Obituaries
Heather K. O’Grady
Heather Kaye (Johnson) O’Grady of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the age of 48. Heather was born on June 19, 1973 in Lansing, MI the daughter of Richard and Shar (Bearman) Johnson. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Waverly High School class of 1991. Heather went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wilmington College in Delaware. She spent several years in Jeffersonton, VA where she did some work in web design, but spent most of her time raising her children. Heather was the social director of her neighborhood and organized many of the holiday parties. She was a social butterfly, a positive light, and a friend to all. Her outgoing and bubbly personality made it easy for her to make friends wherever she went and she lit up whatever room she was in. Heather moved to Eaton Rapids in 2016 and has worked for The Accident Fund in Lansing as a worker’s comp agent since then. She loved to do impersonations and had a vast knowledge of old commercial tunes. To know Heather was to love her and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Heather is preceded in death by her grandparents, Walter and Grethel Bearman, Ethel Erickson and Benjamin Johnson.
Surviving are her children, Caroline O’Grady, Patrick O’Grady; parents, Dick and Shar Johnson; brother, Greg (Theresa) Johnson; nieces and nephews, XiaoRui, Mitchell, Nicholas, Miranda, Gavin; father of her children, Patrick O’Grady; special friend “Jimmy”, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
A celebration of Heather’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends starting at 11:00 A.M. and host a luncheon immediately following the service. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made in care of, Patrick O’Grady to help set up College Accounts for Caroline and Patrick O’Grady. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Linda L. Caudill
Linda Lou Caudill of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the age of 77. Linda was born on November 11, 1943 in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Watson) Williams. She was a lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids and part of the class of 1963. Linda was extremely hardworking, raising her five children and working as a house cleaning for many families throughout greater Eaton Rapids. She loved to read her bible, watcher her “programs” and play with her pets, especially her cat, Chubby. Linda adored her family and especially loved her time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Velvet Caudill, Melissa Caudill, Stacy Lambert; son, Russell (Joy) Caudill; grandchildren, Sara (Dustin) Bartel, Patrick (Shelby) Eichholtz, Kristin Eichholtz, Donald Eichholtz, Lance Adkinson, Zakkery Caudill, Khrissandra Caudill, Karliona (Pierson) Davis; great grandchildren, Alexander Bartel, Joslyn Bartel, Grace Eichholtz, Terrance Hackworth, Caleb Schrum, Liam Eichholtz, Brantley Eichholtz, Annabella Caudill, Zephaniah Caudill, Zacchaeus Caudill, Angelina Caudill, Jack Davis; brother, Gary (LuAnn) Williams and numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, son, Okie Caudill, Jr.; brother, Joseph Williams; sister, Carol Dryer and father of her children, Okie Caudill, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting at 11:00 A.M. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Linda. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Shari Anne Clough
Shari Anne Clough of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at the age of 88. Shari was born on September 6, 1933 in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Harold and Marion (Hine) Owen. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated class of 1951. Shari worked as a legal secretary, and also as a secretary for Eaton Stamping where she retired. She was very involved with Heart and Hands of Eaton Rapids and the First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, volunteered with funeral luncheons and helped in the office. Shari also enjoyed music, quilting, and was an avid reader. Shari was a genuine and hardworking wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; a servant to her Lord, Jesus Christ, a rock to her family; and her kind and gentle presence will be deeply missed by everyone who loved and cared for her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Irven Gemalsky; children, Elaine Mock, Edwin Gemalsky, Nancy Fleck; brother, William Owen and sister-in-law, Charlene Owen.
Surviving are her husband, Robert Clough; daughter, Sue (Jeff) Grunewald; son, David (Jodi) Clough; son-in-laws, Jim Mock, Terry Fleck; former daughter-in-law, Becky (Mark) Johnson; grandchildren, Jonathan (Amber) Mock, Meghann (Jeremy) Barnett, Kasey (Sean Sprouse) Gemalsky, Nicholas Grunewald, Jacob Grunewald; great grandchildren, Riley, Emmet and Reese Barnett, Anya, Aria and Mila Mock, Sean Sprouse, Jr., sister, Sharon (Richard) Williams; brothers, Thomas Owen, David (Billie) Owen; sister-in-law, Carol Owen and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, October 25, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Heart and Hands or the First United Methodist Church in memory of Shari. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Jeffery D. Palmer
Jeffery Duane Palmer, of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 15, 2021, at the age of 57. Jeff was born in Eaton Rapids, October 10, 1964, the son of Duane and Dorothy (Wilson) Palmer. He was a 1984 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. He worked for Michigan Packaging and more recently, Ryder Logistics. Jeff was a dairy farmer, and a jack of all trades. If it was broken, he would fix it his way and his way was right and he loved to play with his Legos. The nieces and nephews will miss their “Uncle Dude” greatly.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Palmer; children, Mary Ashtin Palmer of Eaton Rapids, Dorian Palmer of Eaton Rapids; siblings, Julie Palmer, Jim (Serena) Palmer, Wendy (Kyle) McNamara, step siblings, Dian (Brad) Brummett, Mark (Missy) Hisler; grand-dog, Savage. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Howard Hisler; stepbrothers, Steve, and Howie Hisler.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Thrive Church, 6044 S. Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family please visit millsfuneral.com.
Thomas F. Potter
Thomas Floyd Potter, a man who will always be remembered as a farmer and a prankster, passed away on October 9, 2021. Thomas, 77, was born on September 28, 1944, on a farm in Roxand Township to Floyd John and Alice Clark (Mead) Potter. Thomas graduated from Sunfield High School in 1962. In his youth, Thomas was active in FFA and Boy Scouts. After graduation he worked for OI, Fowlers Farm Store, Barker Fowler Electric, River Electric, and Robinson Farms. Even while working other jobs, he still was a farmer working his own farmland until the 1980s. After that he rented it out and still worked the land. Thomas resided in the same house all his life. Thomas had a great love for anything western related. In his heart he was a cowboy from the past. He enjoyed the history of ghost towns, westerns, especially those with John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and Hopalong Cassidy chaps. Thomas really enjoyed road trips. One of his favorite trips was to Dodge City, Kansas (cowboy heaven). All trips always included stops at a museum, he loved history. He also had a huge love for cats. He was known as the cat whisperer. Most of all Thomas loved babies. Baby animals, grandbabies, he loved them all. Thomas was a man you could count on to help you, he didn’t know the meaning of the word “no.” He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren and his family was his world.
Thomas is survived by his loving family, his wife of 44 years, Celinda (Eaton); daughter, Lisa (Scott) Patterson; sons, James (Tina) Potter, John Potter, and Eddie Potter; granddaughters, Elena Potter, Clare Potter, Avery Kirkbride; special nieces, Mary Palucki, and Tracy Spears; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vanessa Eaton, Danny (Cindy) Eaton, Sherry (Joe) Merrill, Marie Palucki, and Frank Spears; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Thomas was predeceased by a stillborn brother who was not named; his parents, Floyd and Alice; and his brother-in-law, Terry Eaton.
Funeral services were held Friday, October 15, 2021, at 2 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation was Friday, October 15, 2021, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral service was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Thomas’ tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Future Farmers of America. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Thomas’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Helen D. Almy
Helen Daisy Almy, born on 13th of November, 1924 in Greenville, MI, walked into the arms of her Lord on the 9th of October, 2021 at the age of 96. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Bobbie E. Almy and their daughter Carol Lorraine. She is survived by her daughters Lois Ann Almy, Cherry J. (Roger) Hosteter; her Grandchildren Audrey Kay (Scott) Brayton, Marc A. (Wendy) Sinclair, Ryan M. Hosteter, Alexandria K. Almy, Katrina (Randy) Turned, & Amy L. (Wade) Baumgardner; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson and many nieces, nephews, extended family & friends. She loved her family, and her family loved her.
Among Helen’s many hobbies was fishing, gardening, canning, travel, & knitting. She was involved in many charities, giving her time & money in times of need.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI 49418. In memory of Helen and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice in her name. The family welcomes memories & messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
Michael K. Hebenstreit
Michael Keith Hebenstreit, age 63, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021. He was born February 15, 1958, in Charlotte, the son of Clarence Hebenstreit and Martha (Pierce) Cortright. Mike graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1976. On March 1, 1975, he married the love of his life Iris Kay Endsley at her parents’ home in Bellevue. The most important thing in Mike’s life was his family. He loved each and everyone of them with a deep devotion and cherished every moment they were able to spend together. He had a huge heart and would often leave little love notes around the house for Iris to find. Mike loved riding his Harley Davidson every chance he got. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, looking for the next great find at flea markets, and playing on his John Deere tractor with Milo.
Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Iris; children: Joseph (Mary) Hebenstreit, Jenny (Chad) Heisler, Sindi (Kenny Wallace) Lashley, Tony Hebenstreit; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings: Butch (Becky) Hebenstreit, Peggy (Roger) Canterbury, Phillip (Deanna) Hebenstreit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Mayn Cortright; brother, Sam Hebenstreit; and sister, Sally Moscoso.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 12 p.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mike’s honor to the Olivet College Women’s Board.
To view Mike’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Barbara L. Baldwin
Barbara Lillian Gorodenski Orman Baldwin of Charlotte, a lady who may have been small in stature but had a feisty spirit, died October 6, 2021, at the age of 88. Barbara was born February 11, 1933, in McKean, PA to Nickola and Valeria (Cucera) Gorodenski. While growing up, her family enjoyed music and she and her sister Eva would sing harmony to entertain themselves and their family. A graduate of Vermontville High School in 1951, she went on to work as a private secretary and worked for over 50 years, with 25 years at John Bean in Lansing, and then 25 years at Dart Container in Mason. With her giving nature, Barbara enjoyed volunteering at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte as a “Gray Lady” for many years, and she was a volunteer chaplain at the VFW as well.
Barbara enjoyed trips to the casino, writing poetry, doing handy work, and collecting bird figurines. “In order to have a friend, you had to be a friend,” as Barbara often said, and she made sure her friends and family knew they were loved and appreciated. She never complained and worked very hard to support her family not just working during the day as a secretary, but also working nights as a waitress after her first husband, Vernon Orman, died in 1961. Barbara was also very particular, she liked things done a certain way and wasn’t shy about telling you to be sure things were done the way she knew as the right way.
Barbara is survived by her son, Michael (Maureen) Orman; granddaughters, Julie (Todd) Fox and Kayli (LeRoy) Hummel; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Emily Fox, Alexis and Kelsey Hummel, Nick (Sydney) Hummel, and Carley (Geoff) Cesaretti; five great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Joe (Elaine) Gorodenski. She was predeceased by her first husband, Vernon Lee “Mike” Orman in 1961, 2nd husband, Bruce Baldwin; and special friend of 31 years, Art Osterwald.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Barbara’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held on Monday, October 11, 2021, 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with the family receiving visitors from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service on Monday. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Donald R. Webb
Donald Rex Webb, age 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, October 11, 2021, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. He was born February 18, 1933, in Kalkaska, Michigan the son of Jesse and Mary Louise (Turner) Webb. Don was raised in McMillan in the Upper Peninsula and he was proud of his UP heritage. Don worked as a logger in several UP-lumber camps and drove truck from a very young age. Don graduated from Newberry High School and soon after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict. On November 1, 1952, he married the love of his life, Joyce O. Anderson in Manistique. Don was a highly intelligent man with a determined and intentional spirit. He worked for over 30 years for Brown Brothers Construction as a purchaser of heavy equipment and superintendent. Don had his pilot’s license and traveled throughout the country purchasing many pieces of heavy equipment. He was also instrumental in the building of many roads and bridges across the state. Above all Don cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Don also enjoyed his trips to the casino with Joyce.
Don is survived by his children: Donald Webb of Northville, Sandy (Wayne) Simpson of Charlotte, Sheryl (Jeff) Towe of Charlotte, Cindy Albrecht of Dimondale, Daryl Webb of Potterville, Randy (Helen) Webb of Manistee; 14 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and several great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce on August 11, 2021; mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Helen Anderson; and sister, Viola (Earl) Shope.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 2 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Don’s honor to the family, and they will forward them onto Spectrum Butterworth Hospital and Palliative Care.
To view Don’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Denise D. Fennell
Denise D. Fennell (Cole), age 68, passed away peacefully at home in Vermontville on October 11, 2021. She was born in Vermontville to the late Vance A. Cole and Delores E. Cole (Wheaton) and was a 1971 graduate of Maple Valley High School. Denise worked for Owens Illinois Glass in Charlotte for 12 Years and General Motors Parts Plant in Lansing for 37 Years, where she recently retired in March 2021. Denise loved spending time gardening, hunting for special antiques with her husband Bill, baking up all kinds of treats including her famous Christmas coffee cake and snickerdoodles, spending time with friends, playing board games, and enjoying quality time with her family.
Denise is survived by her beloved husband of 28 years, William F. Fennell (Bill); and her siblings, including brother, Gerald Cole and wife, Paula (Hokanson); sister Linette Cole, sister, Nadine Rood (Cole) and husband Dan, sister, Corrine McMillon (Cole) and husband Rod. Denise cherished her time with her many nephews and nieces including niece Amy Zemke (Cole) and husband Jeff, nephew Ryan and wife Kelley, niece Dana Johnston (Cole) and husband Chris, niece Jessica Kietzman (Betts) husband Jeff, nephew Jeffrey Betts and wife Mary-Alice, nephew Austin Rood, nephew Douglas Rood and wife Janis (Tippie), niece Nicole Magdycz (McMillon) and husband Allen, and niece Keely McMillon, as well as several great nieces and nephews. Denise had a family of loving friends who will feel her loss terribly but none closer than her dear friend of 47 years Diane Clinton.
Denise’s funeral will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St, Charlotte, MI 48813. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Heart Association or the Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Friends and family are encouraged to support Denise’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.