Obituaries
Nancy Wotkyns
Nancy Wotkyns of Eaton Rapids, passed away on January 20, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born on October 13, 1942, in Hastings, MI, daughter of David and Catherine (Wensloff) Barry. She was preceded in death by her parents and John Priesman, her friend of 38 years. She is survived by her sisters, Marie and Janis Barry and brother, David Barry.
Nancy enjoyed teaching and taught for a while at the Naval Base in Alaska. The vast majority of her teaching was in Eaton Rapids. Nancy had a big heart, she loved animals and children. She donated to numerous groups that helped animals and children over the years. Many Eaton Rapids families were recipients of her generosity. For 20 years she was the anonymous Christmas Angel, providing Christmas Stockings and a bag of gifts for many Eaton Rapids students and their siblings. She purchased and wrapped gifts for over 100 children yearly at her own expense hoping to make Christmas better for those kids and their families.
Traveling with friends was also something Nancy loved. She made numerous trips to Suriname and other places with the Oceanic Society tagging turtles, collecting data, and helping with other projects. Get Nancy talking about turtles, and she could talk for hours!
Nancy was a tough woman who fought through many illnesses and conditions, surprising doctors by coming back strong. When diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer six years ago she once again showed us how tough she was. Working closely with Dr. Srkalovic and the staff at Herbert Herman Cancer Center, helped her to be able to enjoy many more years. Nancy had a rough time her last few months, as she was in and out of the hospital. In the end, she was ready to join her parents, John, and her beloved dogs.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on July 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Barry’s Resort, 2875 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings, MI. The family would love to have her friends join them and write a note or memory on her board and enjoy some food as they celebrate Nancy. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Doris Marie Goddard
Doris Marie (Getter) Goddard of Eaton Rapids, passed away June 14, 2023, at the age of 91. Doris was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on May 19, 1932, the daughter of Harold Getter and Bertha (Don) Phester. Doris was a stay-at-home wife who enjoyed her daily shows, gardening, shopping and going to garage sales with her daughter.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Janet Wallace and Kay (Roger) Parsons; grandchildren, Tammy (Tim) Wallace, Lyle Wallace, Candy Zenker, Kim (Robin) Ghrimes, Lisa (Bill) Adleman and Tara Parsons. She had 12 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Riverus; son, Walter James; and great-grandchild, Ashlee.
Private memorial services have already taken place. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the donor’s choice of charity in loving memory of Doris Marie Goddard. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Gary Wayne Puryear
Gary Wayne Puryear died peacefully on June 8, 2023 in hospice care at Emerson Hospital. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 5, 1944. He spent much of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan and on the farm with his grandparents near Manistee, Michigan. Gary graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a BA in Landscape Architecture, lit up the MSU field playing drums in the marching band, and met the love of his life Marcia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was then stationed in Germany. Marcia joined him there until the two returned home and were married in 1970. After earning his Master’s Degree as well, Gary became an accomplished landscape architect and contributed to projects around New England, including the Franklin Park Zoo. Throughout much of his career he was a civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled New England strengthening environmental safety on army bases and training soldiers, until he retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He and Marcia raised their family in Concord, MA, and loved to take family trips, skiing out west or traveling internationally. Gary always connected with the sights and smells of the coast, spending summers in Rockport in the post and beam seaside house that he built, and over the last 15 years relaxing in the quiet beauty of Grey Gables in Bourne, MA. From participating in Revolutionary War reenactments with the Concord Minutemen (and serving as Captain), to being a Boy Scout troop leader, to placing flags at the National Cemetery, he was an active member of his community who loved time well spent in everyday celebration with family and friends. He adored his grandchildren and loved to teach them skills in the kitchen while making good food. Gary loved a good story and a good laugh, drew joy from listening to Jimmy Buffet and cooking up lobster for family, and livened up each space he entered.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Puryear; daughter, Kristen Puryear (Sean Donohue); son, Corey Puryear (Wendy); grandchildren, Maeve, Ellia, Morgan, and Carson; sister, Penelope VanDam (David); brother, Jeffrey Puryear (Myriam Waiser); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation was held at Concord Funeral Home (74 Belknap St., Concord) on Friday, June 16 from 2-5 p.m. A wake has also been organized by Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home (40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne) on Sunday, June 18 from 2-3 p.m. with a service from 3-4 p.m., to be followed by a reception at the Puryear’s house in Bourne. Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, June 19 at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Ma.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gary’s name to the Bourne VFW at 180 Shore Rd., Bourne, MA 02532. For directions and online condolences please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.
Dee Terry DePue
Dee Terry DePue, a man who always wanted it done his way, died on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Terry, 85, was born on January 31, 1938, in Charlotte, the son of Gerald and Helen (Larke) DePue. Upon graduating from high school, Terry worked for a few different companies before settling in at Oldsmobile where he worked on the Line as a Painter until his retirement. On September 15, 1976, Terry married Paulette Wildt and started their legacy together. In his younger years Terry loved to help his father out on the farm. Farming was a big passion for Terry. Most people in the Charlotte, Nashville, and Vermontville area know that Terry was a big fan of the Stanton Auctions and tried not to miss any. Terry was a collector of anything that could be collected, and his pride and joy was his baseball collection. You could also find Terry out working in his vegetable gardens or mowing his lawn, he loved being outside. Terry had a love for animals, he was always willing to help any stray cats that got dropped off on the property. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his wonderful family that he loved.
Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Paulette; children, Terry (Larry) Morrison, Darla (Mike) Limmer, Robin (Robert) Osenbaugh, Billie Joe (Richie) Powers, and Robert (Sandra) Wehr; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Phil) Austin; lifelong friend, Larry Gearhart. He was predeceased by his parents; and sons, John DePue and Steven Wehr.
Friends are encouraged to support Terry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life for Terry will take place later this summer at the family farm. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any local humane society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty Lou Wells
Betty Lou Wells, born December 30, 1953, died May 29, 2023. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.