Obituaries
Martha Powelson
Martha Louise Powelson, the kind of lady that was a friend forever, died September 22, 2022, at the age of 75. Martha was born in Eaton County on July 10, 1947, to George and Louise (Wright) Day. Martha graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965, and soon after went to work for the State of Michigan, where she worked in various departments until her retirement from the Treasury Department 13 years ago. A quiet and shy sort of person, Martha was also very thoughtful and kind, a true friend to those she knew. She enjoyed refinishing furniture in her she-shed, collecting elephants and teacups.
Martha is survived by her husband, Kenneth; grandson, Conner Powelson; sisters, Lorraine (Carl) Burton and Jennifer (Ed) Dunton; brothers, Patrick (Beverly) Day and George (Rose) Day; and many nieces and nephews including her beloved local nephews, Pat Day and Liam Day. She was predeceased by her daughter, Nicole Geahan.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services were Friday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Deacon Tom Fogle officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Victor Braatz
Victor Steven Braatz, age 68, of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was born August 20, 1954, in Lansing. Victor grew up in Charlotte and in his youth had a love for playing sports. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1972. After graduation he served his country in the Marine Corp and upon his honorable discharge, he pursued a career as a carpenter.
Although a carpenter by trade, Victor was always an active member of the community. He was instrumental in the upstart of the Charlotte Community Garden and the Eaton County Recovery Network. He deeply enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, traveling, literature, fishing, cooking, and sports.
Victor is survived by his sons: Jeromi (Ashley) Braatz of Kalamazoo, Jared Braatz of Charlotte, Tyler (Samantha) Braatz of Portage; mother of his children, Micki Smith; grandchildren: Chace, Norah, Aryah, Bailey; siblings: Charles (Janet) Braatz, Sarah Dunn, Judy Ruffner, Tom (Pam) Braatz, Jeff (Mary Grace) Braatz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hilda Braatz; sister, Marilyn Braatz; and brother, Curtis Braatz.
In keeping with Victor’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Victor’s memory to the Siren/Eaton Shelter, Hospice of Lansing, or your local animal shelter.
To view Victor’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 Huffman
David Milan Huffman, 75 of Charlotte, a man with boisterous enthusiasm for the little things, entered the Kingdom of God on September 24, 2022. He was born March 10, 1947, in Port Huron, Michigan to Ralph and Barbara (Lawton) Huffman. Dave married Pamela Waterbury 52 years ago, on July 11, 1970, and together they raised their two daughters to love and care for friends and family, but especially with utter devotion to God. Daily prayers always ended with, “Bless this food to our bodies, give us strength and protection, watch over us as we serve you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.” His family will miss seeing his smile, his patience for good things to come, and his long eloquent stories. Daily devotionals were something Dave not only enjoyed, but also encouraged his family to do with him as well, which is why they have peace knowing he is walking the streets of Gold.
Proud service in the U.S. Air Force was also an important part of Dave’s background, serving during Vietnam as a grounds radio operator. Dave worked for the Department of State Police in accounting, retiring in 2002. After that he worked for the City of Lansing part-time in parking revenue collection, and for Fun Services driving vans and calling BINGO at special events. Activities he enjoyed included bowling, fishing, camping, and being an umpire for adult softball leagues. He was also a member of Delta Township Kiwanis Club, and a faithful member of Eaton Rapids Nazarene Church. Extremely proud of his family, Dave loved to share stories about his daughters, and then later his grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments, and loved being a part of all their activities.
David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pam; daughters, Tonya (Brad) Duerr and Teresa (Ken) Jones; grandchildren, Bradlee, Meagan (Michael), Matthiew (Erin), Kaedance, Symphony, Bryce, and Kenzie; one great-grandson on the way; and his sister, Donna Huffman. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard (Sally) Huffman; two nephews, and his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, October 14, 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, October 15, 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Gideons International. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Millard Von Root
Millard Von Root, a man who knew his Bible inside and out and shared his love for his Lord with many, went to meet his Lord and Savior on September 27, 2022. Millard was born February 11, 1932, in Chester Township, Michigan to William and Iva Boyer (Root), the youngest of 11 children in the family. With a kind heart and a powerful voice, Millard often said, “Let me tell you a little story.” In his early years he was a pitcher for the American Legion baseball club, but he hung up his mitt for a Bible and lived to preach and share the Word with others. His favorite verse leading him in all he did, 1 Peter 2:5, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Millard worked for 30 years at General Motors, was a union representative and also farmed 210 acres. With over 67 years as a minister, Millard helped start eight congregations, preached at 88 different churches and he memorized most of the Bible.
Family meant everything to Millard. His children say he was the best dad anyone could ask for. In 1952 he married Phyllis Griffin and together they had six children and a house filled with love. There were always family adventures and special times at their cottages in Michigan and at their winter home in Florida. Fishing, hunting, learning about everything history, reading to expand his knowledge, and traveling around the country to share the gospel were things that Millard enjoyed.
Millard is survived by his wife of 70 years, Phyllis; his children, Duonna (Tom) Worstell, Kevin (Teresa) Root, Tim (Doreen) Root, Sheila (Bob) Veitch, and Curt (Connie) Root, daughter-in-law, Jodi Root; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Root; his parents; and ten siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Millard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, October 3, 1-3:00 p.m. with funeral services following at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Steve Doty 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 Millard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kevin Edington
Kevin J. Edington, age 64, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19, 2022. He was born June 27, 1958, in Lansing the son of Max and Thelma (Bailey) Edington. On February 12, 1999, he married Donna V. Oakley. Kevin enjoyed watching NASCAR, scratching off lottery game tickets, visiting various casinos and collecting coins. He loved fishing on Duck Lake, thanks to his friend Glenn.
Kevin is survived by his children: Melissa (Jim) Falk of Onondaga, James (Kathy) Robins of Charlotte, Matthew (Tasia) Robins of Charlotte, Amanda (Robert) Pierce of Bellevue; 12 grandchildren; sister-in-law Rosemary Newell of Kentwood; brothers: David (Pat) Edington of Tennessee, Earl Edington of Jackson; and special friends: Glenn, Steve, and Roger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; sister, Julie Ann Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with the Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Burial will take place at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Kevin’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Kevin’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.