Obituaries
Jean W. Hopkins
Jean Wheaton Hopkins was born Sep 3, 1925 in Ogdensburg, NY and died Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
In 1944, she graduated from Northfield Seminary for Young Ladies in Massachusetts and proceeded from there to nursing school in Rochester, NY during WWII. She decided on a career change and returned home to Ogdensburg, eventually graduating from Wallace Secretarial School. While in Rochester, on Oct 3, 1944 she went on a blind date, and met the love of her life, John Denison Hopkins. They continued their long-distance courtship and were married on Sep 14, 1946.
During their early married life, they resided in Rochester (NY) where they became parents. From there, John’s career moved them to Racine (WI), Fort Wayne (IN) and Charlotte (MI). Throughout the years, Jean was involved in the Presbyterian Church as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher and/or choir member wherever they lived. While in Charlotte she was heavily involved in the fund raising for, and building of the Charlotte Library, and eventually became President of the library board. Jean spent her later years as a resident of Independence Village of Grand Ledge, where she continued to make friends and care for those around her.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, John Denison Hopkins; parents, Harry Monroe Wheaton and Sara Kahl Wheaton; siblings, Elaine Gray Miller (Lloyd), Katharine Dillingham (James), Harry M Wheaton, Jr. (Doris) and Margorie Smith (Arthur); and great-grandson Damien Atreyu Clayton Huelskamp. She is survived by her children, John Denison Hopkins, Jr, and Jane Elizabeth Jandl (Mark); grandchildren, Sean Denison Rogan-Sanchez (Danielle), Jaclyn Louise Malm (Scott), and Sara Elizabeth Rogan; and great-grandchildren, Gage Joey Lennon Deaton, Lucille Sky Eve Bressie and Adeline Penny Sue Hartless.
Jean will be forever remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and caring friend known for her kindness and generosity, especially for anything involving reading or music. That kindness touched many people throughout her life and she will be deeply missed by countless family, friends, neighbors and care givers.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Private funeral services will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The service will be available to view on the funeral home website at www.prayfuneral.com after December 4, 2021. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, 510 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933, of the Charlotte Community Library, 226 S Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Winifred Thaxton
Winifred Dale “DANNY” Thaxton, a quiet man of the outdoors, died Monday, November 15, 2021, a day after his 76th birthday. Danny was born November 14, 1945, in Charleston, WV, the son of Freda and Luey Thaxton. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War, from 1965 to 1971. Upon his return, he moved to Charlotte, MI, to go to work 39 years for Owens-Illinois as a journeyman mechanic. Danny married his loving wife, Charlene, on February 25, 2000, combining their families into one. His greatest passion in life was fishing, where he enjoyed the calm and quiet, and the beautiful of nature. Danny was known to go fishing just about any day, no matter the occasion. His family and friends will remember his kind nature, his readiness to say the right thing when it mattered, and, above all, his love for family.
Danny is survived by his wife, Charlene Thaxton; daughters, Malinda Gross and Kathy (Brad) Gill; sons, Shane Thaxton, Sam (Jen) Walters, and Coltyn Field; 10 grandchildren; brothers, David (Toni) Thaxton and Johnny (Sandy) Thaxton; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Jason Field; and son-in-law, Thomas Gross.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Danny’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home, followed by procession to Kalamo Hillside Cemetery for a 2 p.m. Graveside and Military Honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to any charity of choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Paul M. Wright
Paul Manford Wight Jr., age 74, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the woods doing what he loved. Paul was born March 30, 1947, in Charlotte the son of Paul and Nora (Wood) Wight Sr. He graduated from Bellevue High School with the Class of 1965. In high school Paul enjoyed taking part in numerous different sports and playing the tuba in the band. He set several records in track and field while in high school. On May 23, 1967, Paul married the love of his life, Phoebie Marie Honeycut in Dallas, Texas. Soon after graduating high school Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country. Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family and always wanted the best for each of them. Paul retired after many faithful years of service from POST in Battle Creek. Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors especially deer hunting.
Paul will be missed by his children: Patricia Brown of Coldwater; Tommy Wight of Bellevue, Dale (Janora Stevens) Wight of Olivet; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Dale (Lois) Wight of Arizona; Phyllis Waltman of Battle Creek, Peggy (Dwayne) Jones of Dowling; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wight; and brother-in-law, Marvin Honeycut.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie in July of 2021; sisters: Virginia Wight, Sally Wight, Delores (Paul) Ford; brothers: Burrell Wight, and Reuben Wight.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Paul’s memory to the family.
To view Paul’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Linda M. Skeens
Linda Marie Skeens, age 71 from Lansing passed away on November 13, 2021. She was a press operator at WJG Enterprises. Funeral will be held at Pray Funeral on Tuesday November 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
Joy Peake
Mrs. Joy (Harrington) Peake, age 85, of Nashville, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 3rd, at Metro Health Hospital, in Wyoming, MI.
Joy was born in Battle Creek, MI on October 27, 1936, the daughter of the late Lura (Flint) and Joseph Harrington. Joy was raised in the Banfield area where she attended local schools, before transferring to Delton Kellogg in the 4th grade. She completed her education graduating from Delton Kellogg High School as the Valedictorian of the class of 1954.
It was during those early school years, that Joy met the love of her life; Ralph Peake. The couple became high school sweethearts and were married on May 30, 1955, at the Cedar Creek Bible Church. The wedding however, had to be postponed because the Pastor had been double booked for the original date! This never phased Joy, she simply made new invitations and resent them to each guest with the new date. Joy & Ralph have celebrated over 67 wonderful years together.
Shortly after the couple was married, Joy began working as a Case Worker at the Social Security Administration in Battle Creek, MI. She served faithfully for over 30 years before retiring in 1990.
After retiring, Ralph & Joy enjoyed traveling to several destinations in the United States. Their winters were spent enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Dade City, Florida. Joy was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making beautiful quilts which she gave to each of her grandchildren. Her friends were a special source of joy for her, and she thoroughly enjoyed handwriting letters to them detailing and sharing the special events that were happening in her life.
Joy is survived by her beloved Husband Ralph, daughter, Jill, (David) Eddy, two sons Mark Peake, Larry, (Christine) Peake, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Eugenia Parker.
The family received visitors two hours prior to the funeral service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, November 8th at The Vermontville Bible Church in Vermontville, MI.
Funeral service began at 12 Noon with Pastor Joe Benedict officiating. There will be time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service in the fellowship hall at The Vermontville Bible Church. Graveside service and interment will take place privately at the Banfield Cemetery in Banfield, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to the Vermontville Bible Church or Putnam Library in Nashville, MI. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For complete details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net
Kimberly Thompson
Kimberly Thompson of Charlotte passes away on November 14, 2021, at age 50. She worked as a clerical worker. Funeral at Northpointe Community Church in Dewitt Mich. on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Julie A. Parish
Julie Ann Parish, 49 of Vermontville, died one day before her 50th birthday on November 8, 2021, due to an unfortunate accident. Born in Lansing, MI on November 9, 1971, to Jerry and Joyce (Wells) Bristol, she grew up and graduated from Olivet High School.
Julie had a way of winning people over very quickly, with her beautiful Christian attitude, she believed in the power of prayer and saving souls by bringing others to the Lord. Julie was very faithful to the church. She spent her time and money on what was most important to her: helping people and bringing them together and spreading joy to others. A big hug was in store for everyone Julie knew, even people she just met. A bit stubborn once she made up her mind, Julie used this to her advantage to get things done.
Family was everything to Julie. She was very proud of her grandkids and truly enjoyed time spent with them and the adventures they had, doing anything and everything for them. Her family was so excited to share that she arranged for an enormous 200-foot slip and slide on their last 4th of July together, just one example of her fun side and making things extra-special for her family. For the last 13 years Julie worked for Shyft. She had an exemplary work ethic, was proud of a job well done and a very valued member of their team.
Julie is survived by her grandmother, Marianna Wells; husband, John Dale Parish; parents, Jerry and Joyce Bristol; children, Tosha Parish, Sarah Berryhill, Nicole Parish and John Henry Parish; grandchildren, Lamont, Sydnee, Samyah, Louise and Henry; sister, Jenny Stewart (Kenneth Stewart Jr); niece, Keighly Alley (Danny Alley); nephews, Jimmie Stewart (Shaylee Stewart) and Jacob Stewart (Taylor Stewart); great-nephew, Stetson; father-in-law, Jack Quantrell; and best friends, Becky Bruce, Stasi Glasscock, Vee Grimwood, Sherree Carpenter and Kris Locke. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Kenneth Wells; and mother-in-law, Judy Quantrell.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Julie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, November 19, 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial Services will be Saturday, November 20, 12:00 noon at the Charlotte Assembly of God with Pastor Randy Royston 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 Julie’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, where Julie was very involved as an active member and a trustee. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
James M. Lerch
James Marion Lerch, an avid bowler and patriotic man, died November 15, 2021, at the age of 64. He was born August 22, 1957, in Charlotte to James and Jean (Denherder) Lerch. Traveling the country on his Harley, James enjoyed lots of road trips but his favorite place to visit was always Las Vegas. Many people will remember James from bowling, as he bowled on leagues for over 20 years, and from Reidy’s Pizza where he was a bartender. Some of James favorite things including watching the Detroit Tigers play baseball, listening to country music, and enjoying a cocktail with friends. He also worked as an estimator for lumber yards including Wolohan Lumber and Barry County Lumber, giving builder’s estimates for the supplies they needed to complete their projects.
James is survived by siblings, Patricia (Milt) Freeman, Beverly Daniels (Robert Swan), Michael (Valerie) Lerch; and many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his loving feline friend of 22 years, Annie the cat.
Friends and family are encouraged to support James family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, November 21, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, November 22, 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 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 James’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to any veteran service organization. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Mary O. Bergman
Mary Olive Bergman, age 93 from Charlotte formly of Lansing passed away on November 16, 2021. Mary was employed by the Lansing School District. Arrangements are being made by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
George W. Riddle
George Willis Riddle, 96, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021, surrounded by his family. George was born August 7, 1925, in Charlotte, the son of Grover Cleveland and Mabel Louise (Summers) Riddle. George was drafted into the U.S. Army during his junior year of high school and shipped out in 1943 to serve in the 82nd Airborne in the European theater of WWII. Upon his return from the war in 1946, he went back to Charlotte High School and graduated in 1946. After school, he went to work part-time at the Post Office and Aluminum Extrusion. He later went to Carefree, rising to Plant Manager before his retirement in 1985. He and his wife, Wilma “Billy” Riddle, enjoyed travelling all over the world, marking each destination with a peg on the world map at home. Years later, he and his companion, Wanda, spent winters in Englewood, FL, where George loved sunbathing, a craving he enjoyed all the way into his last days. In his last years, he enjoyed ice cream on Fridays with his granddaughter, and time spent close to family.
George is survived by his daughter, Denise Riddle; son, Geoffrey (Diana) Riddle; daughter-in-law, Darlene Riddle; 4 grandchildren, Kara Riddle, Kaci Riddle, Nicole (Chad) Guilford, and Amanda (Bobby) Decker; 9 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion, Wanda Wells. He was predeceased by his wife, Wilma “Billy” (Amick) Riddle; son, George Willis Riddle, Jr.; and sisters, Eunice Wells and Jean Oberlin.
Friends and family are encouraged to support George’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, 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 George’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Mid-Michigan Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.