Obituaries
Roger Lee Newcomb
Roger Lee Newcomb, 85, of Charlotte, a passionately independent, generous spirit with a heart of gold, died Thursday, November 17, 2022, in Jackson, MI. Roger was born October 23, 1937, in Huntington, WV, the son of George and Jewel (Foster) Newcomb. Family was central to Roger’s life. They often travelled together to the U.P., where they enjoyed their cabin in Paradise, MI. In later years, they would winter in Florida, where Roger developed many new friendships. He was always a friendly, outgoing man, who attracted many friends to his circle, and he was always willing to help others and do anything for a neighbor. In his spare time, he loved watching football, and watching NASCAR races, both on TV and in person. He also had a tender spot for his own classic cars, especially his trophy Trans Am. Roger would take time each day to visit his friends and waitresses at Big Boy, where he would typically ask the server to “Surprise Me!” with his meals. Above all, Roger will be remembered for his unshakable Faith, which he put at the center of his life.
Roger is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Chad) Preston; granddaughter, Kira Gardner; and brother, William (Becky) Newcomb as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Janice Newcomb in 2015; his brother George (Cork), and his sister Barbara.
Friends are encouraged to support Roger’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Brett Myers officiating. Interment took place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Roger’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 Ainger Bible Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Janis Marie Clinkscale
Janis Marie Clinkscale of Eaton Rapids passed away November 20, 2022, at the age of 80. She was born in Lansing, MI on January 4, 1942, the daughter of Max and Jeannetta (Luke) Shively. Janis worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Governor George Romney’s Secretary, and later was a passionate homemaker. She loved to garden and shared that love with her children. Janis was a generous woman, eager to share with all who had a need; “The only thing that matters is what you do for Jesus.” She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids.
Janis is survived by her children, Donna (Kevin) Rich of Charlotte, Laura (Steven) Frayre of Lansing, Trixie (John) Tanner of Eaton Rapids, Kendra (Robby) Axline of Lansing, Belinda Hoppes of San Antonio, Michael Hoppes of San Antonio; stepsons, Karl (Doris) Hoppes of San Antonio, Edward Hoppes of Olivet; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ronna (Wade) Chipman of Ionia, Judith Hall of Okemos, Susan (Bryan) Danby of Portland; her beloved parrot, Daisy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Wiltse; parents; foster brother, George Darling.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place Friday, December 2, 2022, 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Love a Child, PO Box 60063, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Linda Jean VanKoevering
Linda Jean VanKoevering of Eaton Rapids passed away November 12, 2022, at the age of 75. Linda was born in Pittsburg, PA, May 6, 1947, the daughter of Victor and Marian (Davis) Cuda. She married David VanKoevering, the love of her life, in 1966 at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing. Linda attended and received a Masters’ Degree in Historical Preservation from Eastern Michigan University and received a Bachelors’ Degree from Michigan State University. She worked at Everett High School as an Attendance Officer, was a member of the Historic Preservation Society in Lansing, Motorcycle Club in Lansing, and the Home of the Jack Pine Enduro Race Club in Moorestown. Linda enjoyed quilting, motorcycling, going to and looking around at antique shops, sightseeing, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia and wintering in DeLand, Florida with her husband.
Linda is survived by her husband of 56 years, David VanKoevering; children, Christopher VanKoevering, Joey VanKoevering, Brian VanKoevering, Nicholas VanKoevering; grandchildren, Courtney, Annika, Tenley, Carson and Connor VanKoevering, Cooper and Zachary Wheaton; sister, Emily Cummins; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Thomas Cuda.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
David Frank Boes
David Frank Boes of Holt, passed away November 7, 2022, at the age of 84. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 12, 1938, the son of John and Marguerite (Smith) Boes. David received his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. He worked at the Eaton Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant for over 20 years. David enjoyed traveling, woodworking and sailing. He took great joy in crafting gifts for family and friends. He was a dedicated Lions Club member serving as President, Treasurer, and District Governor.
David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Noreen Boes of Holt; children, Catherine (William) Mitchell of Dimondale and Robert Warren Boes of Arkansas. He made friends everywhere he went and was loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard and Warren.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Lansing Meridian Lions Club Attn. Lary Hill, 5935 Bayonne Ave. Haslett, MI. 48840. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com
William Ward Burleson
William Ward Burleson of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the age of 66. Bill was born on January 13, 1956, in Mason, MI to Clyde and Patty (Hart) Burleson.
Bill grew up in Eaton Rapids as well as Mason, graduating from Mason High School in the class of 1974. In his youth, he played 4-H softball with friends and family. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and working on cars. Although his family and friends knew of his love of space and the stars, most were surprised to learn that he took flying lessons too. From the age of two, he rode alongside his grandfather on the tractor, and spent many years thereafter farming on the family farm in Mason. Bill worked for the Ingham County Road Commission during summers before hiring into General Motors in 1976. He worked in repair at Fisher Body, then later at the Lansing Delta Assembly, and was a member of the UAW Local 602. After 44 years of service, he retired in March of 2020 and met regularly with the UAW 602 retiree group for lunch.
Bill married Roberta Bosworth on May 25, 1986, and together, with both their families, they commenced work on their dream house located on a peaceful piece of property overlooking the river in Eaton Rapids. It was a labor of love that Bill would continue to work on his whole life. He could often be found sitting on the porch admiring the sunset and wildlife with a glass of iced tea and his faithful yellow lab Aggie by his side.
Bill was a licensed general contractor, working on many projects for friends and family. He also had a fireworks certification, creating many spectacular fireworks shows for family gatherings. Bill enjoyed reading about history, especially Michigan history, and researching genealogy. Bill also spent many wonderful vacations in the Upper Peninsula with family, often in the Marquette area.
Bill was a well-loved person by everyone who met him, whether they knew him for a few minutes or all their lives. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of many, but also thankfulness for all the wonderful memories. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde and his wife, Robin. Surviving are his lab Aggie; daughter, Mary Burleson; mother, Patty Burleson; sister, Susan (Steve) Pifer; sister, Julie (Rick) Rice; brother, Tim (Lana) Burleson; nephew, Reggie (Melissa) Rice; nieces, Patty (Chuck) Hubbard, Bobbie (Clint) Mayes, Billie Rice, Anne (Travis) VanKirk, Elizabeth (Ian) Wilson, Amanda (Don) Pifer, and Elaine (Tyler) Bandy; several great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece, cousins, and many family friends.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for their excellent care of Bill. A memorial service will take place in May at Bill’s beloved home, and he will be laid to rest in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken with his wife. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club in memory of William Ward Burleson.To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com.