Danny Blankinship
September 28, 1956 – March 27, 2025
Danny Blankinship a lifelong resident of Newberry, Michigan, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2025 at the Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry.
Born September 28, 1956 in Newberry, Danny was a 1976 graduate from Newberry High School and a graduate from Michigan State University, with a degree in engineering. Danny had a few careers and settled with employment with the State of Michigan as a correction officer retiring in 2016.
Danny married the love of his life, the former Sherry Jean (Lindsey) Blankinship, on May 3, 2003 and made Newberry their home with their beloved cats. Danny enjoyed reading, computer games and traveling to casinos. He also loved playing darts.
Danny is preceded in death by his parents George William and Laura Elizabeth (Wright) Blankinship; sister Carole Ann Hogue.
Danny is survived by his beloved wife Sherry of 21 years; brothers Jerry (Theresa) Blankinship of Newberry, John (Barb) Blankinship of Newberry, George Blankinship of Wisconsin, Richard Blankinship of Oklahoma and Thomas (Jill) Blankinship of Texas; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Francis “Skip” Bigger
September 26, 1953 – March 24, 2025
Longtime Gould City resident, Francis “Skip” Earl Bigger, 71, passed away Monday afternoon March 24, 2025 at Newberry Assisted Living Community after a long and courageous battle with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy).
Born September 26, 1953 in Manistique, son of the late Emery and Faye (Minor) Bigger, Skip was raised in Gould City and was a 1971 graduate of Engadine High School where he excelled in athletics, receiving the Golden Eagle Award and Allsports Award. As a young boy, Skip enjoyed building tree houses, riding bikes, hunting, going to the beach, and playing sports with his two older brothers and neighborhood friends.
Skip married Hazel Shoemaker on October 16, 1971. They were married 18 years. They had two sons, Shannon and Seth, and a daughter, Amy.
On February 21, 1974, Skip enlisted in the United States Army proudly serving stateside during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on February 19, 1977, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class in the Military Police division. Skip continued serving the Army Reserves until he was relieved of his duties on February 3, 1980.
Upon his return to Gould City, Skip was employed as a classifier operator at Inland Steel for 14 years. From 1988 to 2023, Skip owned and operated Bigger Log Homes until his retirement. He was hard-working and dedicated to say the least and employed many members of the community.
Skip was an avid hunter, harvesting wild game in Northern United States, Canada and Africa. He was also very proud of the deer that he raised and cared for throughout the years.
Skip enjoyed riding his Harley, snowmobile, four-wheeler, or side by side in his spare time as well as spending time with his friends, family and faithful dog, Whiskey. He was a member of the American Legion Post #290 in Engadine and member of the Timberman’s Association.
He was a man of kindness, integrity, generosity and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Skip is preceded in death by his brother Patrick Bigger.
Survivors include his children Shannon (Romy) Bigger of Acworth, Georgia, Seth Bigger of Gould City and Amy (Frederick) Berg of Midland; step-daughter Hillary (Brian) Vowell of St. Ignace; grandchildren Samson, Scout, Simon, Kelly and Owen; brother Mike Bigger of Gould City, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love and laughs he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday June 21, 2025 from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. A memorial service celebrating the life of Skip will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Interment with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #290 and the United States Army Honor Guard will be rendered at the Newton Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Delta Animal Shelter in Skip’s loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Roland Smith
Died March 10, 2025
Roland Smith, 74, of Newberry, peacefully passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 in the Hospice House on Liberty Lane at the W.G. Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs. Roland is the son of the late Leo & Laverne (Matchinski) Smith.
In addition to his parents, Roland is preceded in death by his infant daughter Lee Ann Smith and his wife of over 50 years, Paula Labron Smith.
Roland was a wonderful father to his children Maria (Stacy) Moore and Luke (Toni) Smith and an amazing grandfather to Trevor Moore, Spencer Moore, Lex Smith and Leo Smith. His grandchildren affectionately knew him as Papa. Also surviving are his siblings, Vickie Smith, Dale Smith and Penny Smith.
Roland married Paula at the Newberry United Methodist Church. Roland was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he spent most of his time with the artillery unit in West Germany. He later became involved in the cable industry working in Michigan and North Carolina as a lineman and eventually behind the desk as a District Manager.
Roland loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, playing and watching sports. He supported his children and grandchildren in their activities every chance he could get. Anyone who spent time with Roland heard one of the many stories that he took great pleasure in telling and retelling. He was a great storyteller and one of his favorite stories was he was fishing with his dog out on a lake and they saw a storm approaching. They both became anxious and when they got to shore, the dog shot him a disgusted look and took off running for the house leaving Roland behind! Roland saw the humor in life’s misfortunes more than most.
A memorial graveside service with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will be held this summer of 2025 at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry where his ashes will be interred next to wife and daughter.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Ransom Myers Jr.
December 24, 1924 – March 29, 2025
Ransom “Randy” Myers Jr., 100, of Deer Park, died Saturday morning March 29, 2025 at his residence.
Born December 24, 1924 in Kalamazoo, son of the late Ransom C. and Estellae (Roberts) Myers, Randy was a 1943 graduate of Portage High School.
On April 12, 1943, Randy enlisted into the United States Army serving during World War II until his honorable discharge on December 27, 1945, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. Following his honorable discharge, Randy returned to Kalamazoo, attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Randy was employed for several years in the oil industry finance department with Standard Oil and later with Marathon Oil, as Regional Finance Manager. On September 19, 1970, Randy married the former Jane Buechler in Royal Oak and, in 1972, moved to the Upper Peninsula where he owned and operated the Deer Park Lodge for 20 years, retiring in 1992.
Randy loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing and golfing.
In addition to his parents, Randy is preceded in death by his wife Jane on February 9, 2015; siblings Gwendolyn Yingling, Jean Yingling, Robert Yingling, Harold Myers and Gerald Myers.
Survivors include 15 nieces and nephews; sister Georgian Myers of Vicksburg; special friends Michael (Monica) Brown of East Jordan along with several friends and acquaintances he and his wife met over the years.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Randy will take place Saturday April 5, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Military honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will be rendered at the conclusion of the celebration at 1:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be directed to North Woods Home Care and Hospice in Randy’s loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Rose M. Kaven
July 3, 1943 – March 28, 2025
Rose M. Kaven, 81, of Escanaba, entered eternal life on Friday, March 28, 2025 in the loving care of her family and Bishop Noa Home staff.
Rose was a caregiver and lover of all. If you walked into her home, you could count on snacks, a full glass and a warm welcome, because one of her greatest joys in life was caring for others. This was most evident in the way she loved and cared for her family, friends and students. She could always be counted on for unwavering support, unbiased listening skills and good, sound advice. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and provided the foundation for her blessed life.
She was a born leader, educator and teacher. She turned that natural talent into a career which spanned 30 years and touched many lives. She taught a wide variety of subjects, her favorites being Home Economics, Reading and English. She had an uncanny way of fostering potential in her students and made learning fun. She loved sharing her knowledge and found innovative ways to help students surpass expectations.
In addition to her family and her career, she loved to shop, travel, and play games. You could always find her shopping for the perfect gift for a friend or a new outfit with matching shoes and accessories. Her love of travelling took her across the U.S. and abroad. Her favorite destinations were Alaska and Ireland. Local travel included many trips to attend grandkid’s extra-curricular activities and trips to get ice cream. In her later years, she enjoyed getting together with the “Lunch Bunch” and playing Hand and Foot and Mexican Train for hours.
While she loved her students and friends, her family was her pride and joy. She was married to her husband Ernie for 54 years before his passing in 2021. Together they built a loving family and her children Brian (Marcie) Kaven and Susie (Bill) Cobb, grandchildren Justin (Ellie) Cobb, Michael Kaven, Jillian (Ethan) Thatcher, Matthew Kaven and great-grandchildren Kenai and Huxley Cobb and Baby Thatcher(due 9/25) survive her. She is also survived by her siblings Linda (Carl) Bartoszek, Tom (Angie) Shiverski, Joe (Laurie) Shiverski, and Jerry Shiverski; brother-in-law, George Kaven; many nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends. In addition to her husband, Ernie, she was proceeded in death by her parents, Steve and Mary Shiverski, and sister Mary Ann Shiverski.
Rose’s family would like to extend a sincere expression of thanks to the staff at Bishop Noa Home for the amazing care and love she received over the past 2 years. Her caregivers became family and she appreciated each one of them.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 5th from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating. A meal celebrating her brilliant life will follow.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of her love for helping children, memorials may be directed to the U.P. Foster Closet of Delta County, 429 S. 10th St., Suite 3, Escanaba, MI 49829.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The family has entrusted the Crawford Funeral Homes to handle arrangements.
Death Notice
Tamara ‘Tammy’ Sue Stephens
Tamara “Tammy” Sue Stephens, 66, of Newberry, died Thursday morning March 27, 2025, at Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry. Tammy was born June 10, 1958 in South Bend, Indiana, daughter of the late John and Zeda (Berry) Horvath. Survivors include her husband, Gregory Stephens, of Newberry.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A celebration of life will take place downstate at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Luce County Animal Shelter in Tammy’s loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
