Obituaries
Richard Michael Sharpe
Richard Michael Sharpe of Eaton Rapids, passed away on October 22, 2022, at the age of 64. He was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 6, 1958, the son of Wilbur and Mary (Kenniston) Sharpe. Richard graduated from Springport High School, class of 1976. He was the high school varsity football kicker. He worked as a Union Carpenter for Moore-Trosper. He was a devoted father who always made time for his son, Travis, and his sporting events. Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He belonged to the Michigan Bass Hustlers. Richard loved spending time with his grandkids and traveling up North to Edmore to visit his friend, Connie Wiborn (Mom).
Richard is survived by his son, Travis (Lea) Sharpe; grandkids, Alivia Sharpe, Madelyn Sharpe; siblings, Shirley (Mark) Newton, Nancy (Tom) DelPriore, Robert Sharpe; brother-in-law, Roger Knickerbocker; special friend, Gerald “Moose” Bender. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patty Sharpe; parents; sisters, Wanda Pond, Debbie Knickerbocker.
A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Donations may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Esther Dunham
Esther Mae Dunham, 94, of Vermontville, died Monday, October 24, 2022, in Grand Rapids. Esther lived a full life dedicated to the love and care of both her family and her community. Her “Jill of all Trades” nature ingrained her as an important part of many organizations and causes throughout the region. Esther was born on September 4, 1928, in Northville, MI, the daughter of George Washington and Mary Pauline (Osborne) Stanford. She graduated from Northville High School before marrying the love of her life, Frank Dunham. Upon Frank’s return from World War II, the two purchased a herd of dairy cows and moved to Vermontville, where they would raise their five children. As the children grew, Esther took on many careers throughout her life. After milking cows in the early morning, she would go into service as a nurse’s aide at the hospital, and years later put on the latest fashions and go to work at Knapp’s department store. Soon after, she earned her real estate license and started a new venture. Her longest career was as clerk at the 56 District Court in Eaton County, which lead her to retirement. All along the way, she was active in her children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and 4H Leader. She sung in the choir at Vermontville Congregational Church and served as Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Ledge. She was an avid reader, and loved bowling and golfing, which she did into her 80s. She used her talents around the house, maintaining a meticulous garden and sewing wedding dresses for her children’s weddings. She even served as Township Assessor for Vermontville Township and volunteered countless hours for the American Lung Association and Eaton County Agricultural Society. Esther was a lifelong learner, and her impression was felt far and wide. Her talents and love for all will be missed and cherished by her community and her family.
Esther is survived by her children, Frank “Skip” (Susan) Dunham, Deborah Granger, Michael Dunham, John (Rita) Dunham and Richard (Lesley) Dunham; 16 grandchildren, Frank (Brenda) Dunham II, Joseph Dunham, James Dunham, Christopher (Samantha) Dunham, Katie (Steve) Miller, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Granger, Karla Lilly (William Conroy), Lynda (Brandon) Baker, Michael Dunham, Tim (Yamilet) Dunham, Tony (Danielle) Dunham, Danielle Vallejo, Jonathan (Kristi) Dunham, Rebecca (Alex) Casto, Meghann (Charlie) Jarvis, and Richard Dunham; 22 great-grandchildren, Macey, Oliver, Caspar, Theodore and Stanford Dunham, Kevin and Brooke Miller, Kyle Lilly and Kayla Bruce, Eleanor Baker, Breauna Grover, Timmy, Ethan, Philip, Oliver, David, Michael, Elaine, Anthony TJ, and George Dunham, and Harper and Cora Jarvis; sister, Janice Hamer; brother, Tommy Stanford; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Dunham; son-in-law, Ron Granger; and sisters, Juanita Vradenburg, Jean Sawin, and Helen Pollick.
Friends are encouraged to support Esther’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County 4H Agricultural Society and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 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 Esther’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathleen Ingram
Kathleen Viola Ingram, age 73, of Olivet passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 27, 1949, to George and Dora (Blaine) Harmon. Kathleen grew up and attended school in Olivet graduating with the class of ’68. In March of 1970, she married Stephen Ingram in Olivet.
Many things could be said about Kathleen. She worked hard for many years for the State of Michigan as she and Stephen raised their family. They lived for a time by the Lake of the Woods and she loved to fish! Family meant the world to Kathleen. She spent countless hours taking care of family members. Over the last few years, she and her daughter Candace traveled together frequently to various museums, to go shopping, or just to spend quality time together. Kathleen loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by them all.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Candace Kelley of Charlotte, Wayne (Rose) Ingram of Olivet, Lori Ingram of Battle Creek, Laura Lou (Wes) Fendon of Phoenix, Arizona; twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; brother, Terry (Jeana) Harmon; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen in 2002; sister, Shirley Sadowsky; and brother, Frank Harmon.
Following Kathleen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make a charitable contribution in Kathleen’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
To view Kathleen’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.
Daniel Speck
Mr. Daniel A. Speck, age 68 of Nashville, MI (formerly of Hebron, IN) passed away on October 29, 2022, at his home in Assyria Township.
Dan was born in Winamac, Indiana, the son of Gloria and Louis Speck. He was raised in the Hebron area and attended local schools. After completing his education Dan joined the United States Air Force; serving faithfully during the Vietnam War as part of the 819th R.E.D.H.O.R.S.E. squadron.
Growing up on a farm, Dan would watch his father and grandfather repair farm equipment and fabricate necessary implements and tools that were used in day-to-day operations. He used this knowledge to become a diesel mechanic, specializing in tractor trailers and heavy equipment; a career and hobby that spanned over 40 years.
On November 19, 1983, he married Deb. They made their home in Hebron until 1996 when they relocated to the Nashville area where they settled on 20 acres in Assyria Township. Their new “country” setting provided the perfect opportunity for Dan to pursue his passion for horses and farm equipment. He was a cowboy and loved spending time trail riding and team roping. When he wasn’t riding, Dan enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. He especially looked forward to the annual Deer Camp, in Northern Michigan with friends.
He is survived by his wife Deb; his daughter Diana; two sons, Charles and David; best friends, Randy (Paula) Kuss, Kirk (Kristy) Wood, and his favorite horse “Ramsey.” He was preceded in death by his daughter Tracy, sister Sandra, and father Louis.
Funeral service were held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at The Geisen Funeral Home, 624 North Main Street, Hebron IN 46341.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dan’s name to Great Lakes Burn Camp for Children. glbcforkids.org.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Patricia Van Skike
Patricia Joan (Clemens) Van Skike, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2022, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis, MI. She joyfully entered the presence of her Savior. Pat was born February 5, 1932, in Sturgis, one of six children, to Vernon and Marjorie (King) Wallick.
She met and fell in love with a boy down the street; she married Richard Clemens on February 12, 1949. Pat was a homemaker, mother of three daughters, and was active in the early formation years of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church.
She wasn’t much of a traveler or adventurer, but in 1960, she traveled alone with the three girls to meet Richard in Tournata, Liberia, on Africa’s west coast, where they served for two years as lay missionaries. Upon their return to Sturgis, Pat began caring for children in her home, and ran a daycare for many years. Eventually, she helped to establish the Humpty Dumpty Nursery School at the Wesleyan Church. Her love of and devotion to children never wavered, and until her life’s end, she delighted in holding a baby in her arms.
In 1973, Richard died at age 47. On November 29, 1974, Pat married Bryan Van Skike, a longtime friend of the family and recent widower. Pat moved to his home in Charlotte, MI and established a new chapter with Bryan’s children. They were married for 46 years.
Pat continued to care for children in their home and they became “Grandma and Grandpa” to numerous children in this area. They were active members of First Baptist Church, where Pat taught Sunday School, volunteered in the nursery, and made many friends. In both Sturgis and Charlotte, family members were blessed to share life with a woman of unconditional love, strong faith, and an open heart. Pat’s life was one of praise and thanksgiving.
When it became evident that neither of them could no longer live on their own, Pat and Bryan returned to live in Sturgis in 2019. Bryan, age 93, passed away at Thurston Woods in 2020, and Pat entered Thurston Woods the following year. We thank the staff for their loving care.
She is survived by her Clemens children: Linda (Larry) Hahn, Mary (Joe) Schmitt, Katie Clemens; and her Van Skike children: Brynda Filkins, Penny Pickett, Nathan (Kathy) Van Skike. Pat leaves one brother, Vern Wallick; two sister, Beverly Fuller and Dixie DeHaan; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on November 12th at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI. Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 p.m.; the Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. Reception to follow at the funeral home.
If desired, memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, 1210 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI. Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.