Obituaries
Meredith Ann Lindsay
Meredith Ann Lindsay, age 76, of Charlotte and formerly of East Lansing, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 14, 2024, comforted by her loving family and caregivers at Eaton County Medical Care Facility, following a yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Meredith was born in Lansing on July 28, 1947, and was a graduate of Lansing primary schools and Eastern High School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Marian (Hauenstein) Bischoff. Meredith is survived by Stuart, her husband of 35 years; sister, Deborah (Donald) Murray of Lansing, MI; half-sisters, Penny Lee of Knotts Island, NC and Onalee Ursery of Bradenton, FL; children, Krista (Jody) Chosa of Appleton, WI and Shelby (Scott) Butler of Charlotte, MI; loving stepchildren, Aileen (Jerry) Behl of Grandville, MI and Scott (Kim) Woltjer of Byron Center, MI; grandchildren, Rachael Behl of Grand Rapids, MI, Adrianna and Cassandra Butler of Charlotte, MI, McKenna, Sydney, and Mason Levanetz of Appleton, WI, Skylar Miller of Grandville, MI, Megan Woltjer of Grand Rapids, MI, Jacob (Kristin) Woltjer of Grandville, MI, Alex (Emily) Chosa of Denmark, WI, and Kayla Chosa of Crystal, MN; along with loving great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Meredith graduated from Michigan State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work followed by a Master of Social Work from M.S.U. in 1985. She was a clinical social worker in the substance abuse field for 10 years, during which time she taught substance abuse courses at M.S.U., became a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and was appointed a surveyor for the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Her interest in gerontology lead to joining the State of Michigan in 1995 as a surveyor on federal quality care standards at public and private nursing homes across Michigan. Her special interest in enhancing enforcement of standards for use of psychotropic medications among nursing home residents was recognized by federal officials at the time of her retirement in 2017.
Meredith enjoyed a life of learning, reading, nature study and spending time with beloved family and friends. She and her husband Stuart traveled widely and especially enjoyed the many waterfalls and other scenic beauty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Her family received relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 17 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
Charles Marvin Hood
Charles Marvin Hood was born on February 26, 1959, in Charlotte, MI, the son of Eilene Viola (Gilbert) Hood and Harley Hood, Sr. He passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on May 5, 2024. Charles served in the United States Army National Guard, enlisting on December 7, 1977 and remaining on active duty until his retirement on January 3, 1998, serving 20 years. He loved bowling. He bowled several leagues and continued even after becoming an amputee in 2019. He enjoyed golfing in the summertime with family and friends and watching any of the Detroit sports teams. On July 3, 1984, he and former wife, Dotty Watson, were able to finalize the adoption of their daughters, Tonya and Terrie. He received his GED in 1977 but went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1981. Charles was a very stubborn man over the years and was not always the easiest to get along with, but his family always loved him anyways.
Charles is survived by both his daughters, Terrie Jo Jackson and Tonya Eilene-Jean Hood; his five amazing grandchildren, Cassidy Jade Walters, Jasmine Elizabeth Jackson, Lori Jean Jackson, Brandon Lee Hood, and Ethan James Hankins; brothers, Thomas (Marie) Hood, Robert (Treva) Hood, and Stephen Hood; sisters, Carol (Lowell) Knox and Anna-Marie Hood; several nieces and nephews; former son-in-law, Travis Jackson; and special friend, Steve Pratt. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brothers, Harley Hood, Jr., Richard “Dick” Hood, and Gilbert Hood; and sisters-in-law, Mary Hood and Liesa Hood.
Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home prior to procession to Ft. Custer National Cemetery for burial at 2:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William Rinckey
William Rinckey, age 77, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday, May 11, 2024. He was born June 10, 1946, in Carson City, Michigan the son of Erva E. and Margaret E. (Locke) Rinckey. On July 6, 1963, Bill married Pamela Jo Wilcox at the Carson City United Methodist Church. He graduated from Carson City High School with the class of 1964. Bill served the majority of his career with the Michigan State Police. While with the State Police he worked in many different capacities and retired as Detective Sergeant after 25 faithful years of service. After retiring he worked as the Chief Sergeant of Arms for the Michigan House of Representatives. Bill was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church. Over the years he served as Deacon, Board of Trustees, Building and Grounds Committee, and sang in the choir. When he wasn’t working or volunteering at the church, Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends.
Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Pam; sons, Brad (Deb) Rinckey of Eagle River, Alaska, Jared “Oz” (Nikki) Rinckey of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Ben Rinckey, Zeph Rinckey, Quinn Rinckey, C.J. Rinckey; sister, Nancy (Gary) Peterson of Rockford; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Blake Rinckey; siblings, Bob Rinckey, and JoAnn Biggs.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church with Pastors Dawn Christianson and Adam Droscha officiating. The family received friends on Thursday at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the First Congregational Church, 106 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jack Mahlon Parish, Jr.
Jack Mahlon Parish, Jr., of Mulliken, beloved master electrician and passionate outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024. Born on October 29, 1947, Jack lived a life filled with dedication to his craft and reverence for nature. As a master electrician, he illuminated countless homes and businesses with his expertise, leaving behind a legacy of brightened lives and communities. He owned his own business, Parish Electric in Charlotte for more than three decades and was the electrician for the Eaton County Fairgrounds for 25 years before retirement.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack’s heart belonged to the great outdoors. Whether he was hiking to his deer blind, casting lines into serene lakes, or simply admiring the beauty of nature, Jack found solace and joy in the natural world. His adventurous spirit inspired all who knew him, and his love for the outdoors will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A proud Charlotte graduate, Jack was the first individual state wrestling champion in school history and will be inducted into the Charlotte High School Sports Hall of Fame later this year. He lettered in football, cross country (two years), wrestling (four years), baseball (two years) and track (two years).
Jack will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends, and colleagues, who remember him for his wisdom, loyalty, and unwavering passion for life.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack Parish Sr., and Mary Lee Rodeman, brother, Mike Parish and daughter, Teresa Nighbert.
He is survived by his siblings, Sandi (Butch) Craven, Elaine (Dave) Martin, and Jim Parish; children, Scott (Ronda) Parish, Sara Parish and Amy Jo (Judd) Brown, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he adored.
Though he may have left this world, his legacy as a master electrician and avid outdoorsman will forever be remembered and cherished. May his spirit continue to shine bright, like the stars he so admired in the night sky.
A memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eaton County Fair Grounds Kardel Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the Charlotte High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Martha Ann Marshall
Martha Ann (McKim) Marshall, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Born in Marlette, MI on April 28, 1942, to Earl and Eva (Ward) McKim. Martha spent her youth in Eaton Rapids, MI. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class in 1960. Marty attended Michigan State University where she graduated in 1964 with a degree in Sociology. On her first day at MSU, she met her future husband, Bill, whom she married in 1963. On September 14, 2013, Bill and Marty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the English Inn in Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Earl McKim; husband, William Marshall; and sister, Sara (McKim) Oakland. She is survived by her children, Dave (Sarah) Marshall and Kelly Reeve; grandchildren, Jessica (Imre) Ganic, June Marshall, Josh Reeve, Lauren Marshall, and Grace Marshall; great-granddaughter, Imreja Ganic; sister, Val (McKim) Hartnell; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.
In her entire life, personally and professionally, Martha was a selfless force for those around her. She had a quick and subtle wit combined with compassion and a true interest in others. Marty saw the best in people, and they gravitated to her unique leadership. She worked for the Disability Determination Service of Michigan for the majority of her career. In 1991-92 and 2004-05, Marty was twice elected as the President of the National Association of Disability Examiners. Her dedication to those in need led Martha to advocate for Social Security Reform, in Michigan then Washington D.C., including testifying to Congress.
An avid MSU fan, Marty and family enjoyed following the Spartans at home football games, Rose Bowls and Final Fours. She loved attending her grandchildren’s activities with unconditional support. Marty loved to travel in her motorhome, spend time with her dogs, and listen to waves crash ashore as she read a book.
Memorial Services will be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society or Ingham County Animal Shelter in loving memory of Martha Ann Marshall. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.