Obituaries
Gretchen Lee Converse
Gretchen Lee Converse, age 92, of Charlotte, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, in Summerfield, Florida. Gretchen was born on August 9, 1930, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the daughter of Arlington and Vera (VanWagner) Crawford. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school class of 1948. Gretchen worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for nine years, worked as a transport driver for Avis Rental Cars, as a real estate agent and volunteered at the Eaton Community Palliative Care Thrift Store for over 10 years. She was also a member of the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte for many years.
Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Max Converse.
Surviving are her children, Mike Love, Craig (Tina) Love, Kristine Priesman; seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at New Hope Community Church, 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Gretchen. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Charles Roger Page
Charles Roger Page of Eaton Rapids went to be with the Lord, May 13, 2023. Charles (Charlie) was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on September 9, 1929, to Harry and Lydia (Jacox) Page. He met the love of his life, Cecelia Ann Riegel, while they both attended Eaton Rapids High School. They had 67 years of a loving marriage from their wedding in 1950 until Cecelia’s passing in 2017. Charlie started his construction career as a water boy in 1950 with the Christman Company and worked his way up through the ranks as timekeeper, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, construction manager, and finally, treasurer of the board of directors. He managed construction of many buildings for Michigan State University, including dorms, school buildings, the power plant, and the Breslin Center where the Spartan basketball team plays. Charlie also managed construction of several landmark buildings in Lansing, including the State of Michigan Capital Complex, renovations of the Capital, and built the Board of Water and Light, Auto Owners main office, the Accident Fund, and much more. He retired from the Christman Company at age 62 in 1992. During his retirement years, he volunteered his construction expertise as construction manager for nonprofits, including the Red Cross and Capital Area Humane Society and as a paid oversite position (Clerk of the Works) for large multi-school building projects for Eaton Rapids and Charlotte schools.
Charlie and Cecelia opened their home to 28 people over the years, many who needed a safe haven. They were also active members of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. Charlie was very supportive and giving to family, church, and others. He leaves a large hole in the family with his passing but has more than earned his peace.
He is survived by one brother, Lynn Page; daughter, Loann Snell; sons, Tom (Linda) Page, Gene (Kelli) Page, and Dan (Sue) Page; brother-in-law, Taylor and (Marcia Carr) Riegel; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Cecelia, and two younger brothers, Ward, and Walter.
Memorial services will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Rd., Lansing, MI 48906. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Sandra Jean Eldred
Sandra Jean Eldred of Eaton Rapids, passed away on May 5, 2023, at the age of 82. She was born on June 15, 1940, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Carl Sevenski and Helen (Gawala) Sevenski. Sandy is survived by her five children, Tami (Wayne) Baty, Karen (Leroy) Wienke, Kristine (Matt) Handy, Duane (Kim) Eldred, and Terry (Susan) Eldred, along with eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Sandy attended Lansing Sexton High School and later obtained her GED from Eaton Rapids in 1975. She worked for the Miller Dairy Farm as a bookkeeper for many years but her most important job was raising her children and caring for her home. Sandy was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church. She was kind, loving and generous to everyone she met. She had a deep love for her family and always made sure to support her children and grandchildren in their interests, especially sports.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Eldred, and five siblings, Richard Sevenski, Carl Sevenski, Carlyne Montgomery, Joyce Cords and Michael Sevenski.
She will be buried at Munger Cemetery in rural Eaton Rapids and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Sandy will be deeply missed by her family and friends. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Tanya Ann Wright
Tanya Ann Wright of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly, April 28, 2023, at the age of 53. Tanya was born in Lansing, MI, October 30, 1969, the daughter of Jerry and Trudy (Gage) Todd. She was a 1987 graduate of Springport High School. Tanya earned her master’s degree in counseling at Sienna Heights University and was employed with the Ryder Co. as a forklift driver. She was a member at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church and enjoyed crocheting and watching Clint Eastwood movies.
Tanya is survived by her parents, Jerry (Su) Todd, Trudy (Dale) Webb; children, Adam (Raechelle Williams) Wright of Eaton Rapids, Kathrine (Christopher Olinger) Wright of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Kaydence, Hayven and Maycie; sisters, Tracy (Roy) Ayers, Tiffany (Chad Kirchmeier) Michalek; brothers, Matthew (Kami) Todd, Michael (Andi) Todd; father of her children, Aric Wright; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by in death by her sister, Tami Todd.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Assembly of God Church, 1100 E. Clinton Trail, Charlotte, MI 48813. To leave condolence for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Chester Arthur Miller
Chester Arthur Miller, age 89, from Charlotte passed away on May 5, 2023. He worked in Management/Die Cleaner at Drop Forge. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.