Obituaries
Jerry Allen Austin
Jerry Allen Austin, age 77, died peacefully at home on December 2, 2022, and is now with his Lord Jesus Christ. Jerry was born to Donald Virgil Austin and Marjorie Belle Herrick on April 3, 1945.
He is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Larry and Gaylord; son, Mike JA Austin; and granddaughter, Harper Jean. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Robin, whom he married on July 27, 1991. He is also survived by his children: Dodie (Brian) Putney, Kelly (Scott) Moseng, Jason Austin, Donald Austin, Mikayla (Taylor) Chase; daughter-in-law, Shelly Austin; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry dropped out of school in the eighth grade. He enlisted in the US Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of staff sergeant. He served in the Guards for many years afterwards. He had many jobs throughout his life but really liked driving semi-trucks with over 50 years of driving under his belt. He started his own company in 1997. He often liked to say he was a paid professional tourist.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Jerry at 11:00 a.m. on December 17, 2022. It will be held at Celebration Church at 4012 Marshall Road, Charlotte, MI 48813. A dinner will follow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pawsibilities in Olivet, MI or a charity of your choice.
Kali R. Clark
Kali R. Clark, age 30, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2022. She was born on June 30, 1992, in Jackson, Michigan, daughter of Anthony Clark and Dawn Harwood. Kali graduated from Western High School in Parma; Class of 2010. After graduation she continued her education and received an associate degree in accounting from Baker College.
Kali began working in the office at Farm Bureau. She earned her CDL to begin a new career at Charlotte Public Schools in the Transportation department. Her children always remained her focus. Kali was an incredible mom, devoting her life to her children.
Kali was proud of her homestead, which she called Wits’ End Homestead. She loved animals and was teaching her children how to care for their menagerie of animals including pigs, goats, ducks, and chickens. As a child Kali participated in 4H which is where she developed her value of raising animals.
Kali loved to be outdoors. She enjoyed camping, swimming, and hunting. She liked the thrill of hunting and was ecstatic when she got her first deer last year. Kali was the life of the party and always had a great time. Her outgoing and vibrant personality made everyone want to be her friend. Kali was goofy and loved joking around. She was a joyful, smart, and dedicated mother, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and friend.
Kali is survived by her children, Camdon, Beau, Jaxon, and Hayden; her parents, Anthony (Jody) Clark and Dawn (Rex Rainey) Clark; her grandparents, Melvin Clark and Dianne Harwood; her siblings, Siera (Alex) Whitney and Brent (Ashley) Clark; and her boyfriend Kyle Kiplinger. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Sandra Clark and her grandfather Larry Harwood.
Amy Jo Mulholland
Amy Jo Mulholland, a simple, down to earth, wife, sister, and friend, died on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Amy, 56, of Charlotte, was born August 16, 1966, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Duane and Margaret (Harder) Mulholland. She was a graduate of Potterville High School and shortly after graduation began working as a Title Clerk for Bill Snethkamp Chrysler and Dodge, where she worked for 35 years. On June 14, 2019, Amy married her longtime companion and the love of her life, Scott Thompson. Many will remember Amy’s stubbornness, and happy go lucky personality. Amy loved her monthly girls’ luncheons around town, the annual city-wide garage sale where she would take four days off work to make sure she hit every sale, and her love that she showed to her animals.
Amy is survived by her husband, Scott Thompson; sister, Lori Rock; nephews, Ryan, and Cory Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dennis Stump; and her grandmother, June Mulholland.
Friends are encouraged to support Amy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Per Amy’s wishes there will be no services held at this time. After the holidays a gathering will be planned. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Frances Ruth DeBar
Frances Ruth DeBar of Lakeside, CA, formerly of Charlotte, born May 13, 1935, passed away on November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home.
Wayne Earl Cole
Wayne Earl Cole, age 80 from Bellevue, Michigan passed away on December 6, 2022. He was a factory worker at Oldsmobile. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gresham Cemetery.
James Martin
James “Dave” David Martin, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died on Monday, December 12, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Dave, 66, of Charlotte was born September 17, 1956, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Charles and Marie (Barnes) Martin. Dave grew up in a military family so they were on the move often. He always referred to Tennessee as his stomping grounds. On November 10, 1979, Dave married the love of his life, Betty Tate. Dave worked as a Body Repairman for General Motors, he started out in Pontiac, was then transferred to Grand Rapids, and lastly was transferred to Lansing where the family would call Charlotte home. Dave retired from GM in 2008 after 30 years. He was a very smart man that enjoyed tinkering on his 48 Ford, anything outdoors, telling a good story, and sharing a good joke. His life motto was “If I can’t fix it, it’s broke.” Dave was blessed that he was able to pass his knowledge and passions down to his children. His biggest enjoyment in life was when he was blessed with grandchildren, they were his absolute pride and joy.
Dave is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty; children, Charles Martin, and Katy (Kyle) Howard; grandchildren, Mara Arnold, Dane Martin, Macy Howard, and Kyle Howard Jr.; siblings, Marlon (Sheila) Hyatt, and Rita Shelton; lifelong friend, Harley Hopp from Alabama; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Kenneth, and Johnny Martin; grandparents, Mom Ollie, and Daddy Harry.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the Memorial from 3-4:00 p.m. 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 Dave’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 New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mike “George” J. Dassance
Mike “George” J. Dassance of Mason, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 60. He was born in Owosso, MI on May 15, 1962, the son of Levi and Luella (Eash) Dassance. He attended Eaton Rapids High School. Mike worked for Haas Trucking in Albion for 10 years and plowed snow for Schafer’s Landscaping. He loved riding his Harley. Mike was a jack of all trades and tinkered on anything and everything. He often said, “Why do it, if you’re not going to do it right the first time.” Mike would selflessly go out of his way to help others. He was a well-liked man who will be missed dearly.
Mike is survived by his mom; children, Mindy (Kalvin Thompson) Dassance of Lansing, Shawn Dassance of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Selena, Quincy, Arianna, Amarianna; siblings, Arlene Dassance of Dimondale, Diana Bunker of Eaton Rapids, Barbara (Ron) Adleman of Eaton Rapids, Paul (Connie) Dassance in Cadillac; girlfriend, Charlene McFaul and her daughter, Emma McFaul of Mason; mother of his children, Laura Ohmer of Eaton Rapids. He is preceded in death by his dad; brother, Jerry Dassance, and sister, Patricia Dassance.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m., December 15, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice of charity. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences or memories, visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Roma Jeanne Orr
Roma Jeanne Orr went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the age of 86. Jeanne was born on January 21, 1936, in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Carl and Verna (Gould) Rishel. She was raised in Eaton Rapids, graduating class of 1954 and went on to receive her bachelor’s in nursing from Sparrow School of Nursing. Jeanne worked for the Eaton Rapids Medical Center as a Registered Nurse and retired in 1982. After retirement, Jeanne worked closely with her daughter and other special needs children lending her skills as a nurse to oversee events such as the Special Olympics. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids and married her husband, Carl there in 1958. Jeanne was very gifted musically and enjoyed singing with her sister and the Sunday evening family music night where the entire family would get together and play music. She also sang and played music with the Lansing Choral Society.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, Carl Orr; children, Daryl Orr, Jonathan (Julie) Orr, Julieann Orr; grandchildren, Alex (Rachael) Orr, Abby (Josh) Soper, Mallory Orr, Trey Orr; great grandchildren, Maverick and Elliott Orr, Hope and Lily Soper; sister, Carole Decker and numerous extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart and Hands in memory of Jeanne. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
William Thomas Chaney
William Thomas Chaney, age 75, of Lansing, MI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Bill was born on May 25, 1947, in Eaton Rapids, MI the son of Duncan and Louise (Ferrel) Chaney. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated class of 1965. Bill went on to proudly serve in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served from 1966 to 1968. He worked for the US Postal Service in Eaton Rapids as a mail carrier for 35 years. Bill was a car enthusiast and loved working on his 1965 Chevy Impala SS. He enjoyed taking it to car shows and often had it parked on Main Street in Eaton Rapids throughout the summer. After retirement, Bill worked for Shaheen Chevrolet as a car porter which gave him the opportunity to drive all kinds of unique cars. He was also a sports fanatic and enjoyed Michigan State Basketball and the Detroit Lions. Above all, Bill loved his family and especially cherished the time he spent with his two granddaughters.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bruce Chaney.
Surviving is his son, Donavon (Sarah) Chaney; granddaughters, Makenzie and Emily Chaney; companion of 20 years, Carolyn Davis; brother, Art (Cindy) Chaney; sister, Nellie (Jose) Marez and numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roscommon County Veterans Office C/O County Treasurer in memory of Bill. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com.