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Claudia Smith

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Claudia Lucille Smith, a wife and mother who put her family first, passed away on January 5, 2022. Claudia, 90, was born on November 21, 1931, in Bellevue, Michigan to John and Jennie (Nettleton) Morrison.
Claudia built her homemaking skills as a young lady helping to raise her siblings while her parents worked. After she was married, she happily stayed home to raise her children, as well as babysitting for other families. As a good wife, mother, and homemaker she enjoyed time spent in the kitchen or teaching lessons on sewing and other life skills to her children. Some of her children’s favorite memories include time spent together after dinner playing cards or gathered around the TV. Quick with a fly rod, she loved fishing on Narrow Lake with her husband, J.E. both in the boat during the summer and ice fishing in the winter. Rowing the boat correctly was a skill J.E. and Claudia taught their children so they could troll across the lake. A spotless housekeeper, which she learned as a child, Claudia enjoyed keeping the home perfect. She loved gardening, raising Tulips, Gladiolas, Iris’ and Moon Flowers.
Claudia is survived by her daughter, Shirley VanVleet; son, Floyd (Patricia) Smith; grandchildren, Rebecca Reid, Marjorie (Chris) Bashaw, Jeremy (Jennifer) VanVleet, Caitlyn Smith and Lance Smith; great-grandchildren, Samantha (Deven) Hoag, Jake Smith, Richard Harris Jr., Thomas Reid; great-great-grandchildren, Carter Smith, Hunter Hoag, McKenzie Hoag, Scarlett Harris, Violett Harris; brother, Roger (Patricia) Morrison; and brothers-in-law, Harry Smith and Chet Miller. She was predeceased by her husband, J.E. Smith; daughter, Marjanna “Jan” Smith; and her great–grandson, Jayden Smith.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Claudia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family received visitors at Pray Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. A memorial service followed with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating, interment in Benton Township Cemetery. 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 Claudia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Gary Wear

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Gary Wear, age 79 of Vermontville, MI, passed away Sunday, January 9th, at his home.
Gary was born in Sycamore, IL on September 26, 1942, a son of the late Norma (Behlar) and Mervin Wear.
He was raised in Genoa Ill, graduating from Genoa Kingston High School in 1960. As a young man, Gary helped on the family farm, where he developed a passion for raising poultry and at one time was the youngest poultry judge in the state of Illinois.
Shortly after completing high school, Gary joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as the Admiral’s body guard, was commissioned on a submarine, and was involved in two separate helicopter crashes. His time in the Marine Corps afforded Gary the unique opportunity to travel the world and experience many new diverse cultures. While serving in the Marine Corps, Gary also attended the Naval Academy where he was involved in football, lacrosse, crew, and track. Gary served faithfully for 4 years and was honorably discharge in April 1966.
Gary had a passion for learning and after leaving the Marine Corps, he returned home, where he continued his education earning a Bachelors of Science from Judson University. It was his thirst for knowledge, that helped enable Gary to take on just about any adventure. Before he embarked on a new journey, he would spend time reading, and educating himself on details surrounding the places he would be going and events that would be unfolding.
Gary’s working career lead him to Dayton Ohio, where he was employed as the Director of Employee Assistance with the Mead Corporation. When the family relocated to Michigan, Gary worked as a Quality Control Manager for Flex Fab in Hastings, MI while he was completing his Masters Degree in Psychology at Western Michigan University. After completing his formal education, Gary accepted a position with the State of Michigan as the Director of Substance Abuse Programs, a position he held until retiring in 1995.
Gary loved traveling and engaging in different cultures whenever possible. Through the years, Gary has visited many different countries including Mexico, Belize, and China to name a few. He has been scuba diving in the Red Sea, and enjoyed a game of “catch” on the Great Wall of China with his daughter, Heidi. Each trip was not only an adventure but held valuable life lessons about different cultures, foods, and traditions which Gary passed on to his children.
He was an avid outdoorsman and has hunted big game all over the United States. He was especially fond of hunting the Western United States, and has harvested several large animals including elk, buffalo, wild boar, antelope, bear, and whitetail deer. Gary enjoyed family reunions at his brother Jim’s ranch in Wyoming, a trip that always included a hike to Medicine Bow Peak.
Gary understood the importance of “giving back”, and for many years served as the Northeast Regional Chairman for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Post Commander for the American Legion Post 45 in Hastings, Michigan.
Gary is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Karl) Neumaier, Heidi (Mike) Mater, two sisters, Susan (Sym-che) Farma Hai, Nancy (Roy) Halverson, and grandchildren Joshua, Kristapher, David Neumier, Ali, Ridge, Cannon Mater, and honorary granddaughter Hailey Kikendall.
He was preceded in death by his brother and best friend James “Jim” Wear.
Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, January 14th at Grace Church in Nashville, MI with Pastor Don Roscoe officiating.
The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service on Friday January 14th from 11 AM – 1 PM at Grace Church in Nashville, MI.
Immediately following the funeral, Gary’s military service will be recognized with full military honors being rendered by the United States Marine Corps and the American Legion Post 45 from Hastings, with final interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery on a later date.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net

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Jonathan Evert

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Jonathan “Wayne” Evert, age 76, of Olivet, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, January 7, 2022. He was born October 18, 1945, in Charlotte, the son of Ray and Nina (Smith) Evert. Wayne was a devoted father. He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Wayne loved spending time together with them whenever possible. He had a larger-than-life personality and tremendous sense of humor. Although he was often sarcastic, he always did it in love. He enjoyed spending time outdoors but was especially fond of being on the lake fishing. Wayne was always an extremely hard worker. His hands always found work to do. In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed wine, women, and song. This saying was a reflection of his outgoing/fun loving personality.
Wayne is survived by his children: Regina Winegar of Charlotte, Jonathan Evert of Charlotte, Rhonda Anderson of Charlotte, Jennifer Evert of Bellevue, David (Holly) Evert of Olivet, Erica (Kurt) Swift of Olivet, Emily (Ryan Smith) Evert of Charlotte; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, Raymond (Sandy) Evert of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law, Ella Evert of Charlotte; best friend, Mike Root; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: David, Paul, and Ed; and grandson, David Evert II.
The family received friends on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. There was no formal funeral service following the visitation.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Wayne’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice 13444 Preston Dr., Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Waynes’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Marcella M. Sanders

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Marcella Marie Sanders, 92, of Charlotte, a woman devoted to family, died peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022, in Charlotte. Marcella was born December 5, 1929, in Fowler, MI, the daughter of Henry H. and Dorothy (Kowatch) Leik. She graduated from Portland High School and soon married her lifelong love, David Melvin Sanders, and the two started their family. Marcella worked as a teller at Michigan National Bank, and for the State of Michigan during tax season. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care Hospice Thrift shop, where she could partake in one of her favorite hobbies, people watching. Many will remember Marcella as dear friend, lover of dogs, and, above all, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Marcella is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Malerba; son, Mitchell (Angela Dorsett) Sanders; grandchildren; Marci (Jerry) Kohler, Andrea (Jeremie) Cherwinski, David (Nichole) Sanders, and Blair Dorsett; great-grandchildren, Blake Malerba, Carson Kohler, and David, Eva, Ana, and Jacob Sanders; siblings, Rosemary Fouts, Richard Leik, Elicia Rademaker, Francis (Pat) Leik, Larry (Rosemary) Leik, and Judy Feneis; loving goddaughter, Elaine Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, David Melvin Sanders; son, Michael David Sanders; sisters, Rita Secor and Joan Robinson; and several in-laws.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Marcella’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial is being planned for a later date. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to either the Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies Program, any animal shelter of one’s choosing, or the Charlotte High School Bird Feeder. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Myron Montie

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Myron Montie of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 4, 2022, at the age of 91. Myron was born in Mosgrove, PA, August 22, 1930, the son of Michael and Zelma (Ross) Montie. He was a 1948 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Back in the day, Myron worked as a mortgage broker and loved to buy old homes to remodel and sell. He was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, sang in the choir and was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Congregational Church serving on their board. Myron volunteered his time at the Historical Society and the Miller Farm.
Myron is survived by his wife, Leone Montie; children, Michael (Mary) Montie, Patrick (Diane) Montie, Kathy Church, John (Peggy) Montie, Debra (Jeff) Teachout; 9 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; brother, Melvin Montie and sister, Madeline Martin.
A Memorial Service will be 11 am Friday January 14, 2022, at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, 205 Grand St. Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions be made to the Senior Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Ryan Isaac

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Ryan Angus Isaac of Eaton Rapids was born in Lansing, MI., August 13, 1993, the son of Nathan and Jody (Farrar) Isaac. He passed away, December 29, 2021, at the age of 28. Ryan was such a kind-hearted young man and was loved by his family and friends. He was his sister’s biggest supporter and a mentor to all of the kids in the family. His niece and nephew were his world, and he loved his cats. Ryan’s hobbies included playing the guitar and was an avid PS4 gamer. He attended the Wesleyan Church and the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God Church.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Jody Isaac; grandmother, Doretta Isaac; sister, Haleigh (Austin Patton) Isaac; uncle, Noah (Mary) Isaac; aunt, Samantha (Mike) Schwelitz; cousin, Ellen Huff; niece and nephew, Maleah and Nathaniel McQuay. He was preceded in death by his father, Nathan Isaac, grandfathers, Neil Isaac and Jerry Farrar; grandmother, Cynthia Burgess.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Carl Lea

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Carl Lea, 61, formerly of Webber Falls, Oklahoma was born on December 9, 1960 in Charlotte, Michigan to Alvetta (Smith) Lea and Ronald W. Lea and passed away on December 30, 2021 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was married to Diana (Graham) Lea in 1982 in Bellevue, Michigan. Mr. Lea was a construction worker and off-road trail scott for Fun Treks in Colorado. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Cornerstone Tabernacle in Gore, Oklahoma.

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David C. Young

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David Cline Young, 76, of Charlotte, a tight-line ice fishing man of the outdoors, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 in Lansing. David was born February 21, 1945, in Lake Odessa, MI, the son of Rev. C. Fred and Joan Evelyn (Copeland) Young. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1963 and went to work with General Motors. The U.S. Army drafted Dave into service in the Vietnam War in 1965. He proudly served two years before returning to GM, where he worked 43 years, retiring as a Union Representative to Locals 652.
Dave was internationally renowned in the world of ice fishing. He first started fishing with his sons, over 40 years ago. He was one of the finest and widely-known anglers to use the tight line method, a technique developed in his native Michigan. More than anything, he loved to share his knowledge with others, leading him to teach thousands in the art of tight line ice fishing. He toured the country on the pro circuit, appearing in countless tournaments and shows, sponsored by Schooley Reels, Clam, and HT. Many will recognize his regular appearance on the TV Show ICE MEN. The North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) says of Dave, “Dave’s love for teaching kids, for teaching tight lining is unmatched. The number of rods he gave away to people he just met is not countable. When he and son Mark won a prize at an event he looked for the nearest kid to give the equipment to…God bless, tight lines, rest in peace.”
Many will remember Dave’s generosity, passion for the outdoors, dedication to the Detroit Tigers, and, above all, love for his family. Much of Dave’s life was dedicated to hunting and fishing with his sons, and spending time with his grandchildren.
David is survived by his wife and life partner of over 55 years, Christine Young; sons, Matthew (L. Jacobsen) Young, Mark Young (Ann Johnson), Michael Young, Martin (Jessica Herrick) Young; daughter, Mandi Wallace; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey (Blake) Greiner, Josh (Sara) Young, Tyler Young, Brendan Brethauer, Haley Griffin, Hannah Thompson, Delilah Young, and MaKenna Young; 5 great-grandchildren, Justin, Brody, and Maverick Griener, and Easton and Connor Young; sister, Anita Stevens; many nieces and nephews; and countless close friends and sporting buddies. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Pamela Young.
Friends and family are encouraged to support David’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Kristie L. Buehler

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Kristie Lynn (Surato) Buehler, 60, a grandmother extraordinaire and proud patriot, died Monday, January 3, 2022 in Lansing. Kristie was born May 14, 1961 in Lansing, the daughter of Thomas Dean and Sandra Lee (Porter) Surato. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1979 before earning her Bachelor degree from Spring Arbor University. Kristie was proud of her service in the Michigan Army National Guard. She climbed to the rank of Captain and served as Government Technician until 1993, eventually retiring from service in 2001. Following her military career, she worked as an I.T. Disaster Recovery for Consumers Power.
She married the love of her life, David Buehler on July 31, 1987, and the two enjoyed over three decades of happiness. Kristie was known for her prowess in the kitchen. She was always ready for any excuse to prepare prime rib or experiment with new culinary gadgetry. Her family will greatly miss her talents, her love, and, above all, spending time together across three generations.
Kristie is survived by her husband of 34 years, David; daughter, Andrea Arnold of Eaton Rapids; son, Dale (Stephanie) Arnold of Broadway, VA; grandchildren, Astrid and Alistar Arnold; her father, Thomas (Carole) Surato of Lansing; sister, Karole (Mark) Schutte of Ft. Collins, CO; brother, Kurt (Linda) Surato of Eaton Rapids; step-father, Daryl Eldred of Charlotte; and her nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Sandra Eldred in 2020.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Kristie’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration will be held on May 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m., in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. Memorial contributions are suggested to Animal Adventure Park, 85 Martin Hill Rd, Harpursville, New York, 13787. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Bonnie J. Johnson

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Bonnie Jean Johnson, 90, of Charlotte, went home to see Jesus on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. She was born October 2nd, 1931, in Vandercook Lake to Francis and Esther (Roettger) Roby. On August 19th, 1950, she married Ronnie LeRoy Johnson, the love of her life. Bonnie was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting, camping, puzzles, and games. She taught sewing classes for many years, and she made wedding dresses for her daughters as well as some of her granddaughters.
Bonnie is survived by her children: Richie (Sue Ann) Johnson of Charlotte, Michigan, JoNesta (Dale) Thompson of Charlotte, Michigan, Janice Williams of Bellevue, Michigan, and Michael Johnson of Charlotte Michigan, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Phelps and sister-in-law, Royetta (Johnson) McGilvra.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronnie on January 21st, 2012, as well as her parents, Francis (Hazel) Roby and Esther (John) Phelps, siblings: Elnora Wilcox, Maxine Shorter, Louise Wilcox and Teddy Roby, in-laws Roy and DeEtta (Hey) Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Donald Williams, her granddaughter, Erica Thompson, and her brothers-in-law: Alan and Ora (Buck) Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bonnie’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte.
To view Bonnie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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