Obituaries
Phyllis Sue Johnson
Phyllis Sue Johnson of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2022, at the age of 67. Sue, Sister, Grandma, and Grams (a woman of many names) was born on June 30, 1955, in Martin, KY, the daughter of Phill Newsome and Betty Ruth Dye. She married Paul Johnson in 1972, then moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her family. Sue loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, cooking, baking, vacationing, and hosting family gatherings, where she adored spending time with her family; making sure to photograph each occasion to capture the event, adding them to her wall of cherished photos. Sue was a dedicated mother and grandmother, who especially adored her grandchildren (who helped her start a new hobby of playing Pokémon Go), cherishing the time she spent with all of them. Sue was the light of Paul’s life and the rock of the family and will be deeply missed.
Sue is survived by her husband; two daughters, Teresa (Melvin) Stevenson of Holt and Jennifer (Rich) May of Eaton Rapids; two grandsons, Michael Wilbur of Eaton Rapids and Tyler May of Eaton Rapids; brother, Ronny (Judy) Thacker of Tenn.; sister, Sheila Allen of Eaton Rapids; special nephews, Wyatt and Blake (who were like her own grandchildren); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Virgil Thacker; siblings, Ernie Newson and Brenda Hall.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Visitation were held 1 hour prior. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions have been set up with the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD. 21741. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Michael Gregory Grabek
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 were held at noon on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. 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
Denise Baum
Denise Lee Baum, 67, of Grand Ledge, died Friday, July 29, 2022. Denise was born September 14, 1954. Memorial services were Thursday, Aug 4.
Wiley Redfield
Wiley Leroy Redfield born August 11, 1950 in Charlotte, died unexpectedly on June 28, 2022. Wiley attended Potterville Community Schools and was a long-time resident of Charlotte. He was 71 years when he passed.
Wiley enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.
He was preceded in death by his parents Claude “Junior” & Gertrude (McGilvra) Redfield. His siblings Dennis Little, Claude “Butch” Redfield , Claudia Bryner, Delbert Redfield and his grandson Matthew Combs.
He was survived by his siblings Lucy Shaw, Cora Haun, Georgia Schlee, amd Annabelle Persons, his children Wes Redfield, Mark Redfield, Delbert (Kimberly) Redfield, Derek (Nichole) Redfield, Jennifer Cunningham and grandchildren Britnee Redfield, Kayla (Vernon) Costello, Kaila Redfield, Delbert Redfield Jr, Hunter Hayes, Dallas Redfield, Dylan Redfield, Zachariah Redfield, Hayden Redfield, Abigail Redfield, Brandon Redfield, Bella Redfield, Wyatt Wrubel, and Waylon Cunningham. He also had five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to pay kindness forward in memory of Wiley as he was a caring and charitable person.
Kay Bursley
Kay Ann Bursley, 77, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away in her home on July 20, 2022 after battling Multiple Sclerosis, COPD, Emphysema, and Congestive Heart Failure. Kay was born September 1, 1944 in Lansing, Michigan to Leon Frank and Hazel “Bernice” Schneeberger and graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1962. Kay went to work for the State of Michigan at the age of 18, where she met her loving husband of nearly 59 years, Eldon Lee Bursley. They were married on August 17, 1963 in Lansing, Michigan. They made their home in Charlotte, with children Steven Lee and Kathy Jo.
Kay had many interests, including spending time with her family, golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, watching old game shows, camping, and visiting the Upper Peninsula. Kay had a membership with the Hiawatha Sportsman Club for many years. Kay served as secretary/treasurer for the American Bowling League at Char-Lanes for many years. She was also quite active with the Women’s Bowling Association.
Kay is survived by husband of nearly 59 years, Eldon Bursley; son Steven (Jenelle) Bursley of Charlotte, MI; daughter Kathy (Andrew) Brown of Potterville, MI; granddaughters Katlyn, Jamie, and Alyssa Bursley, and Emmalee Brown; brother William (Diana) Schneeberger of Northbrook, IL and sister-in-law Lori (Loyal) Boulter of Wayland, MI. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Bernice Schneeberger; and brother Gary Schneeberger.
The family accepted visitors at the Sunfield United Brethren Church on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. There will be no memorial service or graveside service, per her request.
Contributions in Kay’s name can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Michigan Chapter, 29777 Telegraph Road (Onyx Office Building), Suite 1651, Southfield, MI 48034. You can also donate online at: www.nationalmssociety.org.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Elara Caring out of Jackson, Michigan for their wonderful care during the last three weeks of her life.
Patricia Dian (Fay) Hiner
Patricia Dian (Fay) Hiner, age 80, of Potterville, Michigan, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care, in Charlotte, Michigan.
Patti was born in Lansing, Mich. on May 1, 1942. She graduated from Lansing Sexton high school in 1960. She held several jobs, retiring from the State of Michigan.
She is survived by her children, Kari (Paul) Bennett, Dana (Patrick) Hanner, Chip (Sally) Fay; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; her siblings: two sisters, Caroline (Russ) Jacobs, Tonya (David) Evans, and brothers, Ralph (Nancy) Lounsberry, and Berlyn (Cathy) Shattuck.
She was predeceased by her husband Dale, her parents and in-laws.
There will be no service per her request. Her ashes will be spread at a later date to be announced.
Judith (Judy) Ann Campbell
Judith (Judy) Ann Campbell, age 68, of Nashville, Michigan went to live with our Heavenly Father Wednesday July 27, 2022. Judy was born March 2, 1954, to Milo D. and Kathryn Elizabeth Campbell in Lansing, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Step- mother, Frances Campbell, her brothers, Gerald, Gaylord and LeRoy, Sister Janet Merren, Sister-in law, Barbara Cole, Brother -in-laws Donald Merren, Grover Bibler and Andrew Pray. Survived by Daughter Heather (Gerry)George. Grandson Andrew, granddaughter Sidney and great-granddaughter Evanna. Sister’s Kathryn Pray, Marlene Stavros, Pauline Bibler and Veronica Crawford. Sister-in-law Catherine Campbell. Brother Paul (Linda) Campbell. Many nieces and nephews and cousins. Celebration of Life Gathering to be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. At Paul and Linda Campbell’s residence, 3695 Bursley Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan. In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite charity, directly to an animal shelter, or to the family to help cover final expenses
Deena Jo (Harmon) Mahoney
Deena Jo (Harmon) Mahoney, 52, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022. Deena was born March 14, 1970, in Charlotte. She is the daughter of Joyce (Bill) Gavaldon and Frank (Jolinda) Harmon; sister to Derric Harmon, Darrin (Monica) Harmon, and Billy (Tonya) Wallace; mother to Tiffany (Cameron) Bartlett and Zackary Mahoney. Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren: Christine, Charlie, Dominic, Leonidas, Trenton, Dawson, and Jayce; her best friend, Shannon Allen; her fur babies; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cylde and Gracelynna (Sally) Cooper, George and Annabell Harmon; father, Frank Harmon; uncle, Bob Cooper; and sisters- in-law, Suzie Harmon and Pam Gibson.
Please join us for a celebration of life on August 13, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Janet Gail Garner
Janet Gail Garner, 86, of Charlotte, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing. Janet was born May 25, 1936, in Detroit, the daughter of Robert and Vergie (Cox) Fueri. She retired from Owens Illinois after 30 years. Janet was a member of the Eagles in Charlotte. She is survived by children, Randy (Debbie) Eaton, Sandy (Jerry) Archer, and Doug Garner; and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers; one sister; and her parents. A graveside service for Janet was held at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI, on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Charles Jenson officiating. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Billie Jo Day
Billie Jo Day, “Mama Bear” to all who knew her, died Saturday, July 23, 2022. Billie Jo, 41, was born May 27, 1981 in Charlotte to Rodney Jay and Trudy Kay (Schultz) Lea. Billie Jo or “BJ” was a loving daughter, wife and mom who made all feel cherished and valued and lived a very happy life. Her ability with the camera and love for people was a gift that translated into her photos that she captured. She was the photographer for family events, traveling and could tell stories with the moments she captured. Waterfalls, lighthouses, covered bridges, and family were her favorite subjects. BJ’s super organized nature with keeping track of photos and even her sim cards is a treasure all of its own. She loved to garden, and spend time in her yard, collected Precious Moments and frog figurines. The Johnson Lumber family appreciated her ability to connect with customers and knowledge of products sold. They were able to answer a question with, “let’s ask BJ.” She was instrumental in the successful Wood Expos that the lumberyard has been holding for many years, as well as her office expertise. Her family and children were top priority for her and she was well known as being the football mom, the wrestling mom, the drama mom, and chaperone on trips that were taken with the groups.
Billie Jo is survived by her husband, Patrick; daughter, Shelby; son, Parker; parents, Rod and Trudy Lea; parents-in-law, Patrick and Beverly Day; brother-in-law, Liam (Devin) Day; grandmothers, Jean Priesman and Donna Lea; nieces, Lily and Maddie Day; nephew, Kienan Day; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; close friends, Cassie Price, Hayley Uhl, and her Johnson Lumber family.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Doug Schultz, Jay Lea and Patrisha Lea.
Friends are encouraged to support Billie Jo’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Wednesday, July 27 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Billie Jo’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 Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.