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David J. Gehringer

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Funeral Services:

David James Gehringer, of Mason, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the age of 67. Born July 30, 1954, to Christopher and Evelyn (Scullin) Gehringer in Detroit, Mich. Dave graduated from Howell High School class of ’72 where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a Sophomore. He then received his associate degree from Ferris State University and went on to pursue his bachelors and masters degrees from Western Michigan University. He worked in hospital and nursing home administration his entire life. Dave started as the Director of Rehabilitation Services for Michigan Capital Healthcare, Lansing. He went on to work in the Respiratory Therapy Department at Community Hospital, Watervliet before moving to Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Charlotte where he was the Director of Specialty Clinics and EMS, Respiratory Director and Cardiac/ Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Director until 1989. Dave then went on to work for Lansing General Hospital and later Ingham Regional Medical Center as the Director of Transitional Care Program, Director of Respiratory/ Cardiology Services and Pulmonary Clinic, Acute Medical Rehabilitation Director and Respiratory Services Director all from 1989 through 2000. Following that he was the CEO from 2000 to 2007 at Select Specialty Hospital, Battle Creek, the Executive Director for Waltonwood at Cherryhill, Canton in 2007 and President and later CEO of Interdependence Home Care, Lansing from 2008 to 2009. Dave worked as Administrator for Capital Area Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lansing and Tendercare Health Centers of Kalamazoo and Albion from 2009 to 2012. In 2012 he became the Administrator of Ovid Healthcare Center until his retirement in 2014.
Dave was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids for 40 years where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6534 and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Mason for 20 years. Dave was also an Adoration Chapel Adorer at Immaculate Heart of Mary for 23 years. In 1999 he was blessed to be able to go and see Saint Pope John Paul II with his son in St. Louis. Dave devoted much of his life to prayer and reading the Bible as well as other spiritual books. He volunteered countless hours at his churches, St. Vincent De Paul, Mother Teresa House, Meals on Wheels, and to any family and friends in need. He took pride in being the President of Cedarwoods Condominium Association, a position he took shortly after moving in and held for the past two years.
Dave was passionate about gardening and very proud of his yard work and beautiful flowers. He was part of a monthly poker game with a core group of friends that had been meeting for the past 43 years where he earned the name “Mystery Hand.” Most of all he loved spending time with his family, and he adored his grandchildren. He was a very holy man whose love for Jesus, Mary and the Lord was displayed through his service to everyone. His life and his legacy will live on through his family and those who were blessed to call him a friend. Dave’s personality, smile and laugh will forever be remembered, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Preceding him in death were his parents; father-in-law, Edwin Crandall and brother-in-law, Neil Crandall.
Surviving are his wife, Donna Gehringer; sons, Eric (Becky) Gehringer, Steve (Jessica) Gehringer, Greg (Amy) Gehringer; step-children, Jason Underwood, Angie (Justin Couturier) Curtin, Jeremy Barker; grandchildren, Kana, Austin, Kaylie, Cullen, Garrett, Addison, Kohey, Liam, Ethan, Emma; brothers, Dan (Sharon) Gehringer, Dennis (Laurie) Gehringer; mother-in-law, Nancy (Tim) DeCorte; brothers-in-law, Larry Crandall, Steve (Carrie) Crandall; sister-in-law, Jean Crandall as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Fr. George Puthenpeedika as Celebrant. Family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for visitation with a rosary service starting at 7:30 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Tuesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul in Eaton Rapids or, Mother Teresa House in Lansing or, St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids or, St. James Catholic Church in Mason in Dave’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Richard L. Lyons

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Funeral Services:

Richard Lee Lyons, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021, at the age of 90. Dick was born on January 18, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., the only son of Lyle and Roberta (Sanford) Lyons. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated class of 1949. Dick went on to study at Michigan State University before being drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in Lakenheath, UK during the Korean War. Dick returned home and married Marilyn Roberts on September 29, 1962, and together had three children. He went to work for the Eaton Rapids Post Office as a mail carrier and retired in 1993. Dick was well known for his quick wit, great sense of humor and his excellent writing ability. He enjoyed his morning coffee group that met at Miller’s Restaurant and later at McDonalds. Dick was also a talented gardener which earned him the nickname of “Tomato Man.” He was a talented athlete in his younger years and an avid sports fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans.
Dick is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lyons; daughters, Kimberly Lyons, Jennifer Lyons; son, Christopher Lyons and beloved cat, Molly.
A memorial gathering was held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, Springport Middle School or to Trinity Acres Rescue. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Dora P. Place

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Funeral Services:

Dora Phyllis Place, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the age of 78. Dora was born on September 12, 1942, in Leslie, Mich. the daughter of Richard and Alma (Bower) Nowlin. She was a graduate of Leslie High School class of 1960. Dora worked as a Certified Nurses Aide for the Eaton Rapids Hospital, Dimondale Nursing Care Facility and as an in-home care provider, she also spent a period working for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids. Dora was a current member of Grace Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids.
Dora is preceded in death by her first husband, Herrold Place; second husband, Jim Campbell; son, Jeff Place; brother, Dale Nowlin; sister, Sharon Bugbee and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Place; son, Steve (Ronda Welshans); sister, Donna (Bob) Mohr and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids with a luncheon immediately following the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church or to Pawsibilities in memory of Dora. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Dennis S. Hayes

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Funeral Services:

Dennis Scott Hayes, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2021, at the age of 63. Dennis was born on May 14, 1958, in Hastings, Mich. the son of Edward and Charlotte (Mannie) Hayes. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated class of 1975 and continued to reside there for most of his life.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Hayes.
He is survived by his brother, Pat (Nadeen) Hayes; nieces, Chantel (Neal) Money, Sarah (Hector) Trujillo and Paxton Lund-Hayes.
A memorial celebration will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Howe Park Pavilion #1 with food and refreshments provided. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea

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Funeral Services:

Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea was born on August 2, 1950 and passed away peacefully with family by his side, on August 30, 2021. He was a proud member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, originating in the state of Washington. Chuck was the beloved husband to Debbie for 52 years, but their relationship began blossoming many years ago, at the young age of 15. He is survived by his children, Travis (Lisa) Lea and Stacey (Mike) Mroczkowski; grandchildren, Brenna, Trenton and Evelyn; as well as his siblings, Don Zauner Lea and Kathleen McCoy; and nieces and nephews, Justin McCoy and Megan West, among many others. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Lea and Mary Jane Smith; mother- and father-in-law, Jack and Joan Hine; sister-in-law, Jill Braden Lea and brother-in-law, Douglas McCoy.
Chuck was the co-owner of Bird Watcher’s Marketplace that opened on Plainfield Avenue in 1995, which quickly expanded into online sales in the early days of the internet. Grand Rapids Business Journal once wrote an article on Chuck’s Marketplace and the technology he used. He was passionate about selling the right products to his customers. He had an incredible sales pitch that worked on just about anyone, as he was a natural born salesman, not to mention his infectious smile and kind personality that went along with it. Chuck loved all things nature, birds, home and garden shows and anything outdoorsy. He enjoyed camping and being involved with the cub scouts, gardening, dad jokes, and cat rescuing and adopting through Crash’s Landing. Chuck served on the Board of Lake Bella Vista Association was a Planning Commissioner for Cannon Township. His son-in-law, Mike taught him a lot about technology and he learned to become very tech savvy throughout his later years of life.
Chuck will be remembered for his positive and cheerful outlook on life. He had a sense of humor that will never be forgotten, and his support and love for his family was unmatched. He will be missed by so many.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 3 one hour prior to the Funeral Service at 3 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, Michigan 49341. Chuck will be laid to rest at Cannon Township Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to Crash’s Landing in memory of Chuck; for more information please visit http://crashslanding.org.

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Robert Scott Dumire

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Funeral Services:

Robert Scott Dumire, “Bobb,” 53, of Potterville, Mich., passed away suddenly on August 10, 2021. Bob was born in Charlotte, Mich., on June 18, 1968, and was raised a proud Mountaineer in Morgantown, W. Va., graduating from University High School in 1986. Bob started his dream job of serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1990-1998 and was a proud veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, WVU football and basketball and was an active member of the American Legion Post 42, the Fraternal Order of Eagles-3552 and the VFW Post 2406. Bob also loved getting together with family to reminisce, laugh and always wanted to learn about his family’s history. Family was always very important to him and most of all, he loved his children dearly.
Bob is survived by his two children, Austin Dumire and Brooke Dumire; granddaughter, Angelina Dumire; parents, Robert and Dorothy Dumire; siblings, Eric Dumire, Amy Betts and David Dumire; niece, Caitlyn Betts; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that will miss him greatly.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, Carl and Nina Sisler, Odis “Bill” and Katherine “Kitty” Dumire; aunt, Margie (Roby) Dumire; and uncle, Melvin Kellogg.
Funeral service were held Monday, August 23 at Baxter Funeral Services in Battle Creek, Mich., with Bob being laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

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Dorothy J. Ritter

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Funeral Services:

Dorothy Jane Ritter died Thursday, August 26, 2021. Dorothy, 96, was born August 23, 1925, on the Otto family farm in Benton Township to Earl and Dessie (Walcott) Zimmerman. She was a lifetime member of the Potterville United Methodist Church and life member of the Brookfield #352 Order of the Eastern Star.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Phyllis (Christopher) Reynolds and Daniel Ritter; two granddaughters, Abbigail Reynolds-Weant, and Hannah Reynolds-Cleland; four great-granddaughters, one great-grandson; sister, Lucille Eldred; and many nieces and nephews who loved to visit Aunt Dorothy. She was predeceased by her husband, Royal; son, David; daughter, Mary; and brothers, Harold, John, and Stanley Zimmerman.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 30, 2021 at Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville with Lyle Robinette officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church, Eaton Community Palliative Care, or a charity of your choosing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Norma E. Salisbury

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Norma Elaine Salisbury, a kind and gentle woman of God, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 26, 2021, surrounded by many people who loved her dearly. Born Norma Elaine Houghtaling on May 31, 1933 in Lum, Mich. to Joseph and Marion (Goodrich) Houghtaling, she grew up in a family filled with Christian values, hard-work, and love. On August 11, 1951, she married Rev. Arthur R. Salisbury, and filled the world around them with kindness and compassion. Their two children carry on these beautiful traditions.
A kind smile, always present, compassionate, patient, and humble, Norma also had a wonderful laugh that would bring a smile to your face in an instant. Some of her many generous talents include making wedding cakes, making candy for all kinds of special occasions, and taking plates of these delicious goodies to everyone she knew, and sewing (she sewed every single stitch of her daughter’s wedding). In addition, Norma was a homemaker extraordinaire: cooked wonderful meals, sewed, and cared for not only her children but the neighborhood children, and did everything with kindness and a loving attitude. Norma was also known as a wonderful pianist at their churches for many years.
Norma gained many lifelong friends in her neighborhood by fostering a neighborhood event every Tuesday, which became neighborhood pizza night. All the neighbors gathered together for pizza, salad, and dessert. Norma’s salads were always very deliberately and artistically put together (her salads were never just a tossed salad, everything in them was placed in a way that made the salads beautiful and delicious looking). A kind and fair woman, she was an example of a servant for others and a follower of Jesus.
Norma is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rev. Arthur Salisbury; son, Arvid (Katie) Salisbury; daughter, Arla (Lee) Barnhill; five grandchildren, Jenica Lawrence, Astin Salisbury, Brock Salisbury, Cody Barnhill and MaLeesha Wilmoth; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Isabel Rauh. She was preceded in death by siblings, Elva Ostrander, Francis (Nadine) Houghtaling, George (Louise) Houghtaling; brother-in-law, Chris Rauh; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Salisbury family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 31, at the Waverly Nazarene Church in Lansing with Pastors Russell Marklund and Duane Royston officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Norma’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 Sparrow Home Care Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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James K. Bly

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James Kay Bly, a big hearted and very stubborn man, died August 30, 2021, at his home in Forestville, Mich. Born in Charlotte on June 4, 1969, to John K. and Brenda K. (Beck) Bly, he grew up in the town and graduated from Charlotte High School. At the age of 12, Jimmy was diagnosed with diabetes, and at the time it was very unusual for someone diagnosed so young to live beyond their 20’s, but he was a dedicated soldier in fighting diabetes and fought the odds to live a very full life.
Always free-spirited, James loved the outdoors and lots of activities that would take him there. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking on the campfire, and riding his Harley motorcycle. Old Westerns with John Wayne were his favorite movies. James was also an extremely patriotic person and proud to be an American. He owned Jimmy B’s Flooring and over the years also worked in a lumber yard, worked as a machinist, and was a brick maker. The kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back, James was a very genuine man with a lot of love to share.
James was a loving father, dedicated husband, and beloved son and will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Scott Bly (Kara Johnson); granddaughter, Taeah; parents, John and Brenda Bly; brother, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; in-laws, Daniel (Pamela) Jorae; and close friends, Mavis, Gary (Yvette), Will, and Fred (Danielle). He was predeceased by his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on James’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Friday, September 3, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Jones officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on James’ 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 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gary L. Shaw

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Gary Lee Shaw, 72, from Charlotte, Mich. passed away July 29, 2021. Gary was born October 12, 1948, in Lake Worth Fla., to Edward and Betty (Beebee) Shaw. Gary was the quintessential family man. He was lucky enough to have found love early in life. While Gary was in high school, he met Lucy Redfield who would later become his wife. The two of them shared 54 blessed years together. During that time, they had two children and created a life focused on family connections. Gary’s devotion to his family was well known to all, and it was that devotion and love for Lucy, their children, and grandchildren that created a strong foundation for a happy life. Gary cherished his time spent with his beloved grandsons, often watching them participate in sports and driving them to school in “Papa’s school bus.” Gary’s heart was full of love for his family, but it didn’t end there; he always had room for others. It was said that Gary “never met a stranger in his life” and any new encounter was viewed as an opportunity to make a new friend. He loved his friends and valued the time he spent with them. During the 37 years that Gary worked as a car hauler, traveling the country, he befriended many of his coworkers and formed the most valued friendships with them. Gary took great joy in camping as well as watching racing of all kinds. He didn’t just watch racing but participated as well. He particularly enjoyed racing karts and slot cars. In retirement, Gary would often advocate locally and in Washington DC for preservation and restoration of pensions for more than one million retirees and workers; a cause that was of utmost importance to Gary.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty; and his brother, Charlie Shaw. Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his wife, Lucy; children, Skip Shaw, and Kellie (Brian) Banko; grandchildren, Cameron Shaw, Eli Banko, Evan Banko, Ryan Lord, and Jenna Smith; siblings, Pam Smith, Jerry Shaw, Pat (Sherry) Shaw, and Sharon (Bill) Dodge; many nieces and nephews; and Gary and Lucy’s dearest dog Tatar.
There will be a celebration of Gary’s life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 116 Lansing St, Charlotte, Mich.

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