Obituaries
Calvin Richards
The family of Calvin Richards will be holding a memorial service at 11:00 on May 20, 2022, to celebrate his life. This graveside service will take place at Perry Cemetery, 2202 Stevens Highway, Charlotte, MI. Cal passed away on January 19, 2022, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mildred, who will also be interred at this time.
Cal is survived by his son, Bill (Marilyn) Richards of DeWitt; daughters, Kathy (Tim Miank) Richards, and Barb Alexander of Lansing; stepson, Jim (Jan) Squires of Florida; step-daughters, Joan Hyatt of Charlotte, and Jackie Williams Kasten of Eaton Rapids; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roberta Mead; brother, Ralph Richards.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids where he spent many happy hours. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To read the full obituary, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Robert Wayne Clough
Robert Wayne Clough of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022, at the age of 90. Bob was born on September 6, 1931 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Arthur and Gertrude (Cazier) Clough. Bob was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated class of 1949. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict where he reached the rank of Sargent. Bob received special training as a Horologist and worked as a watch maker running Clough Jewelers in Eaton Rapids, and later working at Fox Jewelers. He later worked for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids as a buyer and retired in 1994. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, a member of the Jaycees and the Free Masons. Bob was an avid golfer and played in a league at Bonnie View for many years. He was best known for his easy-going attitude, positive outlook, quick wit, and generosity towards others.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Charlotte Clough; second wife, Shari Clough; daughter, Nancy Fleck and stepchildren, Elaine Mock and Edwin Gemalsky.
Surviving are his children, David (Jodi) Clough; Sue (Jeff) Grunewald; sons-in-law, Jim Mock, Terry Fleck; daughter-in-law, Becky (Mark) Johnson; grandchildren, Jonathan (Amber) Mock, Meghann (Jeremy) Barnett, Kasey (Sean Sprouse) Gemalsky, Nicholas Grunewald, Jacob Grunewald; great grandchildren, Riley, Emmet and Reese Barnett, Anya, Aria and Mila Mock and Sean Sprouse, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Saved by Zade, The Alzheimer’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society in memory of Bob. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Justin Charles Munro
Justin Charles Munro, age 42, of Charlotte died on Monday, May 9, 2022. Justin was born on March 14, 1980, in Lansing, the son of Kenneth and Irene Munro. He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer and children, Austin, Chloe, Donovan and Braylon; along with sisters, Angela (Jeff) Potter and Abigail (Jonah) Whaley; nieces and nephews, Emirald, Isabelle, Brody and Aubri. He was preceeded in death by his mother, Irene Marie Munro and father Kenneth Charles Munro (K.C.). A celebration of life is planned at Custom Home Interiors Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For those desiring, donations are welcome to go to the family’s Go Fund Me page: gofund.me/7653f042
Shirley J. Brown
Shirley J. Brown, age 83, of Battle Creek died on Thursday, May 6, 2022, at Hope Landing-The Haven in Charlotte, MI. Shirley was born on June 13, 1938, in Bellevue, the daughter of James and Mary Elizabeth (Shaver) Whitfield. She had been a lifelong resident of the area graduating from Battle Creek central High school. She also attended Cosmetology School and Argubright Business College. On November 5, 1960, she was united in marriage to David H. Brown who preceded her in death in 2006. Shirley would fill in as secretary at Pennfield Schools when needed and later was employed as a secretary at the Kellogg Company. She loved archeology, music, gardening and shopping. Surviving is a son, David S. (Karen) Brown and a grandson, Justin J. Brown. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dana L. Brown in 2020. A private graveside service was held. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org
Joseph Charles Tokar
Joseph Charles Tokar, born January 7, 1960, died May 2, 2022. A celebration of life will be on May 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall Post #3233, 124 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237. If anyone would like to share any photos of Joe, please email them to dorothygonzalez@yahoo.com.
Joseph Wilfrid Barrette II
Joseph Wilfrid Barrette II, 42 of Lexington, NC, loving father of Cameron and Sara, died after a car accident on July 14, 2019, and was recently found April 3, 2022. Joe was born June 10, 1977, in Lansing, MI to Michael and Charlotte (Wallace) Barrette, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1995. He worked for Owens Brockway in Charlotte and transferred with the company when it moved to North Carolina. An outgoing and friendly guy, Joe easily made friends. Joe had a knack for tinkering with high-tech gadgets to figure them out and fix them, including a life size robot for his son. Vacations often meant going on a cruise, with Carnival Cruises as his favorite. Joe enjoyed construction and put his talents to work when he remodeled his parent’s and brother’s homes.
Joe is survived by children, Cameron and Saralynne Barrette; father, Michael Barrette (Joan Rumsey); siblings, Ken Barrette, Dan (Stephanie) Barrette, and Tammy (Keith) Justice and nieces, Olivia, Lauren and Addison; and former wife, Faith Barrette. He was predeceased by his mom, Charlotte Barrette; and his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Joe’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Margaret Laura Graha
Margaret Laura Graham, 99, a beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. Margaret was born May 2, 1923, in Battle Creek, the first child of Floyd and Margaret (Barber) Rounds. She attended school in Vermontville before marrying the love of her life, Herald Graham on April 19, 1941, in Bryon, OH. She and Herald raised five children and lived a life of family devotion. Margaret loved to throw parties. She and her sisters always made sure to put on a family reunion every year at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and in the summer. They loved to cook, and Margaret even made wedding cakes for many years. Margaret also loved music and was known to sing little songs around the house. The year Herald gave her a mink coat for Christmas, she got the nickname “Queen,” and it stuck throughout her life. The family made trips out to California to visit family and stopped to take in the sights along the way. Margaret was a member of the Vermontville Women’s Club, Gresham United Methodist Church, and the Eaton Area Senior Center. In her spare time, she loved feeding the birds at her home.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Terrie (partner David Currin) Graham; son, Kal (Tiera) Graham; seven grandchildren, Takara (Marc) Page, Jordan Graham, Savanna Graham, Mitchal Graham, Tye (Sarah) Gates, Alex (Janet) Castner, and Amber Davee; three great-grandchildren, Tarah Gates, Douglas Gates, and Maxwell Page; sisters, Elsie Wolever, Joanne (Ron) May, and Ardean (Archie) Gonzer; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Herald; daughters, Alicia Haynes, and Michelle Marple; son, Darian Graham; siblings, Blanche Hurshman, Dorothy Roll, Reginald Rounds, Lola Patterson, Carolyn Bower; brothers-in-law, Ray Hurschman, Art Roll, Ray Patterson, Lloyd Wolever, and Jim Bower; and sister-in-law, Gladys Rounds.
Friends are encouraged to support Margaret’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The Funeral Service was held Monday, May 9, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Tom Hurshman officiating. Interment took place at Gresham Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Terri Lynn Visscher
Terri Lynn Visscher, a world traveler, highly recognized and accomplished flight attendant, beloved sister, and loving daughter passed away January 31, 2022, at her family’s home in Charlotte. Terri, 55, of Charlotte was born December 15, 1966, in Muskegon to Eugene (Gene) and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher. Terri graduated from Charlotte High School in 1985. Following high school, she graduated from Davenport University before finding her life’s passion of becoming a flight attendant. One of her proudest moments was when she graduated from the Northwest Flight Attendant school. She lived in Hawaii for 18 years taking care of passengers on flights from Honolulu to Tokyo and beyond. Though she was frequently far away, Terri valued her friendships and connections with her nieces, nephews and friends’ kids. She would often travel halfway around the world to attend a birthday party, dance recital, or just to say Hello. After her retirement, Terri returned to Charlotte where she continued to nurture her other passion, family and friends. She was often referred to as the “Favorite Aunt.” With a heart of gold and a passion for life, Terri lived each day to the fullest. Her generous spirit was often demonstrated through her willingness to help anyone at any time. During the holiday seasons, the smell of chocolate chip cookies and “Terri’s Special Chex Mix” would emanate from the Visscher kitchen with great anticipation from all. Terri will be dearly missed by anyone who was blessed enough to have had the opportunity to know her.
Terri is survived by her parents; Eugene and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher; brother, Jerry (Shannon) Visscher; sister, Traci (Dr. Kendall) Bos; four nieces; Samantha Visscher, Madelynn Visscher, Lauren Visscher, Reagan Bos; two nephews; Emmitt Visscher, Ethan Bos; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life is planned for May 21, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI with the family also receiving visitors from 1-2:00 p.m. It 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 Terri Lynn Visscher tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to palliative care. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Terri’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Drew Keenan Pierce
Drew Keenan Pierce of East Lansing, MI and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the age of 30. Drew was born on December 24, 1991, in Lansing, MI the son of Steve and Julia (Ellsworth) Pierce. He attended Beekman Schools and lived at the Coleman Home in East Lansing where he made many friends. Drew loved going to the zoo where he especially liked the zebras and feeding the giraffes. He enjoyed watching movies, trips to the theatre, the mall, to Lugnuts baseball games, horse shows and listening to music with his friends. He especially loved keeping the nurses and patient care staff on their toes with his shenanigans. Drew touched the hearts and souls of so many of the caregivers that passed through his lifetime.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jerry Pierce and Beverly and Dorr Ellsworth.
Drew is survived by his parents, Steve and Julia Pierce; grandmother, Sharon Pierce; aunts and uncles, Nancy and Kevin People, Scott Pierce and Betsy Reeve, Penny and Dennis Mann, Chris Ellsworth, Kevin and Gisela Ellsworth; great aunt and uncle, Liz and Richard Vandermolen; special friends, Diane and Ruthanna, and many special family friends, numerous cousins, and special caregivers.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Drew’s friends and staff at the Coleman Home, and his long-term nurses prior to Coleman. We would also like to thank Dr. Greenburg, Dr. Walsworth, the MSU Family Medicine Staff, the Sparrow Health Systems Nursing Staff, Respiratory Staff and PCT Staff for all of the wonderful care Drew received.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association in memory of Drew. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Joanne Marriott
Joanne Marriott of Eaton Rapids, passed away at the age of 83 on April 25, 2022. Joanne was born in Pittsburgh, PA, January 17, 1939, the daughter of William and Romaine (Kinsey) Dean. She was, as many will attest, truly a one of a kind individual. An Eaton Rapids Greyhound through and through, Joanne spent a significant amount of her life in service to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where for over fifteen years she supported and touched the lives of numerous students and staff as a member of the high school athletics department. Following her retirement, her dedication to the athletics program continued when she entered into a long-term volunteer role taking admissions for sporting games. It was in this capacity that many people came to know and adore Joanne, as she greeted all with a big smile, oftentimes a warm hug, and if you were lucky – she might have even waved you into the game for free.
Joanne’s impact in the community extended well beyond the school systems, where over the course of her years she became involved with several community groups. Generous to a fault, Joanne never hesitated to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed. The local Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, nearby hospice thrift store, Heart and Hands food pantry, and Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society are just a few of the places that were blessed by her time, contributions, and beautiful spirit.
Joanne loved engaging in a good game. From euchre to Yahtzee, Rummikub to dominoes—you name it, and she was up for the challenge. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her window, hoping especially to catch a glimpse of a cardinal or hummingbird flutter past. In her more recent years, Joanne liked to go out for a drive. While she might have started off without a specific destination in mind, it was to no surprise when she ended up making a few stops along the way, whether to purchase some scratch-off lottery tickets, pick up freshly baked cookies from a nearby Amish community, or snag a trinket from a yard or garage sale.
Above all, nothing made Joanne happier than a visit or phone call with family members. Without fail, it was next to impossible to leave her house empty-handed, as she always had some kind of treat or gift to bestow. Her biggest gift of all, though, was the way in which she fiercely cared for her loved ones.
Simply put, to have known Joanne Marriott was to have loved her. Undoubtedly, she has left this small corner of the world a better place than when she had found it. Joanne will be deeply missed, but there is a comfort in knowing that the impact of her many joyful, generous, and well-lived years will be felt for a long time to come.
Joanne is survived by her sons, Jeff (Sean) Marriott, Todd (Patti) Marriott; daughters, Julie (Patrick) Marriott Carey, Donna Marriott; grandchildren, Michael Carey, Matthew (Amanda) and Meghan Marriott, Valery Voelker; great grandchildren, Joanna, Ruthie and Evalyn Marriott; Trenton and Austin Halsey; brother, William (Pat) Dean; special friend and partner, Dave Kaiser. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Marriott; and step-father, William “Grunt” Montgomery.
Memorial services will be 12 p.m. May 21, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children or the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. Also, plans are being made to establish a scholarship fund to honor Joanne and Don’s memory, with details forthcoming. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.