Obituaries
Phyllis Marie Scott Burnett
Phyllis Marie (Johnson) Scott Burnett of Lansing, passed away December 26, 2022, at the age of 70. Phyllis was born in Springfield, OH, October 12, 1952, the daughter of Estill and Lora (Thacker) Johnson. She was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6132, member of the American Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and the 40 et 8 Voiture 946. Phyllis had many hobbies that included, knitting, dancing, karaoke, lotto, bingo, NASCAR, playing Monopoly, UNO and Right-Left-Center. She was the queen of shopping and loved to party but the most important thing to her was spending time with her family.
Phyllis is survived by her soulmate, Richard Connick of Lansing; children, JoAnna (Dennis) Rouse, Frederick Scott Jr., Sarah (Enrique) Benavides, all of Pt. Huron; grandchildren, Shadilea (Gabriel), Eric, Juan, Andrew (Amanda), Austin, Justice, Drix and Miguel; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Ellen (Phil) Beam, Judy (Clinton) Slone; brother, Zak (Diana) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Loretta (Ken) Miller, Lora Slone, Jack Johnson, Estill Johnson Jr., JoAnna Johnson and Cleovis Johnson.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment followed in Munger Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW Post 6132, 3104 W. St. Joseph Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Loretta DeWalt
Loretta Jean DeWalt, “Jean” to her many friends, died December 15, 2022. Jean, 87, of Charlotte, was born on April 9, 1935, in Marion, Indiana to Charles H. and Vera I. (Rhoades) Ballard. Jean loved to laugh and did so often. She had a warm and friendly smile; was generous and caring; accepting of anyone; and had a fun sense of humor. She filled her days to the brim with friends, reading, sewing, word searches, cooking, and time with family. One of her favorite places to travel to was to her daughter’s home in North Carolina. She was a wonderful hostess and opened her home up often. Her deck with the wonderful views of nature allowed her to watch her hummingbirds and to care for and enjoy her flowers. In addition to being a wonderful mom and grandma, she was employed with Eaton County Courthouse Circuit Court for 25 years. Prior to that, she was the secretary at Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church where she also enjoyed singing in the choir. Jean volunteered often for various groups. She enjoyed the Job’s Daughters with both of her daughters and granddaughters; Charlotte HS Band, Jaycee’s Auxillary; LAUMC-Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; and for our elections as a poll-worker. Her cherished daughters brought her more family to love and she was a centerpiece in each of their lives.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Brian) Decker; grandchildren, Michael (Brandi) Pruden, Alexis (Patrick) Cooper, Tiffany (Brian) Matson, Andy (Holly) Pruden, Sydney (Jennifer) Larrimore-Decker, Shelby (Maria) Winkler-Decker; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings, Barbara Buxton, Patricia Ballard; and son-in-law, Timothy Pruden. She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan DeWalt; daughter, Kathy Pruden; her parents; and her brother-in-law, John Buxton.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Monday, December 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Karen Wheat 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 Jean’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 Charlotte Christmas Kiddies, The American Heart Association, or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Eugene Emery
Eugene Roy Emery of Vermontville, a man that loved entertaining with his silly dad jokes, died unexpectedly December 17, 2022. Eugene, 67, was born April 20, 1955, in Charlotte to Thomas and Geraldine (Grundstrom) Emery. A graduate of Charlotte High School, Eugene also attended some college courses and worked different jobs at Carefree Windows, Spartan Motors, and he owned and operated Emery’s Adult Foster care with his wife, Linda. In his spare-time he enjoyed tinkering with slot cars, CB radios, playing on his computer, and singing Karaoke. Volunteering much of his time to making his community better, Eugene was always giving back and showing others how much he cared, whether it was through his Lions Club membership in Vermontville, working at Eaton Community Palliative Care, or activities at his church, Chester Gospel Church. A devoted family man, he loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. After his wife passed in 2004, he worked extra hard to make sure his family knew how much he cared and how much they were loved.
Eugene is survived by his children, Lorraine (Steven Larrabee) Emery, Janette (Ryan) Maki, and Matthew (Zania) Emery, grandchildren, Alexandra Emery, Joshua and Katherine Maki, and Dalton and Weston Emery; significant other, Kay Boston-Wyszynski; siblings, Thomas Emery, Carmen Harris, Kathi Dominguez; in-laws, Scott Marshall, Laurie Marshall, and Nancy Emery; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; brother, Jim Emery; sister, Charlene Vaughn; his parents; and father-in-law and karaoke partner, Richard Marshall; sister-in-law, Barbara Emery.
Friends are encouraged to support Eugene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, December 23, 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Weeks 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 Eugene’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. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charlotte Swartz
Charlotte A. Swartz, 95, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on April 5, 1927, to Scott and Henrietta (Ely) Love in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1945. On September 10, 1945, she married Melvin “Bill” Swartz in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Charlotte worked at American Door Company in Bellevue for 10 years assembling doors. She worked at the American Legion Clubhouse in Battle Creek in the kitchen and lastly as a Bus Driver with the Bellevue School District for 38 years, retiring in December of 2003.
Charlotte loved nothing more than her family, especially her grandchildren, attending any of their school and sporting events were some of her favorite times. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting baby blankets, which she gave to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlotte’s family will miss the countless hours of playing the game Chicken Foot. She was always willing to travel throughout the United States when asked by her family. She was an excellent cook and baker; her raw apple cake was a favorite. Charlotte was the eleventh of twelve children.
Charlotte is survived by her loving children, William (Joyce) Dennis Swartz of Bellevue, Michigan, Marjorie A. Coy of Bellevue, Michigan, Patricia (Mary Goheen) Dowding of Battle Creek, Michigan and James Treat of Bellevue, Michigan; her thirteen grandchildren, Shannon (Tony) Bass, Chad (Jami) Treat, Jeff (Natalie) Treat, Angela Dickerson, Michelle (Doug) Pennington, DeEtte (Josh) Miller, Christi Dowding, Carey (Chris Roe) Johnston, Eddie (Tonya Mott) Coy, Hannah (Khym Wilson) Coy, Ann (John) Swanson and Chris (Emily Guerrant) Pillars; her ten great grandchildren, MaKenna (Kyle Colwell) Pillars, Noah and Morgan Johnston, Gavin, Kayden and Karley Bass, Jordyn and Carter Treat; Kiera Dickerson, Gabrielle Higgins, Madelyn Treat, Willow Pennington, Peyton English, Landyn Miller, Jayce Williams, her great great granddaughter, Lorelei Colwell and her sister, Phyllis (Donald) Jones of Beaumont, California.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Melvin “Bill”, her daughter, Pam Treat, her siblings, Owen Love, Eleanor Stampfler, Herbert Love, Eloise Dahns, Wilbur Love, Willard Love, Margaret Halsey, Marie Garity, Ned Love and Jack Love.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 11:00 am at Kempf Family Funeral Marshall Chapel, Marshall, Michigan. Burial took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
Memorials may be directed to Good Samaritans in Bellevue.
Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Reda Hoffman
Reda Jean Hoffman had a bubbly personality and could always be found with a smile on her face. Reda, 61 of Marshall, Michigan died December 19, 2022, after a valiant fight with cancer. She was born in Battle Creek on May 13, 1961, to Roy and Patricia (Jones) Hoffman, and graduated from Potterville High School in 1979. Reda was outgoing and outspoken, with a love for life and an even greater love for her family. A very tidy person, Reda enjoyed cleaning and took great pride in keeping her house neat and orderly and always decorated for every holiday. Her family says she was also a great cook, with their favorite being her world-famous mac & cheese. Other things Reda enjoyed were shopping, trips to Las Vegas, her dogs, and watching Judge Judy. She loved her family dearly and every opportunity she had to spend time with them and spoil them with her cooking.
Reda is survived by her significant other, Ron Phillips; children, Wesley Hoffman, Nathan (Renae Duffy) Hoffman, and Alissa (Brandon) Shaw; grandchildren, Jayden Duffy, Elliot Shaw, Emmit Shaw, Ray Ray Shaw, and Caiden Shaw; siblings, Bill (Patty) Hoffman, Chris (Teresa) Hoffman, Scott (Debra) Baker, and Brad (Darlene) Baker; and dear friend, Kathy Blowers. She was predeceased by infant son, Ted Ohmer; her parents; stepfather, Gerald Baker; and sisters, Angela Baker and Cindy Hoffman.
Friends are encouraged to support Reda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, January 2, 2023, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Tuesday, January 3, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home Pastor Kathy Dobie officiating. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family (c/o Nate Hoffman). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Kidder
On December 18, 2022, Mary Ellen (Hall) Kidder passed away peacefully at age 86. As a mother and housewife, she raised three children with Don, her husband of 63 years on their family farm. She loved cooking, craft work and being with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughter, Jodi; son, James; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, John.
Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 where visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place, Rev. Cary Grant officiating.
The family respectfully requests no flowers. If desired, please feel free to contribute in Mary’s memory, to the charity of your choice. And you may visit http://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to send the family condolences.
Pamela Blakney
Pamela Ann Blakney, an easy-going lovable person, died on Monday, December 19, 2022. Pamela, 66, of Vermontville was born September 5, 1956, in Brookfield, PA, the daughter of William and Athena (Sedaris) Jones. On February 14, 1975, at the age of 18 Pamela married the love of her life, Donald Blakney, and created lasting memories together. She devoted her working career to the Eaton County Courthouse, where she held many positions over the years, most prominently as a deputy clerk in the County Clerk office. When Pamela wasn’t working, she enjoyed trips to the casino, shopping adventures, crocheting, working in her flower gardens, and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren.
Pamela is survived by her husband of 47 years, Donald Sr.; daughter, Carrie Blakney; grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Jayden, Brennan, and Soliana; siblings, Nick (Fran) Jones, Jeff Jones, Greg (Sally) Jones, Chris (Lynn) Jones, and Marty (Amy) Jones; and brother-in-law, Tom Emery. She was predeceased by her parents; son, Donnie Blakney; and sister, Barbara Emery.
Friends are encouraged to support Pamela’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Pamela for a later date. 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.
Willa Mae White
Willa Mae White, age 93 of Olivet, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior on Saturday, December 17, 2022. She was born July 27, 1929, in Battle Creek. Willa was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her family and enjoyed spending many special times together. She also had a love for animals and counted her many dogs as if they too were members of the family. Willa enjoyed staying connected with her many special friends and family members on the phone. She was also quite fond of her animal programs on the TV and listening to Big Band music. Willa always looked forward to her weekly trips to Mary’s Hair Care in Olivet to get her hair done but more importantly find out all the latest scoop around town. In her younger years she served as a volunteer at Lila Hospital in Battle Creek.
Willa is survived by her son, Donald (Nikki Ayers) White of Olivet; cousin, Anna Harris of Battle Creek; second cousin, Jim Harris of Battle Creek; and grandsons: Curtis and Logan Ayers.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Donald in 2012.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Willa’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Willa’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Flora B. Alwood
On December 17, 2022, Alzheimer’s disease claimed another life. Flora (Flo) B. Alwood (Snow) will be remembered for her kindness and compassion.
She had a fierce love of her family whether we were being lovable or not. She was known for her generosity of time, baked goods and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas. There was always an extra place at her table. Thousands of cookies were baked over the years and handed out to help brighten a day.
Flora was the middle child in a family of eight children and grew up without indoor plumbing or having new clothes. This likely fueled her love of shopping and gift giving. She often dealt with life’s challenges with a sense of humor, and she loved to laugh – whether it was at another frozen birthday cake, the antics of a pet or grandchild or someone acting like a fool – she saw a lot of humor in the world. She loved children and animals and was happiest being of service to others.
Flo is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard (Dick); daughter, Cindie (Sarah Schreiber); sons, Marty (Tina) and Russ (Tracey); grandsons, Patric and Nathaniel; one sister, Joyce Favero; a brother, Sam Snow; and many friends.
Flora and Dick were devoted members of the Delton Moose Lodge and spent hours cooking, hosting events and providing much needed services to the children and families of the Delton community. Flo will be remembered most for her unwavering support of her family, her willingness to jump in and help wherever and whenever it was needed and being a good friend.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Delton Moose Lodge.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr.
Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022.
Chad was born on November 14, 1943, to Lawrence and Norma Helen Lewis in Harlan County, Kentucky. On January 19, 1962, he and Judy Kay Cornett, along with their parents, crossed Black Mountain from Harlan to Sneedville, Tennessee and were married by Reverend Amos Presley, an uncle of the late Elvis Presley. They moved to Michigan the next day in hopes of building a new life away from the coal mines. He and Judy had their first child, Helen Gail, in 1964 followed by Chad Jr. in 1967, and Mary Evelyn in 1973. Chad began his career at Corning Glass Works in Albion and, subsequently, Owen-Illinois Glass in the maintenance department. As evidence of his work ethic, Chad attended Lansing Community College where he earned his electrician license, all while working full-time in maintenance, being an involved father and husband, and building their new house in Springport in 1976. He retired as an industrial journeyman electrician after more than 40 years with O-I in Charlotte.
Chad spent most of his time in retirement with his best friend, Judy. After 31 years of marriage, they separated but remained great friends and companions. They often took day trips together, gardened, enjoyed Chinese food, and never passed by a Goodwill store without stopping. Chad particularly enjoyed holidays and family gatherings, where he would always comment on the great food and how it made him happy to have his family all together. In his words, “Judy is the best cook in this world” and “it sure is nice to have all the family together, wouldn’t ya say, Jude?”
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Henry. He is survived by two brothers, Larry Lewis and Jerry (Denise) Lewis; his ex-wife, Judy; daughter, Helen (Mick) Collier; son, Chad (Sue) Lewis, Jr.; daughter, Mary (Don) Cesco; seven grandchildren: Dave (Kendra) Leib, Chris (Jessica) Bouvier, Courtney (Kirk Underwood) Lewis, Jana (Calvin) Powell, John (Ashley) Lewis, Josh Cesco, and eleven great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Chad’s wishes, a private memorial service for the family will take place at a later date.