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Forest Lewis

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Funeral Services:

Forest “Bub” Edward Lewis, Jr., 69, died peacefully on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at his home in Charlotte, Michigan. Forest “Bub” was born October 9, 1952, in Lansing, the son of Forest, Sr. and Anna (Purcell) Lewis. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970. Forest worked various jobs over the years. He worked at OI for over 18 years and then retired from Tokai Rika in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Forest was a man of many talents and generous spirit. He was known to be stubborn on the outside but sentimental on the inside. He enjoyed playing games on his computer, fishing and raising chickens. He really loved a good gossip story. His family was very important to him. On June 24, 1972, he married Marsha Burt. Together they raised two sons.
Forest “Bub” is survived by his sons: Jason (Angie) Lewis, John (Liz) Lewis; his grandchildren: Kaylib (Reba) Lewis, Colby Lewis, Blake Lewis, Victoria Music, Talia (Bret) Geodert, Savanah Lewis and Kylie Lewis; his great grandchildren: Zeke Lewis, Emmett Lewis, Huntlie Lewis and Paisley Geodert; his mother, Anna Lewis; his sisters: Dorma Mosher, Pearl Smith, Barbara Powers; many nieces and nephews; his special friend, Brenda Nemetz and his beloved fur companion, Shay. He was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Edwin Lewis; his father, Forest Edward Lewis, SR.
A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Eagles, 116 Lansing Street, Charlotte.

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Larry Mahan

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Larry Roy Mahan, a tractor lover to the core, died Sunday, September 11, 2022, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Larry, 76, of Vermontville was born August 12, 1946, in Battle Creek to George and Verna Mae (Carey) Mahan. Those who knew Larry appreciated what a hard-worker and driven person he was. Working for 33 years at General Motors, he also farmed and raised cattle and pigs for his family. Larry loved his family, raising them with a good sense of humor the lesson to always “get it done.” An avid tractor collector, at one time he had an extensive collection of 33 tractors, with his favorite being his International. With such an extensive collection and love for tractors, it’s no surprise that he belonged to the Charlton Park Tractor Club, and the All Colors Antique Tractor Club. Larry also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and bowling, but one of his favorite things was a hot fudge sundae, with “extra hot fudge not on the bottom but all on the sides and on top, with no cherry.”
Larry is survived by his wife, Janice; daughters, Kathleen (Michael Slusser) Hawkins, Kimberly (Stephen) Karlzen, and Kelly (Edmond) Racheter; eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Verna Mahan; and his grandparents, Max and Doris Carey.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Wednesday, September 14, 12:00 noon at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care or The Parkinson’s Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Kim Lucille Gillett Oberlin

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Kim Lucille Gillett Oberlin (66), of Rives Junction, was welcomed into heaven on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in Jackson, MI after a variety of health issues. She was surrounded by her family and dear friends as she transitioned into heaven. Kim was born to George “Sam” and Phyliss Gillett on September 17, 1955, in Albion, Michigan. Kim and her husband, Gerald, resided in Springport for many years until they moved to Rives Junction. Kim was preceeded in death by her parents, Sam and Phyliss Gillett; her brother, Denny Gillett; sister-in-law, Sandy Gillett; father-in-law and mother in-law, Warren and Marilyn Oberlin. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Oberlin; son, Patrick (Brand Fisher); stepson, Jerry (Jessica) Oberlin; stepson, Jamie (Sarah) Oberlin; adopted son, Scottie (Megan) Catt; grandchildren: Breanna (Christopher) Case, Brian Oberlin, Wyatt Kenton, Millie Fisher, Dakota Catt, Jayden Trudell; great-grandchildren, Baylee and Rylee Case. Kim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends: Stan and Barrie Latoski, Natasha (Jason) Haring, Sarah (David) Lightner, Stan “Bud” Latoski, Kim and Craig Carmer, Jackie Hector, Lacy Osborne and numerous special friends.
Kim’s first job was at the McGraw-Edison Company in Albion. She then worked at the Springport Fire Department as a dispatcher, which led to her working at Jackson County Sheriff’s Office as a 911 Dispatcher. Kim received numerous Sheriff’s Department Commendation awards while serving as a 911 Dispatcher. She eventually retired from the county after numerous years of service. Kim also processed deer with her niece, Sarah, starting in 2002. She spent many evenings and weekends all fall listening to deer stories and telling stories of friends and family past. She recently said how much she missed that time, but her health just didn’t allow her to do it anymore.
Kim enjoyed reading, especially a good romance novel. She loved spending time with family and friends and never missed the opportunity to tell them that she loved them. Kim enjoyed time camping, playing cards, dice, mud bogs, lawn mower races and time on the dunes. Kim and Gerald used to spend a lot of summers at Silver Lake, riding the sand dunes in their Black Magic buggy. She could make spam and eggs taste good while camping. She loved all her family and friends. She enjoyed hearing about all the kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews their stories of sports, hunting or any other activity that they enjoyed. She loved getting pictures of all the kids. Kim had the biggest heart, always willing to be with friends and family in times of need and celebration. She was one of the sweetest souls you would ever meet.
Kim’s memorial service was held September 22, 2022, at Springport Bible Church in Springport, Michigan with Pastor Matt Rohde. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl St./PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.

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Paul Daniel Mazur

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Paul Daniel Mazur, age 87, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Thursday morning, September 15, 2022. Paul was born June 24, 1935, in New Kensington, PA to Andrew and Violet Mazur. He was a Methodist Minister for 27 years serving several churches and was also a van driver for Sheraton Hotels for 7 years. He married his soulmate, Margaret Lusk, on June 6, 1959, celebrating 63 happy years even in the later years when Paul was very ill with dementia.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Mazur of Eaton Rapids; two sons, Lorin (Michelle) Mazur of Shelby Twp., MI and Gale (Roberta) Mazur of Black Mountain, NC; two sisters, Janice Fisk of Utah and Kay (Joe) Norris of SC; grandchildren, Zachary Mazur, Dr. Maranda (Bradley) Mazur, Katja, Christoph, Nikolai and Annaleise Mazur.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24th, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Eaton Rapids Camp Meeting, 1707 Grand River Dr., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Online condolences may be made at www.Millsfuneral.com.

 

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Bruce Benjamin Miller

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Bruce Benjamin Miller, age 76, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents Allen and Betty Miller, brother Allen (Terry) Miller, and son Christopher Miller. He is survived by his wife, Linda Rachut; sons, Sean Miller (Kym Trew), Australia, and Jeffrey Miller (Elizabeth), Eaton Rapids, MI; sister, Jan Miller McGilliard (Michael), Blacksburg, VA; grandchildren: Alexandar Miller and Abi Trew, Australia, Anya and Jude Miller, Lansing, MI, Clarabelle, Adelle, and Ava Miller, Eaton Rapids, MI, Logan Miller, Eaton Rapids, MI. The family wishes to thank Sparrow Hospice House for their care and assistance during his final illness.

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Homer Eugene DeWaters

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Homer Eugene DeWaters, 92, of Charlotte, a man known for giving the best hugs, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Homer was born October 5, 1929, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Melvin and Margret (Brininstool) DeWaters Sr. In 1947 Homer enlisted into the Army where he proudly served his country. He was very proud of his military service. Upon returning home from the military Homer started working for Fischer Body where he worked on the line until his retirement. On June 24, 1972, Homer married the love of his life, Phyllis Smith and together the couple created lasting memories until her passing in 2017. He enjoyed traveling all around the world on cruises. Homer attended for 20 plus years a weekly breakfast group that met at different restaurants around the area. He has a passion for sports and loved UofM, the Tigers and Lions. Homer was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion. Above all his biggest passion in life was his family and his military service to his country.
Homer is survived by his children: Brian (Ann) DeWaters, Alan (Veronica) Smith, and Janet (Doug) Eicchorn; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Cousino; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis; siblings: Melvin DeWaters, Marion DeWaters, Vera McMann, Floyd DeWaters and Leslie DeWaters; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Homer’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, September 18, 2022, from 1-4:00 p.m. Funeral services are Monday, September 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Homer’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 American Heart Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Bob Franks

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“Bob” Franks, age 78 of Vermontville, MI passed away on September 12, 2022, at his home in Vermontville, MI.
Bob was born in Charlotte, MI, on October 26, 1943, a son of Dorothy and Raymond Franks. Bob was raised on his family’s farm outside Vermontville and attended local schools, graduating in 1962 from one of the last classes from Nashville High School before the consolidation with Vermontville.
Shortly after completing his education, Bob began working at General Motors. He ended his career at Plant 5/Delta Engine Plant where he worked as an engine specialist. During his tenure with GM, Bob became well-known throughout the company for his ability to diagnose flaws within an engine and provide solutions to remedy the defects. It was not uncommon for him to travel all over the United States working with several other factories and personnel to improve the quality of the General Motors engine program.
Bob retired in 2001 after almost 39 years of dedicated service. On August 8, 1964, Bob was married to the love of his life, Barbara (Barnhill) Franks at the United Methodist Church in Charlotte. They lived in Charlotte for four years while Bob was building the family’s home on the east end of the original homestead in Vermontville. They moved the family into the house on December 1, 1968, raised their children there, and have spent their entire lives together in the home that Bob built for them. Bob’s family was always his first priority, and while they were young, he often volunteered to help coach their sporting teams, and he and Barb never missed one of the kids’ events.
The family’s passion for Maple Valley athletics led he and Barb to assist in the establishment of the Maple Valley Athletic Boosters, often having their children participate in fundraising efforts to ensure students at Maple Valley Schools could enjoy a positive athletic experience.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling. While his family was young, they enjoyed spending the long summer months camping, and visiting local lakes to fish for bluegill. Their camping adventures began in a tent, but, in 1970 they upgraded to a pop-up camper and for the next 11 summers expanded their camping distance to include Rice Lake in Canada, and several other states. The fall was always a special time for Bob, as he enjoyed being in the woods hunting Whitetail Deer. Many times, he would forgo the hunting blind, opting for a simple overturned bucket at the base of a tree.
Over the years, this simple but effective technique yielded home several trophy bucks! Each year in December during muzzleloader season Bob, his son Dan, and their closest hunting friends made the trek to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for “deer camp.” The remote nature of the terrain required the hunting posse to reside in a large army style tent; however, their tent was fully equipped with natural grass flooring, hot water, and a shower!
After retiring, Bob and Barb spent a significant amount of time travelling, visiting Mexico, Hawaii, and Florida. His children and grandchildren were the “apples of his eye,” and Bob cherished each moment with them. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Barb; his children: Rob (Tammy) Franks, Lisa (Ted Paddock) Mahan, Dan Franks; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by in-laws: Lee (Arla) Barnhill, Russ (Jean) Nelson, Dorothy (Doug) Haehnel and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves special friends Heber Hanson, John Bitgood and Dennis Hulsebos. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Virgil Franks.
A Celebration of Life was held at 12 noon on Friday, September 16, 2022, followed by lunch and stories at the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI.
Bob will be interred privately at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, with Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.daniels funeral home.net.

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Edward Dehnert

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Edward “Ed” Ernest Dehnert, 84 of Charlotte, a devoted family man, died at home with his family by his side on September 8, 2022. Ed was born in Flint, Michigan on June 1, 1938, the son of Ernest and Leah (DeYoung) Dehnert. Employed by General Motors for many years in many different positions, he retired in 1992 and started a trucking business. Many will remember Ed as an all-around happy guy, always finding the positives in life. Things that gave him great joy included cutting wood, fishing, hunting, traveling, camping, woodworking (especially making bird houses and lighthouses). He enjoyed woodworking so much that he was a 4-H instructor, teaching his own children and others about woodworking.
Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnn; children: Jerry, Brian, and Craig (Rosalie) Dehnert; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lois (Don) Larson, and Darwin (Phylis) Dehnert); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Dehnert and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Dehnert family by attending services or sharing memories on Ed’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, September 13th, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ed’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 Compassus Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Barbara Haines

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Barbara Jo (Kerr) Haines, age 94, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in Charlotte Michigan.
Barbara was born August 12, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to George Earl Kerr and Elizabeth (Morrison) Kerr. She graduated from high school in Jackson, MI, and married Dwight “Pete” Haines in 1952, and they made their home in Charlotte, raising two sons. She lived the rest of her life in Charlotte.
Barb had an infectious laugh, and was delighted by her grandchildren, and even her “grand-dogs!” She enjoyed Christian devotions and keeping up with the news. She loved to tell the story about she and Pete meeting “Lady Bird” Johnson at the Johnson family ranch in Texas, while on one of their trips out west. Another fond memory was when they attended the Supremes final concert in Detroit. In addition, they enjoyed trips to visit family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete, in 2006, after 53 years of marriage; brother, Charles, in 1989. She is survived by her sons, James (Linda) Williams of Lansing, MI and Paul (Kathleen) Williams of Prescott, AZ; her two grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Williams of Peoria, AZ, and Kimberly Williams of Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Barbara’s wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements were handled by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Donations may be made in Barb’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, in Charlotte.

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Richard Charles Sanders

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Richard Charles Sanders of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 9, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born in Brookfield Township, MI on August 2, 1929, the son of Jay and Norene (Potter) Sanders. Richard was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for General Motors for 30 years, managed a trailer park in Arizona, and owned Sanders Auto Salvage for two years. He was a member of Jaycees, enjoyed fishing and playing trumpet in the Sanders Family band.
Richard is survived by his three children: Shey (Steve) Zenker, Pamela Tigner, Kevin (Deb) Sanders; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brothers, Ralph (Linda) Sanders, Clair Sanders; sister, Esther (Dean) Shrontz; sister-in-law, Lauralee Sanders. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents; brothers: Bruce and Lennis.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment took place at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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