Douglas R. Byas, 76, born on April 23, 1948, passed away February 19, 2025. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School and served in the United States Navy from 1965 until his discharge in 1969, completing his education during this time. Doug worked for General Motors for 36 years. He served as the Wakeshma Township supervisor. He also held the role of assistant chief of the Wakeshma Fire Department prior to the department’s integration into the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. Doug enjoyed golf and was a member of Angels Crossing in Vicksburg and took great pride in his two holes-in-one at the Olde Mill Golf Club in Schoolcraft. He was also once a drummer in a local band and was kind and helpful. Doug is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; children Tamela (Brian) Campbell of Portage and James (Michelle Stickley) Byas of Scotts; grandchildren Richard (Elise) Campbell, Branda (James) Backoff, Kaitlyn Byas, and Courtney Byas; great-grandchildren Brynn Backoff and Rowan Campbell; and one great-grandchild on the way, Teigan Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Byas, and siblings Ron Byas and Sue Fletcher. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the funeral home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His ashes will be buried with military honors at a later date. While at http://www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Doug’s guestbook and share a memory with his family. The Byas family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, Vicksburg.
Carol M. (Wall) Dayton, passed away peacefully February 22, 2025, at the White Oaks Memory Care facility in Lawton. She was born November 27, 1937, to Eva Marie and Harold Wall of Vicksburg. Carol was a graduate of Portage Township High School in Portage. She began her career as a nurse in Bronson Hospital’s nursing program, and married Donald H. Dayton of Kalamazoo in 1958. Settling in Portage, she raised her three boys and considered Portage home. She restarted her career working in several medical and dental offices, eventually landing at the Upjohn Company until her retirement. She maintained many friendships from that period. Carol had a love for antiques and upon retirement became quite an accomplished porcelain China painter. She is survived by sons Brian (Kim) Dayton of Volo, Illinois, Bradley (Stacey) Dayton and Brent Dayton, both of Portage. Her boys were the greatest joy of her life. She also adored grandchildren Amanda (Jonathan) Nehring, Nicholas Dollenmaier, Chasen Dollenmaier, Austin Dayton, Emily Dayton, Madison (Joe) Allen, and Danielle (Nick) Roedl, as well as great grandchildren Lillian and Andrew Nehring. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Clyde “Bud” Leonard, and her sister, Margo (Wall) Raifsnider. She will be celebrated at an intimate family graveside service. Please share memories of Carol with her family at www.langelands.com.
Jeanne Ann Eberstein, 76, of Schoolcraft, passed away peacefully February 15, 2025, in Schoolcraft. She was born September 7, 1948, in Kalamazoo. Jeanne graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1966. For over 35 years, she worked in medical transcription. She was proud of being a mother and enjoyed baking and canning, often sharing her favorite recipes with her sisters. Jeanne married Mike Eberstein on December 17, 1988, and they enjoyed traveling together. Jeanne’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. Jeanne is survived by her husband of 38 years, Mike; children Kristy (Kevin) Burson, of Schoolcraft, Cindy (Brian) Bennett, of Florida, Cathy (Dan) Ficks, of Benton Harbor, and Rikki (Ashley) Neeb, of Portage; grandchildren Ally and Arin Winn, Madison and Tristan Ficks, Hannah, Dawson, Elle and Jasmine Bennett, and RJ Whaley. She is also survived by sisters Joy Stewart of Texas and Jackie Collins of Paw Paw; her aunt Irene; special niece Tiffy; and special friend Margie. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Joyce Keyes; son Josh Neeb; grandchildren Rachel and Jesse Winn; and brothers-in-law Gary Stewart and Louie Eberstein; and mother and father-in-law Barb and Bob Eberstein. While at http://www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Jeanne’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. Contributions in memory of Jeanne may be made to Kalamazoo County State Bank, 233 N Grand Street, P.O. Box 668, Schoolcraft, MI 49097; Lake Michigan Credit Union, 106 Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087; or Down Time Ministries, P.O. Box 434, Schoolcraft, MI 49087.
Philip Clair Hayward was born in Battle Creek July 13, 1959 to the late Clair Hayward and Lorraine Smith (Hayward) Drallette. He grew up on a farm in Fulton, attended Vicksburg High School (1978), and entered eternal life on February 11, 2025 at his childhood farm. Philip lived much of his life to the tippy-top. He was an adventurous, friendly, neighborly friend who loved travel and adventures. He spent the bulk of his adult life living in Colorado, Alaska, and McMurdo Station Antarctica, serving primarily in firefighting/first-responder roles in each of those places. Phil was known for his deep love of family and his ability to form lasting friendships with ease. He loved pitching in and loved making others feel important. He is famous for wide-ranging escapades that he was either subject to – including once being kidnapped – or subjecting others to – especially long fast drives in his Jeep or by motorcycle. He was thrilled to serve for many years as a part of the Patriot Guard, a group of non-profit motorcycle riders who sought to ensure dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans. Rarely was he seen without one of his many collies, many of them named “Jake”, by his side. He was a member of Gracespring Bible Church in Richland, where he not only attended, with Jake, but also spent countless hours mowing the grass. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine (DeWayne) Drallette, and sisters Rosemary (Dave) Goad of Climax, Diane Hills of Fulton, and Lynette (Garth) Piper of New Plymouth, New Zealand. He also leaves behind 10 nephews and nieces and scads of great-nephews and nieces with special memories of their fun-loving uncle.
Elizabeth “Betty” Louise (Dorrance) Lowe, 94, went to be with her Lord and Savior February 6, 2025. Betty was born March 31, 1930, in Scotts, daughter of Orlin and Ivah (Haas) Dorrance. She was a resident of the Scotts and Vicksburg area. On October 22, 1949, Betty was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Lowe, who preceded her in death in 2005. Also, preceding her in death were her daughter, Beth Haines; grandson Jason Haines; parents; siblings Faith (Edward) Zobel, Keith Dorrance, Leslie (LaVon) Dorrance and Kenneth (Donna) Dorrance; sisters-in-law Harriet (LaVerne) Oakleaf, Helen Stafeniski, Dorothy Klaussen; brothers-in-law Patrick Lowe and Robert (Patricia) Lowe. She is survived by her son, Richard “Rick” (Kim) of Three Rivers; grandchildren Jared, Jordan (Amanda), Lauren Haines, Corey and Kelly Aukerman; great grandchildren Caleb, Emma, Eli, Zoey, Sawyer, Cole, Dawson (Rachel) Aukerman, Abigail Braat, Jordynne; great-great grandchild Atlas; and dear nieces Anne Haw, Christine Dorrance, Nancy Zobel, with many more nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Memorials made in Betty’s memory may be directed to St. Martin of Tours. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Howard Wayne Miller, 88, a lifelong resident of Vicksburg, passed away February 19, 2025. He was born in Battle Creek March 25, 1936, the son of Elon and Vera (Button) Miller. Howard married Gayle Applegate in 1956. He attended Spring Arbor University for a short time, then enlisted in the Air Force and served his country proudly. He was stationed at various locations around the U.S. and overseas for six years. He loved his family and friends. He cared deeply for animals and had many pets over the years. He loved to grill and cook and shared Gayle’s love of baking and canning. He expressed his love for others through his original poetry, which was personal and authentic. He enjoyed watching sports, spending time outside, and his family’s activities. He was a Christian, steadfast in his faith and proud to be known as a man of God. He was preceded in his passing by his wife of 65 years, Gayle; son Tim Miller; as well as his parents. Howard is survived by his children, daughter-in-law Linda Miller, Karen Miller, Laura (Dave) Crotser, Matt (Sue) Miller; grandchildren Sarah (Jeff) Day, Jacob (Misty) Miller, Emily Miller, Kacie (Patrick) Hook, Joe (Bekah) Miller, Erin, Daniel, Luke and Emma Miller; great grandchildren Angela, Korey, Sydney, Joslyn, CJ Miller and Lincoln Hook; and great-great grandson Rodney Scott Page III. Donations may go to Reins of Life: reinsoflife.org/give or South County Community Services: southcountycs.com. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Therese Marie (Raith) Ouding, 58, of Vicksburg, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on February 15, 2025. Born in Kalamazoo May 7, 1966, she was the cherished daughter of Franklin and Martha (Christof) Raith. Therese had an incredible gift for making people feel loved and valued. She dedicated 39 years of service to the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she formed lifelong connections with the nuns she cared for and worked alongside. Therese embraced time with her loved ones, whether it was camping under the stars, making treasured memories in Frankenmuth, or hunting for unique finds at the Shipshewana flea market. She enjoyed the sun and water and had a deep love for 80’s music and everything purple. Her faith was an essential part of her journey, and she found great purpose in her church community. She was actively involved in the Youth Group Apple Pie Fundraiser. She was preceded in her passing by her father. She is survived by her husband of twenty years, Mark Ouding; children Joshua (Annabelle) Raith and Emily Ouding; her mother; siblings Frank Raith Jr. and Cathy (Rich) Harger; niece Chelsea Raith; her oldest and dearest friend, Wanda; and many other beloved relatives. Services have been held. Donations may go to the ChapNaz Church: Love Our Kitchen Campaign. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Brian L. Parker, 56, of Portage, passed away February 7, 2025. Brian was born November 7, 1968 in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1987. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and worked as a project manager for West Michigan Interiors. He was also involved with Southwest Michigan First. He married Julie Edwards July 10, 1993, at Calvary Bible Church. He coached in Portage South Little League and Westwood Little League and served on the board for Portage Central Football. Brian had a remarkable personality—quick witted, selfless, patient, and confident. He was also a gentle spirit and humble, qualities that endeared him to many. Around the house, he was the grill guy. And if you walked into the living room, he most likely was watching tennis on television. He actively participated in the churches he attended, serving as a deacon for Calvary Bible Church and later as an elder and Sunday School teacher for Lake Center Bible. Brian is survived by his wife of 31 years, Julie; sons Stephen Parker of Battle Creek, Jonathan Parker of Portage, and Nicholas Parker of Marquette. He is also survived by his parents, Gerald and Judith Parker of Indiana, and his two brothers. Services have been held. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to a college education fund for his three sons, c/o Julie Parker.
Penny (Gary) Stafford, 74, passed away on September 18, 2024, in her daughter’s home in Ridgecrest, California. She was born in Three Rivers on July 31, 1950 to Russell and Anna Gary, the youngest of three children. Penny graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1968. She married her high school sweetheart, Garry Dalman in 1969, but they divorced after 13 years of marriage. Penny later married her soulmate, Butch Stafford, in 1985 and they were happily married until his passing in 1994. Penny’s stubbornness and courage served her well in life. She had close relationships with her friends from middle school and high school, as well as with her colleagues from Eckrich and Borgess Hospital. These relationships brought her great joy and support throughout her life. In 2015, she moved to Ridgecrest, California to live with her daughter, Autumn. In 2022, Penny was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and fought bravely for a year and a half before passing away. She is survived by Autumn and husband Brandon, stepdaughter Sandy Nelson and husband Dan, stepson Bud Stafford and wife Lori, sister Gloria Gary-Smith, brother Steven Gary and wife Helga, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews Sonja, Troy, Travis and Nathan survive her. Penny was preceded in death by her parents.
James Brian Steele, 69, of Vicksburg, formerly of Lansing and Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully February 7, 2025, at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born in Lansing February 23, 1955 to Richard and Mary Steele. Through the love and support of his family, James persevered to overcome many obstacles. James never complained about his disabilities. In 1974, James graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing. He worked for Ingham Medical Hospital. When he moved to Sarasota in 1984, he worked for Sarasota Memorial Hospital. After moving back to Michigan in 2002, he worked at and retired from Meijer. James loved spending time with his family, was a history buff, genealogy enthusiast, NASA admirer, artist, and pop culture superfan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Richard Steele; brother, Larry Steele; and brother-in-law, Scott Wilson. He is survived by his brother, Edward (Ann) Steele; sister Laurie Wilson; niece Amy Steele; nephews Mike (Lisa) Steele, Aaron (Angela) Wilson and Adam (Ezekiel) Wilson; and great-nieces and great-nephews Julia, Alana, and Trent Steele; and Alison, Andrew, and Abigail Wilson. Donations may go to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
