Obituaries
Dennis S. Hayes
Dennis Scott Hayes, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2021, at the age of 63. Dennis was born on May 14, 1958, in Hastings, Mich. the son of Edward and Charlotte (Mannie) Hayes. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated class of 1975 and continued to reside there for most of his life.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Hayes.
He is survived by his brother, Pat (Nadeen) Hayes; nieces, Chantel (Neal) Money, Sarah (Hector) Trujillo and Paxton Lund-Hayes.
A memorial celebration will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Howe Park Pavilion #1 with food and refreshments provided. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea
Charles “Chuck” Edward Lea was born on August 2, 1950 and passed away peacefully with family by his side, on August 30, 2021. He was a proud member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, originating in the state of Washington. Chuck was the beloved husband to Debbie for 52 years, but their relationship began blossoming many years ago, at the young age of 15. He is survived by his children, Travis (Lisa) Lea and Stacey (Mike) Mroczkowski; grandchildren, Brenna, Trenton and Evelyn; as well as his siblings, Don Zauner Lea and Kathleen McCoy; and nieces and nephews, Justin McCoy and Megan West, among many others. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Lea and Mary Jane Smith; mother- and father-in-law, Jack and Joan Hine; sister-in-law, Jill Braden Lea and brother-in-law, Douglas McCoy.
Chuck was the co-owner of Bird Watcher’s Marketplace that opened on Plainfield Avenue in 1995, which quickly expanded into online sales in the early days of the internet. Grand Rapids Business Journal once wrote an article on Chuck’s Marketplace and the technology he used. He was passionate about selling the right products to his customers. He had an incredible sales pitch that worked on just about anyone, as he was a natural born salesman, not to mention his infectious smile and kind personality that went along with it. Chuck loved all things nature, birds, home and garden shows and anything outdoorsy. He enjoyed camping and being involved with the cub scouts, gardening, dad jokes, and cat rescuing and adopting through Crash’s Landing. Chuck served on the Board of Lake Bella Vista Association was a Planning Commissioner for Cannon Township. His son-in-law, Mike taught him a lot about technology and he learned to become very tech savvy throughout his later years of life.
Chuck will be remembered for his positive and cheerful outlook on life. He had a sense of humor that will never be forgotten, and his support and love for his family was unmatched. He will be missed by so many.
Visitation was held on Friday, September 3 one hour prior to the Funeral Service at 3 p.m. at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, Michigan 49341. Chuck will be laid to rest at Cannon Township Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Memorial contributions may be made to Crash’s Landing in memory of Chuck; for more information please visit http://crashslanding.org.
Robert Scott Dumire
Robert Scott Dumire, “Bobb,” 53, of Potterville, Mich., passed away suddenly on August 10, 2021. Bob was born in Charlotte, Mich., on June 18, 1968, and was raised a proud Mountaineer in Morgantown, W. Va., graduating from University High School in 1986. Bob started his dream job of serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1990-1998 and was a proud veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He enjoyed watching WWE wrestling, WVU football and basketball and was an active member of the American Legion Post 42, the Fraternal Order of Eagles-3552 and the VFW Post 2406. Bob also loved getting together with family to reminisce, laugh and always wanted to learn about his family’s history. Family was always very important to him and most of all, he loved his children dearly.
Bob is survived by his two children, Austin Dumire and Brooke Dumire; granddaughter, Angelina Dumire; parents, Robert and Dorothy Dumire; siblings, Eric Dumire, Amy Betts and David Dumire; niece, Caitlyn Betts; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that will miss him greatly.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, Carl and Nina Sisler, Odis “Bill” and Katherine “Kitty” Dumire; aunt, Margie (Roby) Dumire; and uncle, Melvin Kellogg.
Funeral service were held Monday, August 23 at Baxter Funeral Services in Battle Creek, Mich., with Bob being laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Dorothy J. Ritter
Dorothy Jane Ritter died Thursday, August 26, 2021. Dorothy, 96, was born August 23, 1925, on the Otto family farm in Benton Township to Earl and Dessie (Walcott) Zimmerman. She was a lifetime member of the Potterville United Methodist Church and life member of the Brookfield #352 Order of the Eastern Star.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Phyllis (Christopher) Reynolds and Daniel Ritter; two granddaughters, Abbigail Reynolds-Weant, and Hannah Reynolds-Cleland; four great-granddaughters, one great-grandson; sister, Lucille Eldred; and many nieces and nephews who loved to visit Aunt Dorothy. She was predeceased by her husband, Royal; son, David; daughter, Mary; and brothers, Harold, John, and Stanley Zimmerman.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 30, 2021 at Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville with Lyle Robinette officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church, Eaton Community Palliative Care, or a charity of your choosing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Norma E. Salisbury
Norma Elaine Salisbury, a kind and gentle woman of God, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, August 26, 2021, surrounded by many people who loved her dearly. Born Norma Elaine Houghtaling on May 31, 1933 in Lum, Mich. to Joseph and Marion (Goodrich) Houghtaling, she grew up in a family filled with Christian values, hard-work, and love. On August 11, 1951, she married Rev. Arthur R. Salisbury, and filled the world around them with kindness and compassion. Their two children carry on these beautiful traditions.
A kind smile, always present, compassionate, patient, and humble, Norma also had a wonderful laugh that would bring a smile to your face in an instant. Some of her many generous talents include making wedding cakes, making candy for all kinds of special occasions, and taking plates of these delicious goodies to everyone she knew, and sewing (she sewed every single stitch of her daughter’s wedding). In addition, Norma was a homemaker extraordinaire: cooked wonderful meals, sewed, and cared for not only her children but the neighborhood children, and did everything with kindness and a loving attitude. Norma was also known as a wonderful pianist at their churches for many years.
Norma gained many lifelong friends in her neighborhood by fostering a neighborhood event every Tuesday, which became neighborhood pizza night. All the neighbors gathered together for pizza, salad, and dessert. Norma’s salads were always very deliberately and artistically put together (her salads were never just a tossed salad, everything in them was placed in a way that made the salads beautiful and delicious looking). A kind and fair woman, she was an example of a servant for others and a follower of Jesus.
Norma is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rev. Arthur Salisbury; son, Arvid (Katie) Salisbury; daughter, Arla (Lee) Barnhill; five grandchildren, Jenica Lawrence, Astin Salisbury, Brock Salisbury, Cody Barnhill and MaLeesha Wilmoth; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Isabel Rauh. She was preceded in death by siblings, Elva Ostrander, Francis (Nadine) Houghtaling, George (Louise) Houghtaling; brother-in-law, Chris Rauh; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Salisbury family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 31, at the Waverly Nazarene Church in Lansing with Pastors Russell Marklund and Duane Royston officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Norma’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 Sparrow Home Care Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James K. Bly
James Kay Bly, a big hearted and very stubborn man, died August 30, 2021, at his home in Forestville, Mich. Born in Charlotte on June 4, 1969, to John K. and Brenda K. (Beck) Bly, he grew up in the town and graduated from Charlotte High School. At the age of 12, Jimmy was diagnosed with diabetes, and at the time it was very unusual for someone diagnosed so young to live beyond their 20’s, but he was a dedicated soldier in fighting diabetes and fought the odds to live a very full life.
Always free-spirited, James loved the outdoors and lots of activities that would take him there. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking on the campfire, and riding his Harley motorcycle. Old Westerns with John Wayne were his favorite movies. James was also an extremely patriotic person and proud to be an American. He owned Jimmy B’s Flooring and over the years also worked in a lumber yard, worked as a machinist, and was a brick maker. The kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back, James was a very genuine man with a lot of love to share.
James was a loving father, dedicated husband, and beloved son and will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Scott Bly (Kara Johnson); granddaughter, Taeah; parents, John and Brenda Bly; brother, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; in-laws, Daniel (Pamela) Jorae; and close friends, Mavis, Gary (Yvette), Will, and Fred (Danielle). He was predeceased by his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on James’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Friday, September 3, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Jones officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on James’ 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 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary L. Shaw
Gary Lee Shaw, 72, from Charlotte, Mich. passed away July 29, 2021. Gary was born October 12, 1948, in Lake Worth Fla., to Edward and Betty (Beebee) Shaw. Gary was the quintessential family man. He was lucky enough to have found love early in life. While Gary was in high school, he met Lucy Redfield who would later become his wife. The two of them shared 54 blessed years together. During that time, they had two children and created a life focused on family connections. Gary’s devotion to his family was well known to all, and it was that devotion and love for Lucy, their children, and grandchildren that created a strong foundation for a happy life. Gary cherished his time spent with his beloved grandsons, often watching them participate in sports and driving them to school in “Papa’s school bus.” Gary’s heart was full of love for his family, but it didn’t end there; he always had room for others. It was said that Gary “never met a stranger in his life” and any new encounter was viewed as an opportunity to make a new friend. He loved his friends and valued the time he spent with them. During the 37 years that Gary worked as a car hauler, traveling the country, he befriended many of his coworkers and formed the most valued friendships with them. Gary took great joy in camping as well as watching racing of all kinds. He didn’t just watch racing but participated as well. He particularly enjoyed racing karts and slot cars. In retirement, Gary would often advocate locally and in Washington DC for preservation and restoration of pensions for more than one million retirees and workers; a cause that was of utmost importance to Gary.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty; and his brother, Charlie Shaw. Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his wife, Lucy; children, Skip Shaw, and Kellie (Brian) Banko; grandchildren, Cameron Shaw, Eli Banko, Evan Banko, Ryan Lord, and Jenna Smith; siblings, Pam Smith, Jerry Shaw, Pat (Sherry) Shaw, and Sharon (Bill) Dodge; many nieces and nephews; and Gary and Lucy’s dearest dog Tatar.
There will be a celebration of Gary’s life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 116 Lansing St, Charlotte, Mich.
Cynthia A. Bishop
Cynthia Ann Bishop, age 67, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. She was born November 26, 1953, in New Castle, Ind. the daughter of Eugene and Sharon (Butler) Wojcik. Cindy graduated from North Side High School in Muncie, Ind. in 1972. After graduating high school, she went on to earn her undergraduate from Ball State University and her master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University in Minnesota. Cindy had a passion for nursing and was dedicated to helping others. She worked as a critical care nurse, taught nursing to countless students, and retired as a donation coordinator with Gift of Life. Cindy also was instrumental in establishing a stroke patient support group where she would encourage those who had experienced the devastating effects of a stroke. Cindy loved animals and cared for many pets throughout her life. She loved her home and enjoyed feeding the orioles, hummingbirds, and numerous other of God’s marvelous creatures. Cindy also loved traveling with Rick in their Mustang and motorhome throughout the country. She was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church Choir, West Michigan Mustang Club, Charlotte Cruisers, and the National Honor Society.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Rick; stepchildren, Brandan (Miriam) Bishop of Kentwood, Tami (Jack) King of Kentwood; granddaughter, Kylee King; and cousin, Cheryl Reed and her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and uncle, Leo Wojcik.
In keeping with Cindy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastors Gary Wales and Jack Conklin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation and the memorial service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Cindy’s memory in lieu of flowers to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or the Capital Area Humane Society.
To view Cindy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Claudia J. Perry-St. Andre
Claudia Joy Perry-St. Andre, champion of adversity and lifelong fighter, passed away peacefully in the presence of those who loved her on Saturday, August 28, 2021. She was 72 years old and a resident of Charlotte. Claudia was born March 21, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Mich. the daughter of Bernard and Alberta (Bonini) St. Andre. She graduated from Creston High School in 1967. Claudia was a tremendously creative lady. She enjoyed making stained glass, sewing costumes for her children, and painting. Claudia had a heart for animals, especially her rescue pets. Claudia was active at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte and enjoyed being involved in multiple community theater productions. She found joy in camping with her family and was especially fond of the Upper Peninsula. Claudia operated a daycare in Charlotte for many years. She had a heart for children and cherished each and every one of “her kids.” Nothing brought her more happiness than her children and grandchildren.
Claudia is survived by her children, Christi (Manny) Lopez of Lansing, Matt (Michelle) Perry of Stanton, Chandra (Joe) Polasek of Portland, Alexis (Dan) Weibel of Wyoming, Autumn Perry of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; siblings; Bernard (Doris) St. Andre of Cedar Springs, and Fran St. Andre of Hudsonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Joyce Blaszczyk, Karen Carter-St. Andre, and Bev Fountain.
The family received friends at a memorial gathering on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Claudia’s memory to the Children’s Miracle Network, 205 W. 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
To view Claudia’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Ruth Finner
Ruth Elizabeth Finner of Eaton Rapids, the best mom ever, passed away on August 31, 2021, at the age of 84, with her family by her side. Ruth Elizabeth Finner (Willis) was born in Carleton Place Ontario on January 5, 1937, to Harry and Gladys Willis (Clemens). Ruth moved from Canada to Eaton Rapids in 1962 with her husband and children. She retired from the State of Michigan and enjoyed traveling, camping, and reading.
Ruth is survived by her son, Larry Finner (Carol); daughter, Susan Ball (Lynn); sisters, Sandra Totten of Owen Sound Ontario and Barb McKay (Norm) of Meaford Ontario. She was a grandmother to Andrea Ball, Jennifer Gibbs (Eric), Joshua Finner (Felicia), and great-grandmother to Parker, Carter, Caiden, Morgan, Kira and Rayn. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; brothers, Jerry, David, Barry; daughter-in-law, Carol.
Private services will be held with her family in Canada at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.