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Robert “Bob” L. Dockey

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Robert “Bob” L. Dockey, age 74, a hardworking man of generosity (and a little bit of mischief), died peacefully on December 11, 2019, at his home with his best friend and wife of 35 years, Cindy, at his side. Bob was born April 10, 1945, in Detroit. He grew up in Owosso, the son of Clyde and Sarah (Wooten) Dockey. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years. Following his return, he went to work for General Motors in Flint. He eventually transferred to Lansing, serving as a committee man and later, as an ergonomics representative.  Following retirement in 1999, Bob continued working hard to play hard, always helping friends and neighbors with anything and everything. He was always there for those in need, and he had a special, soft place in his heart for children and animals. Bob and Cindy lovingly cared for many horses and pets throughout the years. He enjoyed time outdoors riding motorcycles, playing softball, fishing and riding horses. He had a notorious sense of humor, always pulling elaborate pranks on Cindy and his friends. Many will remember Bob as a man of kindness and patience, even if he presented himself as a little rough around the edges.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Scott (MaryAnn) Beebe; three grandchildren, Chase, Harper, and Grayson Beebe; close friend, Deo Wells; and countless friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by his infant son, Jeffrey Lynn Dockey; son Robert Lynn Dockey; and his parents.
A private memorial service has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Ila M. Burnett

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Ila M. Burnett, age 93, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born April 28, 1926, at the family home in Charlotte, the daughter of Ira and Vera (Rolfe) Halsey. Ila graduated from Charlotte High School in 1944. On October 27, 1945, she married Jack Burnett. Together, they farmed and raised their family in rural Olivet. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Ila cherished her family and was proud of each and every one of them. She also loved flowers and enjoyed watching birds.
Ila is survived by her children: Sherry (Steve) Landers of Centralia, MO; Nona Walker of Carsonville, MI; Toby (Cindy) Burnett of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and sister-in-law, Shirley Halsey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack Burnett in 1995; son-in-law, Daryl Walker; and 17 siblings.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 22, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Burnett officiating. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ila’s memory to Grace Hospice, 2205 Jolly Rd. Suite C, Okemos MI 48864. To view Ila’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Eleanor Kay Mott

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Eleanor Kay Mott, age 77, of Olivet passed away at her home on December 12, 2019.
Eleanor was born January 18, 1942, to Beryl and Ormand Sine at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. She attended her first eight years of schooling at Lee Center Country school and remaining four at Olivet High, graduating in 1960.
She married her high-school sweetheart, Laurel D. Mott, on April 15, 1962, at the Lee Center Methodist Church. Their first and only home remains the family farm, where they have lived the entirety of their marriage. The couple were both instrumental in running the family farm. While Laurel was the heavy lifter, Eleanor was the hands-on assistant wherever she was needed and kept things moving. She was also known to be on a first-name basis with the cows.
Eleanor was employed by Kellogg’s for six years prior to becoming the much-loved, well-known and respected “Mrs. Mott,” special ed and kindergarten bus driver for Olivet Community Schools for 33 years. She not only transported “her kids,” as she always referred to them, but went above and beyond to make sure they knew she cared about them. Many years later, she is still fondly remembered by the students and parents. Of the 33 years she drove bus, for eight of those, she was also the bus garage supervisor. And while Eleanor may have retired from her love of driving, her zest for life and love of serving never retired.
Eleanor was an avid gardener and green thumb and was thrilled this summer when her tulip tree finally bloomed with its first-ever flowers. She was known for her genuine happy spirit, smile and laugh, not to mention her macaroni and cheese, Texas sheet cake and cinnamon rolls.
Not only was she an excellent cook and gardener, she was a talented seamstress and did many do-it-yourself projects, including tiling, painting, and wall-papering for her home and others. If you needed help for anything, you need only ask. She never did anything half-heartedly, and telling her she couldn’t do something wasn’t an option.
Eleanor was a collector of owls and bells, loved watching birds, kept daily diaries for years and was always working on a craft or two.  She and her husband were long-time sports enthusiasts and cheered and attended many, many Olivet Eagle sporting events over the years. She was also a huge, loyal supporter and big-time fan of the Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Tigers. But her greatest love was of that for her family, of which they are the blessed recipients. She was lovingly known as “GG” and found great joy in doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
To know Eleanor was to love her. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed and remembered always.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Laurel Dwight Mott of Olivet; two children, Scott (Dawn) Mott of Allen, TX,  Christine (Rob) Bramer of Olivet. Grandchildren: Calen (Jessica) Bramer, Cameron (Erin) Bramer, Kiler (Tiffany) Bramer,  all of Olivet, Peyton (Cory) Scheibner, Trevor Mott, Jaclyn (Charlie) Smith, Macy (Chris) Middleton, Caitlan (Jon) Ropson , all of Texas; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and Greg Darrow.
She is also survived by brothers, Robert A. Sine and Richard O. Sine. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Helen. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is being arranged.
Please consider a gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her memory.

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Bettie Denton

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Bettie Denton, age 76, of Bellevue, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings.
Bettie was born in Dayton, TN, on November 6, 1943, the daughter of the late Lester and Mattie (Mooneyham) Webb. She was raised in Bellevue area and attended local schools, graduating in 1961.
She was the wife of Kermit Denton. The couple was married July 15, 1961.
Bettie worked as a manager of the Ritzee Hamburger Restaurant in Urbandale for 10 years, where she invented BJ Chili Cheese Fries. She also worked at PAC Uniforms in Battle Creek, where she prepared uniforms for several different industries before they were shipped to customers.
Bettie loved her family and especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports, never missing a game. Along with her beloved husband Kermit, they spent countless hours traveling all over the United States. It was not uncommon for them to load up the pickup truck and just take off, sometimes with only a direction and no actual destination. On one trip to the western United States, Kermit and Bettie covered over 9,000 miles in three weeks. During the summer months, Bettie enjoyed spending time with Kermit while he was fishing. Bettie would bring a good book and sit quietly in the boat, reading and enjoying a day on the water. Bettie and Kermit attended Nashville Baptist Church for over 40 years and always loved the music and the people.
Bettie is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Kermit, her daughter, Lisa (Bill) Hartman, two sons Lynn (Lori) Denton, Larry (Denise) Denton, her sister, Joyce Randall, brother, Gary (Judy) Webb, sister in-law Jill Webb, brother in law Gilbert Douglas, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded by her brother Bill Webb and sister Wanda Douglas.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 21, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m., with Nashville Baptist Church pastors Lester DeGroot and Deano Lamphere officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America at hdsa.org Great Lake Region. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, visit the website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Leona Lucille Barker

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Leona Lucille Barker of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 11, 2019, at the age of 78. Leona was born in Eaton Rapids on October 27, 1941, the daughter of J.E. and Estina (Bunker) Disbrow. She was a bus driver for the Eaton Rapids Public School system and, after 21 years of service, she was able to enjoy retirement. Leona loved to cook, work on word-search puzzles and watch soap operas, but her greatest love was in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Janice (Dan) Lambrix of Muskegon, Everett (Vivian) Hillard of Eaton Rapids, William Hillard of Flint; stepchildren, John (Sandy) Barker of Holt, Joe Barker of Lansing, Tom (Phyllis) Barker of DeWitt, Francy Onley of Florida; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Leona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Barker in 2013; son, Robert Hillard; brother, Ellsworth (Marge) Disbrow; and sister, Viola Blaine.
Funeral services were held December 16, 2019, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Jim Riley officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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Lawrence Jerry Scarbro

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Funeral Services:

Lawrence Jerry Scarbro of Eaton Rapids passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019, at the age of 80.  Lawrence was born on October 30, 1939, in Burnwell, WV. He graduated from Clear Fork High School, class of 1958, and went on to proudly serve as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was discharged early to return home to help raise his younger siblings after the untimely death of his father. Lawrence worked for several years in the coal mines of West Virginia before moving to Michigan in the early 1970s to take a job with Oldsmobile. He resided in Eaton Rapids, where he bought a piece of property and did a little farming and raising of livestock. Lawrence came from a very humble upbringing, which made him extremely resourceful. He never saw an item he couldn’t reuse or repurpose. Although he had a tough and rugged outward appearance, he was a gentle, kind and generous man who would give anything he could to help someone in need. Lawrence could often be found spending time with his friends at the “Doll House” or the VFW Post 6132 sipping on a glass of his favorite drink, Wild Turkey. In his later years, Lawrence proudly accepted his role as a father and dedicated his life to his daughter Morgan.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Allen Scarbro.
Surviving Lawrence are his wife of 20 years, Debbie (Morgan) Scarbro; daughter, Morgan Scarbro; step-children, Jasmine (Andy) Emerick, Jeff (Melissa) Cripe, Jeremiah (Sherri Lamoureux) Cripe; grandchildren, Harper and Maevie Emerick, Brandon Cripe, J.J., Noah, Hazel and Justice Cripe; brothers, Franklin (Jackie) Scarbro, Clarence (Shirley) Scarbro, Leon Scarbro, Wilson Scarbro; sisters, Joyce Scarbro, Faye Scarbro, Susan Mooney, Mary Frances and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services were scheduled to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morgan’s HUGS in memory of Lawrence. To share memories or leave condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Gladys L. Byers

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Gladys L. Byers, age 100 years and 7 months, died at 2:20 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019. According to her wishes, there will be no service. The family wishes to thank Dr. Marl and staff, Eaton Community Palliative Care, and all of her friends at Sugar Mill Apartments, especially Ginger, Karen and Janet. Thank you from her children and grandchildren.

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Earl C. Cady Jr.

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Earl C. Cady Jr., an unforgettable man and leader with a strong Type A personality, died December 6, 2019, at the age of 98. He was born June 20, 1921, in Benton Township to Earl C. and Gertrude (Whitaker) Cady. A graduate of Potterville High School, he went on to Michigan State University. He earned his degree and became a teacher and coach in Potterville. Continuing his education, he moved into the position of superintendent at Potterville schools, then principal at Waverly schools, and lastly as superintendent at Saranac schools until his retirement.
On December 9, 1943, Earl entered the Army and married Alberta Whitney two days after enlisting. Serving during World War II, Earl was part of the 88th Blue Devil Division in Italy and earned a Bronze Star. When he was discharged from active duty as a captain in 1946, Earl joined the Army National Guard and served until 1981, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and provost marshal for the State of Michigan.
As a young man, Earl was a quarter-mile track champion, earning the state record in 1939. He ran track at MSU while earning his degree in education. Through his life he enjoyed coin collecting, golf and the “Pedro Club” where he played cards with his army buddies.
Earl is survived by his wife of almost 76 years, Alberta; sons, Jeff, Kip (Ruth), and Colin Cady; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A spring memorial service and interment at Benton Township Cemetery will be planned. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Earl on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Clyde B. Ray

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Clyde B. Ray, age 100, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his home. He was born November 11, 1919, in Blanchard, MI. Clyde grew up on the family farm in rural Montcalm County. He graduated from high school in Blanchard in 1937. He lived in the thumb for a brief time in his teens with his brother and his wife. Soon after graduating from high school, he went to live with the local county agent and his family. During this time, he attended Arenac County Normal School to obtain his teaching certificate. After receiving his certificate, he enrolled at Michigan State College. It was there that he would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree. While he was attending Michigan State College, he met a charming young lady by the name of Violet Nelson. During Clyde’s time at Michigan State College, he was also enrolled in ROTC. After his time there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Before being sent overseas, he returned home to Michigan for one final visit. While there, he and Violet decided to make a bus trip to the thumb so she could meet Clyde’s brother and sister-in-law. On the ride home, Violet asked Clyde if he would marry her before he was to be shipped out in just a few short weeks. He agreed, and the two were soon married at Violet’s family home in Brookfield Township. Clyde served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 with the 28th Infantry in Germany and later with the 355th Engineer Battalion. He earned three Bronze Service Stars for his heroic service to his fellow man and country.
When he returned home from active duty, he began his teaching career in Vocational Agriculture at Hanover-Horton Schools and later Lake Odessa. Violet was also teaching home economics at the same time in Lake Odessa. When an opening for teachers came up in Charlotte, the couple jumped at the opportunity. Clyde would teach Vocational Agriculture for 28 years before retiring, and Violet taught on and off for 20 years. Clyde loved his students and the opportunity he had to be a positive influence in their lives.
Clyde is survived by his sons: Roger of Lansing, Nelson and (Rochelle) of Hillsdale; grandchildren: Adrian (Cassandra) Ray, Aimee (David) Cole, Aubrey (Louis) Harper, Anderson Emmillie (Jonah) Boot; great-grandchildren: Bailey Ray, Teagan Ray, Emmerson Ray, Merik Slovacek, Adaline Flint, and Viola Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet in 2006; and nine siblings.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Burial was scheduled to take place at Danby Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Clyde’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans or Charlotte FFA Scholarship Fund, 378 State St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Clyde’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz

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Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz, age 83, of Marengo Township, the current Marengo Township Supervisor, passed away in the love and care of his family at his home on Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019.
Pete was born on June 20, 1936, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte to Dale and Mildred (Goodwin) Shrontz.  He graduated in 1954 from Olivet High School. His first job after graduation was driving school bus for the Olivet schools. In 1955, he started to drive for Michigan Milk Haulers while helping his father with his farming operation in Walton Township.
On January 21, 1968, he married Joyce (Kreger) Scripter. The couple moved to where their home is now in Marengo Township. In 1969, Pete and his wife Joyce began Shrontz Milk Service. The couple operated the milk hauling operation from their home until they retired and sold the business in 2004.
Pete served his township in several capacities during his lifetime to help insure his family and neighbors a well-deserved quality of life. From 1988 until 2002, he served with the Marengo Township Fire Department, responding to calls for help both day and night. He served as a Marengo Township trustee, first being appointed to fill a term in 2003. In November of 2004, he won the seat in the general election.
While serving on the township board, he was appointed to fill the position of supervisor on Feb. 3, 2012. The township residents elected him to the supervisor’s position in November of 2012, and he still currently served in that office until his death.
Pete and Joyce enjoyed several vacations, which included trips to Amsterdam, Hawaii and London, besides a multitude of trips to Las Vegas. They enjoyed camping, playing cards and going out to eat.
Pete was a dedicated fan of Michigan State University sports, Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions and high-school sports. Many games were rehashed with his daughter Lorie, with Pete’s slant on what would have been the proper coaching!
Pete is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Joyce; daughter Lorie (Dean) Hartley of Lansing; step-children Donna (Doug) Miller of Concord, Phyllis Hoffman of Albion, Bob (Sue Taylor) Scripter of Spring Arbor, and Roxanne (Michael) Gifford of Miller, MO;  his son-in-law Al Denbrock of Albion; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  Pete with Joyce enjoyed their family roles as grandparents over the years with the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mildred Shrontz, his sister Joyce Ott and his step-daughter Diane Denbrock.
Friends were invited to call at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, at 723 US Hwy. 27 N. in Marshall, on Friday, Dec. 13. from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Paul Koehn officiating. Interment will follow in Albion Memory Gardens. A luncheon will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church after interment.
The family suggests you remember Pete with a contribution to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Luther Blvd., Albion MI 49224; Marengo Township Fire Department, 14201 23 Mile Road, Albion MI 49224; or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, www.heartlandhospicefund.org.
To leave a message for the family, visit kempffuneralhome.com.

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