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Funeral Services:

Joyce Arlene Rudowske, age 69 — a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister and follower of Jesus Christ — passed into glory on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at her home. Joyce, of Charlotte and previously Benton Harbor, was born November 29, 1950 in Benton Harbor, the daughter of William Sr. and Frances (Webb) Bridgman. After graduating from Coloma High School in 1968, Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1972 and would go on to obtain a master’s degree. She was an elementary school teacher for nearly 30 years, then worked for the Berrien County Department of Health and Human Services as an eligibility specialist, retiring after 20 plus years in 2012. On November 3, 1972 Joyce married Richard Charles Rudowske and raised their family together until his passing in 2015. Joyce was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, for many years, and most recently a member of First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. She actively studied the Bible daily and used her time and talents for the church in various ways. She also volunteered as a counselor at A New Beginning Pregnancy Center in Charlotte. Her family meant the world to Joyce; she loved them more than anything else on earth. She also loved her many friends who helped her so much on her journey through life. Above all, Joyce loved Jesus and served Him in any way she could.
Joyce is survived by her children, Jennifer (Jerry) Powell, Richard (Maya) Rudowske Jr., Christopher (Kristi) Rudowske, Kimberly (Daniel) Longden, Rachel (Kalvin) Miller; 20 grandchildren, Kayla, Zachary, Abigail Powell, Christopher, Katherine, Matthew, Joshua, Rebecca Rudowske, Mark, William Rudowske, Micah, Grace, Seth, Jonah, Lydia, Anna Longden, Kameron, Nathan, Sebastian, Laurel Miller; siblings, Diane Orth, Brenda (Robert) Zapolnik, Jeanne (Bruce) Hutchins, William (Cynthia) Bridgman Jr.; and numerous nieces
and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Richard; grandchildren, Isabel Marie and Owen Louis Miller; brother-in-law, Louis Orth; and her parents.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Due to current executive orders, those attending visitation will be asked to wear a mask and will be directed into the visitation rooms by Pray Funeral Home staff to maintain no more than 10 people in any room. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 3, 2020 for Joyce’s immediate family only at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte with Pastor Richard Rudowske Jr. and Pastor Jim Eggert officiating. The funeral will be available for live stream through Joyce’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Friends and extended family members are also encouraged to share memories of Joyce on her tribute page and/ or send flowers to the service to show your support for the family. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lutheran Bible Translators. The family is in the care of the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Harold Jay Benward, a man who enjoyed a cold Bud Light and a Black & Mild Cigar, died Friday, May 22, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jay, 69, of Potterville, MI, was born December 24, 1950, in Albion, MI, the son of Harold and Ruth (Shannon) Benward. He was a graduate from Albion high school class of 1969. Jay went on to work numerous years as a customer service rep at APCO. On May 29, 1998, Jay married Sandra Bullen and together they spent the next 21 years creating their legacy together. He will be remembered for being everyone’s friend. A man who was kind and had the biggest heart and well respected by others. Jay would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His hobbies include camping at Michigan’s beautiful state parks, bowling -Jay has 2 successful 300 games- and was known for his “hop” after his release, and his favorite activity was spending time with his family.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; children, Mark (Jen) Benward, James (Ingrid) Benward, Mindy (Mark) Biehl, Kendra (Simon) Nathan, Charlene Tondreau, Jacob (Abbi) Tondreau, Matthew Benward and Ethan Benward; 13 grandchildren; and, sister, Bonnie (Greg) Cox. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Phillip Benward.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jay on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Donald (Donny) Mills, age 57 of Lake City, Mich. (formerly of Charlotte), passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Traverse City Munson Medical Center. Born on August 10, 1962 to Thomas and Alice (Smith) Mills in Charlotte, Donny was raised there and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1980 and later from Lansing Community College. Donny served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf conflict on the USS FOX that would seek out ocean mines.
A welder at Spartan Motors, Donny worked on the first fire truck off their line and was later sent to Universal Studios in California to weld on the trans built by Spartan. He later worked at Bannish Welding and various other companies. Donny loved the outdoors, loved riding his Harley and camping and canoeing with his beloved dogs always by his side.
Donny is survived by his son, Jason Mills of Lansing; sisters, Vicki Ball of Lake City, Dianne Webb, Jacque (Jeff) Sage, and Barb (Gary) Wells all of Charlotte; brother, Randy (Carla) Mills of Charlotte; significant other, Sharon Wright of Indiana; his faithful companions, Ringo, Big Dog, Pepper and Yoko; and his cat, George. Donny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglas Mills; and brother-in-law, Brian Ball.
Pray Funeral Home will be assisting the family with a memorial service at a later date. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice or the Missaukee Humane Society. Share memories of Donny on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Rory Dean Harmon, age 62, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Rory was born May 21, 1957 in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Marie Harmon. Rory went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1976. On September 15, 1979 he married the love of his life, Cynthia Lea Donaldson, in Charlotte. Rory was a tremendous husband, father and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and loved being together with them. Rory enjoyed a hosting family get-togethers and could often be found grilling something delicious. He enjoyed all things outdoors and always kept an immaculate lawn and garden. Rory retired after 40 years of service from St. Regis Culvert in Charlotte.
Rory is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy; son, James (Mallory Campbell) Harmon of Charlotte; daughter, Jessica (Johnathan) Yeary of Charlotte; grandchildren: Abbey Harmon, Dakota Wallace, Colten Harmon, Aria Harmon, Reed Cullimore, Ashton Yeary, Benjamin Rory Yeary; siblings: Lonnie (Jane) ; Harmon, David Harmon, Dawn (Jas) Morse, Chris Harmon; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and lifelong friends: Chris Davis, Gary Jones and Jack Zakora.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Bobby Harmon, Jack Harmon, Charlie Harmon, Byron “Tracy” Harmon, Paula “Penny” Granger, Roxanne Harmon; and sister-in-law, Leisa Harmon.
In keeping with Rory’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those desiring, may make contributions in Rory’s honor to the charity of their choice. To view Rory’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Rose Mary Strong of Lansing, MI and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020 at the age of 62. She was born on March 14, 1958 in Abilene, Kansas the daughter of Melvin and Nayola (Duran) Strong. She attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools before moving to Cadillac where she graduated from High School class of 1976. Rose worked for MESA in Medical Insurance and also for Dr. Wulff’s Office in Eaton Rapids and eventually for Ryder in Lansing.
Rose is survived by her daughter, Amy Fajnor; parents, Melvin and Nayola Strong; brothers, John (Dalene) Strong, Randy (Helen) Strong, Phillip Strong; sister, LuAnn (Charles) Borton and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Bill Strong.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com

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Funeral Services:

Mitchell W. Taylor, age 24, died May 6, 2020. Mitchell was born September 15, 1995 in Marshall to Rusty and Louise (Philp) Taylor. Mitchell loved animals and sports. He spent a lot of time with his grandfather playing Texas Holdem. They went to a Detroit Lions game for Mitchell’s birthday and, on another occasion, sat in the front row of a Red Wings game.

Mitchell is survived by his parents, Louise and Rusty Taylor; his grandparents, Charles and Sharon Philp, Alfred and Nancy Taylor; two brothers, Benjamin Taylor and Zachary Taylor; his best friend, Isaiah Harris, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A private memorial service to celebrate Mitchell’s life was held at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Memorial contributions can be given to the Substance Abuse Council of Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.

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Robert Egbert Thompson, age 83 — a loving, father, grandfather and friend — of Charlotte died Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at The Eaton Community Palliative Care. Robert was born July 3, 1936 in Charlotte, the son of Farley and Juanita (Shumaker) Thompson. He graduated from Charlotte High School and later served in the Army National Guard. Robert worked as a machinist at Diamond Reo and was also a dairy farmer. He then moved to southern Indiana in 1986, where he started working at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in the forestry department. Following his retirement from the DNR, Robert moved back to Michigan to be closer to his family. Roberts hobbies included hunting, his mules and collecting knives. He loved wearing his bib overalls and being a good ole country boy. In 1952, at the age of 16, he became the second recorded person in Eaton County to tag a white tail buck.

Robert is survived by his children, Rob Thompson, Jane (Larry) Johnston, Gina (Ross) Himebaugh; eight grandchildren, Brad Johnston, Larry Johnston, Sarah Schumacher, Aimee Fletcher, Leah Heinze, Maria Heinze, Siera Blain, and Martina Swanson; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Vonda Stanton; special friends, Dorene Bearndt and Tony Kidd, and the members of the Enon Baptist Church in Salem, Ind. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Eva; and nephew, Eric Stanton.

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

The Thompson family is going to be having a memorial service for Robert at a later date in Indiana at the Enon Baptist Church. 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 in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Haylee Jo Hosack, age 31, of Eaton Rapids passed away May 1, 2020. Haylee was born in Charlotte on November 10, 1988, the daughter of James Hosack and Cynthia (Gosenca) Hosack. She was an amazing aunt, stubborn and silly little sister and the special super-sweet daughter. Haylee loved her cats, Winter Bug and Sunshine, dearly. She enjoyed taking pictures, drawing and writing poetry.

Haylee is survived by her mother, Cynthia (Jason Williams) Hosack of Eaton Rapids; brother, James Hosack of Charlotte; sister, Crystal Hosack of Olivet; uncle, Mike Gosenca of Charlotte; as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, James.

Private family services will be held. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses (gofundme.com/f/Haylee-jos-heaven-going). Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Online condolences and memories of Haylee Jo may be placed at millsfuneral.com.

Richard and Terralene Deer

YEARS OF MARRIAGE: 50

ANNIVERSARY DATE: September 2, 2017

Cards of congratulations may be sent to the 'Deer' couple at P.O. Box 190, Charlotte, MI 48813.

Richard and Terralene Deer were married September 2, 1967. Terry, daughter of Wayne and Ruth (Towns) Tank, retired from Charlotte Public Schools. Rich, son of Otto and Evabelle (Boyd) Deer, retired from Eaton County and the Michigan Army National Guard. They have four daughters, Barb (Paul) Templin, Kathy (Chris) Burt, Aimee (Nick) Anderson, and Laura (Jeff) Buda. Also nine grandkids, Nicole, Jessica & Andrew Templin, Layne & Lorelai Burt, Esa Robles & Oakley Anderson, and Penelope & Owen Buda.
They enjoy antiquing and traveling. ‘Papa’razzi documents their adventures. Her antiques chronicle their history. His photos illustrate their love story.

Max & Dorothy Wehr

YEARS OF MARRIAGE: 70

ANNIVERSARY DATE: August 15, 1947

Wehr – 70th Wedding Anniversary

Max and Dorothy Wehr celebrated their 70 years of marriage together on August 13th with dinner at the English Inn, Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Attending the party were the couple’s five children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, including six-week-old twins Max and Drew.