “his bride,” Deborah Genne Kochis on an icy Friday afternoon, January 19, 1973, at the old county courthouse in Beulah, Michigan. Together, they raised three amazing, beautiful daughters, and created a comfortable home filled with laughter, books, music, and most of all, big love, where there was always room for one more at the dinner table.

Nature was another source of joy throughout his life. Planting trees and flowers and vegetables were an important part of his life. He LOVED picking blueberries from Ryan Road every August and storing bags in the freezer to enjoy all winter long in blueberry pancakes with peanut butter (a Ryan-family-delicacy). He was an avid hunter of morels and Petoskey stones. He thoroughly enjoyed feeding and caring for a diverse array of songbirds, and other creatures from his wooded backyard which gave him and his family countless hours of enjoyment. He could identify almost any bird, mushroom, tree, or plant in the Northern Michigan area and from a young age, loved hikes and walks in the woods near their family home in Honor, he mentored his girls – instilling in them a deep and profound affection, appreciation and humble respect for the natural world.

Mike was a proud and devoted member of Eden Bible Church, where he served as a trustee, and a deacon, Mike loved Jesus Christ as instructed in the Bible, “with all of his heart, soul and mind, and he loved his neighbor as himself.”

He was a very loving and devoted son, brother, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, father, father-in-law, grandfather, GeeGee, friend, and employee. His wife, Deb (his babe), was the light of his life. His three precious daughters meant everything to him. One thing Mike would tell you for sure until the day he died was that when his grandson Isaac Julian was put into his arms shortly after being born, he knew that God had put him on this earth to be a grandpa! He was the very best grandpa ever to Isaac, Abigail, Jack, and Ridley and an amazing great grandpa (GeeGee or Geeg) to Milou Moon.

Mike is survived by his bride of 53 years and four days, Deb; daughters Jenn Ryan (Eric VanDussen), Christina Ryan-Stoltz (Joshua Stoltz), and Jessica Ryan (Mike Rucki), his three honorary daughters: Angie LoCicero, Rudy Strickland, and Jeanett Pritchett; his son’s in love, Philip McKinnon, John Hodge, Geoff Turner; his precious grandchildren, Abigail Hodge (Micah Byrnes), Jackson Hodge, Ridley Ryan-Turner, and his equally precious great granddaughter, Milou Moon Byrnes. Also surviving Mike is his sister Kay Hammond; father-in-law Bob Junkleman, brothers-in-law, Danny (Stef) Kochis, Paul Kochis, Bobby (Kathy) Junkelman, Jeff Junkelman, and Tim Hunt; sister-in-law Catharine Hansford, and many beloved nieces, nephews, many cousins, including his favorite cousin Randy (Deb) Harris, and many dear friends and neighbors.

Proceeding Mike in death were his mom and dad, Billie and Art Ryan, his father and mother in law, Daniel and Mary Kochis, his brothers in law, Peter Kochis and Russell Kochis, his nephew, who was like a son, Jeremiah Kochis, his precious and beloved grandson Isaac Julian Ryan- McKinnon, his sister-in-law Joni Hunt, his great nephew Johan Horstik-Brenes, and his very favorite uncle, Kennith Cardell Beard (who was only two years older than Mike and was like a brother) and also died on January 23, 2026.

Memorial contributions can be made directly to the family. A service will be held Tuesday February 3rd at Eden Bible church at 4:30 pm, with visiting one hour prior. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, Mi.

01/27/2026

Sandra (Sandy) Lefevre passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 20, 2026. Born in Flint, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Dean and Patricia Tobias.

She was the beloved wife of William Lefevre for nearly 50 years; devoted mother of Kayci (Michael Wymard) and Kortni (Michael Lemcool); and stepmother of Bill, Vicki, and Chris. She was a cherished grandmother—Gaga—to Trevor (13) and Trent (9). She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jeffrey and Dean Tobias, and is survived by her brother, Rick Tobias. She was the daughter-in-law of the late William and Geraldine Lefevre.

Sandy found joy in time with family, playing cards with friends, movies, antiquing, reading, and helping others. Her generous heart and gentle spirit will be deeply missed.

A private cremation has been arranged through Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. To receive updates, please email RememberingSandyLefevre@gmail.com with your name and email address.

To honor Sandy’s memory, the family invites memorial contributions to the Gentiva Foundation (Heartland Hospice), whose compassion and support made a meaningful difference. Donations may be made at: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

William Willis “Wild Bill” Chamberlain, of Thompsonville, passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 69. He was born on May 10, 1957, the beloved son of Reno and Alice Chamberlain.

Known to many as “Wild Bill,” he truly lived up to the name, a complicated yet simple man who lived life on his own terms. Bill loved his rock ’n’ roll, a good glass of whiskey, a little w**d, and above all, his Harley-Davidson. But more than anything, his heart bled for his girls, who were the center of his world.

Some of Bill’s favorite times were spent sharing stories of long rides and far-off travels on his bike with Linda and his close friends. A natural builder and gifted with his hands, Bill took pride in his work and once owned his own bike shop. He lived unapologetically saying exactly what was on his mind and remaining his authentic self wherever he went.

In his younger years, Bill’s perfect day was simple: time spent with his kids and grandkids, followed by a ride into the sunset, wind in his hair, music turned up as loud as it could go.

Bill was known for his unforgettable sayings, including “FTW,” “What do liars get?” “A sock in the mouth!” and “How does it feel to want?” He especially loved retelling to Annie (“Dinky-Dow”) and Billie (“Chopper”) the story of how he met their mother, always beginning with, “It was a warm summer night…” which never failed to prompt exaggerated barf noises from the girls and a grin that stretched ear to ear across Bill’s face.

Due to a medical condition, Bill often wore dark glasses. When asked why, his response was always the same: “Because I’m cool, the sun shines on me 24/7.”

We find comfort knowing Bill is now free from suffering, riding the streets of gold alongside his grandson Reno and reunited with his loyal companion, Simba.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Christi Chamberlain, Annie (Danny) Leffew, and Billie (Steve) Kirbach; grandchildren Devin Chamberlain, Marissa Frisbie, Zavier Labonte, Desmond Solomon, Kaia Thompson, and Alyviah Leffew; siblings Reene Chamberlain and Robert Smyth; and his longtime partner, Linda Tobias.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ann Chamberlain; his brother, Donald Smyth; and his beloved grandson, Reno Leffew.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring. Arrangements are entrusted to Jowett Family Funeral Home.

01/21/2026

Judy Kay Rice passed away peacefully at Paul Oliver Living and Rehabilitation Center on January 17, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 4, 1938, to Robert and Rosemary Rice and raised on the family farm in Benzonia which she inherited following her father’s death. She married Dale “Gene” Leatherman in 1955 and had three children, Deborah, Dale & Aaron. She was so proud of her children’s accomplishments.

She was very active in the Frankfort Child Study Club and the Teen Parent Program.

Judy worked many positions at Paul Oliver Hospital including receptionist, secretary to the Director of Nursing, and x-ray tech. She finished her working career at the age of 70 at Crystal Lake Clinic as the Billing Supervisor.

She was very talented. For many years, she worked with ceramics and having her own kilns and numerous molds, she was able to pour and fire the greenware prior to painting. Using these kilns, she also made porcelain dolls as well as making all their clothes. She was an instructor of sewing for 4H and taught many girls how to sew. She made her daughter’s wedding dress and all the bridesmaid dresses as well as the flower girl & ring bearer outfits. She made wedding cakes, dabbled in oil painting and finally settled on making quilts. Judy loved to share her knowledge and would host classes for anyone wanting to learn how to quilt. She loved packing up her machine, fabric and sewing notions to travel to her friend Ilene’s home for a week of sewing.

When line dancing/country dancing became the trend, she attended many classes and bought every country outfit she could find. She found a lot of joy in this type of dancing.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, son Dale, and brother Robert (Corky) Rice. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Gatrell (Gary), son Aaron Leatherman (LeeAnn), two grandchildren Cristy Crossman (Kayne) and Evan Leatherman (Whitney), and eight great grandchildren Lilah, Letty, London, Kayne, Georgia, Leo, Jordan and Sutton.

Cremation has taken place. No services will be held. Arrangements handled by Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia.

Deb and Aaron would like to thank Paul Oliver Living and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care and compassion offered to our mom in the last 2 1/2 years.