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William C. Vance

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Funeral Services:

William “Bill” Clayton Vance — a selfless and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — died peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in Kalamazoo. Bill was born November 14, 1962, in Charleston, WV, the son of Clarence Wesley and Gay (Kessinger) Vance.  The family moved to Potterville in 1964, where Bill graduated high school in 1980. He went to work at Spartan Motors, starting on the line and working his way up to supervisor.
Bill was most at peace in the outdoors. His greatest passions including hunting and fishing, as well as NASCAR. He and Sue held season race tickets for 10 years, camping on the infield and traveling to Bristol. He played baseball at Spartan Motors and enjoyed bowling. Bill was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. He collected guns and knives and was fanatical about paranormal activity, especially theories on aliens and sasquatch. The family also spent time at their cabin on Narrow Lake, where Bill was usually the pontoon boat captain. All who knew Bill loved him. Many will remember his strength, his love for family and for always having a candy bar ready for his grandson Cooper.
Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sue; daughters, Tabitha Vance and Billi Jean (fiancé Cody Hennaut) Vance; grandson, Cooper Hennaut; five sisters, Nancy (Patrick) Pung, Brenda (Charles) Tomlinson, Chris (Steve) Morris, Terri (Joe) Jenson, and Rita Poyer; godson, Maverick Kreps; best friend for life, Charlie Berryhill; and his dog, Mia. He was predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law, Brian Poyer; and his dog, Hunter.
Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family. A memorial service was held on January 30, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home with Bill’s uncle, Rev. James Vance officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family in the care of the Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bill on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Helen L. Vierk

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Funeral Services:

Helen Louise Vierk, age 95, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, in Marshall. Helen was born October 22, 1924, in Vermontville, the daughter of Boyer and Hazel (Wells) Rickle. She graduated from Vermontville High School in 1942 and enrolled in comptometer classes at Lansing Community College. Helen married Lee Vierk on September 13, 1947, and the two started their life together on the farm. She worked six years at Oldsmobile before going to work full-time alongside Lee on their “3000 layer” egg farm. Helen was a co-founder of the Spaulding 4H Club and a life member of Michigan Farm Bureau. She volunteered countless hours to the Eaton County Fair, as well as with the Eaton County Adult Handicap Programs. In her personal time, Helen loved sewing and crocheting and time outdoors in her flower gardens.  She and Lee also enjoyed traveling, including winters in Texas, a caravan through Mexico to Cancun and a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were 35-year members of the Good Sam RV Club.  Following Lee’s death in 2010, Helen managed on her own, having breakfast everyday at Big Boy and a McDonald’s cheeseburger every night for dinner. Above all, Helen loved her family.
She is survived by her son, Larry (Diana) Vierk of Charlotte; daughters, Janet Bowers of Olivet and Brenda Vierk of Lansing; six grandchildren, Mark (Denise) Vierk, Chris (Nicole) Vierk, Tracie (Chris) Portillo, Chanda (Todd) Aves, Matt (Kyleigh Kunkel) Bowers and Melissa (Bruce) Carpenter; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Wood; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Lee; brothers, Douglas Rickle and Bob Rickle; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Helen’s family. Funeral services were held January 28, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Helen on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Roland H. Korp

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Funeral Services:

Roland “Ron” Henry Korp, age 89, of Charlotte — a proud patriot and loving husband, father and grandfather — died peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Ron was born June 22, 1930, in Niles, Mich., the son of Roland Glen and Dorothy Bell (Bergoine) Korp.
He graduated from high school in Bellevue in 1949 before enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from the war, he went to work in 1953 for the Grand Truck Railroad, retiring in 1992 as leading car inspector. Ron also served in the Michigan National Guard for many years, earning his retirement as a Master Sergeant. He was a member of the Charlotte VFW and the Eaton Area Senior Center. Ron had a passion for his cars, always keeping them in pristine condition, even waxing the engine. He loved Christmas time and lived life with a perpetual smile. Ron never had an enemy and will be missed and remembered by many.
Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Korp; his children, Susan Gleason, Tim (Mary) Korp, Rhonda (Tom) Crawford and Tracy (John) Golematis; grandchildren, Angela, Matthew, Andrew, Tayler, Abby, Hannah, Savannah, and Andra; great-grandchildren, Erika, Mia, Carina, Meghyn, Sophie, Reece, Laigha, Violet and another on the way; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Betty (Herbert) Ellis, Kenneth (Vicky) Winslow, Robert (Doris) Korp and Claribell (Cecil) Stice.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Visitation was scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020, at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ron on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Barbara J. Allen

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Funeral Services:

Barbara J. Allen, age 88 of Charlotte, formerly of New Port Richey, Fla., passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She was born on May 29, 1931, in Vermontville. Barbara worked her entire life at Michigan Bell Telephone Company as operator, repair supervisor and later as toll testman. She retired to Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, New Port Richey, Fla., in 1982, with her husband Chester Allen. She lived there until 2017 when she moved back to Michigan to be near her family. She enjoyed playing golf and won many tournaments over the years. She lost one eye to a tumor shortly after retirement that never held her back or changed her golf game. Barbara was predeceased  by her parents Norma (McNabb) and Don Bosworth and her husband Chester D. Allen in 2000. Barbara is survived by her siblings, Karen McGlaughlin (Lavell Howe) of Charlotte, Edwin (Ruth Bosworth) of Cadillac, her nieces Ginger Terpstra (Rick) of Charlotte, Shawn Raleigh (John) of Charlotte, nephew Don Rogers (Brandi Viele) of Colorado Springs, CO and nieces Teresa (Mart) Williams of Cadillac, Debbie (Ted) Lockwood of Traverse City. Cremation has taken place. No services will be held per her request. Special thanks go out to Julie Coenen for the tremendous care and compassion given until her passing. Also, thanks are offered to special caregivers Megan and Marie at the Haven. Contributions in her memory can be made to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing MI 48910.

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Agnes V. Graves

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Funeral Services:

Agnes Victoria Graves, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services with her family by her side. She was born at home near Nashua, Mont., the daughter of Albert and Minnie Pearson Schakosky on January 27, 1925. Her childhood was spent on the family homestead. She attended a one-room school, named Big Four School. After graduating from that school, she went on to high school and graduated from Glasgow, Montana High School in 1941, just before World War II was declared. When soldiers began to be stationed in Glasgow, she became a USO hostess. It was then that she met John Graves from Texas, as he was there training on the B-17 bombers. They were married in Melissa, Tex., once he returned from flying 25 bombing missions over Europe. Together, they spent several years in Texas before moving to Michigan. Aggie worked for the State of Michigan, Department of Social Services, in Lansing. She retired after 27 years of service. In retirement, she became a volunteer for various organizations including Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Woldumar Nature Center, Mobile Meals, American Red Cross, Charlotte Business Women Organization and the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. When it became evident there was a need for a facility for the senior population, she became a part of the effort to secure the Eaton Area Senior Center, of which she was a life member. Aggie also enjoyed traveling in both the United States and Europe.
She is survived by her children: Vicki (Don) Voisin of Charlevoix, Jessica (Everett) Gard of Clarkston, Matthew (Tammy) Graves of Rockford, Andrea (Wayne) Price of Conway, S.C.; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Alyce (Hugo) Mosser of Slaton, Tex.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2020, at noon at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family was to receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon at the church on Friday. Those desiring, may make contributions in Aggie’s honor to the American Red Cross.

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Gary L. Mandel

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Funeral Services:

Gary Lee Mandel, age 70 passed away January 25, 2020, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born November 2, 1949, to Raymond and Helen (Kieffer) Mandel in Neenah, Wisc.
Throughout his life, he was a factory worker, a social worker in Walworth County, Wisc., and a SSA federal employee retiring in 2011. He loved all Wisconsin sports and outdoor activities — including hiking, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping, golfing and playing softball.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sons Shawn I. Mandel and Shannon McQuillin.
Surviving are his partner Lynda Norris, brother Roy (Nancy) Mandel, children Erin Shilo (Jeff Turley) Mandel, Garrett Mandel, Gina (Justin) Langholff Morgan, Shawyn (Kyle) Anderson, ErinRose McQuillin, Samatha (Len) Skar, Roy (Chrystal) Aseltine and Chet (Mandy) Norris, 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, special niece Teri Rae Mandel and nephew Rick Mandel and many life-long friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

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John K. Cripe

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Funeral Services:

John Kenneth Cripe, age 70, passed away on January 25, 2020, in Powell, Tenn. John was born June 18, 1949 in Jackson, Mich.
John enjoyed racing cars in his younger years, as well as mud bogging. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, where he fought in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Michigan National Guard and General Motors.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Myrtle. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sister Lois (Terry); six children, John (Jatana), Jill, Janell (Tony), Janie (Justin), Jeremiah and Jeff (Melissa); step-children Bobbi, Scott and Stephanni; grandchildren, Jordan (Alyssa), Justin, Aleisha, Samantha, Michael, Michelle, Zach, J.J., Brandon, Rhyleigh, Gracie, Noah, Meghan, Audrey, Hazel, Maizie, Justice and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at the VFW Post 6056, 230 Mechanic St. in Springport, on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m.

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Jannette A. Towns

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Funeral Services:

Jannette Alice Towns of Eaton Rapids passed away January 28, 2020, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of Hoyle and Mary Agnes (Winegar) McMurtrie. Jannette graduated from Springport High School in 1958 and resided in Eaton Rapids for 54 years. She worked and retired from Eaton Stamping, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Parma and loved working in her garden and cooking. Jannette liked to travel, when she was able, to see her grandchildren and extended family.
Jannette is survived by her son, Ted (Patrycja) Towns of Tampa; grandchildren, Maggie, Liam, Connor and Aiden Towns; brothers, Calvin McMurtrie of Parma, Wesley (Rosie) McMurtrie of Parma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene McMurtrie and Douglas McMurtrie and sister, Gloria Arnold.
Jannette will be cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jannette’s memory to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, in Eaton Rapids. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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Norman E. Reist

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Funeral Services:

Norman Eugene Reist, age 69, of Charlotte, died on January 20, 2020. He worked as a baker at Reist’s Bakery. No funeral services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Michael G. Tappen

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Funeral Services:

Michael Glenn Tappen Jr., age 51, passed away on January 19, 2020. He was a hardworking man and a talented artist. Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. He expressed his artistry when he had the time to put together a great costume and was creative with Halloween makeup. He was born on May 7, 1968, in Cherry Point, N. C., to Michael and Mary (Schronce) Tappen.  Mike graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986 and then earned his associates degree from Baker College. He was in the Marine Corps. A very dedicated, hard-worker, Mike loved his job on the road trucking, working for a few different companies, including Michigan Packaging and Georgia Pacific. He had currently been employed by Pam Transport. Kind and thoughtful, Mike was always reaching out and finding ways to help others and was generous with his time. He had a great sense of humor but also a stubborn streak that would drive his family crazy. The pride of his life was his three daughters and his granddaughter, and he would brag about them to everyone that would listen.
Michael is survived by his daughters, Hayley, Taylor and Sydney Tappen; granddaughter, Asyria Hill; mother, Mary Tappen; and siblings, Tammy Sherman, Karen Tappen, and Cathy Troutner; his aunt, Carol Tappen, grandma, Kathryn Tappen; and former-wife and best friend Kenda Tappen.  He was predeceased by his father, Michael Glenn Tappen Sr.; grandfather, Milan Tappen; and uncle, John Tappen.
Funeral services were held January 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mike on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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