Obituaries
Gertrude Irene Burk
Gertrude Irene Burk, the world’s greatest mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Monday, November 21, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Gertrude 94, of Potterville, was born on November 30, 1927, in Stanton, MI the daughter of James and Georgia (Shuey) Buck. She graduated from Leslie high school class of 1945. In her 30’s she fought and beat a cancer diagnosis. Gertrude worked as a Bookkeeper for Michigan National Bank and later at GD Mulder & Sons where she retired. She was a proud member of the Order of The Eastern Star of Michigan 352. Gertrude was very strong in her faith; she was a proud member of the Sycamore Creek Church – Potterville. Above all her biggest passion in life was her family.
Gertrude is survived by her children, Nonda Rock, and Gregory (Jackie) Robbennolt; son-in-law, Walter (Jen) Saxton III; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and her numerous barn cats. She was predeceased by her husband, David Burk; daughter, Cynthia Saxton; brother, James Buck Jr.; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Gertrude’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Friday, December 2, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at The Sycamore Creek Potterville Campus with Pastor Mark Aupperlee and Rev. Walter Saxton III 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 Gertrude’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 the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Lou Eitniear
Mary Lou Eitniear, a feisty and strong mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Mary, 91 of Vermontville, was born on June 27, 1931, in Millet, MI, the daughter of Frank and Laura (Ginter) Seibly. Over the years, Mary worked as a Factory Worker for Hoover and most recently at Eaton County Jail as a Baker. Mary stayed very busy with work to provide for her children. She was known for her ability to make delicious meals out of the leftovers found in the fridge. Many will also remember her molasses cookies and peanut brittle. Family meant the world to Mary; they will always cherish the countless memories that they created over the years. Later in life, her grandchildren became her world. Her hobbies included knitting, spearfishing, and most importantly anything with her family.
Mary is survived by her children, Tom Curtis, Bob (Pam) Curtis, Laura (Ed) Lupini, Tam Adams, and Ike Eitniear; grandchildren, Scott (Lisa) Curtis, Tina Curtis, Tosha Parish, Suzie Curtis-Shook, April (Aaron) Laverty, and Amy Puffenberger; great-grandchildren, Eva, Dominic, Alyvia, Eastyn, Halee, Katelynn, Aiden, and Asher; great-great-grandchild, Oliver; dear friends, Jane Aldrich, and Margaret Cook. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Dick Seibly, and Betty Martin.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert VanVleet, Jr.
Robert VanVleet, Jr., 81, of Bronson, MI, formerly of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Bob was born July 1, 1941, in Battle Creek, the son of Robert Stevens VanVleet Sr. and Eva (Rice) Butler. He attended Pennfield Schools in Battle Creek and eventually moved to Charlotte, where he met his wife of 63 years, Donna L. (Baker) VanVleet. They were married on April 4, 1959 and happily raised four children. Bob worked two jobs for many years. In the mornings, he went to work at the Charlotte Iron and Metal Scrap Yard, then worked afternoons at General Motors Parts Division. After 31 years of service, he retired from GM and he and Donna moved to Bronson to live out their dream on Lake LaVine, where they have resided for over 30 years.
Bob was a handy man in every aspect of his life. His passions included his dogs Buddy and Penny, woodworking, telling jokes, fishing with Donna, and especially hunting. He was at his happiest in the woods. Above all, Bob cherished and loved his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna VanVleet; daughters, Diana (Robert) Lake of Charlotte and Kathy (Tony) Reeser of Waldron, MI; sister, Ruby VanVleet of Coldwater; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many close friends and family. Bob was preceded in death by his two sons, Robert L. VanVleet and John C. VanVleet; grandson, Lance Wireman; his parents; his brothers, Ronnie, David, and Jerry VanVleet; and infant sister, Patricia VanVleet.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family at the visitation Monday, November 28, 2022 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St., Charlotte, and at the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the funeral home with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will follow at Center Eaton Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Phyllis Jean (Hicks) Moore
Phyllis Jean (Hicks) Moore, 93, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2022. Phyllis was born February 11, 1929 in Drayton Plains, MI, the daughter of Harold and Thelma Hicks. She graduated from Charlotte High School and married Howard Moore in 1948. Phyllis was a telephone supervisor at the local Michigan Bell Telephone Company office. After her time at Bell Telephone she had various jobs throughout the rest of her working life. Phyllis got up very early and walked every morning until she was in her 80’s. She was a member of the Charlotte Country Club where she faithfully engaged with a weekly bridge gathering. Playing cards was so enjoyable for her that she and Howard took part in several card groups each month. Phyllis was always ready for a game of cards with her long-time friends. She was an active leader in Camp Fire and Girl Scouts for many years. Howard and Phyllis also delivered Mobile Meals for many years.
Phyllis’s grandchildren were so special to her. She was a wonderful grandmother; always had cookie bakes with all of them at Christmas with flour from one end of the kitchen to the other! She even dressed as the Easter Bunny for them and put on roller skates at an elderly age!
Phyllis is survived by daughters, Sue Ann Moore, Nancy (Mike) Uhl and Tamara (Lyle) Piepkow; grandchildren, Brittany (James) Urbaniak, Wesley (Stephanie) Uhl, Ryan (Sarah) Uhl and Sadie (Greg) Hallock; six great-grandchildren, Jimmy and Kieran Urbaniak, Michael and Vincent Uhl, and Gregory and Rylee Hallock; brothers, Jerry (Evelyn) Hicks, Dale (Carol Jean) Hicks, Bruce (Tonya) Hicks, Bobby Hicks and sister, Janette Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Howard; her mother and father; brothers, Jack, Richard, and Tink; and her sister, Shirley.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. At this time no services will be held. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.