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Lynn M. Huston

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Lynn Marie Huston, of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 11, 2021 at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with cancer. Lynn was born in Sandusky, Mich. December 17, 1947, the daughter of Bruce and Virginia (Rich) Pagel. She had a strong Christian faith, attended Bible study, and faithfully read the Bible every day. She shared her talents with the community as an organist and choir director with the First Baptist Church, First Congregational Church and Robbins United Methodist Church. Lynn also helped wizth funeral lunches at church. She served with the Eaton Rapids Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and was a founding member of the Eaton Rapids Women’s Chorus. 
Lynn is survived by her mother, Virginia Ostrowski; husband, Phil Huston; daughters, Paula (Dan Stowell) Huston of Boyne City, Holly (Letta) Dibaba of Lansing, Robyn Huston of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Doug (Pam) Pagel, Brian (Joyce) Pagel, Mark (Betty) Pagel; sisters, Patricia Olson, Beth (Alan) McCarty; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce; step-father, Frank Ostrowski; and brother-in-law, Richard Olson. 
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 4 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Healing & Healthcare Foundation, 530 Beech St, Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit our website to leave online condolences, millsfuneral.com.

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Laurence Thompson

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Laurence “Larry” Thompson, “Baba,” a 50-year resident of Eaton Rapids, passed away in his home on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 83, surrounded by his family.
Larry was born on August 15, 1937 to Edward and Evelyn Thompson in Sunfield, Mich. Larry graduated from Sunfield High School in 1955. Larry married his lifelong sweetheart, Ann, in 1958. Larry joined the United States Army in 1958. He was deployed to Trieste, Italy where he received several commendations for his excellence in playing softball for the Army. Larry separated from the Army at the rank of Sergeant and was very proud of his military service. After his service, Larry and Ann welcomed their children James, Timothy, Steven, and Colleen with loving arms. After retiring in 1993 from the Michigan Department of Transportation, as a foreman, Larry enjoyed traveling to see the sights the United States has to offer. He loved spending his winters in Florida with his wife Ann, watching his grandchildren play baseball, their success in bowling, having witnessed his grandson become a Marine, and recently welcomed his newest grandson; to include always watching his grass grow.
Larry is survived by his wife, Ann, of sixty-two years; his son, Steve (Irene) Thompson; his daughter, Colleen (Robert) Stone; his grandchildren, Kevin (Tina) Thompson, Petra Thompson, Jordyn and Jansen Stone, Joseph Thompson; and great-grandchildren Dylan and Jackson Thompson. Larry is also survived by his siblings, Jerry (Mary), and his sister, Jean Dukes. Larry is preceded in death by his sons, Timothy and James; his brothers, Vernon and David Thompson; and sister, Shirley Greene.
Laurence was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always proud of his children and grandchildren, speaking of them to others as often as he could. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. There will be no funeral service scheduled at this time. Larry will be cremated at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. There will be a celebration of life scheduled during the summer of 2021 for friends and family.

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Sue Ellen Yerge

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Sue Ellen Yerge, a resident of Bellevue, Mich., formerly a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center, died on January 3, 2021 at the age of 72. Funeral services are scheduled for January 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bellevue, Mich.

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Linnea M. Shaw

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Linnea Marie (Cedarstaff) Shaw of Charlotte, Mich., born November 2, 1947, died unexpectedly in Lansing, Mich on December 31, 2020. Linnea was preceded in death by her father, Burton Cedarstaff; her mother, Loreen (Chaffee) Cedarstaff; and her brother, Gerald Cedarstaff. She is survived by her siblings, Karen Hocking, David (Judy) Cedarstaff, Thomas (Valerie Balogh) Cedarstaff, and Diane (Robert) Schneider; sister-in-law, Lynn Cedarstaff; her children, Sarah Shaw and Brian (Theresa Mangapora) Shaw; eight nieces and nephews, and two great-nieces. Also surviving is Linnea’s former spouse, Berney Shaw.
Linnea was a graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. She was employed by Barry-Eaton District Health Department for four decades where she served in many positions within their clinic, and worked until her passing.
Linnea was very proud of her Swedish heritage and was an avid genealogist who frequently lectured on research techniques. She was also involved in the local Scandinavian Society and the Sons of Norway chapter. She loved traveling to Sweden and connecting with family there.
Linnea was actively involved in many area groups including the Eaton County Historical Society, Eaton County Genealogy Society, Charlotte Herb Guild, Quilters Guild, as well as several musical groups where she joined in with her natural talent playing a variety of instruments. Linnea was happiest when she was using her creative talents to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, paint or garden something special for someone else.
Linnea was a passionate advocate for animals and took in many stray dogs and cats over the years as well as many other animals in need of a good home. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in Linnea’s name to the Capital Area Humane Society.
Plans for a memorial will be made at a later date once it will be safe for all to travel and gather.
To view Linnea’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Linda R. Sowle

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Linda Ruth Sowle, a caring, loving, and detail-oriented mother, grandmother and friend, died on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Linda, 69, of Holt, Mich. was born June 7, 1951 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Howard and Maxine (Toomey) Maurer. She graduated from Olivet High School and later earned an associate degree. Linda’s first work was as a delivery room tech at a local hospital. Later, she worked as a policy specialist for the State of Michigan where she helped to develop the State of Michigan Medicaid billing system. Linda married Eric Wilmore and spent the next several years creating their legacy until his passing in 2011. Linda enjoyed baking; she was famous for her white chocolate raspberry cheesecakes. Baking was a skill she learned at a young age from her Aunt Iva Jean. Her hobbies included camping all over the state with family, bluegill fishing with her dear friend Julie Shaver, bowling, and her golf league at Centennial Acres with her dear friends. Many will remember Linda as a very giving person who was always there to help and had a talent to anticipate the needs of others. She was a cherished grandmother and best friend to her grandson, Jackson. Above all Linda cherished the time she spent with her family.
Linda is survived by her sons, Brett Wilmore and Jeremy Wilmore, both of Fla; grandchildren, Jackson and Emani; siblings, Marcia (Michael) Petersen, Carl (Amy) Maurer; and great friend, Julie Shaver. She was predeceased by her husband, Eric Wilmore; and niece, Monica Petersen.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines were practiced. Linda asked that a memorial fund be set up for her grandson, Jackson’s college fund, so if desired please make donations to Jeremy Wilmore in this regard. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Lawrence D. Hale

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Lawrence Douglas Hale, 56, of Nashville, died unexpectedly on January 4, 2021 in Ionia. Larry was born July 2, 1964, in Charlotte, the son of Melvin Douglas and Carene Jane (Rowden) Hale. He graduated from Olivet High School where he played football. He later earned his mechanic license from ITT Tech. Most recently, he worked on the line at Ventra Ionia Main. Larry enjoyed Shirley’s Chuckwagon Café in Nashville, and reminiscing on many years of camping trips up north.
Larry is survived by his son, Eric Hale; sisters, Brenda Hale-Taylor and Tammy (Pete) Bryner; and nephews, Charles (Nicole) Bryner, David (Amanda) Bryner, and Chance Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family. A memorial service will take place this summer, when outdoor services resume. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Randy R. Grundstrom

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Randy Robert Grundstrom, age 49, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born September 30, 1971, in Charlotte, the son of Randy and Diane (Leiter) Grundstrom. Randy graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1989. While in high school Randy excelled in both basketball and football. In basketball he was named All-Capital Circuit, Lansing State Journal Fabulous Five, Special Mention Class A All-State by the Associated Press, and fifth Team All-State by the Detroit Free Press. Randy was also selected to play in the BCAM Class A All-Star Game. After high school he went on to play at Calvin College on a full ride scholarship. Randy had a heart of gold. He was always concerned about the needs of others. He cherished the opportunity to mentor many of the local youth as a basketball coach. Randy was also known for his tremendous sense of humor. He enjoyed making others laugh. The most important thing in Randy’s life was his daughter, Emma. He adored her and cherished each and every memory they made together.
Randy is survived by his daughter, Emma Grundstrom of Grand Rapids; mother, Diane (George) Goodnoe of Eaton Rapids; father, Randy Lee Grundstrom of Charlotte; siblings, Tina (Jim) Brayton of Charlotte, Judd (Brenda) Converse of Charlotte, Jackie Hisler of Charlotte, Tony (Nichole) Grundstrom of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents, June Grundstrom, Laura Little, Ward Leiter; and his nephew, Dustyn Converse.
A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Leiter officiating. A public visitation was held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with face covering and capacity guidelines observed. Due to the funeral service being private and for immediate family only, the service will be livestreamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions to the family to be given towards his daughter Emma’s education.
To view Randy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Norma J. Shepler

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Norma Jean Shepler, a hard-working woman of deep commitment to her family, died Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Norma was born September 13, 1935, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Johnson) Wilhelm. She married her lifelong love, Ronald Shepler on August 2, 1952, and the two settled into family life on the farm. Norma was the backbone of her family. She assisted in the early morning milking chores, bailed hay, canned fruits and vegetables, and sewed clothing for her three children. Norma’s skills as a seamstress were unmatched. She created many of her own patterns, and created countless meticulously perfect quilts. She also knitted, crocheted, and made baskets. Norma passed on her talents to her daughters, and to several others during her years as a 4H leader. Her family and friends will also remember her incredible cooking, especially her pies, cakes, casseroles, and specialty baked beans for every holiday. Norma and Ron enjoyed summer adventure camping trips with all of their grandchildren. Over the years they made many travels, eventually visiting all 50 states. Norma lived an active life, never once slowing down, and always making time for her family. One of her grandchildren wrote a note to her saying, “You gave me unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life and, most importantly, cookies! Thank you for always believing in me, always encouraging me, and always loving me.”
Norma is survived by her children, Julie (Bruce) Telfer, Betty (Darryl) Shook, and Bill Shepler; grandchildren, Amy (Jacob) Williams, Carla (Kenneth) Vastine, John Shook, Dennis Shook, and Kimberly Hubbs; five great-grandchildren, Olivia and Kaylee Williams, Allison and Kenny Vastine, and Emberly Hubbs; brother, Larry Wilhem; and several nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Ronald Shepler and two grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Garett Swift and Charlotte Shook.
A private family gathering and interment at Center Eaton Cemetery will take place, following by a public celebration of life this summer, when possible. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Norma on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Mary C. Ensign

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Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands! Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good, his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.
The heavens rang with songs of joy on the first day of the New Year 2021. Mary Catherine Satre Ensign was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! She joins her beloved husband, James Robert Ensign, who preceded her to everlasting life in February 2018. Mary lived her life praising her Lord. She was a talented musician, an organist in the Lutheran church, a director of church choirs, and teacher of piano and organ to many young students for over 25 years.
Mary is survived by daughters, Elizabeth (Barry) Latoszewski of Vermontville, Mary Copping of Pinckney, Sarah (Tom) Gruber of Rockford, Laura (Brad) Beyer of Gaylord; and her son, Paul (Terry) Ensign of Blanco Texas; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her younger brother, Rev. Carl H. (Joyce) Satre of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and sister-in-law, Mrs. Earl S. (Katherine) Ensign of Toledo, Ohio. She was predeceased by her parents, Rev. William Carl Satre and Mary Elizabeth Hersch Satre; her step-mother, Dorothy Drewes Satre; and her brother-in-law, Earl S. Ensign, Jr.
Mary was born May 29, 1930 in Polo, Ill., to Rev. W. Carl Satre and Mary Elizabeth Satre. Mary’s early years were spent in Lena, Ill., where her father was pastor of Amity Lutheran Church. She began studying piano at the age of four. The family later moved to Toledo, Ohio where she continued her music studies. She was just 16 when she began playing the organ in church. She graduated from DeVilbiss High School, Toledo, in 1948. It was in church where she met her future husband, James Robert Ensign, and they were married April 14, 1950. Her husband Bob also became a Lutheran pastor. They were married for 68 years, until his death on February 3, 2018.
Mary lived her faith. She was a kind, loving woman who raised five children while serving as a full-time church organist at All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington, Ohio, Christ Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, Mich. In her retirement years she played the organ part-time at Bethel Lutheran Church in Cedarville, Mich. and First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, Mich. She began teaching piano while in Monroe, and then taught for over ten years in Cedarville. Many of her students rode the school bus directly to her home for after school lessons. Knowing they would be hungry, Mary always had a tray of homemade cookies waiting for them.
Mary became a resident of Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte in 2017. The family wishes to thank the staff at ECHRS for their compassionate care. Due to the risks of COVID-19, a service was held for immediate family only, on January 7, 2021 at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte, with the Rev. Jim Eggert officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, Mich.
For those who wish, memorial gifts may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
We rejoice in Mary’s triumph over death, and say with the Apostle Paul:
“Thanks Be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us the victory!”

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Deborah J. Cook

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Deborah “Debbie” Jayne Cook, the rock and glue for her loving family, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 2, 2021. Debbie, 58, of Vermontville, was born May 9, 1962, in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Clarence and Shirley (Bradley) Shaffier. On July 17, 1987 Debbie married Rex Cook. Debbie was a stay-at-home mother/grandmother. She did work for a number of years as a customer service manager at different jobs. Debbie held her family together with her loving, strong and supportive nature. She did however have a feisty and sassy side; you didn’t want to cross her the wrong way. Debbie served as a 4H leader for five years and later could be found supporting her grandchildren with their 4H. Her hobbies included camping in South Haven, going to tractor shows, playing cards, going to Silver Lake, cruising around on her golf cart, collecting cows, Mickey Mouse, and red Christmas truck ornaments, and most importantly having her grandchildren over.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Rex; children, Elaine Fears, Daniel (Jennie) Cook, Pammy (Robby) Shoup, Dustin Cook; grandchildren, Hunter, Austynn, Logan, Zamiyia, Rex, Avery, Robby, Makenna, Amelia, Dakota, Kala, Shala, Briana, Tori, Michael, Hailey, Harley, Ashton, Jayden; great-grandchildren, Braxton, MaKayla, Maddie, Aiden, Little Avery; brothers, Delmas Shaffier, Jerry (Karen) Shaffier; brothers-in-law, Mark (Tonya) Cook, Harry (Karyn) Cook, Larry Cook, Leroy (Elaine) Cook, Jerry Durret; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Jim Shaffier, Bradley Shaffier, Gracie Durret; her parents; in-laws, Maxine and Harold Cook; brothers-in-law, Carl and Earl Cook; sister-in-law, Mary Dewitt; and nephew, Dennis Rodeman.
A public visitation was held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Pray Funeral. The family will be having a Celebration of Life for Debbie at a later date once it is safe to do so.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Debbie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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