Obituaries
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.
Rita M. Godin
Rita Marie Godin, 69, of Charlotte, a woman of devout Faith and enduring love for her family, died on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Rita was born February 8, 1952, in Granite City, IL, the daughter of William Edward and Norma Gail (Reis) Breidenbach. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and started her master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado, where she met the love of her life, Donald Edward Godin. The two married on June 16, 1973, in Colorado, and started their family. Throughout the early years of their family life, they moved to several different states, before settling in Charlotte, MI in 1987. Shortly after, in 1993, Rita started substitute teaching throughout the area. Education and learning remained a life-time passion for Rita. Her interest in the connection between music and brain health led her to attend many conferences on brain-based learning. She was always interested in understanding how the human mind learned, and in seeking how sound and natural healing works to expand brain power, especially in children. She was a devoted and busy mother of 7 and served at both the local and state levels of the Parent Advisory Committee, an organization dedicated to children with special needs. Rita loved to dance. She was a member of the County Cloggers and enjoyed square dancing in her youth, and always pestering Don to get on the dance floor. She was also an avid sewer, creating many special treasures for her family and friends. Rita loved the local Charlotte Library and could often be found there. She contributed much to her St. Mary Parish family, including co-founding the Youth Group, and singing in the choir. Many will remember her calming presence as a Lector at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, and all her service to others in the church and beyond.
Rita is survived by her husband of 48 years, Donald Godin; their 7 children, Michelle (Karl) Hart, Paul (Stacie) Godin, David (Alison) Godin, Stephen Godin, Elisabeth (Andrew) Struve, Phillip Godin, and Jeannette (Robert) Holloway; 13 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Teresa (Don) Hanes and Catherine (Charles) Bachwirtz; brothers, Edward (Sylvia) Breidenbach and James (Carmen) Breidenbach; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her infant daughter, Monica.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Rita’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in 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 Rita’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to the Charlotte Library or Area 8 Special Olympics. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Doris C. Rogers
Doris Catherine Rogers of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the age of 101. Doris was born on September 26, 1920, in Warsaw, Indiana the daughter of Thad and Mary (Spurlock) Kipker. She was raised in Alger, Ohio before moving to Michigan at the age of 12. Doris married Cleo Rogers in 1936 and together they raised 4 children on their farm outside of Eaton Rapids. Along with farming full time Doris also enjoyed volunteering her time in the kitchen at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, the Eagles in Charlotte, and the Springport VFW Post. She loved spending time with her family, some of her happiest times were family trips to the Upper Peninsula and the years when her family was together on the farm. Doris was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and canning.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Cleo; daughter, Carol Woodard; grandchildren, Charles “Chuck” Rogers, Jr., Richard Wyatt, Jr. and sister, Marge VanPatton.
Surviving is her daughter, Cheryl Smith; sons, Charles Rogers, Warren (Jan) Rogers; grandchildren, Mary (Pete Sieben) Wyatt, Annette Clark, David Rogers, Nina Eitniear, Sally Lundell, Kathline McIntyre, Jordan (Stephanie) Rogers, Katie (Steve) Davis, Isaac (Yen Tran) Wyatt, T.C. Eitniear; 22 great grandchildren, 7 great, great grandchildren and 2 great, great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Inez A. Walworth
Inez A. Walworth, May 20, 1919 – November 10,2021, Jackson. Born Inez A. Towns to Claude and Stella (Walker) Towns of Springport, she passed away in Jackson, November 10, 2021, age 102 years.
Inez was a 1938 graduate of Springport High School. She married Lyle Walworth of Eaton Rapids on August 25, 1945.
Inez was a retired sewing teacher from Jackson Junior College, a member of the Wally Byam Airstream Club, the Belles & Beaux Square Dancing Club, and the First United Methodist Church. Known for her outstanding cooking, baking, and sewing, her Jackson County Fair entries earned her many awards through the years. Mr. & Mrs. Walworth spent 31 winters in Florida during their retirement years.
Surviving is her one daughter Judy (Thomas) Naylor of Ann Arbor, one granddaughter Jennifer (Andrew) Ballema of Winnetka, IL two great-grandchildren Charlie and Ellerie Ballema of Winnetka, IL, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Inez was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Lyle, and nine siblings – Durward, Cecil, Charles, Harold, and Milo Towns, Nina Stockfish, Mabel Down, Alice Culver, and Doris Ballard.
According to her wishes Mrs. Walworth has been cremated. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Jackson Friendly Home, 435 W. North Street, Jackson, MI, 49202. Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.