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Bennett L. Staples

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Funeral Services:

Bennett Layton Staples, age 80, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed on to Heaven on Friday, January 1, 2021. Ben was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on May 17, 1940 to the late Glover and Grace (Cook) Staples. He served in the Marine Corps early in life and then relocated to Alaska where he enjoyed racing cars on ice, and where he met the love of his life, Judy Sajdak, whom he married in 1975. Shortly after they relocated to the West Coast and started a family. He enjoyed boating, crabbing, and sharing his love for racing and Porsche with his children and family. Eventually his employment in retail management brought him and his family to Eaton Rapids, Mich., and Ben really loved investing in and caring for his employees in the various Sam’s Club stores throughout Lansing, Jackson and Battle Creek. In retirement he used his love of cars and ability to talk about them with anyone to help his friend John Bellkey at Bellkey Automotive in Eaton Rapids. For years he was in his happy place travelling with his wife and family to watch Porsches race.
Ben was an extremely selfless husband and father who always took care of his family. He had a sense of humor that could help anyone laugh at life, and great little nuggets of wisdom to help people see the bigger picture. Though he was very easygoing and friendly, Ben had a determined character and was a fighter; he certainly didn’t let 2020 get the best of him. Aside from watching races with his wife, his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, tinkering, building, setting up something fun to do for them like the go-kart, and handing on important life skills. He was a fantastic teacher and encourager from whom everyone loved to seek advice.
He is survived by his wife; son, David (Kari) Staples; daughter, Alexis (Carey) Jarvis; grandchildren, Jacob, Baker, Beau, Ancilla, Peter, George, and Zelie Staples, and Sydney Jarvis; sister, Barbara Wallace; nephew, John Wallace and niece Barb Wallace; cousins Mary Derbyshire, Phyllis (Ed) Barker, Ruth Foster, and others.
His family is incredibly grateful to all of those who have been praying for Ben and for them. They are also very grateful for Sparrow’s Hospice doctor and nurses who cared for him, and for many of his other Sparrow nurses and several of his doctors. If you’d like to make a gift on Ben’s behalf, his family would be grateful if you did so to Sparrow Hospice Care Services.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Iven P. Norris Jr.

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Iven P. “Ike” Norris Jr., of Onondaga, Mich. passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the age of 95. Ike was born on October 12, 1925 in Delhi Township. He was the last surviving of 14 siblings born to Ivan Norris Sr. and Mary Ellen (Purcell) Norris. He attended Leslie High School before leaving early to join the United States Army during WWII. During that time he served with the 311th infantry regiment, 78th division and was a decorated WWII veteran who received the Good Conduct Medal, three Bronze stars, and a Purple Heart. After the war he continued to be active in the military for 23 years, serving first in the National Guard and later in the Army reserves. Ike also worked for Springport Steel, River Raisin Paper Company and Jackson County Road Commission where he retired in 1982. He was a founding member of the Onondaga Sportsman’s Club, a lifetime member of the NRA, member of the Springport VFW and American Legion. Ike also loved to hunt, fish and golf and was a beloved member of the “Geritol League” at Hankerd Hills Golf Course. Everywhere he went he was known for his quick wit and great stories. Throughout his life he always considered himself an active serviceman, a defender of America and her freedoms. He portrayed this in the way he lived his life through his generosity to veteran and community organizations, and volunteering his time to support and mentor the next generation. But above all, Ike was a family man who cherished his blended family. He was loved by many and touched numerous lives for the positive. His death is a huge loss to everyone he touched. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven Norris; stepchildren, John Manthei, Bill Manthei, and Marilyn Lubahn; and 13 brothers and sisters.
Surviving are his wife, Janet (Donze) Norris; son, Stanley (Deb) Norris; daughters, Sandy Ruiz, Susan (Jim) Richardson; stepdaughter, Lisa (Eric) Cooper; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Lois Visser

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Lois Dee Visser, of Charlotte, Mich., died on December 23, 2020 at the age of 78.

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Lauraine M. Paladino

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Lauraine Marian Paladino, thoughtful, cheerful and bright, of Charlotte, died December 28, 2020. Lauraine, 76, was born January 14, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the oldest of eight children born to Raymond and Mary (Smith) Reynolds. She was a natural caregiver and was looked upon by her siblings as more of a mother than a sister. She often put others’ needs ahead of her own. She excelled and enjoyed her artistic abilities whether it was drawing, stained glass, playing her accordion or photography. Lauraine participated in the John F. Kennedy presidential campaign, and enjoyed being a “Kennedy Girl.” Retired from General Motors, she had more time to enjoy with her grandchildren. She was proud of her Russian/Irish heritage and her red hair, but if you asked her what she was most proud of, family and grandkids would be at the top of the list.
Lauraine is survived by her children, Michelle (Jim) Taylor, and David (Susan) Paladino; grandchild, Aiden Myers; siblings, Joyce Proto, Rose Vosilla, Elaine Mudry, Phyllis Muro, John Reynolds. She was predeceased by her sister, Rita Remillard; brother, Raymond Reynolds; significant other, Larry Weicht; and her beloved grandson, Liam Myers, whom she helped care for.
Friends are encouraged to support Lauraine’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, January 2, 2021,11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Neil Brady officiating. Visitation was held on Friday evening, January 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. Mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will also be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Lauraine’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.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lauraine on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Tammy Jo Gallaway

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Tammy Jo Gallaway, an easy going, happy, outgoing and active young lady, died peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Charlotte. Tammy, 56, of Charlotte, was born December 20, 1964 in Lansing, the daughter of Fran and Sue (Robinson) Gallaway. She attended Beekman Center in Lansing and enjoyed horseback riding and 4H, bocce ball, music, dancing, cheerleading, and trips to the Au Sable River. Tammy was very active in the Special Olympics, and many will remember her as the poster child for the George Perles Special Olympics Golf Outing. She also participated in cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The family will always cherish their family trips to Disney World. Many will remember her concern for others and her love for family.
Tammy is survived by her parents, Fran and Sue Gallaway; brothers, Greg (Erin) Gallaway and Robert (Lucinda) Gallaway; godmother, Nancy Nostrant; “second mom,” Mary Lou Swincicki; her nieces and nephews; uncle, Doug (Mary) Robinson; The Sunrose Neighborhood and her LCC Buddies. She was predeceased by her grandparents and her godfather, Gary Volker.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehab Services Activities Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tammy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Rogene D. Pefley

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Rogene “Gene” D. Pefley, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Hope Landing in Charlotte. She was born November 10, 1927, in Manistee, the daughter of Herbert and Florence (Knotts) Ringel. In 1947, Gene married Darwin Pefley in Syracuse, New York. Gene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked to maintain a beautiful home and family her entire life. Both Gene and Darwin enjoyed their time spent in Arizona. While there they would often take a bus trip to visit the casino. Gene enjoyed bowling, pinochle, and watching TV Land reruns. She was affectionately known as the cookie monster due to her love for cookies. Lemon and oatmeal raisin were her favorites!
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Hope Landing and Hospice of Lansing for their exceptional care.
She is survived by her daughter: Darlene (Harold) Foutch of Flint, Sandra (Keith) July of Charlotte; grandson, Michael (Angie) July of Grand Rapids; and great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Dominick July.
Gene was preceded in death, by her parents; husband, Darwin; and grandson, Mark July.
In keeping with Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gene’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365 or garysinisefoundation.org.

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Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher

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Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher, age 15, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away tragically on December 27, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident. Jaxon was born on January 29, 2005 in Lansing, Mich. the son of Nichole Pierpoint, Jennifer Geib and Seth Kocher. He was currently a tenth-grade student at Eaton Rapids High School where he excelled academically and in sports. Jaxon was a member of the football, basketball and track teams and was liked by his teammates and peers. He was social, outgoing and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. Jaxon loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, playing frisbee golf, cornhole and working on the farm. He was a diehard U of M fan and always had great pride for veterans and those who served our country. Jaxon was, above all, a great young man who was taken from this earth too soon, but his memory will live on in the lives of those he leaves behind.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Robinson; great grandparents, Burt Warner and GG Kocher.
Surviving are his mother, Nichole (Jen Geib) Pierpoint; father, Seth Kocher; sisters, Carly Kocher, Kaitlin Lehto; grandparents, Suzanne Robinson, Thomas and Lynn Pierpoint, Timothy and Victoria Kocher, Mark and Sherri Geib; great grandparents, Jackie Warner, Mike and Bonnie Bowers; girlfriend, Courtnie Bush; best friend and cousin, Bryce Pierpoint and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel on Friday, January 1, 2020 from 2 to 6 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids High School Athletic Department in memory of Jaxon. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Lloyd L. Loar

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Lloyd Leroy Loar of Vermontville, passed away December 25, 2020 at the age of 73. Lloyd was born in Gladwin, Mich., January 21, 1947, the son of Willard and Delpha (Wray) Loar. He proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Lloyd was a brick layer and also worked for Buick, Olds, Cadillac before retiring in 1996. He loved older cars, drag racing, and attending car shows, and spending time in the outdoors watching the deer, ducks, and birds.  
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Sharon Loar; children, Angela (Russ) Nevins, Paul (Amanda) Davis, Shaun Davis; grandchildren, Josh (Brooke) Blanchard, Tyler (Shelby) Blanchard, Austin Hogarth, Jared (Skylyr) Davis, Anna Davis, Dustin (Nicole) Davis, Ryan Davis; nine great grandchildren; nephews, Chris Coney, Sheldon (Jennifer) Coney. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jacquelyn Sue Blanchard; sisters, Sharon Coney and Charlene Houghton. 
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrow Cancer Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To place online condolences please visit their website at millsfuneral.com.

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Harold F. Badgley

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Harold Franklin “Frank” Badgley III of Potterville, went home to be with his savior Jesus on December 25, 2020 at the age of 61. Frank was born in Lansing, September 28, 1959, the son of Harold Badgley Jr. and Barbara (Doty). He was a 1977 graduate of Potterville High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted and served with the U.S. Navy. Frank was kind, caring, a good listener and was quick to laugh. He took every opportunity to enjoy life and the people around him. He exuded integrity and was loyal to those he loved, and he was loved by many. Frank liked to cook, collect knives, collect depression glass, and greatly enjoyed helping people. 
Harold is survived by his mother, Barbara Howlett; son, Timothy Badgley of Potterville; sisters, Brenda (Cor) Toncray, Beth Schaefer; brothers, Jeffrey (Judy) Badgley, Monte (Susie) Ferris, Stanford (Tina) Ferris, Brian (Kellie) Badgley, Larry (Crista) Badgley; several nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Jim and Carla Milbourn. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Esta Anderson; brothers, Dale and Alex Ferris; step-father, Bryan Howlett.    
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.

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