Obituaries
David Edward Halsey
David Edward Halsey of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away Saturday, March 25 at the age of 86. David was born January 17, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI and attended Springport schools, graduating in 1955. David proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge from the military, David went to work for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids, and then for Oldsmobile, from where he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, mountains, fishing, and canoeing. He had a vast knowledge of plants and fungi, which served him well while participating in survival experience trips. Family members fondly remember David sharing his knowledge on walks through nature.
David is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Halsey.
Surviving is his sister Suzi (Keith) Hiatt; nieces and nephews, Holly (Mark) Mayes, Kirk Hiatt, Temple Parker, and Ariel Hiatt; great nieces and nephews, Kelsi Weaver, Mackenzie Caksackkar, Aislyn Ambler, Skylar Yeager, Ashton Parker, and Karson Parker; and several cousins.
A memorial will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Eaton Rapids Conservation Club starting at 2 p.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Outdoor Wishmakers in memory of David. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Claude Harrison Murray, Jr.
Claude (Skip) Harrison Murray, Jr., of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 7, 2023, at the age of 79. Skip was born in Lansing, MI, October 18, 1943, the son of Claude and Dorothy (Robbins) Murray. Skip was a life-long resident of Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Lansing Community College and retired from General Motors. Skip enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, traveling out west, was an avid NASCAR fan and mostly enjoyed spending time at the cottage. He was a volunteer and board member of the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club.
Skip is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Ken) Brochu of Seeley Lake, MT and Rene’ (Tim Smith) Nobert of Jackson; grandchildren, Lindsey (Tom) Freels of Seattle, Brendon Brochu of Bozeman, and Ashley Nobert of Jackson; brother, Tom (Phyllis) Murray of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law, Kathy Murray of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 43 years, Janet (Montross) Murray; sister, Linda Murray; brothers, Ralph and Raymond Murray; sister-in-law, Janet Murray and brother-in-law, James Montross.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with interment following in Dimondale Cemetery. Visitation took place on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club, PO Box 1153 Evart, MI 49631. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Pennie Jean Newberry
The family of Pennie Newberry, age 71, of Eaton Rapids, MI is saddened to announce her passing on April 7, 2023. Pennie was born on June 29, 1951.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Charlie (Amanda) Newberry, Wanda Newberry, Eva Clother, Melody (Robert) Passolt and Dennis Hurd; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zoe, Savanna, Cooper, Levi, Ty, Trista, Tia, Felicia, Patience, Miranda, and Trent; multiple great-grandchildren including a great-granddaughter Isabel with whom she had a very special relationship; sisters, Bobbie Mohler, Charla (Greg) Rudderow, Kaye (John) Mueller and many nieces and nephews.
Pennie was preceeded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Wayne Newberry; her parents, Charles and Wanda Head; and nephew, Travis Peterson.
Pennie loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always involved and adored watching everyone grow. Her face always lit up when she shared stories about their accomplishments. Pennie was an excellent cook, and everyone could feel her love in the food she prepared, whether that be for a small family get-together or a large gathering.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the family to celebrate Pennie’s life.
Betty June Parr
Betty June (Hall) Parr was born on November 26, 1928, in Emmett Township (Battle Creek), Michigan, the daughter of Alva A. Hall and Thersa (Lamb) Hall. On August 16, 1946, Betty married Russell W. Parr in Angola, Indiana.
Betty raised five children while helping Russell on their farm. She was a caregiver, and no one ever left her home hungry. She loved family gatherings, gardening, playing cards and horseshoes, reading, bowling and spending time fishing and relaxing at their Diamond Lake cabin.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 73 years, Russell; brother, Harold; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Parr. She is survived by her children, Marcia (Jerry) Robinson of Battle Creek, Steven (Janet) Parr of Bellevue, Mary (James) Adrianson of Hickory Corners, Gary (Rose) Parr and Russell Parr, Jr. both of Vermontville; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 5:00 p.m. A memorial dinner will be provided following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund, 201 North Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 or the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Charles Henry Holliday
Charles “Chuck” Henry Holliday, a devoted husband, brother, and friend, died at his home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Chuck, 90, of Eaton Rapids, was born May 21, 1932, in Olivet, MI. the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Lott) Holliday. Following graduating from Dimondale High School Chuck enlisted in the Army where he was a Radio Operator. Upon returning home he married Myrtle Swan on May 12, 1956, and the couple devoted their life together for 67 years. He worked as a Milk Hauler for Myrtle’s father until he took over the business until his retirement in 1989. Many will remember Chuck for being a simple man that enjoyed fishing, hunting, working around his yard, spending time with his family and friends, and wintering in Florida in the Port Charlotte area. Above all Chuck was proud of his marriage and the home that he and Myrtle built.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Myrtle; godson, David (Rita) Shively; sister, Kim Holliday; sister-in-law, Cindy (Mike) Eagan; nephew, Todd (Linda) Burns; and niece, Tami (Jim) Corwin. His family would like to give a special thanks to Jim and Marcia Case, and Steve Murray for all their help over the years. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Betty Goff; and all his beloved dogs from over the years.
Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Parkinson’s Association or a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.