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Marilyn J. Peters

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Marilyn June Peters, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., age 91, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021. Marilyn was one of thirteen children. She was born May 13, 1929 in Charlotte, Mich., the daughter of Roy and Florence (Alwood) Bodell. Marilyn married Carl Peters and they raised five children. She was a long time employee at Hastay’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop in Eaton Rapids. Marilyn was known for her cooking large meals and baking for family events. There was not a time where there were not cookies, fudge or some other type of delicious sweets in the house to be enjoyed by all. She was also known for her homemade macaroni and cheese, which was coveted by all the family. Marilyn was a talented seamstress, who also enjoyed to crochet and make baby blankets for the entire family and many friends. (We wish we could really know the number of children that were wrapped in those blankets made with love.) She enjoyed traveling up north to Canada and to her brother Leonard’s cabin on Lake Gogebic to fish ,and out west to Colorado in order to visit her son, Steven and his lifelong companion Teresa. Marilyn was a life time member of Charlotte VFW Post #2406, where she and her sister, Norma Jones, enjoyed planning and preparing large meals for any event that came there. Marilyn and her sister, Norma, also played a large part in planning family reunions, which she loved. She was a country girl at heart who loved to garden and spend time outdoors. In fact, Marilyn spent most of the summer barefoot as she loved to feel the grass between her toes. Even with all of her hobbies, work and responsibilities, family was the most important thing to her. Marilyn’s love of family was never ending. Her great-grandchildren were the twinkle in her eye and her face lit up every time she was with them, they held a special place in her heart. Marilyn’s love, kindness and hardworking attitude were an example for all to follow and those traits were passed down to her family. A loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, she will be deeply missed by all.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Peters; daughter, Gay Ann Heintzelman; sisters, Norma Jones, Bonnie Springs, Athol Wood, Marlene Coffin and Verle Barnard; brothers, Robert Bodell, Leonard Bodell, John Bodell, Tom Bodell, Clyde Bodell and Donny Sheets. Marilyn is survived by her loving children, Irene (Greg) Meyer, Steven (Teresa Wright) Peters, Carol Peters, Michael (Julie Reddy) Peters and Joel Heintzelman; sister, Janette (Barry Wainman) Klaiss; grandchildren, Craig Heintzelman, Wendy (Scott) Whipple, Barney Meyer, Emily Meyer, Henry Meyer, Edgerton (Monica) Peters, Calach (Lindsay) Peters, Chris Peters, and Andy Peters; great-grandchildren, Lilly Whipple, Carly Whipple, Rachel Heintzelman, Jerrell Meyer, Nevia Meyer, Victoria Peters, Julian Meyer, Jovani Meyer, Audrianna Meyer, Edgerton Peters and Ivarr Peters. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Island City Assisted Living staff for their loving care of Marilyn in her time of need.
A visitation was held on Monday, January 25, 2021, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Due to Covid-19, a private family service was held. Marilyn’s interment is next to her late husband, Carl, in Brickyard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Charlotte VFW Post #2406 in memory of Marilyn. Condolences can be sent to the family at SkinnerFuneralHome.com. “We love you, Mom. You will remain in our hearts forever.”

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Douglas I. Cuatt

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Douglas Ira Cuatt, 64, passed away January 14, 2021 in his home. He was born in Albion, Mich. on July 17, 1956 to Richard F. and Grace M. (Snow) Cuatt. Doug was a graduate of Springport High School class of 1974. He met the love of his life, Dianne, in 1983 and never looked back. He was a wonderful man, a loving husband, and a devoted father and later grandfather. Always willing to help in any situation, he would always teach you anything and everything he could.
Doug was a very strong-minded person who wasn’t afraid to tell you what was needed. To many he was intimidating, but to his family and friends he was a man with a heart of gold. Providing for his family was always a top priority for Doug, doing anything and everything possible to provide, often working multiples jobs with long hours.
In his spare time, Doug loved many things in life such as hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time at the family cabin to name just a few. However, the thing he loved the most was his family and spending time with them. Doug fought a long hard battle with cancer and never stopped fighting.
Doug passed peacefully with his wife and family right by his side. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dianne; sons, Christopher D. Cuatt and Michael L. (Brook) Cuatt; his five grandchildren, Christopher Jr., Kayla, Adam, Delainey, and Greysen Cuatt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard F. and Grace M. (Snow) Cuatt; and his three brothers, Jim, Robert, and Wesley Cuatt.
Friends are encouraged to support Doug’s family by sharing memories of him on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to the Sparrow Herbert Herman Cancer Center, 1140 East Michigan Avenue #100, Lansing, MI 48912 in Douglas Cuatt’s memory. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Jill B. Lea

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Jill Braden Lea, a sweet and generous woman, died peacefully, surrounded by her family at her home in Charlotte on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the age of 68. Jill was born June 19, 1952, in Charlotte, the daughter of Alonzo “Sparky” and Nora Braden. Growing up in the care of her uncle and aunt, Frank and Kay Braden, her cousins Ron, Jim and Terry became her big brothers. She attended Charlotte High School before moving to California for her final year of school. Jill married Donald “Zauner” Lea on May 9, 1987, and the two enjoyed 33 years of marriage. Their marriage built on a devotion to each other was an example for others to follow. Throughout the years, Zauner and Jill loved to travel both abroad and locally, spending time outdoors camping and fishing. There were many trips to Negril, Jamaica, that helped develop a deeply loving and tight-knit group of friends. Other destinations included numerous trips to Seattle to visit family. Jill will be remembered as a fiercely loyal protector of her family and friends. Her loving and sweet spirit will always remind us of her devotion to all of those in her life. She had a caring personality and would do anything for a friend in need. In her spare time, she enjoyed antiquing and yard sales, tending her flower garden, and picking stones on camping trips to the beach. Jill worked for The Gallery in downtown Charlotte before developing a framing business in her own home. She most recently worked at the Passport Call Center through Peckham Industries in Lansing until her retirement in 2010. Jill will be missed by countless friends and family, who will always remember that “to know Jill was to love Jill.”
Jill is survived by her husband, Donald “Zauner” Lea; siblings, Judy Braden and Jim (Julie) Braden; life-long close cousins, Jim Braden and Terry (Sue) Braden; and niece, Jamie Gurski. She was predeceased by her brother, Jack Braden; cousin, Ron Braden; and her parents.
Friends were encouraged to support Jill’s family at visitation on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home. A private memorial service was held with webcasting on Wednesday, January 20. A larger public gathering will be held when restrictions are eased. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capital Area Humane Society, or Paws With A Cause. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jill on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Dorothy Bargy

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Dorothy Bargy, 94, a resident of Potterville for over 63 years, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at her residence after a short illness. She worked in the office for ten years with Wilcox-Gay Recordio Corporation in Charlotte where she met her husband Donald in 1950. After marrying Donald on July 31, 1957, she then became a proud mother taking care of her children at home. Dorothy was born August 3, 1926 in Chester Township, Mich. She was the daughter of the late George A. and Gertrude (Simpson) Walker.
Dorothy loved working outdoors in her flowers and garden. Dorothy and Donald were avid campers in years past, having enjoyed many summer camping trips to Otsego Lake and Lake Cadillac. Dorothy also enjoyed frequent trips over the years with Donald and family to the Bargy family homestead near Good Hart, Mich. Dorothy will be remembered for being an honest family-oriented lady who always put her family first and loved to cook. She always had a good recipe to fix and especially enjoyed making holiday cookies and birthday cakes.
Dorothy is survived by two children, Debra (Terry) Shaver of Charlotte, and Daniel Bargy of Brighton; grandchildren, April (Zachary) Dillinger of Charlotte, and Andrew (Kaleigh) Shaver of Potterville; great-grandchildren, Abigail Dillinger of Charlotte, Noah Shaver and Clementine Shaver of Potterville; sister-in-law, Martha (Peggy) Perry of Olivet; also, her favorite feline companion Fela and many fat squirrels that she fed daily. She is predeceased by her husband, Donald in 2016; her parents; brother, Burt (Cleo) Walker; and sister, Doris (William) Lown.   
Special thanks to staff from Loving Hands Homecare, LLC, neighbor Linda Amey and nurses at McLaren Lansing Hospital for their care assistance.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home with Dennis Walker officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to the Benton Township Fire Department, 4713 Hartel Road, Potterville, MI 48876.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dorothy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Evelyn L. Thocker

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Evelyn Lucinda Thocker, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the age of 78. Evelyn was born on November 30, 1942 in Traverse City, Mich., the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Woodcock) Boring. Her family moved to Lansing where she attended school and later worked for General Motors, retiring in 2000 after 30 years of service. Evelyn enjoyed cooking and her time spent in northern Michigan near Big Star Lake. But more than anything she loved her time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill and Ronnie; sisters, Dorothy and Denny.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Thocker I; children, Rob, Rachel (John) and Jeri; grandchildren, Zakary, Robert, Alexis, Spencer, Amy, Andrew and Maggie; brothers, Pete, Chuck, Bobby; sister, Toni and numerous nieces and nephews.
No services are planned as this time. Evelyn’s remains will be buried in Delta Center Cemetery. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Sandra M. Orr

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Sandra Marlene Orr, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born on June 22, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Lloyd and Marguerite (Gay) Dawley. Sandy graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1956. She was extremely hardworking and often worked multiple jobs while she and Ward raised their seven children. She was a bookkeeper for a group of East Lansing and Okemos eye doctors and worked 47 years for Old Mill Furniture. Sandy owned and operated K’s Place, a children’s clothing store in Eaton Rapids. She was a member of the Community Christian Church in Eaton Rapids. Sandy enjoyed gardening, reading, often pegged “speed reader” as she read thousands of books in her lifetime. She loved to do puzzles, and play cards and games, especially cribbage. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Ward; brother, Richard Dawley; sisters; Loraine Clark and Janet Jones.
She is survived by her children; daughters, Kristie Bailey, Kandice Shaw; sons, Ken (Jane) Orr, Kraig (Kristy) Orr, Kevin (Kim)Orr, Kyle (Kristina) Orr, Kirk (Jayne) Orr; grandchildren, Ashley (Eric) Engstrom, Morgan (Jonathan) Rapley, Anthony (Theresa) Orr, Tyler Orr, Cara (Giannai) Massaro, Jayme (Tony) Davis, Josh Orr, Derek Orr, Karlee Orr, Cody Madsen, Searra Madsen, Cole Madsen, Uriah Orr, Blake Shaw, Sydney Shaw, Evan Oslund, Emelia Oslund, Ethan (Julie) Oslund, Erik Lieberman, Elijah Lieberman; great-grandchildren, Addilyn Engstrom, Isla Engstrom, Emerie Engstrom, Liam Orr, Evelyn Orr, Riley Davis, Uriah Orr, Harper Shaw, Natalie Orr, Gabriella Orr; sisters, Beverly Bouts, Sandra Scott; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation was held Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. Private family services were held Thursday, January 21, 2021. For those wishing, memorial contributions can be made to McLaren Hospice 2316 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48910, in memory of Sandra. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Edmund R. Cupp

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Edmund Ronald Cupp, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the age of 82. Ed was born on May 22, 1938 in Lansing, Mich., the son of Don and Myrtie (Freer) Cupp. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1956 and went on to serve four years in the Army National Guard. Ed married Dora Jean Meyer in 1958 and together they had three sons. He was a hard-working man who farmed dairy from the age of 13. Ed was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte where he ran the soundboard for many years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling and loved to cook, especially for his family and friends.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donald Cupp, Helen Whitmore, Doris Long and Roy Cupp.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Dora Jean; sons, Kevin Cupp, Keith (Paula) Cupp, Don (LeAnn) Cupp; grandchildren, Justin (Jessica Pizion) Cupp, Carissa (Kyle) Reece, Ross Cupp, Kevin (Cassie) Cupp II, Caitlin (Christopher) Lea, Theodore (Sarah) Doukakos, Anthony (Jody) Doukakos, Amber (Andy) Jones, Alex Martin; great-grandchildren, Halle Mitchell, Quinn Reece, Haelyn and Tucker Cupp, Ariya Taylor, Logan Lea; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids chapel
on Thursday. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Eunice E. Bateman

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Eunice Eloise Bateman passed away peacefully on January 13, 2021 due to non-COVID illness. She was the youngest of three children born to Edna and Elijah Evans on November 1, 1933 at the home of her uncle Roy Parker in Battle Creek, Mich. She spent her early years in Fruitport, Mich. until going to live at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. She graduated ERHS class of 1952. In high school she met, dated and married K Strong Bateman.
Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, K Strong Bateman in 2005; her daughter, Kimberly Sue in 2019 and special friend and companion, Doyle Woodward in 2016.
She is survived by two sons, David (Diane) Bateman, Mark (Laurie) Bateman; grandchildren, Ryan Perritt, Jennifer Schneider, Melissa (Casey) Wallick, Andrew Bateman, Evan (Lauren) Bateman, Christopher Bateman; great-grandchildren, Braedon Schneider, Izzy Perritt, Jasper Wallick, Finn Bateman and another expected July 2021.
A private family graveside service will be held. The family will have a public memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Eunice. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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Shannon L. Sharp

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Shannon Linette Sharp, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. slipped into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 51. Shannon was born on February 13, 1969 in Eaton Rapids the daughter of Dennis McManus and Sonja Higbie. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1987 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Shannon worked as a lab technician at Sparrow Hospital for 18 years. She also worked for the Red Cross and most recently was the Bioterrorism Training Coordinator for the State of Michigan. She loved her job and the opportunity it provided her to travel. She loved music and was a talented musician playing the piano and the French horn in high school. Shannon enjoyed baking holiday pies and her special sugar cookies. She was a lifelong student absorbing all she could learn about science and health topics. Shannon was involved in the children’s and women’s ministry at Robbins United Methodist Church and served as president for the Eaton Rapids Band Boosters when her children were in school. Shannon was a cat lover and a true MSU fan but nothing brought her greater pride than her children. Faith and Brendan’s wellbeing was always central as they were the world to her. Shannon had been attending the First Baptist Church and professed her strong faith in her Lord when she was recently baptized. Shannon is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Sharp in 2015.
Surviving are her children, Faith Sharp, Brendan Sharp; boyfriend, Josh Hill; parents, Dennis McManus, Sonja and John Oatley; sister, Melissa (Jimmy) Scott and numerous nieces and nephews, including Jessie (Steve) Foley, Travis (Melissa) Burgess.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Sunday, January 17. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Amanda J. Gatica

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Amanda Jean (Hill) Gatica, born August 27, 1983 to Kevin and Belinda Hill, passed away January 15, 2021 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.  Amanda was born in Eaton Rapids where she was raised, attended school and graduated in 2002.  She went on to work for Walmart in Charlotte for the next 17 years and spent the last 12 of those years in the pharmacy, working as their best pharmacy technician.  Her greatest joy in life was being Carlijean’s mom. At family gatherings, Amanda was always the one who wanted to play some sort of game, usually winning because of her competitive nature. The family joked that she was the biggest kid.  Amanda was always late to everything! She was the cool aunt/mom, always wanting to go out and do fun things with the kids, such as visit the zoo, paint pottery, have sleepovers, go to water parks, or the movie theater.  You could say Amanda was a hoarder of yarn!  She loved to crochet.   Amanda was always finding new patterns to try and new colors of yarn to buy. She married the love of her life, Juan, on May 7, 2016. Her loss will be felt deeply, and she will be missed dearly. 
She is preceded in death by her grandmother Carol Jean Wright and grandfather Paul Anderson.  She is survived by her parents; daughter, Carlijean Benson; husband, Juan Gatica; sisters Ashley (Evan) Gruesbeck and Brittney Hill; nieces and nephew, Evelyn and Liam Gruesbeck, and Olivia Adkins;  In-laws, Juan Gatica Sr., Ofelia and Randy Glasgow; sisters-in-law, Jessica (Loren) Seaton, Jolene Glasgow; brother-in-law Ricky Glasgow; and nieces Kelsey, Alysia and Maya; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to her daughter, Carlijean Benson, in care of Ashley Gruesbeck.  To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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