Obituaries
Neil Thomas Cortright
Neil Thomas Cortright, 88, of Olivet, Michigan passed away in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side September 30, 2023. He was born August 5, 1935 in Springport, Michigan to Clarendon and Bessie Berneice (Winchell) Cortright, who have preceded him in death. Neil attended and graduated from Springport High School before going on to serve his country in the United States Army. On May 22, 1955, while home on leave, Neil married the love of his life, Vivian McMurtrie, together they shared 68 years of marriage until Vivian’s passing in May of 2023. Neil was a skilled welder and a dedicated dairy farmer. His membership in Farm Bureau showcased his deep connection to his agricultural community. One of Neil’s greatest joys was his cows; he had a special affinity for these gentle creatures, tending to them with care and affection. Neil’s soft spot for animals didn’t end there, he held a special place in his heart for all animals, especially dogs.
Neil enjoyed family holidays, his favorite being Christmas. He loved gathering with family, creating cherished memories that will forever warm the hearts of those who shared those special moments with him. After Neil retired from farming, he spent a great deal of time traveling around the United States with Vivian and their good friends, the Southworths. They loved exploring new places and taking in all the sights each place had to offer. Neil will forever be remembered for his great sense of humor, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of sharing a laugh with him.
In addition to his wife and parents Neil was preceded in death by his siblings, Doris (Richard) Kinney, Donna (Robert) Connor, and Clare (Mable) Cortright Jr. He is survived by his children, Ronald (Brenda) Cortright, Teresa (Jerry) Schneider, Rebecca Cortright-Brown, and Pamela (Eric) Sawatzki; eight grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren.
A funeral Service honoring Neil’s life was Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl St. Springport Michigan. He was laid to rest at Lee Center Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be directed to Careline Hospice, 103 S. Jackson St. Ste 200, Jackson, Michigan 49201. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home 121 Pearl St./P.O. Box 235 Springport, Michigan 49284. 517-857-4848.
Richard “Dick” Lavern McManus
Richard “Dick” Lavern McManus of Charlotte, a wonderful guy that always made sure his family was taken care of, died October 3, 2023, at the age of 95. Born in Charlotte, MI to Vern and Blanche (King) McManus on September 22, 1928, Dick grew up learning about hard work, the importance of family, and a love of learning how to fix things and tinker with all kinds of gadgets to learn how they worked. A music lover, Dick enjoyed playing the guitar, especially old “Real Country” bluegrass style music, which he often played at area care homes in his winter home in Rockport, TX. Deer hunting was something Dick enjoyed, but only if he could get his trophy within 15 minutes. Fishing was more his style, enjoying any opportunity where he could be on the water at Guernsey Lake.
Working at Automatic Screw in Charlotte for many years, Dick was there until the age of 62 alongside Curley Cooper. This probably fostered his interest as a tinkerer, because he was always working on something and interested in gadgets and how they worked. He also enjoyed puzzles, as well as collecting rocks and seashells, and his weekly trips to McDonald’s in Lansing. With a love for travel, he enjoyed winters in Texas after his retirement, and in his 80’s he rode a bicycle alongside his grandson in “One Pedal Across Michigan.”
Dick is survived by his daughter-in-law, Darlene McManus; grandchildren, Charles and Julius McManus; five great-grandchildren, Wesley, Casey-Jo, Keegan, Brendan, and Collin; and two great great-grandchildren, Kayden and Atlas; and companion, Anita Gordon. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; son, James Charles McManus; brother, Harley Bennett McManus, and sister, Alta Christensen.
Friends are encouraged to support Dick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. All services are on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, funeral services at 12 noon, and a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gerald William Sundermann
Gerald William Sundermann of Dimondale, passed away October 3, 2023, at the age of 87. Gerald was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 15, 1935, the son of George and Edith (Martin) Sundermann. He served in the Air Force as a mechanic in the early years and then went on to be a foreman for General Motors where he retired in 1987. In his free time, he raised fowl having 40 different breeds of birds at one time or another.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Lou (Jones) Sundermann; siblings, Michael (Bonnie) Sundermann, James Sundermann, William Sundermann, Jack Sundermann and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will take place Friday from 2-4 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Christian Fellowship Church, 5324 Millett Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Scott Kirkland
Scott Kirkland of Eustis, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on September 30, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 30, 1965, the son of Roy Kirkland and Norma (Kirkland) Cole.
Scott is survived by his mother, Norma Cole, three sisters, Kimberly Faggion, Lori Kirkland, and Tami Byer. Along with his husband, Reid Haines, and sister and brother-in-law, Gregg and Shelly Brooks.
Scott enjoyed traveling the beach and gathering with his family and friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who loved and remember him.
Scott was preceded in death by his father, Roy Kirkland, stepfather, Bill Cole, and brother-in-law, Chris Byer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and host a light reception immediately following the service. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Alden Roy Poyer
Alden Roy Poyer of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the age of 90. Alden was born on July 9, 1933, on the family farm in Brookfield, Township, he was the only son of Lloyd and Pauline (Umburger) Poyer. Alden lived his entire life in Eaton Rapids and spent his younger years working on the family farm, later in life he went to work for Huber Aluminum in Charlotte, MI, where he eventually retired. Alden was an avid hunter in his youth and in retirement, he enjoyed watching a good movie, especially his “old time” shows.
Alden is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Poyer; son, Duane Poyer; daughter, Nola Vantyle; grandson, Stacy Vantyle, and his sister, Nettie Wildt.
Surviving are his sons, Ray Poyer, Dale Poyer; stepdaughter, Dawn Richards; grandchildren, Toni Poyer, Lena (John) Stadel, Kayle Brown; great-grandchildren, Lyle Poyer, Nathan (Bre) Paton, Molly Paton, Jasmine, Cheyanne; and great great-grandchildren, Levi, Micki, and Emersyn.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com