Terri Joyce Alford
February 24, 1936 – July 8, 2026
Theresa Joyce Alford, affectionately known as “Terri,” of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at the age of 90.
Born Theresa Joyce Beaudoin on February 24, 1936, near Rexton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Terri spent her childhood in the community she always considered home. She attended Rexton Elementary School and graduated from Newberry High School in 1954, carrying with her a lifelong appreciation for learning and personal growth.
Curious by nature and a lifelong learner, Terri believed that education never truly ended. She continued her studies at Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, always eager to discover new ideas and perspectives. She was also a poet who found joy in expressing her thoughts and experiences through the written word. Her poetry reflected her appreciation for family, nature, faith, and the simple moments that gave life meaning.
Terri also had a passion for genealogy and devoted countless hours to researching her family’s history, preserving stories and connections that might otherwise have been lost for future generations.
Her caring heart extended beyond her own family. Fluent in Spanish, Terri volunteered for many years with the migrant community in Southwest Michigan. She also served with the American Red Cross, assisting families affected by hurricanes by bridging language barriers and offering comfort during times of crisis.
Music was another source of joy throughout her life. She especially loved the music of John Denver, whose songs about nature, home, and the beauty of everyday life resonated deeply with her. She also found beauty in the simple gifts of nature, especially butterflies, whose grace and transformation brought her joy. The color blue, her favorite, reflected the calm, thoughtful spirit that so many came to know and love.
Terri shared many years of marriage with her first husband, Clarence Arthur “Cat” Taylor, with whom she raised their family. She then married and shared several years with James Alford. Throughout the years, she made her home in Gladstone, Paw Paw, Mattawan, and the Kalamazoo area, while never losing her connection to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Terri was preceded in death by Clarence Arthur “Cat” Taylor, their daughter, Joan Marie Coady, and son-in-law, Mark Reits. She is survived by her sister, Linda Mroczkowski (Hank); her children, Susan Reits; Lisa Griesshammer (Ralph); Alan Taylor (Barbie); and Kevin Taylor (Jenna); 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.
The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers, friends, and loved ones who provided Terri with compassion, dignity, and comfort throughout her final years.
Terri will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her gentle spirit, her inquisitive mind, and her ability to capture life’s beauty through her poetry. Whether she was tracing her family’s roots, lending a helping hand to those in need, listening to the music she loved, or marveling at the delicate beauty of a butterfly, she found joy in the people and moments that made life meaningful. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, compassion, resilience, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A celebration of Terri’s life and interment will be held this fall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
David Mitchell
October 28, 1959 – July 3, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David Mitchell, who left us on July 3, 2026. Born in the year 1959, David lived a fulfilling life marked by his passion for music, exploration, and the love of nature.
David leaves behind his two daughters, Jessika Mitchell and Samantha (Tom) Fellin; his grandchildren, Ben Fellin, Oliver Marks and Nick Fellin; his siblings, Jane Fisher, Mike Mitchell, Susan (Chip) Brauer, Jeff (Pam) Mitchell, and Sarah Mitchell; his step-mother, Sandy Mitchell, as well as his nieces and nephew, Stevie, Haley, Dalton, Brenja and Cylie, who will all miss his unique perspective and sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Linda Mitchell, and his brother, Brian Mitchell.
David was a man of many interests, but one of his greatest passions was entertaining and making music with his band. You could always count on him to draw a crowd doing what he loved most.
He also loved exploring and filming the beauty of nature with his drone. Countless hours were spent capturing the astonishing views from the sky, a testament to his love for the world around us.
David, born in Munising, MI also had a deep love for Lake Superior. A frequent visitor, he enjoyed walking its shores, soaking in the peace and tranquility offered by the mighty body of water.
Known for his kindness and adventurous spirit, David Mitchell will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His love for family, friends, and nature will remain as a light in our hearts, reminding us of the beautiful impact he made during his time on earth.
Please visit this link to keep posted on Celebration of Life details: https://everloved.com/life-of/david-joseph-mitchell/
Lyle Painter
January 28, 1940 – July 10, 2026
Lyle Painter of Curtis, Michigan passed peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026 at home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Lyle was born January 28, 1940 in Dearborn, Michigan to Clayton and Vira Painter. As a child, Lyle spent many summers with his sister Sheryl and parents in Curtis, fishing and enjoying the Manistique Lakes. After high school, Lyle enrolled at Western Michigan University where he studied history and education, and played the tuba in the WMU marching band. It was at WMU that he met Margery Schneider, an art student and talented cellist. Lyle and Margery quickly fell for one another and married on July 28, 1962. Ten months later, their first child, Elizabeth, was born in 1963. Their son Michael was born in 1966 and Stephen in 1971. After spending several years teaching middle/high school history and social studies, Lyle later earned his master’s degree in counseling at the University of Michigan.
Lyle held numerous jobs throughout his career: bagging groceries and retrieving shopping carts in Dearborn; working as a park ranger at state parks throughout the Upper Peninsula; and serving as a middle school counselor in Rudyard Area Schools. Most of Lyle’s career was dedicated to advocating for educators throughout the state of Michigan as he served as UNISERV director with the Michigan Education Association (MEA). Lyle’s work for the MEA was well-regarded, earning him national recognition and an invitation to the White House. After retiring in 1995, Lyle and Margery moved to Curtis, MI to design and renovate the Painter family home. Once retirement proved to be too quiet, Lyle later was later elected Portage Township supervisor and started a family-owned pest control business.
Lyle was an active member of the Curtis arts community, creating art pieces for the Art on the Lake festival, acting in local plays, and lip-syncing on stage as Elvis. When the Curtis winters started losing their appeal, Lyle and Margery became “snowbirds,” spending the winter months in Naples, Florida. Walking on the beach, photography, golfing, and catching up with dear friends were activities he looked forward to year-round.
Lyle will be remembered most for his kind heart, artistic spirit, and unwavering love for his friends and family.
Lyle is preceded in death by his dear sister Sheryl Leedy (Painter), brother-in-law Ken Leedy, sister-in-law Dotsy Fraker, and his beloved wife of 60 years, Margery (Marge) Painter. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Mark Hayes of Curtis; son Michael Painter of Curtis; son Stephen (Stacey Allen) Painter of Curtis; grandchildren Abigail (Steven) Plominski of Grand Rapids, Benjamin Hayes of Marquette, and Erica (Eric) Painter of Okemos, MI. He is also survived by his brother- and sister-in-law Michael and Betsy Schneider of Spokane WA; brother- and sister-in-law William and Sharon Schneider of Denver, CO; brother-in-law Thomas Fraker of Arlington, VA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Those wishing to honor Lyle’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Mariucci Family Beacon House, 200 S. Seventh Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or the Erickson Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 255, Curtis, Michigan 49820 or at www.ericksoncenter.org
A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Lyle will take place this fall of 2026, with a date and time to be announced.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
John “Shorty” Whysall
November 6, 1947 – July 7, 2026
John “Shorty” Harry Whysall, 78, of McMillan, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at his residence.
Born November 6, 1947, in Flint, Shorty was the son of the late John and Jacqueline (Hutchinson) Whysall. He was a graduate of Davison High School. On November 17, 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army and served stateside during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on January 22, 1971, attaining the rank of Private. Following his service, Shorty briefly resided in Clearwater, Florida, before moving to McMillan, Michigan, in the early 1980s.
Shorty owned and operated Shorty’s Used Autos in McMillan for several years until his retirement. His hobbies and interests included hot rods, fishing, attending the 4th of July parade, working on and collecting cars, collecting various memorabilia, playing cards, and telling jokes. He was known for his humor, his love of cars, and the easy way he connected with people.
In addition to his parents, Shorty is preceded in death by his step-father Vern Patterson and his son John Boy Whysall.
Survivors include his daughters Stephanie (Nick Tofferi) Hogue of Newberry and Christal (Rex) Matchinski of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren Zachary Hogue, Lorna (Landon Harding) Hogue, Dominique (Jason Read) Whysall, Riley (Cassie) Clement, Marrissa (Brandon) Gonyeau, Lexie Matchinski, Aple Matchinski, Curtis Nantell, Caleb Nantell, Jacqueline Whysall, and Jazzmine Whysall; great-grandchildren Westyn Harding, Layla Read, Piper Read, Emery Gonyeau, Leland Nantell, Lidia Nantell, Theodore Nantell, Aleeah Nantell, and Aspen Nantell; siblings Midge Lipp of Davison and Cindy (Jack) Willey of Burton; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Graveside services will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Columbus Township Cemetery with Pastor Paul Williams officiating. Military honors will follow, rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
