Obituaries
Justina Caughey
Justina K. Caughey, age 66, of Charlotte passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022. She was born March 10, 1956, in Lansing the daughter of Billie and Nona (Parr) Osborne. Justina graduated from Charlotte High School in 1974. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be dearly missed by all those that loved her.
In keeping with Justina’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in her memory to American Lyme Disease Foundation, 157 Church St., 19th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.
To view Justina’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.
Patrick James LaJoice
Patrick James LaJoice, 83, of Jacksonville, FL, formerly of Eaton Rapids, died peacefully on October 25, 2022, at his home in Florida. Patrick was born April 5, 1939, in St. Ignace, MI, the son of George Francis and Margaret Charlotte (Gallagher) LaJoice. Many will remember Patrick as an easy-going man with a good sense of humor, always willing to joke with his close friends and family. Patrick proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Furse before his honorable discharge in 1963. Soon after, he worked aboard the famous Edmund Fitzgerald ship on the Great Lakes. Patrick worked at General Motors in Lansing, retiring after 30 years with an impeccable work record.
Patrick married the love of his life, Rose-Ann Marie Rapson on November 9, 1964, in Brimley, MI, and the two enjoyed 54 years of marriage until her death in 2018. Patrick was a loving husband, father and friend. He and Rose-Ann enjoyed traveling, including a memorable family trip to the Vatican in Italy. Patrick grew up in the Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus in the 1980s. Some of his favorite trips were out West, to Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. He loved time in the outdoors, especially fishing in Michigan and Tennessee. He was a man of many talents, including growing vegetables and berries in his garden, and working with tools, most recently building birdhouses. He was a proud member of the Chippewa Indians of Northern Michigan https://www.saulttribe.com/ through his paternal grandmother’s full Chippewa heritage. Patrick enjoyed living most of his life in Michigan, but also loved becoming a Floridian, living with his son and daughter-in-law his last two years.
Patrick is survived by his sons, John K. (Debra) LaJoice of Jacksonville, Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice, both of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; brothers, Robert (Nancy) LaJoice of Jackson, Wisconsin and Anthony (Debbie) LaJoice of Linden, Michigan; and sister, Linda Niemi of Danville, California. He was predeceased by his parents; his infant son, James LaJoice; sister, Myrna King; and brother-in-law, Edward Niemi.
Friends are encouraged to support Patrick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will follow at Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. 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 Patrick’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 Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 (866-253-6681). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Creig Stephen Adleman
Creig Stephen Adleman of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2022, at the age of 36. He was born in Lansing on October 6, 1986, the son of Ron and Barbara (Dassance) Adleman. Creig graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 2005. He continued his education at Ferris State University receiving his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, associate degree at Lansing Community College, and completed Reserve Officer Training at Oakland Community College. Creig worked for Brinks and later transitioned to work at Informa Business Systems as a Technician. He has been a part of the Onondaga Fire Department since 2009. Creig was loved by many.
Creig is survived by his parents; brothers, Eric (Danielle) Adleman of Eaton Rapids, Corey (Ashley) Adleman of Eaton Rapids; nephews, Levi, Logan, Gage; nieces, Whitney, Emma; grandfather, Duane Adleman of Eaton Rapids; grandmother, Luella Dassance of Eaton Rapids; several aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Levi Dassance; grandmother, Joyce Adleman.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation was Thursday, November 10, 2022, 2-4, 6-8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment took place at Onondaga Cemetery. Memorial donation may be made to the Onondaga Fire Department, 5603 Bellevue Rd, Onondaga, MI. 49264. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
William Frank Hammond
William (Bill) Frank Hammond, 84, lifelong resident of Springport, Michigan, was born on November 11, 1937 and passed away on October 31, 2022. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
David Spencer
David Allen Spencer, 59, of Vermontville, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. David was born November 21, 1962, in Charlotte, the son of Arlene Frances (Case) Spencer. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1980 before enlisting in the Army National Guard and serving over 30+ years as a gunner on a 105 howitzer and a master mechanic. During his tenure in the National Guard, he served two tours overseas. David married the love of his life, Frances Ann Carpenter on December 29, 1990, and together they built a life of happiness raising their five children. David was a member of VFW Posts in both Nashville and Charlotte. He also served many years as a member of the Vermontville Fire Department, retiring just a few years ago. Throughout the years he enjoyed golfing on Sundays with his buddies, and following NASCAR, a favorite pastime he shared with his son, Matthew. He was proud of his service, and especially proud of his family.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Frances Spencer; sons, Christopher (Vanessa) Spencer, Joshua Spencer, Matthew (Shannon) Spencer and Kyle (Megan) Spencer; daughter, Katelynn (Tanner) Norris; 12 grandchildren, Aliysia, Brylee, Serenity, Emory, Harmony, Layla, Joseph, Kolton, Lucas, Adalynn; and sister, Kimberly (John) Hazell. He was predeceased by his grandson, Conner Norris; grandparents, Robert and Ruth Braden; grandfather, Alan Case; aunt, Barb Case; and in-laws Oren and Dorothy Carpenter.
Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, November 18, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chuck 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 www.prayfuneral.com, click on David’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 Wounded Warriors. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.