Nancy Jean Shirley
July 10, 1950 – January 27, 2026
Nancy Jean Shirley, 75, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Avon, Indiana. Now resting in the loving arms of her Savior, Nancy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love.
Nancy was born July 10, 1950 in Newberry to Donald James Wood and Ethel Wood Thompson. She was a 1968 graduate of Newberry High School and a 1970 graduate of Muskegon Business College.
Throughout her working life, Nancy served as a secretary and a server before dedicating over 20 years of service to Meijer, where she was a beloved team leader. She retired in 2014.
A woman of faith and compassion, Nancy lived her life caring for others and offering help wherever she could. Following her retirement, she devoted herself to loving those around her and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Shirley; her parents; her siblings, Ella (Ken) Watson, Bill Wood, Winnie (George) Willin, and Donald James Wood Jr.; and her brothers-in-law, Gale Maleport and John MacDougall.
She is survived by her son, Russell Shirley; her daughter, Kimberly Regalado; and her grandchildren, Nicholas Shirley Sentany, Thomas Batic, Grace Regalado, and Kylee Regalado. She is also survived by her siblings, Fred (Marge) Wood, Robert (Sherie) Wood, Patricia Maleport, Judy (Gary) Ramsower, Linda MacDougall, Raymond (Terri) Wood, Penny Wood, Terri Wood, Steven Wood, and Timothy (Jill) Wood; her sister-in-law, Rhonda Wood; and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Her family finds comfort in knowing that they will one day be reunited in God’s perfect peace.
At Nancy’s request, a private family visitation will be held at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 220 N. Maple Street, Pittsboro, IN 46167. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help cover funeral expenses. Contributions may be made payable directly to the funeral home.
Marcia Kay Harlow
January 24, 1964 – February 3, 2026
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Marcia Kay Harlow, 62—our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend. Marcia passed peacefully in her Foley, Alabama home on February 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though she has gone to be with God, her love and spirit will remain forever in our hearts.
Born on January 24, 1964, in Newberry, Michigan, Marcia was a proud graduate of the Newberry High School Class of 1982. She spent most of her life in Curtis, Michigan, a community that always held a special place in her heart. As one of the original volunteers of the Curtis Winter Carnival and Fish Coop, Marcia generously gave her time and energy to help build traditions that continue to bring the town together. Marcia dedicated 37 years of service to the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2024.
Marcia’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her children wholeheartedly and absolutely adored her grandchildren. Her pets were vital members of her family. Marcia found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: garage-saling for hidden treasures, collecting stones along the Lake Superior shore, hunting, fishing, camping, trips to Canada, and exploring new places.
Known for her calm and steady presence, Marcia had a gift of making others feel at ease. She possessed a quiet, unexpected sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave you smiling long after. Strong, kind, and authentically herself, she was a remarkable woman. When cancer assailed her life, she fought with grit and determination that inspired everyone around her. Though the battle was intense, her spirit never wavered.
Marcia was preceded in death by her former husband, Dave Beaudoin; her grandparents, Otto and Doris Sherbrook, and William and Edna Rushford; and her stepfather, Allen Weaver.
She is survived by her loving husband, Doug Harlow of Foley, Alabama; her daughter, Lyndee (Jimmy) Peterson and their children, Ava, Alia, Hailey, and Emma of Summerdale, Alabama; her son, Brandon (Molly) Klusmeyer and their children, Weston, Stella, and Bruno of Rapid River, Michigan; her great-grandchildren, William and Alora; her mother, Joan Weaver of Foley, Alabama; her brother, Bill (Shelly) Rushford; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Your valiant fight is over now, Marcia. Rest well. You have earned your peace.
Friends and family please join us in celebrating the life of our beloved Marcia. A service to lay her to rest will be held at the Curtis Cemetery on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. We look forward to gathering with you to remember her.
Kenneth H. Bristow
June 5, 1940 – February 16, 2026
Lifelong Dollarville resident, Kenneth “Bud” H. Bristow, 85, died Monday evening, February 16, 2026 at his residence.
Born June 5, 1940 in Dollarville, son of the late Kenneth and Alverna (Garrod) Bristow, Bud was a 1958 graduate of Newberry High School. On December 2, 1958, Bud enlisted into the United States Army until his honorable discharge on November 17, 1960, attaining the rank of Private First Class, continuing in the Army Reserves until December 1, 1964.
Bud was employed as an attendant nurse at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for almost 40 years until his retirement. Bud was life member of the Newberry Elks Lodge #1705 and member of the American Legion Post #74. Bud enjoyed trout fishing, hunting, trapping, carving fishing lures, constructing handmade tin men and an avid University of Michigan football fan.
In addition to his parents, Bud is preceded in death by his former wife Betty Jo Bristow, grandson Nathaniel Galen Tidd and son-in-law Galen D. Tidd.
Survivors include his wife Rosann “Rosie” Bristow of Dollarville; children Cheryl Pollack of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Jenny Tidd of Walkertown, North Carolina and Michelle (Brent) Mabe of Ridgeway, Virginia; grandchildren Shawn (Roger) Chapman, Paul (Hannah) Pollack, Brittany (Alex) Sanft, Michael Bristow, Elijah Tidd, Ricky Cuppelman and Tyler (Leah) Cuppelman; great grandchildren Adreonna Hunt, Roger Chapman Jr., MaKayla Bristow, Sienna Bristow, Carsen Cuppelman, Barrett Cuppelman, Merrick Cuppelman and Beckham Cuppelman, Vivienne Pollack and Max Pollack; seven great great-grandchildren; sister Susie (Dale Abbott) Dunlap of Fishers, Indiana; special family Nola (Bill) Sobleskey, Derrick Sobleskey, Cassie (K.C.) Grinnell, Myles Grinnell and Donnie (Vickie) Bristow.
Graveside services with military honors rendered by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will take place in the spring/summer of 2026 at Forest Home Cemetery, with a date and time to be announced.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Elnore A. Smith
April 14, 1928 – February 15, 2026
Elnore A. Smith, formerly of Germfask, passed peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 15, 2026 to join her loved ones who have gone before her.
Elnore attended school in Lakefield and McMillan and graduated from Newberry High School. Five days later she married Albert Eugene (Gene) Smith on June 18, 1947. They bought a home in Germfask where they lived their whole life for 78 years. Together they raised their four children, planted gardens, spent time with family, and worked hard to have a good life.
Elnore was very creative and displayed that gift in many ways. She wrote poetry and short stories about what was important to her, special people, special memories, and special events in her life. She was a wonderful cook and baker – cooking at several local restaurants, making homemade rolls for potlucks, dozens of buttermilk biscuits for the strawberry festival, jams and jellies with wild raspberries and blueberries she picked, and canning produce from the garden. She made delicious pies, but most of all she was “the cake lady”. She made hundreds and hundreds of cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other special occasions. She was also an excellent seamstress, making clothes for herself and her girls. Elnore also loved nature – the birds, wild flowers, rainbows – and passed that love of nature on to her children.
Elnore made an impact on her community as she was involved in various organizations. She was a member of Germfask Methodist Church her whole adult life where she served on committees, served as Treasurer, taught Sunday school, and had a heart for missions. She was also active in the VFW Auxiliary, taught 4-H classes, was a den mother for the Scouts, and was in several plays that highlighted her dramatic side.
Elnore is survived by her husband Gene Smith; her four children Robert (Sandy) Smith, Edna (Ken) Mattson, Marvin (Janet) Smith, and Barbara (John) Blankinship; 10 grandchildren Robyn, Kristina, Benjamin, Melanie, Kelly, Lindsay, Amy, Sara, Kathryn, and Callum; and 11 great-grandchildren Ethan, Jason, Tyler, Leah, Nathan, Ethan, Lincoln, Hunter, Grace, Samuel, and Alice.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, February 20, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the Germfask Methodist Church. Funeral services celebrating the life of Elnore will follow at 11:00 am with Paster J.D. Livermore officiating. A luncheon will be held following the funeral services at the Germfask Town Hall.
Memorials may be directed to Germfask Methodist Church or local ministries in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
