Obituaries
Douglas Roiter
Douglas Earl Roiter, the last convicted cattle rustler in Eaton County, headed North to Loud Basin Lodge, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Doug was born March 26, 1965, in Charlotte, the son of Earl and Sharon (Powers) Roiter. Doug had many love affairs throughout his life but the most passionate affair took place between him, Little Debbie and Mountain Dew (Sorry, Tammy!). Doug was a lifelong resident of Brookfield Township. He enjoyed everything outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Doug would tell you that he hated being the center of attention but he was always the life of the party. You could always find him every Sunday grilling in his yard in his underwear and waving at all those who were headed down Sherman Road. Doug worked the majority of his life as a truck driver and was currently employed at E.T. MacKenzie in Grand Ledge.
Doug is survived by his sons: Cody (Elizabeth) Roiter of Lansing, Zack (Brandi) Roiter of Charlotte; grandson, Noah; girl-friend, Tammy McKay; siblings: Dan (Ann) Roiter, Annette (Doug McKillop) Andrews; nephews: Devin “Cupcake” Roiter, Tyler Andrews, Jake Andrews; aunt and uncle, Larry (Cindi) Powers; cousins, Derek Powers, Vaughn Powers and their families; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Robert and Florence Powers.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Powers Family Farm, 1240 Powers Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory in lieu of flowers to the Michigan United Conservation Clubs 2101 Wood St., Lansing, MI 48912 or www.mucc.org
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Kathryn Sue Stinson
Kathryn Sue Stinson, a caring and loving wife, mother, and friend, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, with her family by her side. Kathryn, 73, of Charlotte, was born September 9, 1948, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Guy and Betty Jane (Chapman) Becktel Jr. The family moved to Cadillac, MI when she was 8 and she graduated from Cadillac High School in 1966. On June 2, 1973, Kathryn married the love of her life Dennis Stinson and together they were blessed with two daughters. Kathryn was a dedicated stay at-home mother devoting her full time to her daughters and family. She became a skilled homemaker in every aspect of homemaking and family needs. Kathryn enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and spending many hours gardening. She also nurtured many pets over the years and there was no better example of a true pet lover. All-in-all Kathryn was a woman who enjoyed life and was so proud of her daughters’ growth into independent caring adults.
Kathryn is survived by her husband Dennis of 49 years; children, Rebecca (Raymond) Hocquard, Angela (Jordan) Cortright; seven grandchildren, Raymond IV, Elizabeth, Drew, Chloe, Christopher, Nicholas, and Nathan; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Linda) Becktel, Gerald (Deanna) Becktel, and Charlie Bahr; brother-in-law, Jim (Beth) McGinn; special friends, Anita Glessner and Kathy Hughson; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her granddaughters, Allyson, and Andrea; siblings, Larry Becktel, Richard Becktel, and Bonnie Becktel; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Thompson, and Sharon Stinson; brother-in-law, Richard Stinson; and her parents.
At Kathryn’s request no public services are scheduled but friends are encouraged to support Kathryn’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Eva Palmer
Eva J. Palmer, age 87, entered peacefully into the arms of her Lord, July 24, 2022, at her home. She was born March 13, 1935 in Beaverton, Michigan to Rev. George & Grace (Tolles) Huber. On January 12, 1957 Eva married Philip Palmer in Mt. Haley Church of God. Eva was a faithful to the Lord as well as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Mom served many churches over the years as a Pastor’s wife in Colon, MI, Charlotte, MI, Ocala, FL, Cape Coral, FL, and Burlington, MI. Mom taught Sunday School, played piano, and then the organ for many years in the church. Mom also served before her marriage with her parents who were pastors in several churches.
Mom worked as a Lab tech at the Midland Hospital, clerk at State Farm Insurance in Marshall, MI, billing clerk at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, MI, and receptionist/administrative secretary at Eaton County Care Facility.
She is survived by a daughter Rebecca (Rev. Douglas) Douglas of La Fayette, GA; a son Thomas (Valerie) Palmer of Charlotte, MI; grandchildren Nicole (Richard) Rivera; Curtis Palmer of Charlotte, MI; Gretchen (Ballard) Wood of Columbia City, IN; Charin (Mike) Hanlon of Wilmington, NC; Nathan (Jessica) Douglas of Ona, WV; and Thomas Douglas of Ft. Wayne, IN; great-grandchildren Audrey, Ethan, and Morgan Rivera; Chasity (Dallas) Puckett, Micah (Becca) Wood; Kaylee and Grace Hanlon; Luke and Joey Douglas; and four great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Huber; brothers, Gerald, Orville, Rex and Ron Huber; sisters, Merlene Wixom, Alice Krotzer; and her husband of 64 years, Philip B. Palmer.
A Memorial Service for Rev. Philip B. and Eva J. Palmer will be held August 27, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Cochran Church of God, 2470 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. If you have a story to share, please email to douglas303@earthlink.net by August 24, 2022. Stories received will be shared at the Memorial Service.
Donations may be made in their honor to a charity of your choice.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Maxine J. Zenker
Maxine J. Zenker of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the age of 94. Born May 27, 1928, to Fred and Lorena (Cane) Stierley in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Maxine was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of ’46 and went on to attend Lansing Beauty School. She later opened her own Beauty Shop in Eaton Rapids where she operated her business. For years she was a part of the Extensions Club in Eaton Rapids. Maxine was quite artistic and enjoyed painting. She loved gardening and spending time outside doing yardwork. Maxine was a good cook and hosted many family holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners. She was loved by many and will be missed dearly by all who remember her. Preceding her in death were her husband of 61 years, Vaughn Zenker as well as her parents.
Surviving are her two children, Steve (Shey) Zenker, Jill (Tom) Paine; grandchildren, Nicki Zenker, Kiersten Paine, Andrew (Felisha) Paine; great grandson, Emerson Zenker Paine and one great granddaughter on the way.
A private graveside service will be held for Maxine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Maxine’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jose Sanchez Cantu III
Jose Sanchez Cantu, III of Eaton Rapids, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 13, 2022, at the age of 52. Joe was born on January 28, 1970, in Lansing, MI the son of Jose Cantu and Evelyn Rials. Joe lived in Florida for a short period of his youth but was mostly raised in Lansing. He worked as a brick layer for L & M Masonry and as a mechanic for Williams Farm Machinery. Joe enjoyed fishing and was an avid U of M athletics fan. He loved tinkering in his garage and fixing up old cars and welding miniature tractor and car replicas from scratch. Joe had a huge heart for animals and especially loved his boxer dogs, Sonny and Sugar.
He is preceded in death by his parents and Reané Rials and April Rials.
Joe is survived by his wife, Cheri Cantu; sons, Jose Cantu IV, Jesus Cantu; nieces, Starla Colter, Robbie Jo Malcolm, Maranda (Tyler) Bashore; mother and father-in-law, Gary and Ruth Clarke, and sister-in-law, Suzi Clarke.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family of Jose Cantu to help with final expenses or to the Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Joe. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.