Obituaries
Robert Floyd Raymer
Robert Floyd Raymer, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born February 10, 1939, in Eaton Rapids the son of George and Miriam (Warner) Raymer. On May 10, 1959, Bob married Darlene Baker at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for. After high school, Bob was drafted into the US Army where he faithfully served his country. Bob began working as a meat cutter when he was a teenager and upon his return from the Army, he made it his life-long career. This was not just a job to Bob but it was a passion. He was a perfectionist and every job that he did was done right.
He worked cutting meat at Carter’s IGA for many years and in later years he began cutting deer with George DeVres for many local customers. Bob enjoyed working on his pristine lawn and gardens. His vehicles were always kept in tip top shape and no dirt could be found inside or out.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Darlene; sons, Russ (Julie) Raymer of Eaton Rapids, Rick Raymer of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zach Raymer, Shelby (Jake) Skelton; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Rhys, Rozlynn, Sawyer, Jonah; sister-in-law, Joyce Raymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan (Ralph) Shaw, and brother, George Raymer.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Royston and Tom Surdenik officiating. The family received friends at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bob’s memory to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or New Faith Church of the Nazarene 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Shawn Lee Lake
Shawn Lee Lake, a big teddy bear, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Shawn, 52, of Charlotte, was born on June 2, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Benjamin and Helen (Lawson) Lake. He graduated from Charlotte High School the class of 1989. The love of his life was his daughter, Alexis, and granddaughter, Evelyn-Rae. Shawn had a passion for music, whether it was playing his bass or writing songs, he enjoyed letting loose in the beat of a song. Other hobbies that he found enjoyment in were writing poems, riding his bike, and tinkering on his Cadillac.
Shawn is survived by his children, Destiny Holcomb, Michael Cooper, and Alexis Lake; five grandchildren; parents, Benjamin, and Helen Lake; girlfriend, Angie Yerke; and brother, Chad (Sylvie) Lake. He was predeceased by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Shawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Shawn’s family is planning a Celebration of Life for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Scott Rugg
Daniel Scott Rugg, 58, died peacefully August 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer. Dan was born on September 2, 1964 in Rockland, Massachusetts, the son of Fred and Sheila Rugg. He graduated with his GED from Charlotte High School where he studied building trades. He worked in construction and most recently was employed for the last 13 years with Hosford Brothers Concrete. His strong work ethic was always evident wherever he worked.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kim Rugg; children, Kisha Wallace, Fred Baker, Patrick (Amanda) Baker, Garrick (Rachel Baker), Michaella Baker (Ryan Callahan), and Matthew Rugg; grandchildren: Brandon Wallace, Charles Wallace, Damien Wallace, Haley Wallace, Jacqueline Baker, Hailey Baker, Amelia Baker, Aiden Baker; mother, Sheila Rugg; sisters, Shanna Moran, Stacy (Guy) Badger, Mary (David) Christensen, Christy (Fred) Long; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thanks to his cousin, Melinda Ward. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Rugg.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to offset funeral costs. Dan led a simple life and requested that his celebration of life be kept simple. His family will lay him to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville at a future date.
Marilyn Kay Watson
Marilyn Watson of Potterville, MI – beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and teacher – passed away after a short illness on August 19, 2023 at the age of 80. She was surrounded by her loving family in the days preceding her passing.
Marilyn was born on June 12, 1943 and grew up with her parents and three sisters in Belleville, MI. She graduated from Belleville High School in 1961 and attended Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to obtain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, as teaching children was her passion. There she met her future husband, Dewain (Bill) Watson, also from Belleville, and they were married on June 19, 1965, one week after graduating from EMU. Bill took a job that would transfer them to various states, and Marilyn would teach at the local elementary schools. After a few years, Bill returned to EMU to obtain his master’s degree in education administration, and they lived on Marilyn’s family farm with their two young children and Marilyn’s grandmother. After completing his degree, Bill was offered a position in Charlotte, MI, and the couple moved their family to their current residence. As an example of Marilyn’s love for family, she asked her grandmother, Helen Riggs, if she would like to move with them, and Helen accepted. Marilyn spent the next seven years caring for her, planting gardens for her to enjoy as they both loved gardening and making her last years happy ones.
After her grandmother’s passing, Marilyn returned to teaching as it was one of her greatest joys, particularly children with disabilities. Her dedication to her students was evident to all, and she gave endlessly of herself to her young pupils. Her love for her family and friends also knew no bounds, and she was known for the care packages that she would send with her delicious baked treats, thoughtful gifts, crafts, and seasonal items. She took particular delight in holidays and making family gatherings festive and memorable. In recent years, she was especially devoted to her grandchildren and strove to attend as many of their school functions and life events as possible. She enjoyed traveling, and went on many trips, within the U.S. and abroad, with her husband, mother, and sisters. She loved gardening and sharing her produce, was a bird enthusiast and kept her feeders full year-round, enjoyed baking, cooking, and sharing her creations, and was an avid reader and former library board member, focusing on programs for children. Her devotion to her family, friends, students, and community will live on forever in all of our hearts and will never be forgotten. Her work is now finished, the lessons that she taught us have been learned, and her rest is well deserved.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Bill Watson; children, Julie (Robert) LaMacchia and James (Deb) Watson; grandchildren, Derek (Hannah) Watson, Brooke Watson, Carter Watson, and Alex Feighner; great granddaughter Zoey Watson; sisters, Joanne (Mark) Williams and Debbie Cartwright; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Alice (Riggs) Herkimer; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet (Robert) Loria, and her brother-in-law, Paul Cartwright.
Marilyn is in the care of David C. Brown Funeral Home, 460 E. Huron River Dr., Belleville, Michigan 48111, and will be laid to rest in Belleville’s Hillside Cemetery in a private family memorial and interment this fall. The family invites you to make a donation in Marilyn’s memory to the charity that was close to her heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mary Ann Vercellino
Mary Ann (Wineland) Vercellino passed from this life on Monday, August 21, 2023 in the presence of her family, and in particular her loving husband, Al, of sixty-one years. Though Mary ultimately succumbed to dementia she maintained her loving kindness to the very end. If one word was used to describe Mary, it would be kind. Kindness, service to others and old-fashioned hard work were at the core of her being.
Mary was born on January 29, 1941, and grew up in Hudson, Michigan, the daughter of Elwin and Blondie Wineland. As a farmer’s daughter she became acquainted with hard work at a young age. It was at Hudson High that she met Al and they began their lifetime journey together. While in Charlotte she operated an in-home day care, providing love, and practical wisdom to dozens of children and their parents. Her sons have many fond memories of her including waking up almost daily to the delicious scent of her baking.
Al and Mary enjoyed nearly thirty years of retirement. For the first five years they traveled the country, full-timing it in their fifth wheel. They loved the freedom of the simple life and experienced many beautiful places while also enjoying hiking and fishing. They eventually settled in Key West where they resided for twenty years. Mary invariably found herself gardening at her home (and those around her) and going on daily bike rides with Al. It was there she met the second love of her life, Lucky, the homeless dog they adopted that was their faithful companion for many years.
Surviving Mary are her husband, Al; sons, Dave (Jodi) and Steve (Margie); brother, Phil (Phyllis) Wineland; sister, Connie (Dave) Tranel; as well as ten grandchildren: Joe (Heather) Vercellino, Dan Vercellino, Robin (Adam) Rogers, Andrea (Will) Vercellino, Sandra Vercellino, David Vercellino, Ben Vercellino, Mitchell (Leahla) Vercellino, Conner (Lindsay) Vercellino, and Alexis (Tyler) Garmen; as well as nine beautiful great-grandchildren (and one on the way).
The family would like to thank the devoted staff of Arden Court Memory Care in Livonia for their loving kindness and service to Mary and our family. She was a staff favorite. Everyone truly loved Mary and she will be greatly missed.
A memorial for the family will be scheduled later. Rather than flowers the family encourages donations in her memory to the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte (621 S. Jefferson, Charlotte, MI 48813).