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Robert C. Brown

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Funeral Services:

Robert Clyde Brown, 86 of Charlotte, a guy who always said, “I’ll do it myself” and his family affectionately calls “a stubborn ole bastard” died November 8, 2020. He was headstrong with a soft heart, willing to take on tasks for others as well as accomplishing his list. He loved hunting and fishing and three-wheeling with his Kellogg buddies. Bob was a homebody. He was proud of his property, including the barns that he built, his house and his land. He enjoyed his building and refinishing of farm equipment and many other projects. He enjoyed his years at Kellogg as a machine operator. Bob was so proud of his family, and loved to share memories of his sons’ antics.
Bob is survived by his wife, Susan Myers; and his step-children, Keven Myers and August Mellios; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Dean (Sheila) Brown of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Steve Brown, Stan Brown, Donn Brown; grandson, Chad Brown; and brother, Larry Brown.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 14, 2020, 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with celebrant Joseph E. Pray officiating, and interment to follow at Perry Cemetery. Visitation is prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. 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 Bob’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Food Pantry. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Robert on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Shirley A. Collins

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Funeral Services:

Shirley Ann Collins, 90, of Charlotte, a self-sacrificing, caring woman of great character and independence, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Shirley was born July 25, 1930 in Charlotte. She worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell (later AT&T), retiring with perfect attendance – a tribute to her flawless work ethic. Shirley always made sure things were done right. She enjoyed antiquing, especially collecting furniture, glass works, and books. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, and loved time spent playing cards and socializing with grandchildren, family and friends; chief among them was Susan Collins, her former daughter-in-law, whose relationship was treasured. Above all, she loved her role as matriarch of the Collins family. Shirley’s family will always be proud of her care of them even when resources were limited. The family has donated her many books and belongings to the local library in keeping with her spirit of generosity.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Mark, Gary (Eileen), and Jeff Collins; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Bruce (Tonja) Hicks, Phyllis Moore, and Jeannette Hicks, Bobby Hicks, Jerry (Evelyn) Hicks, and Dale (Carole) Hicks; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sons, Steve and Kyle Collins; and her brothers, Jack, Tink and Richard Hicks.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3552. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Ruth A. Aagaard

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Funeral Services:

Ruth Ann Aagaard, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home November 9, 2020. She was born April 11, 1948, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of George and Maude (Vandersteel) Kik. Ruth graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids in 1966. On February 21, 1979, she married Richard Aagaard in Crystal, Mich. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was always smiling and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She adored her family and was always there to support them. Ruth worked at the Eaton Place in Charlotte for 18 years and enjoyed the comradery she had with her coworkers. The family would like to thank the caring staff of McLaren Hospice, MSU Healthcare, and her favorite EMT Roy for their loving care during Ruth’s illness.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Richard; sons: Don Miller of Charlotte, Rick Aagaard of Charlotte; granddaughter, Vanessa Carroll; great grandson, Jace Carroll; and brother, Dan Kik of Grand Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bob Kik.
A graveside service was held on Friday, November 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Center Eaton Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ruth’s memory to McLaren Hospice 2815 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 4, Lansing, Mich. 48910.
To view Ruth’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Charles H. Miller

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Funeral Services:

Charles “Chuck” H. Miller, a helper of people, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family in the early morning on November 8, 2020, after a four-year battle with health issues. Chuck was born August 7, 1939 in Manitowoc, Wisc. to Cecil and Ruth (Tomaschefsky) Miller. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1956 to 1958 and then continued his service to his country in the National Guard from 1973 to 1981.
Chuck was one of those generous people who cheerfully gave his time and his talent to others. Many will remember Chuck from his countless hours that he spent at the Potterville Sod Slingers racetrack where he manicured the grass to make sure the lawn mower races could proceed each weekend during the season.
Chuck loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed the many years at deer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his buddy Jim Ness, his nephews, his son Bob, and son in-law Patrick.
Chuck was also a fan of family and friends gathering for chili cookout parties in the backyard of the family home. Above all he was loved by everyone he met. He will be remembered for his quick wit and memorable one-liners he would share with a smile, his favorite one being “Don’t tell me what to do.”
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; their children, Teri (Patrick) Daniels, Bob Miller, Greg Miller and John (Dena) Miller. He also leaves behind his 14 cherished grandchildren including the youngest, born June 30, 2020, and named Charlie Benjamin after his grandfather; as well his sister, June Ely; brother, Richard Miller; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Miller; his father, Cecil Miller; granddaughter, Kayla Daniels; brother, David Miller; and special brother-in-law, Jim Ness.
Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family at a chili cookout and memorial service at the family residence Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Chuck on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Elora Sylvia May Haigh

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Funeral Services:

Elora Sylvia May Haigh, of Eaton Rapids, died at age zero on November 6, 2020. Funeral service was held on Nobember 13 at 1 pm at the Pray Funeral Home Gardens.

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Judith K. Hansen

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Funeral Services:

Judith Kay (Nellis) Hansen, of Eaton Rapids, passed away at the age of 83 on November 9, 2020. Judy was born in Jackson on February 1, 1937, to Frederick and Gertrude (Voice) Nellis. She was a teacher with the Fremont and Lansing public schools before retiring in 1994. As a teacher, she also was a physical education teacher, enjoyed swimming and taught swimming classes at the YMCA for several years. Judith’s hobbies included antiquing, reading, travel and restoring old houses. She was a member of the Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church and the Friends of the Eaton Rapids Area District Library. Judy was an excellent organizer enjoying planning social events and attending reunions.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Hansen; daughter, Julia (Scott) Barningham of Eaton Rapids; son, Eric (April) Hansen of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Jenna (Shane) Schnepp of Eaton Rapids, Mathew (Savahna) Hansen of Battle Creek, Kaitlynn (Joseph) Echevarria of Battle Creek, Caleb Hansen of Battle Creek and Bradley Barningham of Eaton Rapids. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sandra (Nellis) Corr Jordan.
Graveside services will be held at a later date in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.

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Kevin L. Drummond

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Funeral Services:

Kevin Lee Drummond, 57, of St. Clair, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday November 5, 2020. He was born February 28, 1963 in Jackson to Lendora (Lynn) Berry and Robert Drummond. Kevin grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated in 1981 from Eaton Rapids High School. He married Kelly Drummond on June 4, 1988 and they enjoyed 32 years of close friendship, love, and adventure. Kevin graduated from Western Michigan University in 1986 with a degree in accounting. He worked as a CPA before attending John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Ill. After graduating and passing the bar, he worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission for several years. Kevin and his young family then moved back to Michigan where Kevin worked for Michigan Packaging Company until 1997, when he purchased Butler Plastics Co. in Marine City. He was a dedicated owner, and treated every coworker and employee as family. He was invested in his community and cared deeply for his employees and friends. His sense of humor and quick wit will be deeply missed by them all. Kevin is survived by his wife, Kelly Drummond (Blashill), his mother, Lynn (Bill) Berry, his brother Mark (Brenda) Drummond, and his three children Sarah (Michael) Hubbard, Andrew Drummond, and Scott Drummond. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Drummond. Kevin was a dedicated son, husband, uncle, and father, and was very proud of the family he had. He was excited to become a grandfather for the first time in the spring of 2021. A memorial to celebrate his life will be scheduled at Young Funeral Home in St. Clair. The date will be announced in spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Blue Water Hospice in Marysville in Kevin’s name. To leave the family a message of comfort please visit: colonialchapel.com.

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Marsha Waymire

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Funeral Services:

The world lost an amazing wife, mother, sister, teacher and bon vivant as Marsha Waymire of Charlotte passed on unexpectedly, at home on October 28, 2020.
Marsha lived for her family – her husband David, daughter Emma and her dogs, currently Luca and Nico – as well as her hundreds of first-grade students at Washington Elementary School in Charlotte over the last 20 years, and her many friends who relied on her to bring a smile, laugh and good times whenever she was near.
Born on May 11, 1955 in Flint, Mich. to Carroll Leo Lantz and Virginia Alice Markley Lantz, Marsha was raised in the Civic Park area of Flint before her family, including her brother Mike and sisters Sue and Kim, moved to Flushing where she graduated from high school.
It will surprise no one who knew her that Marsha passed on a chance to attend college and instead moved to Mesick with friends to find her own path. She took many jobs to make ends meet, including working in a cherry cannery and small auto parts factory.
Returning to Flint, she worked 89 days at the former Saginaw Steering Gear factory before leaving once she saw a 30-year path of well-paid drudgery ahead of her. She moved into retail positions before finding a niche in dental office management.
Marsha met David Waymire, then a Flint Journal reporter, in a downtown Flint bar and married him in 1981. When David’s job took him from Flint to Lansing, Marsha landed a position at Delta Dental in Okemos. She quickly moved into management at Delta. It was at this time that she developed her long attachment to flamingos, in any form, shape and size, from yard decorations to paintings to pool floats.
Emma was born in 1988. Once she entered elementary school, Marsha left Delta to focus on raising her little girl, her most treasured asset. A few years later, Marsha decided to pursue her longtime interest in teaching, graduating from Olivet College with her bachelor’s degree in education. In 2003, she became a first-grade teacher at Washington Elementary School, where Emma had attended.
For nearly 20 years, she shaped the lives of hundreds of first grade students at Washington and became an integral part of the school. Along the way, she received a master’s degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University.
Marsha was a vital part of Emma’s life as a soccer mom, equestrian follower, cheerleader at cross country and track events, and more. She and David travelled widely, from California to New York, Oregon and Colorado, as well as Miami, Paris, Tokyo, Belize and more. In March 2018, they helped Emma hold the wedding of her dreams, marrying Jarrett Clark in Costa Rica. With Emma and Jarrett living in Colorado, Denver became a second home for Marsha and David.
Over the years, Marsha and David hosted memorable parties at their Lansing home and then in their country abode between Potterville and Charlotte. A wine aficionado, exemplary mixologist, poolside tanner, gardener, extraordinary quilter, dedicated but mediocre skier and superb storyteller – often by exaggerating small everyday events into comedic episodes – Marsha breathed life, laughter and love into events large and small.
She retired from teaching this year and was planning new interesting paths to follow when she died peacefully in her sleep. She is survived by David; Emma and Jarrett; her dogs Luca and Nico; her granddog Henry; her grandhorse Cayman; her brother Mike and sisters Sue Bradley and Kim Lamphere; many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nephews and nieces; and the many students whose lives she touched.
A celebration of her remarkable achievements and love of life was held on Tuedsay, November 3 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.
David and Emma hope to establish an endowment fund in Marsha’s name to cover the cost of student school supplies that Washington Elementary teachers usually pay for out of their own pockets. More details will be available when the family hosts a major celebration of this amazing woman’s life once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

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Russell M. Densmore

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Funeral Services:

Russell Merle Densmore was born on July 17, 1932 and he took the checker flag on October 29, 2020. If you knew Russ you knew he loved and lived racing. As a young man he would race at Jackson Speedway. It was in his blood, so much that he decided to build his own Michigan Ideal Speedway. He worked 40 years at Michigan International Speedway (Fire Rescue). Russ was a volunteer firefighter/first responder, he also spent time in law enforcement and built a propane business, Thermogas of Springport, Mich.
Russ is survived by his wife Pat, having just passed 44 years together. Also surviving are his twin daughters, Joan Densmore (Dutch), June (Rick) Stevens; step-sons, Dave (Kim) Eddy, Steve (Joie) Eddy; grandchildren, Nicky, Richard, Chris, Jenny, Ethan, Abbey, Kim and Donna; several great-grandchildren; sister, Donna (Leon) Hinderer; several nieces and nephews and their spouses. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred (Dunn) Densmore; daughter, Dianne Chunko; great-grandsons, Dylan and Colton Aukerman; brothers, Ed (Gwen) and Dale (Betty) Densmore; and sisters, Goldie (Earl) Garrison, AnnaBelle (Norris) Reynolds and Helen (Harry) Barton.
Funeral services for Russell were held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Vickers Springport Funeral Home in Springport with Reverent Bill Tripp officiating. Burial followed the service at Springport Cemetery. Honored pallbearers were Steve Eddy, Dave Eddy, Ron Densmore, Richard Yahnka, Ethan Eddy and Shawn McCall, and honorary pallbearers were Curt Ainsworth, Terry Hiither and Rustie Hiither. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284, (517)857-4848.

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Donald L. Thompson, Sr.

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Funeral Services:

Donald Lee Thompson, Sr., of Vermontville, died on Sunday, November 1, 2020. Donald, 85, was born October 5, 1935, in Lansing, Mich., the son of Palmer and Martha (Everingham) Thompson. On December 4, 1954, Donald married his sweetheart, Rose Marie Hummel and together spent the next 55 years. He worked 32 years as a welder for Fisher Body until his retirement in 1983. Donald was an avid outdoorsman.
Donald is survived by his children, Alicia (Gareth) Tyler of Olivet, Trese (Rick) Paisley of Bellevue, Rose “Rea” Kirby of Vermontville, Sue (Kenneth) Cowell of Vermontville, Donald “Bud” (Ursula) Thompson, Jr. of Vermontville; many grandchildren; special companion, Deb Rogers of Battle Creek; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rose Marie; and grandson, Donald Thompson III.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held for two hours prior to the service, with mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines practiced.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donald on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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