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Jeffery D. Palmer

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Jeffery Duane Palmer, of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 15, 2021, at the age of 57. Jeff was born in Eaton Rapids, October 10, 1964, the son of Duane and Dorothy (Wilson) Palmer. He was a 1984 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. He worked for Michigan Packaging and more recently, Ryder Logistics. Jeff was a dairy farmer, and a jack of all trades. If it was broken, he would fix it his way and his way was right and he loved to play with his Legos. The nieces and nephews will miss their “Uncle Dude” greatly.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Palmer; children, Mary Ashtin Palmer of Eaton Rapids, Dorian Palmer of Eaton Rapids; siblings, Julie Palmer, Jim (Serena) Palmer, Wendy (Kyle) McNamara, step siblings, Dian (Brad) Brummett, Mark (Missy) Hisler; grand-dog, Savage. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Howard Hisler; stepbrothers, Steve, and Howie Hisler.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Thrive Church, 6044 S. Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family please visit millsfuneral.com.

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Thomas F. Potter

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Thomas Floyd Potter, a man who will always be remembered as a farmer and a prankster, passed away on October 9, 2021. Thomas, 77, was born on September 28, 1944, on a farm in Roxand Township to Floyd John and Alice Clark (Mead) Potter. Thomas graduated from Sunfield High School in 1962. In his youth, Thomas was active in FFA and Boy Scouts. After graduation he worked for OI, Fowlers Farm Store, Barker Fowler Electric, River Electric, and Robinson Farms. Even while working other jobs, he still was a farmer working his own farmland until the 1980s. After that he rented it out and still worked the land. Thomas resided in the same house all his life. Thomas had a great love for anything western related. In his heart he was a cowboy from the past. He enjoyed the history of ghost towns, westerns, especially those with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and Hopalong Cassidy chaps. Thomas really enjoyed road trips. One of his favorite trips was to Dodge City, Kansas (cowboy heaven). All trips always included stops at a museum, he loved history. He also had a huge love for cats. He was known as the cat whisperer. Most of all Thomas loved babies. Baby animals, grandbabies, he loved them all. Thomas was a man you could count on to help you, he didn’t know the meaning of the word “no.” He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren and his family was his world.
Thomas is survived by his loving family, his wife of 44 years, Celinda (Eaton); daughter, Lisa (Scott) Patterson; sons, James (Tina) Potter, John Potter, and Eddie Potter; granddaughters, Elena Potter, Clare Potter, Avery Kirkbride; special nieces, Mary Palucki, and Tracy Spears; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vanessa Eaton, Danny (Cindy) Eaton, Sherry (Joe) Merrill, Marie Palucki, and Frank Spears; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Thomas was predeceased by a stillborn brother who was not named; his parents, Floyd and Alice; and his brother-in-law, Terry Eaton.
Funeral services were held Friday, October 15, 2021, at 2 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation was Friday, October 15, 2021, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral service was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Thomas’ tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Future Farmers of America. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Thomas’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Helen D. Almy

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Helen Daisy Almy, born on 13th of November, 1924 in Greenville, MI, walked into the arms of her Lord on the 9th of October, 2021 at the age of 96. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Bobbie E. Almy and their daughter Carol Lorraine. She is survived by her daughters Lois Ann Almy, Cherry J. (Roger) Hosteter; her Grandchildren Audrey Kay (Scott) Brayton, Marc A. (Wendy) Sinclair, Ryan M. Hosteter, Alexandria K. Almy, Katrina (Randy) Turned, & Amy L. (Wade) Baumgardner; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson and many nieces, nephews, extended family & friends. She loved her family, and her family loved her.
Among Helen’s many hobbies was fishing, gardening, canning, travel, & knitting. She was involved in many charities, giving her time & money in times of need.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI 49418. In memory of Helen and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice in her name. The family welcomes memories & messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.

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Michael K. Hebenstreit

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Michael Keith Hebenstreit, age 63, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021. He was born February 15, 1958, in Charlotte, the son of Clarence Hebenstreit and Martha (Pierce) Cortright. Mike graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1976. On March 1, 1975, he married the love of his life Iris Kay Endsley at her parents’ home in Bellevue. The most important thing in Mike’s life was his family. He loved each and everyone of them with a deep devotion and cherished every moment they were able to spend together. He had a huge heart and would often leave little love notes around the house for Iris to find. Mike loved riding his Harley Davidson every chance he got. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, looking for the next great find at flea markets, and playing on his John Deere tractor with Milo.
Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Iris; children: Joseph (Mary) Hebenstreit, Jenny (Chad) Heisler, Sindi (Kenny Wallace) Lashley, Tony Hebenstreit; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings: Butch (Becky) Hebenstreit, Peggy (Roger) Canterbury, Phillip (Deanna) Hebenstreit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Mayn Cortright; brother, Sam Hebenstreit; and sister, Sally Moscoso.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 12 p.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mike’s honor to the Olivet College Women’s Board.
To view Mike’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Barbara L. Baldwin

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Barbara Lillian Gorodenski Orman Baldwin of Charlotte, a lady who may have been small in stature but had a feisty spirit, died October 6, 2021, at the age of 88. Barbara was born February 11, 1933, in McKean, PA to Nickola and Valeria (Cucera) Gorodenski. While growing up, her family enjoyed music and she and her sister Eva would sing harmony to entertain themselves and their family. A graduate of Vermontville High School in 1951, she went on to work as a private secretary and worked for over 50 years, with 25 years at John Bean in Lansing, and then 25 years at Dart Container in Mason. With her giving nature, Barbara enjoyed volunteering at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte as a “Gray Lady” for many years, and she was a volunteer chaplain at the VFW as well.
Barbara enjoyed trips to the casino, writing poetry, doing handy work, and collecting bird figurines. “In order to have a friend, you had to be a friend,” as Barbara often said, and she made sure her friends and family knew they were loved and appreciated. She never complained and worked very hard to support her family not just working during the day as a secretary, but also working nights as a waitress after her first husband, Vernon Orman, died in 1961. Barbara was also very particular, she liked things done a certain way and wasn’t shy about telling you to be sure things were done the way she knew as the right way.
Barbara is survived by her son, Michael (Maureen) Orman; granddaughters, Julie (Todd) Fox and Kayli (LeRoy) Hummel; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Emily Fox, Alexis and Kelsey Hummel, Nick (Sydney) Hummel, and Carley (Geoff) Cesaretti; five great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Joe (Elaine) Gorodenski. She was predeceased by her first husband, Vernon Lee “Mike” Orman in 1961, 2nd husband, Bruce Baldwin; and special friend of 31 years, Art Osterwald.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Barbara’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held on Monday, October 11, 2021, 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with the family receiving visitors from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service on Monday. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Donald R. Webb

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Donald Rex Webb, age 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, October 11, 2021, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. He was born February 18, 1933, in Kalkaska, Michigan the son of Jesse and Mary Louise (Turner) Webb. Don was raised in McMillan in the Upper Peninsula and he was proud of his UP heritage. Don worked as a logger in several UP-lumber camps and drove truck from a very young age. Don graduated from Newberry High School and soon after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict. On November 1, 1952, he married the love of his life, Joyce O. Anderson in Manistique. Don was a highly intelligent man with a determined and intentional spirit. He worked for over 30 years for Brown Brothers Construction as a purchaser of heavy equipment and superintendent. Don had his pilot’s license and traveled throughout the country purchasing many pieces of heavy equipment. He was also instrumental in the building of many roads and bridges across the state. Above all Don cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Don also enjoyed his trips to the casino with Joyce.
Don is survived by his children: Donald Webb of Northville, Sandy (Wayne) Simpson of Charlotte, Sheryl (Jeff) Towe of Charlotte, Cindy Albrecht of Dimondale, Daryl Webb of Potterville, Randy (Helen) Webb of Manistee; 14 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and several great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce on August 11, 2021; mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Helen Anderson; and sister, Viola (Earl) Shope.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 2 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Don’s honor to the family, and they will forward them onto Spectrum Butterworth Hospital and Palliative Care.
To view Don’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Denise D. Fennell

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Denise D. Fennell (Cole), age 68, passed away peacefully at home in Vermontville on October 11, 2021. She was born in Vermontville to the late Vance A. Cole and Delores E. Cole (Wheaton) and was a 1971 graduate of Maple Valley High School. Denise worked for Owens Illinois Glass in Charlotte for 12 Years and General Motors Parts Plant in Lansing for 37 Years, where she recently retired in March 2021. Denise loved spending time gardening, hunting for special antiques with her husband Bill, baking up all kinds of treats including her famous Christmas coffee cake and snickerdoodles, spending time with friends, playing board games, and enjoying quality time with her family.
Denise is survived by her beloved husband of 28 years, William F. Fennell (Bill); and her siblings, including brother, Gerald Cole and wife, Paula (Hokanson); sister Linette Cole, sister, Nadine Rood (Cole) and husband Dan, sister, Corrine McMillon (Cole) and husband Rod. Denise cherished her time with her many nephews and nieces including niece Amy Zemke (Cole) and husband Jeff, nephew Ryan and wife Kelley, niece Dana Johnston (Cole) and husband Chris, niece Jessica Kietzman (Betts) husband Jeff, nephew Jeffrey Betts and wife Mary-Alice, nephew Austin Rood, nephew Douglas Rood and wife Janis (Tippie), niece Nicole Magdycz (McMillon) and husband Allen, and niece Keely McMillon, as well as several great nieces and nephews. Denise had a family of loving friends who will feel her loss terribly but none closer than her dear friend of 47 years Diane Clinton.
Denise’s funeral will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St, Charlotte, MI 48813. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Heart Association or the Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Friends and family are encouraged to support Denise’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Betty J. Boatman

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Betty J. Boatman
Betty Jane (Whipple) Boatman of Eaton Rapids, comfortably passing October 13, 2021 at the age of 96. Betty was born September 6, 1925 in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of John William and Goldie Mae (Tropp) Whipple.
Betty grew up as an only child attending the Henry Ford High School & Jr. College in Dearborn, Mich. She was blessed when marrying Dale Boatman, son of an Eaton Rapids farmer, and blessed again having five children and three step-sons to love and care for.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, H. Dale Boatman; and step-son, Howard D. Boatman Jr. Survived by step-sons, Stephen Boatman (Dixie) of Mission, TX, and Robert (Debbie) Boatman of Binghamton, NY; daughter, Pamela Emery of Rogers, AR; sons, Ricky Boatman; Craig (Cindy) Boatman and daughters, Sherrilyn Olson and Joy Mulvaney from Eaton Rapids.
Betty was so blessed with family and loved each and every one of her children equally, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She had a very involved life with all her children and their families. She was also a lifetime member of the First Congregational Church and a member of the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Auxiliary.
Mother we love you, and you will remain in our hearts and memories, and our children’s hearts and memories always.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids or the Eaton Community Palliative Care.

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Kirby Grettenberger

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Kirby, a six and a half-year-old American Lineback-Holstein cross steer trained to be part of an oxen team, was terminally injured on Friday, October 8, 2021. The injury occurred when a driver failed to stop at the stop sign, entered the intersection, was struck by a second vehicle, careened into the pasture and struck Kirby, fracturing his rear legs. Kirby was humanely euthanized and returned to the family farm in Eaton Rapids for burial. Kirby leaves behind his teammate Reid, his herd mate Zeiter, and his “Mom” Dr. Brenda Grettenberger and her family. Memorials in Kirby’s name can be made to Tiller’s International at tillersinternational.org or to Heifer International at heifer.org.

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Lita J. Gillett

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Lita J. Gillett
Lita Jannette (Clarke) Gillett left her earthly home for her heavenly home October 11, 2021. There she was reunited with the love of her life, Samuel Gillett.
Lita was born February 11, 1925, to Minnie and William Clarke. Lita was the third child of five. She is predeceased by her sisters, Aletha Clarke and Mary (Raymond) Stanke and her brothers, James (Dorothy) Clarke and Herbert Clarke. Surviving is her dear sister-in-law, Shirley Clarke, along with many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School in 1943, Lita continued her education at County Normal School in preparation for teaching in a one room schoolhouse. After completing this training, she went on to teach for a number of years. Through the years she kept in close contact with her classmates from County Normal. They circulated a round robin letter to keep each other updated about their lives and had reunions once a year.
It was one of her County Normal classmates, Martha Moore Betz, who was responsible for introducing Lita to Sam. Less than a year after meeting, they were married. On June 14, 1947, Lita Clarke became Lita Gillett. It was a marriage that lasted until the death of Sam 67 years later. And while the marriage may have ended with the passing of Sam on March 10, 2015, Lita’s love for Sam never ended.
Sam and Lita made their home outside of Eaton Rapids. It was here that they raised their five children. Lita is survived by Doris (Rodney) Robertson, Lee (Michele) Gillett, Ralph (Lee Ann Lindahl) Gillett, Nancy (Bruce) Korthase and Lois (Doug) Bush. It was at this home that grandchildren came to celebrate holidays, make bird feeders, take walks to the barn, play with cousins, and enjoy the many books and toys kept from when their parents were young. These grandchildren include Lesley (Brian) Kozminski, Christa (Jeff) Hudson, Sara (Al) Finkelstein, Brian (Carrie) Robertson, Matthew (Courtney) Gillett, Rachel (Kellen Lister) Gillett, Barbara Bush, Michael Bush, Taylor Korthase, Katharine Korthase, and Molly Korthase. Great grandchildren include Simone and Camille Kozminski, Lauren and Lynsey Hudson, Julia and Ruby Finkelstein, Annabelle and Samantha Robertson, Matthew, Evelynn and Presley Gillett, Hudson Lister and Leevi and LitaMarie Bush.
Lita served her community by being an active member of the United Methodist Church. She held offices in the Griffith United Methodist Women for years and could be found in the back row of the Griffith United Methodist church every Sunday. The church was part of her family and an important and lasting part of her life.
She also held the position of Hamlin Township treasurer from 1971 to 1992. She saw the formation of Hamlin Township Fire Department and was proud of her part in the development of that organization.
Lita moved to Boyne City to be closer to more of her children in March of 2016. She first resided in Boyne City in an Assisted Living Facility. She lived in her own apartment there until her needs increased. In the Fall of 2018, Lita moved to Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. While there she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, doing word search puzzles, and amazing staff with her quick wit. When the pandemic closed the facility, the staff put in place window visits. And even though Lita’s family could not be inside next to her, there was great comfort in knowing the staff cared for her and loved her.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00. In memory of Lita, the family encourages you to sit with a friend or family member and play a game of scrabble or put together a jigsaw puzzle! Be still in the moment and enjoy sharing a table and a quiet activity with someone you love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lita’s name to Grandvue Medical Care Facility, 1728 S. Peninsula Rd., East Jordan, MI 49727 or Hamlin Township Fire Dept., 6463 South Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.

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