Obituaries
Kathy S. Wilson
Kathy Sue Wilson, of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 27, 2021, at the age of 67. Kathy was born in Lansing, Mich., May 17, 1954, the daughter of Cecil and Geraldine (Stepp) Sutberry. She worked for American Sunroof for over 30 years before retiring. Kathy enjoyed taking care of her flower and vegetable gardens, reading, baking having spirited political debates and spoiling her grandson.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jeff Wilson; daughter, Angie Ehl of Eaton Rapids; grandson, Tre Ehl of Eaton Rapids; brother, Larry (Mary) Sutberry of Haslett; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Barry Sutberry.
Memorial services were held on Thursday September 2, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Stuart Leslie DeLand
Stuart Leslie DeLand passed away on Monday, August 24, 2021, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich. on May 9, 1940, to John and Gladys DeLand. On October 12, 1963 he married Elizabeth “Liz” Oberlin and together they raised four children.
He retired from General Motors in 1994, enjoying retirement by wintering in Sebring, Florida. He trained quarter horses and thoroughbreds for over 50 years, being named the top racehorse trainer in Michigan for the year 1985, an honor he was most proud of. He enjoyed spending his free time fishing and cooking his famous fish dinners for his family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys, who was 101 when she passed on January 31, 2021; daughter, Kathy (Jacobs) Moon in 2010; and brother, John DeLand in 2007.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz; daughter, Karen (DeLand) Bancroft of Olivet; sons: Kevin Jacobs of Battle Creek, Korrey (Michelle) DeLand of Pasadena, MD; siblings: Charlotte Byam, Sharon DeLand, from Bellevue, and Stan DeLand from Jackson; grandchildren: Tracy (Moon) Harmeyer of Wilmington, NC, Sonny (Ashlee) DeLand of Olivet, Korrielinn DeLand of Olivet, Taylor (Evan) DeLand Carlson of Charlotte, Elizabeth, Thomas, Rachel and Rebekah Greilick of Olivet, Micheal (Mika) Lycos of Springport, and 14 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on September 18, 2021 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Powers Farm, 1240 Powers Hwy., Charlotte, Michigan 48813. Family and friends are welcome to come.
Carol Atkins
Carol Atkins, a fun-loving and supportive daughter, sister, friend, and teacher died on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, after a five-year battle with cancer. Carol, 63, of Pattersonville, N.Y., was born on September 5, 1957, in Charlotte, Mich. She was the daughter of Warren and Julie (Schafer) Atkins. After graduating from Charlotte High School Carol earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan and then a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Cortland.
Carol devoted her life to teaching and coaching. She began her career in Schenectady Catholic Schools. She continued in Scotia Glenville Central Schools teaching at both the middle school and at the elementary level. Coaching was a passion for Carol, and while at Scotia Glenville Carol coached softball and volleyball for many years. Carol retired in 2016. Carol was active in the Scotia Glenville Teachers’ Association and the New York Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, where Carol was a past president of the Capital Zone. In recent years Carol was also active in her support of Camp Bravehearts, an oncology camp for women. Carol was an avid tennis player. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, participating in book and movie clubs, working in her flower garden, listening to music, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.
Carol is survived by her father, Warren (Ronni) Atkins; siblings, Beverly (Will) Spencer, Gary Atkins, Steve (Carol) Atkins, Jamie ((Angie) Atkins, Tina Atkins; nieces and nephews Gary Atkins,Jr., Annjanette (David) Warren, Jordan Shook, Zackery (Kendra) Shook, Taylor Shook, Conor (Emma) Atkins, Kendyll Atkins; great-nieces and -nephew, Anslee Atkins, Lillianna Shook, and Harper Shook; and her four-legged companion, Nellie. Carol was predeceased by her mother, Julie Atkins, in 2018.
Memories of Carol may be shared on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service and beginning at 12 noon. The funeral will be webcast and can be viewed from any device with internet access by going to prayfuneral.com. Click on Carol’s tribute, and then click on photos and videos. A memorial service is also being planned for Carol at a later date in New York. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to Camp Bravehearts, 9 Cambridge Road, Albany, New York 12203 or Braveheartscamp.org. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jerry L. Cords
Jerry Lee Cords, a caring, genuine, hardworking and loyal, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died August 25, 2021. Jerry, 79, was born August 24, 1942, in Charlotte, Mich. to Loyd and Florence (Boyd) Cords. He was a graduate of Olivet High School. On September 23, 1961, Jerry married the love of his life Marilyn Serrels and together started their legacy. Working hard was no fear for Jerry, he worked very hard to provide for his family. He worked alongside his father, brother, and in later years his sons for LJT Well Drilling, and as a cash crop farmer and the owner of FML Inc. Jerry was very proud to be able to pass his work ethic down to his children who followed in his footsteps with working on the family farm and well drilling business. When Jerry was not farming or working, he enjoyed hunting, especially hunting trips out west, fishing, horse pulling, going to local tractor pulls, and taking trips around the country in his motorhome. Jerry had the honor of receiving the Honorary Member FFA chapter award for his volunteer work with the FFA over the years. Above all his proudest accomplishments was his family, and his successful farming operations that he created.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Loyd (Angie) Cords, John (Sherry) Cords, Seth (Jill) Cords; grandchildren, Jennifer, Cody (Samantha), Blaine and Allison Cords; great-grandchildren, Jake and Delilah Crowner; siblings, Terry (Emma) Cords, Connie (Jim) Hiatt. Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Marilyn; granddaughter, Paige Cords; grandson, JC Cords; brother, Lonnie Cords; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the family farm in Charlotte with Pastor Scott Brood officiating. Visitation is Monday, August 30, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Paige Cords Memorial Fund to benefit local 4-H and FFA projects. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jerry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Oscar Wood
Oscar “Pete” Wood, 87, passed comfortably in his home in Charlotte, Mich. on August 23, 2021, with family. He was born July 24, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, Mich. to Carl and Gladys (Norris) Wood. He joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school. After his time as a marine, he met his sweetheart, Ruth Collin. They married in 1960. He retired from GM/UAW 652 after 31 years. With Ruth, they fostered 85 children. He was an avid bowler and he and Ruth enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Pete was predeceased by his parents; wife, Ruth Wood; and siblings, Carl Wood Jr., Betty Dilday, Dorothy Carpenter, Lawrence Wood, Sharon McManus, and Jerry Wood. He is survived by his children, David (Tina) Pepera, Kevin (Nancy) Pepera, Julie (Ernie) Kunkel, and Jeffrey (Melinda) Wood; grandchildren, Chase Pepera, Tyler Pepera, Shannon Pena, Chris Day, Chelsea Post, Lexie Shumaker, Devon Wood, Bailey Wood, Marissa Wood, Jason Baker, Amanda Munson, Krystal Day, Amber Banaszak, Brooke Russell, Katie Levering; and several great-grandchildren. Pete is also survived by sister-in-law, Shirley Wood.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Pete on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Visitation will be Sunday, August 29, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The funeral will be Monday, August 30, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Pete’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 Hospice of Lansing or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Thomas E. Orr
Thomas Eugene Orr, of Eaton Rapids, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, August 17, 2021, at the age of 55. Tom was born in Jackson, Mich., July 18, 1966, the son of Edmund and Irene (Fitzgerald) Orr. He graduated from Everett High School in 1984 and served with the US Marine Corps. Tom worked for the Board of Water and Light for the past 35 years where he finished his career as a supervisor in the Steam Department. He was an avid Harley rider, owning three of his own, loved working on them, enjoyed listening to rock and roll music and hunting.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Roxy Orr; son, Cody Orr of Eaton Rapids; grandson, Blake Orr of Eaton Rapids; sister, Becky Olson of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences please visit their website at millsfuneral.com.
Thomas Hernandez III
Tomas Hernandez III, of Crossville, Ala. and formerly of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2021, at the age of 59. Tom was born on September 18, 1961, in Raymondville, Texas to Tomas C. Hernandez, Jr. and Porfiria (Ganzaba) Hernandez. He attended Everett High School and went on to work as a rough framer and carpenter. Tom was an avid NASCAR and WWE Wrestling fan and enjoyed fishing, cooking and grilling out. Above all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his family and the time he spent with them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tomas C. Hernandez, Jr. and Porfiria (Ganzaba) Hernandez; brother, Juan Hernandez and brother-in-law, Andrew Perkins.
Surviving is his wife of 33 years, Melinda (Main) Hernandez; children, Tomas (Stephanie) Hernandez IV, Christopher Hernandez, Sierra (Aaron) Hernandez, Joseph (Bobbi) Thomas; sisters, Margarita (Arthur) Lilly, Anna Hernandez, Jane Lilly; brother, Cristobal Hernandez; numerous grandchildren, bonus children, Kirk (Savannah) Sherman, Molly (Toby) Brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and host a luncheon immediately following the service. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Tom. To share memories or leave condolences please visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Jaycen A. Glynn
Jaycen Allen Glynn, 27, from Lansing, Mich., went to be with Papa Warner and Grandpa Glynn on August 19, 2021; doing what he loved most. Jaycen was born March 16, 1994 to Daniel Glynn and Shalon Warner.
Many things could be said about Jay. He was stubborn, endearing, kind and loving. His smile was infectious and would light up a room, taking away any darkness. His love of food, motorcycles, being on the water, and drive for adventure was only outshined by his love for his daughter, Bristol.
As a young child Jay began tinkering and building, from helping his dad work on cars, to building forts in the back yard. His thirst for an adrenaline rush started at a young age. His perseverance drove him to pursue many things in life.
A hard worker, Jaycen built his own fabrication company, JAG Customz, and he was an employee at RAM Construction. In true Glynn fashion he never could stop working. The many trips up north to relax would always be spent tinkering and working. The knowledge he had went beyond any book, whether it was fixing a car or boat, putting in flooring, or working on stereos. Jaycen could do it all, no matter the task at hand; anything was fixable, and nothing stood in his way.
Jaycen Glynn was and will always be the diamond in the rough. While he put on a sarcastic mean front, he was undeniably caring and loving. It only took one time for someone to meet Jay, for him to touch their heart. His heart was pure gold, but he would not hesitate to tell someone to “get over it.” There is no limit to what he would do for the ones he loved. Whether it was the middle of the night, or broad daylight, if you needed anything, he was there to help you with a smile on his face.
Jaycen leaves behind his parents, Daniel Glynn and Shalon Warner; cherished daughter, Bristol Place; his other half, Alyssa Gray; siblings, Jessica Warner Glynn and Joshua Glynn; and many more family members and friends.
A service for Jaycen will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 beginning at 11 a.m. at Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street (PO Box 503), Leslie, MI 49251; (517) 878-6600. The family will be accepting visitors one hour prior to the service on Saturday, and were held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday August 27, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jaycen’s family to help cover final expenses.
Rev. Loris A. Allen
Rev. Loris A. (Disler) Allen, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. was called to her heavenly home on August 21, 2021, at the age of 96. Loris was born on December 7, 1924, in Potterville, Mich. the daughter of Guy and Blanche (Burnham) Disler. She married Gailen P. Allen of Lansing, Mich. on August 20, 1949, and together they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1999 along with their sons. Loris has been a resident of Eaton Rapids for most of her life and joined the Spiritual Episcopal Church in Lansing on April 18, 1954, along with her husband Gailen. She became an ordained minister on October 1, 1982.
Loris is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gailen Allen; brothers, George Disler, Irving Disler; sisters, Glendora Elston, Lillian Lawrence; and sister-in-law, Bernice Disler.
She is survived by her sons, Jimmie Allen of Eaton Rapids, Gary (Ilene) Allen of Bradenton, Fla., John Allen of Charlotte, Mich.; grandchildren, Jeremy (Autum) Allen, Amanda (Jeremiah) Wright, Kyle Allen; special family friend, Kristina Hendrickson-Sherman and Randy Sherman of Texas; ten great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, Rodger Parker, Roy and Gretchen Kunkel, all the organization of the Spiritual Episcopal Church, I love you all, keep your white light glowing and keep smiling.
A memorial service was held Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Adult Foster Care in memory of Loris. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Cruz R. Silvas
Cruz R. Silvas, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 14, 2021. She was born May 2, 1931, in San Antonio, Tex. the daughter of Pedro and Marcelina (Garcia) Rangel. On November 28, 1948, she married the love of her life, Frank R. Silvas. Cruz had a heart of gold and was always concerned about the needs of other. She adored her family and was especially fond of all her grandchildren. She was a lady in the truest sense of the word. Cruz was always polite and courteous towards others. She was a huge baseball fan and could often be found in front of the TV cheering for her team. Cruz was an excellent cook and began making tortillas at the age of seven. Even though she only attended formal school until the third grade she went on to accomplish great things in life. She was a tremendous bookkeeper and was the glue that held the family together.
Cruz is survived by her children, Olga “Augie” Williams of Charlotte, Frank (Barbara) Silvas of Charlotte, Theresa Faust of Charlotte; grandchildren, Ron McConnell, Yvonne (Bill) Sandner, Travis (Carli) Silvas, Ryan (Vanessa) Silvas, Bailey (Alley) Silvas, Brendon (Sarah) Rankin, Amber Faust, Wesley Faust, Arron Faust; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild; brothers, Pedro Rangel, Louis (Debbie) Rangel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; son-in-law, D. Kent Williams; grandson, Blake Rankin; sister, Modesta Brown; brother, Martin Rangel and two infant sisters.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 19, 2021. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Burial followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Cruz’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.
To view Cruz’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.