View Announcements by Category:
Anniversaries  |  Birthdays  |  Births  |  Engagements  |  Obituaries  |  Weddings  


Doretta K. Malerba-Cathcart

-

Funeral Services:

Doretta Kay Malerba-Cathcart “Punky,” known by many for her volunteer activities, died August 10, 2020 at the age of 67. Doretta was born, raised, and lived her life in Charlotte, Michigan. She loved her community and gave back through many organizations. Born November 17, 1952 to Roger and Dorothy (Shaul) Pruden, she graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970 and spent over 20 years with Carter’s as a store employee, manager and working in the corporate office. Prior to that Doretta worked with her best friend, Barb, at the Charlotte Country Club for 13 years. Some of her many volunteer activities included: Relay For Life participant and board member for many years; Charlotte Frontier Days committee member for many years, as well as General Chairman for multiple years and Grand Marshal in 2015; and Potterville VFW Auxiliary working often at BINGO.
Doretta was not only loved and admired by her community for her generosity, but also by her family for her kind ways and always finding time for the important things in life. She was very proud of her daughters and her 4 grandsons, and really enjoyed trips to the family cabin in Harrison. She dearly loved her bassett hounds, Sam and Maggie and shih tzu, Bella. Doretta was loyal, generous, and a hard worker. She gained even more admiration from her family and friends with the strength she showed during the struggles she faced over the years.
Doretta will be missed dearly by her family, including daughters, Melissa (Bryan) Foster, Marci (Jerry) Kohler; grandsons Blake, Bryson, Carson, and Bronx; brothers, Robert (Vickie) Pruden; Anthony Rodriguez, Tim Rodriguez, Dean (Candace) Rodriguez; sisters, Susanne Rodriguez (Todd Trowbridge), and Annette (Brian) Davis; step-mother, Jackie Pruden; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Barb Powers, Sue Wolcott, and Roxanne Ripley. She was predeceased by her husbands, Michael Malerba II in 1987, and Michael Cathcart in 2015; best bud Steve Cyphert; and her parents. The family is at peace knowing that Doretta is reunited with her son, Michael Malerba III, who passed away in 2007.
Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, August 14, 2020, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, August 15, 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Garden with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Mask and social distancing guidelines are required during visitation and funeral services. The funeral service 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 Doretta’s tribute, then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the House of Ruth or Special Olympics Michigan Area 8. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doretta on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read More

Wilma R. Blatt

-

Funeral Services:

Wilma Rae (Reed) Blatt, 82, of Eaton Rapid and most recently Odessa, FL, passed away on July 15, 2020. She was born March 3, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Roland and Mildred (Emery) Reed. Wilma was one of the first in Michigan to obtain the designation of Certified Professional Secretary while working for Michigan Farm Bureau in the mid 70’s. Wilma was also part owner of Auto Truck in Potterville. Wilma lived the last 25 years in the Tampa, FL area. Wilma cherished her family and dog, Lucy. Wilma was lovingly cared for by her family the last few years while enduring dementia. She is survived by her brother, Russell (Pam) Reed; her sons, Steven (Sandra) Turner, and David (Leslie) Turner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A family and friends gathering will be held in September, 2020.

Read More

Douglas C. Heisler

-

Funeral Services:

Douglas C. Heisler, age 64, of Springport, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 26, 1956, in Charlotte the son of Cecil Jr. and Marjorie (Fuller) Heisler. Doug graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1975. On September 13, 1975, Doug married the love of his life, Judy Lynn Newsome at her family home in Springport. Doug adored his family and cherished each and everyone. Doug was a tremendously hard-working man. He had a kind and loving heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. Doug enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his free time. Due to his recent health issues he was forced to retire early from Meridian Magnesium in Eaton Rapids after 20 years of faithful service.
Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Judy; children: Jody (Robert) Burk of Springport, C.J. Heisler of Springport; adopted son, Corey (Autumn) Freeman and family of Springport; mother, Marjorie Heisler of Charlotte; siblings: Susie Fitchett of Mt. Orab, Ohio, David (JoEllen) Heisler of Charlotte, Carol (Jeff) Swint of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Heisler Jr.; sister Catherine Nichols; and in-laws, Archie and Leora Newsome.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran, Olivet. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the North Clarence Cemetery. Those attending the service or visitation are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the family.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

Read More

Lorinda S. Ayers

-

Funeral Services:

Mrs. Lorinda Sue Ayers, age 69, of Charlotte died on August 3, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth.
Lorinda was born on September 8, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Ruby Williams. She was raised in Lansing and attended Waverly High School, graduating in 1968. On November 1, 1969 she married her husband, David D. Ayers, Sr. at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. She worked as a secretary at many schools, later working at Thomas Cooley Law School as a receptionist.
Lorinda is survived by her son, David D. Ayers, Jr.; her daughter, Merideth Ayers (Gregg); grandchildren, Chloe Ayers and Gregory Richardson; great grandson, Bensyn Seume; sister, Helen Boettcher; three nephews, Aaron Boettcher, Andy (Stacy) Boettcher, and Mark (Nikki) Boettcher; and many friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband.
Arrangements are being made by her children. A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Read More

Joyce K. Haga

-

Funeral Services:

Joyce Kay Haga, 81 passed away on Aug 6, 2020. She was born April 16, 1939 to Clifton A. and Mildred R. (Pervorse) Grosnickle in Lansing, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her grandson, Corban Ferris. She is survived by her son, Don (Jane) Haga; daughter, Michelle Ferris; and two grandchildren, Jesse and Jacob Haga and loving friend Ronald Smith (Smitty)..
Over the years, Joyce’s hobbies included gardening, crocheting, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, and crosswords. She also really enjoyed cooking meals for her family and baking. Joyce was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte, and also Women of the Moose, where she participated in many volunteer activities over the years.
A memorial service will be held at Sunfield Cemetery located east of Sunfield Road on St Joseph Hwy. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or to the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Charlotte, Mich.

Read More

Lillian E. Wilkinson

-

Funeral Services:

Lillian Edna Wilkinson, of Springport, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the age of 84. Lillian was born on September 16, 1935 the seventh of nine children born to Richard and Etta Mae Hicks. She moved around a lot as a child but has called Springport home since 1958. Lillian always enjoyed gardening, restoring old antiques and watching old westerns and soap operas. She worked for a short period at River Rising in Eaton Rapids but spent most of her life dedicated to her family, raising her four children and would never miss a grandchild’s sporting or school event.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Wilkinson; daughter, Teresa Wilkinson; sisters, Mildred, Jean and Mary; and brothers, Frank, Bud, Ernie, Wayne and Joe.
Lillian is survived by her sons, Rick (Camille) Wilkinson, Rusty (Cindy) Wilkinson, Randy (Connie) Wilkinson; grandchildren, Kristen Wilkinson, Andrew (Cliffany) Wilkinson, Danny Wilkinson, Jessica Wilkinson, Jason Wilkinson, Ashlee Wilkinson, Nicole (Michael) Ryan, Jennifer (Tony) Lewis, Bret Hudson, Blake Hudson; great grandchildren, Jaden, Mia, Chase, Bryce, Taylor, Connor, Christian, Olivia, Lola, Ella, Hayley, Hannah, Tyler, Travis, Kaydee, Allie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, August 7, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with a private graveside service being held Saturday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Caner Society in memory of Lillian. To share memories or leave condolences please visit skinnerfunneralhomes.com.

Read More

Michael W. Knickerbocker

-

Funeral Services:

Michael Wayne Knickerbocker, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Mike was born on June 4, 1972 the son of Daniel Knickerbocker and Rosanna Kay. He attended Eaton Rapids High School graduating class of 1990. Mike was a carpenter by trade and owned and operated Everlast Carpentry and Contracting. He enjoyed watching Fox news and keeping up on current events, especially conspiracy theories. Mike was an avid golfer, pool player and played in a league at Onondaga Tavern. He enjoyed cabin camping, bonfires, spending time at the O.T. and was a true patriot, he loved his country and the American flag. Above all he was a dedicated father, brother, son and companion who cherished his children.
Mike is survived by his parents, Dan Knickerbocker, Rosanna Kay; girlfriend, Nicole Bancroft; children, Amanda (Clemente) Barron, Michael Knickerbocker, Jakob Knickerbocker, Chloe Knickerbocker, Vincent Knickerbocker, grandchildren Brayden and Morella Barron and special brothers and sisters of his children Tyler and Lacey Reichert, Kyler Smith, Justine Torrey, and Emily and Luke Collins; brother, Dan Knickerbocker; nieces Nicole Knickerbocker, Emily Knickerbocker and numerous extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Elden and Shirley Knickerbocker, Clarence and Lucille Eddy; uncles, Ted Knickerbocker, Garry Eddy and aunts, Peggy Knickerbocker and Kathy Meoak.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. There will be a family and friends memorial picnic Saturday ,August 15th beginning at 2 p.m. at Dan Knickerbocker’s (Mike’s childhood home) 5861 Ferris Road, Eaton Rapids, MI where Mike grew up and lived for many years.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to (https://www.gofundme.com/f/2398zmh0ao?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3WpvwEq7oNIYS_2rAeRbB1MM1EDhjM_mOsu86ftwP5t3UPTUi3isJSrbU) in memory of Mike. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

Read More

Thomas Johnson

-

Funeral Services:

Thomas (Tom) Johnson passed away July 19, 2020 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. Tom was born December 2, 1941 in Gladwin, Mich. to Roy and Marian Johnson. Tom graduated from Gladwin High School in 1960, then the family moved to Eaton Rapids. Tom joined the family in Eaton Rapids after attending Ferris State College for two years.
Tom was a bookkeeper at Gibson Ford, Sessions Ford, Guy Ford and Candy Ford in Eaton Rapids. He later worked at Eaton Stamping, was a bookkeeper at Duck Lake Country Club, and a bartender for many years at Abies. There was no doubt that Tom loved the City of Eaton Rapids and its people. Over the years, Tom enjoyed going to his cabin in Harrison and stopping at Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant. Tom aslo enjoyed playing Keno at both Abies and Darb’s.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Bob and Jim.
Surviving siblings are sisters, Randi Colestock of Charlotte, Cheryl (Kent) Moss of Bushnell, Fla., Penny Johnson of Dimondale, and Sue (Tom) Wilson of Las Vegas, Nev. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews that all adored their “Uncle Tom.”
A graveside memorial will be announced at a later date for those wishing to pay respects to Tom.

Read More

Patricia House

-

Funeral Services:

Patricia (Holton) House, age 85, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, was called home to heaven peacefully on July 29, 2020. Patricia was born the daughter of Manford and Doris Holton on April 18, 1935 in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. She was an amazing mother and loved spending time with her family. Patricia loved Jesus and spent many hours with the Lord in prayer, reading the Bible, attending mass, and reciting the Rosary. She was always willing to help others and her generosity and caring nature endeared her to all that knew her.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Manford and Doris Holton; husband of 50 years, Ulysses House; and brother, Ronald Holton. Left to cherish her memory until reunited are her children: Kathy (Steve) Dwight, Nancy (Gerry) Gill, Matt (Dianna) House, David (Kathy) House, and Nora (Paul) Dwight; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass honoring Patricia’s life was held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Bunkerhill Campus of The Catholic Community of Sts. James, Cornelius, and Cyprian, with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Visitation began one hour prior to the service and a Rosary was held prior to the service. She was laid to rest in the Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Cemetery after the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kevin Dwight, Trevor Carr, Jake Carr, Steve Lawrence, Derek Lawrence, and James Lawrence. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, Leslie.

Read More

Juan A. Valadez

-

Funeral Services:

Juan Antonio “Tony” Valadez of Eaton Rapids, was called into heaven July 30, 2020 at the age of 68. Tony was born in Edinburg, TX, November 12, 1951, the son of Eliodoro and Angelita Valadez. He moved to Michigan in the late 70’s and became an outstanding union carpenter. An honest, hardworking husband and father, he was well respected within the community for these attributes and would not hesitate to help or care for those in need. Tony was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys football fan. He will always be remembered as a beacon of light and strength; a kind-hearted loving man who put a smile on the face of everyone around him and never gave up, even in his darkest moments.
Tony is survived by his wife Gloria Valadez; children, Michael J. Valadez of Eaton Rapids and Anthony Valadez of Grand Ledge; grandson, Diego Valadez of Grand Ledge; brothers, Carlos Valadez of IN, Jesse Valadez of IN; sisters, Valerie and Beatrice Valadez of FL; sister-in-law, Susan Valadez of IN; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mario and Jose Valadez.
A funeral mass was held Tuesday, August 4 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To share online condolences and memories please visit millsfuneral.com.

Read More