Obituaries
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.
Janis Marie Clinkscale
Janis Marie Clinkscale of Eaton Rapids passed away November 20, 2022, at the age of 80. She was born in Lansing, MI on January 4, 1942, the daughter of Max and Jeannetta (Luke) Shively. Janis worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Governor George Romney’s Secretary, and later was a passionate homemaker. She loved to garden and shared that love with her children. Janis was a generous woman, eager to share with all who had a need; “The only thing that matters is what you do for Jesus.” She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids.
Janis is survived by her children, Donna (Kevin) Rich of Charlotte, Laura (Steven) Frayre of Lansing, Trixie (John) Tanner of Eaton Rapids, Kendra (Robby) Axline of Lansing, Belinda Hoppes of San Antonio, Michael Hoppes of San Antonio; stepsons, Karl (Doris) Hoppes of San Antonio, Edward Hoppes of Olivet; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ronna (Wade) Chipman of Ionia, Judith Hall of Okemos, Susan (Bryan) Danby of Portland; her beloved parrot, Daisy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Wiltse; parents; foster brother, George Darling.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place Friday, December 2, 2022, 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Love a Child, PO Box 60063, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Linda Jean VanKoevering
Linda Jean VanKoevering of Eaton Rapids passed away November 12, 2022, at the age of 75. Linda was born in Pittsburg, PA, May 6, 1947, the daughter of Victor and Marian (Davis) Cuda. She married David VanKoevering, the love of her life, in 1966 at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing. Linda attended and received a Masters’ Degree in Historical Preservation from Eastern Michigan University and received a Bachelors’ Degree from Michigan State University. She worked at Everett High School as an Attendance Officer, was a member of the Historic Preservation Society in Lansing, Motorcycle Club in Lansing, and the Home of the Jack Pine Enduro Race Club in Moorestown. Linda enjoyed quilting, motorcycling, going to and looking around at antique shops, sightseeing, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia and wintering in DeLand, Florida with her husband.
Linda is survived by her husband of 56 years, David VanKoevering; children, Christopher VanKoevering, Joey VanKoevering, Brian VanKoevering, Nicholas VanKoevering; grandchildren, Courtney, Annika, Tenley, Carson and Connor VanKoevering, Cooper and Zachary Wheaton; sister, Emily Cummins; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Thomas Cuda.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
David Frank Boes
David Frank Boes of Holt, passed away November 7, 2022, at the age of 84. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 12, 1938, the son of John and Marguerite (Smith) Boes. David received his master’s degree from Western Michigan University. He worked at the Eaton Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant for over 20 years. David enjoyed traveling, woodworking and sailing. He took great joy in crafting gifts for family and friends. He was a dedicated Lions Club member serving as President, Treasurer, and District Governor.
David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Noreen Boes of Holt; children, Catherine (William) Mitchell of Dimondale and Robert Warren Boes of Arkansas. He made friends everywhere he went and was loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard and Warren.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Lansing Meridian Lions Club Attn. Lary Hill, 5935 Bayonne Ave. Haslett, MI. 48840. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com