Obituaries
Gretchen Lee Converse
Gretchen Lee Converse, age 92, of Charlotte, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, in Summerfield, Florida. Gretchen was born on August 9, 1930, in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Arlington and Vera (VanWagner) Crawford. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school class of 1948. Gretchen worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for nine years, worked as a transport driver for Avis Rental Cars, as a real estate agent and volunteered at the Eaton Community Palliative Care Thrift Store for over 10 years. She was also a member of the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte for many years.
Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Max Converse.
Surviving are her children, Mike Love, Craig (Tina) Love, Kristine Priesman; seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Gretchen. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John F. Davidson
John F. Davidson was born December 16, 1933, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and passed away January 19, 2023. John was the eldest son of John G. “Jack” and Helen Davidson. His younger brothers, Linton (Arlene) Davidson and James (Janet) Davidson survive him.
John graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, where he played baseball and basketball throughout. He maintained a lifelong interest in sports and spent much of his adult life coaching. He enjoyed reading and had committed to memory several poems and quotations. John further cultivated his love of literature and learning while attending Albion College and Western Michigan University. Upon graduation, John began his career teaching Physical Education and Literature at Starr Commonwealth, where many colleagues became lifelong friends. For 32 years, John’s unwavering commitment, passion and dedication to teaching changed the lives of countless youths.
John picked up a love of golf as he neared retirement. He was a member of Duck Lake Country Club for 42 years, where he shared many laughs, stories, and rounds with his friends. He often participated in golf trips both domestically and abroad.
John’s true love and most important job was his family. He never missed an opportunity to teach life lessons and highlight what is truly important. He also always stressed that, “You can’t put a price tag on a good time.” His abundance of wisdom and knowledge will be missed, but most certainly will not be forgotten.
In addition to his parents; his wife and companion of 58 years, Patricia (Hodges) Davidson, preceded John in death. Surviving are his daughters; Janne Byrens and Meri (Lane) Stumpos; grandchildren, John (Miriam) Byrens, Graham (Andrea) Byrens, Elyse Byrens, Andrei Stumpos, and Sofiya Stumpos; and great-grandchildren, Loxley, Danny, Gideon, and Graedy Byrens.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in John’s memory can be made to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068, online at www.oaklawnhospital.org or by phone at 269-789-3939. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
Pamela Jean Baker
Pamela Jean Baker of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the age of 69. Pam was born on October 14, 1953, in Lansing, MI. She worked for several years as a school bus driver for the Mason School District and in the custodial department for Michigan State University where she retired in 2016. Pam was very family oriented, and her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She loved planning get-togethers and hosting holiday dinners, which she planned out months in advance. Pam also enjoyed traveling and was always up for a spontaneous road trip. She was compassionate, generous, and full of love for her family and friends. Her generosity was shown through her willingness to help others in need.
Pam is preceded in death by her husband, Homer Baker; son, Robin Baker; mother, Patricia Rule and sisters, Denise Jones, and Diannia Gibbs.
Surviving are her children: Shane Baker, Tiana Baker, Jaime Gerred; grandson, Rivyr Adams; sisters, Peggy (John) Vallie, Tina (Steve) Cary; brother-in-law, Bill Gibbs; beloved dog, Sassi; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s in memory of Pam. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Gary Frank Saylor
Gary Frank Saylor, age 69, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Gary was born on July 10, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to Jack and Lenora (Anson) Saylor. On June 2, 1972, he was married to Audrey “Penny” Sebastian in Springport, Michigan. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Gary was a hard-working man. He worked at Spartan Motors as a mechanic for almost 30 years. He loved to play as hard as he worked! During the off-work hours in summer and on weekends, you would find him driving either his motorcycle, quad, or boat. Or else, he just may be participating in some other outdoor sport which he enjoyed. Gary loved to hunt and fish. He took meticulous care of his yard. Gary was an animal lover to the core. His dogs and cats never lacked for affection! Above all though, Gary loved his family. His wife, children, and grandkids knew that they meant the world to him and that he would go to the ends of the earth for them. Life must go on, but it simply won’t be the same without him.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Audrey “Penny”; children, Chad (Brandi) Saylor of Eaton Rapids, Jamie (Mike) Stenberg of Charlotte, Brandon Saylor of Charlotte; two very special nephews, Christopher (Stacey) Caruthers of Hastings, and Brian (Pam) Caruthers of Charlotte; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren; sister, Jody (Kent) Laubhan of Claremore, OK; uncle, Roger (Cheryl) Saylor of Holt; and many friends and co-workers.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Sharon Worden.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Brian Caruthers officiating at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Betty V. Fletcher
Betty V. Fletcher, 83, of Charlotte, MI (formerly, of Rimersburg, PA), passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Eaton Community Palliative Care.
She was born April 11, 1939, in Rimersburg, the daughter of Wilbur L. and Alberta R. (Miller) Seybert.
Betty lived in the Rimersburg area all her life until moving to Michigan in 2009. She worked in food service for many years as a cook and baker and was known for making many delicious meals and desserts for her family and friends. Betty was a member of Rimersburg First United Methodist Church and also belonged to the Red Hat Society and Alive Health Club.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Cynthia K. Jones; and husband, Larry, of Charlotte, MI; grandchildren, Shane Risher of Clarion, and Craig Jones and wife, Jennifer of Charlotte, MI; brothers, Howard E. Seybert and wife, Sylvia, of Hermitage, PA, and John W. Seybert, of Farrell, PA; sister, Sharon K. Wilson and husband, Tom, of Rimersburg; sister-in-law, Joanne Seybert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, John C. Fletcher, whom she married November 30, 1973, and who died May 15, 2002; son, Michael Craig, who died July 20, 1979; and brothers, Wilbur L. Seybert, Jr., and Donald P. Seybert.
Services were held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 758 Main St., Rimersburg, PA with Rev. Brock Beveridge officiating.
Interment is in Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, PA.
Contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to Rimersburg First United Methodist Church, 399 Main St., Rimersburg, PA 16248.
Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
For anyone wishing to send an online condolence to Betty’s family please visit, www.bauerfuneral.com.