-

Funeral Services:

Cerel M. Fritz, Jr., age 74 died on September 27, 2020. He was a resident of Charlotte, Mich. and a tool and die operator. Funeral services will be at a later date.

-

Funeral Services:

James Edward Davy, 70, of Charlotte, died Thursday, September 24, 2020 in Lansing. Jim was born November 24, 1949 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, the son of Jack and Marion (Sayre) Davy. In his youth, the family moved to Walled Lake, Mich., where he graduated from Walled Lake Central in 1967. Shortly after, on a visit to the beach, he asked if he could sit alongside a pretty young lady, Jean. This started their journey together. Jim left for basic training and was eventually stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Jean followed him to Germany, and in 1971 the couple got married in Basil, Switzerland. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a firefighter during the Vietnam War. Upon their return, they started a family and Jim took a job in Walled Lake working for Dedoes. In 1990, Jim and Jean moved their family to Charlotte, where Jim worked in Sales with AdTech Plastics. He retired from Cass Polymers in 2015. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, and following the Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Lions. His pride in life was his grandchildren, Jack and Mya. Jim followed their sports and activities, and treasured every moment spent together as a family. Many will remember him as an all-around great person with a happy smile and a kind heart.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jean Davy; son, Jeff (Stephanie) Davy; daughter, Jessica Davy; grandchildren, Mya and Jack Davy; brothers, Richard Davy, John Davy, and Brian Davy; and his nieces and nephews.
A private memorial gathering will take place at Jeff and Stephanie’s home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

-

Funeral Services:

Ronda Lorraine Tuckey, a woman always thinking of others, and loved by all who knew her, of Charlotte, Michigan died Thursday, September 24, 2020. Ronda, 56, was born in Newberry, Michigan to Ronald and Karalee (Nickerson) Holt. The family moved to Grand Rapids before settling in Charlotte, where Ronda graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981. On June 26, 1982, Ronda married Brian Tuckey and together they built a loving family and home. Ronda was most proud of her marriage and family. Everyone knew how much Ronda and Brian loved each other. Their relationship was admired and was one that most people envied. Ronda would reply, “just care more about your partner than yourself.” The family will remember Ronda as a “true Mema,” making her home an oasis for her family, and everybody else’s Aunt Ronda or Mema.
Ronda was a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. When she started working outside the home, she worked for the SIREN-Eaton Shelter, the Union Bank and as a teller for 17 years at LAFCU, where she received the Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Teller. Ronda enjoyed being with her family, and making the best bloody Marys by the pool. She enjoyed traveling with her kids to Punta Cana, Mexico, and many other places. She was also a wonderful home decorator. Her artistic talent gave her many ideas, she’d tell Brian about them, and he would build it. Together they discovered antique treasures they could fix and sell, creating a business that they loved.
Ronda is survived by her devoted husband, Brian; her son, Trent (Brandie) Tuckey; and daughter, Neisha (Todd) Trowbridge (Uriah Hammond); four grandchildren, Jazzlynn, Brylee, Deegan and Brayson; her mother, Kara (Robert) Morales; and her soul “sista,” Chris (Scott) Volz. She was predeceased by her father, Ronald Holt in 1995.
Friends are encouraged to support Ronda’s family. Funeral services were held Thursday, October 1, at 4 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Garden, in Charlotte, with Ed Tuckey officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, September 30th.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ronda Tuckey Memorial Fund at LAFCU. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ronda on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ronda’s tribute, and then click on Photos & 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.

-

Funeral Services:

John Arther Bedunah of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. (formerly of Charlotte), died on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Fla. Services will be announced at a later date.

-

Funeral Services:

Barbara J. Rieben, age 70, peacefully passed away at her Swanton home surrounded by the comfort of her loving family.  She was born in Charlotte, Mich. on February 21, 1950 to the late Leland Wendel and Jean (Riddle) Oberlin.  Barb was a 1968 graduate of Charlotte High School and on September 12, 1970 she married James E. Rieben.   Together Barb and Jim took their only daughter, Tina to upstate New York; where Jim pursued a career with Owens Illinois.  The three of them remained in New York for over 20 years before moving and settling in Swanton in 1998.  Barb was a breast cancer survivor, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She lived for her grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them. Barb especially enjoyed being a snowbird with her husband and friends in Ruskin, FL.  She also loved to “get away for the weekend” to go crafting with the girls.  Barb enjoyed playing bingo with friends and watching her three grandchildren show their livestock at the Fulton County Fair.  She was loved and will be deeply missed.  Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 50 years, James E. Rieben; daughter, Tina Jo (Alex) Tedrow of Wauseon; grandchildren, Jolyssa M. (Garrett Cass) Tedrow, Ashlynn R. Tedrow and McCoy J. Tedrow; sisters, Karol Bartlett and Denise Riddle; brothers, Geoff (Diana) Riddle and Dale (Amber) Wendel all of Charlotte; along with many dear friends. Family and friends were received from 10 a.m. – 12 noon on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; where a memorial service honoring Barb’s life began at 12 noon.  Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, those attending are asked to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a facial mask and observe six-foot distancing when possible.  Pastor Maryann Reimund will be officiating.  Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at barnesfuneralchapel.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Francis H. Lordson, 80 of Vermontville and formerly of Pickford, Mich., died peacefully at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.
Francis was born October 2, 1939 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan the son of Alfred and Agnes Lordson. Francis was employed as a laborer in the Laborer’s Union Local 998/499 from 1960-1998.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in the 37th Field Artillery Unit from 1962 to 1965.
Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Joy on October 27, 2005.  Surviving are his daughter, Andrea H. Perry of LaGrange, Ind.; grandchildren, Raeleen Hapeman of Battle Creek, Eric Hapeman of Vermontville and Robert Hapeman of Ypsilanti.  In addition to his wife, Francis was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother Norman Lordson, his sister and her husband, Mae and Clifford Anderson, his brother-in-law, Max Waun and many other family members and friends.
Per Francis’ wishes his cremated remains will be interred at Donaldson Cemetery, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research.  Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Our loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ray Hackworth, went to be with his heavenly father on September 26, 2020. Ray was born December 26, 1934 to Johnnie and Effie (Williams) Hackworth in Kentucky.
Ray loved his family, friends and church family. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958-1959 in the Signal Corp. After returning from the service he worked as an electrician for 30 years at General Motors until his retirement in 1985. While working at General Motors Ray also owned and operated a grocery store and laundry mat in Potterville. He never had just one job. After his GM retirement he became a financial advisor for Waddell-Reed, a Real Estate agent, and managed several rental properties until 2019.
Ray also enjoyed maintaining their beautiful property surrounding their residence which included a large pond and garden where many family gatherings and celebrations were held. Ray liked planting and watching sunflowers grow taller than him, riding his tractor and four-wheeler and following the stock market. In the winter, he and Joan spent time at their Florida seasonal home where he loved the warmth of the sun
Ray was married for 61 years to his wife Joan (Collins). Ray and Joan were blessed with five loving children; Beverly (Ed) Lira, Cheri (Jeff) Elston, Annette Robinson, Dana Converse and Eric Hackworth; three grandsons, Nathan Robinson, and Joel and Jared Converse; Seven granddaughters, Ashley (Matt) Carpp, Elizabeth (Brian) Colopy, Faye (Jacob) VanSickle, Jana Converse, Rachael (Rob) Dulebon, Madison and Makayla Lira; two great grandsons, and five great granddaughters. Ray is also survived by his sister Sharon (Aaron) Collins and brother Bob (Dee) Hackworth, many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Ray always wanted everyone in his family to succeed and was always there to provide his words of wisdom and advice. We will miss him dearly but know he is surrounded by his loving parents, friends and Heavenly Father. We are comforted knowing that we will be together again.
The Hackworth family will be receiving guests during visitation Monday 6 – 8 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday September 29, at 10 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with John Coakley officiating. In recognition of the Executive Orders for the State of Michigan Mask and Social Distancing guidelines will be practiced both indoors and outdoors.
The funeral service 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 Ray’s tribute, and then click on Photos & 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 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Sandra ‘Sandy’ Louise McDonald, 78 of Charlotte, a woman who will be remembered for her positive attitude and warm smile, passed away on March 20, 2020 in Lansing. She was born September 15, 1941 to Wendell and Dorothy (Coplin) Anderson in Charlotte. She attended Charlotte High School, graduating 1959 and earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Lansing Community College. On June 26, 1966 she married Scott McDonald.
Sandy worked aas a Licensed Practical Nurse at Sparrow Hospital and Eaton Rapids Hospital for a few years. Following her nursing career, she went to work for Eaton Intermediate School District as a Para-Professional until her retirement. Her family will always remember Sandy as a person who influenced the lives of many young people in a positive way. Sandy enjoyed scrapbooking, creating wonderful stories using the family pictures. She also was actively pursuing her family genealogy, creating a wonderful keepsake family tree. She was active in the community as a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Maple City Chapter 218. Above all else, Sandy was most proud of her children and the way they turned out to be wonderful adults.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Scott; their children, Steven (Maria) McDonald of Virginia, Stanley (Nicky) McDonald of Kalamazoo, and Sheila (Kevin) Meyle of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren, Carolyn McDonald, Matthew McDonald, Rebecca McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Logan Meyle, Kyla Meyle; sister Elaine Hansen of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wendell H. Anderson, Jr.
The family would like to thank the staff at Regency Lansing West and Mother Teresa House in Lansing for their wonderful care.
The McDonald family will be hosting a Graveside Service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 12 noon.
If desired, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice. Friends who are not able to visit are encouraged to support Sandy’s family through calls, letters, and through Sandy’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

-

Funeral Services:

Vanessa J. Filkins

We said goodbye to our beloved, eldest daughter, Vanessa Jean Filkins, who died on September 20, 2020 in Austin, TX. She was the daughter of David and Brynda Filkins of Charlotte, MI. Vanessa was 40 years old, and had bravely battled metastatic breast cancer for three years. She died at home under hospice care. Vanessa loved living in Austin and was surrounded with love and care by her two younger sisters and a large group of supportive friends and adopted “siblings.”
She was delivered by a midwife in Philadelphia, PA, grew up in Cazenovia, NY, and Colorado Springs, CO, homeschooled through her entire education, and lived in Austin, TX for the last 20 years. She began her working career as a nanny and household manager for families with triplets. Later, she worked as a paralegal for a law firm, and subsequently as a project manager for a healthcare IT security firm. She always embraced a challenge.
Vanessa loved beauty of all kinds—art, dance, nature, music—and was quick to be ready for an adventure. She loved the outdoors, travel, hiking and mountain sunrises. She volunteered her time and poured much love into children in orphanages in Guatemala and Honduras. She was a leader and facilitator in the Not Back to School Camp in Oregon for many years.
Vanessa is survived by her parents; her sisters, Melissa Filkins and Allison Hagen; her grandmother, Patricia Van Skike; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Her grandfather, Bryan Van Skike, died four days after her and her paternal grandparents, Don and Jean Filkins passed away many years ago. Her full obituary can be read at EverLoved.com. Vanessa will be forever loved and dearly missed.

-

Funeral Services:

Bryan J. Van Skike

Our family mourns the death of Bryan Junior Van Skike, who died on September 24, 2020, in Sturgis, Michigan. He was 92 years old. Bryan was born at home in Holliday, Missouri. on October 25, 1927,delivered by the doctor who arrived in a horse and buggy. His parents were Reva Smith Van Skike and Harry Bryan Van Skike. Bryan’s childhood and youth were spent in Missouri, during the depression, where he worked hard at various jobs, and was surrounded by the love of a caring grandmother, Nellie Smith. Bryan was a graduate of Paris, Missouri High School, and later of the Iowa Institute of Telegraphy. In 1948, he married Nehemiah Allie Holst (known as Nickie) and they moved to Michigan for work. Bryan and Nickie were married for 26 years. His working career was filled with a variety of jobs, but in all of them he was a diligent, faithful employee. In Charlotte, he was best known for his service at the Post Office as the friendly clerk at the window for 24 years. He also worked as a telegrapher and station agent for the Grand Trunk Railroad, a city policeman, a school bus driver and the owner of Van’s Window Washing service. He loved American history and world geography. He was an avid reader. Bryan was a past Vice-President of and volunteered with Helping Hands Food Pantry here in Charlotte. He organized the Holiday Food Basket for many years. Additionally, he cared about and served Native Americans at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Bryan facilitated groups of grieving children at Ele’s Place in Lansing. For many years, he was the leader of the men’s prayer breakfast at Big Boy restaurant. He was a faithful member of the Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church, The Charlotte Free Methodist Church, and First Baptist Church of Charlotte. He raised his children in faith, discipline, and love. After the death of his wife, Nickie, in 1974, he married Patricia J. Clemens, the widowed wife of his friend, Richard. They have been married for 46 years, and Pat survives. Even though his last years were marked by the slow decline of dementia, he still recognized and loved his wife and children. Besides his wife, Pat, he is survived by Nickie’s children: Brynda (David) Filkins, Penny (Garth, deceased) Pickett, Nathan (Kathy) Van Skike, all of Charlotte; and Pat’s children, whom he considered his own: Linda (Larry) Hahn, Mary (Don) Houser, Katie Clemens, all of Sturgis, Michigan. His only brother, Jackie B. (Peg) Van Skike, of Iowa, also survives. Bryan was pre-deceased by his first wife, Nickie, and by sons, Monte Bryan Van Skike, and Brian Kills Crow Van Skike, daughter, Gretchen Nickie Van Skike-Campbell, and granddaughter, Vanessa Filkins. He has 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was known as Grandpa to many others under his and Pat’s care. A memorial service for Bryan will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1210 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte. Visitation with the family will be one hour before the service. For those who cannot attend in person, the memorial service will be livestreamed on Facebook on the First Baptist Church, Charlotte, MI Facebook page. The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Bryan will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Bryan would be happy if you would do a kind deed in his name or contribute to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in his memory. Bryan’s room was ready, prepared by God. We all rejoice because he is home in Heaven!