Obituaries
Timothy Mark Davenport
Timothy Mark Davenport, age 61, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on April 3, 2023. Tim was born on October 26, 1961, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Robert and Deloris (Teske) Davenport. He graduated from Kentwood High School. Tim lived in Florida for many years and lots of memories were made there. He bought a yearly Disney pass where he and his two sons, Derek and Philip, spent lots of time enjoying all things Disney! Tim was a huge Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He also loved cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. Later in life Tim courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease and was forced to move back to Michigan and went to live with his brother, Jim. He will also be remembered for his love for his Schnauzer, Jake. Jake was a steady and loving companion and was a source of joy to Tim for many years. Most of all, Tim loved his family and each one held a special place in his heart.
Tim is survived by his sons, Derek (Jennifer) Davenport of Colorado Springs, CO, Philip Davenport of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, James and Leo Davenport; mother, Deloris Davenport of Grand Rapids, MI; siblings, James Davenport and Susan (Al) Hall; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Davenport.
Following Tim’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tim’s memory to the Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Tim’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.
Steven Lee Perry
Steven Lee Perry, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, at his home. He was born June 12, 1948, in Charlotte, the son of George and Ruth (Jaquette) Perry. Steve graduated from Olivet High School in 1966. On June 24, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Jean Buncich at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. Steve was a devoted family man. He cherished each and every one of them in a special way. Steve loved attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. Steve always looked forward to their yearly duck hunting camp held the first weekend in October. He also loved spending time with his family at their cabin on Jehnsen Lake. Steve loved a good time and never wanted to miss any party or family function.
Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria; daughter, Michelle Perry of Charlotte; son, Michael (Brandi) Perry of Olivet; grandchildren: Steve (Sondra) Peters, Logan Fuentes, Alyssa Fuentes, Jensen Perry, and Emmett Perry; siblings: Dennis (Cheryl) Perry, Linda (Andrew) Weaver, Larry (Irene) Perry, Rick Perry; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s memory to Compassus Hospice.
To view Steve’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.
David Edward Halsey
David Edward Halsey of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away Saturday, March 25 at the age of 86. David was born January 17, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI and attended Springport schools, graduating in 1955. David proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge from the military, David went to work for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids, and then for Oldsmobile, from where he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, mountains, fishing, and canoeing. He had a vast knowledge of plants and fungi, which served him well while participating in survival experience trips. Family members fondly remember David sharing his knowledge on walks through nature.
David is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Halsey.
Surviving is his sister Suzi (Keith) Hiatt; nieces and nephews, Holly (Mark) Mayes, Kirk Hiatt, Temple Parker, and Ariel Hiatt; great nieces and nephews, Kelsi Weaver, Mackenzie Caksackkar, Aislyn Ambler, Skylar Yeager, Ashton Parker, and Karson Parker; and several cousins.
A memorial will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Eaton Rapids Conservation Club starting at 2 p.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Outdoor Wishmakers in memory of David. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Claude Harrison Murray, Jr.
Claude (Skip) Harrison Murray, Jr., of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 7, 2023, at the age of 79. Skip was born in Lansing, MI, October 18, 1943, the son of Claude and Dorothy (Robbins) Murray. Skip was a life-long resident of Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Lansing Community College and retired from General Motors. Skip enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, traveling out west, was an avid NASCAR fan and mostly enjoyed spending time at the cottage. He was a volunteer and board member of the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club.
Skip is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Ken) Brochu of Seeley Lake, MT and Rene’ (Tim Smith) Nobert of Jackson; grandchildren, Lindsey (Tom) Freels of Seattle, Brendon Brochu of Bozeman, and Ashley Nobert of Jackson; brother, Tom (Phyllis) Murray of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law, Kathy Murray of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 43 years, Janet (Montross) Murray; sister, Linda Murray; brothers, Ralph and Raymond Murray; sister-in-law, Janet Murray and brother-in-law, James Montross.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with interment following in Dimondale Cemetery. Visitation took place on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club, PO Box 1153 Evart, MI 49631. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Pennie Jean Newberry
The family of Pennie Newberry, age 71, of Eaton Rapids, MI is saddened to announce her passing on April 7, 2023. Pennie was born on June 29, 1951.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Charlie (Amanda) Newberry, Wanda Newberry, Eva Clother, Melody (Robert) Passolt and Dennis Hurd; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zoe, Savanna, Cooper, Levi, Ty, Trista, Tia, Felicia, Patience, Miranda, and Trent; multiple great-grandchildren including a great-granddaughter Isabel with whom she had a very special relationship; sisters, Bobbie Mohler, Charla (Greg) Rudderow, Kaye (John) Mueller and many nieces and nephews.
Pennie was preceeded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Wayne Newberry; her parents, Charles and Wanda Head; and nephew, Travis Peterson.
Pennie loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always involved and adored watching everyone grow. Her face always lit up when she shared stories about their accomplishments. Pennie was an excellent cook, and everyone could feel her love in the food she prepared, whether that be for a small family get-together or a large gathering.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the family to celebrate Pennie’s life.
Betty June Parr
Betty June (Hall) Parr was born on November 26, 1928, in Emmett Township (Battle Creek), Michigan, the daughter of Alva A. Hall and Thersa (Lamb) Hall. On August 16, 1946, Betty married Russell W. Parr in Angola, Indiana.
Betty raised five children while helping Russell on their farm. She was a caregiver, and no one ever left her home hungry. She loved family gatherings, gardening, playing cards and horseshoes, reading, bowling and spending time fishing and relaxing at their Diamond Lake cabin.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 73 years, Russell; brother, Harold; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Parr. She is survived by her children, Marcia (Jerry) Robinson of Battle Creek, Steven (Janet) Parr of Bellevue, Mary (James) Adrianson of Hickory Corners, Gary (Rose) Parr and Russell Parr, Jr. both of Vermontville; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 5:00 p.m. A memorial dinner will be provided following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund, 201 North Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 or the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Charles Henry Holliday
Charles “Chuck” Henry Holliday, a devoted husband, brother, and friend, died at his home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Chuck, 90, of Eaton Rapids, was born May 21, 1932, in Olivet, MI. the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Lott) Holliday. Following graduating from Dimondale High School Chuck enlisted in the Army where he was a Radio Operator. Upon returning home he married Myrtle Swan on May 12, 1956, and the couple devoted their life together for 67 years. He worked as a Milk Hauler for Myrtle’s father until he took over the business until his retirement in 1989. Many will remember Chuck for being a simple man that enjoyed fishing, hunting, working around his yard, spending time with his family and friends, and wintering in Florida in the Port Charlotte area. Above all Chuck was proud of his marriage and the home that he and Myrtle built.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Myrtle; godson, David (Rita) Shively; sister, Kim Holliday; sister-in-law, Cindy (Mike) Eagan; nephew, Todd (Linda) Burns; and niece, Tami (Jim) Corwin. His family would like to give a special thanks to Jim and Marcia Case, and Steve Murray for all their help over the years. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Betty Goff; and all his beloved dogs from over the years.
Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Parkinson’s Association or a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dorothy Jones
Dorothy Jones, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 12:00 Noon at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, Michigan 49021 with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Dean Ellis Parsons
Dean Ellis Parsons of Eaton Rapids passed away April 4, 2023, with his family by his side. Dean was born in Eaton Rapids, April 24, 1947, the son of Wayne and Margaret (Gillette) Parsons. He was a 1965 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Dean was drafted into the US Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War for two years, earning several service medals including three Bronze Stars and a Sharp-Shooter Medal and was later transferred into the Army Reserves serving for several more years. He worked and retired from Owens Illinois in Charlotte. His hobbies included farming, cutting wood, mowing his lawn, hunting deer and turkey and in his younger years, ice fishing.
Dean is survived by his son, Dean (Angie) Parsons Jr., of Springport; daughter, Dede Parsons of Lansing; grandchildren, Dakota Keating, Derek (Julie McCormack) Keating; brothers, Wayne Parsons and Gayle (Shirley) Parsons; girlfriend of 24 years, Teresa Uhl; her four children and adopted grandchildren, Parker, Jameson and Sienna Barnett; eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Parsons and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 12-2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Teresa L. Arlen
Teresa L. Arlen passed away in Wilmington, NC on November 7, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held April 15, 2023, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. Refreshments/and food from 1-3 p.m. Service at 3 p.m., celebration continues after services until 5 p.m.