Obituaries
Ellis J. Sanders
Ellis J. Sanders was born in Eaton Rapids on November 9, 1932, and was the eldest son of John and Berthal Sanders. Surrounded by his loving family, he left this world to be reunited with his beloved wife Eva on January 13, 2025.
Ellis was a proud US Army veteran having served during the Korean War and earned the rank of Sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers. While on leave, Ellis and Eva tied the knot on March 19, 1953, and were happily married for 68 years. Their marriage served as a shining example for everyone who knew them. Ellis worked at GM as a supervisor and retired in 1986. Friends and co-workers from GM will remember the annual pig roasts at their cottage in Walhalla, where there were good times, good food and lots of beer. After retirement, Ellis teamed up with his brother Norm to provide landscaping and lawn maintenance services to the community and helped with home remodeling and repair projects to those who needed a hand.
In his spare time, Ellis loved golfing with his buddies, meeting friends for coffee to solve the world’s problems and looked forward to deer hunting. A true sportsman and firearms expert, he bagged his last deer at the young age of 91. He would jump at the chance to travel to be with family or friends and cherished those special times at Tallman and Loon Lakes, trips to California, Florida, Arizona and around the globe. He was a prolific storyteller and was happy to share his knowledge and experiences. His family and friends will hold close to their hearts his words of wisdom.
Ellis is survived by his children, Steve (Ann) Sanders, Rick (Jackie) Sanders, Julie (Jim) Hannon. Ellis was very proud of his grandchildren; Allison (Josh) Hummel, Jessica (Erik) Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Look, Zach (Kasidy) Hannon, Stephanie (Jimmy) Wood, Grant Sanders (Haley Standage) and Gabrielle (Tyler) Witte. These grandchildren gave him 11 wonderful great-grandchildren; Owen & Blake Smith, Eva and Sutton Hannon, Chloe and Dakota Look, Holden and Parker Hummel, and James, Brooklyn and Logan Wood. He is also survived by his brother Norm and sister Evelynn (Doug) Stall, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
A celebration of life is being planned for later this spring.
Patsy Ann Hayhoe
Patsy Ann Hayhoe, of Eaton Rapids, MI, after a long and courageous battle against early-onset Alzheimer’s passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 71. Patsy was born on October 16, 1953, in Charlotte, the beloved daughter of Harold and Barbara (Purdy) Gillett.
She grew up in Kinneville, just outside Eaton Rapids, and was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1971. Patsy dedicated 39 years of her career to the State of Michigan, working for the Secretary of State’s office before retiring in 2016.
A woman of faith, Patsy was an active member of Mt. Hope Church in Lansing for many years. She had a passion for travel, with a special love for Walt Disney World, which she visited many times, San Diego, CA and for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly Detour Village where she loved to spend time with her family at her beloved in-laws, Don and Dorene Hayhoe’s Cottage.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Barbara Gillett; her sisters, Darlene Romano and Sue Heaton; her granddaughter, Hannah Harris; her nephew, David Barres; and her father-in-law, Donavan Hayhoe.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 44 years, Doug Hayhoe; her children, Donavan (Clair) Hayhoe and Heather Harris; her cherished grandchildren, Kayla, Shyla, Tim, Victoria, and Corin; her siblings, Harold Gillett, Nina Barres, Marian Ward, and Robbin Gillett; mother-in-law, Dorene Hayhoe as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
At this time, no services are planned. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Carol Ann Williams
Carol Ann Williams, 82, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1942, in Corunna, MI, to Howard and Isabelle (Foster) Slaght. Carol spent her early years in Indian River, MI, before settling in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated with the class of 1960.
Carol dedicated more than 20 years to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, retiring as the secretary for the intermediate school. In her retirement, she remained deeply engaged with her community. She served as treasurer of the Eaton Rapids Historical Society, was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, BPW, Junior Women’s Club, and participated in a weekly golf league at Bonnie View Golf Course. Carol found joy in her monthly bridge gatherings and dedicated many years as a valued volunteer for the Eaton Rapids Township Elections. She cherished her coffee gatherings with high school friends, traveling with her beloved husband, Keith, and supporting her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at their sporting events.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Floyd Ferris, and her sister Joyce Comer. She leaves behind her husband, Keith Williams; daughter Shawn Morgan; son Tony (Nicole) Williams; grandchildren Michael Morgan, Rachel Morgan, Keith Morgan, Hunter Williams, and Garrett Williams; sister Jacki Worden; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Chuck and Phyllis Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The family welcomed visitors on Monday, January 6, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions in Carol’s honor may be made to the Eaton Rapids Historical Society. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Janet Marie Harkness
Janet Marie Harkness, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. She was born on June 6, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Jarious and Marguerite (Kendell) Slentz. Janet grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1952.
Janet dedicated much of her career to serving others through her work at the State of Michigan’s School Employees Retirement System, retiring in 1987. A longtime member of the First Congregational Church, Janet found joy and purpose in her faith and church community.
She cherished the winters spent with her beloved husband, John, in Lakeland, Florida. Janet was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always treasuring time with her family. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events, dining out with loved ones, and relaxing with a good Hallmark movie.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Jarious and Marguerite Slentz, and her husband, John Harkness. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Cindy) Harkness, Bruce (Katie) Harkness, Ann (Jeff) Vealey, and Kay Harkness; her grandchildren, Daniel Harkness, John (Elizabeth) Harkness, Benjamin Harkness, Christine (Kenny) Hwang, Angela (Zach) Lankton, Derek (Kate) Harkness, and Aaron (Amanda) Harkness; seven great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jerry Slentz and John Slentz; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of Janet’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on May 10, 2025, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in Janet’s memory. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John “Jack” Allen, age 84, of Charlotte, was welcomed home into the loving arms of his Savior on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born May 27, 1940, in Owosso, Michigan the son of Robert and Blanche (Gurden) Allen. Jack graduated from Owosso High School and went on to attend GM Tech where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Engineering. On July 11, 1959, he married Wanda Jean Austin. Jack gave his heart to the Lord in 1969 and was baptized in April of 1970. He enjoyed spending time with his precious family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always made it a point to attend their athletic and other school events. In his spare-time Jack enjoyed deer hunting, turkey hunting, treasure hunting with his metal detector, and watching Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers sports. Jack was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church where his church family was very important to him. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew him.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Jon) Hosek; grandchildren, Alaina Williams, Emily (Tim Arrington) Hosek, Zachary Hosek, and Noah Hosek; great-grandchildren, Mason, Keegan, and Ensley O’Connor; siblings, Robert (Shirley) Allen of Grove, Oklahoma, Calvin (Lee) Allen of Owosso, Janice (Tom) Schultz of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Wanda Jean; and grandson-in-law, Liam O’Connor; nieces, Terra Schultz, Susan Allen-Speers; and nephews, Robert Allen III, Michael Allen.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church or a college fund set up for his great-grandchildren in care of Cindy Hosek.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.