Barbara Phyllis Burkett
June 8, 1924 – December 15, 2024
We say “Good Bye” to our beloved Aunt Barb. Barbara Phyllis Burkett, 100 years old, passed away peacefully under the watchful, caring eyes of the nurses, doctors, aides, at the Medilodge of Sault Ste. Marie. They have been our guardian angels during this time and over the last several months.
Born June 8, 1924, daughter of the late Opal (Fox) and Roy Curry, she was one of an active family of seven. Their roots began in Seney, on to Brimley and then Hulbert, where she married Donald David Burkett (deceased). They were longtime residents, active members of the Hulbert Baptist Church, Bible study group, and many community activities.
One of the highlights of her life, one she was very proud of, was her position of many years as the Hulbert postmaster. Always active, we attribute her long life to her fierce love of life, her extended family ties and all the many animals, domestic and wild, she happily fed keeping her company.
Barbara will be laid rest next to her husband Donald at the Hulbert Township Cemetery in the spring of 2025 with a celebration of Barbara’s life to take place in the summer of 2025.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Audrey A. Sanborn
March 10, 1927 – December 14, 2024
Audrey A. Sanborn, 97, a longtime resident of the McMillan area and former Postmaster in McMillan, died on December 14, 2024 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry.
Born on March 10, 1927 in McMillan, she was a daughter of the later Willerd & Ethel A. (Richards) Harkness. She graduated from McMillan High School. She was a faithful member of Lakefield Baptist Church for many years. She lived in the Lansing area for a short time but returned to McMillan around 1960. She held various employments throughout her life but most recently retired from the McMillan Post office after 35 years of service. Audrey loved playing cards, especially cribbage and was a member of a bowling team for several years, winning a team championship one year. Throughout her life, she was a childcare provider for the McMillan area families. Audrey was preceded in death, by her parents, 1 son Craig, 1 brother Clyde, 1 sister Shirley, and 1 great grandson.
Survivors include her children Jonathan of McMillan, daughter Rachel, also of McMillan and son Delbert (Joan) of the Lower Peninsula. 9 grandchildren Jason, Raymond, Suzie, Anna, Tara, John, Marcie, Angela, and Eric, and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving is 1 sister Karen Burns of Independence, Mo. and her daughter-in-law Michelle Sanborn.
Per her request, cremation services have already been accorded. A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2025, date and time to be announced.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Jacqueline A. Perry
September 8, 1961 – December 19, 2024
Jacqueline “Jackie” A. Perry, 63, of Newberry, passed away December 19, 2024 at her home, in the presence of her loving family.
Born September 8, 1961 in Newberry, daughter of Lester and Shirley (Mills) Mark, Jackie was a 1980 graduate of Newberry High School. On June 21, 1980, Jackie married Matthew Perry in Newberry and was a lifelong resident.
Jackie was presently employed in member services at Cloverland Electric for over 28 years, always saying she loved her job which was the reason that she continued to work past her retirement age.
Jackie was known for her love and dedication to her grandchildren. The grandchildren were always overjoyed to see her. You could often find Jackie planning a sleepover, driving to spend time with them, or shopping for her favorite holiday, Christmas, making sure the grandkids had everything on their lists.
Family events were very important to Jackie and she was the cornerstone of planning and hosting. Whether it be family picnics, camping, holiday dinners, reunions or weekend trips to the casinos, Jackie made sure the family traditions were upheld. As an avid Packer fan, Jackie loved preparing snacks and meals for the games. Jackie always made sure her home was open and welcoming for friends and family.
Jackie is preceded in death by her father Lester Mark, brother Melford Mark, niece Corin Arneth and sister-in-law Elizabeth Perry.
Survivors include her loving husband, Matthew, of Newberry; children Anthony (Brooke) Perry of Gladstone and Alexis (Tyler) Schnurer of Gladstone; grandchildren Parker, Elodie and Isla; mother Shirley St. John of Newberry; siblings Betty (David Fuller) Calkins of Lakefield, Debbie (Pete) Hirn of Escanaba, Myron (Shelly) Mark of Evart, Richlene (Scott) Combs of Westland and Roylene Shakes of Livonia; several nieces and nephews; in-laws Margaret (Jeff) Arneth of Newberry, Linda Perry of DePere, Wisconsin, Marry Perry of DePere, Wisconsin, Nancy (Randy) Planck of Goodyear, Arizona and Steven (Selys) Perry of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday December 28, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Jackie will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will take place in the spring of 2025 at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family in her loving memory for future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at http://www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Juanita Rose Birdsley
April 11, 1942 – December 19, 2024
Juanita Rose Birdsley, 82, of Gould City, died Thursday morning December 19, 2024 at her residence in the presence of her loving family and the care of North Woods Hospice.
Born April 11, 1942 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, daughter of the late Adam and Orabelle (Mildabager) Howard, Juanita married Edwin Birdsley Sr. on February 24, 1961 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Juanita and Edwin moved to Gould City 40 years ago building their cabin from the trees on the property. She held several employments in her lifetime until her retirement, most notably at Pickelman’s Petro and Subway.
Juanita was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Manistique. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning and making homemade remedies. Juanita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who dedicated her life providing for her immediate and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Juanita is preceded in death by her husband Edwin on January 1, 2022; siblings Georgia Dickenson, Edith Langer, Adam Howard, Jack Howard, Jane Miller and Ginger Barber.
Survivors include her loving children Edwin Jr. (Augusta) Birdsley of Mississippi, Beth (John) Rozeck of Gould City and Lois (Randy) Cheshire of Gould City; nine grandchildren and twenty two great-grandchildren; sister Caroline Baes of Coloma, Michigan.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. Juanita’s service will be live streamed on ZOOM at a later date with the family reaching out to friends and extended family with the zoom credentials prior to the services.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
