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Barbara J. Allen

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Barbara J. Allen, age 88 of Charlotte, formerly of New Port Richey, Fla., passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She was born on May 29, 1931, in Vermontville. Barbara worked her entire life at Michigan Bell Telephone Company as operator, repair supervisor and later as toll testman. She retired to Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, New Port Richey, Fla., in 1982, with her husband Chester Allen. She lived there until 2017 when she moved back to Michigan to be near her family. She enjoyed playing golf and won many tournaments over the years. She lost one eye to a tumor shortly after retirement that never held her back or changed her golf game. Barbara was predeceased  by her parents Norma (McNabb) and Don Bosworth and her husband Chester D. Allen in 2000. Barbara is survived by her siblings, Karen McGlaughlin (Lavell Howe) of Charlotte, Edwin (Ruth Bosworth) of Cadillac, her nieces Ginger Terpstra (Rick) of Charlotte, Shawn Raleigh (John) of Charlotte, nephew Don Rogers (Brandi Viele) of Colorado Springs, CO and nieces Teresa (Mart) Williams of Cadillac, Debbie (Ted) Lockwood of Traverse City. Cremation has taken place. No services will be held per her request. Special thanks go out to Julie Coenen for the tremendous care and compassion given until her passing. Also, thanks are offered to special caregivers Megan and Marie at the Haven. Contributions in her memory can be made to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing MI 48910.

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Agnes V. Graves

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Agnes Victoria Graves, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services with her family by her side. She was born at home near Nashua, Mont., the daughter of Albert and Minnie Pearson Schakosky on January 27, 1925. Her childhood was spent on the family homestead. She attended a one-room school, named Big Four School. After graduating from that school, she went on to high school and graduated from Glasgow, Montana High School in 1941, just before World War II was declared. When soldiers began to be stationed in Glasgow, she became a USO hostess. It was then that she met John Graves from Texas, as he was there training on the B-17 bombers. They were married in Melissa, Tex., once he returned from flying 25 bombing missions over Europe. Together, they spent several years in Texas before moving to Michigan. Aggie worked for the State of Michigan, Department of Social Services, in Lansing. She retired after 27 years of service. In retirement, she became a volunteer for various organizations including Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Woldumar Nature Center, Mobile Meals, American Red Cross, Charlotte Business Women Organization and the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. When it became evident there was a need for a facility for the senior population, she became a part of the effort to secure the Eaton Area Senior Center, of which she was a life member. Aggie also enjoyed traveling in both the United States and Europe.
She is survived by her children: Vicki (Don) Voisin of Charlevoix, Jessica (Everett) Gard of Clarkston, Matthew (Tammy) Graves of Rockford, Andrea (Wayne) Price of Conway, S.C.; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Alyce (Hugo) Mosser of Slaton, Tex.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2020, at noon at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family was to receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon at the church on Friday. Those desiring, may make contributions in Aggie’s honor to the American Red Cross.

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Gary L. Mandel

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Gary Lee Mandel, age 70 passed away January 25, 2020, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born November 2, 1949, to Raymond and Helen (Kieffer) Mandel in Neenah, Wisc.
Throughout his life, he was a factory worker, a social worker in Walworth County, Wisc., and a SSA federal employee retiring in 2011. He loved all Wisconsin sports and outdoor activities — including hiking, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping, golfing and playing softball.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sons Shawn I. Mandel and Shannon McQuillin.
Surviving are his partner Lynda Norris, brother Roy (Nancy) Mandel, children Erin Shilo (Jeff Turley) Mandel, Garrett Mandel, Gina (Justin) Langholff Morgan, Shawyn (Kyle) Anderson, ErinRose McQuillin, Samatha (Len) Skar, Roy (Chrystal) Aseltine and Chet (Mandy) Norris, 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, special niece Teri Rae Mandel and nephew Rick Mandel and many life-long friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

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John K. Cripe

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John Kenneth Cripe, age 70, passed away on January 25, 2020, in Powell, Tenn. John was born June 18, 1949 in Jackson, Mich.
John enjoyed racing cars in his younger years, as well as mud bogging. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, where he fought in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Michigan National Guard and General Motors.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Myrtle. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sister Lois (Terry); six children, John (Jatana), Jill, Janell (Tony), Janie (Justin), Jeremiah and Jeff (Melissa); step-children Bobbi, Scott and Stephanni; grandchildren, Jordan (Alyssa), Justin, Aleisha, Samantha, Michael, Michelle, Zach, J.J., Brandon, Rhyleigh, Gracie, Noah, Meghan, Audrey, Hazel, Maizie, Justice and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at the VFW Post 6056, 230 Mechanic St. in Springport, on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m.

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Jannette A. Towns

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Jannette Alice Towns of Eaton Rapids passed away January 28, 2020, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of Hoyle and Mary Agnes (Winegar) McMurtrie. Jannette graduated from Springport High School in 1958 and resided in Eaton Rapids for 54 years. She worked and retired from Eaton Stamping, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Parma and loved working in her garden and cooking. Jannette liked to travel, when she was able, to see her grandchildren and extended family.
Jannette is survived by her son, Ted (Patrycja) Towns of Tampa; grandchildren, Maggie, Liam, Connor and Aiden Towns; brothers, Calvin McMurtrie of Parma, Wesley (Rosie) McMurtrie of Parma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene McMurtrie and Douglas McMurtrie and sister, Gloria Arnold.
Jannette will be cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jannette’s memory to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, in Eaton Rapids. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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Norman E. Reist

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Norman Eugene Reist, age 69, of Charlotte, died on January 20, 2020. He worked as a baker at Reist’s Bakery. No funeral services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Michael G. Tappen

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Michael Glenn Tappen Jr., age 51, passed away on January 19, 2020. He was a hardworking man and a talented artist. Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. He expressed his artistry when he had the time to put together a great costume and was creative with Halloween makeup. He was born on May 7, 1968, in Cherry Point, N. C., to Michael and Mary (Schronce) Tappen.  Mike graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986 and then earned his associates degree from Baker College. He was in the Marine Corps. A very dedicated, hard-worker, Mike loved his job on the road trucking, working for a few different companies, including Michigan Packaging and Georgia Pacific. He had currently been employed by Pam Transport. Kind and thoughtful, Mike was always reaching out and finding ways to help others and was generous with his time. He had a great sense of humor but also a stubborn streak that would drive his family crazy. The pride of his life was his three daughters and his granddaughter, and he would brag about them to everyone that would listen.
Michael is survived by his daughters, Hayley, Taylor and Sydney Tappen; granddaughter, Asyria Hill; mother, Mary Tappen; and siblings, Tammy Sherman, Karen Tappen, and Cathy Troutner; his aunt, Carol Tappen, grandma, Kathryn Tappen; and former-wife and best friend Kenda Tappen.  He was predeceased by his father, Michael Glenn Tappen Sr.; grandfather, Milan Tappen; and uncle, John Tappen.
Funeral services were held January 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mike on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Bruce M. Bryan

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Bruce Mac Bryan — a loving and devoted, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather — died January 16, 2020. Bruce, age 90, was born June 23, 1929, in Charlotte, to Rex and Cecil (Hawley) Bryan. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1948, Bruce met Shirley Ann Parr and on July 9, 1950, they married and started their family together. Bruce lost his sweetheart of 64 years in 2015. He worked throughout his life as a grocery stock boy at the Charlotte Kroger store, and as an electrician, working for the IBEW Local 65, including a time with his own company, Maple City Electric. Bruce was the ultimate handyman, as he built three of the family homes and also a fishing cabin. There was no project that he couldn’t handle. Bruce joined the Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120 Free & Accepted Masons in 1962, serving as past master in 1969. He went into the Saladin Shrine Temple Grand Rapids in 1973, and he could be seen in many local parades riding on his mini 50 Shriner bike. He also served on the Charlotte Board of Education from 1960 to 1971. When Bruce was not serving his community, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and bowling.
Bruce is survived by his daughters, Diane (Larry) Bass, Patricia (James) Bueter; grandchildren, Michael (Connie) Betts, Lisa (Jeff) Callaghan-Keefer, Nicholas (Megan) Bueter, and Joseph (Heather) Bueter; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Thomas, Emma, Elliett, Jackson, Benjamin, Jane; and sister-in-law, Shirley Bryan. Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; siblings, Ruth Grier, Dan Bryan, Beryl Wilkerson, Ned Bryan, Doris Byrnes and Joan Bryan.
A family affirmation service was held on Monday, January 20, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bruce on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Charles Thomas Mead

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Charles Thomas Mead — a kind-hearted and giving husband, father and grandfather — of Olivet, died on Saturday, January 18, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Charles, age 66, was born April 18, 1953, in Charlotte, to Raymond and Viola (Rowell) Mead. On November 8, 1986, Charles married his sweetheart Sharon. He worked at Carefree Factory in Charlotte in quality control for 30 years prior to their closing. Following his time at Carefree, Charles started his own handyman business called CTM Enterprise, where he worked the last 15 years. He was a devoted member of the Olivet First Assembly of God. His hobbies included bowling, watching NASCAR, cheering on the Detroit Lions, gardening and tending to his property, which included lots of mowing.
Charles is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sharon; daughter, Ariane (John) Van Iwaarden; 4 grandchildren, Mikayla, Collin, Clayton, Keghan; foster-daughters, Andrea Williams, Mia Williams; step-daughters, Dawn Howlett, Amy Reynolds, Deanna Hebenstreit; step-sons, Dan Griffin, David Griffin, Shane Wells; brother, Clifford Mead; sister, Margaret King; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; step-daughter, Darlene Griffin; brothers, Stanley Mead, Newton Schriner, John Schriner; and sister, Rebecca Conklin.
Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family. Funeral services are Saturday, January 25, 2020, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Knauff officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service, from 11 a.m. until noon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Charles on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Dale “Sonny” Kenneth Foote, Jr.

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Dale “Sonny” Kenneth Foote, Jr., of Vermontville, died on January 17, 2020.  Dale was born on February 4, 1929, to Dale K. and Irene (Frank) Foote. Dale lived a simple life and was proud of the farm work that he did and the improvements that he made to his land throughout his life. He loved working with his tractor: planting seed and watching his crops grow. He also loved driving his semi across the country, which he did for 30 years before retiring in 1992 from Fleet Carrier of Pontiac, Mich. At home, he loved fishing in his pond with his granddaughter, Shamarr.
Westerns were a favorite of his, especially anything with Clint Eastwood. He could watch them over and over and never tire of them. He truly was a “cowboy at heart.” Dale enlisted in the Navy in 1946, serving two years on the east coast. In 1948, he married Patricia Dickey, divorcing in 1953. In 1968, he married Lorraine Grzadzinski.  Dale was a proud member of the American Legion, Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the N.R.A.
Dale is survived by his son, Ken (Anne) Foote; daughter, Charlotte Garlinger and Deborah ( Jack) Vineyard; step-daughters, Jodie (Steve) Kilpatrick and Tammi Gearhart; brothers, Raymond (Mary) Foote and Edwin (Alice) Foote; sister,  Phyllis (Leo) Trumble; 4 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 step-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorraine; sisters, Barbara Hess and Pat Sayles; brother-in-law, Kendal Sayles; son-in-law, Jerry Garlinger, and step-daughter, Lauren Coddington.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Kevin Barker officiating. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dale on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.

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