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Kathleen Hendrickson

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Funeral Services:

Kathleen Sue Hendrickson of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the age of 69. Kathy was born on November 8, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, the daughter of Stanley and Elaine (Zimmerman) Krawczyk. She moved with her family often as a child, eventually graduating from high school in Los Angeles, CA. Kathy started working in nursing homes at the age of 16, first as a Nurse’s Aide, then a Licensed Practical Nurse and eventually received her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked as the Director of Nursing and then as a Nursing Consultant for several nursing homes. Kathy loved collecting antiques and enjoyed the treasure hunt of a local yard sale. She loved her reality shows, especially the Real Housewives franchise. She got her sister, Diane hooked on the Below Deck series and the two of them always discussed the show the day after they were shown. She loved her family and enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David Hendrickson; mother, Elaine Krawczyk; daughter, Stacy Hildner; son, Sean VanKranenburg; brother, Stanley Krawczyk; and aunt, Lorelyn Adams.
Surviving is her father, Stanley Krawczyk; sister, Diane (Craig) Galloway; grandchildren, Derek (Kayla) Krawczyk, Ariella VanKranenburg; great-grandchildren, Derrick and Wren Krawczyk; stepsiblings, Linda Brockway, Kevin Woodley, Diane Woodley; niece, Deanna (John) Cornell; nephew, Robert (Amanda) Young; and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Kathy was someone who was very set in her ways (she really hated modern technology). She had a great smile and was a loving and caring person who will be missed more than words can say.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Duane Blanche

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Funeral Services:

Duane Julian Blanche, an extremely hard-working father, grandfather, and friend, died on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Duane, 88, of Charlotte was born September 22, 1934, in Muskegon, MI, the son of Walter and Beatrice (Slater) Blanche. On November 14, 1953, Duane married Margaret Hubbel and they moved to Lansing and started their family. He worked at General Motors for 32 years retiring as a fixture repairman. Duane enlisted in the United States Army serving for six years. His biggest passion in life was farming, he farmed over 300 acres. When he didn’t have a farm of his own, he would help out fellow farmers. On August 11, 1978, Duane married Janice Martin and together they created lasting memories until her passing in 2010. He was a man that was always busy following his retirement he and Janice started an adult foster care home in Vermontville. Duane also was a truck driver. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed square dancing, bowling, gambling, camping, traveling, collecting coins, singing and most importantly restoring old tractors. Duane over the years restored around 20 tractors.
Duane is survived by his children, George (Robin) Blanche, Mark (Carleen) Blanche, and Diane Cox; grandchildren, Melinda (Kilee) Sandin-Gardner, Macie (Patrick) Garner, Courtney (Aaron) Bradley, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Smith, and Andrew Blanche; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by wife, Janice Blanche, brother, Fred Blanche; sister, Olive Blanche; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Duane’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Health and Rehabilitation Services Activities Fund or the Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Francis Hook

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Francis “Frank” Dale Hook, a jack of all trades, died Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Frank 88, of Charlotte, was born September 19, 1934, in Baltimore Township, MI, the son of John and Evalyn (Ormsbe) Hook. After graduating from Hastings High School Frank enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. On June 18, 1959, Frank married the love of his life Doris Carter. They spent the next 39 years creating lasting memories until her passing in 1998. He worked as a general laborer for Post Cereal, retiring after 30 years. Frank was a man who enjoyed tinkering on things, from working on cars, lawnmowers, and building wire trees. He also enjoyed collecting coins, replicas of cars, reading and watching westerns, doing word searches and his trips to Cadillac to go mushroom hunting. Above all Frank will be remembered as a man who was always there to support anyone in need.
Frank is survived by his daughter, Debra (Rick) French; grandchildren, Greg (Crystal) Phillips, Jennifer (Miles) Warren, and Cameron Sebrell; three great-grandchildren; sister, Eva Peake; sister-in-law, Glenda Carter; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Doris; son, Russell Hook; siblings, Morris Hook, Dorothy Stratter, Ruth Roush, and Forrest Hook; parents; and brother-in-law, Raymond Carter.
Friends are encouraged to support Frank’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family graveside service will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Dementia Society of America. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Kay MacKenzie

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Funeral Services:

Short in stature, but with a personality larger than life, Kay Lorain MacKenzie, 75, of Vermontville, left the pain of her earthly body and entered the arms of her Lord on October 2, 2022. Kay was born on November 11, 1946, in Rosebush, Michigan to Gerald and Gladys (House) Huber, the oldest of six children. The daughter of a preacher, Kay went to many different schools and traveled around Michigan with her family, graduating from Hastings High School in 1964. She met her future husband, Keith MacKenzie, in high school, and they were married exactly one year to the day after graduation. They started their family in 1968, and in 1972 became the 4K’s, Keith, Kay, Kristine, and Kirk. Kay and Keith leave a big hole in the hearts of the family, as they each received cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2021, and Keith died just six months ago in April.
With a great sense of humor and a love for pranks, Kay enjoyed keeping people guessing on what was coming next. Before a trip bear hunting, Kay and her kids painted her husband’s toenails while he was sleeping, and he didn’t know until he took off his boots and socks at bear camp and his brother commented on how pretty his toes were. She knew her son-in-law hated bugs, so she would buy little plastic bugs to put in his gifts, but this was just an example of the very special relationship they enjoyed, poking and prodding each other. He once gave her a toe tag for her birthday, and she thought that was the funniest gift and was so proud that she carried it in her wallet right next to her birth certificate. Kay was a unique and special person who enjoyed finding the humor in everything she did.
A very sentimental person, Kay loved all the gifts she received, and could share a memory about every special thing she had, and there were many that always had to stay on display so she could see them and remember. She also loved buying special gifts for her friends and family, always knowing what each person collected and keeping an eye out for gifts that showed how much she cared. One of her favorite things was going to resale shops and garage sales and finding snowmen, cardinals, anything MSU, Coca Cola memorabilia, and the list goes on and on because she remembered the things that every loved friend and family member collected.
Some of the special accomplishments that Kay was proud of included the many deer, rabbits, turkey, squirrel, and even black bear that she shot. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, and bowling on a women’s league for many years. In her church, she served as treasurer for many years, was a Sunday School teacher (which started when she was still in high school), led children’s church activities, helped organize luncheons at the church, and she received an award for her work with the WCG (Women of the Church of God) statewide newsletter. Kay had a special place in her heart for children, each with their own special nickname, each knowing their importance and how much they were loved by Kay and loved by the Lord.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Daniel) Sowles; son, Kirk MacKenzie; grandchildren, Carson (Amanda Webster) Ames, Jennelle Mackenzie Petras, Megan (Sam) Jordan, and Amanda (Mark) Wallis; bonus granddaughter, Macy (Devon) Wood; great-grandchildren, Logan Ames, Mackenzie Petras, and Myah Wallis; bonus great-grandson, Mason (Woody) Wood; brothers, Jay Huber, John Huber, and Rick Churchill; sisters, Loretta (Jim) Holm, Valera (Mike) Lewis, and Lori (Mike) Rogers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Don MacKenzie, Doug (Judy) MacKenzie, Den (Bonnie) MacKenzie, and Denice (Joe) Morgan; and many very loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith MacKenzie in April of 2022; sister, Evelyn Huber; infant brother, Jack Huber, sister-in-law, Marilyn MacKenzie; parents; and step-mother, Marilyn Roach.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate a life well lived by attending visitation and funeral services. Visitation was Thursday, October, 6 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Funeral Services were Friday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m. at the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte with Pastor Michael Rysko officiating. The funeral was webcast on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com, click on Kay’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone), and there will be a link for webcasting on this page. The family suggests memorial contributions to South Cochran Church of God. Everyone is invited to share memories of Kay on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Alys Eilene Hoover

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Funeral Services:

Alys Eilene (Wisner) Hoover went to be with the Lord she loved on September 21, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born at home on January 8, 1927, to Joseph Cecil Wisner and Bertha Eva (Gibney) Wisner. The family moved during her childhood to Fremont, Indiana; Montgomery; Michigan, then Eden, Ohio where she graduated from high school. She graduated college from Western Michigan University with an associate degree in business, belonged to Sigma Tau Chi Honorary Business Fraternity and played saxophone in the band. Moving to East Lansing in the 1950’s, she worked for MSU for the State Soil Conservation Committee. She married Clarence R. Hoover in 1956. She was a stay-at-home mom to Debra until she reached high school, volunteering as a Camp Fire Girls leader, Girl Scout leader, and a reading mentor at Northwestern Elementary. She returned to work for the State of Michigan where she worked for the Department of Corrections until her retirement in 1986. A lifelong learner and traveler, she attended 33 Elderhostels and traveled with friends through Europe, Russia, and all 50 US States. She became a Christian clown, belonging to Circus Clown Alley #155 and loved to make children smile, participating in parades, circuses, and the fair. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in groups, missions, bible studies, and United Methodist Women for 60 years. She volunteered in the community at the hospital gift shop though the Auxiliary, at the Lansing Art Gallery, at blood drives, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She had many creative hobbies and was an avid MSU sports fan. She loved to play cards with friends at the Senior Center. Her example of participation and leadership in her church and community lives on in her family.
Alys was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1986; sisters, Mary Louise Richards and Jean Todd in 2015; granddaughter, Emily Salisbury; stepson, Rex Hoover of DeWitt. She is survived by her daughter, Debra (Mark) Salisbury of Eaton Rapids; stepdaughter, Carolyn (Billy) Crego; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at a later time. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.

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Gary Allen Shelton

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Funeral Services:

Gary Allen Shelton of Eaton Rapids, MI and formerly of Holopaw, Florida passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the age of 82. Gary was born on October 20, 1939, in Jackson, MI the son of Hugh Shelton and Mildred Hands. He was a graduate of Lansing Everett High School class of 1957. Gary moved to Florida in 1967 where he owned and operated Big G’s 441 A in St. Cloud and Holopaw Restaurant in Holopaw, FL. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Kissimmee Mounted Police and the Foresters. Gary also enjoyed playing cards, rodeos and racing at the Onondaga Dragway where he won numerous races in his younger years.
He is preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Hugh and Rose Shelton; mother and stepfather, Mildred (Wayne) Lewis; stepson, Terry Quint; and brother, William Shelton.
Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Sharon (Whitham) Shelton; son, Russell (Kim) Shelton; daughter, Kathy Parramore; stepchildren, Gretchen Greer, Troy (Wedon) Quint; grandchildren: Brittney (Gerald) LaTour, Ethan Shelton, Austin Tapp, Trinity Tapp, Sabrina Killmon, Shannon (Bill) Spahn; great grandchildren: Lake, Sutton, Bryston, Josie, Charlie, Emi, Fritz, Baby Killmon; brother, Donald (Margie) Shelton; sisters, Carolyn Brewer, Dorine VanDerhiede, Kathy (Bill) Mathis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity in memory of Gary. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Michael James Brininstool

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Funeral Services:

Michael James Brininstool passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53 on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Michael, the son of Teresa and Howard Hector, was born on March 6, 1969. As a natural born welder and fabricator, he successfully ran his own fabricating business for several years. Mike was an outgoing, caring person who loved to make others smile and laugh. He spent his free time attending and watching the Detroit Lions play alongside his brothers and nephews. Fishing and hunting were a strong passion of Mike’s, but nothing compared to his love for his dog, Buddy, with whom he enjoyed long walks and trips to the river. He loved all kids and enjoyed joking and spending time with them. Mike was a first-time grandpa and could be found showing off pictures of his grandson.
Mike is survived by his children, Michael John of Springport and Jenna of Glenside, PA.; grandson, Elliott; parents, Teresa and Howard Hector of Eaton Rapids; brothers: Gary (Chelle) Brininstool of Lennon, Jesse (Heidi) Brininstool of Eaton Rapids, Howard Hector of Eaton Rapids, Chadwick (Melissa) Hector of Eaton Rapids, John Hector of Wellston, Aaron Brininstool of Iowa, Troy (Debbie) Rowlee of Eaton Rapids; sisters, Cheryl Hector of Eaton Rapids and Angela Mills of Mt. Pleasant; several nieces and nephews, and special family friends, the Kikendalls.
Mike was preceeded in death by his brother, James Brininstool.
Memorial Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8th at the Onondaga Sportsmans Club on Gale Road. The family would like to invite anyone who knew Mike to attend and to share memories.

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William George Cataline

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William George Cataline, age 88 of Lebanon, Kentucky, and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Springfield Nursing and Rehab. Bill was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 2, 1933, and throughout his life, lived in Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and Kentucky. He was a member of the East Tawas Presbyterian Church. After 30 years with General Motors, he retired in 1994. It was at this time that he and his wife Marilyn started traveling throughout the United States, visiting fifty capitals along the way.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Cataline; father, Leslie Cataline; stepfather, Harry Tracy; and a brother, Ron.
Surviving him are his wife, Marilyn Cataline; three children: Jeffrey, Julie, and Jon; brothers, Jim and Dick; a sister, Sharen; seven of nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Bill participated in sports in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and was active in Youth Football Programs in the Lansing, Michigan area. He loved traveling, biking, carpentry and building, and enjoying his grandchildren. He served his country with the U.S. Army.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, 315 S. River Street, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. A luncheon will be held at 3:00 p.m., also at Skinner Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Rosehill Cemetery at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Martha Powelson

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Martha Louise Powelson, the kind of lady that was a friend forever, died September 22, 2022, at the age of 75. Martha was born in Eaton County on July 10, 1947, to George and Louise (Wright) Day. Martha graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965, and soon after went to work for the State of Michigan, where she worked in various departments until her retirement from the Treasury Department 13 years ago. A quiet and shy sort of person, Martha was also very thoughtful and kind, a true friend to those she knew. She enjoyed refinishing furniture in her she-shed, collecting elephants and teacups.
Martha is survived by her husband, Kenneth; grandson, Conner Powelson; sisters, Lorraine (Carl) Burton and Jennifer (Ed) Dunton; brothers, Patrick (Beverly) Day and George (Rose) Day; and many nieces and nephews including her beloved local nephews, Pat Day and Liam Day. She was predeceased by her daughter, Nicole Geahan.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services were Friday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Fogle officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Victor Braatz

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Victor Steven Braatz, age 68, of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was born August 20, 1954, in Lansing. Victor grew up in Charlotte and in his youth had a love for playing sports. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1972. After graduation he served his country in the Marine Corp and upon his honorable discharge, he pursued a career as a carpenter.
Although a carpenter by trade, Victor was always an active member of the community. He was instrumental in the upstart of the Charlotte Community Garden and the Eaton County Recovery Network. He deeply enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, traveling, literature, fishing, cooking, and sports.
Victor is survived by his sons: Jeromi (Ashley) Braatz of Kalamazoo, Jared Braatz of Charlotte, Tyler (Samantha) Braatz of Portage; mother of his children, Micki Smith; grandchildren: Chace, Norah, Aryah, Bailey; siblings: Charles (Janet) Braatz, Sarah Dunn, Judy Ruffner, Tom (Pam) Braatz, Jeff (Mary Grace) Braatz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hilda Braatz; sister, Marilyn Braatz; and brother, Curtis Braatz.
In keeping with Victor’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Victor’s memory to the Siren/Eaton Shelter, Hospice of Lansing, or your local animal shelter.
To view Victor’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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