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Sheryl L. King

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Sheryl Lynn King, age 65, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 14, 2020. Sheryl was born in Mt. Clemmons, Mich., October 7, 1954, the daughter of William Klink and Darlene (Higgins) Miller. She was a talented transcriptionist, working at St. Lawrence Hospital. Sheryl also worked at the Flashes and John Henry. She faithfully attended the Community Christian Church. Sheryl enjoyed gardening, crafting and feeding the squirrels. She had many close relationships and loved her cats and dogs.
Sheryl is survived by her daughter, Mistelle Hackworth of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Michael (Beth) Klink of Conn., Randall Klink of Eaton Rapids, Jason (Amy) Garnsay of Charlotte, Darrell Garnsay of Charlotte; and sister Dorothy Whiting of Springport; and grandchildren, Mikahla, Thomas and Madeline Hackworth of Eaton Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Rodney Klink, Gary and Curt Garnsey.
Memorial services took place at the Community Christian Church in Eaton Rapids on Monday, February 17, 2020. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Heart and Hands. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

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Jacqueline Harns-Higbie

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Jacqueline Miller Harns- Higbie, age 90, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020. Jackie was born on May 29, 1929, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Eber and Lois (Ashley) Miller. Although she spent most of her life as a homemaker, raising her five children, she also spent time working at Gulliver’s and Bentleys in Eaton Rapids. Jackie was always there to help her family and friends and would often babysit for many of her nieces and nephews. She would never forget a birthday, holiday, anniversary or special event and would always have a card in the mail. Jackie was a devout Christian who would regularly read her Bible and was very active at the Wesleyan Church and later at the Nazarene Church, both in Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vergil Harns; late husband, Robert Higbie; grandson, Scott Kinney; sisters, Margaret Vincent, Gladys Dowding, Ella Brininstool, Madeline Coffey and brother, Robert Miller.
Surviving are her children, Evelyn (Larry) Kinney, Jan (Larry) Orr, Mary (Tom) Kleinert, David (Esther) Harns, Roger (Sara) Harns; step-children, Sonja (John Jr.) Oatley, Claudia (Dwight) Payne, Nanette Doxsie, Theresa Treadwell, Sherrel Crawley, 28 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, with visitation starting at 1 p.m. The family was scheduled to receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on the evening of Friday, February 21, 2020, from 5 to 8 p.m. For those desiring to make memorial contributions, they may be made to the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.

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Kenneth W. Foster

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Kenneth Wayne Foster, age 69, of Charlotte passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born June 26, 1950, in Independence, Kan., the son of Wayne and Barbara (Howell) Foster.
Ken graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1968. On May 21, 1971, he married Marsha Jean Collier in Charlotte. Ken loved his family and was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a passionate wood worker and enjoyed creating many treasured keepsakes. Ken also enjoyed the outdoors. Whether he was cutting wood or riding his quad, the outdoors was where he wanted to be. Ken retired, after 30 years of service, from GM in Lansing.
Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marsha; daughter, Dawn Foster of Charlotte; grandchildren; Adam (Mackenzie) Foster of Charlotte, Matt (Brooke) Berry of Charlotte, Kevin Berry of Charlotte, Dustin (Amanda) Foster of Charlotte, Nicole Foster of Delton; ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Troy (Sharon) Foster of South Dakota, Linda (Doug) Lewis of Scotts and Barbara (Jeff) Byington of Vermontville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Amy Foster.
In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Those desiring may make contributions in Ken’s honor to Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society (MITES), www.mites.cc. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Jay Gowell

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Jay Gowell, age 73, of Charlotte passed away on February 3, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jay was born on July 19, 1946, in Shelby, Mich., to the late Calvin and Beatrice Gowell.
He grew up locally, graduating from Shelby High School, and was awarded the president’s scholarship at Western Michigan University. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and a minor in physical education, he began his teaching and coaching career at Fruitport School District. Later, he taught and coached for Evart High School, which is where he met fellow teacher and love of his life, Cindy. The two were wed in 1977, settling in Charlotte. He continued to teach math and coach both track and football at Charlotte High School.
Jay and Cindy began building their family in 1983 and were blessed with four children. Jay retired in 2001 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His life was saved by a lung transplant in 2003. After the transplant, Jay returned to coaching football and track and discovered his love of coaching cross-country. Jay valued the time he spent with his family, his friends and the athletes he coached.
Jay is survived by his wife, Cindy Gowell; sons, Jeffrey Gowell (Marcie), Noah Gowell; daughter, Stephanie Gowell; brother, Roger Gowell (Sheila); sister, Marie Gowell; brother-in-law, Bob Meyer; and best friend, Tom Sneckenberg (Dawn). Jay was preceded in death by his son, Michael Gowell and his sister, Nancy Meyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Charlotte High School in the gymnasium lobby from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship in Jay’s memory. It will be an annual scholarship to graduating Charlotte athletes from the football, track and cross-country teams. Donations can be deposited at any MSUFCU location or by checks made out to “Coach Jay Gowell Memorial Scholarship” and mailed to the family. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.

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Kathryn M. Tappen

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Kathryn “Kitty” Margaret Tappen, age 93, of Charlotte died peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2020, in Lansing. Kitty was born October 8, 1926, in Moorestown, Mich., the daughter of Alza Albertus Bert and Jane (Turner) Brandon. Kitty married Milan Eugene Tappen on April 7, 1945, in Lansing, during his service in the U.S. Navy. The two built a house together in which to raise their children. She was a devoted wife and soulmate to Milan for 70 years. Kitty’s joy in life was family, especially time spent together at holidays and special occasions and at the trailer on Chippewa Lake. Early on in family life, Milan and Kitty traveled often with their “tiny home,” enjoying camping with their children. She enjoyed getting outdoors to garden or for walks. She was skilled at knitting, crochet, cross stitch and sewing, leaving many treasures behind for her daughter and grandchildren. Many will remember her sense of humor and love of laughter and her constant willingness to help others.
Kitty is survived by her daughter, Carol Tappen; daughter-in-law, Mary Frances Tappen; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kitty is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Milan “Mike” Eugene Tappen; sons, Michael Glenn Tappen and Duane John Tappen,  grandson, Michael Glenn Tappen, Jr; sisters, Mable Fox, Lillian Coon, Nora Braden; brothers, Albert Brandon, John Brandon, Glenn Brandon, Roger Brandon, Robert Brandon; her parents; sister-in-law Ardith Cnota and Mitch Cnota.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kitty on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Maurine E. Clark

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Maurine Ethel Clark, age 86, of Charlotte passed away peacefully February 2, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born October 22, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Elmer and Zola (Caulkins) Steger.
Maurine graduated in 1952 from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Fla. She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother. She always saw to it that her family was well taken care of, even if it required her working two jobs. Maurine cherished her children and grandchildren and always looked forward to spending time together with them. When she wasn’t hard at work, she enjoyed dancing and bowling with friends. Maurine retired after many years of faithful service as the private secretary for the Honorable Judge Dennis Alvarez of Hillsborough County, Fla.
Maurine is survived by her children; Mark (Kathryn) Davis of Tampa, Fla., Bruce (Coetta) Davis of Charlotte, Cherie Ells of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jeremy (Lauren) Stults, Toni Davis, Traci (Brandon) Smith, Tyler Davis, Jason Ells; ten great grandchildren; and brothers, Jerry Steger and J. Elby (Barbara) Steger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Laurine Stevens; sisters, Annette Bachelor and Estelline McCain; and brother, John E. Steger.
A memorial service was held on February 7, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Those desiring may make contributions in Maurine’s honor to the family. To view Maurine’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Marian R. Johnson

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Marian Ruth Johnson, age 85, of Charlotte — a woman who lived a life of service to her community — died February 6, 2020. Born on February 2, 1935, to Larry and Ruth (Shelton) Wood, Marian went on to earn her associate’s degree and married her high school sweetheart, Robert Johnson, on July 23, 1955.
Marian never sat still for long. She enjoyed many activities with her children, grandchildren and in her community over the years. Musically gifted, Marian enjoyed her time as director of the youth choir at her church and many years as director of the Charlotte General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) choir.  Marian was also a past-president of the GFWC, delivered many meals over the years for Mobile Meals and served as a treasurer for the organization, and she was manager of the Gift Basket at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. Marian was also an avid walker and could be seen walking all over the city of Charlotte.
In addition to serving her community, Marian loved taking care of her family in many ways, including sewing, baking, cooking amazing holiday meals and making her famous pastel wafer cookies. Marian and her husband enjoyed trips around the country, playing cards with friends, trips in their motor home to state parks, skiing in northern Michigan and times she could soak up the warm rays of the sun at Gun Lake. Her last words to her family were telling them all how proud she was of them.
Marian is survived by four children, Steve (Jo) Johnson, Sue (Bob) Laurie, Kenneth (Susan) Johnson, Carolyn (Larry) Casler; grandchildren, Kristin (Trent) Miller, Allison Laurie (Josh Friendland-Little), Sarah Johnson, Wes (Chelsea) Johnson, Scott (Hannah) Johnson, Mandy Johnson, Nichole (Alex) Young; great-grandchildren, Graham Casler, Steven Johnson, and Jackson Young; sister, Ellie (Peter) Scibetta; brother, Chuck (Bernell) Wood; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert W. Johnson in 2011; grandson, Matthew Casler; and brother, Rod Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Marian’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 3 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with her nephew, Larry Wood, as the celebrant. Visitation is Friday, February 21, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sparrow Eaton Hospital Auxiliary or GFWC Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marian on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Sally A. Jackson

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Sally A. Jackson of Charlotte, formerly of Clarkston, Mich., passed away February 10, 2020, at 83 years of age. She was the loving wife of the late William; dear mother of Judith (Paul) McKinney, Jane (the late Ralph) Hettich (Phil), and Janice (Karl) Mertins; grandmother of seven; great-grandmother of 17; and dear friend of Neil Johnson. She was preceded in death by 10 siblings. Sally was a good neighbor who enjoyed playing bingo and attending jamborees. She was a composer of poetry who loved her grandchildren and time spent with her family. Her beautiful smile will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Coats Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 3141 Sashabaw Rd. in Waterford, Mich. Burial will follow at Ottawa Park Cemetery in Clarkston. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 16, 2020, from 3 to 8 p.m. To post a condolence, visit coatsfuneralhome.com.

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Jason M. Calton

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Jason M. Calton, age 46, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday evening, February 5, 2020. He was born in Toledo on October 6, 1973, to Garry Calton and Mollie (Pearch) Calton who both survive. Jason was a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School and later received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was talented in HVAC, which led him to be owner and operator of GACCC Ltd. Jason enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. He is survived by his children, Garrett Calton of Ann Arbor; Alexandra West of Milan, Mich.; Conrad Calton, Jason (Cole) Calton and Chase Calton, all of Liberty Center; brother, Garry “Tom” (Mari) Calton of Charlotte, Mich.; and grandson, Klayton West. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wauseon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to the family care of Garrett Calton. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.

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Dennis C. Gordeneer

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Dennis Clyde Gordeneer, age 80, of Charlotte died Saturday, February 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born December 12, 1939, the son of Clyde and Ellen (Owen) Gordeneer.
He was a Charlotte High School graduate and following graduation, he went to work for Earl Scott Roofing and then later as a laborer at Johnson Iron. On September 23, 1961, Dennis married Judy Makley. Dennis enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, playing bingo, poker and making trips to the casino. He was an avid outdoorsman.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; sons, Jeff (Tracey) Gordeneer and Steve Gordeneer; six grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, Paige, Cory, Ashley and Cady; two great-grandchildren, Adrian and Evey; and his sister, Brona. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dennis’ family. A memorial visitation was scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, from 4-7 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dennis on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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