Obituaries
Steven “Steve” Leo Eaton
Steven “Steve” Leo Eaton, a simple man who was kind and loving, died on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in the comfort of his home. Steve was born March 28, 1949, in Hastings, MI, the son of Earl “Spike” and Alice (Rose) Eaton. Growing up Steve was one of 16 children, so from an early age family was all he knew. Coming from a strong military family background, Steve proudly served his country following being drafted into the Vietnam War. Upon returning from the war, he began working as a line worker and later as a Team Coordinator for General Motors. He retired from GM following 30 years. Family was the world to Steve, from family dinners, card nights, mushroom hunting trips, and spending time with his grandchildren, Steve was happiest when being surrounded by those he loved. He also enjoyed fishing for Bullheads and other species. Steve was quite the cook; he passed his knowledge of cooking down to his children and later his grandchildren. He was an avid football fan, and wouldn’t miss a Michigan State or Lions game. Above all his biggest passion in life was his family, especially his grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his children, Renae (Scott Haeck) Eaton Lewison, Steven E. (Tammy) Eaton, Shawn Eaton; grandchildren, Kristyna (Morton) Sager, Erin Lewison, Jake Lewison, Collen Leo Eaton, Wyatt James Eaton, Tyler Steven Eaton; siblings, Eva, Alice, Dora, Arnold, Jim, Sally, Patty; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Josephine, Earl, Judy, Keith, Harley, Ike, Jean, Billy.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Steve for a later date. The details on that service will be published once they are finalized. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gloria Jean Abbott
Gloria Jean Abbott of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on June 5, 2022, at the age of 85. Gloria was born on May 25, 1937, to Fred and Ethel (Graham) Tripp. At the age of 16, Gloria met her soon to be husband, Donald Fred Abbot while going to look at a horse. They were married two years later on July 9, 1955. Her daughter Susan was born in 1956 and son, Donald followed in 1960. Gloria loved to recall the story of selling Fred’s horse to pay for her engagement ring, and how they almost broke up over his goat eating her flowers. Gloria and Fred shared a love for animals and spent 57 years together raising horses and dogs. They had a variety of unusual animals over the years, including, skunks, alligators, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and a variety of birds. She also loved animal sales and shows and spent most weeks attending one or the other. Gloria was never without a dog, her favorite being chihuahuas.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two half-brothers, Ivan and Fred Tripp and an adopted brother, Sonny Graham.
Surviving are her children, Susan (Eric) Eaton, Donald Abbott; grandchildren, Justin (Miranda) Eaton, Leora (Chris) Lea, Cynthia (Bryan) Beck, Donald (Naomi) Abbott; great grandchildren, Tristian, Jeffrey, Christopher, Kaedon, Kollin, Madelynn, Courtlynn, Brooklyn, Saiya, Eli, Reece, and Ryenn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will received friends starting at 1:00 p.m. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Thomas Carl Kunkel
Thomas Carl Kunkel of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the age of 69. Tom was born on May 4, 1953, in Eaton Rapids, MI the fourth of six children born to Emanuel Vasquez and Eleanor Kunkel. He was raised by his grandparents, Fred and Laura Kunkel on the Kunkel Onion Farms in Eaton Rapids. Tom graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1971. He started his professional career as a drywaller, operating Kunkel Drywall and eventually moved to General Motors where he worked as a lineman and team coordinator and retired in 2009. Tom was a proud member of the UAW; a sports enthusiastic and avid fan of the Michigan State Spartans and his hometown Detroit teams. He had an almost unhealthy passion for the game of golf and rarely missed his Friday afternoon round with his brother. Tom also enjoyed horse racing and was passionate about music especially classic rock. He was above all a devoted husband, father and loyal friend whose memory will be cherished by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Valerie (Belfiori) Kunkel and his parents.
Tom is survived by his children, Ian Kunkel, Helen Kunkel; brothers, Ernie (Julie) Kunkel, Rick (Darlene) Kunkel; sisters, Lori Kunkel-Fischer, Ruby (Michael) Wendling, Margaret (Thomas) Lovell; aunt, June Kunkel and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Habitat for Humanity in memory of Tom. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Bernard Dale Parisian
Bernard Dale Parisian of Eaton Rapids passed away peacefully at his home on May 31, 2022. He was born August 15, 1932, to Dorothy Parisian and Harry Rivers.
Ben received his Draft Notice right out of High School and chose to serve in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Midway and the USS Lahti. After his service in the Navy, Ben married his High School sweetheart, Phyllis Helene Rice. Ben was working in Lansing for the family-owned Trio Restaurant, he left the Trio and moved his family to Eaton Rapids in 1966. Ben established Ben’s Electric in 1970. Ben’s son, Gregg Parisian bought the business in 2007. At this point Ben retired, but never stopped working. He was a hard worker and enjoyed being outside gardening, mowing, working on projects. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play ball and listening to Car Talk Radio on Saturdays. Ben was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing and upland bird hunting with his English Setters. Ben was very involved with his family and riding horses with the Capi Delta Riding Club, 4-h with his children at Eaton County Fair and the Michigan Appaloosa Horse Association. For those who knew Ben, knew he loved to talk about his work, his family and would always have stories from the past to the present. Ben had a strong faith in God and was involved in Calvary Lutheran Church in many capacities over the years.
Surviving are his three children, Gregory (Brenda) Parisian, Gwenn (John) Waldron and Bethany (Steve) Smith. Five grandchildren Jesse (Tara) Parisian, Sarah (Jake) Strank, Chelsea (Steven) Wright, Whitney (Michael) Spalding and Katrina (Austin) Smith, Ten great-grandchildren Benjamin and Kennon Parisian, Cole and Evelyn Strank, Cassidy and Teagan Wright, McKenzie and Avery Spalding and Jensen and Quinn Smith. And his beloved Cocker Spaniel, TJ, his loyal buddy, companion and friend.
A memorial service was held June 9, 2022, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Ben’s name.
Memories and condolences please visit www.Skinnerfuneralhomes.com
Bonnie J. Simek
Bonnie Jeannette Gingrich LeDoux Simek went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Bonnie, 94, of Charlotte, was born October 17, 1927, at home in Chester Township. Bonnie was the daughter of Lee and Marie (Bottomley) Gingrich.
Growing up Bonnie enjoyed the farm life. She told stories of hand milking cows, helping her dad plow the fields with a team of horses, and riding in a sleigh her grandfather had bought, covered in a Buffalo rug.
Bonnie married Alfred LeDoux on November 1, 1947. Al and Bonnie met at the Charlotte County Fair. Al was enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was in town recruiting people to join the war effort. The recruiting trailers were set up at the County Fair in Charlotte. Al saw Bonnie…Bonnie saw Al, and two days later he asked her to marry him. She said “Yes!” and they were married 47 years and moved over 60 times, including three years in France. Bonnie faced each move with excitement over the new adventure. Al and Bonnie finally settled in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. After Al passed in 1995 Bonnie was widowed for three years.
And now, the rest of the story. Bonnie attended her 54th High School Reunion in Charlotte where she bumped in to her old boyfriend, Edward Simek. Ed had been widowed for several years and just like in a storybook, they fell in love and got married. Bonnie moved back to Charlotte where she was able to reunite with family members and friends. Bonnie, basically, went around the world and back again to her hometown and not far from the home in which she was born. Her life would make an incredible movie.
Bonnie was a devoted wife and loving mother. Raising Chris, Mike and Jeanne while making many moves and “holding down the fort” when Al had to be away. She was an amazing story teller and loved to share the family history with her daughter, Jeanne. She had a contagious laugh and beautiful smile. Bonnie was always there to encourage her children, family and friends to “live their dreams.” To say that this amazing woman will be missed is an understatement. We have lost another member of “The Greatest Generation” and Heaven has welcomed another Angel.
Bonnie is survived by her son, Mike LeDoux and daughter-in-law Jodi; daughter, Jeanne LeDoux Hickman and son-in-law Ty; daughter-in-law Peggy LeDoux; twelve grandchildren, and an abundance of great grandchildren; her sister, Ellen Dunn; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
There will be no service at this time as a Celebration of Life and Family Reunion is being planned for a later date.