Obituaries
Frank James Gatlin
Frank James Gatlin of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 14, 2023, at the age of 89. Frank was born in Obion County, TN, June 22, 1934, the son of Dalton and Ivadale Gatlin. He was employed with General Motors as a factory worker, retiring in 1985 with 33 years of service. Frank was a member of the Wayside Chapel in Mason for several years. He was a gifted mechanic who enjoyed working on cars. Frank was a well-known figure in Eaton Rapids. If you made a visit to Quality Dairy in town, you might have seen him sitting behind the counter eating a donut and sharing his life stories.
Frank is survived by his children, Nancy (Richard) Pruden of Eaton Rapids, Charles (Sally) Gatlin of Eaton Rapids, Dennis (Carissa) Gatlin of OK; grandchildren, Christopher (Laura) McDaniel, Amanda Handziak, Rebecca Lewis, Jennipher Longerbean, Dalton (Caitlyn) Gatlin; 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Gatlin; six brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were at 5 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation took place the same day from 3:30-5 p.m. Interment will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023, in Munger Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Evelyn J. Rigelman
Evelyn J. Rigelman, 96, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. She was born in Marshall, Michigan on April 9, 1927, the daughter of Clyde and Julia (Powers) Churchill.
Evelyn was a graduate of Marshall High School, Class of 1944 in Marshall, MI. She met Elsworth D. Rigelman “Al” while he was working on her family’s farm. They married in Angola, Indiana, on November 18, 1949, and together celebrated 67 years of marriage before he passed away on November 5, 2016. Evelyn worked outside the home at both Kellogg’s and O&I before raising her family at home. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, and her cats, but most of all her family.
Evelyn is survived by her three children, Steven (Jean) Rigelman of Olivet, Mike Rigelman of Olivet, Robert Rigelman of Lansing; grandchildren, Nicole (Brad) Baker of Olivet, Kristi (Bob) Janvrin of Marshall, Phillip Rigelman (Amy Whitcomb) of Olivet; five great-grandchildren, Lydia (Anthony) Twichell, Lilly, Levi, Landon, and Andrew. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, and parents.
Relatives and friends were received on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. A funeral service celebrating the life of Evelyn took place at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel of Lee Center United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Rice Creek Cemetery, Marshall, MI. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to donate to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Harold Williams, Jr.
Harold Williams, Jr., a hard-working and dedicated farmer, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Harold was born September 27, 1927, in Charlotte, the son of Harold Loomis and Etta Elizabeth (Remington) Williams. He attended Olivet High School. On April 4, 1946, he embarked on a beautiful journey of love and partnership when he married Alice Day. Harold lovingly described her as “the love of his life,” a sentiment that encapsulated the deep bond they shared throughout their years together. In fact, Alice and Harold entered the gates of Heaven only months apart.
Harold and Alice moved to Okemos shortly after their marriage, where Harold went to work farming on his uncle’s farm. He rounded his busy work-life with working part time at local slaughterhouses, and tending the grounds at East Lawn Cemetery. In 1966, Harold and Alice decided to move back to the Olivet area, where they bought Alice’s family farm on Bradley Road. Together, they raised crops and their two sons. Harold was an exquisite gardener. He loved time spent in the outdoors, especially raising vegetable and flower gardens to perfection, and in the woods hunting deer.
Harold is survived by his sons, David Williams and Lynn Williams; grandchildren, Scott Williams and Deanna Miller; great-grandchildren, Madison Williams, Jersey Gaedert, Simon Miller, and Nathanael Miller; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Audrey, Wava, Gleason, Romah, and Garry.
Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and Memorial Service dates will be available at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Elaine Joyce Page
Elaine Joyce Page, a strong, independent, cancer survivor, died on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Elaine 91, of Charlotte, was born December 3, 1931, in Lansing, MI. the daughter of Neil and Florence (Halsey) Sprague. She grew up on a farm in Potterville and later graduated from Potterville High School in 1949. On September 23, 1950, Elaine married the love of her life, Don Page. Elaine was so proud of her family’s strong military and police background; she was proud that she was a daughter of The American Revolution. She is retried from Carl’s Supermarket in Potterville. Elaine was very talented, she was known for making countless wedding cakes, as well as her seamstress abilities and making her children’s clothing. Other hobbies for her included swimming, bowling, and spending time with her family. Elaine was very proud of her strong Christian beliefs.
Elaine is survived by her children, Chris Miller, Cindy Page, and Peggy Whitson (Bruce Goodwin who also was Elaine’s caretaker); grandchildren, Shani (John) Shannon, Harvest (Trevor) Bosworth, Angel (Nathan) Shain, Autumn Waterman, and Forest (Melissa) Whitson; great-grandchildren, Haven, Sage, Rhyan, Ruby, Ava, Micah, Liam, and Myla; sisters, Marie Backus, and Nancy (Alan) VandenBerg; and her beloved cat, Jenks. She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; and brother, Dale Sprague.
Friends are encouraged to support Elaine’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Cremation is taking place and then Elaine will be interred at Benton Township Cemetery next to her husband. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Saved by Zade. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Julia Ann Foreman
Julia Ann Foreman of Jackson, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 14, 2023, at the age of 58, after a short battle with cancer. Julia was born in Mt. Clemons, Michigan on December 2, 1964, the daughter of Phillip Schamehorn and the late Mary (Moore) Kikendall. She had many hobbies over the years, such as gardening, baking, going to the beach, and car shows, but most of all, she cherished her role as Grandma. Julia loved her grandchildren and spending time with them whenever she could. Julia was an avid university of Michigan football fan and enjoyed spending her Saturday afternoons watching the games. She was dedicated to customer service, working for many years as a manager at Hutch’s, a greeting card merchandiser at Grand Greeting Cards, and waitress at The Coachlight Inn.
She is survived by her loving husband, Douglas Foreman of Jackson; children, Juan (Courtney) Schamehorn of Grand Ledge, Jessica (Ben Sisa) Grider of The Jeep, James (Ashley) Grider of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren, Jade Schamehorn, Addison Schamehorn, Marcus Schamehorn, Jadrian Grider; father, Phillip (Martha) Schamehorn; siblings, Carolyn (Larry) Siefert of Springport, Phillip (Emily) Schamehorn of Ft. Wayne, IN; stepsiblings, Anita and Kelly; beloved dog, Lucy. Julia is preceded in death by her mother, Mary (Moore) Kikendall; brother, Barry Frasier.
Funeral Services were held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday August 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation was Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Lone Star Dog Ranch Rescue, 10030 County Road 288, Anna, TX in loving memory of Julia Ann Foreman. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.