Obituaries
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.
Donald Hugh Faulkner
Donald Hugh Faulkner of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on November 20, 2021, from congestive heart failure. Don was born February 21, 1945, in Charlotte, MI, the son of Lynn and Anna Mae (Thornton) Faulkner. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1963.
In his early years he loved his “hot cars” owning a 1964 442 convertible and then a 1967 Chevelle that he said was purple but was really maroon. He tried to impress a young, quiet, and shy girl named Jeannine Cady. Winning her over, they were married in 1967. Together they raised their children, Aaron and Michelle.
Don worked at Foote and Custers and Wohlerts before going to Fisher Body where he worked for 32 years. After retiring in 1999 Don was able to do more of what he enjoyed. He loved to bake bread and do things outdoors, farming for a family friend, taking great pride in his yard, growing a giant garden, and cutting wood to keep the house toasty and warm in the winter – summer clothes recommended.
Don leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Jeannine; his kids, Aaron and Michelle (Thomas) Hector; and his grandkids, Ashlea and Brendon, who affectionately called him “Grumpa.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Union Street Elementary School gymnasium from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022. In honor of Don, blue jeans are preferred. Those familiar with him know he was not a fancy guy. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Shaun Bartlett
Shaun Michael Bartlett, 43, of Charlotte, a guy with a tough exterior but a caring heart, died unexpectedly April 28, 2022. Shaun was born in Lansing, MI on November 15, 1978, to Larry and Mary Ann Bartlett. He grew up in Charlotte, was a Charlotte High School graduate, and though he traveled and moved he always came back to his hometown and city he loved. A fan of many sports, Shaun grew up playing high school football, baseball, and basketball, and as an adult loved watching sports and was a huge University of Michigan fan. Shaun worked as a cook for restaurants in the area, including Applebee’s, Tony M’s, and Eaton Place. To some he was a hero, a defender of those who couldn’t defend themselves, often coming to the defense of others because of his compassionate nature.
Shaun is survived by his children, Dakota, Damon, Conner, and Joshua; grandson, Finley; mother, Mary (Dean) Bartlett Erickson; father, Larry Bartlett; and close friend, Chris Spalding. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alice and Theophile “Frenchie” Schneider, Uncle Mark Schneider and Uncle Melvin Bartlett.
Friends are encouraged to support Shaun’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson officiating. 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 Shaun’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 Boys Club of America. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.