Lorna “Bunny” Ennis
April 13, 1941 – January 24, 2023
Lorna “Bunny” Jean Ennis, 81, of St. Petersburg, Florida died peacefully January 24, 2023 in the company of loving family members and the care of Suncoast Hospice. Bunny was born on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Chester “Chet” R. McMillan and Edna Althea Moorhead. A kind, generous woman with a keen sense of humor, Bunny loved any opportunity—from holiday gatherings to chance meetings on the street—to smile and laugh with every person (and every dog!) crossing her path. Indeed, Bunny embodied a W.B. Yeats quote, “There are no strangers here; only friends I haven’t yet met.”
On the day of her birth, Bunny’s aunts thought she looked like a cute Easter bunny. The nickname stuck, expressing the whimsy and amusement she brought to each day. Bunny grew up in Ferndale, Michigan and enjoyed family camps and cottages up north, playing cards, swimming, and sharing good food and fun. She attended the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale, and enjoyed the church’s summer youth camps. A graduate of Ferndale High School, Class of 1959, she joined the synchronized swimming team, was elected president of the social sorority Shalimar, and was homecoming queen her senior year. She attended Central Michigan University and waited tables during the summers at Blaney Park Resort.
Bunny later married, and, in 1967, moved to Newberry where she raised four children and regularly hosted celebrations and holidays for friends and family. She especially adored Christmas. Passionate about card games, she organized bridge and euchre gatherings with delicious food. Always ready to wear a swimsuit, she enjoyed swimming and boating at family cottages on Round Lake. An active community volunteer, Bunny joined the Newberry Ambassadors, wearing a red blazer and a smile to welcome new businesses. She tutored children at her home, was a Vista volunteer for the Luce Counter Inter-tribal Center, and helped start successful pasty sales (prepared with Aunt Marcella Norman’s crust recipe) to raise funds for school trips. She also supported many activities at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. She loved pets, particularly her beloved dogs. Community activities close to her heart were Pet Pals, concerned with the welfare and shelter of pets, and Goodfellows, whose mission is to make sure that no child or senior citizen goes without a Christmas.
In 2009, Bunny realized her dream of living near her children in Florida and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico, where she soaked up the sun, bobbed in the water, and watched sunsets. In 2010, she became a resident of Isle of Palms Mobile Home Park, where she loved the social gatherings, whether at the park clubhouse or while chatting and sipping coffee at her carport, a.k.a “Bunny’s Gathering Place.” She participated in the park’s Welcome Committee, greeting new residents with her warm smile and humor. She played euchre games at the park’s clubhouse and offered euchre lessons at her home. She loved any holiday gathering, especially festivities that called for a whacky hat. For Christmas, she wore a jingle bell around her neck during the entire month of December. She also won a pie contest with her apple pie made with the same crust recipe she learned for making pasties. She also regularly attended Seminole United Methodist Church. In 2015, she became a proud member of St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 where she helped organize and lead an aquatic class, the Elks Mermaids and Manatees. She was also an award winner at the Elks’ annual Chili cook-off contests.
Following the motto that life is a journey not a destination, Bunny lived her life one day at a time. She was kind and generous, celebrated the good in each person, and relied on her faith in God as a source of joy, courage, and love. Her special gift to bring people together will enrich our lives with love and laughter for many years. We will always love you, Bunny!
Bunny is survived by: son Michael C. Ennis-McMillan and his partner Saul Bachiller-Smith of Saratoga Springs, New York; son Patrick J. Ennis and daughter-in-law Kristin Fellner of St. Petersburg, Florida; and daughter Colleen “Kelly” Ennis of Escanaba, Michigan. Family who called her Grandma Bunny include: Mikel A. Ennis (Robbie) Dyer; Takuya Oshiro (son of Sy Wilkins); and Ashley Powell, Stephanie Sauder, and Kellie Hartwick (daughters of Mel Bialorucki). She is also survived by: sister-in-law Lisa McMillan; sister-in-law Patty Rose Ennis (Patrick) Rahilly; sister-in-law Mary M. Ennis Murphy; brother-in-law Moran (Shirley) Doyle; and former husband Michael B. Ennis of Grand Marais, Michigan. Her nieces and nephews include: David Doyle, Michelle Doyle, Shawn Doyle, Danny Murphy, Brendan Rahilly, Caitie Rahilly Johnson, Caley McMillan, and Drew McMillan. She also has four great-grandchildren, many grand nieces and nephews, and several distant cousins.
In addition to her parents, Bunny was preceded in death by: son James D. Ennis; sister Shirley (Vince) McMillan Budre; cousin Marilyn Manzella; parents-in-law Mike and Marge Ennis; aunt Alma Snider and uncle Charlie Snider; aunts Chan Ennis Monroe and Katie Ennis; uncle Frank Ennis; brother-in-law Joe Murphy; sister-in-law Kathleen Ennis Doyle; and several family dogs, including Stranger, a stray black Labrador Retriever who stole Bunny’s heart. Soon after Bunny passed away, her brother Donald R. McMillan, died in Pinckney, Michigan.
Per Bunny’s wishes, cremation was handled by Florida Direct Cremation in St. Petersburg, Florida. A joyous community celebration of life took place at Isle of Palms Mobile Home Park. Her family will hold a private ceremony to deposit her ashes in the Gulf of Mexico.
Memorial contributions in Bunny’s memory may be made to: (1) Luce County Pet Pals, Inc. (mail to PO Box 525, Newberry MI 49868; or use Paypal link at https:/lucecopetpals.org) and (2) Newberry Area Goodfellows (mail to P.O. Box 352, Newberry MI 49868).
Barbara J. Shrader
July 2, 1945 – March 4, 2023
Barbara J. Shrader, wife, mother and grandmother, died following an extended illness on March 4, 2023 at her daughter’s home in Big Rapids, surrounded by family and friends.
Born Barbara Townsend on July 2, 1945 to parents Harold Townsend and Ruth (Beason) Townsend, she grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana. Barb met Walter John Shrader II at Indiana University and married him in 1964. The couple moved around the country before settling in Newberry, Michigan in 1979. They had four children: W. John III, Thomas E., Lora E., and David A. Shrader.
Barb was very involved in the community. She worked at the Friend of the Court in Newberry for a number of years, retiring when her husband died in 2005. She enjoyed gardening, reading, word puzzles, and her beloved granddaughters, Kaiya and Tes Shrader.
Barb leaves behind a half-brother, Robert (Kathy) Beason and special friend Ray Barney.
A private memorial is planned for the summer.
Donald Edward Laverty
July 21, 1951 – March 7, 2023
Donald Edward Laverty, age 71, of Curtis, Michigan, died at home on March 7, 2023. He was born in Manistique, Michigan, on July 21, 1951, to Evert Edward and Mary Louise (Wolfe) Laverty.
Donald was always on the road & hunting for knowledge. You could always find him building things. He was the rock concert and the baby dancing on the truck’s ruff kinda guy. He loved being papa and tried hard to make up for his wrongdoings towards the end. Donald was a proud member of the American Lung Association.
Donald loved the outdoors. He enjoyed flying, riding his motorcycles, tinkering in the garage, fishing, storytelling, gold digging, harassing the law, defending the U.S. Constitution, pot, and maple syrup making. He also was very kind and compassionate. He loved to help others and adored hanging out with his grandkids, and having bonfires and garage parties. His last great adventure was being papa.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Patty June Jago of Iron Mountain, Michigan; son, Jason Scott Laverty of Escanaba, Michigan; and grandchildren, Scott Charles Jago of Newberry, Michigan, Patrick Dunkken Jago of Iron Mountain, Jacklind Kay Shampine of Kinross, Michigan, and Jes Shampine.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents.
Galer Funeral Home of Pickford, Michigan, is service the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.
Ramona M. MacPhee
October 21, 1939 – March 9, 2023
Longtime Newberry resident, Ramona Marie MacPhee, 83, died Thursday morning, March 9, 2023 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Born October 21, 1939 in Newberry, daughter of the late Jerome D. and Frances M. (Monk) Roberts, Ramona was a 1957 graduate of Newberry High School and later received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse Aide.
Ramona was employed at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for over 25 years until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoyed crocheting, baking and cooking for her family.
In addition to her parents, Ramona is preceded in death by her sons Robert Powell and Roy Powell, grandson William Powell.
Survivors include her children Rhonda (Kirk) Strong of McMillan, Rebecca (Dan) Hunt of Newberry and Joe (Sandy) MacPhee of Marquette; grandchildren Kristina, Kathy, Karen, Karol, Tommy, Joey, Billy, Christy, Lindsay, Joshua, Karlie, Meghan and Jacob; thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Mary Powell of Vero Beach, Florida.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ramona will be held Saturday May 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Barbara Goldie Edgar
October 30, 1930 – March 11, 2023
Longtime Newberry resident, Barbara Goldie Edgar, 92, died Saturday morning March 11, 2023 at Medilodge-Sault Ste. Marie.
Born October 30, 1930 in St. Ignace, daughter of the late Alsem and Goldie (Varnes) Archambeau, Barb attended Newberry High School.
Barb was employed in the meat department at the A & P for several years until it’s closure in 1979 and continued at Rahilly’s IGA until her retirement in the early 1990’s.
Barb was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Barb is preceded in death by her husband Coral, son and daughter-in-law David (Carol) Edgar, grandson Justin Holbrook, granddaughters Heidi Kerridge and Belinda Crooks, siblings Lucille Glenn, Kathleen Kujala, Delphine Archambeau and Raymond Archambeau.
Survivors include her children Patti Payton of Escanaba, Bob (Sandy) Edgar of Kingsford, Peggy (Rick) Kerridge of Newberry, Diane (Tom) Lindsay of Newberry, Mary (Gene) Holbrook of Newberry and Steve Edgar of Sault Ste. Marie; 30 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; siblings Laura Drefs of Newberry, Veronica Ross of Newberry and Carl (Mary) Archambeau of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law Lois Cronk of Cedar Springs; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. Graveside services will be held Saturday June 17, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry with Randall Griffis presiding.
The family of Barb Edgar extends their sincere gratitude to Robin and the staff at Robin’s Nest AFC Home for the care they provided and loving Barb as one of their family.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
