Obituaries
Donald Kenneth Tirrell
Donald Kenneth Tirrell, a long-time steward of the land known for his humble spirit, compassionate family values, and service to his community, passed away peacefully in his Charlotte home on December 13, 2024. Don, 92, was born June 10, 1932, in Charlotte to Kenneth Tirrell and Dorothy (Bell) Tirrell. Don lived his life by his own terms. He is remembered by his family as a man who knew how to do everything, and he particularly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience by helping others. Don was particularly intuitive with animals, as he had a knack for reading their body language and cared for them fittingly. Although Don could be more “prickly” than loving at times, he made friends easily and always had a story to share.
Don graduated high school in 1951 after an unforgettable trip to the nation’s capital for a 4-H convention, an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for agriculture. As a farmer and seed dealer for 42 years, Don worked his own farm south of Charlotte, tending to the soil with a responsible and patient hand. He diligently maintained his property, always ensuring that his buildings were kept in excellent condition. An accomplished farmer, Don acquired the first self-propelled combine in the county and assisted local farmers in custom combining. Don generously gave his time to support the farming community through the Eaton County Farm Bureau and by serving on the 4-H Fair Board where he sowed the seeds of wisdom and growth in the youth of Eaton County. Don was also a well-known regular at the Eaton Place in Charlotte, sitting in the back corner booth every day for dinner and offering his help to the wait staff and fellow patrons.
At the heart of Don’s life was his family. Cherished moments spent with loved ones were the true harvest of his days. Some of Don’s fondest memories were spent camping and boating on the Indian River with his family. Don is now reunited with his beloved wife, Donna Jeanne Tirrell, who preceded him in death. Don’s legacy lives on through his daughter, Vickie (Greg) Shaver; sons, Bill and Tom (Deanna) Tirrell; grandchildren, Dan (Jill) Shaver, Megghan (Niki) Ravan, Alex (Sarah) Tirrell, Maggie Tirrell, Donnie (Caitlin) Tirrell, Chad (Stacy) Weldon, and Jamie (Travis) Reed, and 10 great-grandchildren.
As the sunset paints the sky over the fields he loved, we remember Don—a humble steward of the land, a pillar in his community, and a devoted family man. His kind heart and dedication to his community and family will continue to inspire us all. May his gentle spirit find rest, and may we carry his legacy in the seeds we sow and the lives we touch.
Friends are encouraged to support Don’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 4-7:00 p.m. Funeral services were Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Messner officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at 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 Don’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary L. Starkweather
Gary L. Starkweather, age 78, of Spring Lake, passed away December 6, 2024, at home with family by his side. He was born July 3, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan to Junior and Betty (Kilgore) Starkweather. He married Alice Wiles, the love of his life, on October 24, 1970.
Gary served many years in law enforcement, beginning with the Charlotte City Police Department and then with the Michigan State Police, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed racing cars, the outdoors, fishing, hunting in Wyoming, spending time with his family and fixing things. Duct tape and WD-40 were important items in his toolbox. Gary was a loving, funny, talented curmudgeon, who was very loved and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years; two sons, Adam (Tracy) Starkweather, and Tracy Starkweather, four grandchildren: Lexie (Gary) Fleming, Caitie, Emmy, Jojo; brother, Monte (Lonnie) Starkweather; sisters-in-law, Susan Meston and Judy Draper; nieces and nephews: Kellie (Brad) Janousek, Jessie (Kevin) McClelland, Fred (Kristine) Meston, and Dwight (Shannon) Meston; many great-nieces and nephews; and his dog, Goose. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers-in law, Milt Meston and Billy Draper, and his best dogs, Sam and Bean.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Hospice Foundation or Harbor Humane Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
Judith Anne Snyder
Judith “Judy” Anne Snyder, a caring and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Judy, 85, of Charlotte, was born on May 27, 1939, in Lansing, MI the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Tanner) Fox. She graduated from East Lansing High School class of 1958 and later attended Ferris State University. She received a job offer to work at the U.S. Dept. of Navy in Washington D.C. and later the Pentagon. In 1963 she and her family moved to Monterey, California where she worked for the Monterey County Welfare Dept. In 1967 she moved back to Michigan and became employed with the State of Michigan, where she retired in 2002 after 35 years of service.
On March 25, 1972, Judy married Gene Snyder and together they were happily married for 31 years until his passing in May of 2003. Judy and Gene were active members of the Charlotte Lions Club where they worked on countless projects together over the years. In 1992 she became the club’s first woman president. Judy served as a volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, and the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. Hobbies that Judy enjoyed included traveling, working on needlepoint crafts, watching football, and most importantly rescuing dogs. She was a devoted member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Judy is survived by her son, James (Jill) Dillion; stepson, Carl M. Snyder; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike; nieces, Missy, and Julie; and her beloved dog, Sandy. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene C. Snyder; her parents; siblings, Allen Fox, Elizabeth “Betsy” Larson, and Don “Sandy” Fox Jr; and countless rescue dogs that she fostered over the years.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, December 13, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 5-7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Eaton County Humane Society, or UM Health – Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Walcott Ritter
Daniel Walcott Ritter, a quiet farmer that was well loved and respected by all who knew him, died December 4, 2024, at the age of 66. Dan was born April 6, 1958, in Charlotte to Royal and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Ritter, and lived his entire life in this area. A farmer at heart, Dan felt it was his responsibility to be a steward of the land, and he was committed to his family’s values. He also had a thirst for knowledge and was self-educated and always striving to learn more with his super inquisitive ways. While his primary social life was centered around dairy and farming, once you got through his gruff exterior, he was a sociable guy and had a way of putting people at ease with his contagious laugh. Dan was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Dan is survived by his sister, Phyllis (Chris) Reynolds; and nieces, Hannah (Michael) Cleland and Abbigail (Jeremy) Weant. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings, David and Mary.
Friends are encouraged to support Dan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Visitation was Monday, December 9, 2024, 9-11:00 a.m. at Hidden Creek Farms in Charlotte with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to Future Farmers of America or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
On November 27, 2024, we unexpectedly lost the rock of our family. Linda Tokar, age 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She is survived by her four children who made the entirety of her world; Marcie (Jeff Stombaugh) Tokar, Chris (Kristie) Tokar, Steve (Tammy) Tokar and Jim Tokar. Eight grandchildren; Jena Stombaugh (Jim Stanley), Lauryn Stombaugh, Christine Tokar, Bailey Tokar, Brooke Tokar, Audrey Tokar, Val Tokar, and Hunter Tokar. She is also survived by her siblings; Gary Pentecost, Terry (Holly) Pentecost, and Cindy (Joe) Leimback and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Pentecost; brother, Jim Pentecost; sister, Sharon (Pentecost) Smith; and her beloved dog, Molly.
There is so much we can say about our mother but there aren’t enough words and too many memories. The most important thing in her life was her children and grandchildren. She once told me that if she would have known how much fun her grandchildren were, she would have skipped her kids. She loved our family picnics and holidays. Those were her favorite.
If we had one more time to talk to her, we would tell her this, “Thank you for all the times you supported us throughout our lives. Whether it be our good choices or bad and for loving us all unconditionally. For giving us so many awesome memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. You weren’t just a great mom; you were also the coolest mom. You relax and enjoy your eternal pain free life. Until we meet again, we love you, Mama.”
We will be having a celebration of her life on May 31, 2025. The time and place will be announced at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Linda’s memory to the family to assist with her final expenses.
To view Linda’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.