Obituaries
Rodney Bird Rogers
Rodney Bird Rogers of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rodney was born on February 5, 1957, in Lansing, MI the son of James and Ordelia (Fisher) Rogers. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated from high school class of 1975. Rodney went to work for General Motors in 1977 and worked there until his retirement in 2008. He also spent the last few years as the manager of maintenance at the Eaton Rapids Carwash. Rodney was a diehard U of M and Detroit Tigers fan. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bowling and spending time outdoors, working in his yard, or tending to his garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jimmie Rogers and sisters-in-law, Stella Schray, Lucinda Krepps, and Gerelene Keeder.
Surviving is his wife, Christine Rogers; children, Christy (Joshua) Toole, Valerie Rogers, Amanda Rogers, Levi Rogers; grandchildren, Desmond Cook, Jaden, Sterling, Trent, and Destiny Hyde, Dakota Heinlein, Hailee Hipsher, Eliana Toole; sister, Trudy (Merrill) Shelden; brother-in-law, Bob (Chris) Goodenough; sister-in-law, Patricia (David) Lambert; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Christine Rogers. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Donald Dean Janecke
Donald Dean Janecke of Eaton Rapids, age 85, passed away, peacefully by family, Sunday, February 26, 2023. He entered the U.S. Navy in September of 1955 and was honorably discharged in September of 1961. Upon discharge he worked for Diamond Reo then continued on with the City of Lansing until retirement. After retirement, he helped his in-laws W. John (Thelma) Hilliard with the family farm. Don and his wife built the current home where he later developed the land and the many cherished memories and time with his kids and grandchildren. His favorite things to do was literally anything that the six grandchildren were doing, mainly cutting wood, fishing and swimming. In the later years watching the grandchildren hunting the family property and riding dirt bikes. He was a lifetime member of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the National Rifle Association.
He is survived and cherished by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth; two daughters, Vicki Carpenter (James Hunt) and Lisa Janecke; his brother, Robert Janecke; sisters, Sue Janecke, Linda (Barry) Crites and Patricia (Raymond) Bodell; brothers-in-law, Keith Swathwood and Kenneth (Them) Hilliard; sister-in-law Phyllis (Philip) Brooks; his loving grandchildren: Ted Carpenter (April), Taylor Carpenter, Victoria Carpenter (Garland Cook), Brian Hunt, Brittany Hunt, Shelly Janecke, Mark Janecke and Bradly Janecke; his great-grandchildren: Raeanna (Tanner), Joshua (Alysha) and Payton; his great great-grandchildren: Lily, Bensen, Baby C, and Quinn; godchildren: Daniel Swathwood, Annette Daniels and James Janecke; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Loraine Janecke; his brothers, John Janecke and Paul Janecke; his sisters, Betty Swathwood and Nancy Janecke; sister-in-law, Linda Janecke.
The family would like to express their extreme gratitude and thanks to McLaren Hospice for their compassionate care, especially nurses Kimberly and Katrina.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church (10500 Plains Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827).
Visitation will be on Monday, March 6, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Skinner Funeral Home (315 S. River Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827). To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Michael Scott Bruce
Michael Scott Bruce, age 71, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, February 20, 2023. He was born May 28, 1951, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Dorothy “Pat” (Bouska) Bruce. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1969. On August 26, 1972, he married Annette Cloar. Together they were born, raised, and resided most of their lives in Charlotte.
As a young man, he was an active member and later an advisor of Explorer Post 45. He developed a strong work ethic working at his father’s gas station on the corner of Lincoln and Lawrence (Bruce’s Standard Station). In 1976, Mike and Annette moved to Florida to operate a printing business with his in-laws, Dale and Dolores Cloar. Missing Charlotte, they moved home in 1978. He worked for Jacklin Steel and then served four years as Midwest Region Field Manager for Insty-Prints. In 1984, he successfully opened two Insty-Print businesses in Lansing. The downtown location is still in operation today.
In his personal life, he focused on volunteering and serving his community in many facets. He was a member of the Charlotte Optimist Club for over 25 years where he also served as president, secretary, treasurer, and active board member. He also served 23 years on the Charlotte School Board of Education. He was a board member of the Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital and Relevant Academy. He has been a member of the Charlotte Congregational Church since 1984. In 1999, he was honored by the Charlotte Rotary Club with the Clyde A. Fulton Community Pride Award. In 2021, he and his wife were honored to be the Charlotte Frontier Days Grand Marshals. Mike was recognized for a continued life of service to his family, his church, his community, service organizations, and for his high ethical conduct, loyalty to friends and causes, firmness of principles, and for the love, care, wonderful sense of humor, and positive example exhibited to all. The number of lives and community efforts he has profoundly impacted is immeasurable and awe inspiring.
Mike is survived by his wife, Annette (Cloar) Bruce; children, Jennifer (Joseph) Lamoreaux of Charlotte, Nicholas (Samantha) Bruce of Jackson; grandchildren, Austin and Carson Berkompas, Cooper and Brogan Bruce, Persephanie Savage, Cody Lamoreaux; special friends, Rick and Mary Jo Johnson, as well as countless family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth Bruce, Dorothy “Pat” (Bouska) Bruce, and Vera (Calhoun) Bruce; sister, Sherry (Bruce) Medlock.
Mike enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved his time at his cottage at Duck Lake. He also was an advocate and survivor of Charlotte Relay for Life, and a huge U of M fan. He loved to razz his MSU fans (especially his daughter).
Visitations was held Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, Michigan. A funeral service to celebrate his life was held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 106 Bostwick Street in Charlotte, with Laura Cooper officiating. The burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date with immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:
-Charlotte Optimist Club, PO Box 70, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Charlotte Education Foundation, C/O Bill Shetenhelm, 115 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Eaton Area Senior Center- Vera Bruce Scholarship Fund, 804 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Charlotte Athletic Boosters, PO Box 231, Charlotte, MI 48813
To view Mike’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Shirley Kay Love
Shirley Kay Love, age 86, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023.
She was born in Lansing, MI on June 3, 1936, to Max and Leila (Wolfe) Gooch. She was the second youngest of five children. Her love of fishing started when she was a kid. The lake has always been her favorite place to be. She attended Eaton Rapids schools. Kay and John Martis were married in 1955 and had four children, Shari (Craig) Engle, Sandi Martis, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis, and Shannon Martis. Kay and her second husband, Bill Love, were married for 25 years. They spent their time taking care of their lake house, fishing, hosting family get-togethers, and doting on their cat, Schnookums. Kay was a bus driver for Delton schools, a florist at Horrocks, and worked for the Mason and Charlotte Shopping Guide. She embodied her last name, Love. Everyone who met her loved her and felt loved by her. She was as sweet as they come, but she also wasn’t afraid to give a quick-witted quip when necessary. Her humor was sharp, clever, and endearing, and she had a natural, undeniable radiance and sparkle. She was always up for a card game, especially Skip Bo, Euchre, or poker. Stakes made it even more fun. Purple was her theme color, and she loved fashion. No outfit was complete without her hair being perfectly styled. And it was always perfect, even right after a cruise in her convertible. She was an expert thrift shopper and excitedly showed off the great deals that she found. She loved staying active by taking trips with her best friend Jo, fishing, golfing, bowling, and gardening. Flowers were a big part of her life, from designing bouquets as a florist to growing and tending to her own plants. She had a special love for her great grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon, and they have a special love for her. She taught them how to do watercolor paintings of flowers and cheered them on at their sports games. Kay will be greatly missed, but we know that she’s doing fine surrounded by her parents and siblings and flirting with cute cowboys in Heaven.
Kay is survived by her children, Shari (Craig) Engle of Ceresco, Sandi Martis of Benzonia, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis of Charlotte, and Shannon Martis of Harrison; grandchildren, Dartanion (Sandra) Thomas of Petoskey, Jena Martis of Lansing, Richard Whitbeck of Charlotte, Jodi Martis of Lansing; step grandchildren, Avery Engle of Ceresco and Jackson and Cydne Johnson of Charlotte; great grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon of Charlotte and Treaden Gallert of Petoskey; sister, Mickey Schnepp of Lansing. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce Elston; brother, Larry Gooch; and sister, Sheila Gilpin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Connie Lou Hayes
Connie Lou Hayes, a loving and reliable wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter, died on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Connie, 70, of Lansing was born July 18, 1952, in Charlotte, MI the daughter of Robert and Mary Lou (Smuts) Hull. After graduating from Potterville High School in 1970, Connie began her career as a Medical Biller. She worked for many doctor offices over her 38-year career. On February 28, 2001, Connie married Edward “Ed” Hayes Jr. Her biggest passion in life was her children and grandchildren and watching them succeed. Connie might have been small in stature, but she was very strong, she was an expert sharp shooter with a pistol that enjoyed trips to the gun range. She also enjoyed working in her flower gardens, making greeting cards with her top-notch penmanship, scrapbooking, reading, watching soap operas, trips to the casino, and playing scratch off tickets. She was an avid sports fan, and die-hard Michigan State fan. Connie and Ed were season ticket holders for the Michigan State Woman’s Basketball team. When March Madness came around everyone knew already who was winning the bracket challenge, that’s right, Connie. Above all Connie will be remembered for her willingness to help anyone in need, and her ability to make friends with anyone.
Connie is survived by her husband, Ed; children, Douglas (Carol) Fish, Nikki Fish, Jon (Melissa) Hayes, Michael Hayes, and Edward Hayes; three grandchildren, Seth Fish, Kaylee Fish, and Makayla Hayes; mother, Mary Lou Hull; sister, Joan (LeRoy) Struble; and her beloved Golden Retriever, Ruby. She was predeceased by her father, Robert Hull; infant twin sisters, Joan and Jean Hull; grandparents, Vaughn and Kathleen Smuts; nephew, Christian Struble; and her grand-pup, Ashbe.
Friends are encouraged to support Connie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and celebration of Life were held Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Connie’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 Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.