Obituaries
Fred Lavern Lawless
Fred Lavern Lawless of Englewood, FL and Eaton Rapids, died peacefully with his family by his side, January 26, 2024, at the age of 96. Fred was born at his parents’ family farm in Portland, MI, November 7, 1927, the son of Frances and Catherine (Selbach) Lawless. He graduated from Portland High School in 1944 at the age of 16. Fred went on to work for a wartime aircraft spark plug factory and at the family farm. He was drafted into the US Army in 1946 serving in Germany. Fred was honorably discharged in 1947 and enrolled in college at Central Michigan University. It was there that he met his future wife, Pat, while hitchhiking back to their hometown for a weekend. It was the beginning of a beautiful 72 year relationship. In March of 1950, he accepted a job as a caseworker with the Michigan Department of Social Welfare. He graduated from U of M with a master’s degree and was on their School of Social Work Alumni Board. Fred retired from the State of Michigan in 1992 with 42 years of experience. After retirement, he volunteered with AARP for 12 years and wintered in Venice, FL with his wife, Pat. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, and Epiphany Cathedral in Florida.
Fred is survived by his children, David (JoAnne) Lawless, Jim (Sarah) Lawless, Susan (Charles) Simmons; grandchildren, Matthew (Tasha) and Michael Lawless, Myra (Steve) Sperley, Rachel (Matt) Merrill, Kellen (Carolyn) Lawless; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Pat Lawless.
A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Stanley James Bryson
Stanley James Bryson, of Bellevue, MI, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on June 28, 1934, in Mason, MI, he was the son of James and Alice (Thomas) Bryson. Growing up in the Mid-Michigan area, Stan graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1954.
Having been drafted into the United States Army, Stan proudly served in Berlin during the WWII era. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Shirley Smith, and they welcomed three beautiful children into their lives. Stan dedicated much of his working years to General Motors Fisher Body plant, retiring in 1990. In his retirement, he found joy in farming and had plans to continue this passion in the upcoming spring. Additionally, he, alongside his wife, ran an antique business for over 40 years.
A devoted collector of John Deere memorabilia and tractors, Stan was also an enthusiastic fan of MSU athletics. He held the honor of being a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Brookfield Lodge 439 as well as the Eastern Star Lodge 352.
Stan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Bryson, and their children: Sue (Jeff) Houghton, Dianna (Steve) Hyatt, Ronda Horton, and Larry Bryson. He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Shiria (Rachael) Kane, Stacey (Gary) Meyers, Rebecca (Frank) Psurny, Erica (Dell) Porter, Amber Bryson, and Taylor Bryson, along with ten great-grandchildren. Stan is further survived by his brothers, Tom Bryson, and Tim (Diane) Bryson, and sisters, Susan Dunn, and Mandy Roberson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Patricia Christman; brothers-in-law, James Dunn and Stan Robeson; and sister-in-law, Mary Bryson.
A memorial service is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, donations may be directed to the Brookfield Eastern Star, 2310 Swift Road, Bellevue, MI 49021. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Colette Catherine Frederick
Colette Catherine Frederick of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Colette was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 5, 1931, the daughter of George and Catherine (Lorenz) Weber. Colette was a Registered Nurse at Eaton Rapids Medical Center retiring in 1988 after 20 years of service. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, was part of the Altar Society, Director of Religious Education and a Secretary. Colette enjoyed Purse Bingo, baking cakes, cross stitch and had some amazing gardens. Her unwavering faith, which was passed on to her children, will carry her through the gates of heaven holding the Lord’s hand.
Colette is survived by her children, Paul (Barbara) Frederick of South Haven, John (Marcia) Frederick of Rockford, Mary (Derek) Schraft of Eaton Rapids, Jim Frederick of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Anna, Shelby, David, Daniel, Darren, Nathan, Rachel, Kevin; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Wesson, Demi, Riley, Penny, Liam; brother, Ronald (Anne) Weber, Gerard Weber; several nieces and nephews; goddaughter, Mary Beth Borkowski. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph Frederick; sisters, Rosemary Kaczmierczk, Dolores Hall; brothers, Frank “Buddy” Weber, Joseph Weber, George Weber.
Funeral Services were held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Interment following in Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 515 E. Knight St, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in loving memory of Colette Catherine Frederick. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Terry Lee Baker
Terry Lee Baker, 72, of Springport, passed away on January 17, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 21, 1951, to Larry and Marjorie (Shotts) Baker in Indianapolis, IN. He married Kathleen D. Mulligan on July 25, 1970, in Michigan City, IN. Terry received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tri-State College Angola, IN. He worked for Hayes Albion in Albion, MI for 22 years as the engineering manager, then for Texas Foundry where he worked in maintenance engineering management and East Jordon Iron Works in Ardmore, OK as an engineering manager. He then returned to Michigan where he worked at Veolia Water as as Maintenance Lead. After retiring, Terry enjoyed construction work with Jennings Construction for several years. Terry enjoyed building and remodeling classic cars, especially Mustangs and Model A’s. He belonged to the Sunset Cruiser’s Car Club in Battle Creek, and he was also on their Board of Directors.
Terry is survived by his children, Anthony (Melissa) Baker of Rives Junction, MI, Beth Prater of Battle Creek, MI, Debra (Jason) Gray of Mason, MI; grandchildren, Keygan (Hillary) Baker, Devin Baker, Cheyenne (Alex) Leigh, Tyler Prater, Tahtiana Davis, Tayzia Gomez, Josh Pena, Levi Gray, Jacob Gray; great grandchildren, Ryker and Braxton Leigh; brothers and sisters, Charles (Martha) Baker of Marshall, MI, Ross (Laura) Baker of Tualatin, OR, Lorry (Ron) Klinger of Cadillac, Linda (Keith) Miller of South Carolina and special friend, Kathy Baker of Springport, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale Baker and sister, Jayellyn Johnson.
Terry’s family will receive friends on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. for a memorial service at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of one’s choice. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Phyllis Marie Rulison
Phyllis Marie Rulison, or “big Phil” as her husband Don called her, died January 19, 2024 at the age of 80. Phyllis was born in Lucas County, Ohio to Thomas R. and Virginia (Hilton) Ames on October 30, 1943. Family was always her most important reason for enjoying life, whether it be reminiscing about childhood memories with her siblings or making new memories with her own children as well as her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis was most proud that her children were raised to be self-sufficient and capable adults. She was selfless, never complained, forgiving, always concerned for everyone else’s welfare, and lived by the motto “I do the best I can”. She and Don loved their 17 years wintering in Florida and loved the beach. Annual golf-outings in Cadillac were a favorite thing, and Don would say often that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Phyllis loved to travel and play golf, but also loved to do quieter things like flower gardening and reading. Holidays with family and family reunions were always a priority with her and she loved to play the game of Mah-Jong. Phyllis was an employee of the State of Michigan from 1976 until her retirement in 2002.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Donald Ray Rulison; children, Nolan (Kathy) Spotts, Ginny (George) Nobbe, Teresa Redfield, Suzie (Wade) Nichols; grandchildren, Andrea Wadlington, Sydney Spotts, Jake Spotts, Erica Heinitz, Brandon Moe, Vince Wireman, Saige Shook, Dallas Redfield, Britnee Rivera, Lindsey Quinn, Trevor Nichols; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Montegue and Nancy Ott. She was predeceased by her brothers, Melvin and David Ames; sister, Carolyn Sova; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Phyllis’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.