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Rustie Hiither

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Rustie Hiither of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly, August 5, 2021 at the age of 67. Rustie was born in Eaton Rapids, October 28, 1953, the son of Joseph and Marilyn (Denton) Hiither. He retired from General Motors in 2008 where he worked as a machine repairman. Rustie was also a divemaster, a firefighter with Hamlin Township, and held the position of treasurer for the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved to ride his Harley motorcycle and spend time with his grandchildren. Rustie had the biggest heart, helping so many of his family and friends with projects. It was helpful that he was a jack of all trades and was the original, “fix it up guy.” He will be missed by many and leaves behind beautiful memories.
Rustie is survived by his wife, Sherry Hiither; children, Ty (Jodi) Justice of California, Joshua Hiither of Eaton Rapids; step-children, Steven (Kandis) Kubiak of Howell, Gregory Kubiak of Portland, Daniel Kubiak of Pinkney, Jonathan (Jessica) Kubiak of Hubbardston; grandson, Ryan Justice; step-grandchildren, Lillian, Nathan and Madeline Kubiak; sisters, Teresa Chapman, Jackie (Brad) Coontz, Kelly (Rod) Paksi; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Hiither; sister, Peggy Hiither.
Memorial services will be held at the Hamlin Township Firehall on August 14, 2021, at 11 a.m. with visitation the hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Harold Green

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Harold “Reuben” Green of Eaton Rapids passed away August 8, 2021, at the age of 78. Reuben was born in Portland, Mich., February 16, 1943, the son of Harold and Mary (Walker) Green. He graduated from Portland High School. Reuben retired from Lindell Drop Forge and then worked as a property manager with Riverview Village Apartments for 10 years. Reuben served on the Eaton Rapids Planning Commission, was a volunteer fireman with the City of Eaton Rapids for 10 years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Springport. He loved kayaking, riding off road with his jeep, morning coffee at McDonald’s and spending summers at Rocky’s Campground. The family would like to thank McLaren Hospice for their compassion and caring.
Reuben is survived by his father, Harold Green of Florida; wife, JoAnn Green; son, Troy (Sandy) Green of Illinois; grandchildren, Lisa (Shawn) McMillian of Tennessee, Alex, Brad and Ryan Green of Illinois, Chelsea Green of Eaton Rapids; great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Molly of Tennessee, sisters, Carol (Tom) Werner of Indiana and Evelyn (Kim) Livingston of Lake Odessa; brother-in-law, Lynn Brown of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Green; son, Aaron Green; sister, Sharon Brown.
Private services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Joan I. Hill Smith

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Joan Iona (Poff) Hill Smith of rural Bellevue, Mich. passed away on July 30, 2021.  Mrs. Smith was born July 29, 1932 in Maple Grove Township to Dale and Mildred (Miller) Poff.
She graduated from Hastings High School in 1951 and went to work at Hastings Manufacturing for one and one-half years before going to work at Rich Manufacturing, later Federal Mogul, in Battle Creek. She worked in the payroll department and as receptionist, telephone operator, and personnel secretary until the company closed.
Her first marriage to David E. Capps ended in divorce.  She married Martin E. Smith, Sr. on June 22, 1962.  She is survived by an adopted son, Randall B. Smith (Miriam) of Battle Creek; stepdaughter, Janet M. Booth (Edwin) of Gentry, Ariz.; half-sister, Dallas June Green of Elkhart, Ind.; niece, Pamela Kaser (Brad) of Elkhart, Mich.; and nephew, Mitchell Alan Hill of Middleville, Mich. She also had 13 step-grandchildren, 16 step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild.
Preceding her in death was her mother, Mildred B. Hill; stepfather, Fred L. Hill; husband, Martin E. Smith, Sr.; half-brother, Gary Alan Hill; infant daughter, Vicki Rae; stepson, Martin E. Smith, Jr.; and stepson, Thomas B. Smith.
She was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Bellevue, Mich.  She enjoyed the out-of-doors, dogs, writing letters, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, and especially one gray tiger cat, Smokey Joe, who has been her faithful companion for the last eight years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings Animal Control.  A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 122 South Main Street, Bellevue, Mich.  Memories and condolences may be left for the family at henryfuneralhome.org.

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Yvonne S. Stults

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Yvonne Sue Stults, a soft spoken, family-oriented woman who always had an answer, died July 27, 2021. Yvonne, 67, was born August 1, 1953, in Charlotte to Lyle and Shirley (Bursley) Royston. She enjoyed reading, especially books about royalty. She was a collector, collecting stamps and coins, and birthday cards, she saved them all. She enjoyed going to garage sales in search of antiques, doing word-puzzles, tap dancing, roller-skating, going to church with her parents and grandparents, spending time with her family and friends, and going to car shows with Gary. She also was a big fan of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing. She was a 4-H leader where she taught ceramics for Spaulding 4-H Club. She worked as an injection molder for Dare Products, Inc., and enjoyed their home in Bellevue. Her parents said she was the perfect daughter. She was always on time and very organized. When Yvonne found out she was sick, she started writing an instruction book for the rest of the family on how to . . . just about everything. Her grandchildren meant everything to her, it was all about the grandkids.
Yvonne is survived by her loving parents, Lyle and Shirley Royston; children, Jerry Bracy, Laura (Russ) Crosslan, Jeff (Carla) Stults, Vicki Stasi; grandchildren, Brooke (Tyler) Sheppard, Kerstin (Chris) Smith, Olivia Rushmore, Gauge Linn, R.J. Crosslan, Jakob Crosslan, Scott (Jessica) Stults and Jenna (Blake) Shay; great-grandchildren, Jaylinn, Colton and Paisley Smith, Chyenne, Scott Jr., and Madison Stults; and nephew, Shelby Royston.
Yvonne was predeceased by death by her husband, Gary Lee Stults; grandparents, Leo (Freda) Royston, Helen Matter, Melvin Bursley; great-grandparents, George (Elsie) Reed; brother, Melvin Lyle Royston; and son-in-law, Dominic Stasi.
Yvonne’s funeral services were held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Graveside services followed at Bosworth Cemetery. After the Graveside services the family invited guests to join them for a luncheon at the Church of Christ in Charlotte where they held a Celebration of Life honoring both Gary Lee and Yvonne Sue Stults. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Yvonne on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gail L. Allen

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Gail Lynn Allen, 67, of Charlotte, peacefully went to heaven on July 30, 2021, surrounded by her family after an 18-month battle with cancer. Gail was born in Mich. on May 10, 1954, to Ira and Loretta (Schilling) Pifer. She graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1972. Gail spent her life devoted to her husband David and twins Jacob and Justin; she never stopped doing for her immediate family. She was beloved throughout the town of Olivet, as a very active member of the sports booster program. Her home was always warm and welcoming to all the friends her boys brought home. Gail had a very active social life in the Rio Grande Valley, where she and her husband David spent twelve winters. She influenced so many people from Texas to Canada, with many stops along the way. She had an extremely special relationship with her great nieces and nephews; Layla, Brittney, and Nate were always a part of her life. She was one of the toughest people you will ever meet. The legacy she built will be carried through all of time. Every time one of her crocheted blankets is wrapped around shoulders, every time we wrap each other in a warm embrace, every time we feel cozy and at home, we will feel her love. One of her family mantras has always been, “Leave this place better than you found it.” In no life lived has this ever been more exemplified. Gail definitely left everything and everyone better than she found us. Gail is survived by her husband, David; sons, Jacob (Kate) Little of Charlotte and Justin (Becky) Little of Olivet; grandchildren, Kirsten, Courtney, Noah, and Jaxson; brother, Randy (Denise); and sisters, Cindy and Sandy (Wayne); nieces and nephews, Cheri, Robby, Stephanie, TJ, Steve, Bonita, and Jimmy.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the family farm on Brookfield Road, Charlotte, Mich. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Lula D. Adams

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Lula “Dawn” Adams, 87, of Charlotte, a woman devoted to family, died peacefully August 3, 2021. She was born in Lansing, Mich. on June 9, 1934, to Malcom and Aletha Bollman. She married David Adams on October 17, 1953 and together they raised five children. Dawn adored her family and enjoyed being a full-time mother. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave her immense joy and pride, she enjoyed making even the small moments memorable and special. Always helping others whenever she could, Dawn was also a caretaker for elderly family members, drove a special needs bus from 1975 to 1991, and worked for a local car dealership delivering cars. She also volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was a chairperson for the local society.
Dawn enjoyed cooking and canning, as well as knitting and sewing, which was very helpful in raising five children. She also loved fishing, and the family had many memorable trips over the years that involved time spent on fishing trips. Dawn and David spent 68 wonderful years together making memories on many trips including Canada, a weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and one big trip to Alaska.
Dawn is survived by her husband, David; children, Roger Adams (Cindy Molnar), Jerry Adams, Mary (Jeff) Burpee, and Chris Adams; grandchildren, Andrew Adams, Bethany (Randy) Slaght, Jason (Lisa) Adams, Jerome Adams, Alaina (Brian) Dempsey, and Molly (Mike) VanSyckle; Jeff (Bethany) Burpee Jr., Allison (Mike) Cosgrove, and Judson Burpee; 27 great-grandchildren; and sister, Beatrice “Squeak” Steele. She was predeceased by son, Douglas Adams; and eight siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Dawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 6, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, August 7, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Dawn’s favorite (and only) son-in-law, Jeff Burpee, officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Dawn’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Virginia C. Hicks

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Virginia C. Hicks, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, July 30, 2021. She was born Sunday, December 3, 1933, the youngest of four children, in Olivet, to Harry T. and Blanche (McDonald) Hisler. Virginia grew up on the family farm outside of Olivet during the depression. She fondly remembers the large wood cookstove in the kitchen and no electricity for many years. On the farm they raised all their own food and therefore lived very well. They canned all their vegetables and fruit and always had a plentiful supply of meat, milk, and eggs. Virginia’s growing up years were very special to her and held many fond memories. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1951.
In July of 1953, she married Darrell “Tink” Hicks. Together they raised four children in the Potterville area and lived a short time in Florida. Virginia was a devoted homemaker, but once her children were a little older, she took a job with the Eaton Intermediate School District. She would retire from there after many faithful years of service. After retirement she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Hayes Green Beech Hospital, and the Eaton County Medical Care Facility.
Virginia is survived by her children, Julie (Jerry) Carpenter, Kathi Hicks, Jeffrey Hicks, Kristi (Brian) Klaiss; grandchildren, Mike (Jessica) Carpenter, Kara (Jim) Jones, Matthew (Chelsea) Carpenter, Nicholas Davis, Samantha (Patrick) Carpenter Batterson, Kaitlyn Carpenter; great-grandchildren, Brady Carpenter, Tyler Carpenter, Emory Jo Carpenter, Camden Michael Carpenter, Adalyn Carpenter; sister, Charlotte Dowding; sisters-in-law, Dorma Hisler, Phyllis (Howard) Moore, Janette Bruce; brothers-in-law, Richard (Marion) Hicks, Jack Hicks, Dale (Carol) Hicks, Jerry (Evelyn) Hicks, Robert Hicks, Bruce (Tonya) Hicks; and numerous cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harry T. Hisler; and sister, Kathryn (Leo) Stevens.
In keeping with Virginia’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are being held.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Virginia’s memory to Charlotte Community Library or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
To view Virginia’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Diana J. Barendregt

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Diana Jo Barendregt, born June 13, 1933, passed away on November 18, 2020. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home located at 121 Pearl Street in Springport, Michigan. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Processing Center, PO Box 758589, Topeka, KS, 66675-8589; or Cascades Humane Society, 1515 Carmen Drive, Jackson, MI 49202. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home.

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Kevin D. Ide

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Kevin Dennis Ide, of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by his family and puppies, August 3, 2021, at the age of 59. Kevin was born in Lansing, February 20, 1962, the son of Dennis and Lois (Dygert) Ide. He was a 1980 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. In high school, he played golf and was a four-year letterman in tennis. For over 30 years, he and the love of his life, Belinda, ran the Ide Adult Foster Care Family Home in Eaton Rapids. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and blowing speakers out of stereos all the time. Kevin was a prankster right up until his final days. He had a great love for his family, and they felt his love every single day.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Belinda Ide; daughter, Hannah (Clayton) McKone of Mattawan, Mich.; son, Joshua Ide of Eaton Rapids; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Pat Slusser of Dimondale; sisters, Denise, Val, Martha and Elizabeth; many brothers and sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; his puppies, Molly Mae, Albert, Prince and Daisy Mae; and grand-dog, BoJangles. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marge.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the family home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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Philip E. Brooks

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Philip Edward Brooks, of Brandenburg, Ky., entered heaven on February 12, 2021, at the age of 70. Philip was born in Stockbridge, Mich. on March 24, 1950, the son of Robert and Catherine (Rockwell) Brooks. Philip served in the United States Army from August 1969 to August 1971. He saw action in Vietnam as part of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. During his service in Vietnam, he was awarded The Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, he served in the Army Reserves from 1971 to 1975. Phil then re-enlisted in July 1980, and served at six duty stations during his 15 year career, several of which were overseas assignments. He was a heavy equipment operator in the Armored Division before becoming an Army Recruiter in 1985. Philip achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a Senior Tank Commander and Senior Instructor at Fort Knox, Ky. prior to his retirement. He enjoyed participating in the Civil War reenactments after his retirement from the Army. Philip is survived by son, Bradley (Monica) Brooks; daughter, Melissa (Brad) Ryan; five grandchildren; brother, John (Mary) Brooks; sisters, Dorothy (Hilbert) Proctor, Bonnie Connor, JoAnn (Roger) Storey, Shirley (Harry) Householder, Marlene (Mike) LuKenich, Edith (Kirk) Myers; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Since Phil’s death, joining him in heaven are his sister-in-law, Mary Brooks and sister, Edith Myers. Cremation was chosen by his children. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, Ky. at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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