Obituaries
Justin Lee Zenker
Justin Lee Zenker of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 22, 2022, at the age of 42. Justin was born in Eaton Rapids on June 3, 1980, the son of Hal and Joyce (Brecht) Zenker. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 2000. At a young age, he fell in love with auto mechanics and ended up being a very good mechanic, one that everyone called. Justin enjoyed hunting and had a passion for fishing. He was very funny, witty, and helpful.
Justin is survived by his parents, Hal and Joyce Zenker; brother, Brandon (Katie) Zenker; nephew, Aidan Zenker; aunts, Beth Moser, Paulette Vance, Kathy Brecht; uncles, Lyle (Debbie) Zenker, Greg Zenker, Dale (Jain) Brecht; cousins, Shasta Delong, Jeremy, Kevin, Andrew and Adam Zenker, Jason Vance and Christi Grinnell; best friends, Mike Norton, Dustin Schlichter and Phil Milligan. He was preceded in death by his uncles, John Moser, Wade Zenker; cousin, Terry Zenker.
Funeral services were Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with interment following at Clarence Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Virginia May “Ginny” Strahan
Virginia May “Ginny” Strahan, age 95, of Eaton Rapids, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Virginia was born on October 1, 1927, in Hamlin Township, Michigan, the daughter of Clarence and Frances (Harshey) Hall. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school class of 1945. Virginia was a hard-working woman throughout her life and instilled that work ethic into her children. She worked as a bookkeeper for Ed Cords Well Drilling, the VFW Children’s Home, the Eaton Rapids City Clerk’s Office, Island City Credit Union and for Mills and Andy’s Restaurants in Charlotte, often working multiple jobs while raising six kids. She was a talented artist and loved painting and would paint the black and white and sepia photos for a photo shop in Charlotte. Ginny was a kindhearted soul who had a genuine love for children, when her kids were young, the neighborhood children always knew they could stop by Ginny’s for homemade cookies. She also enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and watching the birds.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; sons, Patrick and Mikel Cords; and her former husband and father of her children, Edwin Cords.
Surviving are her children: Sandra (Gary) Halsey, Kathy Taylor, Colynn (Scott) Kellogg, Edwin Cords, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Janet Cords; grandchildren: Heather (Mark) White, Russell (Dee) Halsey, James Taylor, Jeffrey (Laura) Taylor, Rebecca (Brad) Williams, Jennifer (Scott) Truman, Ian (Brandi) Cords, Brittney (Nate) Clark, Samantha Cords, Mike (Emily) Gault, Matthew (Autumn) Gault; many great-grandchildren, one great great-grandchild; brothers, Edward (Doris) Hall, Bruce Hall, Neil Hall and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Island City Assisted Living and Elara Caring Hospice for their outstanding care over the past weeks and months.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. Virginia was laid to rest next to her sons in Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home in memory of Virginia. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kathy Fillingham-Canfield-Dye
Kathy Ann Fillingham-Canfield-Dye of Eaton Rapids went to be in the arms of our Savior on October 17, 2022, at the age of 71. She was born in Lansing, MI, on December 1, 1950, the daughter of Claude William II and Judith (Roen) Fillingham. Kathy graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1968. She was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. Kathy was a part of the ‘Fillingham 4 dancers’ with her sisters. She married the love her life, Cliff, in 1984. Kathy retired from Eaton Stamping. She enjoyed bowling and golfing.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Cliff Dye; sons, Gary (Sheri) Canfield, Corey Canfield, Chad (Heather) Dye; daughters, Jana (Wayne) Cole and Dawn Canfield; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Ronald Fillingham, Claude Fillingham III, Brenda Hampton-Smith, Debra (Larry) Harrison, Pamela Lopez. She is preceded in death by her parents; grandsons, James and Chase; brother-in-law, Cary Dye, and Dennis Sleep.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Thrive Church, 6044 S. Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI, 48827. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Sue-Ann Kay Warner
Sue-Ann Kay Warner, 55, went to be with her Lord after a brief illness with cancer on September 28, 2022. She was born on October 27, 1966, to parents Lawrence and Ellinor Warner and lived her life in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, graduating in 1984. She worked for John Henry Co. in Lansing, then the State of Michigan.
Sue is survived by her daughters, Shawn Marie Warner and Teri-Lynn Mae Warner; mother, Ellinor Warner; brother, Lawrence (Juanita) Warner; niece, Nichole (Jeremy) Hartman and their children, Owen and Audrey; and nephew, Lawrence Warner, III. She was predeceased by her father, Lawrence Warner, Sr.
Susie enjoyed many hobbies and loved spending time with her dog, Tesa and horse, Beauty, winning ribbons and being Reigning Frontier Days Queen. She also enjoyed coin collecting, competitive computer games, reading, and especially spending time with her girls, Shawn and Teri. She was always fun and positive and would do anything to see a smile on everyone’s face. She walked in the light of God and her light will shine in the hearts of those who loved her.
Katie Gulliver Clark
Katie Gulliver Clark, 49, passed away peacefully, Thursday, October 13, 2022, after a lengthy neurological degenerative illness. Katie’s family received friends Friday, October 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brooklyn Presbyterian Church (160 N. Main St., Brooklyn, Mich.). Service followed on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Tammy Rekob officiating.
Katie was born on May 18, 1973, in Jackson, Michigan to Ted and Betty (Steward) Gulliver. She will be remembered for her sweet personality and beautiful welcoming smile. Katie was born and raised in Clarklake, Michigan, graduating from Columbia Central High School and Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in education and where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority. During her high school years, she was a member of the tennis team, performed in musicals, chosen by the faculty as DAR Good Citizen and voted by her peers, Homecoming Queen. As a person whose spouse worked for the United States State Department, she lived in many countries – Belgium, Ecuador, and Namibia as well as state-side. Katie was a snowbird for the past twelve years, traveling from Clarklake to Palmetto, Florida. At the Winterset Senior Park, Katie had many extended grandparents. She was one of the fortunate people that made friends easily with her warmth and wit and maintained friendships, both past and present, throughout her life. Although her disease continued to limit her, she enjoyed keeping socially active, and found joy in writing cards and letters. She loved the Clarklake life, wonderful friends and neighbors throughout the years. She took what she was dealt and did her best as a strong soul must do. She worked hard to make things as easy as possible for others, making her parents very proud. Katie will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her.
Katie is survived by her parents, Ted and Betty; grandmother, Nina Gulliver of Eaton Rapids; aunts and uncles, Marie (RC) Wallace of Palmetto, Florida, Gary (Debbie) Gulliver of Eaton Rapids; Christina (Keith) Pople of Tennessee, and Charna (Bob) Welch of Eaton Rapids; and her close-knit family. She is preceded in death by her sister, Annie Reed; grandfather, Hank Steward; grandmother, Marion Steward and grandfather, Chuck Gulliver.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to National Ataxia Foundation, P.O. Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 55427, the Columbia Central School Foundation or the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church. Please leave a message of comfort for Katie’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
Timothy Peterson
Timothy B. Peterson “Tim” was born on January 1, 1960, he passed away on October 12, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held on October 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte..
Sandra Jesse
Sandra Lee (Bunting) Jesse, 77, of Potterville/Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at her residence with family by her side after a short battle with metastasized breast cancer.
She was born December 3, 1944, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family and memorializing moments in pictures. She was an avid jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, liked playing cards, crossword, and Sudoku puzzles, collecting angels, bells, dolls, and giving to numerous charitable organizations.
She is survived by her longtime partner, Grant Lott; children: Ronald (Lee) Jesse, Peggy (Carl “Chip”) Wobser, III, Maria (John) King, and Shawnda Lott; grandchildren: Keith Jesse, Kari Jesse, Carl IV “Willie” (Kylee) Wobser, Joshua Costa, Madison King, and Grace King; siblings: Pat Leber, Rena Sebrell, Linda Anderson, Larry (Jane) Allen, Cheryl Crane, Nancy (Al) Smith, Patti Martin, and Marilyn (Ken) Missler; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Sandra is preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Lorraine (Barnhart) Allen; stepfather, Lawrence Edwin Allen; father, Hazen Alvin Bunting; siblings: Rich Leber, Gary Sebrell, Ken and Norma Crane, Ervin and Connie Crane, Nanny and Bill O’Dell, Susie and Rusty Allswede, Bobby Martin, and Alan Lott; great granddaughter, Piper Wobser; niece, Melissa Kaman; nephew, Aaron Smith; other stepfathers, aunts, uncles, and extended family.
Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, 109 Monroe Street, Monroeville, Ohio. Rev. Diane Carter will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Monroeville.
Sandra has donated to countless organizations in her life. To honor her memory, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity. Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.
Bruce Herrick
Bruce W. Herrick, age 77, our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather (Pop) and great-grandfather (GG Bruce), died unexpectedly while vacationing in Barcelona, Spain on September 28, 2022.
Born October 28, 1944, in Hudson, New York to Frank and Marie Herrick (deceased), he graduated from Schuylerville Central High School in upstate New York in 1962 and went on to the University of Maryland on an academic scholarship to graduate in 1966 with a Fire Protection Engineering degree.
For over 30 years, most of Bruce’s professional career was in New York City before moving to Michigan from Pennsylvania. He was CEO and President of Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company in Lansing from 1997-2007, further serving on the Board of Directors until 2010. Prior to moving to Michigan, he was CEO and President of American Reliance Company in New York City as well as working for ISO.
Bruce embraced his move to Michigan and became active with many community organizations and charitable events, including, but not all, MSU Spartan Marching Band for Kids Concert, MSU’s Women Working Wonders and eight years of service on the Sparrow Hospital Foundation Board.
On July 19, 2008, he married Saundra (Sandy) Verlinde, sharing 14 years of marriage and together traveled the world following Bruce’s passion of photography, especially animals large and small. His travels took us to almost 75 countries and six continents to capture the perfect photo. From his favorite place on earth, Africa to photograph the “big five”, to jaguars in South America, orangutans in Borneo, polar bears in Canada, gorillas in Rwanda, kangaroos in Australia, to just the geese in our backyard, his love of nature and travel was insatiable. He also loved family, reading, hunting, fishing, golf, and although not his alma mater, anything MSU!
Bruce leaves behind his loving children: Kimberly from Queensbury, New York, Bruce Jr. (Claudia Mitchell) of Cumming, Georgia, Taylor of Queensbury, New York, Brian and John of Durham, North Carolina, Matthew of Los Angeles, California, Jacquelyn Arenas (Efren) of Austin, Texas, and Michael of Millsboro, Delaware; grandchildren: Sofia, Austen and Dylan of Austin, Texas; sister, Kathy McLoughlin (Bob) of Jericho, Vermont and two nephews.
From Sandy’s Michigan family he leaves behind his stepdaughter and stepson, Suzanne Howell-Neuhaus (Paul) and John Verlinde (Mary) from Dimondale; grandchildren: Breezy Prickett (Michael Keyes) of Owosso, Jaren Howell (Chelsea) of Webberville, Chase Howell (Lindsay Goodrich) of Novi, Shelby Johnson (Matt) of Mason, Jaci Howell (Ivan Camacho) of Jaco, Costa Rica, Milo Verlinde of Lansing, Harley and Jack Neuhaus of Dimondale; great grandchildren, Bryce and Milynn of Owosso and Camila of Costa Rica.
Persons wishing to make donations in Bruce’s name please consider the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA, World Wildlife Fund or your local humane society.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the Country Club of Lansing, 2200 Moores River Drive, Lansing. The family is being served by the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Holt Chapel.
Richard St. John
Richard “Dick” Edwin St. John, age 78, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at his home on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born July 10, 1944, in Edmore, Michigan, the son of Edwin and Cecelia (Bruner) St. John. Richard graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1962. He spent his collegiate years at Michigan Tech University where he discovered his love for the outdoors. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree two weeks before marrying his high school sweetheart. On June 28, 1969, Richard married Joy Lynn Vrogindewey at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, spending 50 wonderful years together. Richard’s career as an engineer was extensive and he developed several life-long friendships – always looking forward to traveling to Canada with those friends to enjoy time fishing, camping and bonding. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time together with those he loved most, especially family get-togethers and dinners. Although his work hours were long, he made it a priority to support his children and grandchildren in their multitude of events and activities. In his free time, he spent many enjoyable hours on home improvement projects, as well as time soaking up the great outdoors – bike riding, skiing, snowshoeing and camping. Both Richard and Joy enjoyed vacationing together in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and spending time together as a family at their lake house in Hastings.
Richard is survived by his children: Lisa (James) Hoyt of Hastings, Steven (Wendy) St. John of Zionsville, Indiana, Sara (Brad) Thornell of Charlotte, Daniel St. John of Portage, Brian (Lauren) St. John of Charlotte, Stephanie (Matthew) Koenigsknecht of Charlotte; 15 grandchildren; siblings: Judy (Dick) Saurer of Salt Lake City, Utah, Tom (Marlene) St. John of Park Hills, Missouri, Deb (Ken) Mohre of Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joy; and brother-in-law, Stephen Alflen.
In keeping with Richard’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
To view Richard’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.
Leila Whitinger
Leila Lee Whitinger, of Charlotte, Michigan, died on October 7, 2022. Leila was born on March 3, 1941, to Elwood Edward and Eunice May (Fladeboe) Whitinger in Charlotte. She was the fourth child of a talented family of six, with piano and percussion, tumbling and dance as her specialties. Leila graduated from CHS, then attended and graduated from Valley State College in North Dakota in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. The college was near her mother’s family, so she was able to soak up her family heritage with aunts, uncles and cousins. As she was from a family of lifelong learners, she followed up by obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in 1976 from MSU. Leila had a fulfilling career as a teacher at Charlotte High School, Grayling High School, and DeWitt Middle School; was a field representative with the Minnesota Education Association; and a member of many different committees. Leila took her political views very seriously, being a member of the Michigan Democratic Committee in Detroit, Ingham County Democratic Committee, and Clinton County Democratic Committee, and her teaching expertise as well, with Professional Staff Association, National Curriculum Association, Minnesota History Society, and National Audubon Society. Leila enchanted students with her science classes and found a lesson to teach wherever she was. She formed many lifelong friendships with her teacher friends and had a large extended family.
Leila is survived by her sister, Wilma Campbell; brother, John (Sue) Whitinger; brother-in-law, Paul Congleton; nieces and nephews, Brian, Sue, Sara, Julie, Steve, Robert, Ed, Lori, Andy, Mary Jo, Jodie, Rob, Amy, Angel, Lisa and Nick, all of whom felt as though they were the favorite; and another long list of great-nephews and nieces; many cousins, and many very special friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Lucille Tuckey, Marion Whitinger, and Linda Silvas; brothers-in-law, Norman Campbell and Matt Silvas; nephew, Daniel Tuckey.
Friends are encouraged to support Leila’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. with a celebration of Leila’s life following at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home 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 Leila’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 Minnesota Historical Society, the National Audubon Society or a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.