Obituaries
Merrill “Cookie” Amy Williams
Merrill “Cookie” Amy Williams, a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother, died Saturday, August 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Cookie, 73, of Bellevue, was born April 13, 1949, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Raterink) Barton. She obtained an associate degree from The Lansing Business College. Cookie then began working for the U.S. Geological Survey. On May 6, 1972, Cookie married David Williams. Once they started a family she stayed at home with the children. She later started working for Signature Fundraising and later retired from Peckham Industries in 2012. Through all of her work Cookie was an exceptional shorthand writer. Cookie enjoyed bowling in her younger years, sewing, reading, shopping, watching the birds especially hummingbirds, and most importantly Christmas. She made sure that the holidays were always a special time of the year. Each year she would buy a new Hallmark ornament for family members to add to their collection. Cookie herself started collecting ornaments and encouraged David to do the same. She was also an immaculate gift wrapper. Above all her biggest passion was her family.
Cookie is survived by her husband, David; children, Scott (Ronda Gaedert) Williams, Deanna (Joe) Miller; grandchildren, Madisen Williams, Jersey Gaedert, Simon Miller, and Nathanael Miller; brothers, Mike (Vickie) Barton, and Marc (Tracy) Barton; and dear friend, Gwen DePeel. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cookie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, August 15, 2022, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. 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 Cookie’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 National Kidney Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Francis Chamberlain
Francis Chamberlain, a kind, gentle man, died in the company of his family on August 3, 2022. He was known as Frank, but also answered to Francie. Frank, 84, was born on April 4, 1938, in Portland, MI, the son of George and Odelia (Huhn) Chamberlain. Following high school graduation from St. Patrick in Portland, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. On March 11, 1967, Frank married Janice Jenkins, the couple would spend the next 55 years in a loving relationship and creating lasting memories. He worked as a meat cutter until his retirement in 1992. Frank was a very smart man, he loved books and reading and staying up to date with current events and politics. He also liked planes and trains, Frank enjoyed reading about their history and watching them. With his knowledge he was very good at trivia and everyone wanted him as a partner. Traveling was also important to Frank, he made numerous trips to the UP where he was member of the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. These trips were also used for rock collecting adventures.
Frank is survived by his wife, Janice; siblings, Patricia (James) Glossi, Thomas Chamberlain, Donald (Kathleen) Chamberlain, Michael (Rita) Chamberlain; brother-in-law, William Jenkins; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn Sias; sisters-in-law, Dianne Chamberlain, Nancy (John) Spurgeon, and Cheryl Jenkins.
Friends are encouraged to support Franks’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service is to be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory c/o Michigan Audubon, or the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George David Campbell
George David Campbell, “Dave,” as he was known, was born March 3, 1935, in Battle Creek, Michigan to George E. and Beatrice E. (Struble) Campbell. Dave went to be with our Lord on August 3, 2022. Raised in Olivet, Michigan, he attended Olivet High School and was an Eagle Scout when he was young and then enjoyed football in high school. Racing cars down Main Street in Olivet, Dave drove the local police crazy as a young man. After high school, Dave enlisted in the Navy for one tour of duty.
On June 12, 1954, Dave married the love of his life, Judith Ann Short. They were married 51 years and enjoyed time together and with their eight children and later many grandchildren before Judy passed on July 9, 2005. Dave worked for many years at A & C Carriers and retired from there. A member of the Bellevue Baptist Church in Bellevue, Michigan for many years, Dave enjoyed debating scripture versus beliefs and values with his pastor and anyone else who would listen. Some of his dearest friends were his church family. He was a former member of the Olivet Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons.
Activities Dave enjoyed included gardening with his kids, fishing on the Big Lakes, fishing on the creek by their home, mushroom hunting each spring, camping, as well as ice fishing in the winter and playing cards with family and friends. Back in his early fatherhood days he was affectionately called “Mellow” by his loving children.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, George E. and Beatrice E. Campbell; his infant grandson, David Campbell Tuckey; brothers, Norman and Daniel Campbell; sister-in-law, Shirley Campbell; niece, Cammi Campbell; nephew, Rex Baum; and great-nephew, Corey Campbell. He is survived by his children, David “Zig” (Irene) Campbell, Timothy (Maggie) Campbell, George “Joe” Campbell, Sally (Randy) Fritz, Sonia (Jed) Thorndyke, Stephen Campbell, Gregory (Sue) Campbell and Michael Campbell; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, and Wilma Campbell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 10 in Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Don Francis officiating.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services or the Bellevue First Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
JoAnne Marie Heinig
JoAnne was born on May 6, 1941, in Woodland, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Ruth (Brock) Blood, her husband of 63 years, Edward Heinig, her sisters Joyce (Southgate) Blood, Bonnie (Pennington) Blood and her brother Daryll Blood. JoAnne passed away August 3, 2022, at the age of 81 in her home surrounded by loved ones.
JoAnne attended Grand Ledge High School where she played basketball. She was a dedicated baptized Christian of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1957. She enjoyed painting, gardening, traveling and most of all cooking. She was an awesome cook and loved to host many family gatherings. Anyone that met her loved her, as she had many fine qualities, the most prominent of which was kindness. She was a dedicated mother of four children, Deborah/Krystal Heinig-Fraenig of South Lyon, Michigan, Steve (Kim) Heinig of Charlotte, Michigan, Laury Heinig of Lansing, Michigan and Brian (Nicole) Heinig of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. She had ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is survived by three siblings, Grant Michael (Patricia) Blood, Cathy (Halsey) Blood, and Paulette (Wolfington) Blood, and her four children.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2730 Delta River Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48906. For those not able to attend in person, a Zoom link will be provided to the local congregation or by personal invitation. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Carol L. Marsh
Carol L. Marsh was born September 15, 1942, and died on Friday, August 5, 2022. Carol had many jobs during her lifetime, but none more important than her 27 years as a welfare caseworker for the State of Michigan. She retired in 2000 and spent 20 years with husband Gary wintering in Florida before returning to live full time in Charlotte. Carol loved people and enjoyed getting to meet and know them. She loved movies, animals, her garden, flowers, puzzles and playing Bingo. She treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and tried to remember everyone’s birthday with a card.
Carol leaves behind her loving husband Gary Marsh, her brother, Douglas Beam, his companion Don Griffin, her Aunt Leah Berkimer and sister-in-law Martha Beam; four children, Alan (Jan) Groner, Sumter, SC, Joni K. Powell, Potterville, MI, Cara Lea James, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Annjetta (Jesse) Kemp, Fredericksburg, VA. three step children, Lisa (Mike) Kavanagh, Grand Rapids, MI, Tim (Julie) Marsh, Ionia, MI and Jeff (Nicole) Marsh, Portland, MI. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, one niece and four nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Darrold and Doris Beam, brother Lee Beam, and her eldest son, Van Groner.
Cremation has taken place. There was a service to celebrate Carol on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Vistitation was held just prior from 10-11:00 a.m. Please limit children to over seven years of age. Plants are welcome but in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her name. Memories may be shared on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Larry Lee Vierk
Larry Lee Vierk, 72, a man of true grit and brutal honesty, died unexpectedly on August 1, 2022, at his home. Larry was born March 9, 1950, the son of Lee Warren and Helen Louise (Rickle) Vierk. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1968 before earning his Associates from Ft. Wayne Electrical. Larry then went to work as an electrician with General Motors, serving 30 years until his retirement in 2002. Larry’s favorite times involved fishing trips with family and friends to Canada, watching Red Wings Hockey, and working on the family farm. Larry won countless hill climbing competitions on the back of his Honda 350. He was a member of the Charlotte Motorcycle Club and was known to participate in the tractor pull at the Eaton County fair – he was a big John Deere fan. Larry could be seen often at the bowling alley until they outlawed smoking. He fixed computers for friends and family, and loved his Bassett Hound, Jersey. Above all, Larry loved his family.
Larry is survived by his sons, Mark (Denise) Vierk and Chris (Nicole) Vierk; daughter, Tracie (Chris) Portillo; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Jordan) Sandin, Taylor (Cody) Rowland, Jordan Vierk, Emma Vierk, Layne Vierk, Savannah Portillo, Alivia Portillo, and Saige Portillo; five great-grandchildren, Carson Sandin, Jason Sandin, Noah Sandin, Rilee Sandin, and Leah Rowland; and his sisters, Janet Bowers of Olivet and Brenda Vierk of Lansing. He was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Helen Vierk. The family would also like to thank Larry’s neighbor, Craig Hargrove for all the help and support.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 11, 2022. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jerry Lee Lashley, Sr.
Jerry Lee Lashley, Sr. of Charlotte, a jokester and man of faith, died August 9, 2022, at the age of 81. Jerry was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 14, 1941, to Charles and Glenda (Lankford) Lashley. He enlisted in the Navy, and after his tour of duty was over went to work for General Motors, working in numerous positions until his retirement in 1991. Mornings were always the best part of the day for Jerry, enjoying his morning coffee on his front porch and reflecting on life and family. He married Margaret Stewart in 1962, and together they raised five children with lots of quality family time, including camping trips, coaching baseball for his kids, motorcycle racing and hill climbing, and much more. Jerry didn’t sit still for long, except when it was time for his morning coffee. He enjoyed being busy all the time, from tinkering on cars, to casino trips, and playing paintball (owning the paintball field in Bellevue, The Ruins).
Jerry is survived by his children, Lori (John) Weseman, Jerry (Virginia) Lashley Jr., James (Tammy) Lashley, and Troy Lashley; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carole Sly, Sandy Penney, Kenny (Sandi) Lashley, and Judy Lashley. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret in 2017; son, Derrick Lashley in 2005; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, August 14th, 4-6:00 p.m. and Monday, August 15, 1-2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, August 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Marty Saunders 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 Jerry’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jason Lawrence Graves
Jason Lawrence Graves of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the age of 48. Jason was born on December 26, 1973, in Lansing, MI the son of Dennis Graves and Betty Hunter. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1992. Jason went to work in manufacturing working for Eaton Stamping and Fasco in Eaton Rapids and Safety Clean in Mason. He spent 12 years in Texas before returning to Michigan. Jason loved animals and had several dogs and cats over the years, he also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and experiencing all of nature’s beauties.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dean and Thelma Graves and uncle, Wendell Graves.
Surviving are his parents, Dennis and Kathi Graves; son, Trey (Victoria) Graves; daughters, Sophia and Emilia Graves; stepdaughter, Alexis Cash; grandchildren, Eislyn and Adora Graves; sisters, Jodi Graves, Shawn (Perry) Davenport and several nieces, extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Charlotte Assembly of God Church. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing or Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Jason. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Michael Gregory Grahek
Michael Gregory Grahek of Eaton Rapids, Mich., went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 30, 2022, at the age of 81. Mike was born on June 29, 1941, in Cadillac, MI the third of four children born to Rudolph and Frances (Dusa) Grahek. Mike was raised in Cadillac where he graduated from high school class of 1959 and moved to Eaton Rapids with his wife Jean in the early 1980’s. Mike worked as a commercial construction salesman for Housman Steel retiring in 2006. He loved English style automobiles and owned a 1953 MG and a 1965 Austin Healey. Mike was extremely handy and loved tinkering in his woodshop, he could build almost anything and never shied away from a challenge to add a little more horsepower to anything with an engine. Mike enjoyed sports and was an avid MSU Spartan fan and a founding member of the Eaton Rapids “Bridge Bowling” League. He was very generous and often gave of his time and money to support local churches and charities.
Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Grahek and his parents.
Surviving is his daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Pfeifer; stepsons, Gary (Kimberly) VanDouser, Chris (Sandra) VanDouser; grandchildren, Cari (Dan) Sutton, Corey Pfeifer, Alex Pfeifer, Oceanna Pfeifer; great grandchildren, Noah Sutton, Tyler Schneider; brothers, Rudy Grahek, Richard (Judy) Grahek; sister, Mary (John) Zakrajsek and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in memory of Mike. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kathy Sue June
Kathy Sue June of Eaton Rapids, Mich., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 31, 2022, at the age 66. Kathy was born on May 23, 1956, in Vicksburg, MI the daughter of Robert and Gloria (Goldsmith) Boekhout. She was raised in Westland and graduated from John Glenn High School class of 1974 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University. Kathy worked as a registered nurse throughout her professional career, spending time in Traverse City, Providence Medical in Detroit, Simpson Park Camp in Romeo, MI and Sparrow Hospital where she retired in 2021. She was a devout Christian and a past member of Robbins United Methodist Church where she led several mission trips abroad and a current member of the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids where she led the Women’s Ministry. Kathy enjoyed gardening, scrapbooking, crafting, sunsets on Lake Michigan and family camping trips to Pentwater. She always cherished her time she spent with her good friends from the BAD Girls club. Above all Kathy was a loving wife, mother, friend and faithful servant of her Lord and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Douglas June; son, Kevin (Amy) June; daughter, Kristin June; siblings, Cheryl (Michael) Luce, Kim Boekhout, Sandra (John) Dowgiallo and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids with a luncheon immediately following. Please wear something colorful to help us celebrate Kathy’s life, as she would not want us to wear black. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or to Simpson Park Camp. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com