Obituaries
Generosa Francis Ciampa
Generosa “Gene” Francis Ciampa, a simple man who was always happy, died on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Gene, 88, of Bellevue, was born on June 2, 1936, in Boston, MA. the son of Frank and Mary Ciampa. After graduating from high school gene enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge is 1964. On May 19, 1972, Gene married his sweetheart, Joanne Greene, and together they created many lasting memories until her passing. During his working years he worked on the assembly line at Fisher Body. In recent years Gene could be found taking his daily walks around Bellevue with his dog, Teddy. He would walk 6 miles each day and would talk to everyone around town. Other hobbies that he enjoyed were working in his yard, reading about world wars, snacking- and always offering up a treat, and most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.
Gene is survived by his children, Shawn (Ritu) Ciampa, and Debbe (David) Whitehead; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Frank, and Charles. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joanne; son, Lynn; and beloved dog, Teddy.
Friends are encouraged to support Gene’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald Kenneth Tirrell
Donald Kenneth Tirrell, a long-time steward of the land known for his humble spirit, compassionate family values, and service to his community, passed away peacefully in his Charlotte home on December 13, 2024. Don, 92, was born June 10, 1932, in Charlotte to Kenneth Tirrell and Dorothy (Bell) Tirrell. Don lived his life by his own terms. He is remembered by his family as a man who knew how to do everything, and he particularly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience by helping others. Don was particularly intuitive with animals, as he had a knack for reading their body language and cared for them fittingly. Although Don could be more “prickly” than loving at times, he made friends easily and always had a story to share.
Don graduated high school in 1951 after an unforgettable trip to the nation’s capital for a 4-H convention, an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for agriculture. As a farmer and seed dealer for 42 years, Don worked his own farm south of Charlotte, tending to the soil with a responsible and patient hand. He diligently maintained his property, always ensuring that his buildings were kept in excellent condition. An accomplished farmer, Don acquired the first self-propelled combine in the county and assisted local farmers in custom combining. Don generously gave his time to support the farming community through the Eaton County Farm Bureau and by serving on the 4-H Fair Board where he sowed the seeds of wisdom and growth in the youth of Eaton County. Don was also a well-known regular at the Eaton Place in Charlotte, sitting in the back corner booth every day for dinner and offering his help to the wait staff and fellow patrons.
At the heart of Don’s life was his family. Cherished moments spent with loved ones were the true harvest of his days. Some of Don’s fondest memories were spent camping and boating on the Indian River with his family. Don is now reunited with his beloved wife, Donna Jeanne Tirrell, who preceded him in death. Don’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Vickie (Greg) Shaver; sons, Bill and Tom (Deanna) Tirrell; grandchildren, Dan (Jill) Shaver, Megghan (Niki) Ravan, Alex (Sarah) Tirrell, Maggie Tirrell, Donnie (Caitlin) Tirrell, Chad (Stacy) Weldon, and Jamie (Travis) Reed, and 10 great-grandchildren.
As the sunset paints the sky over the fields he loved, we remember Don—a humble steward of the land, a pillar in his community, and a devoted family man. His kind heart and dedication to his community and family will continue to inspire us all. May his gentle spirit find rest, and may we carry his legacy in the seeds we sow and the lives we touch.
Friends are encouraged to support Don’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 4-7:00 p.m. Funeral services were Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Messner officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Don’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary L. Starkweather
Gary L. Starkweather, age 78, of Spring Lake, passed away December 6, 2024, at home with family by his side. He was born July 3, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan to Junior and Betty (Kilgore) Starkweather. He married Alice Wiles, the love of his life, on October 24, 1970.
Gary served many years in law enforcement, beginning with the Charlotte City Police Department and then with the Michigan State Police, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed racing cars, the outdoors, fishing, hunting in Wyoming, spending time with his family and fixing things. Duct tape and WD-40 were important items in his toolbox. Gary was a loving, funny, talented curmudgeon, who was very loved and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years; two sons, Adam (Tracy) Starkweather, and Tracy Starkweather, four grandchildren: Lexie (Gary) Fleming, Caitie, Emmy, Jojo; brother, Monte (Lonnie) Starkweather; sisters-in-law, Susan Meston and Judy Draper; nieces and nephews: Kellie (Brad) Janousek, Jessie (Kevin) McClelland, Fred (Kristine) Meston, and Dwight (Shannon) Meston; many great-nieces and nephews; and his dog, Goose. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers-in law, Milt Meston and Billy Draper, and his best dogs, Sam and Bean.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Hospice Foundation or Harbor Humane Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
Judith Anne Snyder
Judith “Judy” Anne Snyder, a caring and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Judy, 85, of Charlotte, was born on May 27, 1939, in Lansing, MI the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Tanner) Fox. She graduated from East Lansing High School class of 1958 and later attended Ferris State University. She received a job offer to work at the U.S. Dept. of Navy in Washington D.C. and later the Pentagon. In 1963 she and her family moved to Monterey, California where she worked for the Monterey County Welfare Dept. In 1967 she moved back to Michigan and became employed with the State of Michigan, where she retired in 2002 after 35 years of service.
On March 25, 1972, Judy married Gene Snyder and together they were happily married for 31 years until his passing in May of 2003. Judy and Gene were active members of the Charlotte Lions Club where they worked on countless projects together over the years. In 1992 she became the club’s first woman president. Judy served as a volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, and the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. Hobbies that Judy enjoyed included traveling, working on needlepoint crafts, watching football, and most importantly rescuing dogs. She was a devoted member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Judy is survived by her son, James (Jill) Dillion; stepson, Carl M. Snyder; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike; nieces, Missy, and Julie; and her beloved dog, Sandy. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene C. Snyder; her parents; siblings, Allen Fox, Elizabeth “Betsy” Larson, and Don “Sandy” Fox Jr; and countless rescue dogs that she fostered over the years.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, December 13, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 5-7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Eaton County Humane Society, or UM Health – Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Walcott Ritter
Daniel Walcott Ritter, a quiet farmer that was well loved and respected by all who knew him, died December 4, 2024, at the age of 66. Dan was born April 6, 1958, in Charlotte to Royal and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Ritter, and lived his entire life in this area. A farmer at heart, Dan felt it was his responsibility to be a steward of the land, and he was committed to his family’s values. He also had a thirst for knowledge and was self-educated and always striving to learn more with his super inquisitive ways. While his primary social life was centered around dairy and farming, once you got through his gruff exterior, he was a sociable guy and had a way of putting people at ease with his contagious laugh. Dan was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Dan is survived by his sister, Phyllis (Chris) Reynolds; and nieces, Hannah (Michael) Cleland and Abbigail (Jeremy) Weant. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings, David and Mary.
Friends are encouraged to support Dan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Visitation was Monday, December 9, 2024, 9-11:00 a.m. at Hidden Creek Farms in Charlotte with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to Future Farmers of America or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.