Obituaries
Mark Valentine Esterhai
Mark Valentine Esterhai, age 64, of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS. Mark was born on February 14, 1958, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island the son of Louis and Elizabeth (Paterson) Esterhai. He moved to Eaton Rapids in the early 1960’s where he was raised at the VFW National Home and went to school with the class of 1975 and received his diploma in 1981. Mark worked at Nava Stone Company in Cement City as a brick manufacturer and was the first licensed riverboat captain in the state of Michigan. His passion was captaining riverboats and he drove for many years as the captain of the Michigan Princess out of Lansing. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, college football, music, golfing and taking long drives with no particular destination in mind. Mark loved hosting reunions and parties at his home especially for his family and extended VFW family.
Mark is survived by his wife, Susan (Brandt) Esterhai; daughter, Amber (Jason Church) Esterhai; “adopted” daughter, Gabby Rugg; brothers, Rob (Rae) Esterhai, Stephen Esterhai; sisters, Betty (Bill) Steele, Andrea Larson and several nieces, nephews, beloved friends and extended VFW family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Susan Esterhai to help cover final expenses. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Mary Jean Daniels
Mary Jean Daniels of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Island City Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. She resided in the Eaton Rapids area for the past 10 years. She was 96 years old. Mary Jean Townsend was born on June 22, 1926, in Saginaw, the only child to the late George L. and Josephine (Pump) Townsend. She was raised in Saginaw for her early life, and her later school years she lived in Detroit. Mary Jean graduated from Cooley High School, Class of 1944. With formal education completed, she worked for a Department of War Office. Her family then moved to Midland and Mary Jean worked for Dow Chemical and met her husband, Vitold “Vic” Daniels from New York. Two years later, they were married at St. Brigid Catholic Church, Midland on February 7, 1948. They moved to Munster, Indiana and Vic worked in Chicago. While living there Vic took ill and died on July 9, 1953. After Vic’s death, Mary Jean moved back to Saginaw to be close to her parents. She worked as a travel agent and had several secretarial jobs including working for Equitable Life for 25 years. Mary Jean was a faithful member of St. Dominic Parish – St. Steven Catholic Church. Mary Jean volunteered with the READ Association at a local elementary school. She loved to spend time in her flower gardens, sewing, golfing, bowling, caring for her kitties, and spending time with her family, friends and especially with the “Girls Night Out” group. Her biggest travel adventures were to Alaska and Austria.
Mary Jean will be dearly missed by her children: Gary (Patricia) Daniels of East Lansing; Barbara (Russell) Hicks of Eaton Rapids and Karen (Brian) Habeck of Midland; 10 grandchildren: Maggie, Matthew, David, Katrina, Erin, Kristin, Tara, Amy, Jeffrey and Monica Jean; and eight great grandchildren.
A funeral service for Mary Jean was held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl officiated with entombment following at Oakwood Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Humane Society of Saginaw County. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.
Wilma Ann Campbell
Wilma Ann (Whitinger) Campbell, an inspiration and teacher to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on January 13, 2023. Wilma Ann was born to Elwood Edward and Eunice May (Fladeboe) Whitinger, on September 19, 1936, in Charlotte, Michigan. She was the second child of a talented family of six. Her parents recognized early the musical ability Wilma had and she began dance lessons at the age of three. She was a good student, and participated in many extracurricular activities: band, cheerleading, plays, and had many lifelong friends in the CHS class of 1954.
Wilma had an opportunity through her Lansing dance teacher to open her own studio in Charlotte. During her senior year, she became the owner and teacher of her very own dance studio. Soon after she had a blind date with a handsome young man from Olivet, and the couple fell in love. Both Norm and Wilma were ambitious yet family oriented, so while Wilma taught dance classes, Norm attended General Motors Institute in Flint. Once married, it wasn’t long before Norm was an engineer at GM and they had three children to add to their happiness.
Wilma owned the Campbell Dance Studio for 41 years where she and daughters Lori and Mary Jo taught classes. Many dancers started as toddlers and continued through high school and beyond. Hundreds of students and their families became part of the family of Campbell dancers over several decades.
During her career Wilma was able to study with tap-greats at various workshops and conventions in Chicago, New York, LA, and Las Vegas. Her continued education with the art of dance never stopped, whether learning or teaching it. Her annual dance recitals were wonderful productions. The dancers especially looked forward to performing and many fond memories were made. She was a pro at enlisting people to help with behind-the-scenes projects, as well as getting a reluctant person to perform. One did not say “no” to Wilma.
Wilma formed the “Dancing Deputies” group to perform as the local entertainment for Charlotte’s annual Frontier Days festival. She was passionate about bringing entertainment to her community. Her dancers performed in talent shows, chorus line and band bounces for the CHS band, along with the Lowell and Chesaning Showboats as well as many other venues.
As the years went by, she was delighted to add more family, with in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was adept to social media so was able to stay in touch with her grand and greats and extended family and friends. She made all who knew her feel special and loved. Her very large extended family on both sides of the family tree benefited from her positive nature, kindness, and life lessons along the way.
During retirement Wilma and Norm enjoyed life on the road in an RV, life in Florida during the winter, and at their haven at Sugar Springs near Gladwin, MI. The grandchildren have many fond memories of golf camp, fishing trips, and swimming either in the lake or the clubhouse pool. Much special time was spent with the grandparents. Wilma’s favorite pastime at the lake was the sunset rides on the pontoon when the weather suited her just right.
Wilma returned to live in Charlotte once Norm passed away in 2003. It was great to have her home and close to family again. It didn’t take her long to become involved again with the Eaton Area Senior Center. She was once again able to be either direct or be part of their variety shows and entertainment. She taught computer lessons to seniors to keep up with modern technology.
Wilma is survived by her children, Lori (Steve) Coplin, Andy (Karen) Campbell, Mary Jo (David Hosey) Campbell; grandchildren, Jason Mills, Ryan (Nicci) Baum, Kindra (Larry) Smith, Patrick Baum, Holly (Chip) Nevins; great-grandchildren, Dayton Cubis, Lincoln Baum; Camden, Caysen, Colbie Nevins; Rozlyn, Molly, Brady Smith; brother, John (Sue) Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Gerry Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, Gerry (Patti) Congleton; many nieces, nephews and their children; as well as cousins and their families; and several of her life-long friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Norm; parents-in-law, George and Bea Campbell; sisters, Lucille Tuckey, Marion Whitinger, Leila Whitinger, Linda (Matt) Silvas; in-laws, David (Judy) Campbell, Daniel Campbell, Shirley Campbell; son-in-law, Rex D. Baum; daughter-in-law, Cammi D. Campbell; and grandson, Corey A. Campbell.
Friends are encouraged to support Wilma’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family received visitors Friday, January 20th at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life service was held Saturday, January 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God. 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 Wilma’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 Eaton Area Senior Center or SIREN of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roxann Marie Moore
Roxann Marie Moore, a very giving individual that was dearly loved by many, died January 21, 2023, at her home in Charlotte surrounded by her family. Roxann, 59, was born April 26, 1963, in Lansing to Michael and Rose Marie (Mesler) Kempf. Roxann and her husband John ran a successful business they loved and cherished together for 39 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University after graduating from Charlotte High School. Always taking care of everyone around her, Roxann loved being a mother and grandmother and doting on her family, as well as caring for others in the business she and her husband John owned and ran together, Moore’s Country Living. Anything pink, sparkly, glamorous, or bedazzled appealed to Roxann, which explains why she loved trips to local casinos, trips to Vegas, and sunsets. Some of her other favorite things include shopping, time spent at the sand dunes and Silver Lake, bonfires, and Chardonnay during many of these activities.
Roxann is survived by her husband, John Moore; children, Shelby (Sydney) Moore, John Michael (Haily) Moore; Heather (Sean) Yancey; grandchildren, Blaire, Henzlee, Ella, Layla, Harper, and Brooks; father, Michael Kempf; brother, Michael (Michelle) Kempf; sister-in-law, Jill Kempf; mother-in-law, Carol Moore; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Rose Kempf; brother, Ron Kempf; father-in-law, Jack Moore; and step father-in-law, Bob Kidder.
Friends are encouraged to support Roxann’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, January 27, 2023, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey 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 Roxann’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a college fund for her grandchildren. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Carl “Roy” LeRoy French
Carl “Roy” LeRoy French, a good-hearted family man, died on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Roy 95, of Charlotte, was born September 5, 1927, in Vermontville, MI the son of Carl and Ethel (Chapman) French. In 1947 Roy began working for the Charlotte Chair Factory where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Margaret Lightner on February 16, 1957. His mission from that day forward was to irritate Margaret every day. Roy was a man who was always providing for his family, at one point he worked three different jobs to provide for his family. His hobbies included tinkering in his garage, going to auctions, watching NASCAR, game shows, and westerns. The family also went on several camping trips. Roy hated camping but was a good sport because Margaret loved it. Roy loved having family gatherings for the holidays. His biggest passion in life was his grandchildren.
Roy is survived by his children, Carla Frazier of Sunfield, Cindy French of St. Johns, Jacquelyn French of Charlotte, and Steven French of Charlotte; grandchildren, Joseph Collier, Brian Collier, Angel (Mike) Dager, Donald Collier, Robert Collier, Anthony Rugg, Mindy Rugg, and Christopher French; great-grandchildren, Abreana, Camden, Ashley, and Carly; sister, Geneva Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret; siblings, Pheobe Clouse, Lola Magoon, James French, and George French; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Roy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 24, 2023, and funeral services were Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston 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 Roy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.