Obituaries
Jon Reid
Jon Reid, age 32, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, with his family at his side after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Jon was born in Ionia, MI, on June 24, 1992, the son of Debra Villanueva and Matthew Reid. He was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools, graduating from Maple Valley High School in 2010. After completing his education, he began working at Roadrunner’s in Vermontville, primarily so he could play pool anytime he wanted! In 2014 Jon began working as a pizza chef at Goodtime Pizza in Nashville. It was during this time that he met the love of his life Kayla Thornton while she was dining with friends. Jon & Kayla’s relationship spanned 10 years before the couple was married on April 11, 2024. They made their home together in the Vermontville area where they welcomed their new son Alejandro Reid on October 20, 2022. Jon loved being a father, and when Kayla returned to work, Jon altered his work schedule to make sure they never had to use daycare. He was an incredible father and loved taking care of Alejandro.
In 2018 Jon joined H&L Manufacturing in Middleville where he worked faithfully until receiving his cancer diagnosis on December 18, 2023.
Jon’s diagnosis never took his grateful heart and beautiful spirit, which was evident throughout his treatment as he thanked his caregivers for everything they were doing, and had a reputation at the hospital as an incredibly kind patient.
Jon and Kayla loved to travel, especially “cruising” the Caribbean oceans. Over years they have enjoyed several destinations including Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. During their spare time, Jon enjoyed watching all types of sports, and become an expert on several different sports analyzing statistics, as well as different aspects of each sport. He has been a lifelong Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan, and helped Kayla embrace the game by attending several games in person over the years.
Jon was so proud of his family, loved watching his brothers play high school sports. He eagerly volunteered to several different assistant coaching positions so he could have a front row seat to his brothers’ athletic success. Jon rarely talked about his time playing sports, but rather, bragged continuously about his brothers performances.
He is survived by his beloved wife Kayla, son Alejandro, his siblings Alejandro (Savanna Seavolt) Reid, Matthew (Jessica Breidenbaugh) Reid, Mother Debbie Villanueva, Father Matthew (Bethany Harris) Reid, his grandmothers Sue Villanueva, and Mary Reid, several aunts, uncles and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Alejandro Villanueva, and Floyd Reid, his uncles John Reid, and Dion Villanueva and his cousin Trayce White.
Jon’s goal when he returned home from his final cancer treatment was to attend the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packer football game on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Although Jon fell short of this goal, the family invites you to a memorial “Tailgate Party” on Sunday, November 3, 2024, beginning at kick off (approximately 4:30 p.m.) at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville.
We will welcome guests with the game being aired on our “game sized” televisions throughout the funeral home, with plenty of “tailgate food favorites,” and of course the Detroit Lions spirit that Jonny loved. Please be sure to bring a winning attitude, wear your Lions gear and help us celebrate the life and the last game for our beloved husband, father, brother and friend.
There will be a brief time of sharing and remembrance during halftime, with the day concluding with another Lions victory.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution at https://gofund.me/b545bfc0 to help Kayla with ongoing expenses and care of Alejandro.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Highway Nashville MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Jack Allen Caughey
Jack Allen Caughey, a loving husband, father, and dedicated community member, died October 25, 2024. Jack, 71, of Charlotte was born January 6, 1953 in Charlotte to John Allen and Donna (Sutherland) Caughey. Jack was a farmer and had an extensive career as a Mechanical/Agricultural Engineer. He had an innate understanding of how things worked. Jack was a third-generation Michigan farmer who followed in his father’s footsteps on the farm as well as serving on the Benton Township Planning Commission as the Chair. He was a strong advocate for preserving farmland, and his agricultural community. Jack loved drafting and design, had a great memory for details, and had a special interest in history, especially Naval history. He held a pilot’s license and loved flying for most of his life. Jack was an MSU alum and avid Spartan fan.
Jack was very proud of his son, Justin’s 26-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack was proud of his family’s Irish heritage, and with his sister Nancy, recently researched and recorded the family history and lineage. In 2023, Jack had the opportunity to visit Ireland with his family, a trip that he remembered fondly. Jack was a man who believed in tradition, loyalty, and modeled a strong work ethic. His family and friends saw this in his steadfast and loving care of his wife Tina, in her final years.
Jack is survived by son, Justin (Katusha Galitzine); daughter, Ericah Mahabir; and sister Nancy (James) Caughey Gensel. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Tina.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Life Celebration at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper as celebrant. Interment will take place at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. 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 Jack’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 Benton Township Fire Deparment. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lori Ann Briggs
Lori Ann (Rockafellow) Briggs, an extraordinary warrior in the fight against cancer for the last three years, left the pain of her earthly body and went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 14, 2024. Lori was born January 12, 1962 in Eaton Rapids, MI to Donald and Paula (Pattenaude) Rockafellow. She was such a positive person and always drew people to her with her amazing attitude and beautiful smile, even from a very young age. After ten years of dating, in May of 1997 Lori married Jason Briggs and they had lots of fun and adventures as a family together with the children that Lori had with Philip Branch. She loved being a mom and was very proud of her children, and was very excited when she became a grandma, a title she cherished which gave her more chance to show her love for her family.
Working at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in the dietary department for 27 years, Lori touched many lives from patients to co-workers. She volunteered for numerous committees, helped plan events, and was honored for her dedicated service with several awards over the years. A talented person in many ways, Lori enjoyed crafting, making greeting cards, scrapbooking, and tending to her flower garden. Cardinals held a special meaning for Lori, and she enjoyed watching them and knew they were visitors from Heaven. A proud member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, Lori knew that while her time on earth was coming to an end, her soul would be at rest.
Lori is survived by her husband, Jason; children, Stephanie (Michael) Terpstra and Greg (Amanda) Branch; grandchildren, Summer, Kevin, Brennan, Cameron, Delia, Frankie, and Axel; siblings, Cathy (Don) DeGraffenreid, Ron (Cathy) Rockafellow, Don Rockafellow, and David (Rachel) Rockafellow; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Larry Rockafellow.
Family and friends are encouraged to share with one another the wonderful person that Lori was by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 17, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, October 18, at First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Melany Chalker 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 Lori’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
MaryEtta R. Coker
MaryEtta R. Coker was born in Kalamazoo, MI on September 11, 1956. She passed on October 23, 2024. She was a kind, patient woman who was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Glenn Coker; her daughter, April McKensie; and son, Joshua (Nicole) Coker. She also loved being grandmother to DarryAnn, Melina, Korte, Zoe, Zac, Drake, and Marley, and great-grandmother to Mahkai.
MaryEtta has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held later.
Eileen H. Harrison
Eileen H. Harrison, 95, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and life-long learner and servant, died peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Eileen was born June 20, 1929, in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of Hilliard and Blanche (Wyman) Hart. She graduated from Cooley High School before earning a degree in elementary education from Albion College, where she met the love of her life, Robert Harrison. Eileen and Bob married on June 16, 1951, and moved to Battle Creek, where Bob worked. Eileen got a job teaching fifth grade in the Battle Creek Lakeview district, teaching four years before taking time off to raise their children. They moved to Olivet after Bob took a position as an accountant with Olivet College. Eileen worked as a substitute teacher for a year before accepting a full-time position teaching fourth grade in Olivet Public Schools. She retired after over 20 years of service and they moved to Charlotte, where Eileen became a very active member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte.
Eileen remained extremely active until her final days. She looked forward to her hourly walk every day at AL!VE, was an avid reader, visited with family and friends throughout the country and was able to travel abroad with her children to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Greece. She enjoyed music and theater, including taking in shows and concerts. She cherished the coffee hours she had with long-time friends at each other’s houses. Eileen was an integral member of her church. She participated in the church book club and adult education as well as countless hours in the church kitchen, preparing dinners for numerous occasions. As a long-time member of the Outreach/Missions Team, she helped with the coat drive, grocery and clothing collections, activity boxes for children, helped with the church bazaar, and several other church ministries both at home in Charlotte and went on mission trips. Eileen was also a member of the Friends of the Charlotte Community Library for years, helping with book sales and other projects. She was a member of the Women’s Board of Olivet College, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (international education society), and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She served as an officer in these groups throughout the years. Above all, Eileen lived as an example of Faith to all who knew her and will miss her
Eileen is survived by her children, Jan (Michael) Dieterle of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Robert A. (Patricia) Harrison of Richland, and Patricia (Melvin) Smith of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Stacey (Mike) Gamble, Justin (Alejandra) Dieterle, Andrea (Kyle) Hendrix, Brooke Smith, Colin (Ashlyn) Smith, and Kerry (Anthony) Rotella; and four great-grandchildren, Ember Smith, Annalise Gamble, Logan Hendrix, and Harrison Rotella. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Harrison; her father and mother, and her brother Willard Hart.
Friends are encouraged to support Eileen’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Charlotte, Hope Landing, or Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.