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Virginia M. Potter

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Virginia Marie Potter, 69, of Charlotte, Mich., died Sunday, February 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Virginia was born November 1, 1951, in Charlotte, the daughter of Albert and Nellie (Johnson) Brandon. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969. On August 1, 1970 Virginia married Reginald “Reggie” Potter at the United Brethren Church in Charlotte and together spent the next 50 years creating their legacy. Virginia was a member of the local VFW and volunteered her time with their dinners, she also volunteered and assisted her daughter with her AFC home. She loved planning their annual family reunion. Virginia loved baking, she is known for her famous apple pies and oatmeal cookies. She adored time spent with her family, camping trips with grandchildren, visiting her mother at Tubbs Lake. Her biggest enjoyment in life was her children, grandchildren, and her marriage of 50 years. Some would say that Virginia was a feisty sweetheart who would let someone give their two cents but then she would jump in and speak her mind in a good caring way. Above all Virginia will be remembered for her unwavering love and support that she showed to her family and friends.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Reggie; children, Dena Jean (Robert) Cowick, Jason Joel (Lindsay) Potter, Adam Joseph (Jill) Potter; grandchildren, Jordyn, Sydney, Natalie, Olivia, Joel, Laine, Chase, Charlie, and Brody Boone; siblings, Sandra Eggleston and Ruth Lawcock. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Albert “Vern” Brandon, Mary Myers, Robert Brandon, Glen Brandon, Dixie Weaver, Donald Brandon, Ronald Brandon; grandson, Dylan Boone.
Friends are encouraged to support Virginia’s family. Funeral services were Friday, February 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Virginia on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Verna B. Rood

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Verna Beth Rood, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the age of 87. Verna Beth was born on November 23, 1933 the youngest of six children born to Clayton and Iva (Strong) Ealy. She was raised in Stanton, Mich. where she graduated from high school class of 1950. Verna Beth married her high school sweetheart, John Rood in 1951 and together they had three children. She loved to sew and made baby clothes for all of her grandchildren. Verna Beth had a strong faith in the Lord and was always active in her church. Family was first and most important in her life; she cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the time she was able to spend with them.
Verna Beth is preceded in death by her husband, John; four brothers and one sister.
Surviving are her children, Deborah (Greg) Schwab, Michael (Ana Lil) Rood, Daniel (Nadine) Rood; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Charles Szanto and sister-in-law, Marry Ann Ealy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Country Acres Adult Care Home in Eaton Rapids. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Carolyn (Jecks) Suckow

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Carolyn Faye (Jecks) Suckow was born on February 25, 1961 in Houston, Mo., to parents Lorena and Edward Jecks, and grew up in a busy, loving home with her six siblings in Eaton Rapids, Mich. She passed away on February 17, 2021.
After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, she attained a Bachelor of Arts at Olivet College and later, a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Southern California. She went on to work as a Congressional Aide in Washington DC, as a lobbyist for the University of Michigan, and later as a Public Affairs and Marketing Director and Student Advisor at the University of Southern California School of Engineering in Los Angeles. She retired in 2016.
As an energetic, outdoor enthusiast, she enjoyed hiking, rock climbing, cycling, downhill skiing, and kayaking. She was an avid reader, as well as a champion for social justice, and an advocate for the protection of nature.
Carolyn married Stephen William Suckow on April 26, 1996 in Napili Bay, Hawaii. They shared a love for the outdoors and enjoyed many adventures and many good times in their 25 years of marriage. They lived in Hermosa Beach, California until their retirement in 2016 when they moved to Corvallis, Oregon.
Always one to see the beauty in life, her upbeat attitude and positive energy will be missed by her friends and family. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Stephen Suckow; her mother, Lorena (Risner) Jecks; brothers, Steve Jecks, Jim Jecks, Dan Jecks, Joe Jecks; and sister Sandy (Jecks) Martinez. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Jecks; and sister, Linda (Jecks) Strang.
An intimate gathering of remembrance will be planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Carolyn’s name.
Please leave condolence messages for the family at mchenryfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Carolyn-Suckow.

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Judith R. Bursley

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Judith Rae Bursley, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2021 at the age of 79. Judy was born on January 21, 1942 in Eaton Rapids, Mich. the daughter of Dale White and Ruth “Maxine” (Burgess) Stanley. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1960 and went on to work as a secretary for Dimond Rio. Judy spent the majority of her life raising her children and taking care of her home. She was a talented seamstress, knitter and cook who won several ribbons for her famous cherry pies when she was younger. Judy also loved animals and had numerous pets over the years, especially horses and dogs.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Bursley; father, Dale White; and sister, Neola McBride.
Surviving are her mother, Maxine Stanley; children, William “Todd” (Melissa) Bursley, Robin (Donald) Freeman; grandchildren, Sara (Dustin) Bartel, Emily, Nicholas and Evan Freeman; great-grandchildren, Alexander and Jocelyn Bartel; and brother, Carl White.
She will be laid to rest with her husband, William at great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Mich. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asked that memorial contributions be made to your local humane society or animal shelter because of Judy’s great love for animals. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Patricia A. Kopack

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Patricia Ann (Grove) Kopack, of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 16, 2021 at the age of 71. Patricia was born in Charlotte, Mich. on May 15, 1949, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Lewis) Grove. She married her husband Gerald in Las Vegas on January 19, 1990. Patricia worked in manufacturing making mobile homes, and as a bookkeeper for AmeriGas. She enjoyed playing board games, playing slots at the casino, walking her dog, making apple pie and meatloaf, working in the yard, and shoveling Michigan snow. Patricia was a loving and kind-hearted person who will be missed by all.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gerald Kopack; children, Gerald Kopack, Robert (and Magda Stawkowski) Kopack, and Donald (Cindy) Kopack; siblings, Kathy Shepherd, Charles (Donis) Grove, Mary Prater, and Daniel Grove; her dog, Baron. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Debra Cauchi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, 600 Buhl St, Mason, MI 48854. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.

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James “Jim” Simons

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James “Jim” Simons, age 69, of Onondaga, Mich. passed in his sleep Monday, February 8, 2021.
He enjoyed fishing, cars and had a love for the CB. Anyone who knew him knew his call sign as The Onondaga Hillbilly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ardena Simons of Onondaga; brothers, Richard Simons of LeRoy, and John Simons of Onondaga. He is survived by his son, Jamie Latoski; siblings, Jacqueline (Clare) Howell, Mitchell (Evelyn) Simons, Shirley (Alex) Mueller, Carl D. Simons, and Charlie (Helen) Simons. He also has two grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Let this be known, “The Onondaga Hillbilly is over and out.”

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Patricia A. Kopack

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Patricia Ann (Grove) Kopack, of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 16, 2021 at the age of 71. Patricia was born in Charlotte, Mich. on May 15, 1949, the daughter of Charles and Betty (Lewis) Grove. She married her husband Gerald in Las Vegas on January 19, 1990. Patricia worked in manufacturing making mobile homes, and as a bookkeeper for AmeriGas. She enjoyed playing board games, playing slots at the casino, walking her dog, making apple pie and meatloaf, working in the yard, and shoveling Michigan snow. Patricia was a loving and kind-hearted person who will be missed by all.
Patricia is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gerald Kopack; children, Gerald Kopack, Robert (and Magda Stawkowski) Kopack, and Donald (Cindy) Kopack; siblings, Kathy Shepherd, Charles (Donis) Grove, Mary Prater, and Daniel Grove; her dog, Baron. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Debra Cauchi.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.

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Edna M. Symmes

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Edna Mae Symmes, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, February 11, 2021. She was born September 22, 1946, in Lansing, the daughter of Clyde and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. Edna graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1964. On May 16, 1964, she married the love of her life, John Allen Symmes, at the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Edna was a magnificent wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished time spent at the campgrounds and fishing together with John. Edna also enjoyed sewing, cooking, and being together with family. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and VFW Post 2406 Ladies Auxiliary.
Edna is survived by her husband of 56 years, John; children, Melissa Rowland of Charlotte, Jodie (Derrick) Morgan of Charlotte, Travis (Christina) Symmes of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Joseph Harris, Tyler Rowland, Cody (Taylor) Rowland, Andrew Morgan, Austin Morgan, Brayden Morgan, Sira Breakey, Cody Fowler, Greg Aleo; great-grandchildren, Maysn Rowland, Aydin Rowland, Trynity Rowland, Alyana Tolley, Lucus Fowler, Carter Fowler, Lord Ray, and one baby Rowland on the way; siblings, Ron (Hazel) Hamilton of Charlotte, Russ (Susan) Hamilton of Harrison, Clyde (Janet) Hamilton of Charlotte, Laura Taylor of Harrison, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton of Olivet, Ken (Carol) Hamilton of Charlotte, Carolyn (Tom) Frith of Hastings; brothers-in-law; Jim (Colleen) Symmes of North Carolina, Jeff (Glenda) Symmes of Texas, Jerri (Gay) Symmes of Grand Rapids, Jack (Dawn) Symmes of Dorr; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-fathers: Joe Vimazel and Stan Wilkinson.
In keeping with Edna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Edna’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Sparrow Hospice, 1322 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48912.
To view Edna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Catherine “Cathie” Conroy

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Catherine “Cathie” Thekla Conroy, a happy-go-lucky kind of lady, died February 10, 2021, just five days before her 61st birthday. Cathie was born in Wurzburg, Germany on February 15, 1960 to William and Berta (Stadler) Smith. Growing up in Germany, Cathie’s parents dreamed of moving to the United States, so her father, who was enlisted in the U.S. armed forces, moved the family to the United States when Cathie was five. At a very young age, Cathie earned her U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.
Known for her big heart, Cathie was caring, friendly, easy-going, and accepting to everyone. She worked at the Irish Pub in Lansing for six years, Spartan Motors for two years, and was a food service manager at Fire Keepers Casino for ten years. Cathie really enjoyed her jobs in customer service and had the best bar story about how she met her husband, Michael. In her free time Cathie enjoyed camping, canoeing, traveling around the United States, and especially spending time with and doting on her grandchildren.
Cathie is survived by her family, husband, Michael; daughter, Serena Willett; stepdaughter, Jessica (Jeremy) DeRosia; grandchildren, Michael DeRosia, Neveah and Alilliana King, and Joshua Ellis Jr.; and her sister, Christina (Gary) Bitner; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cathie’s family by sharing memories of her on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter or Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Rachel G. Hebner

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Rachel Genevieve Hebner, 95, of Dimondale, a true original with a smile you’ll never forget, passed away on January 29, 2021 in Charlotte, Mich. Rachel was raised in Battle Creek by her adopted parents, Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams. She graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. At the age of 18, she made one of her few trips away from home to travel with a friend to Keesler Air Force Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. While there, her friend’s husband arranged a blind date for her, which became the night she met her future husband, Francis Hebner. Within the year, Rachel traveled back to Gulfport to marry Francis. They later returned to Michigan with Francis’ transfer to Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda during the Korean War.
After Rachel and Francis moved to the Lansing area, where Rachel worked as a school secretary for the Lansing Public School System, her first position being at Lincoln Elementary. She loved her time there, always feeling that the school felt like one big family. After Lincoln School closed she moved to the Reo Elementary School until her retirement in the early 1980’s.
Rachel was a strong woman with a great sense of humor. She could tell a story like no other, a talent she enjoyed immensely. She was a “people person” who could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. In her recent years she became a voracious reader, sometimes reading two books in a day. Her favorite genre was murder mysteries, which may have helped her develop her story telling abilities. She was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. One of her grandchildren said, “Grandma had a distinctive smile.” The residents of Hope Landing, where she spent her last years, agreed and nicknamed her “The Smiling Lady.”
Rachel is survived by her daughter, Janice (Larry) McQuay; son, Stuart (Ellie) Hebner; grandchildren, Darrin (Susan) Hebner, Angie (Rob) Smith, Edie McQuay, Tammy (Ryan) Halsey, Tina (Tom) Dunsmore, Teresa (Bryce) Madill, Kellye (Joey) Youngs, Justin (Sara) Hodges, Ryan (Jennifer) Hodges; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Kyle, Larry, Jack, Allysa, Ashley, Mandy, Jeffrey, Cooper, Sarah, Gracelyn, Cameron, Sebastian, Aliya, Hayden, and Duke; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her birth parents, John and Millie (Hamilton) Reams; her adopted, parents Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams; her brothers, Lee Reams and Bob Reams; and sisters, Ada Whipple, Gertrude McConnell, and Ruth Harden.
The family received visitors on Monday, February 1, 2021. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online on Rachel’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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