Obituaries
James Martin McBride
James Martin McBride of Eaton Rapids, passed away at the age of 84. James graduated from MSU with a BS in social work and an MBA. He married his wife, Donna Davis Johnson on February 14, 1969, and shortly moved to Eaton Rapids in 1969, where they became active members of the community. James was Mayor of Eaton Rapids during the Bicentennial.
James leaves behind his wife, Donna, of 53 years; son, Scott, and his wife Karen, and their three daughters, Megan, Kayla, and Haley of Canton, MI; stepdaughter, Brenda Harvey and her three daughters, Hannah, Halle, and Hattie of MA; and many friends in the community. He was preceded in death by his father, James Roy McBride; mother, Elsie Lucille Martin, and her husband Douglas Merritt; and sister, Janie.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff of Eaton Rapids Hospital and McLaren Home Care, and his neighbor Bill Bruce for all his care and hard work.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 or the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Alys Eilene (Wisner) Hoover
Alys Eilene (Wisner) Hoover went to be with the Lord she loved on September 21, 2022, at the age of 95. She was born at home on her family farm on January 9, 1927, to Joseph Cecil Wisner and Bertha Eva (Gibney) Wisner. The family moved during her childhood to Fremont, Indiana; Montgomery, Michigan, then Eden, Ohio where she graduated from high school. She graduated College from Western Michigan University with an Associate’s degree in Business, belonged to Alpha Beta Epsilon and Sigma Tau Chi Honorary Business Fraternity and played saxophone in the band. Moving to the Lansing area in the 1950’s, she worked for MSU for the State Soil Conservation Committee. She married Clarence R. Hoover in 1956. She was a stay-at-home mom to Debra until she reached high school, volunteering as a Camp Fire Girls leader, and Girl Scout leader. They moved to Eaton Rapids in 60’s, where she lived an active full life. She returned to work for the State of Michigan where she worked for the Department of Corrections until her retirement in 1986. Two months after retirement, Alys lost her husband. The death of her husband was a turning point in her life, and she decided to dedicate her life to serving the community, church, and travel. Alys volunteered for Red Cross Blood Drive, Eaton Rapids Medical Center Gift Shop for 27 years, at the Lansing Art Gallery, Boarshead Theater, Eaton County Jail, Eaton Rapids Middle School ‘Reality Store’, tutored Northwestern Elementary first grade readers, local and statewide Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, and Eaton Rapids Planning Commission. Additionally, she volunteered at her church, First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, visiting shut ins, teaching PreK Sunday school, working in the nursey, rummage sales, and funeral dinners. Alys joined a Christian Mime Clown group and from then on, she was known as Ally Oops the clown for 22 years. As a clown she enjoyed volunteering at the Hanneford, and Barnum & Bailey circuses, birthday parties, parades, and meet-and-greets. She was an active member of many community organizations such as Michigan Business and Professional Woman, Red Hatters, State Employees Retirement Association, Eaton County Family Community Education, Eaton Rapids Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, Eaton Rapids Senior Center, Circus Clown Alley #155, Eaton Rapids Methodist Church, Local United Methodist Woman (Secretary and President), and Lansing District United Methodist Woman (14 years). Alys was lifelong learner taking additional classes at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University throughout her life. She enjoyed attending Elderhostels (33) and traveled with friends through Europe, Russia, Canada, and all 50 United States. She was a strong supporter of the Arts, attending several Wharton Center performances annually. As part of her “many random acts of kindness mission,” she took many friends and family to art inspired events such as plays, musicals, ballet, and many other events like this. She deeply cherished time spent with friends and family, keeping up with everyone’s life events.
Alys was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1986; sisters, Mary Louise Richards, and Jean Todd in 2015; granddaughter, Emily Salisbury; stepson, Rex Hoover of DeWitt. She is survived by her daughter, Debra (Mark) Salisbury of Eaton Rapids; stepdaughter, Carolyn (Billy) Crego; eight grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. Donations may be made to Eaton Rapids Medical Center, Eaton Rapids Senior Center, Helping Hands, or a charity of your choice. 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.
Allan J. Clarke
Allan J. Clarke of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the age of 88. Allan was born on May 26, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, MI the oldest of seven children born to Laurence and Velma (Harsey) Clarke. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated high school class of 1952. Allan was drafted into the military in 1956 and proudly served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany after WWII. He worked for Diamond Reo for a short period before taking a job with General Motors where he retired as a semi truck driver after 42 years. He loved camping and made several trips with his family throughout Michigan and across the United States. Allan was always a hard worker and enjoyed helping his son, Jim on the farm where he would deliver product to the local elevator.
Allan is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcia Clarke; and siblings, Dean Clarke, Don Clarke and Marie Florian.
Surviving are his sons, Robert (Linda) Clarke, James (Tamra) Clarke; daughter, Christie (Mike) Cooley; 12 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Ruth) Clarke, Morris Clarke, Maynard Clarke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, MI. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Meals on Wheels in memory of Allan. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com.
Lyle Russell Lawrence
Lyle Russell Lawrence of Eaton Rapids, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 8, 2022, at the age of 84. Lyle was born on August 1, 1938, in Charlotte, MI the son of Russell and Leona (Jackson) Lawrence. He was raised on the family farm in Olivet where he attended high school and graduated class of 1956. Lyle worked for the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids where he chauffeured and maintained the grounds, all while continuing to farm on the side. Eventually, Lyle was able to buy his own farm on Houston Road in Eaton Rapids where he farmed and hauled agricultural lime for over 50 years. He was a devout Christian and longtime member of the Charlotte Seventh Day Adventist Church. Lyle always worked hard to provide for his family and was happiest when he was outside working the land.
Surviving is his wife, Donna (Crabtree) Lawrence; daughter, Kathleen Lawrence; sons, William (Kayla) Lawrence, Robert (Tamara) Lawrence; son-in-law, Scott Blackmer; grandchildren, Russell, Beth, Ben, Taylor, Dennis, Alan, Alyssa, Alyna, Jody, Justin, Tiffany; and several great grandchildren, niece, and nephew.
Lyle is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Alyce Blackmer; and brother, Leonard Lawrence.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Seventh Day Adventist Church in memory of Lyle. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com.
Sally Kay Wolf
Sally Kay Wolf, age 70, of Homer, Michigan, passed away on October 1, 2022. Sally was born on October 19, 1951. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Vickers Springport Funeral Home located at 121 Pearl Street in Springport, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. A private graveside service will be held at Clarence Township Cemetery following the service. All are invited to a gathering at Duck Lake Tavern following the burial. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.