Obituaries
Connie K. Garrison
Connie Kay Garrison, 70, of Charlotte, a woman of deep conviction and Faith, love of her family, and devotion to others, went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 20, 2021. Connie was born October 7, 1951, in Mason, the daughter of Albert and Evelyn (Porter) Lowe. When her mother died unexpectedly only a few years later, she and her sister were adopted and raised by Bill and Marion Wright, local bar owners in Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969, and soon married her forever love, Jim Garrison on September 12, 1970. Connie brought an Olds 442 to the marriage, Jim brought a Mustang Mach 1, and soon they happily welcomed their first daughter. Connie’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event (often with her cowbell in hand), volunteered as a member with the Circle C 4H Club, and even served as coach when her youngest daughter, Cana, started the Olivet High School Equestrian Team. Throughout her life, she had a passion for animals, especially horses.
As a member of the worship team at New Hope Community Church, Connie could often be heard praising God with her singing, and handmade many of the flower arrangements used in the church. She studied God’s Word every day and lived a clean life full of God’s Grace and Goodness. Many will remember her perseverance, especially in service to others. Connie went well beyond the extra mile in every endeavor and area of service in her life.
Connie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim Garrison; daughters, Rachael (Scott) McLane, Andrea Brown, and Cana Garrison; 6 grandchildren, Kaylea and Kateline Ostrander, Alivia and Ashley Brown, and Emily and Collin McLane; sister, Vivian Schultz; brother, Larry Lowe; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Duane Lowe; brother-in-law, Donald Schultz; and beloved grand-dog, Lucy.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Connie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, at New Hope Community Church, with visitation just prior from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 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 Connie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to New Hope Community Church Worship Team. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Leila N. Klaiss
Leila Noah Klaiss, 80, of Charlotte, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in Jackson, Michigan on May 19, 1941, the daughter of Elliott and Helen (Parks) Noah. Leila lived the majority of her life in Charlotte. She was passionate about her hometown. On June 19, 1965, she married Neil E. Klaiss at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. In her own words “I’ve loved him since 5th grade”. Leila was the former editor of the paper here in Charlotte. Neil and Leila owned and operated Klaiss TV for 47 years. She had her own column called, Corners of My Mind. She was very active within her community. Her love for anything Charlotte was evident. She was instrumental in getting the 1885 courthouse moved to Bennett Park and active with the Court House Square Association. She loved to quilt, having made quilts for her 2 grandchildren when they were born. These quilts will always be keepsakes that will remind them of their Lini and the love she had for them. Lini was a name given to her by her first grandchild, Noah. This name would be used by those closest to her for the rest of her life. Leila had a razor-sharp sense of humor. She had her opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them. She fought for what she believed in. She was a voracious reader and avid genealogist. She was able to trace the lineage of the Noah family and the Klaiss family. Leila was also a master gardener and took great pride in her gardens. She sometimes tried new recipes, much to the horror of her family. We, her family, will never forget the broiled grapefruit incident of 1981. We will miss her the rest of our lives.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Neil; daughters, Melissa (Paul) Martino of Durham, North Carolina, Libby Klaiss of Grand Ledge; grandchildren: Noah Martino of Alabama, Victoria Martino of Alabama; brother-in-law, Tony Hain; and honorary daughters: Anne Roiter and Elizabeth Siler
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kathy Hain.
A celebration of Leila’s life was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 3:30 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends from 1 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the funeral home on Wednesday just prior to the service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Leila’s honor to the Court House Square Association 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the Charlotte Christmas Kiddies 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Leila’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Timothy Livingston
Timothy (Tim) Livingston, 62, passed away on Friday December 17, 2021, at home in Summerdale Alabama. He lived in Bellevue and Charlotte area until he moved to Alabama. He was born in Charlotte, Michigan on October 24, 1959, to Richard and Betty (Stevens) Livingston. Tim is survived by his daughter Lorie Livingston, sisters Dawn (Jim) Collier, April Garcia, Wanda (Steve) Lahr and Janet (Roland) Parker and brother Olin (Alice) Gleason, Melvin (Beth) Gleason and Robert Livingston. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty and father Richard. He was a cabinet maker and he worked on the shrimp boats. He liked going fishing, crabbing, hunting, and doing odd jobs for friends.
Charles N. Lane
Charles Norris Lane, 91, of Nashville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. He was born January 25, 1930, in Wacousta, Michigan the son of Walter and Augusta (Damer) Lane. Chuck graduated from Potterville High School with the Class of 1950. On January 9, 1953, he married Nan V. Mishler in Potterville. Chuck went to work at Fisher Body in Lansing as a young man. He then went on to Oldsmobile where he received a suggestion award and then entered training to become a supervisor. This led him to become a foreman and he worked in this position for 31 years before retiring. He enjoyed spending time outdoors but was especially fond of hunting for ducks, pheasants, rabbits, whitetail deer, mule deer and antelope. Chuck also enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States and to the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his family and friends. His love for being outdoors also led him to enjoy cutting wood, gardening, and caring for his lawn. Chuck loved playing golf and ran several leagues at Mulberry Fore Golf Club and Centennial Acres Golf Course.
Chuck is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Nan; children: Steven (Trinda) Lane, Kim (Jen) Lane, Kathy (George) Radee; 9 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Mark A. Lane.
In keeping with Chuck’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
To view Chuck’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Jerry W. Bristol
Jerry Wayne Bristol, 79, of Vermontville, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021. He was born April 15, 1942, in Eaton Rapids the son of Bethel and Margaret Bristol. On November 22, 1972, he married the love of his life, Joyce Elaine Wells at the West Carmel Congregational Church. Jerry was a true family man. He adored each and every member of his family and did his best to see to it that they were well cared for. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Jerry faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Jerry was an active member of the Nashville Baptist Church.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joyce; daughter, Jenny (Ken) Stewart of Cowley, Wyoming; grandchildren: Keighly (Danny) Alley of Lodge Grass, Montana, Jimmy (ShayLe) Stewart of Cody, Wyoming, Jacob (Taylor) Stewart of Laramie, Wyoming, Tosha Parish, Sarah Berryhill, Nicole Parish, John Henry Parish; great grandchildren: Stetson Stewart, Lamont, Sydnee, Samyah, Louise, and Henry; son-in-law, John Dale Parish; sister, Mary Jo Hayes; brother, Roger (Sandy) Bristol; and his dog, Skeeter. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Julie Parish; and brothers: Danny Bristol and Ted Bristol.
In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held at the Nashville Baptist Church in the near future. Those desiring, may make contributions in Jerry’s memory to the Nashville Baptist Church. To view Jerry’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Pansy I. Fancher
Pansy Irene Fancher, age 103 from Eaton rapids, Michigan passed away on December 19, 2021. She was a homemaker. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
Anne T. Cantine
Anne Towns Cantine of Eaton Rapids, passed peacefully December 19, 2021, at Eaton Community Palliative Care (Hospice). She was born November 10, 1928, to Russell Knapp and Kittie May (Caruss) Winslow in Lansing. She was raised on her Grandparents farm on Kingsland Hwy and raised her family just down the hill. She was proud to say she lived there all of her life. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1946. Anne married her first husband, Clare E Towns in 1948. He passed in 1986. She retired from Eaton Rapids Public Schools in 1993 after 28 years. Anne enjoyed her vegetable garden and fruit trees, canning everything. She was creative and shared that creativity through her pheasant feather hats, pinecone wreaths, cooking, baking, cake decorating and entertaining. She traveled extensively attending horse shows, pony pulls, and family visits. Anne was also incredibly caring, and from an early age she cared for many family and then friends as they aged. It was 38 years ago she began working with a volunteer group which became Eaton Community Palliative Care (Hospice). Recently receiving a fitting tribute, by the United Way for Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism. She also volunteered with the school, church, ERHS Alumni Association and Senior Center among others.
In 1991 she married David E. Cantine who passed in 2011. They continued traveling, visiting family, attending organ rallies, and wintered in Palmetto, Florida. Together they held several barn sales benefiting Eaton Community Palliative Care before creating what is now known as the Anne Towns Cantine Hospice Thrift Store.
She is survived by her children, Mitchell Towns and Ava Towns both of Eaton Rapids. Bob (Cathy) Cantine, Springport, Nancy (Tim) Propst, North Carolina, Daughter-in-law, Simon Towns, Georgia. Grandchildren, Chad Towns, Arkansas, Kittie Anne (Brad) Palmer, Georgia, Gregory (Hope) Clark, Mason, Timothy Clark, Florida, Alexander Clark, New York, Doug (Jen) Wilson, Maine, Don (Penny) Wilson, Maine, Aaron Cone, Georgia and Amber Hensley, Eaton Rapids, Sister-in-law, Norine Winslow, Eaton Rapids. Several nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her dear friends, Margaret Kyser Pike, Charlotte, Lucy Stimer, Eaton Rapids and Jim and Judy Rocco, Florida. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Michael Towns, infant son, Richard Towns, and brother, R. Dale Winslow and daughter-in-law, Krista Vercruysse.
Funeral Services will be handled by the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, Thursday, December 23, 2021. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. with a service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care either online at: echospice.org or by calling 517-543-5310. Online condolences may be sent to www.millsfuneral.com.
Douglas E. Rabidoux
Douglas Edward Rabidoux of Dimondale, passed away after a long and courageous fight with cancer, December 16, 2021, at the age of 57. Doug was born in Freemont, OH., March 14, 1964, the son of Dolphis and Jean (Lovette) Rabidoux. He was a friendly, kind, and outgoing man. Doug would strike up a conversation with people he had met just once and would carry on as if they had known each other for ever. He absolutely loved attending auction sales, which is where he met many people. Doug enjoyed camping with his wife, riding his Harley motorcycle, and was an avid MSU fan.
Doug is survived by his parents; wife, Jill Rabidoux; children, Jasmin (Josh) Fish of Lansing, Darius Courtney Riddle) Rabidoux of Lansing; grandchildren, Brock, Felicity, Claudia, and Darien, who is on the way; siblings, Dolphis Rabidoux III, David (Tracy) Rabidoux, Dean Rabidoux, Julia (Bryan) Bloom, Jill (Carl) Bienz.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Tuesday December 21, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To place online condolences please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Alyce M. Blackmer
Alyce Marie Blackmer of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loving family by her side, December 17, 2021, at the age of 60. Alyce was born in Lansing, January 11, 1961, the daughter of Lyle and Marion (Fuller) Lawrence. She worked as an executive secretary at the Seventh Day Adventist Church for several years and was also a member. Alyce loved to read, knit, crochet and camp with her husband. She was a loving daughter, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and sister. Alyce gave immense support and was a right-hand man to her husband, Scott, working side by side with him at the Hamlin Fire Department and was lovingly known as “Chief A.”
Alyce is survived by her father, Lyle (Donna) Lawrence of Eaton Rapids, mother, Marion Newmon of AR; husband, Scott Blackmer; son, Scott Alan (Rachael) Blackmer of Eaton Rapids; daughters, Alyna (Jason) Stone of TN, Alyssa (Michael) Castanon of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Scott James and Abigail Blackmer, Ryker Stone; brothers, William (Bill) (Kayla) Lawrence, Robert (Bob) (Tammy) Lawrence; sister, Kathleen (Kathy) Lawrence; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Visitation was held Wednesday December 22, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Private funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Strong Tower Radio, 7669 S. 45 Rd. Cadillac, MI 49601. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Bernard Linsley
Mr. Bernard (“Bernie”) Linsley, age 90, of Kalamo, MI, passed away Sunday, December 12th, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
Bernie was born in Bellevue, MI, on February 1, 1931, a son of the late Alta (Rice) and L.Z. Linsley. He spent his early childhood working the family farm in Bellevue and later working his own farm in Kalamo. In addition to farming, Bernie worked at local stockyards and later worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek, MI, for 32 years.
On June 16, 1951, he married Barbara Smurr, his childhood neighbor. Bernie and his two brothers married Barb and her two sisters. They renovated and established their first and only home together in the Kalamo area where they raised their family. The Linsleys shared their home with several foster children through the years.
Bernie described Barbara as the “perfect wife,” and together they enjoyed renovating houses. Their passion and hard work led the couple to complete over 33 house renovations in the area.
“Work hard, play hard” was a creed that Bernie and Barb shared during their nearly 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In later years, the couple purchased homes in Florida that became their winter escape for over 30 years. They also enjoyed spending time at family properties in Kalkaska and at Thornapple Lake. In addition, Bernie and Barb found a family of friends through rodeo enthusiasts and the owners, workers, and patrons at both Shirley’s Chuckwagon and Rip’s Place. The family extends great gratitude to the many who gave comfort and help to Bernard during the difficult days after Barbara’s passing.
Bernard also found increased strength and peace through his relationship with God. The family is grateful for the ministry of Marion Hamilton and a Mrs. Grable who made sure that Bernie and his brothers got to Assyria Bible Church on Sundays. During that time, the Cunninghams took him and his brothers to a retreat at Gull Lake. There, at the age of 16, Bernie accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. As a married couple, Bernie and Barb worshipped at Nashville Baptist Church and loved their church family.
Bernie is survived by his two sons, Glen (Donna) Linsley and Ed (Linda) Linsley; his brother, Gerald Linsley; sister-in-law, Gloria Linsley; brother-in-law, Doug (Pat) Smurr; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many others who called him “Dad.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his brother, Donald; and sister-in-law, Mary Linsley.
Funeral services are being conducted privately with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating. Bernie will be interred at a private ceremony at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, MI. There will a combined memorial service in the springtime to honor and celebrate Bernard and Barbara’s life together. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church 304 Philips Street, Nashville, MI 49073 and may be designated to the Gideons for purchase of audio Bibles in different languages. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.