Obituaries
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.
Helen Rose Wilber
Helen Rose Wilber, a kind and compassionate servant of God, died peacefully January 19, 2024 at the age of 72. Helen’s parents, Jerome and Rose (Schohl) Beachnau, welcomed her into the world on June 9, 1951 in Lansing, MI. Growing up with four siblings, Helen learned how to care for others and throughout her life she lent a listening ear and offered a helping hand to many people. Music was important to Helen. In her younger years she loved playing the guitar and singing, even recording a song with her dear friend, Ed Swanson. Open hearted and caring, Helen was always focused on helping others. She loved baking bread, and was a baker at Mike’s Shop-Rite, and also worked at Goff’s in St. Johns and Gormans in Lansing. In addition to her family, some of the things that gave Helen joy were reading (enjoying romance novels and many of the “Chicken Soup” books), collecting elephants and penguin figurines, and watching the New York Yankees play baseball.
Helen is survived by her children, Tammy (Gary) Robert, Barb (Calvin) Funsch, Phillip (Lori) Monroe, Amy Bates, Candy (Joe Axel) Stallcup, Charlie (Heather) Wilber, and Daryan Wilber; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Kathy Beachnau. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael; son, Michael Wilber II; brothers, Harold Beachnau, Frank (Jane) Beachnau; sisters, Ruth (Jerry) Martin and Barbara Carnes; and lifelong friend and significant other, Thomas “Tony” Vance.
Friends are encouraged to support Helen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held Wednesday, January 24, 12-1:00 p.m., with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop 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 Helen’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation in Grand Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Ann Winters
Linda Ann Winters, a very competitive and spirited, mother, grandmother, sibling, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. Linda, 81, was born on August 23, 1942, the daughter of Renold and Thelma (Wright) Beals. She was born in Charlotte, MI, and spent her entire life here. Linda graduated from Potterville High School. Out of high school she started working in food service, but later in life worked as a Child Care Provider with her dear friend Pam. In 1978 she attended clown school and would provide laughter to many as Lollie. On November 5, 1988, she married Raymond Winters and spent the next 32 years creating lasting memories until his passing in 2021. Linda was a lifetime member of the South Cochran Church of God. She attended the church when it was in downtown Charlotte before its current location on South Cochran. At the church, she was a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school volunteer, and was also awarded the church woman of the year.
Throughout her lifetime Linda was always there to help people in need. She cared deeply for those in her life. Hobbies that she enjoyed were playing cards, cheering on the Lions, Tigers, and Spartans, playing Dr. Mario with Raymond, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends. Her biggest passion in life was her son, Robert.
Linda is survived by her son, Robert Patterson Jr.; step-children, Tom Winters, Peggy (Dave) Gardner, and Carla (Mike) Fell; sister, Judy Wisinski; brother-in-law, Alan (Susie) Patterson; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Patterson Sr.; second husband, Raymond; step-daughter, Betty Brown; daughter-in-law, Starr Patterson; siblings, Renold Beals Jr., Shirley Ellsworth, Raymond Beals, Roger Beals, Bruce Beals, Stanley Beals, Cathy Murray, Rosemary Gould, and Russell Beals.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service for Linda will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor David Burnett officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from Noon until 2:00 p.m. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Linda’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, or Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald G. Walters
Donald G. Walters, age 91, died January 6, 2024. Donald was born April 7, 1932, the son of Guy and Jane (Wilson) Walters. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1950. After a term in the U.S. Army, he returned to Eaton County where he was a mechanic and farmer. Donald was married to Eleanor (Bush) Walters for 30 years. They raised nine children and hosted 27 foster children. He had numerous grandchildren. He was preceded death by his parents, his wife, and three of his children. No services are planned at this time.
Jane Ann Aldrich
Jane Ann (Carmoney) Aldrich entered the gates of heaven one day before her 93rd birthday peacefully with her loving family by her side. Imagine the birthday celebration with her Lord and Savior and her two daughters.
Jane was born in the family home in Potterville, MI, on January 18, 1931, a daughter of the late Claira Belle and LaVerne Carmoney.
She was raised in the Lansing area and attended local schools graduating from Bath High School in 1949.
On February 4, 1949, she married Mr. Gerald Aldrich. The couple had three children and made their home together in the Vermontville area.
Jane was a farmer at heart. She loved working the family farm, whether milking cows, tending the beef herd, feeding the pigs, raising chickens, making maple syrup or bailing hay. Jane’s passion for working the land was unmistakable. During the summer months, Jane would meticulously tend her garden, yielding produce which she would can for her family, and sell at the Lansing City Market. Jane maintained an active dairy operation until 1973, when the focus was moved to crop farming and raising beef cattle. Jane’s love of her family farm led her to get her private pilot’s license and her own airplane; because what better way to survey the farm than from the air! It was only recently that Jane was forced to “slow down” just a bit, at the age of 90 she was still raking hay, using the International 1066!
Jane’s working career was not limited to farming, in 1961 she became a tool & die maker at AE in Charlotte where she worked faithfully for over ten years. Jane was an excellent cook, who used her talents catering weddings, funerals, and working as the cook at the Eaton County Jail for 26 years. Jane’s dedication to the Vermontville Methodist Church was seen in coordinating, cooking, and serving the Barbeque Chicken Dinner at the Vermontville Syrup Festival. Although Jane never really stopped working, she did “formally” retire at the age of 84. Jane continued to serve as a committee member in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office in Eaton County.
Left to carry on her legacy are her son, Jerald Aldrich; granddaughter, Lesley (Brock) DeGroot; great-granddaughter Gabrielle DeGroot and great grandson Wyatt DeGroot; and grandson Mark Porritt.
Jane is survived by her siblings: Joyce, Susan, Raymond, Dennis, Ted, John, Rick, David, Tim, Connie and Mike; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her daughters: Jill Lynn in 1964 and Janet Lorraine in 1994. Passing on before her as well are her siblings: Bob, Tommy, Nancy, Ron, Penny, and Barbara Dell.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 11 a.m.‑12:00 p.m. with funeral and luncheon following at Daniels Funeral Home‑Nashville. Interment to follow at the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.