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Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

Lester William Kennicott of Eaton Rapids passed away August 31, 2017 at the age of 99. Lester was born in Gunplains Township in Allegan County on September 2, 1917, the son of Guy and Margaret (Shook) Kennicott. He was very passionate about riding his Harley motorcycle and his quad, was a member of the North American Hunt Club, St. Peter Catholic Church and a life member of the NRA. He farmed his whole life, enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, fish fries and had a great love for his dogs.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Larry) Keefer of Mulliken, Jane (Patrick) Dotson of Charlotte, Patricia (Robert) Fuller of Marshall; sons, James Kennicott of Eaton Rapids, William (Marcella) Kennicott of Westland, Mich., Bruce (Lola) Kennicott of Burlington, Mich.; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Fran) Kennicott of Plainwell.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine, and sister, Betty Grindol of Plainwell.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, with Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Rosehill Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Great Lakes Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest register.

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Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

Henry (Hank) Lamont Markison II passed peacefully on July 31 at home, in the company of his son and daughter in West Danville, Vermont. He was born in Hardwick, Vermont to Henry Lamont Markison, Sr. and Anna (Hill) Markison. After the drowning death of his father (WWI VFW member) in 1929, the family moved to the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids with his mother and sister where his mother, Anna became a housemother at the home. He recollected of the home having cows, an apple orchard, silent movies and a school bus with a wooden frame. Hank was sent to live with family and Greensboro, Vermont in 1942, and at the age of 17, joined the Army, where he was assigned to the Field Artillery, 25^th Division in Japan. He became a lifelong member of the VFW in 1947. Hank was married to Mary (Baker) Dimond of Charlotte from 1960 until her passing in 1996.

Hank was a private pilot, restored Model T Fords, enjoyed building and fixing things, and in good fun, mercilessly teased everyone around him. He was a great benefactor of the VFW and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

Hank was predeceased by his parents; sister, Hazel V. Miller; and his beloved wife, Mary (Baker Dimond) Markison.

He is survived by his son, Henry Lamont Markison III; daughter, Lynda Markison; stepchildren, Kathy Edington, Mary Pat (Dave) Haigh, Lorrie Louckes, Richard Dimond; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He left us to be with his wife, Mary, whom he cherished and loved.

On his birthday, August 9, and in accordance with his wishes, Hank’s ashes were placed on the property of his ancestors in his home state of Vermont. Eternal rest granted unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

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Funeral Services:

Cathy Sue Sulcer, 62, of Bellevue, passed away on September 2, 2017. She was born on November 17, 1954, to John M. and Maudie J. (Jeffrey) Keeney in Madison, West Virginia. Cathy graduated from Olivet High School.  She married Ernest Sulcer on January 17, 1976, and together they raised four children.

Cathy will be remembered for having the “biggest heart.” She loved everyone, and would do anything for them.  Cathy loved the fact that she had a close-knit family. She was a great homemaker, cooked from scratch, and taught all of her children how to cook. She enjoyed painting ceramics, stained glass and other various art projects.  Cathy’s love for singing led her to sing with a band. She also loved dancing, and reading, especially the Bible.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest Sulcer; children, Ernest John (Ashley) Sulcer, Christopher Max Sulcer, Michael Eric Sulcer, and Terra Star Sulcer; five grandchildren; a brother, John Keeney; and many other loved ones.

Cathy was predeceased by her parents, John M. Keeney and Maudie J. Keeney.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Pray Funeral Home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cathy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. If desired, the family requests memorial gifts to the family.

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Funeral Services:

Judy Quantrell, 75, died peacefully on August 2, 2017 at home in Charlotte. She was born on June 18, 1942 in Batesville, Ark. to Alvin Perrin and Imogene (Tate) Antisdel. Jack and Judy are the owners of The Country Kettle in Nashville. Judy loved spending time with her family and friends and being together at their restaurant. Judy loved to joke and play pranks with her family and friends. She was loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Quantrell; children, John (Julie) Parish, Connie (Russ) Jolly, Jeff (Lisa) Parish, Todd Parish, Brent (Vicky) Mallo, Debbie (Jerry) Davis, Jim (Carol) Quantrell, Jack (Laurie) Quantrell, Katie (Andy) Clarke; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; six brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, just prior to the service at the funeral home.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Judy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

January 13, 1929 - June 1, 2017

Funeral Services: June 8, 2017

Donald Judson Ulrey, 88, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, June 1, 2017. Don was born January 13, 1929 in Steuben, Mich., the son of Judson and Bernice (Johnson) Ulrey. Don graduated from Sturgis High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and proudly serving aboard the submarine USS Cavezon in China during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Joann Marie Jackson in Utica, Mich. in 1957, and the two started their family. He went to work for the Michigan State Police from 1955-1981 before working in Bureau Regulator Services until his retirement in 1994. He remained a member of the VFW and American Legion as well as the Michigan State Police Command Officers. Don also proudly honored the lives of other veterans as a member of the Ft. Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard, where he will be laid to rest and honored by his fellow honor guardsmen. When Don was not devoting his time to service organizations he enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, and traveling. His favorite place to travel was to the U.P. Above all, Don loved his family.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joann; sons, Donald (Dana) Ulrey Jr. and David Joseph Ulrey; daughter, DeAnn Joy Ulrey; grandchildren, D’Lynn (Tim) Amatrone, Dawn (Gary) Layfield, and Cole Ulrey; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Tyler, Novilee, Aubrey, and Brennen.

He is predeceased by his parents and four siblings.

A memorial service was held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Tim Olson officiating. Interment will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Monday, June 12, 2017.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Fallen Troopers Association.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Don on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

January 1, 1970 - June 2, 2017

Funeral Services: June 16, 2017

Leola Dora Lundstrum, formerly of Nashville, passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s on June 2, 2017 at Sugarbush House in Flint. Leola was born on April 5, 1924 to Sherman Leroy Tidd and Delilah Bell Kelley in Grand Ledge.  Leola finished the 10th grade, and then graduated from the Melba Academy of Beauty Culture, in Lansing. She worked as a beautician in Lansing near the Capitol, where she would give manicures to politicians and hairstyles to their wives.

She married the love of her life, Gerald Raymond Lundstrum on September 9, 1944 at the People’s Church in East Lansing. Leola was a dedicated mother and farm wife, supporting her husband in his agricultural endeavors, including driving tractor herself.  She was a maple syrup producer with her husband, and made many dishes with maple syrup, including pie, popcorn balls, and spring lettuce topped with maple syrup and brown sugar.

She loved hummingbirds and flowers, especially gladiolus, rhododendrons, and peonies. She had an affinity for a particular shade of blue, and painted many things that color. She decorated extensively for Christmas and hand-made Christmas ornaments which she would give to friends and family.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her two sisters, Leona Deyarmond and Mildred Root; brother, Sherman Valentine Tidd; and son in-law, Richard Graham.

She is survived by children, Clifford (Mary) Lundstrum and Vickie Graham; grandchildren, Russell (Jenni) Lundstrum, Autumn (Darren) Bagley, Cynthia (Ian) Vissers; and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon and Emily Lundstrum, Lonna and Orion Bagley, and Jack, Sam, and Ryan Vissers.

Leola was loved by members of her blended family, Jacqueline (David) Sandiford and Allison, Amanda and Molly Sandiford.

Memorial services will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. Coffee hour, to share memories of Leola will begin at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Eaton Area Senior Center.

The family wishes to make a special thanks to both Sugarbush House and Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their loving care of Leola.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Leola on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

January 18, 1946 - June 5, 2017

Funeral Services:

Minnie Belle “Peggy” Jenson, 71, of Vermontville, died June 5, 2017 in Lansing.  She was born in Porthsmouth, Ohio on January 18, 1946 to Drew and Violet (Sparks) Yates. She moved to this area in 1968, following her sister’s family, and began working at the Townhouse restaurant. Minnie was well known as a great waitress who took excellent care of her customers at Sharon’s Café and the Charlotte Country Club. She was a caring, loving person, very understanding and compassionate, while always working hard and setting an excellent example and giving great advice to her friends and family. Minnie was known for her great memory and the love for her children and grandson.

Minnie is survived by her son, Michael Payne; daughter, Melissa Jenson; son-in-law, Eric; and her grandson, Jericho, who was the apple of her eye; and very special friend, Barb Powers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Jenson in 1986; significant other, Ivan Suntken in 2011; sisters, Helen Jordan and Linda Back; brothers, Lee Yates, Robert Yates, and Clifford (Tick) Yates; several nephews and a niece.

A celebration of Minnie’s life will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is prior to the service on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Minnie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

November 4, 2941 - June 5, 2017

Funeral Services:

Connie Lou Owen, 75, of Charlotte, formerly of Olivet, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. Connie was born November 4, 1941 in Charlotte, the daughter of Russell M. and Donnis L. (Gifford) Owen and was a lifelong area resident. She was a retired caregiver and babysitter for people in their own homes. She enjoyed listening to music, going for rides and loved all animals, especially cats.

Surviving are her brother, Marvin (Burdeena) Owen of Charlotte; sister, Nancy Lambert of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sally Jensen; and brothers-in-law, Wes Lambert and Robert Jensen.

Per Connie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No services will be held. Private inurnment will take place in the Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may go to Sensations Memory Care of Charlotte or to the Tri-County Office on Aging.

Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home of Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

December 16, 1947 - June 1, 2017

Funeral Services: June 5, 2017

Flora Mae Miller, 69, of Vermontville, passed away June 1, 2017 at her home. She was born December 16, 1947 in Beloit, Wisc., the daughter of Clarence and Marcella (Purdy) Hart. Flora married the love of her life, Richard John Miller Jr., August 8, 1981 at The Rose Garden in Lansing.

After moving to Michigan, Flora pursued an Art Degree at LCC. Later she became an Assistant Art Professor at LCC. She also sold real estate for Westdale Better Homes and Garden until her auto accident in 1991. Flora loved her family, spending time with her children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed summer camping trips, fishing, gardening and loved to Polka Dance around the house with anyone she could get to dance with her. She loved to bird watch, her favorite birds being hummingbirds. Her favorite flowers were red roses.

She is survived by her husband, Richard John Miller Jr. of Vermontville; their daughter, JoElla (Michael) Zimmerman of Portland; her son, Anthony (Thomas “T.J” Thias) Morris of Lansing; daughter, MarCella Morris of Eaton Rapids; step-children, Salinda and Chris Miller; 12 grandchildren, Emily, Trevor, Ava, Owen, Kevin, Brian, Tyler, and Nathan (JoElla and Michael’s), Katie Jo, Christopher (Tracey), Alexa, Shiyanna (MarCella’s); six great-grandchildren, Destiney, Richard, Austin, Keagan, Isaiah, and Jayce; sister, Patricia Alice Henning of Beloit; and three nephews, Mark (Kris) Winchester, Charles (Jessi) Winchester, and Clarence “Trinity” (Diane) Winchester, all of Beloit.

She loved her dear granddogs, Daisy Mae, Annie, Maggie Mae, Roxy, Oak, Tila, LuLu, Squirt, Pearl, Sadie, and Army.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Hart; mother-in-law, Arlene O. Miller; and her caregiver for the past 26 years, Judy Harmon. A special thank you to her long time caregiver and special friend Joyce Ginder.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 5, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kidney Foundation.

Memories of Flora can be shared with her family on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.