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Debbie A. Coffelt

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Funeral Services:

Debbie Ann (Newsome) Coffelt of Eaton Rapids passed away as the result of a car accident on October 11, 2020 at the age of 60. Debbie was born in Eaton Rapids on August 8, 1960, the daughter of Estill and Thelma (Bryant) Newsome. She was a 1979 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, worked for FASCO in quality control for many years, and enjoyed watching old westerns on the television. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.
Debbie is survived by her mother, Thelma Newsome of Springport; daughters, Reatha (Matthew) Gates of Eaton Rapids, Tabitha (Ryan Clark) Rockafellow of Eaton Rapids; son, Derek (Terina) Rockafellow of Missouri; grandchildren, Tesla, Allison, Mattison, Reanna and Justin Gates, Aisha Furgala; siblings, Linda (Dean) Mikkelson of Kansas, Cindy Hansen of Springport, Darrell (Catherine) Newsome of Springport, Gloria Newsome of Eaton Rapids, Crystal (Corey) Church of Springport. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Barbara Newsome.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday October 16, 2020 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with interment following in Munger Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.

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Roy E. Nevins

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Roy Elmer Nevins, a caring and loving father, grandfather, brother and friend, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Roy, 85, of Charlotte was born November 22, 1934, in Lansing, MI, the son of Robert and Illa (Frever) Nevins. He graduated from Charlotte High school in 1953. Roy was a proud member of the Charlotte Marching Band where he was the drum major. On September 23, 1956, Roy married Ella McClintock and together started their legacy together until her passing. They collected and decorated their home with glass dolls and glassware. In 1957 Roy joined the United States Army, he served as the head cook and later would transfer to the National Guard. After his time in the service Roy worked as a Shipping Clerk at Mayward Inc, where he worked 36 years. Roy would then work part time at Pray Funeral Home. He was a man known for being a spiffy dresser. Roy had his wild ties and colorful suits. He liked order, everything has a certain place and it had to kept in that certain place. From his time in the Army as a cook Roy enjoyed cooking. He cooked for the mother-daughter banquets at the church, cherry cheese cakes for his daughter’s birthday and even winning a cooking contest with his Faygo Punch. Roy and his wife Ella Beth were longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte where they were Kindergarten Sunday School Teachers. Roy’s hobbies included walking around town, going to local garage sales and thrift stores, gardening, feeding and watching the birds, traveling and most importantly spending time with his family. He was a man who was a good friend to anyone he met and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
Roy is survived by his daughter, Michele Clark; grandchildren, Jonathon, Victoria, Brittany; brother, Gerald Fetterman; many nieces and nephews; close friends, Sue Farlin, Dale Land and many others. He was predeceased by his wife, Ella; brothers, Ray, Robert, and Rex Nevins; and his parents.
Funeral services are Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Sue Farlin officiating. Visitation is Monday, October 12, 2020 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Roy’s granddaughters. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Roy on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard L. Schneckenberger

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Funeral Services:

Richard L. Schneckenberger, a hard-working, kind man loved by all, died peacefully at his home with his two daughters at his side on October 5, 2020.  Dick, 93, of Charlotte, was born May 2, 1927 in Charlotte, the son of Ray and Ruth (Crozier) Schneckenberger.
Dick farmed with his uncle, Carol Elliott, whom he lived with after his mother passed away when he was 13 years old. During his high school years, along with farming, he played four years of football and was an avid hunter. Before graduation in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was called to serve aboard the USS Sable during WWII. After a medical discharge he then worked for the Navy as an armored guard transporting the payroll in Chicago.
Dick married the love of his life, Mary Lou Terwilliger, on July 31, 1949. He then hired into Fisher Body GM in 1950 where he continued to work and retired after 37 years as a General Forman and Supervisor.
Dick enjoyed an active life with family and friends of camping, waterskiing, go carts, horse showing and hunting. A highlight of his life was not only being a member and president, but helping to establish the Eaton County Sheriff Department Mounted Division (Sheriff Posse).
Dick is survived by his three children, Patti Wright, Mike (Carol) Schneckenber and Nancy (Kevin) Fullerton; grandchildren, Summer (Vinni) Ingalls, Kalyn Schneckenberger, Sonny (Jeff) Grendel, Ryan Schneckenberger and Tyger (Caitlyn) Fullerton; great-grandchildren, Katie Spotts, Shelby Ingalls, Wyatt Ingalls, Brogan Fullerton, Charley Grendel and Brynlee Fullerton; great-great-grandchildren, Raven and Hazel Siefert; brother-in-law, Wayne (Lin) Terwilliger; niece and nephew, Marcie and Steve Terwilliger; and his beloved dog, Max. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Mary Lou; infant son, Richard Mikell Schneckenberger; and grandson, Nicholas Michael Spotts.
Friends are encouraged to honor Dick by attending his funeral service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020 in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. Visitation will be prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., also in the garden. Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dick on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Kim Bankhead

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Funeral Services:

Kim Bankhead, 50, of Ypsilanti, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at her home last week. Kim was the daughter of Judy Behnke MacInness and David Bankhead. Kim graduated from Charlotte High School and Michigan State University.
After college, Kim moved to Ann Arbor where she worked in the Mortgage Lending industry for over 25 years. She made many friends who became her “tribe” throughout her career.
Kim was a loyal fan of MSU and Detroit sports teams and had a gift for bringing her special sense of humor to everyone she met. She was generous and caring and will be sorely missed.
Kim is survived by her mother, Judy MacInness; her father, David (Rosemary) Bankhead; her sister, Beth (Stan) Oldfield; nephew, Ashton and niece Sydney Oldfield; best friend of 44 years, Libby Klaiss; aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Marci; step-father Jim MacInness; and grandparents, Peggy (Behnke) Archie, William Behnke, H. Belle Calhoun and Robert Bankhead.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Rainbow Homes, 2111 Adelpha Ave., Holt, Michigan 48842.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bennett Park, 1305 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
To view Kim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Leah M. Sparks

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Funeral Services:

Leah Mae Sparks, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully of Friday, October 2, 2020. She was born May 13, 1933, in Charlotte the daughter of Fred and Winifred (Carter) King. Leah graduated from Olivet High School in 1951. On October 11, 1952, she married the love of her life D. Charles Sparks. Leah had a true servant’s heart. She was always concerned about the needs of others. Leah was always ready to fix you a meal whenever you would happen to stop by at her home. She enjoyed making candy and her chocolate covered cherries were always a hit. Leah enjoyed watching wildlife but was especially fond of the birds that came to her feeder. She also liked knitting, crafting, and attending bible studies. Both she and Charlie could be found every day at Wee Willies Restaurant in Charlotte, where they enjoyed visiting with their many friends.
Leah is survived by her grandchildren Michelle Lautner of Charlotte, Michael (Tatiana) Niculitcheff-Lautner of St. Peters, Mo.; son-in-law, Teddy (Sherry) Lautner of Lapeer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, D. Charles Sparks in 2012; daughter, Sue Lautner in 2012; and three sisters.
A private funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at the Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Leah’s honor to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Leah’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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John A. Bedunah

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Funeral Services:

John Arther Bedunah, age 78, formerly of Charlotte, died at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida.
John was born on September 25, 1942, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Bedunah in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he was raised and attended school. He later went on to serve in the United States Army (Battery C, 6th Batallion, 40th Artillery), where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, and served in Frankfort, Germany. He had been a Charlotte resident for a number of years, and most recently resided in Florida.
John worked for AE Hoover, Jet Engineering, and McDonald Builders. Our father loved to build houses, dune buggies and Harleys and tinkered with old cars. He enjoyed camping and fishing, and loved to travel.
John is survived by his daughters, Cathy S. (Bedunah) McGarey and Sandra A. (Bedunah) Hillard; his son, John A. Bedunah, Jr.; his sister, Dixie MacArthur; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Gerald Max Bedunah and Elaine Cecelia Chartrand.
A memorial luncheon for his friends and family will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the VFW located at 695 Lansing Road in Charlotte. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta on Monday, October 12, 2020 at noon. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123 or cancer.org.

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Thomas B. Smith

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Funeral Services:

Thomas Bruce Smith, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 66. Tom was born on October 13, 1953 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Bruce and Betty (Morrow) Smith. He was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of 1971 and went on to work for Consumers Energy as a consumption analyst. He eventually took a job with General Motors in 1978 where he worked until he retired in 2008. Tom loved all types of music especially singing and dancing around the campfire with family and friends. He loved the outdoors and was an avid backyard philosopher, golfer, bowler, hunter, fisherman and enjoyed many camping trips to the Two Hearted River and Rainbow Lodge in the U.P. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and making memories around the family farm and Smith pond.
Tom is preceded in death by his father; children, Daniel and Amy Smith; and grandson, Logan Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Roxann (Swan) Smith; children, William (Kim) Smith, Michael (Meghan) Smith; grandchildren, Brysen, Peyton, Isabella and Jackson Smith; mother, Betty Smith, father–in-law, Jim Swan; brother, Rick (Deb) Smith; sister, Tena (Doug) Park; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Down Syndrome Association in memory of Tom. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Howard V. Cotter

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Funeral Services:

Howard Vernon Cotter of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 93. Howard was born on October 26, 1926 in Marlette, Mich. the son of Vernon and Florence (Howard) Cotter. He moved with his family to Lansing, and graduated from Eastern High School class of 1945. Howard proudly served in the United States Army during WWII. He worked for General Motors retiring as a Senior Industrial Engineer in 1982. Howard was a devout member of the Capitol City Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a member for over 60 years. He was also a talented artist and enjoyed oil painting and working on cars.
Howard is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris “Bonnie” Cotter and daughter, Pam Kamm.
Surviving are his son, Bruce (Patricia) Cotter; daughters, Patricia (Timothy) Gordon, Penny (Norm) Klein; grandchildren, Nichole Gordon-Seymour, Misty (Mark) Reiber, Andrea (Chris) Morton, Shonie (Jeff) Koebnick, Ty (Jessica) Cotter, Stephanie Cotter-Stierley, Jessica (Josh) Bradford, Matthew (Tricia) Klein, Kasie (Brandon) Thomas, and Brent (Yasmeen) Klein; 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Capitol City Baptist Church in Holt with visitation starting at 10 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Howard. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Donald E. West 

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Funeral Services:

Donald West of Eaton Rapids joined his wife in a heavenly choir and dancing on October 1, 2020.  He was born August 5, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio and was able to work his way through college (GMI) for an engineering degree in Flint, Michigan.  He then earned his MBA at Central Michigan University.  He was conscious early in his life what his purpose was on earth: to make this world a better place, especially for young folk. While commanding American Legion Post 165 in Midland, he founded a Sons of the American Legion squadron.  Living in Bullock Creek, while president of Southtown Little League for two years, he spearheaded a goal to build two regulation diamonds so that 200 boys would have a good place to play baseball.
Serving on the board of Lansing Community Credit Union for 14 years, he pushed for many rules making it easier and cheaper for members to get loans.  In Mason he coached a Babe Ruth for a couple of years and even the Mason baseball team for a couple of games.  During winters in Harlingen, Texas, he volunteered to teach fifth grade students, for over 15 years, how to read and comprehend stories.  For a couple of years, he was a greeter at the local airport welcoming incoming travelers to Lansing and helping outgoing fliers with any issues.
He helped direct and sing on the Eaton Rapids Senior Center chorus where his best enjoyment was when they sang at rehab centers.  His role for several years as an impersonator of a departed person on cemetery tours allowed him to bring that person’s role to life in a positive way.  Don also made popcorn at a local hospital for over 20 years and was volunteer of the month for October of 2017.
He enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the customer.  He always bought a few bags of popcorn to distribute to patients where he sang.  As a wood carver, he personally carved over 40 whimsical walking canes and gave them to family and friends who needed them.  He was an optimist and really enjoyed life and living.
His beautiful wife, Jackie, died in January 2019. They were married for over 64 years.  His brother, Jerry died in 2013 and sisters, Betty Mason in 2016 and Patti Westland in 2019. He is survived by his four sons; Kerry (Barbara), Brian (Cindy), Dana, and Don Bo (Kelly).  He has five grandchildren and onegreat-grandson. He also is survived by two sisters, Helen Marie Lawer, and Phyllis Shaw.
Funeral services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 162 Bridge St., Dimondale, MI 48823 or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To share online condolences or memories, please visit millsfuneral.com.

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Mary J. Standley

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Funeral Services:

Mary June Standley, of Brighton, Mich., formerly of Eaton Rapids and Marshall passed away on April 7, 2020 at the age of 75. Mary was born on October 13, 1944 in Marshall, the daughter of Donald and Agnes (Creps) Heath. She attended Marshall public school and graduated the class of 1962. Mary moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her two girls, worked and retired from the Eaton Rapids Hospital in 1984. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed years of volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. Mary and Ron were huge MSU fans and held season tickets for basketball and hockey for over 30 years. After the love of her life’s passing she moved to Brighton where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren for the past 17 years.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Kris Hill, Kelly Parks; grandchildren, Travis Hill, Emily Hill, Nicole Kapff; and great grandson, Logan Kapff. A special mention to her doctor and friend of many years, Dr. Carol Beals, and her special niece, Sandy Drumm.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron Standley; sister, Peggy Drumm and brother-in-law, Richard Drumm.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family request that no black be worn and that you wear green and white or Michigan State University apparel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Mich.
To share condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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