Obits

Obituary: William ‘Bill’ Wheaton, 65, of Ludington

February 26, 2025

A legend, known as William “Bill” Wheaton, was born to Kenneth and Shirley (Wiley) Wheaton on June 8, 1959, where he found himself gasping his first breath of fresh air in the city of Ludington. It would be a town for which he would spend nearly his entire life. He was always a kind quiet soul that assisted his father…

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Obituary: Deborah Susanne Soberalski, 70, of Ludington

February 26, 2025

Deborah Susanne Soberalski, 70, of Ludington, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. Deb was born February 6, 1955, in Ludington, the daughter of Virginia (Mathews) and Gerald Soberalski. She graduated from Mason County Central High School in 1974. Debbie worked at Viking Arms Motel in Ludington, MacPhail Field in Scottville, NSI Dry…

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Obituary: Randy LaVerne Smith, 67, of Custer

February 26, 2025

Randy LaVerne Smith, 67, of Custer, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. He was born August 28, 1957, the son of LaVerne (Pete) Smith and AprilBelle Sharon (Reene) Smith. Randy graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1975. Having grown up almost next to his grandpa Reene, a second generation water well driller, Randy spent many hours with him…

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Obituary: Elaine Frances Paul, 78, of Scottville

February 25, 2025

Elaine Frances Paul (née Moran), 78, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Scottville. Born on June 22, 1946, in Detroit, Elaine spent much of her life in the Ludington and Scottville area, where she cherished Michigan’s natural beauty. She especially loved its beaches and state parks, often saying she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Elaine attended Mason County…

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Obituary: Thomas ‘Tommy’ Jefferson Ray, 60, of Custer

February 24, 2025

Thomas Jefferson Ray, known affectionately as Tommy, passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 60 in Grand Rapids. Born on November 23, 1964, in Lansing, Tommy was a lifelong resident of Michigan and proudly embraced his Native American heritage. Tommy enjoyed his time as a restaurant cook, having spent many years delighting patrons at Riley’s Rendezvous and…

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