Obituaries
Barbara Haines
Barbara Jo (Kerr) Haines, age 94, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in Charlotte Michigan.
Barbara was born August 12, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to George Earl Kerr and Elizabeth (Morrison) Kerr. She graduated from high school in Jackson, MI, and married Dwight “Pete” Haines in 1952, and they made their home in Charlotte, raising two sons. She lived the rest of her life in Charlotte.
Barb had an infectious laugh, and was delighted by her grandchildren, and even her “grand-dogs!” She enjoyed Christian devotions and keeping up with the news. She loved to tell the story about she and Pete meeting “Lady Bird” Johnson at the Johnson family ranch in Texas, while on one of their trips out west. Another fond memory was when they attended the Supremes final concert in Detroit. In addition, they enjoyed trips to visit family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete, in 2006, after 53 years of marriage; brother, Charles, in 1989. She is survived by her sons, James (Linda) Williams of Lansing, MI and Paul (Kathleen) Williams of Prescott, AZ; her two grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Williams of Peoria, AZ, and Kimberly Williams of Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Barbara’s wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements were handled by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Donations may be made in Barb’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, in Charlotte.
Richard Charles Sanders
Richard Charles Sanders of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 9, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born in Brookfield Township, MI on August 2, 1929, the son of Jay and Norene (Potter) Sanders. Richard was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for General Motors for 30 years, managed a trailer park in Arizona, and owned Sanders Auto Salvage for two years. He was a member of Jaycees, enjoyed fishing and playing trumpet in the Sanders Family band.
Richard is survived by his three children: Shey (Steve) Zenker, Pamela Tigner, Kevin (Deb) Sanders; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brothers, Ralph (Linda) Sanders, Clair Sanders; sister, Esther (Dean) Shrontz; sister-in-law, Lauralee Sanders. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents; brothers: Bruce and Lennis.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment took place at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Janet Marian Higgins
Janet Marian Higgins of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the age of 88. Born July 25, 1934, to Donald and Harriett (Robinson) Williams in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Janet worked for Eaton Stamping in several roles for many years including Personnel Director. She was an avid golfer and big MSU fan. Family was most important to Janet and she was the matriarch of the family always planning and organizing family gatherings. She was a beloved woman that will be dearly missed by all who remember her. Preceding her in death were her husband, Bruce Higgins and five siblings as well as her parents.
Surviving is her daughter, Janice Higgins; brothers: Charles (Phyllis) Williams, Keith (Carol) Williams; sister-in-law, Sharon Williams. She was especially close to several nieces and nephews and many treasured grandnieces and grandnephews.
A private family graveside service has already been held. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the American Diabetes Association or Fanciful Farms of Eaton Rapids. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marjorie Claire Gulliver
Marjorie Claire Gulliver of Independent Village of Grand Ledge and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on September 9, 2022, at the age of 91. Marjie was born on December 20, 1930, in Sault Sainte Marie, MI the daughter of Stuart and Melba (Filer) Ten Eyck. She graduated from Sault Sainte Marie High School class of 1948 and went on to receive her Registered Nursing Degree from Sparrow Hospital in 1953. Marjie worked in surgery for Sparrow Hospital and retired in 1986. She was a talented artist and loved to do arts and crafts and especially enjoyed wood craft painting. Marjorie was an avid MSU Spartan fan and particularly enjoyed the hockey program, traveling with the Spartans to championship games. She was a past member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing where she was a member of the Altar Guild. Family was most important to Marjie and her devotion showed through her love and compassion for her husband, children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Richard Gulliver; daughter, Wendy (Richard) Allison; son, Gary (Theresa) Ten Eyck; grandchildren: Benjamin Jones, Sarah Ten Eyck, Lily Ten Eyck; great grandchildren: Mathias Stoecker, Marah Jones, Malek LaRose; brothers, Gary P. Ten Eyck, Michael (Betty) Ten Eyck; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Marjie is preceded in death by her parents, son Rick, and grandchildren, Rebecca LaRose and Daniel Jones.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Gulliver Ten Eyck Scholarship Fund at Lake Superior State University. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Duane Wollpert
Duane Wollpert, of Albuquerque, NM, formerly of Charlotte, MI, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022. Duane was born September 11, 1936, in Grand Ledge, MI, but grew up in Charlotte where he worked on the family farm. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Smith in May 1956. They had three children and had a nice family life until her untimely passing in 1971. He then married Charlotte Kelty and moved to Okemos, MI and several years later moved to Albuquerque, NM, and then to Redondo Beach, CA where he worked for TRW. Duane was an intelligent man who loved his family, the space program, astronomy, and was an electronics hobbyist. He kept his sense of humor to the end.
Duane was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; parents, Merrill and Nellie Wollpert; brother and sister-in-law, Wallace and Ginny Wollpert of Mulliken, Mich.; granddaughter, Elizabeth Porras of Lancaster, Cali.; and grandson, Darian Kelty.
Duane is survived by his three children: Judy of Charlotte, Mich., Tami of Albuquerque, NM, and David of Albuquerque, NM; and three stepchildren: Diane (Chuck) of Loveland, Ohio, Eric of Sarasota, FL and Dana (Fred) of Lancaster, CA. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Sharri Wolfe, Amber Griffes, Nick Scott, Michael Scott, Jennifer Bissell, Denise Chaffee Hongslo, Jason Vogel, Sarah Brittin, Bright Kellogg, John Pakozdi, Ginny Savelli, Nathan Kelty, Erica Cristea, Diana Fowler, Nicole Rejniak, Hudson Porras, and Connor Porras. He is also survived by 34 great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in Charlotte at a later date.
Peter Klont
Peter Lynn Klont, 60, a fun-loving husband, father, and friend to many, died Friday, September 2, 2022, in Lansing. Pete was born May 27, 1962, in Charlotte, the son of Peter Eugene and Judith Ilene (Bailey) Klont. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981 before earning two associate degrees. He then went to work briefly at General Motors before settling into a career with Consumer’s Energy, where he worked over 30 years, mainly as a Head Storekeeper. In his early years, he was known to drag race, and developed a lifelong passion for motorcycles. On April 29, 2000, he married Lauri Ann Converse, and the two started their family. Together, they raised two children and enjoyed family time spent on the lake in Coldwater.
Pete is survived by his wife: Lauri Klont; daughter, Kelsey Klont; brother, Jeff (Deb) Klont; sister-in-law, Sondra Klont; aunt, Marion Jones; and several extended Klont and Converse family members. He was predeceased by his son, Karson Klont; brother, Terry Klont; uncle, Rodney Klont; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Pete’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial gathering is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any charity of choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert "Mike" Reed
Robert Michael “Mike” Reed, Age 83, of Hastings, passed away on August 22, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, MI.
Mike was born in Battle Creek, MI on January 16, 1939, the son of Ruth and Robert Reed. Mike was raised in the Charlotte area and attended local schools graduating from Charlotte High School in 1957. Mike continued his education attending Alma College, later transferring to University of Detroit.
After finishing his education, Mike returned to Charlotte to help carry on the family business, Community Oil Company. Mike was an oil jobber for Mobil Oil, owning several gas stations and bulk plants around the Charlotte, Nashville, and Hastings area. In fact, he built the Marathon gas station/party store on the corner of M-43 and Woodlawn in Hastings. Mike left the family business to pursue a full-time career in computer programming. Mike was a self-taught computer “genius” who began writing “computer code” in the early 1970’s. His knowledge of developing specific computer programs for unique applications was years ahead of its time. He had a punch drive computer in the garage. Mike retired in 2002 after serving the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General, as a Senior Systems Analyst.
Mike had a love of racing whether it be cars, sailboats, or ice boats. He broke the national record for drag racing with his Chevy Corvair. He was a long-standing member of the Chevair Racing Team. In 1996, Mike was inducted into the Michigan MotorSports Hall of Fame. Mike raced his sailboats all over the country winning many trophies and awards. “Reed for speed.”
On October 5, 2002, Mike married Marilyn (Mascho) Reed in Ionia, MI. The couple made their home together on Jordan Lake in Lake Odessa, MI. The couple truly enjoyed “lake life” and eventually relocated to Middle Lake in Hastings, MI. Mike loved being with friends and family, and especially enjoyed performing magic tricks, and stumping those observing with a well thought out “brain teaser.” During the summer months, Mike & Marilyn enjoyed attending car shows in their 1960 Chrysler 300F which he had purchased in 1979.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, his children David (Tracy) Reed, Christopher (Elena) Reed, Douglas (Jennifer) Reed, Sarah (Rob Williams) Reed, step-daughters Lindsay (David Schreiner) Mascho, Chelsey (Benjamin) Cook, 12 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren.
The family received visitors on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings.
A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI with Fr. Stephan Philip officiating. Mike will be lying in-state at the church 30 minutes before Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, MI., conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Michael Strouse
Michael “Mike” Ralph Strouse, 68, a man of many talents and a generous spirit, died Thursday, September 1, 2022, in Flint. Mike was born August 23, 1954, in Lansing, the son of Floyd Andersen and Grace Belle (Pyke) Strouse. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1972 before attending Ferris State University. Mike first met Kay Carey at the age of ten, and the two forged a lifelong love and friendship. They married on August 26, 1972, and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mike and Kay owned and operated M & K Family Builders for 40 years. Mike’s talent for building extended well beyond the business, as he was always helping others with projects and teaching his skills. He loved time spent in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing trips. Above all, Mike cherished his grandchildren, adored his daughters, and loved his wife.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Strouse; daughters, Andrea Strouse and Kallie (Ethan Oslund) Strouse; chosen sons, Brandon (Amber) Moe and Zeb Olin; grandchildren, Liberty (Cole Reed) Hylen, Landree Kaminski, Graycin Moe, Caitlyn Smith, and Drew Smith; and his sister, Patty (Kelly) Lewis. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Virgia Murrin and Sharon Upright; and brother, David Strouse.
Friends are encouraged to support Mike’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any local foodbank. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Michael Lee McGhan
Michael Lee McGhan of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on September 7, 2022, at the age of 76. He was born in Hastings, Mich. on May 19, 1946, the son of Elton and Marge (Bristol) McGhan. Mike graduated from Lakewood High School, class of 1961 and continued his education at Michigan State University. Soon after, he joined the National Guard. He was a member of the Eaton Rapids Lions Club, Robins United Methodist Church, and First United Methodist Church. Mike was passionate about kayaking, enjoyed photography, writing, and volunteering his time in many ways within the community.
Mike is survived by his sons, Ryan (Erica) McGhan of Charlotte and Corey McGhan of Onondaga; the mother of his children, Linda Darling of Leslie; grandchildren: Brandon, Mindy, Macy, Logyn, Gavin; great-grandchildren: Klaira and Leyna; brother, Darryl (Diane) McGhan. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Lee.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be held Monday from 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Eaton Rapids Lions Club. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Karry Lee Clemens
Karry Lee Clemons of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 1, 2022, at the age of 65. Karry was born in Eaton Rapids, August 14, 1957, the son of Chauncey and Margaret (DeWitt) Clemons. He proudly served with the US Army and worked as a Corrections Officer, retiring after 15 years. Karry enjoyed reading, watching old westerns, and cooking. Cooking was his specialty, priding himself for cooking as a chef for President Bill Clinton. His cooking skills also led him to cater both of his daughter’s weddings. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, spoiling them and loving them as the best grandpa.
Karry is survived by his four children: Cheyenne Thomas, Courtney Deschepper, Chase Clemons, Shane Clemons, all of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren: Anakin, Mikael, Colton, Caden, Christian, Cashton, Kiyara, Tiyana, Kayson, Trayte, Travis, Kenny, Stella and Stollan; one great grandchild; brothers: Doug (Carol) Clemons, David, Todd, Mark and Stacey Clemons. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debra and brother, Larry Clemons.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Donations may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.