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John Dorance Truax

January 26, 1942 - November 7, 2019

Funeral Services:

John Dorance Truax, a hardworking man of logic and love for his God and family, died peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2019, in Lansing. John, age 77, of Charlotte, was born January 26, 1942, in Mount Clemens, MI, the son of James Laverne and Florence Lillian (Torrey) Truax. He graduated high school in Warren, MI, before attending Michigan Technological University and earning a bachelor’s degree in physics. On August 23, 1968, John married his life-long love, Lynne Irene Cotter, and the two started their family. Throughout the years, they lived in many states – including Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Kentucky and Michigan. John worked in various careers with each move – including teaching, computer programming, HVAC, Walmart greeter and the Michigan Department of Transportation. John and Lynne settled in Charlotte in 2007, where John went to work at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Many will remember John as a kind-hearted man, always working harder than 100 percent at everything he did in life and work. He was a voracious reader, often reading countless books at a time. He was a devoted member of Bellevue First Baptist Church. Above all, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynne; their sons, James (Sarah) Truax of North Easton, MA, Joel (Faith) Truax of Charlotte, and Jason (Jessica) Truax of Charlotte; five perfect grandchildren, Brianna, Shyann, Sierra, Saphirah, and Wyatt Truax; step-brother, Don (Sophia) Acton of Los Angeles; and step-sister, Dorothy Crafts of Rochester, MI. Also special to John were his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Don and Kathy Gilman and their family. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Barbara Truax; and step-brother-in-law, John Crafts.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Bellevue First Baptist Church with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Bellevue First Baptist Mission Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Winford Collins

January 1, 1970 - November 4, 2019

Funeral Services:

Winford Collins, age 87, of Olivet, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019, at his home. He was born August 24, 1932, in Salyersville, KY, the son of Daniel Boon and Lola (Perkins) Collins. On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Gullett. Soon after his marriage, he was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his life, Winford had many occupations. He worked as a barber, farrier and carpenter, just to name a few. Although he enjoyed them all, he found his life’s calling as a pastor. He ministered for 12 years at Faith Assembly of God in Urbandale and Eaton Rapids Assembly of God for 12 years. He had a passion for music. Winford and Norma began singing together early in their marriage, and the children would soon join them. He also enjoyed playing many different stringed instruments.
Winford is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma; daughters: Karen (Ken) Schriner of Olivet, Cheryl “Harrington” (Eric) Libersher of Olivet; grandchildren: Sara (James) Malizzi, Joel (Melissa) Hammond, Rachel (Ted) Hunt, Anna Boyer, Ethan Schriner, Jamie (Jason) Veith, Danielle (Brandon) Denman, Ken (Miranda) Schriner, Alexia Hart, Kayle (Leighanna) Harrington, Moriah (Cliff) Gumbert, Hannah (Jake) Miller, Faith Harrington, Seth Harrington; 30 great grandchildren; sisters: An Lue Davidson, Mary Jane (Ron) Montanye.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law: Mike Harrington and Steve Hammond; and eight brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet. Private family interment took place at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Winford’s honor to Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Ave., Olivet MI 49076.
To view Winford’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Larry Lavern King

October 26, 1940 - November 10, 2019

Funeral Services:

Larry Lavern King, age 79, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at his home. He was born October 26, 1940, at the family farm in Roxand Township, the son of Lavern and Beatrice (Rogers) King. Larry graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. On August 25, 1962, he married Joan Kay Hale at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Larry was a lifelong farmer. He lived his entire life on the same farm where he was born. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. Whether it was working on the farm or enjoying a relaxing evening together, he cherished each and every moment. Larry looked forward to his daily visits with his neighbors. He was also a very talented woodworker. Larry leaves a true legacy of love that will always be remembered.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan; sons, John (Maria) King of Charlotte, Jeff (Rhonda) King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jake) Putnam of Charlotte, Amanda (Brandon) Brown of Grand Ledge, Scott King of Charlotte, Madison King of Charlotte, Grace King of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Putnam, Peyton Putnam, JJ Putnam, Kierra Hough, Baylee Brown and Lucas King.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 16,  from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Roxand Township Hall in Mulliken.
To view Larry’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Lance Wireman

January 1, 1970 - November 5, 2019

Funeral Services:

Lance Wireman of Charlotte, MI lost his long battle with mental illness on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the age of 36. Lance was born on August 20, 1983, in Lansing, the son of Diana VanVleet and Gene Wireman. He attended Charlotte public schools, worked for Walmart and, most recently, for CVS Pharmacy as a shift manager. He was a loving and caring person who could always make you laugh. Lance loved his siblings, his family and Patricia Johns with all his heart. He enjoyed bowling, playing video games with his brother, hanging out with his sister and two nephews and trips to visit his grandparents on Lake Lavine in southern Michigan. His greatest passion in life was writing, and he especially loved writing music.
He is preceded in death by his uncles, John VanVleet and Robert VanVleet.
Surviving are his mother, Diana (Bob) Lake; father, Gene Wireman (Cindy); brother, Bryce Lake; sister, Jennifer Wireman (Jesse); grandparents, Robert Jr. and Donna VanVleet, Betty Whitaker-Factor; nephews, Jayce and Jax who he adored; best friend, Jake Flermoen; his one and only, Patricia Johns and several aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
A memorial service and dinner will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at the Charlotte American Legion. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Go Fund Me page in memory of Lance. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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John Frank Hokanson

January 1, 1970 - November 1, 2019

Funeral Services:

John Frank Hokanson, age 95, a man who grew up in the days when a handshake was all that was needed for making agreement, passed away on November 1, 2019, in Charlotte. He was born on April 14, 1924, to John Frank and Daisy (Haroon) Hokanson II in Vermontville. John lived his life with the philosophy of treating others as he would like to be treated; was always honest with people and expected honesty from others. John was employed by Prescott Motor Sales in Vermontville, which furthered his knowledge, love and ability to monkey with small engines. He was employed at Charlotte Auto Parts, then at A.E. for over 25 years, and continued doing small engine repairs once he retired. He and his beloved wife, Veda, loved to spend time at their family cottage at Horsehead Lake and then, in later years, in North Carolina. He had a green thumb for gardening and enjoyed fishing. He was very proud of the fact that he still had his driver’s license and was active driving around town.  His love for his favorite grandson was very evident (he had only one), and he treasured each of his granddaughters.
John is survived by his sons, Michael (Janet) Hokanson; Charles (Patty) Hokanson; grandchildren, Travis Hokanson, Kim Hokanson-Marr, Shannon Hokanson-Rondon, Charlotte Hokanson-Gulier, Annie Garwood; 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Veda; brother-in-law, Stanley C Burt; son, Stan Hokanson, and his parents.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Virginia (Ginny) Elizabeth Aitken Lewis

November 10, 1942 - November 4, 2019

Funeral Services:

Virginia (Ginny) Elizabeth Aitken Lewis, a friend to many, passed away November 4, 2019. Ginny, age 76, was born in Detroit on November 10, 1942. Ginny’s upbringing was highly influenced by her grandmother, Mable King. She was raised in Detroit and Walled Lake, graduating from Walled Lake High School in 1960. Following high school, she attended Ferris State University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in court reporting.
Before marrying Thomas Andrew Aitken on April 4, 1964, Virginia worked for the federal bankruptcy courts in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo. After they married, Ginny and Tom resided in Charlotte for 27 years, where they raised their three children. She was an active stay-at-home mom, helping her children in every way she could. She loved traveling and showing her children the world. In spite of her allergies, she enjoyed gardening, as well as any time she could spend on the golf course and happily passed on her love of golf to her children.
Over the years, Ginny was active in her community in many ways, including: treasurer of St. John’s Episcopal Church, member of the altar guild and the choir; president of the Charlotte Women’s Club (GFWC); and an active member of the Charlotte Country Club. In 1994, she moved to and enjoyed life on Gun Lake, especially on the deck with a glass of wine, family and friends. After losing her first husband of 33 years in 1997, she married Fritz Lewis in 2000. Ginny particularly enjoyed singing in the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for many years and was an avid bridge player.
Ginny is survived by her son, Brian (Dianne) Aitken of Livonia; daughters, Marguerite (Carl) Falkenstern of Ada, and Melissa Aitken of West Bloomfield; grandchildren, Erik Aitken, Emily Aitken, Chloe Falkenstern, and William Falkenstern. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Aitken, in 1997, and her second husband, Fritz Lewis.
Visitation was scheduled at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, November 8, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to – 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings on Saturday, November 9, at 1:30 p.m. with visitation in the Parish House beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association research fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ginny on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Richard E. Bullock Jr.

November 7, 1934 - November 3, 2019

Funeral Services:

Richard E. Bullock Jr. 84, of Saugatuck, MI, passed away November 3, 2019, in Venice, FL. On November 7, 1934, Richard was born in Strong City, KS, to the late Richard Ervie Bullock Sr. and  Fannie Bullock.
Richard enlisted in the Navy 1951 and served during the Korean War. It was upon a visit to Portland, Michigan, with a navy buddy that he was introduced to his wife of 62 years, Ann.
After moving throughout the state of Michigan, Richard settled his family in Charlotte, where he owned and operated Adtech Plastics for 25 years. Upon the sale of his business, Richard and Ann moved to their beloved Saugatuck, where they enjoyed many years of boating on Lake Michigan and spending time with family. They developed many friendships over the years bringing them much joy and fun times. Richard was extremely proud of his five grandchildren and played a very important part in all of their lives. Richard/ Dad/ Papa will be remembered as a fun loving, generous and kind-hearted man.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann, his parents and his four siblings.
Surviving Richard are his children, Susan Bullock of Gila, NM, Nancy Henry (Tim Rice) of Traverse City, Judi Bullock-Bohr (Bill Bohr) of Portage, MI, Charles Bullock of Zeeland, MI; and grandchildren Eric, Macy, Jordan, Morgan, Matthew…
A celebration of Richard’s life is being held at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd St. in Holland, MI, on November 15, 2019, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland MI 49423. To share a memory or to sign an online register book please visit, www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.

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Virginia Eleanor Martens

December 1, 1930 - October 29, 2019

Funeral Services:

Virginia Eleanor Martens died October 29, 2019. Virginia was born on December 1, 1930, in Hastings and grew up in Lacey and Bellevue, MI. She attended Bellevue Community Schools and Cleary Business College.
Virginia married Gordon E. Martens on August 26, 1950. They lived and raised their family in Bellevue. She worked as a homemaker and as a church secretary, first at Bellevue United Methodist Church and then at Washington Heights United Methodist Church and Community Ministries in Battle Creek. She lived in Bellevue for most of her life and was a longtime member of Bellevue United Methodist Church and the Bellevue United Methodist Women.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gordon; her son, Rick Martens; and her sister, Marjorie Beckman. She is survived by her daughters, Jan Walsworth and Deb Martens, son-in-law Jim Bennett, and daughter-in-law Laurie Hagan-Martens; grandchildren Hugh Milne (spouse Moira), Eric Walsworth (spouse Karla), Sarah Carpenter (spouse Bryan), Monica Martens, Elizabeth Bennett (spouse Rob Holveck), and Anna Bennett; great-grandchildren Brianna Duncan (spouse Brian), Trevor Brown (spouse Natalie), Keilyn Carpenter, Ella Walsworth, Wesley Walsworth, and Forrest Bennett-Holveck; sister-in-law Beverly Martens; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Virginia loved visits from her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed garage sales, sewing and knitting, reading, watching old movies, playing bingo and eating ice cream. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by many.
A memorial service in celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Friday, November 29, at 1 p.m. at Bellevue United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, PO Box 16224, Lansing MI 48901 or at greaterlansingfoodbank.org.

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Brenda Jean Hill

June 16, 1961 - October 29, 2019

Funeral Services:

Brenda Jean Hill, 58, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at her home in Riverton, WY. She was born on June 16, 1961, in Lansing, the daughter of Eric J. and Judith K. (Speer) Magoon. She attended schools in Charlotte. On April 1, 2010, she married Albert “Bud” Hill in Columbus, NE. Brenda loved helping Bud with projects both at their home and at their cabin. She loved spending time with her family and was always willing to spoil her grandchildren with treats. She loved drawing and coloring and especially loved taking care of her family. Brenda had a servant heart and was a very hard worker. The Lord blessed her with a green thumb and she, in turn, blessed many with samplings from her plants. She loved attending Set Free Church with her sister and knew and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brenda held many jobs over the years, but for the last 13 she worked for School District #25 as a custodian. She enjoyed working near children — being a ‘grandma’ to many in her hallway and always having a ‘goodie’ to share.
Survivors include her husband, Albert Hill of Riverton; son, Morgan and his wife, Shay Skipper of Georgia; daughter, Brandi and her husband, Corey Vogelsang of Riverton; brother, Rod and his wife Sally Magoon of Michigan; sister, Cyndi and husband Richard Mills of Riverton; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Davis Funeral Home. Online condolences for the family may be made at the theDavisFuneralHome.com. Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home.

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Brian Thomas Andersen

May 3, 1978 - November 3, 2019

Funeral Services:

Brian Thomas Andersen — a caring and loving, son, brother and uncle — died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at his residence in Eaton Rapids. Brian, 41, of Eaton Rapids, was born on May 3, 1978, in Hammond, IN, to Tom and Fran (Burke) Andersen. Family meant the world to Brian. If there was a family event, he was there. Brian traveled regionally with his grandfather and father to be fur trader re-enactors. If anyone asked Brian for help, he was always there to assist them. Fixing things came natural to Brian, and he didn’t just fix it, he improved it. Brian was an avid welder, and he worked as a welder for the last several years. This led to him being a very talented fabricator. Other passions for Brian included the Chicago Bears, hunting coyote and pistol shooting.
Brian is survived by his parents, Tom and Fran; sisters, Kim (Chris) Palmer, Erica (Mark) Hampton; nieces, Josette Hampton, Cadence Palmer, Clare Palmer; nephew, Caleb Palmer; and grandfather, David Andersen.
A memorial service for Brian will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. There will be a visitation just prior, from 1 to 2 p.m. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Brian on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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