Obituaries
Larry Mahan
Larry Roy Mahan, a tractor lover to the core, died Sunday, September 11, 2022, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Larry, 76, of Vermontville was born August 12, 1946, in Battle Creek to George and Verna Mae (Carey) Mahan. Those who knew Larry appreciated what a hard-worker and driven person he was. Working for 33 years at General Motors, he also farmed and raised cattle and pigs for his family. Larry loved his family, raising them with a good sense of humor the lesson to always “get it done.” An avid tractor collector, at one time he had an extensive collection of 33 tractors, with his favorite being his International. With such an extensive collection and love for tractors, it’s no surprise that he belonged to the Charlton Park Tractor Club, and the All Colors Antique Tractor Club. Larry also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and bowling, but one of his favorite things was a hot fudge sundae, with “extra hot fudge not on the bottom but all on the sides and on top, with no cherry.”
Larry is survived by his wife, Janice; daughters, Kathleen (Michael Slusser) Hawkins, Kimberly (Stephen) Karlzen, and Kelly (Edmond) Racheter; eight grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Verna Mahan; and his grandparents, Max and Doris Carey.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Wednesday, September 14, 12:00 noon at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Celebrant Laura Cooper 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 Larry’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 The Parkinson’s Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kim Lucille Gillett Oberlin
Kim Lucille Gillett Oberlin (66), of Rives Junction, was welcomed into heaven on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 in Jackson, MI after a variety of health issues. She was surrounded by her family and dear friends as she transitioned into heaven. Kim was born to George “Sam” and Phyliss Gillett on September 17, 1955, in Albion, Michigan. Kim and her husband, Gerald, resided in Springport for many years until they moved to Rives Junction. Kim was preceeded in death by her parents, Sam and Phyliss Gillett; her brother, Denny Gillett; sister-in-law, Sandy Gillett; father-in-law and mother in-law, Warren and Marilyn Oberlin. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Oberlin; son, Patrick (Brand Fisher); stepson, Jerry (Jessica) Oberlin; stepson, Jamie (Sarah) Oberlin; adopted son, Scottie (Megan) Catt; grandchildren: Breanna (Christopher) Case, Brian Oberlin, Wyatt Kenton, Millie Fisher, Dakota Catt, Jayden Trudell; great-grandchildren, Baylee and Rylee Case. Kim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends: Stan and Barrie Latoski, Natasha (Jason) Haring, Sarah (David) Lightner, Stan “Bud” Latoski, Kim and Craig Carmer, Jackie Hector, Lacy Osborne and numerous special friends.
Kim’s first job was at the McGraw-Edison Company in Albion. She then worked at the Springport Fire Department as a dispatcher, which led to her working at Jackson County Sheriff’s Office as a 911 Dispatcher. Kim received numerous Sheriff’s Department Commendation awards while serving as a 911 Dispatcher. She eventually retired from the county after numerous years of service. Kim also processed deer with her niece, Sarah, starting in 2002. She spent many evenings and weekends all fall listening to deer stories and telling stories of friends and family past. She recently said how much she missed that time, but her health just didn’t allow her to do it anymore.
Kim enjoyed reading, especially a good romance novel. She loved spending time with family and friends and never missed the opportunity to tell them that she loved them. Kim enjoyed time camping, playing cards, dice, mud bogs, lawn mower races and time on the dunes. Kim and Gerald used to spend a lot of summers at Silver Lake, riding the sand dunes in their Black Magic buggy. She could make spam and eggs taste good while camping. She loved all her family and friends. She enjoyed hearing about all the kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews their stories of sports, hunting or any other activity that they enjoyed. She loved getting pictures of all the kids. Kim had the biggest heart, always willing to be with friends and family in times of need and celebration. She was one of the sweetest souls you would ever meet.
Kim’s memorial service was held September 22, 2022, at Springport Bible Church in Springport, Michigan with Pastor Matt Rohde. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl St./PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
Paul Daniel Mazur
Paul Daniel Mazur, age 87, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Thursday morning, September 15, 2022. Paul was born June 24, 1935, in New Kensington, PA to Andrew and Violet Mazur. He was a Methodist Minister for 27 years serving several churches and was also a van driver for Sheraton Hotels for 7 years. He married his soulmate, Margaret Lusk, on June 6, 1959, celebrating 63 happy years even in the later years when Paul was very ill with dementia.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Mazur of Eaton Rapids; two sons, Lorin (Michelle) Mazur of Shelby Twp., MI and Gale (Roberta) Mazur of Black Mountain, NC; two sisters, Janice Fisk of Utah and Kay (Joe) Norris of SC; grandchildren, Zachary Mazur, Dr. Maranda (Bradley) Mazur, Katja, Christoph, Nikolai and Annaleise Mazur.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 24th, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Eaton Rapids Camp Meeting, 1707 Grand River Dr., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Online condolences may be made at www.Millsfuneral.com.
Bruce Benjamin Miller
Bruce Benjamin Miller, age 76, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents Allen and Betty Miller, brother Allen (Terry) Miller, and son Christopher Miller. He is survived by his wife, Linda Rachut; sons, Sean Miller (Kym Trew), Australia, and Jeffrey Miller (Elizabeth), Eaton Rapids, MI; sister, Jan Miller McGilliard (Michael), Blacksburg, VA; grandchildren: Alexandar Miller and Abi Trew, Australia, Anya and Jude Miller, Lansing, MI, Clarabelle, Adelle, and Ava Miller, Eaton Rapids, MI, Logan Miller, Eaton Rapids, MI. The family wishes to thank Sparrow Hospice House for their care and assistance during his final illness.
Homer Eugene DeWaters
Homer Eugene DeWaters, 92, of Charlotte, a man known for giving the best hugs, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Homer was born October 5, 1929, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Melvin and Margret (Brininstool) DeWaters Sr. In 1947 Homer enlisted into the Army where he proudly served his country. He was very proud of his military service. Upon returning home from the military Homer started working for Fischer Body where he worked on the line until his retirement. On June 24, 1972, Homer married the love of his life, Phyllis Smith and together the couple created lasting memories until her passing in 2017. He enjoyed traveling all around the world on cruises. Homer attended for 20 plus years a weekly breakfast group that met at different restaurants around the area. He has a passion for sports and loved UofM, the Tigers and Lions. Homer was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion. Above all his biggest passion in life was his family and his military service to his country.
Homer is survived by his children: Brian (Ann) DeWaters, Alan (Veronica) Smith, and Janet (Doug) Eicchorn; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Cousino; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis; siblings: Melvin DeWaters, Marion DeWaters, Vera McMann, Floyd DeWaters and Leslie DeWaters; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Homer’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, September 18, 2022, from 1-4:00 p.m. Funeral services are Monday, September 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Homer’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 American Heart Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.