Obituaries
Maudie Marie (Zeitz) McManus
Maudie Marie (Zeitz) McManus
Maudie Marie (Zeitz) McManus of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2022, at the age of 95. Born in Onondaga, Michigan on August 11, 1926, she was raised by her two parents, Carl and Florence, along with her six brothers and five sisters. She married her childhood sweetheart, Alden, and moved to their farm in Eaton Rapids, where she resided for over 79 years, and raised her daughter and son. Maudie was a vibrant woman and she always had something to say. She was an avid bowler, competing for over 50 years in a league and attending state bowling tournaments. She loved to cook, grow a garden, and she especially loved to can peaches. Maudie loved cards and she enjoyed teaching others, when visited by her grandchildren or great -grandchildren she excelled at beating them – even when they teamed up to “cheat” to try and win the game. Maudie loved hosting holidays and reunions and enjoyed being the center of attention when everyone came to visit.
Maudie was preceded in death by her husband, Alden and her daughter, Marge Ambs of Berrien Springs, Mich. She is survived by her son, Jerry McManus and his wife Peggy; five grandchildren: Amy Yoder (Florida), Tim Ambs (Michigan), Michelle Smith (Michigan), Heather Vick (South Carolina), and Craig McManus (Michigan); ten great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren; and her sister, Bessie Rey of Lansing, Mich.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Perry Cemetery. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Charlotte Maxine Duffey
Charlotte Maxine Duffey of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the age of 86. Born March 6, 1936, to Fred and Mildred (Yeargin) Ashley in Greenfield, Tennessee. Charlotte graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1954 and later from Michigan State University with a teaching certificate. In 1955 she married Paul Duffey and celebrated over 59 years together. Charlotte retired from the State of Michigan Department of Transportation where she had been a recruiter of engineers. She was a talented artist who also enjoyed sewing clothing, quilts, and did all kinds of crafts. She loved gardening, hosting family and friend gatherings. Charlotte was a great storyteller and loving mother and grandmother that will be dearly missed by all who remember her. Preceding her in death were her husband, Paul Duffey; daughter, Erin Duffey; brother, Don (Marcy) Ashley; twin sisters, Julia (Larry) Butler, Joan (John) Chambers; sisters: Mary Sue (Bryce) Hill, Janie Kathryn Ashley; as well as her parents.
Surviving are her children: Robin (William) Haggard, Sean Duffey, Colleen (George) Shoup, Ana Vieira; grandchildren: Sarah (Josh) Cardenas, Jason (Stacy) Haggard, Megan Shoup (Kevin Baldwin), Molly (Rex) VanPelt, Shannon Duffey; foster grandsons: Joseph, Daniel and Isaac Fayia; three great-grandchildren and eight foster great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family received friends for visitation on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorials can be given to Eaton Rapids Senior Center in Charlotte’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Patsy Parsons
Patsy Lou Parsons, age 75, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. She was born June 7, 1947, in Farmersville, Texas the daughter of Bryant and Vida Lou (George) Hill. Patsy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Patsy enjoyed camping, gardening, dancing, and listening to music. She had a soft spot in her heart for all animals but was especially fond of her many dogs. In recent years she enjoyed doing diamond art at her home. Patsy enjoyed spending time with her many friends and volunteering at the Eaton Area Senior Center.
Patsy is survived by her children: Louise (Robert) Reid of Belleville, Tammy (Stewart) Parker of Glendale, AZ, Dale Behnke of Olivet, Randy Parsons of Holt; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Hill.
In keeping with Patsy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Patsy’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Patsy’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 Hutchens Powers
David Hutchens Powers, age 76, of Charlotte passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dave was born on April 25, 1946, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte to William and Gertrude (Hutchens) Powers. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of ’64. After graduation, Dave joined the United States Armed Forces where he proudly served his country in the Marine Corp from ’67 – ’69. Dave married the love of his life, Christyne Satka, on December 29, 1984.
Dave lived life to the fullest! It is hard to sum up in a few words the existence of a man who had such a zest for life and who lived large. In his working life, he was regional manager for Badger Mutual Insurance Company for over 25 years. Dave was very active in the community. He served on the Charlotte City Council. He spent several years as a volunteer firefighter with the Charlotte Fire Department. Dave also served on the board of directors at Eaton Community Palliative Care and was currently the treasurer. In his retirement years family, friends, and his dogs were paramount. He loved beating Nicole when they played cribbage together. He spent countless hours talking baseball with Ali. Spending time on the golf course with his nephews was always time well spent. Sailing his C Scow on Duck Lake, ballooning with Dave and Linda, and trips to northern Wisconsin were just some of the ways Dave spent his summer hours. Dave had many friends and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with them. You would often find him swapping stories at Evelyn Bay Coffee in the mornings and then over at Riedy’s Tavern in the evenings cheering on MSU, his favorite sports team. Most of all, Dave will be remembered for his utmost love and devotion to Chrissy, his daughters, and his grandchildren.
Those left behind with torn hearts are his wife of 37 years, Chrissy; his daughters, Nicole (Dewayne Manon) Powers of Wisconsin, Alexis Anderson of Colorado; grandchildren, Brecken Anderson and Jace Anderson; brother, John (Peggie) Powers of Illinois; mother-in-law, Isabelle Carlton of Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Mark (Debbie) Satka of Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Those preceding him in death were his parents, William and Gertrude Powers; sister, Linda Smith; and brother-in-law, Dave Smith.
Following Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2022, location yet to be determined.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Charles Summers
Charles Marvin Summers of Charlotte, Michigan went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 18, 2022. His big smile and laugh lit up the whole room. He loved being around people, he never met a stranger.
Charles was born on November 12, 1937, in Charlotte Michigan to Paul and Virginia (Gussey) Summers. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. Charles was happily married to his Beautiful Bride Esther Becker (Summers) for 57 years. Mom passed away in 2015. Charles retired from Oldsmobile, General Motors after 28 years as a Machine Repairman.
Charles lived life big. He was an extrovert and was always chatting and looking out for others: as an example, he was a big supporter of Toys for Tots every year. Charles was an avid Detroit Lions fan (he never gave up on them going to a super bowl), as well as a race fan for many different types of racing, however his heart was devoted to the Indy Car (open Wheel) racing. Dad and Mom traveled to Indianapolis every year taking us kids to the time trials until Mom got sick with Alzheimer’s and just couldn’t make the trip any longer. We still got together and watched it on TV. Family and friends would gather to watch the Indianapolis 500 at Dad and Mom’s. Dad would cook steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill for everyone to enjoy while watching the race. Dad’s favorite song was Jim Nabor’s “Back Home again in Indiana.” That would always bring a tear or two to Dad’s eyes. He also enjoyed going down to MIS to watch the NASCAR races as well as going to Eldora (in Rossberg, Ohio) to watch the King’s Royal race.
Charles is survived by his three children: Paul Summers, Kristi (Scott) Dean and Traci (John) Shell and Kimberly Wyskowski (deceased). His grandchildren: Jaynea (Dennis) Bushee, Justina (Dominic) Summers, Leila (Nick) Hollister, Lacey (Mark) Dean, Justin (Kortnie) Shell, Jessica (Derek) Couch, Courtney (Casey) Kleinfelt and Harvey Wyskowski. Great grandchildren: Alex Bushee, Brynlee Shell, Kinzlee Shell, Isaiah and Luke, Taylor Wyskowski, and Braylon Kleinfelt.
We want to thank Independence Village “Storypoint” for taking such great care of our father.
A Detroit Lions themed graveside celebration will take place on Friday, September 23, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery. Pastor Michael Rysko will officiate the celebration with God’s word and song.
If desired friends may make a memorial contribution to the Corso Care (Hospice).
Harry Joseph Tracy
Harry Joseph Tracy of Eaton Rapids passed away peacefully on August 25, 2022. He was born October 18, 1922, to Harry and Mary (Riley) Tracy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He considered himself as a lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids and graduated in the Class of 1941. He married his life-time love, Sarah Velma Leach, on July 24, 1943, in Brainerd, MN just before shipping off to war. Harry enlisted in the Army December 1942 and was sent to Ft. Custer, MI, moved on to Minnesota, then on to the Western Pacific until his Honorable Discharge from the United States Army Air Corps in January 1946. Harry was the Underwriter Manager of the Michigan State Accident Fund until his retirement in 1985. He loved music…he previously sang in the First Congregational Church Choir, as well as listened and danced to the music from the 1940’s. He loved traveling (especially all over Michigan), camping, boating, touring in his antique cars, working in the yard, and cared deeply for his adopted hometown of Eaton Rapids, but most of all…he loved his family and friends.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, Harry and Mary Tracy; wife, Sarah Velma; brother, Ed Tracy; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Andy) Bruestle, Anne (Claude) Basing and Margaret (Marvin) Barrett; stepson, Ronald L. Cataline; daughters-in-law, Ethelda M. and Shirley I. Cataline; grandsons, Baby Ronnie Cataline, Eric D. Pierce, Jamie R. Cataline, A.D. Thelen-Pinamonti; and his niece, Barbara (James) McLaughlin.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharen Jo (Larry), stepsons, James A. Cataline, William G. (Marilyn) Cataline, and Richard D. Cataline; grandchildren, Jason (Amy) and Kaleb Pierce. He has an additional 13 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 52 great-great grandchildren. Nieces, Eileen (Joseph) Jungel, Virginia (Joseph) DiGilio, Margaret (Frank) Chapman and Claudia (Michael) Graving; nephew, Tracy (Cynthia) Basing and all of their families; and his longtime special friend and her family, Patricia Conard (aka Grandma Duck).
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Springport VFW Post 6053, the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation, the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center or the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Island City Assisted Living, Elara Caring Hospice, the Eaton Rapids Medical Center and especially to Patricia Conard for the outstanding care he received over the years. To share memories or condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Sally Crouter
Our dear mother, Sally Ann Crouter (Trumble) of Vermontville, MI, passed away on August 18, 2022 at the age of 80 in Romeo, Michigan. Born September 4, 1941, she is survived by brothers, Larry (Carolyn) Trumble and Leo (Phyllis) Trumble; daughter, Ann (Nate) Boggs; sons, Alan (Laura) Petz and Andrew Crouter; grandchildren, Maddy and Zoey Petz; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Sally had many friends, loved socializing with them and, more importantly, caring for them whenever possible. Many might remember Sally as the 1958 Maple Syrup Festival Queen.
Friends are encouraged to support Sally’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life followed visitation in the Pray Gardens on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 with interment following at Vermontville Woodlawn Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Floyd Lee Cole
Floyd Lee Cole of Lake Placid, Florida, passed away suddenly on August 13, 2022 with his wife by his side at Fort Myers Hospital.
Floyd was born September 18, 1936 in Lansing, Michigan to Russell and Agnes Cole. Moving at an early age to Sunfield, Michigan, he attended Sunfield High School and gained many honors in various sports.
Lee was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the 1950’s on Aircraft Carrier USS Antietam (CVS-36), and later transferred to the Navy Reserves. Lee loved life, children and dogs, playing cards, and bowling. He enjoyed college football and lots of camping trips to the U.P., and deer hunting at Rose Lake with friends and family. Lee was so proud of his time with Special Olympics and his bowling team kids.
Lee retired from General Motors as a millwright in 1990. He moved to Florida and married Diane Beattie from Ontario, Canada. They traveled most of the US, eastern Canada, and the Maritime Provinces, as well as three trips to Alaska and a cruise through the Panama Canal in 2020, just before the COVID pandemic began.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Russell and Agnes Cole; brother, Raymond; sister, Jean; brother-in-law, Keith; niece, Paula; nephews, Matt and Mike; and step-granddaughter, Kirsten from Canada.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Diane; two sons, Stacey of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Randy of Lake Odessa, Michigan; daughter, Charity (Josh) Edgar of Dimondale, Michigan; grandsons, Cameron and Wyatt; granddaughters, Isabel, Abigail and Alaina; four stepsons, Frank Wabindato, Jason Wabindato (Rebecca), Stephen (Jayleen), and Andrew (Lois); stepdaughter, Corrie Flear; and step grandchildren: Taylor, Shiann, Madison, Allyssa, and Jason Jr. (JJ) of Potterville, and Logan (Courtney), Carley, and Tate of Canada.
Lee’s wishes were to be buried at sea, where he will leave from the Jacksonville, Florida Navy base. He will be buried with a full military burial. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date in Michigan.
Brian Hicks
Brian Richard Hicks of Charlotte passed away August 28, 2022, at the age of 62. He was born in Lansing on October 30, 1959, the son of Oral and Thelma (Parks) Hicks. Brian graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978. He worked as a landscaper for several years. Brian was an easy-going man who enjoyed being outdoors, biking, and road trips to Mackinaw. His 1979 Camaro was his pride and joy.
Brian is survived by his mother, Thelma of Dimondale; the mother of his son, Debbie Hicks of Eaton Rapids; son, Eric (Katie) Hicks of Lansing; brothers, Brent (Deb) Hicks of Charlotte, Leon (Judy) Hicks of Eaton Rapids, Daniel (Raquel) Hicks of Portage, David (Kathryn) Hicks of East Lansing; sisters, Brenda Parish of Lansing, Mary (Robert) Aguirre of Ft. Wayne, Debbie Hicks of Lansing, Karen (Kenton) Rawlinson of Holt, and Sharon Hicks of Lansing; grandchildren, John Hicks, Jaydin Hicks, Jaxson Hicks, and Brooke Mangold; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Oral, and stepfather, Richard.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation was held at 10 a.m. Interment was at 2 p.m. at the Dewitt Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Donations may be made to the Mills Funeral Home in care of Brian’s family. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com
Valerie Peck
Valerie Jean (Miller) Peck, 63, of Charlotte, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Valerie was born September 29, 1958, in Charlotte, the daughter of Dennis and Phyllis (Garnsey) Miller. She attended Olivet High School where she met the love of her life Harold Peck Jr. In 1978 Valerie and Harold got married, and together they raised two daughters. Valerie worked as a baker and cook most of her life. She was known for her cake decorating abilities. Valerie also enjoyed playing bingo, doing jigsaw puzzles, trips to the casino, bird watching, camping, playing board games, and spending time with her family.
Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Harold; daughters, Jessica (Jason) Garvie, and Jennifer (Chris) Broskey; grandchildren, Emily, and Andrew Broskey, Allison, and Aaron Garvie; mother, Phyllis Miller; siblings, Victoria (Ernest) Miller, Ronald Miller, Steven Miller, Linda (Wayne) Miller, and Jane Beck; and numerous extended family members and close friends. She was predeceased by her father, Dennis Miller; niece, Charity Garvie; nephews, Dennis Miller, and Nathan Miller.
Friends are encouraged to support Valerie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Valerie for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.