Obituaries
Bernard Dale Parisian
Bernard Dale Parisian of Eaton Rapids passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2022. He was born August 15, 1932, to Dorothy Parisian and Harry Rivers.
Ben received his Draft Notice right out of High School and chose to serve in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Midway and the USS Lahti. After his service in the Navy, Ben married his High School sweetheart, Phyllis Helene Rice. Ben was working in Lansing for the family-owned Trio Restaurant, he left the Trio and moved his family to Eaton Rapids in 1966. Ben established Ben’s Electric in 1970. Ben’s son, Gregg Parisian bought the business in 2007. At this point Ben retired, but never stopped working. He was a hard worker and enjoyed being outside gardening, mowing, working on projects. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play ball and listening to Car Talk Radio on Saturdays. Ben was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing and upland bird hunting with his English Setters. Ben was very involved with his family and riding horses with the Capi Delta Riding Club, 4-h with his children at Eaton County Fair and the Michigan Appaloosa Horse Association. For those who knew Ben, knew he loved to talk about his work, his family and would always have stories from the past to the present. Ben had a strong faith in God and was involved in Calvary Lutheran Church in many capacities over the years.
Surviving are his three children, Gregory (Brenda) Parisian, Gwenn (John) Waldron and Bethany (Steve) Smith. Five grandchildren Jesse (Tara) Parisian, Sarah (Jake) Strank, Chelsea (Steven) Wright, Whitney (Michael) Spalding and Katrina (Austin) Smith, Ten great-grandchildren Benjamin and Kennon Parisian, Cole and Evelyn Strank, Cassidy and Teagan Wright, McKenzie and Avery Spalding and Jensen and Quinn Smith. And his beloved Cocker Spaniel, TJ, his loyal buddy, companion and friend.
A memorial service was held June 9, 2022, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Ben’s name.
Memories and condolences please visit www.Skinnerfuneralhomes.com
Bonnie J. Simek
Bonnie Jeannette Gingrich LeDoux Simek went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Bonnie, 94, of Charlotte, was born October 17, 1927, at home in Chester Township. Bonnie was the daughter of Lee and Marie (Bottomley) Gingrich.
Growing up Bonnie enjoyed the farm life. She told stories of hand milking cows, helping her dad plow the fields with a team of horses, and riding in a sleigh her grandfather had bought, covered in a Buffalo rug.
Bonnie married Alfred LeDoux on November 1, 1947. Al and Bonnie met at the Charlotte County Fair. Al was enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was in town recruiting people to join the war effort. The recruiting trailers were set up at the County Fair in Charlotte. Al saw Bonnie…Bonnie saw Al, and two days later he asked her to marry him. She said “Yes!” and they were married 47 years and moved over 60 times, including three years in France. Bonnie faced each move with excitement over the new adventure. Al and Bonnie finally settled in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. After Al passed in 1995 Bonnie was widowed for three years.
And now, the rest of the story. Bonnie attended her 54th High School Reunion in Charlotte where she bumped in to her old boyfriend, Edward Simek. Ed had been widowed for several years and just like in a storybook, they fell in love and got married. Bonnie moved back to Charlotte where she was able to reunite with family members and friends. Bonnie, basically, went around the world and back again to her hometown and not far from the home in which she was born. Her life would make an incredible movie.
Bonnie was a devoted wife and loving mother. Raising Chris, Mike and Jeanne while making many moves and “holding down the fort” when Al had to be away. She was an amazing story teller and loved to share the family history with her daughter, Jeanne. She had a contagious laugh and beautiful smile. Bonnie was always there to encourage her children, family and friends to “live their dreams.” To say that this amazing woman will be missed is an understatement. We have lost another member of “The Greatest Generation” and Heaven has welcomed another Angel.
Bonnie is survived by her son, Mike LeDoux and daughter-in-law Jodi; daughter, Jeanne LeDoux Hickman and son-in-law Ty; daughter-in-law Peggy LeDoux; twelve grandchildren, and an abundance of great grandchildren; her sister, Ellen Dunn; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
There will be no service at this time as a Celebration of Life and Family Reunion is being planned for a later date.
Patricia Spagnuolo
Patricia Ann Spagnuolo, 89, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Pat was born at home in Mulliken, MI, on December 27, 1932, the youngest of nine children of Frederick William and Lillian Jeanette (Wagner) Priesman. As a young girl, Pat loved to roller skate and ice skate, as well as play baseball at Charlotte High School. Following graduation in 1951, she attended Western Union Trade School, and soon after married her life-long love, Sam Spagnuolo. Pat and Sam worked side by side for over 60 years at their store in Charlotte, Bruno’s. Early on, she also worked evenings serving chicken dinners at the Dew Drop Inn in Charlotte. At home, she loved gardening, preparing Sunday spaghetti dinners for the family, and her beloved pets. She was a devoted member of the Nazarene Church in Charlotte. Above all, Pat loved her family.
Pat is survived by her children, Theresa O’Dell, James Spagnuolo, Mary Stout and Christopher Spagnuolo; grandchildren, Travis (Jessica) Malcuit, Lucas (Tara) Malcuit, Elizabeth Stout, Mellissa Stout, Emily (Devon) Shepherd, and Genevieve Spagnuolo; great-granddaughters, Lydia and Adeline Malcuit; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Sam in 2015; sons-in-laws, Monte O’Dell and Lee Stout; her parents; and her eight siblings, Murel Mann, Ruth Earl, Neil Priesman, John Priesman, Ward Priesman, Warren Priesman, Betty Smith, and Richard Priesman.
Friends are encouraged to support Pat’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, followed by a procession to Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte for a graveside service with Pastor Tom Surdenik officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the New Faith Church of the Nazarene in Charlotte or the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger Lewis Gardner
Roger Lewis Gardner, an extremely hard-working man who loved life, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Roger, 78, of Vermontville, was born March 9, 1944, in Battle Creek, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Weeks) Gardner. From a young age, Roger had a strong work ethic; he started farming in his late 20’s while also working full time as a truck driver for Crandell Brothers Trucking Co. Later in life he owned the South End Party Store with his wife. Roger was the perfect definition of a workaholic. On June 15, 1974, Roger married the love of his life, Diane Pettengill, and together spent the next 47 years creating their legacy. He was known for his gift of gab. Roger loved his daily morning coffee shop trips where he could talk to his brothers and people, trips to the local tractor shows, wherever there were people, Roger loved going. Later in life Diane stopped going places with him because she knew that even the shortest of stops would be a long stop because Roger would start talking with someone. He also enjoyed wintering in Leesburg, Florida with Diane. Roger had a love for airplanes. He once purchased a junk plane and re-built the entire plane. The joke was in his wallet there are no photos of family members, just his plane. Roger also enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley, and recently his annual trip to drive his tractor across the Mackinac Bridge. Above all Roger will be remembered for being a man who knew what he wanted, and how to do it.
Roger is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Forrest Gardner, Denice (Bill Rentz) Scramlin; grandchildren, Cortney (Jesus Rodriguez) Gardner, Jacob Gardner, Hana Hunt, Amanda (John) Coblentz, Matthew Scramlin; great-grandchildren, Kailea, Abeni, Corbin James, Siena, Neko, Noah, Jackson, Ethan, Rylee; great-great-grandson, Krue Michael; siblings, Helen Bond, Robert (Lois) Gardner, Forrest (Elaine) Gardner, Shirley (Rod) Harmon; brother-in-law, Will Pettengill; sisters-in-law, Anne Hankamp, Patricia (Dennis) Steffes; many nieces, nephews, and his furry friends. He was predeceased by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Jennie and William Pettengill; brothers-in-law, Raymond Bond, Steven Hankamp, Timothy Pettengill; sister-in-law, Tina Williams; nephews, Brandon Harmon, Pat Gardner; grandson, Corbin Allan Gardner; great-grandson, Dominic Rodriguez.
Friends are encouraged to support Rogers’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022, from 2-4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a local Humane Society of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Myron Montie
Myron Montie of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 4, 2022, at the age of 91. Myron was born in Mosgrove, PA, August 22, 1930, the son of Michael and Zelma (Ross) Montie. He was a 1948 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Back in the day, Myron worked as a mortgage broker and loved to buy old homes to remodel and sell. He was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, sang in the choir and was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Congregational Church serving on their board. Myron volunteered his time at the Historical Society and the Miller Farm.
Myron is survived by his wife, Leone Montie; children, Michael (Mary) Montie, Patrick (Diane) Montie, Kathy Church, John (Peggy) Montie, Debra (Jeff) Teachout; nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; brother, Melvin Montie and sister, Madeline Martin.
Memorial Service will be Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eaton Rapids Football Pavilion with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Senior Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Sharon Lee Perkins
Sharon Lee Perkins of Largo, Florida and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at the age of 82. Sharon was born on September 20, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the middle of five children born to Chester and Rhoda (Winters) Harris. Sharon married Terry Perkins on July 23, 1956. They were married 65 years and together raised their four children in Eaton Rapids. She worked as a nurse’s aide for the Eaton Rapids Medical Center. In retirement, Sharon spent summers on Chippewa Lake in Evart, MI, springs in Madeira Beach, FL and winters in Largo, FL. She loved the beach and spending time on the water where she enjoyed many beautiful sunsets. Sharon was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, ceramics and wildlife, especially birds. Above all, Sharon put her family first, she absolutely adored her husband, children and grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with them.
Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Doyle “Jeff” Harris, sister, Joyce Marietta, in-laws, Hazel and Clyde Perkins, John Perkins and Paul Marietta.
Surviving is her husband, Terry Perkins; children, Teresa (Joe) Green, Tammy (Evan) Olmstead, Tim (Janine) Perkins, DeAnne (Larry) Ramos; 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, brother, Duane “Dude” (Linda) Harris; sister, Phyllis (Tom) Murray and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Sun Coast Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Sharon. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Steve Mitchell
Steve Mitchell of Eaton Rapids, MI and formerly of Lansing, MI passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 70. Steve was born on January 30, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri, the third of three children born to Sam and Betty (Davis) Mitchell. He moved to Lansing in the 1960’s and attended Everett High School graduating class of 1971. Steve proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War where he worked as a Morse Code translator while stationed in Turkey. He worked for Dart Container as a Safety and Maintenance Supervisor, retiring in 2015 after 35 years of service. Steve was a talented musician and the drummer for the bands, Warp Drive and Wise Guys who played in the Lansing area for many years. Steve spent his retirement working for Bonnie View Golf Course where he enjoyed socializing with the guests and made many friends over the years. He was above all a dedicated family man, he adored his wife, cherished his children, and doted on his grandchildren. There was never a time he wasn’t ready to share pictures, stories, or brag about their accomplishments.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathy Mitchell.
Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Marsha (Kosht) Mitchell; children, Kelli (Brian) Bishop, Sam (Liz) Mitchell, Stevie White; grandchildren, Victoria, Alayna, Maurice, Marcus, Malia, Sebastian, Isla; sister, Julieann Mitchell and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Steve at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Steve. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
David K. Wells
Just six days shy of his 73rd birthday, David K. Wells of Charlotte, Michigan passed away after his battle with cancer. David graduated from Olivet High School in 1967 and shortly after joined the US Marine Corps. He served proudly for two years, one of which was in Vietnam. Upon his return, he worked residential construction for many years before starting his own construction company, which he ran for many years. He followed up doing concrete work for a few years, and finally driving semi for Ryder Trucking. Upon retirement, he returned part time to construction. He loved fixing things. He felt his mission in life was, “If it’s broke, I will fix it.” This included car mechanics, replacing engines, fixing brakes, fuel pumps, etc. He would figure it out. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren. If the activity was outdoors, all the better.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pat; sons, David (Jodie) Wells and Matt (Julie) Wells; daughter, Jamie Wells; six grandchildren; brothers, Dennis (Donna) Wells and Jack (Dorleen) Wells; sister, Joyce Bristol; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Wells, and his mother, Marianna Wells.
If you wish to pay respects to the family, they will be available at their home on Saturday, May 28 between 1pm and 4pm. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl St./P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49251. 517-857-4848.
Robert Michael
Robert David Michael, age 55, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 23, 2022. He was born December 7, 1966, in Charlotte the son of Douglas and Helen (Maggard) Michael. Bobby graduated from Olivet High School in 1985. Throughout his entire life he had a passion for music. He played numerous instruments and was also a talented vocalist. Bobby’s other favorite past time was fishing. He could be found out on the water whenever he had a free moment. He also loved his family and enjoyed spending time together.
Bobby is survived by his children: Joseph Davis of Charlotte, Chase Michael of Garrett, Indiana, Carley Michael of Lansing; grandchildren, Madison Davis, Ryder Michael, Damian Knowles; mother, Helen Michael; sister, Susan Michael; special friend, Lisa Mullineaux; and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
In keeping with Bobby’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bobby’s memory to the family to assist with expenses.
To view Bobby’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Julie A. Campbell
Julie Ann (Jung) Campbell, passed peacefully at her home, on May 22, 2022, and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Julie was born to Paul and Ila Jung on April 10, 1959, in Battle Creek, MI. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Alexander Jung and Ila May Jung. She is survived by her husband Joe Campbell, son Robert (Amanda) Ireland, granddaughter Amarionna Ireland, father and mother in-law David and Sue Campbell; sister in-law Brenda (Mark) Link, brother in-law Scott (Karen) Campbell, her stepchildren Raychal (Eric) Hines, Hunter Campbell, and Tucker Campbell, and step-grandchildren Leah Hines, Jackson Hines, Lucy Hines and Remington Hines.
Julie was known by all for her love, kindness, and beautiful smile. She was a lover of life and laughter. She enjoyed the beach, boating, fishing, family, and the sun and wind on her face while riding the Harley. One of the most memorable rides for Julie and Joe was to South Dakota, where they said their vows. Julie was a music enthusiast who enjoyed attending concerts regularly with her son, Robert. Julie adored her family, especially her grandchildren, and always looked forward to attending birthday parties and dance and piano recitals.
A faithful and loyal friend, Julie enjoyed valuable time with dear friends, and treasured those relationships deeply. She was a business owner and dedicated, hard worker. As an asset and contributor in her community, Julie was kind and generous with her time, organizing and participating in many charitable efforts to help those in need. She was very active with the Pink Ribbon Riders, an organization who raise money to help cancer patients.
A visitation will be held at The First Baptist Church, 122 S Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021, on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Please consider making a memorial donation to the Pink Ribbon Riders at www.pinkribbonriders.com. Julie will be dearly missed, and her love will never be forgotten.