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Thomas Williams

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Funeral Services:

Mr. Thomas  “Tom” Williams, 71, of  Vermontville, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021 at his home.
Tom was born in Cadillac, Mich. on October 15, 1949, the son of the late Stanley and Francis Williams.
He was raised in the Haslett area and attended local schools, graduating from Haslett High School in 1967. Upon completing high school Tom joined the United State Marine Corps. Tom bravely served three consecutive tours in the Vietnam War, participating in over 20 forward operations and campaigns.  While serving his country, Tom achieved the rank of Sergeant, and was decorated with the Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, four Naval Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, National Service Medal, seven Vietnam Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Tom was honorably discharged on December 11, 1970, but remained as an active reserve from 1980-1984.
The relationships that Tom and his unit developed while serving together enriched all their lives and forged life-long friendships that they all continue to this very day.  Tom looked forward each year to traveling the United States to visit his dear friends and participate in their Marine Corp reunions.  Tom was honored to be inducted into the very elite and limited membership as a Knight of the Military Or of the Spirit Warrior, was a Life Member of the 2/4 Association, 1st Marine Division Association, and the 3rd Marine Division Association, Commander of the Vietnam Veterans of America Ellis E. Austin Chapter in Vermontville, served as the Vermontville American Legion Commander for over ten years and in 1994 was appointed as the Vietnam Veterans of America representative for the Eaton County MVTF Committee. 
On December 23, 1970 Tom married Debra (Austin) Williams.  They began their lives together in Eaton Rapids and St. Johns areas until divorcing in 1976.  Although divorced, they were able to develop a friendship in the past ten years and remained close.  He was married to Connie Rickey from 1978-1989.  In 1994 Tom married Kelly (Dickey) Williams and the couple made their home together in Vermontville. They remained married until Kelly’s passing.  
Tom had a strong passion for auto racing.  This began when he returned from Vietnam and started racing with his brother at local Michigan short tracks.  Throughout the years he has raced many different styles of cars, most recently racing the Super Late Model division.  If you stopped by Tom’s on any given afternoon, he was most likely in the barn working on one of his race cars or talking about one of his other vehicles that he took great pride in. He was also an avid Michigan State football fan and began taking his children to games over 30 years ago.  He and his daughter have been season ticket holders for over 20 years and when she couldn’t attend, Tom enjoyed taking his friends to the games.  He loved that his granddaughters Ahvia and Ella were getting into the football spirit too and the family tradition could continue.  The grandchildren were the “apple of his eye.”  He would drop everything when he had the opportunity to hang out with them, whether it was fishing, watching them play sports or activities, or just having sleepovers at grandpa’s house.  For the first years of his grandsons’ lives, Tuesdays were known as “grandpa day” as he began his babysitting career watching Jacob when he was three months and then when Holden was born, Tuesdays were still “grandpa day” as he cared for a newborn and one year old as if it was no big deal to him.  He made being a grandpa look easy and his grandchildren always felt loved by him.  During the summer he would vacation in Gatlinburg with his daughter’s family and granddaughter Ahvia. There wasn’t anything grandpa wouldn’t do for his grandchildren. 
Tom is survived by his two daughters, Vicki (Michael) Roush of Potterville, Mich. and their children Jacob, Holden and Ella, and  Gina Sherman of Boulder, Col. and her children Wyatt and Danika; two sons, Mike (Lindsay) Williams of Easton, Pa., Erwin Sherman of Boulder, Col.; a step son, Anthony Avitable of Charlotte, Mich.; sister, Francis Talton; brother, Allan Williams; and granddaughter, Ahvia Avitable.  
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Frances Williams; wife, Kelly Williams; brother, Erwin Williams;  son, Stephen Williams; and step daughter, SaraJayne Smith.
Tom will be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the United States Marine Corp, The American Legion Post 45 – Hastings, Mich., with reprenstatives from The Vermontville American Legion, and a tribute from the Patriot Riders at  Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, Mich.  with Pastor Robert Batterham officiating.
The family received visitors on  Sunday, January 10, 2021 at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville.  For further details please visit their website at danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Michael E. Long

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The Reverand Michael Edward Long, age 65, was welcomed home, into the arms of his Jesus, Thursday, January 7, 2021.  Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Website: systemafh.com.

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Thomas E. Marietta

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Thomas Earle Marietta, of Lansing, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the age of 66. Born March 11, 1954 to Paul and Joyce (Harris) Marietta in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Tom was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of 1972. He went on to work for General Motors where he retired after 30 years of service. Tom enjoyed playing the slot machines at Firekeepers Casino and he also enjoyed watching his Detroit Tigers baseball. Preceding him in death were his brother, Steve Marietta and his parents.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Teresa Marietta; daughter, Jaime (William) Hunter; grandchildren, Cody Hunter, Jacob Hunter; sisters, Kathy (Vance) Saunders, Debra Canfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.
There will be no services held for Tom. To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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David E. Moffatt

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David Ellsworth Moffatt of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly, January 11, 2021 at the age of 80. David was born in Flint, Mich. January 26, 1940, the son of Wyman and Francis (Smith) Moffatt. He worked for General Motors as an electrician before retiring in 1998 after 38 years. David was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Charlotte, enjoyed turkey and pheasant hunting, fishing, golfing and snowmobiling. He was a huge MSU football and basketball fan and a Tiger fan. David was an arborist, planting thousands of trees over the years and loved traveling with his best friend, Barbara all over the United States.
David is survived by his significant other, Barbara Folsom of Charlotte; daughter, Laurie (Alan) Bosworth of Charlotte; son, Gary Moffatt of Fla.; grandchildren, Jake Bosworth, Mary Kate (Andrew) Mossner, Alex (Jasmine) Bosworth, Alexis (Luke) Carmody; great-grandchildren, Abel, Gabriel and Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terry Moffatt; one brother and four sisters. 
 Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity. Please visit Mills Funeral Home website to place online condolences at MillsFuneral.com.

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Lynn M. Huston

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Lynn Marie Huston, of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 11, 2021 at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with cancer. Lynn was born in Sandusky, Mich. December 17, 1947, the daughter of Bruce and Virginia (Rich) Pagel. She had a strong Christian faith, attended Bible study, and faithfully read the Bible every day. She shared her talents with the community as an organist and choir director with the First Baptist Church, First Congregational Church and Robbins United Methodist Church. Lynn also helped wizth funeral lunches at church. She served with the Eaton Rapids Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, and was a founding member of the Eaton Rapids Women’s Chorus. 
Lynn is survived by her mother, Virginia Ostrowski; husband, Phil Huston; daughters, Paula (Dan Stowell) Huston of Boyne City, Holly (Letta) Dibaba of Lansing, Robyn Huston of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Doug (Pam) Pagel, Brian (Joyce) Pagel, Mark (Betty) Pagel; sisters, Patricia Olson, Beth (Alan) McCarty; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce; step-father, Frank Ostrowski; and brother-in-law, Richard Olson. 
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 4 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Healing & Healthcare Foundation, 530 Beech St, Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit our website to leave online condolences, millsfuneral.com.

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Laurence Thompson

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Laurence “Larry” Thompson, “Baba,” a 50-year resident of Eaton Rapids, passed away in his home on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 83, surrounded by his family.
Larry was born on August 15, 1937 to Edward and Evelyn Thompson in Sunfield, Mich. Larry graduated from Sunfield High School in 1955. Larry married his lifelong sweetheart, Ann, in 1958. Larry joined the United States Army in 1958. He was deployed to Trieste, Italy where he received several commendations for his excellence in playing softball for the Army. Larry separated from the Army at the rank of Sergeant and was very proud of his military service. After his service, Larry and Ann welcomed their children James, Timothy, Steven, and Colleen with loving arms. After retiring in 1993 from the Michigan Department of Transportation, as a foreman, Larry enjoyed traveling to see the sights the United States has to offer. He loved spending his winters in Florida with his wife Ann, watching his grandchildren play baseball, their success in bowling, having witnessed his grandson become a Marine, and recently welcomed his newest grandson; to include always watching his grass grow.
Larry is survived by his wife, Ann, of sixty-two years; his son, Steve (Irene) Thompson; his daughter, Colleen (Robert) Stone; his grandchildren, Kevin (Tina) Thompson, Petra Thompson, Jordyn and Jansen Stone, Joseph Thompson; and great-grandchildren Dylan and Jackson Thompson. Larry is also survived by his siblings, Jerry (Mary), and his sister, Jean Dukes. Larry is preceded in death by his sons, Timothy and James; his brothers, Vernon and David Thompson; and sister, Shirley Greene.
Laurence was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always proud of his children and grandchildren, speaking of them to others as often as he could. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. There will be no funeral service scheduled at this time. Larry will be cremated at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. There will be a celebration of life scheduled during the summer of 2021 for friends and family.

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Sue Ellen Yerge

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Sue Ellen Yerge, a resident of Bellevue, Mich., formerly a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center, died on January 3, 2021 at the age of 72. Funeral services are scheduled for January 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bellevue, Mich.

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Linnea M. Shaw

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Funeral Services:

Linnea Marie (Cedarstaff) Shaw of Charlotte, Mich., born November 2, 1947, died unexpectedly in Lansing, Mich on December 31, 2020. Linnea was preceded in death by her father, Burton Cedarstaff; her mother, Loreen (Chaffee) Cedarstaff; and her brother, Gerald Cedarstaff. She is survived by her siblings, Karen Hocking, David (Judy) Cedarstaff, Thomas (Valerie Balogh) Cedarstaff, and Diane (Robert) Schneider; sister-in-law, Lynn Cedarstaff; her children, Sarah Shaw and Brian (Theresa Mangapora) Shaw; eight nieces and nephews, and two great-nieces. Also surviving is Linnea’s former spouse, Berney Shaw.
Linnea was a graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. She was employed by Barry-Eaton District Health Department for four decades where she served in many positions within their clinic, and worked until her passing.
Linnea was very proud of her Swedish heritage and was an avid genealogist who frequently lectured on research techniques. She was also involved in the local Scandinavian Society and the Sons of Norway chapter. She loved traveling to Sweden and connecting with family there.
Linnea was actively involved in many area groups including the Eaton County Historical Society, Eaton County Genealogy Society, Charlotte Herb Guild, Quilters Guild, as well as several musical groups where she joined in with her natural talent playing a variety of instruments. Linnea was happiest when she was using her creative talents to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, paint or garden something special for someone else.
Linnea was a passionate advocate for animals and took in many stray dogs and cats over the years as well as many other animals in need of a good home. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in Linnea’s name to the Capital Area Humane Society.
Plans for a memorial will be made at a later date once it will be safe for all to travel and gather.
To view Linnea’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Linda R. Sowle

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Linda Ruth Sowle, a caring, loving, and detail-oriented mother, grandmother and friend, died on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Linda, 69, of Holt, Mich. was born June 7, 1951 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Howard and Maxine (Toomey) Maurer. She graduated from Olivet High School and later earned an associate degree. Linda’s first work was as a delivery room tech at a local hospital. Later, she worked as a policy specialist for the State of Michigan where she helped to develop the State of Michigan Medicaid billing system. Linda married Eric Wilmore and spent the next several years creating their legacy until his passing in 2011. Linda enjoyed baking; she was famous for her white chocolate raspberry cheesecakes. Baking was a skill she learned at a young age from her Aunt Iva Jean. Her hobbies included camping all over the state with family, bluegill fishing with her dear friend Julie Shaver, bowling, and her golf league at Centennial Acres with her dear friends. Many will remember Linda as a very giving person who was always there to help and had a talent to anticipate the needs of others. She was a cherished grandmother and best friend to her grandson, Jackson. Above all Linda cherished the time she spent with her family.
Linda is survived by her sons, Brett Wilmore and Jeremy Wilmore, both of Fla; grandchildren, Jackson and Emani; siblings, Marcia (Michael) Petersen, Carl (Amy) Maurer; and great friend, Julie Shaver. She was predeceased by her husband, Eric Wilmore; and niece, Monica Petersen.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines were practiced. Linda asked that a memorial fund be set up for her grandson, Jackson’s college fund, so if desired please make donations to Jeremy Wilmore in this regard. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Lawrence D. Hale

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Lawrence Douglas Hale, 56, of Nashville, died unexpectedly on January 4, 2021 in Ionia. Larry was born July 2, 1964, in Charlotte, the son of Melvin Douglas and Carene Jane (Rowden) Hale. He graduated from Olivet High School where he played football. He later earned his mechanic license from ITT Tech. Most recently, he worked on the line at Ventra Ionia Main. Larry enjoyed Shirley’s Chuckwagon Café in Nashville, and reminiscing on many years of camping trips up north.
Larry is survived by his son, Eric Hale; sisters, Brenda Hale-Taylor and Tammy (Pete) Bryner; and nephews, Charles (Nicole) Bryner, David (Amanda) Bryner, and Chance Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family. A memorial service will take place this summer, when outdoor services resume. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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