Judith Walsh

Fowlerville, Michigan

    Her Legacy… Judith “Judy” Evelyn (Morrison) Walsh, 63, passed away March 1, 2026. She was born on April 24, 1962, in Burlington, Iowa to George Morrison and Evelyn (Johnston) Morrison. Judith married the love of her life, Joseph Walsh Jr. on September 5, 1992, in Howell, Michigan. She will be remembered as an incredibly loving woman who cared for any person (or animal) she encountered. In her younger years, she spent her time in many artistic groups, including playing the French horn, performing arts, athletics, and 4H.

    After High School, Judith’s passion for learning continued. She received her Project Management Professional certification. She was a Cub Scout Leader for her son and recently became a substitute teacher, leaving an impression on the many children she taught. In her later years, Judith spent her time working around her family reindeer farm: canning, reading, gardening, and hiking. She spent the majority of her time taking care of the many animals on the Shining Star Ranch, and she always had many different projects that she was working on at any time.

    Judith’s strength and care shone through in everything that she did. A faithful woman, she spent her time attending bible study, discussing the passages, and singing in the church choir.

    Her Family… Judith will be missed by her husband, Joseph Walsh Jr.; her children, Priscilla Walsh and Joseph Walsh III; siblings, Ann Archer, David Morrison, Jim Morrison; numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Evelyn Morrison.

    Her Farewell… Judith’s family and friends will gather Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, as well as 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Howell, Michigan. Gathering will continue on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM before her Community Farewell beginning at 11:30 AM. Pastor Ken Greble will serve as celebrant. Please leave a message of comfort for Judith’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 Helen Barrett

Harrison, Michigan

    Her Legacy… Helen Margaret Barrett, 94, passed away on February 27, 2026. Born on December 12, 1931, in Howell, Michigan, to Joseph Truman and Mildred (Miller) Truman, Helen lived a life defined by spirit, warmth, and devotion to those around her.

    She will be remembered for her feisty determination, boundless energy, and deep love of nature. Helen took great pride in keeping a beautifully organized home and meticulously tended gardens, she truly believed there was a place for everything and everything in its place.

    Her compassion extended to the animals she cherished, faithfully feeding the wildlife that visited her yard and even rescuing kittens in need. A wonderful cook and an avid, knowledgeable gardener, Helen especially enjoyed simple, meaningful moments, like canning tomatoes with her daughter-in-law.

    Thoughtful and caring, she never forgot a birthday and made sure the people she loved felt remembered and celebrated. Her legacy of love, care, and spirited strength will live on in all who knew her.

    Her Family… Helen will be missed by her children, Chuck (Joy) Barrett, Michael (Mary) Barrett, Robert Barrett, Patrick (Karen) Barrett, Edward (Sherry) Barrett; sister, Susie Wing; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; niece, Dayna Truman and nephew, John Wayne. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mildred Truman; siblings, Jenny Truman, Betty Kranic, E.J. Truman; grandchild, Charles; great grandchildren, Emmerson, Harrison, Camden; and nephew Jack Wing.

    Her Farewell… Helen’s family and friends gathered 11:00am-1:00pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, until the time of her Community Farewell at 1:00pm at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, Fowlerville, Michigan. Mary Barrett served as Celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners, or the Michigan Humane Society. Please leave a message of comfort for Helen’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

Jay Patrick Barnett

    On February 25 2026, just before his 67th birthday, Jay Patrick Barnett found eternal peace. He was fondly known as Pat, Patty Wack, Uncle Pat, the Fireman.. But most importantly Dad and Papa.

    On St. Patrick’s Day in 1959, Jay was born to young parents, MaryAnna (née. Nelson) and the late J C Barnett. His younger years were not perfect, and he saw and experienced things our young children should not. He grew up during the generation of freedom, unstructured, outdoor play, and minimal supervision. In high school he excelled in sports, and made lifelong friends. He told stories that would make you believe he was the coolest guy in school - he truly was a “bada**”.

    As a young adult, Pat worked hard, but likely partied harder. He spent much of his free time riding motorcycles and dune buggies, or bow hunting, both of which led him “up north” to the family cabin in McKinley. Most impressively, he loved bear hunting with a bow from a tree stand. Not only did he love to hunt, but he also appreciated seeing wildlife, and would always point it out or seek it out on back roads.

    He loved watching NASCAR and football, but would entertain any sporting event on television. He was an excellent Kazoo player and card player. I'm not sure what in him made Pat such a goof, but he was always there with a beer and a costume of some sort. A true jokester, and prankster, he was always trying to get a laugh. He could tease, though you might want to tread lightly teasing him back. He could be easily offended at times.

    In the early 1990s, he moved “up north” due to what he jokingly called “conformity issues” in southern Michigan. After years of bachelor life, he finally settled down into parenthood at age 33. As a dad and protector to Courtney, he shared his love for hunting, fishing, river trips, car shows, UP trips, and hanging out in the garage. Dad dedicated himself to showing up — to sporting events and spelling word practice alike. With his signature video camera in hand, he captured countless memories. He showed up. Every time.

    Pat leaves behind his daughter Courtney (Thomas) Danhoff, his grandchildren Collin Patrick and Taylin Duane, and his special bonus granddaughter Mackenzie (Garrett) Rhoads. He is also survived by his mother, MaryAnna Grover; his siblings and their spouses, Denise (Marty) Sizemore, Chris (Michelle) Folts, and Terry (Diane) Folts; along with a plethora of special cousins and extended family. Pat cherished every family reunion and holiday gathering. He was preceded in death by his father J C Barnett (1937-1960), and many of his drinking buddies.

    He was exceedingly proud of all 3 of his grandchildren. For someone completely grossed out by birth, Pat was the first to attend midwife appointments, set up birth pools and arrive immediately after delivery. He was proud to hold babies, to play with toddlers, to embrace fishing and riding with kids, to watch sporting events of students, and to witness weddings of adults. He was proud of every stage of grandparenting. He made family at any local watering hole. He was always first to join a group of friends, for beers, for a game, for a trip or for some live music! He went on many snowmobile, side by side, and mud bog trips. He could “fix” anything, and his hands were often “liquid bandaged” together. As age set in, Pat found peace in watching westerns, spending time with his mom and siblings, gambling. He fought hard against his cancer diagnosis with both holistic and modern treatments. He wanted so badly to beat it for his babies. He didn’t want to leave them behind.

    His loved ones hope he is remembered most for his smile and his ability to create a laughable moment. His family and friends were gathering to remember his fun personality this Saturday March 7th at 2 pm at the Mio Moose Lodge."

    Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI 

 Williamston Rotary offers workshop on ‘Attracting Bluebirds’ on March 14th

    Think Spring! Join Williamston Rotary for a workshop "Attracting Bluebirds" on Saturday March 14, at the Williamstown Township Hall 4990 Zimmer Rd. Williamston. Learn about Bluebirds, nesting boxes, their location and maintenance. Free admission.

    Doors open 9am. Rotary will be selling both box kits for $10, and finished boxes for $25. Proceeds will be used for community service projects.

    At 10am there will be a 20-minute presentation by Rotarian Earl Wolf, retired State Park Naturalist, about bluebirds, box placement, other box birds etc. Wolf began Bluebird workshops in the 1980's, doing March programs and continues to do workshops each spring for Mid-Michigan Garden Clubs, park groups, scouts and more.

    Following the program, Rotarians will be available to help children assemble their purchased kit if needed.

    If one needs a post, Rotary will provide a post and schedule an installation for a donation. MPC Lumber has generously donated the lumber for box construction.

    For information, call (517) 281-3667, or log into Williamston Rotary on Facebook.

 Torch 180 to hold Grand Opening of new retail training center   March 12th

    Torch 180 Corner Shoppes is holding a Grand Opening of its new retail training center in Downtown Fowlerville this Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7pm. The store is located at the 102 E. Grand River at the southeast corner of East Grand River and South Grand Avenue.

    The new retail training center will serve as both a functioning retail store and a structured training environment where students “can gain real-world experience in customer service, sales, merchandising, inventory management, and workplace professionalism, and earn professional retail certifications.”

    The Corner Shoppes will operate in a similar fashion to the Torch 180 Café on Mill Street that trains students in the restaurant-food service field, with the goal of these people being able to obtain employment.

    President and Founder of Torch 180 Rhonda Callahan said that “This grand opening is so exciting for us. We will be able to offer employability training for yet another high-interest industry that has many employment opportunities for our students.”

    The evening will include the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5pm, followed by an open house and tours of the retail space, light refreshments, and opportunities to meet students and program leaders.

    Special thanks was given to Lake Trust and Chem-Trend for their “generous support of the retail training program.”

    “Their partnership is instrumental in building out this space and allowing Torch 180 to expand its career pathway opportunities for individuals who have disadvantages,” it was noted.

    “We have worked hard to build a small shop which will have general merchandise and Torch 180 student-made merchandise and some of our delicious non-perishable baked goods from the cafe for sale. We also have space for local small business partners to rent and sell their products.”

    As stated on its web site, Torch 180 is a locally-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening communities through workforce training, mentorship, and practical skill development. Through innovative programs in retail and food service, Torch 180 helps participants gain the experience and confidence needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

    The building, which has been vacant for a number of years, was acquired in 2024. Work has been going on to renovate both the exterior and interior, with donations being sought to fund this improvement project.

 St. Agnes Catholic Church to sponsor trip to Firekeepers Casino on April 8th

    St. Agnes Catholic Church has scheduled a trip to Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek on April 8th. We will be offering a full hot breakfast at 9:00am, at St. Agnes Church, 855 E Grand River Avenue, Fowlerville, in the Lothamer Parish Center (LPC) prior to departing at 10:00am, on Wednesday morning.

    The cost is $50 and includes round trip bus transportation, $20 in free slot play and $5 to use towards dining, slot play or in the gift shop. Returning guests who bring their Red Hot Rewards Club card will get credits and points added to their existing card. Guests need to bring a valid ID to receive the group package. Those without Red Hot Rewards Cards will be issued them prior to entering the casino.

    A Blue Lakes Charter Motorcoach will leave the St. Agnes Church parking lot at 10:00am. Anticipated arrival time back in Fowlerville is 5:30pm. To pre-register: contact Lisa at the parish office at 517-223-8684 or email at stagnesfowlerville@gmail.com. First come first served, and ALL are welcome to join us for a fun day out!

 St. John's Lutheran Church to host Pulled Pork Dinner on   March 14

    The community is invited for a dine-in or carry-out dinner on Saturday, March 14 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The cost for the meal is $10 per person and features a menu of pulled pork, barbeque beans, coleslaw, cornbread and dessert.

    "Mid-March seems like a perfect time to take a stand against cabin fever and have someone else cook dinner," said Pastor Diane Greble. "We hope that the community feels a warm welcome from the people of St. John's and enjoys another good meal with good conversation."

    The congregation is also going through the season of Lent with a Wednesday study, "The Last Supper: Conversations that Led to the Cross." That study is also open to the community, with sessions available at either 1:00 pm or 6:45 pm on Wednesdays through March. Holy Week worship will be held on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning.

    The church is located at 132 S. Benjamin Street, Fowlerville.

    If you have questions, please call the church office at 517-223-9108 or at www.stjohnsfowlerville.org.