Obituaries
Brian Hicks
Brian Richard Hicks of Charlotte passed away August 28, 2022, at the age of 62. He was born in Lansing on October 30, 1959, the son of Oral and Thelma (Parks) Hicks. Brian graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978. He worked as a landscaper for several years. Brian was an easy-going man who enjoyed being outdoors, biking, and road trips to Mackinaw. His 1979 Camaro was his pride and joy.
Brian is survived by his mother, Thelma of Dimondale; the mother of his son, Debbie Hicks of Eaton Rapids; son, Eric (Katie) Hicks of Lansing; brothers, Brent (Deb) Hicks of Charlotte, Leon (Judy) Hicks of Eaton Rapids, Daniel (Raquel) Hicks of Portage, David (Kathryn) Hicks of East Lansing; sisters, Brenda Parish of Lansing, Mary (Robert) Aguirre of Ft. Wayne, Debbie Hicks of Lansing, Karen (Kenton) Rawlinson of Holt, and Sharon Hicks of Lansing; grandchildren, John Hicks, Jaydin Hicks, Jaxson Hicks, and Brooke Mangold; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Oral, and stepfather, Richard.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation was held at 10 a.m. Interment was at 2 p.m. at the Dewitt Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Donations may be made to the Mills Funeral Home in care of Brian’s family. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com
Valerie Peck
Valerie Jean (Miller) Peck, 63, of Charlotte, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Valerie was born September 29, 1958, in Charlotte, the daughter of Dennis and Phyllis (Garnsey) Miller. She attended Olivet High School where she met the love of her life Harold Peck Jr. In 1978 Valerie and Harold got married, and together they raised two daughters. Valerie worked as a baker and cook most of her life. She was known for her cake decorating abilities. Valerie also enjoyed playing bingo, doing jigsaw puzzles, trips to the casino, bird watching, camping, playing board games, and spending time with her family.
Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Harold; daughters, Jessica (Jason) Garvie, and Jennifer (Chris) Broskey; grandchildren, Emily, and Andrew Broskey, Allison, and Aaron Garvie; mother, Phyllis Miller; siblings, Victoria (Ernest) Miller, Ronald Miller, Steven Miller, Linda (Wayne) Miller, and Jane Beck; and numerous extended family members and close friends. She was predeceased by her father, Dennis Miller; niece, Charity Garvie; nephews, Dennis Miller, and Nathan Miller.
Friends are encouraged to support Valerie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Valerie for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Clarence Evans Jr.
John Clarence Evans, Jr., age 65, passed away due to leukemia on September 4, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in Eaton Rapids. He was born on November 21, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska to parents John Clarence Evans, Sr. and Sarah Marjorie (Cain) Evans.
He married Lavonna in 1985 and they shared 36 years together. He adored Lavonna and was the world’s best dad to his girls, Lynnsilee and Elise. His granddaughter, Nadia was the twinkle in his eye. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1973 and completed a degree in computer sciences at LCC. John started his career at Mobile TV in Lansing, MI, and then transitioned to Spartan Electronics in Jackson for over 20 years. He studied to become a Master CNE (one of only eight in the nation receiving this designation). He dedicated the rest of his career with Michigan State University as a Systems Administrator.
John was a very punny guy and his laugh was contagious to all around him. He was a wonderful friend to many. He shared a love for dad jokes, Astronomy, MSU, the Timeless series, good food, and his church, Thrive Church (formerly Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church).
John is survived by his wife, Lavonna Lee (Craig) Evans; his daughters, Lavonna Lynnsilee (Adrian) Alvera and Elise Evans; granddaughter Nadia Alvera; sisters, Sharon (Darren) Frye and Ruth (John) Slate; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and great aunts, Ruth Manion and Pearl Runyan, who were very dear to him.
The family would like to thank the caregivers on 5 West (Sparrow’s oncology floor), his MSU colleagues, Thrive Church, and extended family for all of their love and support for John.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, 1140 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the Evans family. The family was served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
A visitation was held last year on September 10, 2021, at Gorsline Runciman, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, 1709 East Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI. A celebration of John’s life was held last year on Grandparents Day, September 12, 2021, at the MSU Horticultural Gardens (attendees were invited to wear their MSU attire and share a private dad joke or pun with the family).
Note from the family: It has been brought to our attention that there are some community members who are still not aware of John’s passing. Please accept our sincere apologies for neglecting to share the obituary in our local paper at that time. Though it has been nearly a year, our loss still feels recent, and an empty place resides in our hearts.
Nihl Charles Storey
Nihl Charles Storey of Jackson, MI passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022, at the age of 87. Nihl was born on October 4, 1934, in Jackson, MI the son of Nihl and Virginia (Wilcox) Storey. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he excelled in sports and was named to his senior year (1953) Honorable Mention All-State Football Team. Nihl proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957 where he was honorably discharged as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He moved to California where he continued his education at Santa Rosa Junior College and San Jose City College. Nihl worked for IBM while in California and upon moving back to Michigan he owned and operated numerous businesses including, Storey’s Sports Land, Storey’s Tree and Chimney Services, Storey’s Cart and Fix, Storey’s Pre-Cast and Storey Stone Company. Nihl was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the American Legion, The Moose Lodge and the Free Masons. He enjoyed flying and built three of his own planes, building model aircrafts, reading, golfing, bowling and leather crafting.
Nihl is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Dempsey; and brother, James Storey.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Diane Storey; children, Debra (Brad) Ommodt, Pamela (Mike) Rooney, Nihl (Lana) Storey II, Teri May; grandchildren, Corrie (Brandon) Whitsell, Travis Ommodt, Dillon (Meghan) Ommodt, Christopher Rooney, Meghan (Thomas) Weller, Nihl Storey III, Jared (Kristen) Storey, Wyatt Storey, Roy Storey, Justin May, Jeremy May; great grandchildren, Jailyn Storey, Ryan, Erica, Adam Whitsell, Bernard, Maeve Weller, Ava Ommodt and numerous extended family and friends.
Per his wishes, he has been cremated and the family will hold a private going home celebration of his life at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Jackson County Animal Shelter in memory of Nihl. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marie Ilene DeFord
Marie Ilene DeFord of Eaton Rapids, MI and formerly of Lansing, MI passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 21, 2022, at the age of 88. Marie was born on September 21, 1933, in Lansing Michigan the daughter of William and Jessie (Evans) Gross. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Lansing Sexton High School class of 1951. Marie was the owner of Building Care Services out of Lansing where she did commercial cleaning for many large companies. She also worked briefly in real estate. Marie was a long-time member of Unity Church where she was involved in the Teddy Bear Project and a founding member of the Lighthouse Coalition with her late friend Theresa Hobbins. She loved gardening, painting ceramics, animals of all kinds and was an avid garage sale aficionado. Marie was known as “everyone’s mom” and was extremely generous, always looking for the perfect gift for a family member or friend.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
She is survived by her sons, Dane (Grace) DeFord, Jon (Shelly) DeFord; grandchildren, Derek (Melissa) DeFord, Monica (Adam) Shirey, Branden (Nicole) Cooper, Sonia Ybarra, Courtney (Blake) Weirauch, Christina Lopez, Steve Lopez, Jessica Lopez, Cortney Slusser, Kayla Slusser; 21 great grandchildren, three great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon immediately followed the service at Tompkins Township Hall in Rives Junction, MI. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Humane Society in memory of Marie. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.