Obituaries
Steven Lee Perry
Steven Lee Perry, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, at his home. He was born June 12, 1948, in Charlotte, the son of George and Ruth (Jaquette) Perry. Steve graduated from Olivet High School in 1966. On June 24, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Jean Buncich at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. Steve was a devoted family man. He cherished each and every one of them in a special way. Steve loved attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. Steve always looked forward to their yearly duck hunting camp held the first weekend in October. He also loved spending time with his family at their cabin on Jehnsen Lake. Steve loved a good time and never wanted to miss any party or family function.
Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria; daughter, Michelle Perry of Charlotte; son, Michael (Brandi) Perry of Olivet; grandchildren: Steve (Sondra) Peters, Logan Fuentes, Alyssa Fuentes, Jensen Perry, and Emmett Perry; siblings: Dennis (Cheryl) Perry, Linda (Andrew) Weaver, Larry (Irene) Perry, Rick Perry; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s memory to Compassus Hospice.
To view Steve’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.
David Edward Halsey
David Edward Halsey of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away Saturday, March 25 at the age of 86. David was born January 17, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI and attended Springport schools, graduating in 1955. David proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge from the military, David went to work for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids, and then for Oldsmobile, from where he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, mountains, fishing, and canoeing. He had a vast knowledge of plants and fungi, which served him well while participating in survival experience trips. Family members fondly remember David sharing his knowledge on walks through nature.
David is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Halsey.
Surviving is his sister Suzi (Keith) Hiatt; nieces and nephews, Holly (Mark) Mayes, Kirk Hiatt, Temple Parker, and Ariel Hiatt; great nieces and nephews, Kelsi Weaver, Mackenzie Caksackkar, Aislyn Ambler, Skylar Yeager, Ashton Parker, and Karson Parker; and several cousins.
A memorial will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Eaton Rapids Conservation Club starting at 2 p.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Outdoor Wishmakers in memory of David. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Claude Harrison Murray, Jr.
Claude (Skip) Harrison Murray, Jr., of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 7, 2023, at the age of 79. Skip was born in Lansing, MI, October 18, 1943, the son of Claude and Dorothy (Robbins) Murray. Skip was a life-long resident of Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Lansing Community College and retired from General Motors. Skip enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, traveling out west, was an avid NASCAR fan and mostly enjoyed spending time at the cottage. He was a volunteer and board member of the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club.
Skip is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Ken) Brochu of Seeley Lake, MT and Rene’ (Tim Smith) Nobert of Jackson; grandchildren, Lindsey (Tom) Freels of Seattle, Brendon Brochu of Bozeman, and Ashley Nobert of Jackson; brother, Tom (Phyllis) Murray of Grand Ledge; sister-in-law, Kathy Murray of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 43 years, Janet (Montross) Murray; sister, Linda Murray; brothers, Ralph and Raymond Murray; sister-in-law, Janet Murray and brother-in-law, James Montross.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with interment following in Dimondale Cemetery. Visitation took place on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club, PO Box 1153 Evart, MI 49631. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Pennie Jean Newberry
The family of Pennie Newberry, age 71, of Eaton Rapids, MI is saddened to announce her passing on April 7, 2023. Pennie was born on June 29, 1951.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Charlie (Amanda) Newberry, Wanda Newberry, Eva Clother, Melody (Robert) Passolt and Dennis Hurd; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zoe, Savanna, Cooper, Levi, Ty, Trista, Tia, Felicia, Patience, Miranda, and Trent; multiple great-grandchildren including a great-granddaughter Isabel with whom she had a very special relationship; sisters, Bobbie Mohler, Charla (Greg) Rudderow, Kaye (John) Mueller and many nieces and nephews.
Pennie was preceeded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Wayne Newberry; her parents, Charles and Wanda Head; and nephew, Travis Peterson.
Pennie loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always involved and adored watching everyone grow. Her face always lit up when she shared stories about their accomplishments. Pennie was an excellent cook, and everyone could feel her love in the food she prepared, whether that be for a small family get-together or a large gathering.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the family to celebrate Pennie’s life.
Betty June Parr
Betty June (Hall) Parr was born on November 26, 1928, in Emmett Township (Battle Creek), Michigan, the daughter of Alva A. Hall and Thersa (Lamb) Hall. On August 16, 1946, Betty married Russell W. Parr in Angola, Indiana.
Betty raised five children while helping Russell on their farm. She was a caregiver, and no one ever left her home hungry. She loved family gatherings, gardening, playing cards and horseshoes, reading, bowling and spending time fishing and relaxing at their Diamond Lake cabin.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 73 years, Russell; brother, Harold; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Parr. She is survived by her children, Marcia (Jerry) Robinson of Battle Creek, Steven (Janet) Parr of Bellevue, Mary (James) Adrianson of Hickory Corners, Gary (Rose) Parr and Russell Parr, Jr. both of Vermontville; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 5:00 p.m. A memorial dinner will be provided following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund, 201 North Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 or the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 456 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.