Obituaries
Marilyn Dee MacKenzie
Marilyn Dee MacKenzie, 83, an easy-going woman loved and respected by many, died peacefully with her family by her side on February 3, 2022, at her home in Vermontville, MI. Born in Central Lake, MI on October 24, 1938, to Zemira and Esther (Harter) Zimmerman, Marilyn graduated from Hastings High School in 1956, and later that year married her sweetheart, Donald MacKenzie on Halloween. They lived in Hastings, and later moved to Vermontville where they raised their three children with lots of love and lessons on the importance of family and hard work.
Marilyn was very sharp and enjoyed working at Michigan National Bank as a teller and became Branch Manager at Independent Bank. She was also treasurer at their church in Hastings and later the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte. Some of the things she was very good at and enjoyed over the years, include crocheting, bowling, gardening and canning the fruits of her labor, making amazing homemade pickles, hunting deer and bear, fishing, and family camping trips. Family meant the world to Marilyn, and she especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing games and just spending time together.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald; son, Steven MacKenzie; daughter, Valerie (Thomas) Palmer; grandchildren, Nicole (Richard) Rivera, Curtis Palmer, Darcy (Jason) Nesky, Erin (Joe) Elliston, Derek MacKenzie, and Dena (Christoph) Holzmann; 8 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Ethan, Morgan, Cameron, Avery, Cayden, Dylan, and Joanna; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Brian; sister, Margaret; and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte. Memorial contributions are suggested to the South Cochran Church of God. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Bruce Arnold Maurer
Bruce Arnold Maurer of Charlotte, MI passed away on April 23, 2022, at the age of 78. Bruce was born on March 18, 1944, in Albion, MI the first of four children born to Arnold and Juanita (Swan) Maurer. He graduated from Albion High School in 1962. Bruce worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning industry, starting at Hager Fox and eventually retiring from A1 Mechanical as a Supervisor specializing in system design in June 2009. He was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1958 and had been a faithful servant and long-time member of the Charlotte Kingdom Hall ever since. Bruce loved music, camping, and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, and tennis well into his 40’s. Bruce was a loyal friend and dependable father; his family meant the world to him, and he always put their needs before his own.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Alvin Maurer and sister, Judy Hoyt.
Surviving is his wife, Brenda Maurer; son, Brian Maurer; daughter, Krista Maurer; son, Bruce Douglas (Doug) Maurer; grandson, Maverick Timothy Maurer; sister, Rita (Art) Maurer; and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Bruce at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Mary V. Mullins
Mary V. Mullins, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Monday, April 25, 2022. She was born September 4, 1937, in Lansing, the daughter of Loyce and Ruby (Gibson) Seegraves. On September 5, 1958, she married H. Edwin Mullins. Mary worked the majority of her career as a registered nurse. She cherished her family and enjoyed spending time together. Mary had a magnetic personality and enjoyed spending time with others. She was a devoted Christian and faithfully served at Oneida Gospel Church for many years and later South Church in Lansing. Mary was also a talented musician who enjoyed singing and playing the piano and organ.
Mary is survived by her sons: David Mullins of Nashville, Michael (Lori) Mullins of Charlotte, Daniel (Barbara) Mullins of Lansing; 4 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ed; and brothers: Loyce Seegraves, and Maurice Seegraves.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial has already taken place at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mary’s memory to South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing, MI 48917.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Virginia Eaglesfield Strayer
Virginia Eaglesfield Strayer, 106, died on April 12, 2022, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. On January 31, 1916, Virginia was born to Frederick R. Eaglesfield and Kathryn Winter in Mishawaka, Indiana.
A 1934 graduate of Niles High School, Virginia continued her education at the University of Michigan where she received a BA degree in 1938. While there, she joined Delta Gamma sorority where she met many lifelong friends. She waited an additional three years, until September 13, 1941, to wed John W. Strayer, M.D. who was completing medical school and an internship at U of M. Three months later came Pearl Harbor and a war that separated them for a time while John served as a flight surgeon and as a Captain in the (then) Army Air Corps. They were able to be together for part of the war and counted eleven different locations in the states where they were stationed.
Virginia was active in the community as a lifelong and active member of Trinity Episcopal Church; co-founder of Meals on Wheels of Niles-Buchanan; a Girl Scout leader; member of Niles Garden Club, Seepewa Reading Club, Niles Service League, Orchard Hills Country Club and Signal Point Club where she was club champion. “Ginny,” as she was known to her friends, enjoyed a good game of bridge, gin rummy or cribbage with John, and needlepointing, music and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; son, John W. Strayer III; son-in-law Jerry Rossow, as well as an infant brother and her sister, Elizabeth Eaglesfield Thompson.
Virginia is survived by daughters, Kathryn Rossow of Niles and Anne (Michael) Comer of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren include Peter (Jamie) Rossow, Baroda; Amy (Michael) Williams, Midland; Sarah (Joseph) Young, Rockford; and Jonathan Comer, Howell, granddaughter by marriage, Elizabeth Rossow; as well as great-grandchildren, John, Will and Anna Rossow; Morgan and Caroline Williams; Eliott, Frances and Grace Young; and Caden, Brooklyn and Addilyn Comer.
A funeral service was held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church at 9 S Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Steve“Twig” Terwilliger
On April 18, 2022, we his biological family, his EMS family, his many friends lost one of our best.
Marcie’s little brother, Terra’s dad, Soraya, Skyler, Abrielle and Addison’s grandpa, Sheila’s special guy, and Jimmy’s buddy. There are many individuals fortunate to “still be here” thanks to Steve’s consummate skills as a Critical Care Paramedic through the decades he served the community.
Having defied the odds time and again, burning through 12 of his nine lives, health issues took a toll over the past months. His superhuman survival run came to a close. If I’d known that hug would be our last, I’d have held on a lot longer.
Mom “Mary Jane” and Dad “Wayne” brought you into this world June 15, 1958. We who remain agree you left us way too soon.
We anticipate a joyful reunion on the other side, Steve “Twig” Terwilliger, because…love doesn’t cease at earth’s finite parameters.
Special thanks to Edmond Apartments friends. A gathering will take place at a later date.
The family is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.