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Doreen F. Kiplinger

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Doreen F. “Susie” Kiplinger passed away peacefully on July 22, 2021. Doreen was born in Chester Township, Mich. on April 8, 1938, to parents, Arthur and Elaine (DePue) Schultz. She spent her 83 years in the Charlotte area, growing up in Chester Township, then settling in Walton Township to raise her family and work on a farm with her late husband, Jack.
Doreen loved spending time with her family and attended every school event for her children and grandchildren. Not only did she dote on her children and grandchildren, but every child that encountered Doreen, knew her as “Grandma Susie.” Also, if anyone in her world needed help, she was there. She also enjoyed being outside in her yard tending to her flowers or garden. Nobody had a green thumb like Doreen. She loved to feed and watch the birds. She also took pride in decorating her house for every month of the year.
Doreen worked at Eaton County Register of Deeds Office for five years, Battle Creek Enquirer as a newspaper carrier for fourteen years, she spent seventeen years at Olivet Community Schools as a bus aide and custodian, and forty years as the Walton Township Clerk.
Doreen was married to Jack Kiplinger for 42 years. She is survived by their children, Jon (Mirta) Kiplinger, Jodi Kiplinger, Jayne (Bob) Walker, Jeanine (Kevin) Nowak, James (April) Kiplinger, Jesse (Shelly) Kiplinger; grandchildren, Amber, Aaron, Casey, Christian, Angelia, Josalyn, Jonquil, Jessica, Jayme, Luke, Ellie, Lila, Emilea, Erika, Colleen, Jaysen, Tyler; and great-granddaughter, Harper; siblings, Arthur “Sam” (Jean) Schultz, Doris Schultz, and Darrell “Joe” (Janet) Schultz; as well as many nieces and nephews. Doreen was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Jeffrey Kiplinger; ex-husband Jack Kiplinger; and brothers, Douglas, Dorwin “Dade,” Donald and Dee Schultz.
Many people called her “Grandma Susie” as she was a grandmother figure to many, especially the Priesman family, Patrick II, Kristina, Thela, Patrick III, Magan and Aly.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will begin on Friday, July 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. You may leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Olivet Community Schools, 255 first Street, Olivet, MI 49076, for the scholarship fund for students.

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Donald M. Jardot, Sr.

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Donald M. Jardot, Sr., 92, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Hope Landing ALC in Charlotte. Don was born June 12, 1929, in Lansing, Mich., the son of Alfred M. and Thelma G. (Dornan) Jardot. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and attended Michigan State University. Don married Charlotte A. “Chuckie” Ellison on September 2, 1950, and together they raised three children. He started his own dairy milk hauling business, which he operated for 19 years before going to work as a building engineer for Potterville Schools, retiring in 1995 after 25 years of service. Throughout the years, Don loved car racing, and even built engines for Indy cars while helping to maintain a super-modified race car for many years. He and Chuckie enjoyed family trips together snowmobiling and mushroom hunting, as well as bus trips to the casino. Don was always known to keep a lovely yard and a well-maintained home. Don took exceptional care of Chuckie during her long illness, showing everyone what a wonderful husband he was.
Don is survived by his daughters, Linda (Jerry) Cobb of Olivet, Mich., and Cindy (Jay Eckert) Jardot of Mount Vernon, Wash.; son, Donald (Terrie) Jardot Jr. of Charlotte, Mich.; grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica) Carpenter, Heather (Joshua) Ramsay, Kristin (Michael) Zima, Carrie Ann Kearney and Kira Kearney; great-grandchildren, Caycee and Haylee Carpenter, Harlie and Devin Kamrowski and Dylan and Brandon Zima; and sister-in-law, Lois Ellison. He was predeceased by his wife; parents; sisters, Maxine and Barbara; and brothers, Bernard, Fred, and Paul.
Friends are encouraged to support Donald’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Monday, July 26, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Steve Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Adult Handicap Program c/o Eaton RESA, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard A. Lindsay

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Richard Alan Lindsay, 66 of Charlotte, a selfless and joyful man, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2021. He was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 25, 1955, the son of Louis and Agatha (Feldpausch) Epkey. One of Rich’s proudest accomplishments was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Thoughtful, generous, and devoted, Rich had a heart filled with compassion. He often spent his spare time helping others, doing yardwork or just lending a listening ear. It didn’t matter if you were a stranger; Rich was a friend to everyone. He had the amazing ability to bring out the best in those around him. He constantly filled others with words of encouragement and truly loved to see other people succeed.
Rich proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Rich worked for Michigan Veterinary and Farm Supply as a salesman for over 25 years, retiring in 2011. He also managed numerous rental properties around Charlotte.
An avid sportsman, Rich loved to play golf and most recently won the First Baptist Church golf league. He enjoyed playing on multiple golf, pickle ball, tennis, and softball leagues where he formed many lifelong friendships. All who knew Rich knew he loved to compete, but he also had the amazing ability to make everyone playing feel believed in and valued. This held especially true for his family, he never missed a chance to support his children and grandchildren at all of their events.
Rich married the love of his life, Joan Lindsay, on March 10, 1990 at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte where he was an active member of the church. Together they raised four wonderful children. Rich’s adoration for his wife was evident to all who knew him. He made sure Joany, as he affectionately called her, knew she was supported and loved beyond measure. A Godly man, strong in his belief and willing to help all those who crossed his path, he lived by, Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”.
Rich’s enthusiastic personality and outlook on life will be missed by all that met him especially his family.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Agatha Epkey; and sister, Mary Kaiser. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; daughters, Jaime (Casey) DeMott of Charlotte and Carrie (Michael) Pendell of Dewitt, sons, Logan (Abby) Lindsay of Dexter and Lucas Lindsay of Charlotte; six beautiful grandchildren; and siblings, Fred (Linda) Epkey of Fowler, MI, Kathy (Randy) Simmon of Crystal Lake, MI, Lois Libiran of Plainwell, MI, Christine (Carlos) Libiran of Mason, MI, John (Patty) Epkey of Indianapolis, IN, Charlie (Theressa) Epkey of Post Falls, ID, and Dorothea (John) Sullivan of Elmira, OR.
Friends are encouraged to support Rich’s family by attending the memorial service, which is being held at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Memories can also be shared on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, Rich’s family encourages others to do as Rich would do and give their time to helping others. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Betty R. Priest

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Betty Ruth Priest, a woman devoted to her family, died July 25, 2021. Betty, 65, of Charlotte, Mich. was born January 31, 1956, in Bridgeton, NJ to Evertt and Wilma (Bullerdick) Clark. Full of laughter and enthusiasm for life, her family thrived in her love and incredible ability to make them first. On June 12, 1982, Betty married the love of her life, Dennis Priest, and together the couple devoted their life to each other and to others. The couple volunteered at the Eaton RESA Special Riding Program. Horses were a large part of her adventurous life in barrel racing, 4-H, county fairs and events at Circle ‘C’ Ranch. Faith and love of Jesus Christ was an integral part of Betty’s heart with her favorite scripture being John 3:16. She was a proud member of the Restore Church in Ionia where she volunteered in the nursery. Betty was excited about adopting her precious daughter, Ashlee. Later is life, her grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Betty is survived by her husband, Dennis Lee Priest; daughter, Ashlee (Jordan) Rivera; grandchildren, Olivia, Kaylynn, Everleigh, and Clayton Rivera; siblings; Larry Clark and Judy (Clark) Moncrief. She is predeceased by her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Mich. with Pastor John Prominski officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Eaton RESA for the Special Riding Program.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online at Betty’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Malcolm E. Hume

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Malcolm Edward Hume, of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 6, 2020 at the age of 68. Malcolm was born in Highland Park, Mich., October 26, 1952, the son of Robert and Jackie (Scott) Hume. He worked for Dart Container for ten years, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Eaton Rapids Lions Club, liked to dabble in his garden, collect model trains, take his 1967 Mustang to car shows and drive it in parades.
Malcolm is survived by his mother, Jackie; wife, Carol Hume; sons, Matthew Hume of Eaton Rapids, Steven (Kelly) Hume of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Kiley and Jonah Hume both of Eaton Rapids; brothers, David (Julie) Hume and Robert “Bruce” Hume. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.
Memorial services will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Association, 260 Jefferson Ave SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.

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Rosemary Allen

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Rosemary Allen, of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 23, 2021 at the age of 82. Rosemary was born in Eaton Rapids, February 23, 1939, to Walter and Ruth (Halsey) Kikendall. She met Dick, the love of her life, and they were married on February 20, 1960. Rosemary was very artistic, creating beautiful art of many medias as well as belonging to the Eaton County Art League. The family would like to mention her friends in the Art League, Jill, Jean, Norma and Judy. The times they all spent together were an important part of her life. Rosemary was very proud of her art exhibit at Olivet College. She won five blue ribbons and two red ribbons at the Eaton County Fair in 2021. She earned her black belt in karate and was also an instructor. Rosemary was a belly dancer, enjoyed ball room dancing and wintering in Texas. She was a cake decorator for 4-H and Cub Scout leader and was the jewelry queen of JTV. Rosemary had a special place in her heart for her entire family and they will miss her greatly. A special thank you to her cousin, Linda Curtis for comforting her at the end of her life.
Rosemary is survived by her children, Laura (Ross) Venable of Eaton Rapids, Mark (Traci) Allen of Bellevue, Sheila Thacker-Allen of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Alicia (Dennis) Clarke, Curt (Kristin) Garnsay II, Wyatt (Taylor Cupp) Allen and Blake Allen; great-grandchildren, Alivia and Kody Clarke, Lillianna Garnsay, and baby Allen, (Rosemary was the only one that knew the gender); brothers, Terry (Penny) Kikendall and Robert Kikendall; numerous cousins; her yorkie dog, Poppy; best friends of 50 years, Amy Garnsay and Ann King. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard in 2015.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Art League. Please visit their website to share online condolences with the family, millsfuneral.com.

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Michael James Herrick

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Michael James Herrick, age 77, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away peacefully with his children at his side on July 6, 2021. Mike fought a short, unexpected battle with colorectal cancer that quickly spread. We are sure he is now keeping tabs on all the big bucks and big fish for his friends and family. Mike started working at the Main #1 GM Plant in Lansing in 1965 for $2.65/hour. Shortly after starting at GM, he was drafted for a two-year tour into the U.S. Army where he proudly served in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. Upon returning home, Mike continued to work at General Motors until his retirement in 1995, having earned 33.3 retirement years through long hours and impeccable attendance. He then was able to focus his time and energy on his hobbies.
Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. He was a life member of the NRA, Michigan Bowhunters, and the Blackhawk Bowhunters of Leslie. He loved to tell the same hunting and fishing stories over and over again to anyone who would listen. Mike also loved to grow a large garden where he would deliver his bounty to his friends. Mike would often just show up at his friends’ and family’s houses to chat for hours. He loved going on long drives to the family cottage, and to Cabela’s and Jay’s with his hunting and fishing buddies. He loved to tell the stories of any travel adventures. Mike could also be seen mowing his large lawn almost daily.
In recent years, Mike loved to talk about his granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah. When they lived out of state, he would take his friends on a grand adventure to visit them wherever they might be. Up until the end he loved talking about the time he flew to Texas when Rachel was a toddler and when he visited both Rachel and Sarah in Pennsylvania. Mike also loved to stop at the local coin shop to find unique coins for the girls.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, L.C. and Pauline Herrick; and his brother, Lawrence “Larry” Herrick. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki (Joe) Loren; son, Clayton Herrick; ex-wife, Susan Herrick; granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Loren; brother, Robert (Trish) Herrick; sister Susan (David) Fernald; sister-in-law, Carol (Duke) Lamotte; nieces and nephews, John D, Kim, Rob, Kathleen, Sheri, and Candice.
Mike’s children sincerely thank friends and family who stopped by the house during the last month of his life. They also want to thank those who stopped by to help and assist during this difficult time. Mike knew you were there for him and truly appreciated you.
A reunion of family and friends celebrating Mike’s life will be held closer to hunting season. It will be a time to share memories and laughter and Mike’s other favorite venue…food. Family and friends will be notified when a date is set.
In lieu of flowers, please schedule a colonoscopy and/or a mammogram. Memorial donations may be directed to the family to help with final expenses. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284 (517) 857-4848.

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Bernard Williams

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Bernard “Bernie” Williams, a kind and loving father, grandfather and brother, died July 22, 2021. Bernie, 90, lifelong resident of Charlotte, was born September 2, 1930 in Charlotte to Harry and Queen (Moore) Williams. He was a soft-spoken man, kind-hearted and put his focus on others rather than himself. A family man, he treasured the time spent with his wife and children and was there when needed. He had a passion for flying, and was a flight instructor, and a founding member of the Eaton Flying Service. Bernie owned and operated Garfield Tavern with his wife Elsie for 9 years. Later he retired from General Motors as Plant Security. He enjoyed game time with his family and friends and living his best life each and every day. Bernie was able to use his handyman skills to help anyone in need. His love for travel led to many fond memories created of the camping trips up north and out west. If asked, Bernie would say he was most proud of his family.
Bernie is survived by his daughters, Terry Wellman, Jo (Mike) Davis; son, Mark (Denise) Williams; grandchildren, Jarrod Schultz, Tony (Rachel) Schultz, Jeff (Lindsey) Davis, Kyle Williams, Kevin (Kelsey) Williams, Lauren Davis; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Margaret Harmon, John (Betty) Williams, and Larry Williams. He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie; son, Ronald; and his grandson, Matthew.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 26, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 27, 10-11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Dan Sowles officiating. Friends are encouraged to support Bernie’s family by attending, or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The Williams family would like to thank his second family at Hope Landing for the exceptional care he received while there. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hope Landing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Lillian E. Morrison

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Lillian Ellen Morrison, a longtime employee at Walmart in the jewelry department, died July 19, 2021. Lillian, 90, of Charlotte, was born June 20, 1931 in Aurelius Township, Ingham County Mich. to William and Eliza (Disbrow) Herrick. Lillian was a very loving and caring person who would give you the shirt off her back to help others. One of her most favorite things was taking her grandchildren on several camping trips. Lillian loved to go fishing with her husband, so much so that they did it on their wedding day! She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed knitting afghans for her grandchildren. Lillian was employed by G.C. Murphy’s as a stock person, managed Colonial Village apartments in Olivet for 15 years and was most recently employed by Walmart where she received an award for many years of service in the jewelry department. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Lillian is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Baker and Foy Hackler; sister, Sharon Garcia; nine grandchildren, many great- and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Morrison; sons, Gary Morrison and Robert Morrison; parents, William and Eliza (Disbrow) Herrick; brother, William Herrick; sisters, Birtice Lundy, Roberta Quinn, Dorothy Star, Marie Opdike, Maxine Herrick, Vera LaMathe and Pauline Batora.
Graveside services were held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Mich. with Pastor Darwin Kuhl and Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Mich. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to West Carmel Congregational Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online at Lillian’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard “Dick” Rulison

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Richard “Dick” Rulison, 66, passed away of a heart attack on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his home on Cabbage Road in Tapiola, Mich. He was born in Charlotte, Mich. and was the son of Katherine and Robert Rulison. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel, who was killed in Vietnam. He is survived by his brother, David; sister-in-law, Linda; and his nephews, Jesse and Adam (wife Rachel), whom he loved very much.
Dick started working with horses in his early teens and apprenticed with a local farrier after graduation from Charlotte High School in 1973. In the early 1980’s he moved to Tapiola where he continued shoeing horses locally and working at the Pelkie Co-op. In 1983 he took a job with Carriage Tours on Mackinac Island. Until his recent retirement, he worked and lived on the island during the summer seasons and spent the winters in Tapiola. He loved his U.P. Tapiola life, and for over 30 years he donated his “off-season time” as a volunteer for Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly and was a fireman for the Otter Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Dick had a great sense of humor and never ran out of stories to tell, and embellish, in his own special way. He will be missed deeply by his family and many friends.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be offered on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 12 noon at the Tapiola Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be provided.
The interment of his ashes will be held at a later date this fall at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Mich., followed by a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly or the Otter Lake Fire Department.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to oneilldennisfh.com.

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