Nancy Jane Thorpe
May 4, 1943 – January 3, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Nancy Jane Thorpe (Musgrave), 79, passed away suddenly on January 3rd due to complications of COPD while busily preparing for her family’s upcoming visit. Although her family always said, “Don’t overdo it,” Nancy’s way was to “do it all.” There was no other way for her! Whether searching for cute little gifts or baking eight different types of goodies, Nancy was a bundle of energy that made her seem much larger than her 4’ 11”, 86 pounds would suggest.
Nancy was born in 1943 in Newberry, Michigan, daughter of Melvin “Punk” and Effie Musgrave. She was the youngest of her siblings, Delbert and Bonnie; she never had the opportunity to know Dovie, who died at age 2 prior to the birth of Delbert.
When Nancy was young, she often acted as Delbert’s assistant in his magic shows! What fun! She enjoyed her brother’s talent and ability to bring enjoyment to others through magic.
After graduating from high school, Nancy went to Beauty School and became a cosmetologist, but decided that being a stay-at-home mom was more important, raising her daughters Lisa (Tom), and Casey (Mark) in Kalkaska, Michigan. Growing up, the girls had a built-in hairdresser–often sporting a perm or a new haircut from their mom! Nancy “did it all” for the girls while their dad, Denny, worked long hours to support the family.
Over the years, sisters Nancy and Bonnie had many fun adventures together, such as attending the James Dean Festival, Shipshewana on the Road, garage sales and thrift stores, and returning to their homeland—the U.P.; that is, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where they spent time with their “Yooper” family and friends, including Nancy’s best childhood friend, Bonnie Schaap.
Eventually, Nancy moved to Lafayette, Indiana and found her life companion of 31 years, Jack Kennedy. They met at the Last Chance Saloon. Nancy and Jack enjoyed living in the country outside of town, playing darts, camping in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, NASCAR races, Fair Oaks Farm, a visit to New York where Jack grew up, feeding the birds and squirrels in their yard, and especially, visits with both her and his children and grandchildren.
Nancy found joy in working at the Last Chance, Higgins, Higgins 2, and Victory Beauty Supply which became Cosmo Prof. This little lady would hustle and bustle each day she worked and could probably run circles around people much younger! She put her all into her work, enjoying the company of the many guests of each business.
Among Nancy’s greatest qualities were her love and compassion. She loved her kids and their families and was so proud of them. Her grandson Cameron (Lisa’s son) and his son, Nancy’s great-grandson, Liam, and Casey’s daughters, Sierra and Savanna, brought her smiles, laughter, and memories she cherished. Some of the activities they enjoyed together included trips to the Columbia Zoo, the Tippecanoe Cove water park, Indiana Beach, a trip to Boston for Casey’s marathon, playing games such as Yahtzee and Dominoes, a fun girls’ trip to Salem, Massachusetts, thrift shopping, and playing with Nancy’s cats.
Nancy’s love and compassion was also outpoured on the many, many cats she cared for in her lifetime. She would have brought all cats she met into her home if she could have…but she settled on feeding and providing shelter to a number of outside cats. Inside, Nancy happily shared her home with Weeble, Hootie, Scooby, and Grady. When called a “Crazy Cat Lady,” Nancy would give a wink and a grin, saying, “And what is wrong with that?”
Nancy Thorpe, a small-in-stature person, was much bigger in spirit and heart. She will be greatly missed.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Effie and Melvin (Punk), sisters Bonnie and Dovie, Brother Delbert, sister-in-law Joann, and Jack’s daughter, Margie.
She is survived by her daughters Lisa (Tom) Wideman and Casey (Mark) Bain; Grandchildren Cameron, Sierra and Savanna, and Great-Grandson Liam; her life companion Jack Kennedy; Jack’s children: Sons Larry and Darby, Daughters Heather (Lee) and Lindsey (Jeff); Jack’s Grandchildren; Nancy’s nieces Debi (David), Dawn (Tracy), Nephews Jeff, Duane (Donna), and Jay; extended family members, and Nancy’s precious cats.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will occur in McMillan in July.
Richard Leo Osterhout
September 21, 1950 – January 14, 2023
Richard Leo Osterhout, 72, passed away peacefully at home January 14, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Curtis, MI. He was born September 21, 1950 to Lloyd and Violet (Brown) Osterhout in Newberry, MI.
In his lifetime he worked at a State Hospital down state, nursing home in Rayco, and the Annex in Newberry. He also ran a foster care home in Engadine and worked for the Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis. He loved people and was always helping someone. He loved visiting and having a cup of coffee with anyone, anytime.
He is survived by four siblings: Laura Bradley of Lake City, Harold (Sandy) Osterhout of Newberry, Ron (Ellie) Osterhout of Gould City, and Brenda Morrison of Newberry. He is also survived by lifelong friend Basil (Melody) McGahan and girls, Destiny Handrich, several nieces and nephews, and an abundance of great friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Violet Osterhout, and his brother David Osterhout.
The family was served by cremation services only, and a graveside service will take place at a later date.
