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Berry Funeral Home, 106 W Wright Avenue, Shepherd, MI (2026)

02/21/2026

Mary Kay Davidson; age 75 of St. Louis passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026 peacefully at her home surrounded by family. Mary was born March 4, 1950 the daughter to Delmar and Dorothy (Markham) Stalter. She was known for her green thumb. Her lifetime of working in customer service suited her personality as she loved helping others. She loved and cherished all people and everyone who knew her, loved her. Mary had a knack for putting smiles on peoples’ faces. She had an uncanny ability to get a stain out of anything, and in the neighborhood, she was a mother to many. Mary is survived by 5 children Russell (Heather) Hoekstra of Sheldon, IL, Michelle (Klay) Patton of Alma, Matthew Loomis of Vestaburg, Meredith Loomis of St. Louis, and Evelyn (Brock) Williams of Shepherd; 21 grandchildren Anneka, Douglas, Michael, Riley, Wyatt, Ganner, Evan, Bryce, Andrea, Jonathon, Hunter, Thomas, Nevaeh, Amber, Christopher, Samantha, Gavin, Isabell, Bethany, and Preston; 13 great grandchildren Rowan, Harper, Ellis, Gia, Aubrey, Bella, Noah, Alice, Marliana, Zaelius, Esmeree, Senara, and Declan; her brother David (Peggy) Stalter of Fort Wayne; her sister Linda (Randall) Drake of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. Mary is preceded in death by both her parents and her sister Janice Whitelow. Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

02/19/2026

Robin Marie Burden
June 14, 1965 – February 1, 2026

On February 1, 2026, Robin Marie Burden transitioned from an angel on earth to an angel in heaven.

Robin was born on June 14, 1965, the daughter of Robert and Beverly (Stahl) Burden. She entered a busy and loving family of six children—Jean, Jamie, Jim, Jay, Jeri-Lou, and Jackie Stahl—an already full home that would soon discover just how blessed it truly was. A few years later, another blessing arrived with the birth of their brother, Rich.

Robin attended Sunny Field School, where she made many lasting friendships. She later worked at MMI in the newspaper room, but after discovering she was allergic to the ink, she was reassigned to raking leaves at Riverside Cemetery. She later told her mom she couldn’t do that anymore because she had “prima donna hands.”

Robin loved staying active. She enjoyed volleyball, cheerleading, bowling, running, and swimming—but her favorite activity, without question, was dancing. Music brought her joy, especially country music. She attended Special People Camp for many summers and participated in work camps in Kentucky and Tennessee through Shepherd United Methodist Church, where she famously sang “Hell Yes” to the kitchen staff.

God doesn’t make mistakes. Although professionals once suggested placing Robin in a state home, her mother looked at them with determination and said, “We have a group home—we’re taking her home.” The rest, as they say, is history. Robin could be a handful at times—spaghetti on her head, locking people out of their cars, and always wanting to drive—but she filled the home with laughter and love.

Robin never met a stranger. She attended Sunny Field Schools and formed deep friendships, including her best friends Jennifer S., Cheryl G., Jon S., Gary T., Gary B., Jeff, and Abby—the love of her life (although Gary T. was “too tall”).

Robin and Jeff won many dancing awards, and she would dance until she had to be carried out. Her friend Gary B. affectionately called her “Miss Hollywood,” a name that still sticks today. She vacationed in Arizona with her sister Jamie, where she thoroughly enjoyed the bars, and traveled to Texas to visit her sister Jeri-Lou and family. To say Robin was a creature of habit would be an understatement.

When her mother passed away, Robin sang “Amazing Grace” to a full church. During her time at Isabella County Medical Care Facility, she made many friends and countless memories. One day, the family received a call that Robin had been caught cheating at cards—and they couldn’t have been prouder. Her friends Deb N., Michelle B., and Tammy B. became known as the “Pepsi Girls.” Her special friends Christy and Loretta from MMI took her to the zoo, movies, parks, and the Pixie, always singing and enjoying life together.

Everyone who met Robin was changed. Strangers often commented on how one hug from her made a lasting impact. People would smile and say, “I know you—you’re Robin’s sister.” Robin forgave easily, loved freely, and was a friend forever. She was truly one of a kind—God’s special gift to a family that was too full, too poor, and too crazy, yet made better in every way because of her.

Robin is survived by her siblings: Jean Thrush of Shepherd; Jamie (Ron) Luckenbill of Durand; James Stahl of Mt. Pleasant; Jeri-Lou (Bill) PreJean of Texarkana, Texas; Jackie (Steve) Heischman of Mt. Pleasant; Richard (Heather) Burden of Mt. Pleasant; Lenette (Steve) Sova of Coldwater Lake; and Bobby Burden. She is also survived by her adopted family: Jose and Kay Stahl, Johnathon and Kelli Stahl, Donny and Cheryl Stahl, all of Texarkana, Texas, and Robert and James Stahl of Dallas, Texas; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Burden and Beverly (Stahl) Burden; her brother Jay “Jaybird” Stahl; her sister Debby Stahl; and her bestest buddy “Big Jim” Thrush that was her favorite brother-in-law and partner in crime at the VFW.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd United Methodist Church with Dave Peters officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robin’s honor to Special Olympics or Shepherd United Methodist Church. The family extends a special thank-you to the MyMichigan Alma Infusion Center for their compassionate care.

02/09/2026

Raymond “Sonny” Gallaway, 85, passed away on January 23, 2026 with his family by his side at Alma Hospital. He was born on September 26, 1940, in Logansport, Indiana, to the late Raymond and Virginia Gallaway. Ray served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1969, including stints during Vietnam. After his military service, he worked for 29 years and retired from the V8 Engine Plant in Flint, Michigan. Ray was married to Margaret Gallaway for 28 years. He was a very kind man who loved people and visiting with family and friends. Above all else, he loved his two dogs, Candy and Coco. Ray was also a passionate fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions.
Ray is survived by his children, William K. (Valerie) Gallaway, Terri (Randy) Thomas, Kenny Gallaway, and stepson Tommy Caszatt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Misty (Justin) McCue, Mitch (Brandy) Thomas, Sarah (Austin) Quint, Paige Gallaway, Mike Gallaway, Ashley Gallaway, and Tiffany Gallaway, and Jessica (Juan) Rodriguez, as well as eight great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers-in-law, Jeff (Ava) Leigh and Mike (Carolyn) Leigh.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Virginia Gallaway, his sister Sharron, his beloved wife Margaret, and his stepdaughter Julie.
Ray will be remembered for his kindness, love for his family, and his cherished dogs. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

02/07/2026

William Edward Langlois; age 85 of Shepherd passed away Friday, February 6, 2026 at his home. Bill was born April 11, 1940 the son of Mathias and Mary (VanWee) Langlois. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and was a longtime member of the Central Michigan Old Car Club. He married Dorothy Leiferman January 2, 1960. He was a carpenter for over 40 years. Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy of 65 years; 4 children Ed (Lola) Langlois of Shepherd, Jerry (Connie) Langlois of Shepherd, Roger (Kim) Langlois of Clare, and Pam (Dennis) Travis of Shepherd; 7 grandchildren Matt (Amy) Langlois, Sara (Grant) Hirst, Tyler (Destiny) Langlois, Andrew (Jenna) Langlois, Josh (Jayda) Langlois, Jordan (Lauren) Travis, and Zach (Sabrina) Travis; 13 great grandchildren Mason, Ella, Addison, Aubree, Paisley, Eli, Lane, Adalynn, Ashton, Aria, Allie, Walker, and Clarke; 2 siblings Mary Wheeler and Joe (Sherry) Langlois; and several nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded by both his parents; sister Carol Guthrie; and brothers Jim Langlois, Fred Langlois, and David Cohoon. Services for Bill will be Tuesday, February 10 at 11 A.M. at Berry Funeral Home with visitation from 10 A.M. until time of service. There will also be visitation Monday, February 9 from 5 to 8 P.M. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Bill to the Central Michigan Old Car Club.

02/07/2026

Rosalie Catherine Fontana-Kobeissi; age 61 of Sterling Heights; passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma. Rosalie was born February 18, 1964, the daughter of Mario and Corrine (Mayer) Fontana. She enjoyed poetry. She was amazingly creative and loved sewing, crocheting and crafting in general. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was proud of her Italian heritage. Rosalie had an associate degree in graphic design. She enjoyed playing Euchre and also enjoyed being a substitute teacher. Rosalie is survived by her two kids Audrey (Matt Clark) Hamilton of Shepherd and Michael Hamilton of Alma; and 2 grandchildren Karina and Nadia. Rosalie is preceded by both her parents and her grandparents Robert and Rosalie Mayer. There will be a graveside service on Monday, February 9th at 10 a.m. at Salt River Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

02/03/2026

Timothy Michael Acker, known affectionately as "Tattoo," passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 62 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he was born on December 4, 1963. Timothy's life was marked by his hardworking nature, a trait that was evident both in his 30+ years tenure as a steel worker at Delfield and in his personal pursuits.

A proud alumnus of Shepherd High School, Timothy remained in his hometown area throughout his life, deeply embedded in the community he loved. He was a passionate sports fan, often found cheering for his favorite teams: the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions. Additionally, Timothy enjoyed Silver Lake Sand Dunes, watching Nascar races and watching car auctions such as Barrett Jackson and Mecum, activities that reflected his love for speed and mechanics.

Timothy was a beloved family man, survived by his siblings, Terry Acker and his wife Karla, Deborah Gerred and her husband Larry, and Karen Delamater. Daughters Casee Acker, and Camee Acker with her spouse Tony Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Donna (Hall) Acker, and his brother, Thomas Acker.

The Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd, Michigan, is assisting the family during this time. Timothy's life and legacy will be celebrated and remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew him as a dedicated worker, a sports enthusiast, and a cherished relative.

02/02/2026

Corey Lee Hyde
April 3, 1969 – January 28, 2026
Ithaca, Michigan

Corey Lee Hyde, age 56, of Ithaca, MI passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026. He was born on April 3, 1969 in Alma, MI. He grew up in Ithaca and graduated from Ithaca High School in 1987. While growing up Corey enjoyed working on cars, riding dirt bikes, hunting and earning his own money. He was a devoted son, caring nephew, loyal friend, and loving husband.

Corey started in agriculture as a teenager on farms in Ithaca, doing tasks from milking cows to baling hay. He worked his way up at B & W Farm Center to parts manager, became a sales rep at Sunflower, and spent the last 20 years as a territory manager for Landoll Company LLC, covering Canada, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Known for his equipment expertise, Corey was a valued resource for farmers and dealers, often assisting in the field or visiting clients. He took immense pride in being part of the farming community.

He loved working on his own property as well, which he called The Wildlife Farm. Every year he worked to improve his land by digging ponds, planting trees, and expanding food plots. Corey was very proud of his farm and the wildlife it attracted. He loved to walk the property and plan the next project. Whether he was on the tractor, the excavator or the bulldozer, Corey was in his happy place when he was working dirt.

Those who knew Corey knew he was an avid hunter. He developed a passion for hunting early on, spending his after-school hours searching for pheasants along the railroad tracks. Years later, he took a 170 drop tine buck with his bow, which sparked his enduring enthusiasm for whitetail hunting. Corey traveled throughout North America in pursuit of each whitetail species, gaining memorable experiences alongside great friends. He also enjoyed hunting other North American animals like moose, elk, brown bear, bison, black bear, and antelope to name a few. As his hunting experiences grew, he became a lifetime member of Safari Club International, an organization he believed every outdoors person should belong to.

Corey shared eight wonderful years with his beloved wife, Julie Hyde. Embracing their shared passion for adventure and hunting, they traveled together across the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. Whether hunting mule deer in Wyoming or fishing in Belize, Corey & Jules created unforgettable memories together. They loved introducing one another to their individual passions/hobbies and trying new things. Together, they built a happy & loving home with their dog Ripp. After joining the Edgewood Church of God as an adult, Corey was baptized last year. Soon after, he developed close friendships within the congregation, which became a source of comfort as he faced his ALS diagnosis. He cherished weekly gatherings where friends would pray with him and share uplifting stories, making him feel truly supported during difficult times. Corey& #39;s faith and the genuine care of his church community brought him peace and acceptance with his diagnosis, allowing him to find strength even in the most challenging moments.

Corey faced ALS with remarkable strength and dignity. He never complained. Not once. Even on the hardest days, Corey found a reason to smile and share a joke with those around him. As the disease progressed and his mobility became limited, Corey was determined not to let ALS define him. He adapted, modifying his hunting equipment so he could still join his friends in the woods, and found creative ways to keep working on his beloved Wildlife Farm—sometimes giving instructions from the side of the field or tinkering with his gear to suit his needs. Each new challenge became an opportunity for Corey to rise above, refusing to give in or show weakness. How he navigated his journey with ALS was not just inspiring—it was a powerful reminder to everyone who met him of the courage and positivity that can shine even in the toughest circumstances.

He is survived by his loving wife Julie Hyde, his mother Gayla Foster of Alma, stepbrother Kent (Lynne) Foster of Alabama, many wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends. Corey was preceded in death by grandparents Dale & Phyllis Smith, Cyril & Violet Hyde, stepfather Lee Foster, stepbrother Kurt Foster, and Aunt Rebecca Adams.

Corey will be deeply missed and eternally remembered. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please consider donating to ALS (alsnetwork.org) or joining Safari Club International (safariclub.org) in memory of Corey. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

01/29/2026

Leorna Jeanne Lynch, peacefully fell asleep in death in the early morning hours of January 24, 2026 at the home of her beloved, caregiving daughter Susan, of Howell, Michigan. Leorna was 94 years old.

Leorna was born on August 12, 1931 in Hanover, Ohio to Harold and Grethel Cline. While still young, Leorna’s parents moved from Ohio, and along with her siblings, James, Willene, Joan, Joyce, Jerry, and Bob, grew up in Shepherd, Michigan. All through her school years Leorna was actively involved in various extracurricular student activities, including the cheerleading squad, and she especially loved her part-time, after school job at the Shepherd Theater. During her Senior year she was crowned the Shepherd High Harvest Queen of 1949. After graduation, on August 13, 1949, Leorna married James Lynch of Shepherd. Together they lived in campus housing in Mt. Pleasant where James graduated from Central Michigan University. During their time in Mt. Pleasant, Leorna gave birth to Larna in June, 1950 and Patrick in 1952. After graduation James and Leorna moved to a small town in the thumb of Michigan called Yale, where James taught Biology and coached at Yale
High School. While in Yale, Leorna gave birth to James Jr in 1953, Micheal in 1954, Susan in 1955, John in 1958, and Peter in 1962.

In 1963 the Lynch family moved to Ferndale, Michigan where James worked as one of the Ferndale High School counselors, and all the while Leorna continued working hard from morning till night as the Lynch homestead Counselor, Adviser, Teacher, Nurse, Accountant, House Manager, Driver, Cook, Child-care worker, Mentor, Protector and Defender of her 7 appreciative children. By 1970, Leorna, James, and family were living in the Sterling Hts., Michigan area, where they remained until
1986, when James retired from the Utica School system. Leorna however, did not retire in 1986, but continued working to resituate her husband James and their youngest son Peter, to their new home in Shepherd. With their homebase back in Shepherd, and after a number of years as ‘empty nesters’, Leorna and James took some time to travel across the country, and sometimes out of the country, to visit their children and grandchildren. Leorna and James were married just 18 days short of 75 years, when James passed away on July 26, 2024. Together they raised 7 children, Larna (Roger) Wells-Florida, Patrick (Deborah) Lynch-Michigan, James Jr.
(Amy) Lynch-Washington State, Micheal (Deborah) Lynch-Florida, Susan Lynch Gibbons-Michigan, John (Darlene) Lynch-Nebraska and Peter Lynch (deceased).
Leorna is survived by her sister Joan (Neil) Green-Gladwin, MI, her brother Gerald (Barbara) Cline-Florida, and her brother Robert (Jaquelyn) Cline-Shepherd, MI, along with many treasured nieces and nephews. Leorna had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. As she aged, she would often say regarding her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “I may not remember all of their names, but be sure and tell them I love them.” Of course, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always knew that Leorna loved each one of them with all her heart.
Leorna’s 13 grandchildren’s names are: John, Tina, Katie, Luke, Lenaya, Paul, Monica, Emily, Melissa, Chad, Brynn, Shannon, and Caitlin. Leorna’s 20 great-grandchildren’s names are: Simon, Thomas, Elijah, Joshua, Elowin, Tigerlily, Esme, Leela, Raya, Joshua, Ben, Alaina, Carson, Erin, Griffin, Killian, Brynnlee, Declan, Jack and Sean. A family and friends memorial service will be held on May 9, 2026 @ 2 pm at Berry Funeral Home, 106 W. Wright Ave. Shepherd, MI.

01/25/2026

Inez-Bea “Bea” O’Boyle

May 27, 1939- January 22, 2026

Inez-Bea “Bea” O’Boyle was raised by Marion and Elinor Leonard and graduated from St. Louis High School in 1958. On June 8, 1963, she married Norman Dean O’Boyle, and together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and love.

Bea played an integral role in running the family business, F. O’Boyle Trucking, while also managing the household and raising four children. She was known for her many gifts and talents which included tending her beautiful flower beds, canning and freezing fresh fruits and vegetables, making her amazing cheese spread and dark green pickles, and baking for family gatherings. She enjoyed, as she would say, “testing” the smoke alarm with her cooking.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: watching birds from the front room (while waging a lifelong battle against those darn mischievous squirrels), playing games—especially her favorite, Greedy—and working on puzzles when she couldn’t get out and about. In her 70s, Bea and Norm took a memorable road trip to Arizona, where she met her biological sister for the first time.

Above all else, Bea’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Bea passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children: Jodie (Bill) Hubbard, Dean O’Boyle, Debbie Wert (Mike Vota), and Denny O’Boyle; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild expected soon. She is also survived by her sister, Charlene (Lyle) Hale; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Robert and Kay O’Boyle, Gordon Hahn, Larry Schnepp, Bette Alexander, and Joe Bannan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman O’Boyle; her son-in-law, Mike Wert; her grandson, Wyatt O’Boyle; her biological sister, Bette Bannan; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Janice and Jim English, Marilyn Hahn, Vicky Schnepp, and Dave Alexander.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bea’s life will be held at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Commission on Aging for their many resources, and to Wendy and the Heartland Hospice staff for their compassionate care and support during Bea’s final days.

Memorial donations may be made in Bea’s memory to: Gratiot Commission on Aging 515 S. Pine River Street, Ithaca, MI 48847

01/25/2026

Richard Dean Cottrell; age 84 of Oil City passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at his home surrounded by family. Dean was born July 6, 1941 the son of Roscoe and Pearl (Foster) Cottrell. He retired from Dow Chemical in 1995 where he worked for 32 years as a welder/pipefitter. He was a Greendale township supervisor for several years and also served on the board and as a trustee. Dean was one of the original founding members who started, built, and ran the Black Creek Conservation Club. He was also a big trap shooter. Dean taught hunters safety for 40 years along with teaching many of his grandchildren how to shoot as well. He loved to teach anyone who was “interested or not” how to weld, golf, fish, or hunt. Dean helped his family build or remodel their homes as he loved helping his family and friends sharing his knowledge to others. He enjoyed telling jokes, sometimes having to be stopped by the family telling him he shouldn’t tell a particular joke at that particular time. Dean said he wanted to go out of this world with a sense of humor and he certainly did right up to the end. He loved his family and repeatedly said he “had a great family, not a bad one in the bunch!” Dean is survived by his wife Ellen; 3 children Rick (Teresa Webster) Cottrell, Teri Cottrell, and Eddie (Paula) Cottrell; 5 grandchildren Micki Fike and Robert, Timothy, Adam, and Brandon Cottrell; 3 great grandchildren Tayven Cottrell, Irelynn Fike, and Aspen Fike; his brother Marvin Cottrell; his sister Bonnie Honeycutt; and several nieces and nephews. Dean is preceded by both his parents and 3 brothers Roscoe Jr., Lee, and Clyde Cottrell. Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

01/21/2026

Wayne B Fortney, 79, passed away January 15th, 2026. He was born December 18, 1946 in St John’s, Michigan to the late Howard and Margaret Fortney.

Wayne grew up in Ithaca, Michigan, and was a 1965 graduate of IHS. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in social work. Wayne was a member of the Army for two years where he served his country in Vietnam as a medical technician. He retired from Gratiot County Parks & Recreation after 23 years and then became the manager of Gratiot Country Club for 10 years. He coached Ithaca junior high girls basketball for 20 years, AAU girls and boys basketball for over a decade, boys little league baseball, and spent many years as the vice president of the Ithaca Bowling Association. He also participated in many years of men’s basketball leagues and slow pitch softball through Parks & Rec.

He was a Jeopardy master, crossword wizard, and an avid reader of all things historical fiction and sci-fi. Wayne’s favorite times were with his family and friends out to Reed’s around a ball field, up at the cottage at Houghton Lake on Howie’s pontoon with the family, with his Koffee Klatch boys Coach, Dar, Wetzel, Parling, and drop in visits by Jimmy G talking all things sports and Ithaca, on casino adventures with Jack, evening chats with neighbor Brian, or his annual birthday trips with Cubby, Clow, and Bear, and more recently giving his favorite caregiver Mindy and his brother Jim a hard time as only he could. Wayne will be remembered for riding around town on his John Deere mowing lawns, his booming coaching voice, sports knowledge, classic story telling, sarcastic quick witted remarks, and ever so memorable phrases.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Erin Stokes, and her husband Peter; and Bryan Fortney and his wife Lian; and his grandchildren, Brayden Fortney, Elise Fortney, Reid Wayne Stokes, Kiley Stokes, and Kenzie Stokes, his former wife and friend Lynn Fortney Look, and his siblings, Van Wideman; Patricia Nowak and her husband Allen; Thomas Wideman and his wife Nancy; Rebecca Ebright and her husband Ronald; William Wideman and his wife Lisa; James Wideman and his wife Vicki; his nieces and nephews Jared and his wife Kaci; Katie and her husband Ben; Lindsay and her husband Cody; Alyssa and her husband Bob; Spencer and his wife Kirsten; Derek and his wife Ashtin; Patricia and her husband Roberto; Randy; Tyler and his wife Mara; Brandon and his wife Haley; Austin; Samantha and her husband Jared; Meghan and her husband Sean; Darin and his wife Kaitlin; and 27 great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his twin brother, Wendell A. Fortney, and step-mother and friend, Marilyn Fortney.

There will be a Celebration of Wayne’s Life to be held on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 from 4 to 7 pm at Reed Park. Memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s honor to the Ithaca Girls Basketball Program. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.

01/15/2026

James L. Schrot, a loving husband, father & grandfather passed away at his home on January 14, 2026 at the age of 81.

James was born on January 31, 1944 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to Leonard & Arlene (Bauder) Schrot. He graduated from Shepherd High School in 1963. James served in the army and was stationed both in Germany and Vietnam. He worked in floor covering for many years. James was a devoted fly fisherman, and an expert at tying flies. He also was a music enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn whom he married in 1967; daughter Valeria Struble of Mt. Pleasant; son William Schrot of Winn; 3 grandsons Nicolas Struble, Jonathon Struble, Leonard Schrot; 1 great-grandson River Struble; sisters Janice (Gary) Smith of Shepherd, Susan Schrot of Alma; brothers Frank (Sheila) of Shepherd, Jeff (Twilia) Schrot of Shepherd, Donald (Alona) Schrot of Germany; and many nieces & nephews.

James was preceded in death by his brother Joe Schrot.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 with a luncheon following at the Fireside Grill in Shepherd. Visitation will begin at 11:00 until time of service. Arrangements have been made by Berry Funeral Home.

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