Obituaries
David Jack Woodbeck
David Jack Woodbeck, age 78, of Charlotte, was born on October 6, 1946, and passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will remember him not only for his quiet and loving demeanor, but also for the significant contributions he made to their lives and to the community.
Dave enjoyed a robust career, having retired from General Motors after more than 30 years of dedicated service. His time at General Motors was not just a job for him; it was a place where he honed his skills and nurtured a passion that would later inspire him to help his son, Bryan, build a drag racing car. This family project highlighted Dave’s love for organized drag racing, an interest that brought him joy and provided cherished memories with his family.
Education was also an important part of Dave’s life. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of ‘64, a milestone that set the foundation for his future endeavors.
In his leisure time, Dave found immense enjoyment in spending time with his family. He cherished the moments they shared at the home they built on Big Lake in Osceola County, where laughter and love echoed in the air. His interests extended beyond the family, as he was also a former vice president of the Eaton County Amateur Radio Club.
Dave leaves behind a loving family who will carry on his legacy: his devoted wife, Peggy; his son, Bryan and Susan Woodbeck; his grandchildren, Matthew and Holly Woodbeck, and Courtney and Jon Parcher; as well as four great-grandchildren who brought him boundless joy. He is also survived by his brother, Alan Woodbeck, and sisters Barbara and Dan Martin, and Judy and Chris Tuller.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Gayle and Helen Woodbeck, and his daughter, Candace Woodbeck, as well as his granddaughter, Laura Woodbeck.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. To view Dave’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Jacqueline Edna Polhamus
Jacqueline Edna (Husted) Polhamus, 75, passed away April 21, 2025. She was born May 7, 1949 in Eaton Rapids, MI to Edgar and Judith (Rockerfellow) Husted.
While attending Charlotte schools, Jackie met the love of her life, Robert E. Polhamus, Jr. They married on December 23, 1967. They enjoyed 52 adventurous years together.
Jackie and Bob spent most of their lives in the military. She enjoyed the opportunities this provided to visit Europe. She cherished the folk medals they earned from the folk walks they participated in.
When they retired, they returned to Michigan. Through the years she was honored to be involved with the DAV Auxiliary of Michigan. Jackie especially enjoyed their trips to the DAV conventions in the Upper Peninsula.
Jackie had a deep compassion for the elderly and spent her working life as a CNA. She wanted to make the last years of people easier and happier.
Throughout the year Jackie took pride in her gardens. She loved to work in them, preserve the produce, to share the produce and the flowers.
Among her favorite things to do were gardening, riding the family horses, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. In quiet moments you might find her reading historical novels of the first peoples of the Americas. Or, with a bowl of popcorn watching her horror movies.
Jackie had a deep love of family. Her family was always on her mind. She is survived by her son, Gerry (Sandi); grandchildren, Angel Polhamus, Angela Burgoff, and Bruce, Blake, Kody and Evan Polhamus; four great grandchildren; her sisters, Beverly (Malvern) Kelly and Marie Husted; and her extended Rockerfellow, Husted, and Polhamus families. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob; daughter, Tanya; infant son, Robbie; and her parents.
There will be a celebration of life for Jackie on May 10, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. at 200 N. Bostwick St., Charlotte, MI. Come share your memories.
Sandra Anne Smith
Sandra Anne “Sandy” (Morrissey) Smith, 87, a life-long resident of Potterville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in St. Joseph, Michigan. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville, with visitation from noon until 1:00 p.m.
Sharon Anne Pierce
Sharon Anne Pierce, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on January 29, 1932, in Eaton Rapids, MI, she was the beloved daughter of Carl and Helen (Hogan) Hamman. A proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1950, Sharon built a life rooted in family, hard work, and love.
She married Jerry Pierce, and together they raised four children while running Central Auto Salvage Pool, a business they owned and operated until 1998. Sharon was a lifelong learner with a deep love for reading, and she found joy in board games, card games, and completing jigsaw puzzles. Her happiest moments were often spent with family and friends at her cherished cabin in Manistique, MI, surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Michigan.
More than anything, Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her strength, and the countless memories she created with those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; her grandson, Drew Pierce; and her brother, Harold Hamman.
Sharon leaves behind her children: Nancy (Kevin) Pople, Penny (Dennis) Mann, Steve (Julie) Pierce, and Scott (Betsy) Pierce; her grandchildren: Corey Hathaway, Jessica (Josh) Comer, Katie Mann, Julia (Alex Badalyan) Mann, Evan Mann, Robert Pierce, Eric (Cara) Kent, and Ryan (Kristen) Kent; ten great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial visitation took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. A private graveside service will follow.
In honor of Sharon’s love of reading, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Eaton Rapids Area District Library. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kay Francis Bodell
Kay Francis Bodell of Onondaga passed away April 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Kay was born in Onondaga, Michigan on September 20, 1936, son of the late Raymond Dale and Nadine Leone (Stone) Bodell. He met the love of his life Doris Harris and they married on October 4, 1958. Kay was a lifetime resident of Onondaga where he and Doris were deeply involved in the community. He helped establish the Onondaga Township Fire Department, where he volunteered as a firefighter for 25 years. Kay also served as Township Supervisor for 17 years. He retired from the State of Michigan’s Department of Transportation in 1989 after 33 years of service. Kay was a former member of the Onondaga Sportsman Club and helped with their establishment.
He is survived by his daughters, Deborah (James) Hanks of Pleasant Lake, Karen Bodell of Grass Lake; son, Russell Bodell of Onondaga; grandchildren, Deren Bodell, Robert (Natalie) Hanks, Andrew Bodell, Matthew (Sarah) Hanks, Joshua (Taylor) Bodell, Reighann Anders, Morgan (Donald) Piepkow, Jordyn Bodell, Chase Vahoski, Hailee Vahoski; great grandchildren, Kylie, Hadley, Brooks, Lucas, Emma, Zachary, Clayton, Oliver and Madelyn; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Bodell; siblings, Howard (Louise) Bodell, Raymond (Patricia) Bodell, Norm (Virginia) Bodell, Myron (Roxanna) Bodell, Myrna (Michael) Corts, Robert (Cathi) Bodell. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Bodell; sons, Kenneth Bodell and Ronald Bodell; siblings, Elyn Bodell, Lyle Bodell and Janet Patterson; sister-in-law, Betty Bodell.
A funeral service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Interment took place in Onondaga Cemetery immediately following the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Onondaga Township Fire Department or the Onondaga Community Church in loving memory of Kay Francis Bodell. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Cindy Elizabeth Hansen
Cindy Elizabeth (Newsome) Hansen, age 60, of Leslie formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed peacefully Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born June 13, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, MI to Estill and Thelma Jean (Bryant) Newsome. Cindy worked for Dart Container from 1985-2024. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her grandson, Lucas, and being outdoors. Cindy led a very low-key lifestyle. She enjoyed going for walks and taking care of others. She was incredibly selfless and loving. Cindy savored the small things in life, living life with a spontaneous and adventurous spirit.
Cindy is survived by her son, Jared (Stephanie) Hansen of Jackson; grandson, Lucas Hansen of Jackson; brother, Darrell (Catherine) Newsome; Sisters, Linda (Dean) Mikkelson, Gloria Newsome, Crystal (Corey) Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Debbie Newsome-Coffelt and Barbara Newsome.
A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation was Tuesday at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Interment took place in Munger Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. To leave condolences for the family visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Rex Nathan Scutt
Rex Nathan Scutt, age 65, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025 at his home.
Rex was born on May 13, 1959 to Richard and Clarabelle (Cribley) Scutt in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Andrea Fernsler, on July 13, 1992. They shared 32 years together this year.
Rex was a hardworking man who spent more than 30 years working for Peckham as a material handler. He enjoyed bowling, going to Special Olympics, playing bocce ball, doing puzzles and word searches, coloring, and attending the Tuesday night program. Rex especially loved spending time with his friends and family. Some of Rex’s favorite memories was being cast as an extra in the movie Somewhere In Time, with Christopher Reeves as well as working on Mackinac Island one summer.
Those left to cherish Rex’s memory are his wife, Andrea; siblings, Richard (Claudia) Scutt, Shelly (Charlie) McGeehan, Cheryl Cutler; sister-in-law, Kim (Tracy) Fernsler, as well as many other loving family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son, Blake Allen Scutt; and parents, Richard and Clarabelle.
Memorial contributions in Rex’s name are suggested to the Special Olympics. https://support.specialolympics.org
John Grover Woodworth
With profound sadness and love, we share the passing of John Grover Woodworth who departed this world on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Charlotte, the son of Charles and Donna (Moore) Woodworth. John lived a life full of grace, kindness, and quiet strength. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, known for his generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering support for those around him. Whether it was through a warm smile, a comforting word, or a helping hand, John made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Growing up on the family farm from a young age, John learned how to work hard. After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, John earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science from Michigan State University. He then took ownership alongside his brother of the family dairy farm. Shortly after John lost both his father and brother, he sold the farm and began working as a Loan Officer for the Department of Agriculture. John was a true Arborist; over the years he has planted countless trees on his property as well as gifted trees to family and friends to plant and enjoy. He also found joy in working on his family’s ancestry, bird watching from his deck, and gardening. In recent years his passions became difficult due to a genetic disorder that made John powerchair bound. John still found a way to enjoy his passions from his powerchair. Above all John was proud of his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Susan Woodworth; children, Nicholas (Brandon) Woodworth, Elizabeth (Joshua) Kujawa, and Matthew (Yuly) Woodworth; step-children, Caroline (Robert) Shrier, Ian Love, and Fiona (Brian) Love-Johnson; grandchildren, Alyssa, Quin, Elijah, Jacob, Aaron, Avery, Issac, Ellery, Olivia, Aria, Chloe, and Isabella; sisters, Marion (Dennis) Mayne, Zoe Ann Davis; and dear cousin, Carl Woodworth. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Mike Woodworth, John David Woodworth; and brother-in-law, Lindell Davis.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. His family is planning a Celebration of Life under his beloved trees for a later date this summer. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, or the Arbor Day Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
May John rest in peace, and may we carry his light with us always.
Kenneth Henry Frith
Kenneth Henry Frith, Kenny the mechanic at Ken’s Standard Station in Vermontville as many knew him, died April 20, 2025 at the age of 71. Ken was born October 30, 1953 in Vermontville to Edward Dean and Anna (Anderson) Frith, was a 1973 graduate of Vermontville High School, and a lifelong resident. Ken was a very kind, gentle and compassionate man, a “Gentle Giant.” An excellent mechanic with a generous heart, he took care of those in his community with a smile on his face, including keeping the town firetrucks on the road with any work they needed. A very social guy, Ken was never too busy to take time out for conversation when you stopped by the station. Ken met his wife, Marilyn, when they worked as counselors at church camp, and they helped many young people over the years with their kind and caring ways. He loved helping Marilyn cook, especially when he could use the grill.
Ken is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marilyn; brother, Herb Frith; and many “adopted kids” that Ken and Marilyn played a big part in their lives over the years. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mable, Caroline, Anna, and Naomi; brothers, George, Leon, Ashley, Chuck, Joe, and John; as well as his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ken’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Vermontville Community Center. Life Celebration services are Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chad Rogers officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ken’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 the family in care of Pray Funeral Home to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Appelman
John “Nelson” Appelman was the kind of man that would make anyone comfortable in a conversation. With many varied interests, there was always something to talk about and plenty of activities to keep him busy. Nelson was born April 30, 1949 in Lansing, MI to Nelson and Esther (Schmidt) Appelman. Growing up on a horse farm, they raised horses to race sulky carts. His love for animals continued into adulthood, as he raised Boxers with his all-time favorite rescue named Chance. All around town neighbors would often find him walking his dogs. His love for his kids and grandkids was evident as he was coaching little league, wrestling, baseball, football, and freestyle wrestling at Lakewood and Maple Valley Schools. He also served on the Lakewood Youth Wrestling board.
One of his greatest accomplishments was completing the DALMAC four times. He also collected many different things as an avid garage sale shopper with his wife. He was always looking for die-cast trucks and old signs. With a love of John Deere tractors, he found that a bigger yard meant he could get more and bigger tractors. Nelson worked as a food broker for C.E. Stehower, traveling to grocery stores throughout Michigan, and retired in 2015. He was an active member of Chester Gospel Church where he served on the board for many years. He also was a Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife, Pam, along with his friends, Chris and Penny Brumm, were youth group leaders. Nelson and Chris also spent many evenings visiting those who were homebound.
Nelson died April 13, 2025 at the age of 75 from complications of a spinal cord injury from a slip and fall on ice January 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Shannon Appelman; daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Matt Heinze; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Madi, Andrew, Brock, Brandon, and Braxton; along with a sister, Karla Terpening. He was predeceased by twin infant daughters; grandson, Brenden Bell; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Appelman family by attending services or sharing memories on Nelson’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Weeks and Pastor Matt Rhody officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Nelson’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.