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Gloria A. Benden

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Gloria Anita Simmons Benden, 75, of Charlotte, Mich., passed away April 26 under the care of Grace Hospice at Country Woods Assisted Living in Potterville, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born May 21, 1945 in Baltimore, Md., to Rose Marie (Buccari) Simmons and Harold T. Simmons.
Gloria graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1964.
In September 1964, Gloria met the love of her life, Leonard Benden, at a dance at Fort Meade, Md. They married on February 13, 1965 and lived for many years in Charlotte. After Leonard’s retirement from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department, they enjoyed winters in Fla., as well as several trips to the Netherlands.
Gloria volunteered for 18 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. She learned to drive later in life, and demonstrated great skill at finding bargains at yard sales and department stores. She cherished her impressive display of ceramic angels, became adept at using her iPad, and stayed informed about news and politics.
Her signature meal was spaghetti, a recipe passed down from her mother. Never a fan of vegetables, Gloria nonetheless baked delectable zucchini bread, and kept a big supply frozen to offer as gifts. She was a quiet, caring grandma who never, ever said anything bad about anyone.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Leonard; son David (Melissa) Benden of Grand Ledge, and  daughter Julie Benden of Charlotte; grandchildren Alex and Alyssa Sanchez, Lucas Mattoon, Kyle and Josh Benden; sisters Darlene (Ronnie) Upton of South Boston, Va., and Dorothy Simmons of Glen Burnie, Md., and brother Wesley (Diane) Simmons of Cypress, Tex.; in-laws Peter (Christine) Benden of Lahnstein, Germany, Paul (Linda) Benden of Albion, Mich., and Rina Benden (Andy) Miller of Dexter, Mich.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Tommie Simmons, and sister Deborah Mizenko.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

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Janet D. Verhelle

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Janet Darlene Verhelle, age 74, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a 10-year battle with lung cancer. Janet was born on October 8, 1946 in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Altus and Evelin (Yaks) Smith. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Eastern High School class of 1964. Janet married Wayne Verhelle in 1967 and moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her family. She worked for short periods as an Avon representative, waiting tables and for the State of Michigan but found her calling taking care of her home and her children. She was a lover of all animals and had a special gift to speak to wildlife. Janet also enjoyed music, reading and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne; children, Christina Verhelle, Todd Verhelle, Scott Verhelle; half sister, Phyllis and numerous nieces and nephews. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Bonnie Raum and brother, Duane Smith.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Janet. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Teresa L. Howe

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Teresa L. Howe
Teresa “Teri” Lynn Howe, a lifelong resident of the Eaton Rapids area passed away April 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 65 years old.
Teri was born in Eaton Rapids on July 21, 1954, the daughter of the late Harold “Punk” and Esther Linda (Dana) Howe. She was a 1972 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and a lifelong Greyhound and Spartan fan.
Teri began her career of helping and caring for others in the Sparrow Hospital System and subsequently retired from her position of Ward Clerk after 40 years exemplary service in 2016. She was also named Sparrow’s “Employee of the Year” at the Diamondale facility in 1996.
She was a dedicated and loving daughter, sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Teri took particular pleasure interacting with the accomplishments of her many nieces, nephews and friends.
She will always be remembered for her gentle smile, infectious laugh, love of life as well the special place in her heart she held for her friends. Her unique fondness and joy for the many Walt Disney characters – especially “Pooh”– always created a smile on people’s faces. The “Beach Boys” were also atop of her favorite vocalists list.
Teri is survived by her brother Bill (Marie) Howe of Bath, MI. Special friends Karen Miller of Ionia, MI, Kaye Sanders of Vermontville, MI, Penny Johnson of Diamondale, MI, Teresa A of South Carolina as well as nephews Mike (Margie) Howe, Springport, MI, Doug (Mary) Howe of Ingadine, MI, Tim Howe of Holt, MI, Chris (Susan) Howe of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Pettifor of Indianapolis, IN and nieces Penny Howe of Boseman, Montana, Michelle (Dean) Harmon of Martinsville, IN and Lynda (Melvin) Smallwood of Indianapolis, IN as well as several Great and Great Great nieces and nephews.
Teri was predeceased by her parents, sister Linda (Howe) Pettifor and brothers James and Walter (Elli) Howe.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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Hailey M. Hunter

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Hailey Marie Hunter passed away on April 25, 2021 at the age of 17. Hailey was born on December 29, 2003 in Lansing, Mich. the daughter of Stephanie Foreman and Matthew Hunter. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she was currently a Junior at Eaton Rapids High School. Hailey was fun loving with a smile that would light up a room. She enjoyed boating, camping, riding ATV’s and spending time outdoors enjoying warm weather and soaking up nature’s great beauties. She also loved animals and spending time with children, especially her nephew Miles.
Hailey is survived by her mother, Stephanie Foreman; father, Matthew (Teresa) Hunter; grandparents, Marie and David Denman, Karen (Dallas Hackworth) Foreman, Steven (Chris) Foreman; siblings, Hannah (Carlos Contreas) Morey, Kyle Miller, Lucy Hunter and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Phillip D. Bean

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Phillip Donald “Don” Bean, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the age of 69. Don was born on July 11, 1951 in South Bend, Ind., the son of Phillip and Donna (Mittan) Bean. He moved to Lansing where he attended Lansing Sexton High School before enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War. Don was a Green Beret and served in the 173rd Army Airborne Brigade. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids and served on prison ministries for Ingham and Jackson counties. Don enjoyed motorcycles and dirt bikes and loved northern Michigan where he spent time trail riding, often with the Tomahawk Trail Riders Club. He was very generous and gave routinely to veteran and religious organizations. Don was above all a dedicated father and grandfather who cherished his children and the time he spent with them.
He is survived by his mother, Donna Bean; daughters, Rebecca (Kelly) Houlihan, Rachel (Nathan) Hunter; sons, Don (Lisa) Bean, Eli (Amanda) Bean, Isiah (Kelly) Bean, Josiah (Stephanie) Bean; grandchildren, Andrew Bean, Ryan Bean, Makayla Houlihan, Aelah Hunter, Kimber Hunter, Ryleigh Hunter, Uriah Hunter, Silas Bean, Savannah Bean; brother, Paul (Debbie) Bean; sisters, Rosalee (Rick) Allen, Marilyn (Dale) Cosner, Teresa Shely and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Bean and brother, Steven Bean.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Heroes Haven in Eaton Rapids, MI. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Deana J. Moore

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Deana Joy Moore, age 85, a resident of Potterville, died on April 15, 2021. Deana was an underwriter for Farm Bureau Insurance. A private family funeral service will be held.

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Donald A. Hull

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Donald Arthur Hull, 54, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away on April 19, 2021 after a valiant battle against COVID-19. Don was born July 4, 1966 to Joyce (U’ren) Hull-Davis and Robert Hull in Saline, Mich. From that day forward he considered every 4th of July celebration to be a glorified birthday party. He took great pride in his Eaton Rapids up-bringing and told copious stories of his neighborhood and youth group memories. After graduating from Lansing Christian High School in 1984, Don went on to serve in the United States Air Force for five years. He later went on to study Production Management and received his bachelors from Spring Arbor University in 2006.
Don spent his career working in Manufacturing at both Meridian Magnesium and General Motors, through which he formed many of his life-long friendships. He also had a passion for sports which illuminated through his co-ed softball participation, coaching his kids’ sports teams, and cheering on his Michigan State Spartans. Above all else, Don is remembered most for his love and pride in his wife and children and all of their beauty and accomplishments. If you knew (or think you met) Don, he undoubtedly remembers you and any stories you might have told him, including the name of your childhood dog or what color huffy bike you rode around the neighborhood.
Don is survived by his “beautiful bride” of nearly 21 years, Renae Petty-Hull; and his two children, Madelynn Hull (Andrew Lula) and Chase Hull, who will continue to grow and avenge this untimely death. He is also survived by his brothers, Chris (Trish) Hull, Mike (Norene) Hull, Mark (Kimberly) Petty, Ryan (Kelly) Petty; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Don is now dancing with the angels who passed before him, including his parents, Joyce (U’ren) Davis-Hull and Robert Hull; and his daughter, Linzee.
Friends are encouraged to support Don’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Visitation will be held in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a memorial service following at 5 p.m., with Laura Cooper officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Don’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 The Alzheimer’s Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Edgar A. Smith

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Edgar Allen Smith, a man known for his handlebar mustache, for having a strong opinion and for being a magic mechanic, passed away with his family by his side on April 16, 2021. Edgar, 81, a lifelong resident of Charlotte, was born in Charlotte to Wendell and Alice (Harmon) Smith. On July 25, 1959 Edgar married the love of his life, Phyllis Elaine Woodbury and together they raised three children. Edgar had a strong passion for antique cars, restoring eight of his own, and helping numerous others restore theirs. He and Phyllis were members of multiple antique car clubs, the Mid-Michigan Model A Club, Central Michigan Model T Club, Crank & Throttle Model A, and several national car clubs such as the W.O.K.R. He also proudly served six years in the Michigan Army National Guard at the Charlotte Armory, with an honorable discharge in 1962. Edgar worked as a store manager for Wrigley’s Supermarket for 18 years and Eberhard Supermarket for seven years. In 1980, with his wife, they started a family business at their residence that he was very passionate about, Central Michigan Stripping, an auto body stripping company. His favorite joke was to introduce himself as a stripper, to see what the person’s reaction would be. Edgar was a man referred to by many for being a Jack of all trades, he would fix it all. Above all, family meant everything to Edgar, he always made sure to put them first.
Edgar is survived by his wife of 61 and a half years, Phyllis; daughter, Carol (Tom) Pell; sons, Robert Smith, Marc (Pat) Smith; grandchildren, Jeramie (Karle) Pell, Zania (Matthew) Emery, Chris (Allison) Cummings, Chelsea (Justin) Buchholz, Adam (Alissa) Smith; six great-grandchildren, with one on the way; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Bruce Smith; and sister, Mary Rogers.
Friends are encouraged to support Edgar’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Funeral services were Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Edgar’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 The American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Raymond D. Winters

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Raymond D. Winters, a man who devoted his life to serving others, died Sunday, April 18, 2021. Raymond, 88, of Charlotte, Mich., was born November 8, 1932, in Charlotte, the son of Carl and Margaret (Silverthorn) Winters. Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1951 to 1952, then worked in Wisconsin through 1965. When he returned, began working at Fisher Body in 1968, where he worked on the assembly line and retired in 1995. He also was determined to earn his diploma and graduated from Olivet Adult Education 1979. On November 5, 1988 he married the love of his life, Linda Beals-Patterson. You could find Raymond spending his time after retiring volunteering at the Helping Hands Food Pantry, mowing the grass at the Eaton Area Senior Center, and also serving on his church council. Raymond and Linda were both active members at the South Cochran Church of God. Hobbies that Raymond enjoyed were crossword puzzles, watching the Detroit Tigers and listening to some Hank Williams Sr. and other country music.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda; children, Tom Winters, Peggy (David) Gardner, Carla (Mike) Fell, Robert (Starr) Patterson; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter, Betty Brown; grandson, Daniel Fell; his parents; siblings, Kenneth Winters, William Winters, Shirley Oswald, and Ila May Royston.
Friends are encouraged to support Raymond’s family. A memorial service is going to be held at the South Cochran Church of God. The date of the memorial will be determined at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Helping Hands Food Pantry. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Raymond on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Marilyn J. Gilding

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Marilyn Joan Gilding, a loving mother and grandmother, age 67, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Marilyn was born August 9, 1953 in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of John Edward and Norma Jean (Bidelman) Hickey. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1971 before going to work at General Aluminum in Charlotte, where she met the love of her life, Jerrold “Jerry” Gilding. The two married on April 15, 1977 and soon started their family. Marilyn lived a life devoted to her children and grandchildren. She was a constant volunteer at Weymouth Elementary, helping with field trips and class parties. In her spare time, she could be found watching soap operas and reality TV with a can of pop by her side.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Tara (Steven) Vanluven, Tasha McCrimmon, Trevor (Britnee) Gilding, Tia (Joel) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Jensen and Maddie McCrimmon, Kelsey and Jaxson Johnson, Caiden Gilding, Carter and Gracie Vanluven; sisters, Janice Wilson, Ann Winans, and Sue (Asa) Randall; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jerrold Gilding in 2020; son-in-law, Christopher McCrimmon; brother-in-law, Bruce Wilson; and her parents.
The family received visitors on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. A Rosary service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral is available for live stream through Marilyn’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com, click on Marilyn’s tribute, click photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Interment has taken place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, in Augusta, Mich. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Tia Johnson. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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