Obituaries
Wayne Earl Cole
Wayne Earl Cole, age 80 from Bellevue, Michigan passed away on December 6, 2022. He was a factory worker at Oldsmobile. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gresham Cemetery.
James Martin
James “Dave” David Martin, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died on Monday, December 12, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Dave, 66, of Charlotte was born September 17, 1956, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Charles and Marie (Barnes) Martin. Dave grew up in a military family so they were on the move often. He always referred to Tennessee as his stomping grounds. On November 10, 1979, Dave married the love of his life, Betty Tate. Dave worked as a Body Repairman for General Motors, he started out in Pontiac, was then transferred to Grand Rapids, and lastly was transferred to Lansing where the family would call Charlotte home. Dave retired from GM in 2008 after 30 years. He was a very smart man that enjoyed tinkering on his 48 Ford, anything outdoors, telling a good story, and sharing a good joke. His life motto was “If I can’t fix it, it’s broke.” Dave was blessed that he was able to pass his knowledge and passions down to his children. His biggest enjoyment in life was when he was blessed with grandchildren, they were his absolute pride and joy.
Dave is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty; children, Charles Martin, and Katy (Kyle) Howard; grandchildren, Mara Arnold, Dane Martin, Macy Howard, and Kyle Howard Jr.; siblings, Marlon (Sheila) Hyatt, and Rita Shelton; lifelong friend, Harley Hopp from Alabama; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Kenneth, and Johnny Martin; grandparents, Mom Ollie, and Daddy Harry.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the Memorial from 3-4:00 p.m. 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 Dave’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mike “George” J. Dassance
Mike “George” J. Dassance of Mason, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 60. He was born in Owosso, MI on May 15, 1962, the son of Levi and Luella (Eash) Dassance. He attended Eaton Rapids High School. Mike worked for Haas Trucking in Albion for 10 years and plowed snow for Schafer’s Landscaping. He loved riding his Harley. Mike was a jack of all trades and tinkered on anything and everything. He often said, “Why do it, if you’re not going to do it right the first time.” Mike would selflessly go out of his way to help others. He was a well-liked man who will be missed dearly.
Mike is survived by his mom; children, Mindy (Kalvin Thompson) Dassance of Lansing, Shawn Dassance of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Selena, Quincy, Arianna, Amarianna; siblings, Arlene Dassance of Dimondale, Diana Bunker of Eaton Rapids, Barbara (Ron) Adleman of Eaton Rapids, Paul (Connie) Dassance in Cadillac; girlfriend, Charlene McFaul and her daughter, Emma McFaul of Mason; mother of his children, Laura Ohmer of Eaton Rapids. He is preceded in death by his dad; brother, Jerry Dassance, and sister, Patricia Dassance.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m., December 15, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice of charity. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences or memories, visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Roma Jeanne Orr
Roma Jeanne Orr went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the age of 86. Jeanne was born on January 21, 1936, in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Carl and Verna (Gould) Rishel. She was raised in Eaton Rapids, graduating class of 1954 and went on to receive her bachelor’s in nursing from Sparrow School of Nursing. Jeanne worked for the Eaton Rapids Medical Center as a Registered Nurse and retired in 1982. After retirement, Jeanne worked closely with her daughter and other special needs children lending her skills as a nurse to oversee events such as the Special Olympics. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids and married her husband, Carl there in 1958. Jeanne was very gifted musically and enjoyed singing with her sister and the Sunday evening family music night where the entire family would get together and play music. She also sang and played music with the Lansing Choral Society.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, Carl Orr; children, Daryl Orr, Jonathan (Julie) Orr, Julieann Orr; grandchildren, Alex (Rachael) Orr, Abby (Josh) Soper, Mallory Orr, Trey Orr; great grandchildren, Maverick and Elliott Orr, Hope and Lily Soper; sister, Carole Decker and numerous extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart and Hands in memory of Jeanne. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.