Obituaries
Mary Peckham
Mary Louise (Canaan) Peckham got her wings on June 7, 2021 at the age of 79, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, under the care of Elara Caring Hospice and her family.
Mary was born July 3, 1941 to James B. Canaan and Margaret J. (Leggett) Canaan. She graduated from Northville High School before settling in Springport Michigan in the late 1960s, where she held various manufacturing positions and was a parttime bartender in Parma Michigan. She loved to sing karaoke, shoot pool, socialize with friends, listen to music, take walks, and read good books.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James B. Canaan and Margaret J. Canaan; brother, Richard (Dutch) Canaan; and daughter, Marria Jo Keehn. Mary is survived by her children: Victoria (Bryan) Hamblin of Springport Michigan, Melinda (Kevin) Carr of Lansing Michigan, James (Lisa) Peckham of Albion Michigan, Brian (Kim) Peckham of Frisco Texas; three others she called her own, Vaughn (Megan) Lynch, Todd McDaniels, Mark (Mindy) Junker; her niece Lori; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many friends who were just the same as family to her.
A memorial gathering for Mary is scheduled for June 18, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Church Street, P.O. Box 235, Springport MI 49284 (517)857-4848. Internment will take place following the gathering at Floral Lawn Memorial Guardians at 1490 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Association either online at (alzra.org) or by mail at 31408 Harper Avenue, Suite 235, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48082.
Shirley Robbins
Shirley Ilene Robbins of Eaton Rapids passed away June 13, 2021 at the age of 73. Shirley was born in Grand Ledge, August 26, 1947, the daughter of Chester and Marian (Shaw) Kelly. She was a 1967 graduate of Portland High School. Shirley worked for Meijer in the meat department for over 40 years before retiring and was a member and board member at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club. She loved to travel, go on cruises, knit, crochet, make crafts of all kinds and looked forward to the “family shoot out.”
Shirley is survived by her sisters, Doris Selden of Lansing, Bonnie Huhn of Portland; brothers, Glen Kelly, William Martin of Florida; 11 nieces and nephews; 24 great nieces and nephews; 19 great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Robbins; nephews, Brian and Donald Selden; niece Dawn Selden.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the West Lansing Church of Christ, 5505 W. St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Conservation Club or to the Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Florence Powers
Florence E. Powers, age 102, of Brookfield Township, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Florence was born March 19, 1919, at the family farm in Lee Township, the daughter of Harley F. and Bessie E. (Oxby) King. As a child attending country school, she would ride her pony, Colonel, to school each day. She went on to graduate from Olivet High School. On January 7, 1939, she married Robert “Bob” Powers. Together Florence and Bob raised their family on their farm on Powers Highway. She was a farm wife in the truest sense of the word. Florence would milk, feed calves, run tractor, and keep her household running like a top. She hated to see things go to waste and would freeze or can anything she could. She was a magnificent cook and enjoyed fixing meals for her entire family or anyone who would stop by. Florence served as the Brookfield Township Treasure until age 90. She was an active and devoted member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church. Florence was always ready and willing to help the church with all of their activities. You could always find her at the monthly pancake breakfast bustling around helping wherever she was able.
Florence is survived by her son, Larry (Cindi) Powers; grandchildren: Doug (Tammy McKay) Roiter, Dan (Ann) Roiter, Annette (Doug McKillop) Andrews, Derek (Chasity) Powers, Vaughn (Lindy) Powers; eight great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; son, Gary; and daughter, Sharon (Earl) Roiter.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Irene Vittoz officiating. The family received friends on Friday, June 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Florence’s honor to the Brookfield United Methodist Church.
To view Florence’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Michael J. Malinoski
Michael James Malinoski, age 46, died on May 27, 2021. He was a resident of Lansing, Mich. He was a wood worker. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 7, 2021. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Gary L. May
Gary Lee May, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021. He was born July 6, 1946, at the family farm outside of Eaton Rapids, the son of Dale E. and Marjorie E. (Hill) May. Gary went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1964. On September 25, 1965, Gary married Carol Jean Barrus at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Gary loved his family with a deep devotion and was especially fond of his grandchildren. He was very mechanical and could make or fix anything. He worked at Spartan Motors for several years where he worked as a trainer/mechanic. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting.
Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol; children: Richard (Jenifer) May of Eaton Rapids, David (Zinda) May of Cal., Lorie (Mark) Eaton of Dimondale; six grandchildren; siblings, Les (Cindy) May of Lansing; Dennis (Marsha) May of Charlotte; and Bill May of Lansing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Carson Eaton; and sister, Darlene Bush.
The family received friends on Friday, June 11, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gary’s honor to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Dennis C. Hale
Dennis C. Hale, 77, of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in Lansing. Dennis was born April 14, 1944, in Charlotte, the son of Donald T. and Edith Louise (Wonser) Hale. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1963 before starting his career in Tool and Die. He worked for 25 years at AE Hoover in Charlotte until its closure, then for Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids, and finally at Eaton Corp in Marshall, which also closed and marked his retirement. In the years following, he worked with Max Simpson manufacturing tractor pulling parts. He was a member of the Charlotte Motorcycle Club and every Sunday participated in motorcycle hill climbing, all over the state, where he won many trophies. Dennis was a member of the Masons, the Eaton County Buck Club, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tractors. He loved taking trips on the motorcycle out West and to the Blue Ridge Mountains, camping along the way. He also loved TV Westerns, one of his favorites being Gunsmoke. Above all, Dennis loved his family. He married Karla Seeley on Valentine’s Day 1963, and the two raised two sons. They always made time for special family outings and created countless happy memories along the way.
Dennis is survived by his wife Karla; sons, Dean Hale and Dan Hale; grandchildren, Rebecca (Mike) Skinner and Dalton Hale; and brother Darryl (Sue) Hale. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, David Hale.
Friends are encouraged to support Dennis’ family by attending services or sharing memories on Dennis’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte. In memory of Dennis, the family suggests that you do something special with your family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James L. Greenman
James Levi Greenman, age 78, of Olivet, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing with his family by his side. He was born April 2, 1941, in Kalamazoo the son of Leslie and Dorothy (Roberts) Greenman. Jim graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1959. He then studied agriculture at Michigan State University. On September 7, 1969, Jim married Noreene Stearns in Galesburg, Mich. Jim worked many different jobs throughout his life, but his heart was always on the farm. He had a love for horses, and he was especially fond of his draft horses. You could often find him winning or near the top of many different plowing competitions. Jim was a social man who thoroughly enjoyed visiting with others. He would often hand out $2 bills or silver dollars to someone just to strike up a conversation. Jim also enjoyed reading books about the old west. From ranching, the pioneers, to the history of the American frontier, Jim enjoyed them all. He enjoyed watching college basketball but supporting his grandchildren in their school sporting events and 4-H was of an utmost importance.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Noreene; daughter, Rachael (Tony) Eye of Charlotte; son, Chad Greenman of Olivet; grandchildren, Levi Greenman, Morgan Ann Greenman, Madison Eye, Abigail Eye, Ryder Greenman; sister, Jeanette Ridgley of Three Rivers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Frank and Margaret Stearns.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Jim’s honor to the Michigan Draft Horse Breeders Association.
To view Jim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Rodney J. Bartlett
Rodney John “Rod” Bartlett, a master of one-liners who loved to make people laugh, died June 6, 2021 at his residence in Charlotte surrounded by his family. Rodney was born February 15, 1945 in London, England to Victor and May (Bates) Bartlett. His family moved to the United States when he was nine-years-old. To this day one of the things he was most proud of was becoming a US citizen.
A hard worker himself, Rod always encouraged his family to do the best they can and instilled good work ethic. He was a journeyman tool and die maker, and retired as a CNC machinist. In his spare time, he enjoyed shooting pool, hunting, fishing and golfing all over Michigan. His pride and joy were always his wife and kids, putting his family number one in his life and openly showing his big heart with grandkids and great-grandkids. The light of Rod’s life, he loved to tease his children and grandkids, and as they got older, they learned to tease right back.
Rod is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; children, Laura (Keith) Wieber, Mark (Lisa) Bartlett, and John (Kathleen) Bartlett; grandchildren, Cameron, Sydney, Breanne (fiancé Adam), Bryce (Ciara), Karlie, Alexa, Ryan, Sean, and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Evelynn, and Edynn; sister, Rita Bartlett; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Gloria Talarczyk.
Friends are encouraged to support Rodney’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The memorial service, held on June 10, was webcast and may be watched from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Rod’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lucille Bulger
Lucille (Lucy) Bulger 84, of Marshall, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Battle Creek Bronson Hospital under the care of hospice. Lucy was a resident of Maplewood of Marshall for the past several years.
Lucy was born on October 10, 1936 in Gibson City, Ill. to Homer H. and Marie B. (Melvin) Bulger. The family moved to Michigan in the early 1940’s.
Lucy graduated from Olivet High School in 1954. She then went on to earn a business degree from Argubright Business College with an associate’s degree. She worked for the Michigan National Bank in Lansing before going to work at General Motors until retiring in 1991. She was a member of the G.M. Girls Club and The Olivet Congregational Church.
Lucy enjoyed traveling with friends, reading, playing cards, putting together jig saw puzzles, going to the casino and attending family functions.
Lucy is survived by a brother, Louis Bulger of Edmond, Okla.; sisters, Janet Mason and Carolyn (Amos) Reagle of Marshall; nieces, Deanna (Todd) Jewell of Tenn. and Darcie (Bob) Kelso of Okla.; nephews, Scott (Ann) Reagle of Marshall and Greg (Angela) Mason of Wis. She is also survived by several great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald Bulger, nephew Steven Mason, and brother-in-law Harlon Mason.
Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a funeral service taking place at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Olivet City Cemetery. Family will gather with friends following the committal services at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College St, Olivet, MI 49076, or to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 93, 400 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Memorials may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home, PO Box 519, Marshall MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
Wanita I. Clark
Wanita Irene Clark, age 69, of Charlotte, Michigan, was in the comfort of her home when she went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2021, after a long battle with lung cancer. Wanita was born on July 19, 1951, in Charlotte, Mich. Her favorite pastime was hanging out with her family. She filled the rest of her time with her favorite hobbies of reading, fishing, and hunting for treasures at yard sales and thrift shops.
Wanita was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Miller; son, Jim Griffith; and sister-in-law, Kim Miller. She is survived by her father, Chester Miller; husband of 31 years, Arthur Clark; children, Cheri (Brad) Cook, David Griffith, and Travis (Kershana) Griffith; step-children, Travis Clark, Adam (Beth) Clark, and Kelly Clark; grandchildren, Mayme (Keng) Lee, Mandee Griffith-Shade, Ashley Clark, Mackenzie Griffith, Andrew Cook, Mickenzie Leiter, Dallas Griffith, Jennifer Cook, Izaiah Griffith, Skylar Griffith, and Nova Griffith; great-grandchildren, Brody, Harper, Owen, Sophia, Elisia, Lila, Celiah, Adelia, and Jaxtyn; siblings, Irving (Sharon) Smith, Dan (Janette) Miller, Doris (Doug) Ewing, Doug (Betty) Miller, Darlene (Chuck) Cowling, DeWayne Miller, and Dwight (Mary) Miller; honorary daughter, Katrina Willoughby; and many nieces and nephews.
According to Wanita’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bellevue Conservation Club located at 8484 Greenfield Highway in Bellevue, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the family to assist with final and medical expenses. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home of Leslie.