The family of three missing boys from Morenci keeps the faith

MORENCI, Mich. (WXYZ) - As the weather improves and Spring turns to Summer the family of three missing boys wants everyone in the area surrounding Morenci to be on the look-out.

The grandparents of Tanner, Alexander and Andrew, five, seven and nine, told Action News they are still hoping for a reunion but they understand the reality of the situation.

“We are praying to be reunited, whether that be now or in heaven, it’s what we pray for,” Beverly Zuvers, the boys’ grandmother told Action News.

Beverly Zuvers and her husband Don want property owners, campers and anyone traveling through Lenawee County and beyond to keep a careful watch. Although there have been no large organized searches recently, they say informal searches are taking place on a regular basis.

The mother of the boys, Tanya Skelton, is coping but having a difficult time dealing with the disappearance of her sons. Beverly says she has taken on a full-time job at a greenhouse.

“Tanya is deeply faithful but sometimes she has bad days. Some moments are much harder than others,” Beverly said.

Beverly says she’s dealt with some guilt because it was she who gave the children to their father, John Skelton, for his court-ordered visit on Thanksgiving. The boys have not been seen since.

John Skelton is being held in the Lenawee County Jail on $30-million bond. He was the last one to see the children alive. He claims he gave them to an organization to protect them from his estranged wife, Tanya.

Tanya’s family doesn’t believe he’ll reveal the location of his sons.

“This is his way of hurting Tanya. I don’t think he’s going to tell,” said Don Zuvers.

Skelton’s preliminary exam begins in early June.

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Special note from the Zuvers family: On August 14th there will be a picnic in Wakefield Park in Morenci. The event is open to anyone and will offer a range of fun activities for children and adults. The idea is to thank everyone who has been praying for the boys’ return.