Jean M. (Taylor) Shaffer
Jean M. (Taylor) Shaffer, 64, formerly of Newberry, died May 4, 2021 at her home in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Born in Newberry on July 26, 1956, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Doris (Matelski) Taylor. Jean graduated from Tahquamenon Area High School, but left Newberry shortly after graduation. She made her home in much warmer climates, first in Phoenix, and then finally settling in Tullahoma. She was employed as a medical transcriptionist until failing health kept her from working. Jean loved horses, and in her younger years was always around them. Recently, she became involved in a horse sanctuary and was the adoptive “mom” of Mavvy, a miniature horse whom she loved and adored. Jean loved to read, do jigsaw puzzles, create diamond art, and do adult coloring books. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. Jean is survived by her son, Clyde (Angela) Fraley of Big Bay, one grandson, Josh Fraley, and a special friend Stacie Coyle, who operates R.O.P.E.S., the horse sanctuary in Blanchester, Ohio. Also surviving are her siblings Joe (Linda) Taylor of St. John’s; Rita (Terry) Jutila of Traverse City; Pete (Terri Tucker) Taylor of Ishpeming; and Sandy (Ken) Gill, of Harbor Springs. Jean is also survived by her beloved special pet, her miniature horse Mavvy. Per her request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled. If memorials are considered, the family suggests contributions may be made to “R.O.P.E.S.” (Ride of Pride Equine Sanctuary) P.O. Box 282; Blanchester, Ohio 45107. Please note “Mavvy in memory of Jean”, as it will be put towards his ongoing care.
Royal Warren Saunders
Royal Warren Saunders, 68, of Newberry, died Tuesday afternoon May 11, 2021 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. Born August 14, 1952 in Newberry, son of the late Warren R. and Lenora V. (Engman) Saunders, Royal was a high school graduate. Royal was employed for Northern Builders in Escanaba and later as a truck driver for Burton Trucking in Newberry and Graham Trucking in Brimley for several years until his retirement in 2013. Royal enjoyed hot rods, drag racing, guitar building, music and slot machines. Royal is preceded in death by his son, Justin J. Saunders, of Fairgrove, Michigan in 2015 and his parents Warren in 1997 and Lenora in 1999. Survivors include his son Christopher (Amanda) Saunders of Escanaba; granddaughters Alex Saunders of Northville and Aubree Saunders of Escanaba; siblings Leal (Lisa) Saunders of Lapeer, Kristine (Jim) Brown of McMillan, Sandra Mattson (Pat Riley) of Cedarville, Alan (Sheryl) Saunders of McMillan, Kathleen Woodley (Michael Duflo) of McMillan, Marsha Floyd of Newberry and Ted Saunders of McMillan; numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life in loving memory of Royal will take place Saturday August 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Larry’s RV Park, 2785 County Road 377 (Helmer Bay), McMillan, Michigan 49853. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Gordon Family Home for their loving care of Royal. Memorials may be directed to North Woods Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 307, Manistique, Michigan 49854 in his loving memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Thomas Leonard Kujala
Thomas Leonard Kujala, age 89, of Newberry, Michigan, passed away on April 24, 2021 at UP Health System in Marquette, Michigan. He was born on September 10, 1931 in Newberry, to Jake and Bertha (Marceny) Kujala. Tom grew up in Newberry and graduated from Newberry High School in 1949. He married Kathleen Archambeau in 1951 and served in the US Army for three years. He began working for the State of Michigan at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center in the late 1950s, from where he retired in 1992. Tom was a hard worker and in addition to his full-time work for the State, he also worked for many years part time as an assistant manager/bookkeeper for the Barrett Company during the 1960s through the end of the 1980s. Tom enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including bowling, hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and snowmobiling. He was also a master at foraging for mushrooms, cranberries, and blueberries, and he took great pride in “picking clean.” He believed berries were not worth picking if they weren’t picked clean. Tom enjoyed anything involving the outdoors and even the simple pleasure of a car ride, especially if it meant spending time with his son. While out on his many adventures, he was known to strike up conversations with complete strangers about any given number of topics. Tom was a generous man and never turned away from someone in need, likely because his generation understood what it was like to experience hard times. Tom is survived by his son, Richard Kujala of Newberry; daughters, Lynda (Dennis) Burgess of Newberry, Marlene Clark of Rockford, Michigan, and Nancy (Ken) Haggart of Fremont, Michigan; grandchildren Nicole (Charley) Simi, Jessica (Reid) Roeske, Ryan (Sarah) Burgess, Tara (Colin) Miller, Abi Haggart (Ian Ketchum), and Anna (Jason) Fritsma; great grandchildren Ava and Alivia Simi, Claire and Easton Roeske, Bennett Miller, Aubree Junod, and Isaac Fritsma. Tom is predeceased by his wife, Kathleen; brother, John Kujala; stepfather, Roy Livermore; and his parents. A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be at the Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Galer Funeral Homes and Cremation in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.
