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Virginia Eaglesfield Strayer

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Virginia Eaglesfield Strayer, 106, died on April 12, 2022, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. On January 31, 1916, Virginia was born to Frederick R. Eaglesfield and Kathryn Winter in Mishawaka, Indiana.
A 1934 graduate of Niles High School, Virginia continued her education at the University of Michigan where she received a BA degree in 1938. While there, she joined Delta Gamma sorority where she met many lifelong friends. She waited an additional three years, until September 13, 1941, to wed John W. Strayer, M.D. who was completing medical school and an internship at U of M. Three months later came Pearl Harbor and a war that separated them for a time while John served as a flight surgeon and as a Captain in the (then) Army Air Corps. They were able to be together for part of the war and counted eleven different locations in the states where they were stationed.
Virginia was active in the community as a lifelong and active member of Trinity Episcopal Church; co-founder of Meals on Wheels of Niles-Buchanan; a Girl Scout leader; member of Niles Garden Club, Seepewa Reading Club, Niles Service League, Orchard Hills Country Club and Signal Point Club where she was club champion. “Ginny,” as she was known to her friends, enjoyed a good game of bridge, gin rummy or cribbage with John, and needlepointing, music and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; son, John W. Strayer III; son-in-law Jerry Rossow, as well as an infant brother and her sister, Elizabeth Eaglesfield Thompson.
Virginia is survived by daughters, Kathryn Rossow of Niles and Anne (Michael) Comer of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren include Peter (Jamie) Rossow, Baroda; Amy (Michael) Williams, Midland; Sarah (Joseph) Young, Rockford; and Jonathan Comer, Howell, granddaughter by marriage, Elizabeth Rossow; as well as great-grandchildren, John, Will and Anna Rossow; Morgan and Caroline Williams; Eliott, Frances and Grace Young; and Caden, Brooklyn and Addilyn Comer.
A funeral service was held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church at 9 S Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

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Steve“Twig” Terwilliger

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On April 18, 2022, we his biological family, his EMS family, his many friends lost one of our best.
Marcie’s little brother, Terra’s dad, Soraya, Skyler, Abrielle and Addison’s grandpa, Sheila’s special guy, and Jimmy’s buddy. There are many individuals fortunate to “still be here” thanks to Steve’s consummate skills as a Critical Care Paramedic through the decades he served the community.
Having defied the odds time and again, burning through 12 of his nine lives, health issues took a toll over the past months. His superhuman survival run came to a close. If I’d known that hug would be our last, I’d have held on a lot longer.
Mom “Mary Jane” and Dad “Wayne” brought you into this world June 15, 1958. We who remain agree you left us way too soon.
We anticipate a joyful reunion on the other side, Steve “Twig” Terwilliger, because…love doesn’t cease at earth’s finite parameters.
Special thanks to Edmond Apartments friends. A gathering will take place at a later date.
The family is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard Van Fossen

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Richard “Rick” Eugene Van Fossen, II, a man who strived to make something he was proud of, died April 14, 2022. Rick, 74, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Potterville was born April 11, 1948 in Flint to Richard and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr. Rick was a proud father who supported his children in whatever goals they set for themselves and whenever they did something wrong, he would smile to himself as he thought, “I did that once.” He was a natural leader and teacher. Rick coached baseball, softball, basketball, and wrestling, and all of the kids he coached were “his kids.” After he stopped coaching, he could be found in the stands cheering them on. Building a successful construction company of over 40 years was one of Rick’s many talents. He couldn’t have done it without Bill Bill and LeRoy, among others. People trusted him to do it right and he did! Rick was an outdoorsman. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and golfing were some of his favorite hobbies. You could catch him taking pot-shots at squirrels off the deck as his orange pellets were left standing everywhere. As a story teller people were drawn to him. He would fill their lives with jokes and an infectious laugh that you couldn’t get enough of. Rick served his country as a Airborne Ranger in the Army, he was loving, always happy (well, most of the time) and will be missed by many.
Rick is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Jen (Chuck) Sesniak; son, Josh (Ashley) Van Fossen; grandchildren; Izzy Sesniak; Evan, Mason and Roman Van Fossen; brother, Mike Van Fossen. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard (Dick) and Evelyn (Petherbridge) Van Fossen, Sr.; sister, Diane Van Fossen Paine and niece, Kelly Van Fossen.
Friends and family are encouraged to support his family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte.

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Carole Hiar

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Carole Ann Hiar, 82, of Potterville, born November 13, 1939, died April 11, 2022.

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Marilyn Davis

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Marilyn Bessie Davis, of Charlotte, born December 5, 1932, died April 9, 2022.

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Marjorie Kay Bensinger

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Marjorie Kay Bensinger, of Olivet, passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Wednesday, April 6, 2022, having bravely fought end-stage renal disease for much longer than doctors predicted anyone could.
She was born on October 26, 1942, to Floyd and Gertrude Wyrick of Olivet. They owned a small farm west of town where she grew up with siblings Joyce and Pete. There she learned to be strong and resourceful as well as kind and loving. At school, she was a cheerleader, class secretary, actress in school plays, and created friendships that would last a lifetime.
She navigated raising two boys, through occasionally rough seas, by herself. Her sons Greg and Mark were still miraculously provided everything they could want from a mother; without fail. She did this by selflessly putting them before herself.
After her sons became independent, she was able to declare independence as well. She began truly living when she began traveling and working with Hartzler tours, playing Bridge with close friends, many memorable moments with Maureen and the girls at the Koyl cottage, spending more time with her sister Joyce, camping with neighbors Sharon and Dave, and touring Europe with Jane O’Brien, her dear friend since kindergarten. Sometimes what she needed most was lunch with a friend and she didn’t have to ask neighbor Judy twice to make that happen. She treated every moment with her grandchildren as a gift and always wanted more.
The people in her life blurred the lines between friends and family. Towards the end, she needed more and more help. More than her independent spirit would admit. Neighbors Mary and Sharon exceeded any definition of friendship daily as her health became worse. Her sister Joyce never missed an opportunity to make sure her little sister was okay. Lisa Fox began helping Marge as an employee but within days became family. So many people did so much for her in so many ways and so willingly that to witness it was to witness what it must be like to have lived life right.
“You shall know the person by their company.”
Marge is survived by her siblings, Joyce Beadle of Battle Creek and Duane ‘Pete” Wyrick of Olivet; her sons, Greg of Lansing and Mark (Margot) of Dimondale; her grandchildren, Ethan, Molly, Brett and McKenna; and Molly and Ethan’s mother, Connie, who provided years of invaluable nursing advice along the way.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home for a time of sharing memories and stories together.
To view Marge’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Jacqueline Kosh

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Jacqueline H. Kosh passed away April 10, 2022, in Leesburg, Florida. She was born to Otis and Winifred (Holbrook) Hopingardner on April 18, 1930. She and Joseph Kosh were married February 14, 1970.
Jackie lavished love on her pets and family. She hosted a reunion at her home on Lake Columbia in Jackson County for many years.
Jackie and Joe loved to travel and took several cruises and a trip to Germany. They had a motor home and belonged to a weekend travel club.
She was a car/truck saleslady and took pride in always brushing the snow off of the vehicles she was going to show.
Her parents preceded Jackie in death and her husband of over 50 years, her special friend Dee Geho, and many cousins survive her.

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Constance Prather

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Constance “Connie” Prather, a woman known for her love for a cup of coffee and her sweet tooth, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the Mid-Michigan Hospice House surrounded by her family. Connie, 87, of Potterville, was born October 13, 1934, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Gray and Evelyn (Thurston) Smith Sr. She graduated from Dimondale High School, and continued meeting with her classmates for lunch later in life. On June 25, 1955, Connie married the love of her life, Harold Prather Jr. and together created their legacy of 57 years until his passing in 2012. She and Harold enjoyed square dancing all around Mid-Michigan. Connie worked multiple jobs throughout her lifetime, she worked as a homemaker while her children were growing up, later she worked with Auto Owners, and most recently LARA with the State of Michigan. Connie was so proud that she was able to work into her 80s. Family meant the world to Connie, she was blessed to be able to live in a home that her husband built for the family. She also was very supportive of her grandchildren and attended all of their activities. Connie had a love for sports, she could be found rooting on the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Pistons, as well as the Michigan State Spartans. Above all Connie devoted her life to the Lord, she most recently attended the Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus.
Connie is survived by her children, Doug (Mary) Prather, Diane (Rick) Smith; seven grandchildren, DJ (Courtney) Prather, Matthew Prather, Danny Prather, Jeremy Prather, Mandy (Matt) Caterino, Chloe Smith, Collin Smith; eight great-grandchildren, Jazmine, Sophia, Lucas, Quinn, Lynnleigh; 1 great-great-granddaughter, Za’Lyah; sister, Suzanne (Bruce) Willard; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold; brother, Gray Smith Jr.; and her parents, Gray and Evelyn Smith.
Friends are encouraged to support Connie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus. The funeral will be held following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. with Kathy Dobie officiating. The funeral 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 Connie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Patricia Hartley

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Patricia Anne Hartley passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on April 7, 2022, at Sparrow Hospice House in Lansing, MI, after losing her battle with Dementia. She was the seventh born out of nine children to William and Mary Diamond (Hough) on February 23, 1935, in Burgettstown, PA. The family moved to Michigan in 1947, when Pat was 12. She graduated from Handy High School – Bay City, MI in 1953, and began working at a magnesium plant. She also worked as a carhop at the A & W Restaurant, where she met her future husband, Bernie Hartley, the love of her life! They married on February 3, 1955, in Bay City. When Bernie got a job at Oldsmobile, they moved to Lansing. Together they raised three children, Mary, Patti and Bernie II. In 1978, they moved to Eaton Rapids, where they built their dream home. They renewed their vows in 2005, with a big wedding and celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on a Carribbean cruise with their whole family!
Pat was an amazing wife and mother who was so caring and loving. Her family meant everything to her. She was a homemaker first and foremost and an excellent cook that didn’t require a recipe. Many meals she prepared are still talked about today! As her kids grew up, became parents themselves, they realized looking back what a great mother they had been blessed with. In her later life, with the kids out of the house, Pat decided to get a job and hired in at the McDonalds in town, working with the other “seasoned” ladies on the breakfast shift. Those ladies “got the job done” and provided good food to the ER community. Pat enjoyed her time there and even continued working after Bernie retired. She made some wonderful friendships that lasted after she retired.
Pat enjoyed singing at the ER Senior Center during their monthly open-mike jam sessions, where she and Bernie sang many duets together. She also loved to dance, especially to her son’s band, Hidden Agenda, when they played at local establishments. The band dedicated many songs to her with her favorite being “Mustang Sally.” Such wonderful memories! Her hobbies included traveling, crossword puzzles, playing bingo and going to the casino. Pat and Bernie could be seen every Fourth of July, on the “Rocking Chair Deserters” float playing their music with the gang as they passed the crowds.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Albert, Kate, Del, Bill and May; infant daughter Kimberly, daughter Patti Vogel and grandson Jeffrey Hancock. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Bernie; siblings Dudy, Shirley and Grace; daughter Mary Hancock, son Bernie Hartley II (Michelle), son in law Todd Vogel (Barb), grand/great grandchildren Julee (Chris), Natalie, Nicholas, Jesse, Olivia, Ryan, Alex and several nieces and nephews.
No words can truly express the deep sorrow felt by her family with her passing. She was and always will be the mainstay of our family. Thank you so much to family and friends for your love and support during this difficult time. Special thanks to Jon at Skinner Funeral Home for making an uncomfortable situation much easier to handle and for all the extras you are doing to make the celebration of Pat’s life so very special!
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2022, with a visitation one hour prior to service, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Patricia Hartley. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Daniel Geiger

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Daniel Andrew Geiger, age 66, of Lansing, MI passed unexpectedly March 27, 2022, in Lansing. Dan was born June 27, 1955, in Lansing, to Jerome Edward and Myrna Louise (Leffel) Geiger. He married the love of his life, Vicki Sue (Copeland) Geiger in August of 1980 and had 42 wonderful years together. Dan worked for General Motors for 37 years retiring in 2016. He liked to work on cars; painting them was his specialty. He loved his granddaughters, his sons and his dog, Gizmo.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Vicki Sue (Copeland) Geiger; sons, Anthony Daniel (Candace) Geiger and Garret Andrew (Sarah) Geiger; granddaughters, Alexandra Avene Geiger and Lindsey Louise Geiger; brother, Lawrence Geiger; sisters, Nancy Ann Wood and Rosemary Jones; brother-in-law, Norman Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Katherine Graham and Amy Geiger; special grandmother Hazel Angel.
A private family service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, www.cahs-lansing.org. Online condolences may be made at www.millsfuneral.com. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.

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