Obituaries
Brian Keith Caruthers
Brian Keith Caruthers triumphantly entered the Kingdom of Heaven August 1, 2024.
Cancer sucks.
Brian, 55, was born and raised in Charlotte. He had an active and happy childhood, the oldest of four boys. He attended Charlotte Public Schools and graduated from Ridge Vocational Technical School in Polk City, Florida in 1987. He spent his senior year living with his grandparents, Phyllis and James Caruthers in Florida, and shared fond memories of spending time with his half-sister, Aimee, during that time. After returning to Charlotte, Brian began his employment with Spartan Motors and dedicated 33 years of service building fire truck components in a variety of positions, most recently as an electrician. Over the years he developed close friendships with several of his coworkers.
Brian met his wife, Pam, on “Sweetest Day” in October 1996 and they married on May 31, 1997 (he immediately became the favorite Uncle of Stephanie, Amanda and Nathanael). Two years later their son, Joseph, was born. They attended Charlotte Assembly of God for many years. Brian felt strongly that ministering to men was important and he valued the connections he made with others through Ushering and Men’s Ministry at church.
He was a life-long learner, and encouraged and challenged those close to him to do the same. Reading “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge changed his life. Brian was an authentic person who often said, “What God says about you in Scripture is the only opinion about you that matters.”
An avid reader and writer, Brian enjoyed Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and John Eldredge. He also enjoyed Marvel and DC comics, time outdoors, fishing, and going to the shooting range. Above all, Brian loved being a Husband, Dad, Uncle, and Brother.
Brian enjoyed making people laugh, and he was always ready for a good debate. Topics of interest could be anything from Doctor Who to Marvel and DC Comics, podcasting, reading audio books, what “good 80’s music” meant to him (especially Huey Lewis and the News), shooting guns, writing his book, and bacon – it makes everything better. He was most passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ. He became a Christian as a young adult and daily strived to grow closer to the Lord and live an authentic life. He desperately wanted everyone to know this: Jesus loves you, he died for you, and he has a plan for your life!
Brian was thoughtful, kind and generous, with a dry and often quirky sense of humor. He loved a good dad joke and catching people off guard. He loved animals, and had many pets over the years, with a special place in his heart for his dog, Woof (who was more like a roommate than a pet), and his good buddy, Max.
Brian is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, Joseph; brother, Chris and Stacey Caruthers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerritt and Kerry Raterink, Dorene and Mike Culp, Leslie and Greg Lidstone; Aunt Penny Saylor, Aunt Jody Laubhan; special nephews and nieces, Nathanael and Jenna, Stephanie and Javon, Amanda and Steve, and Tyler; dear friends, Mike and Sandi Rodgers, and Chad and Flor Ehresman; step-brothers, Jason Worden and Jesse Worden and their families; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon (Saylor) Worden; father, James Caruthers, Jr.; uncle, Gary Saylor; and father and mother-in-law, Rodney and Phyllis Raterink; as well as his grandparents, Charles and Phyllis Caruthers, Jack Saylor, and Lenora Anson.
Friends are encouraged to support Brian’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 7 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Rodgers officiating.
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 Brian’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to Right to Life of Michigan, or to the family so they may purchase and plant a tree in his honor. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Melva Muncey Cantin
Melva Muncey Cantin, age 74, born October 31, 1949, in Charlotte, Mi, who always had a hug and smile, rose peacefully into the arms of Jesus died on July 26,2024 of heart failure.
Melva was a devoted wife, mother and precious grandmother. She was married to Nelson J Cantin for 55 years. She graduated from Holt High School in 1968. She then attended beautician school and continued to cut friends and family hair for 40 years. Melva was a bright light and shared her love for life with all her friends, family and special dog Tessa. She was very talented and belonged to craft, quilt and bunko clubs. She was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader. She was a devoted member of St Mary’s Catholic Church from 1976-2007 where she was a member of a prayer and rosary group.
Charlotte Michigan was her hometown for 31 years. Melva worked at Weymouth as a teacher’s assistant. She also was a florist for Felpaush Grocery Store. Her talent extended to wedding flowers.
Her passion was bringing people together through church events, tea parties, crafts and neighborhood holiday parties.
She adored her grandchildren (Dylan, Callie, Andre and Lana). She always sent homemade cards and made cakes for the holidays. She loved watching them grow up and never missed a birthday. They were her pride and joy in life.
She was a baking queen for all the friends and neighbors. Melva made the best breads, cakes, cookies and tarts. Her sweet smile and treats warmed up many homes.
She moved to Athens, GA in 2007 and quickly fell in love with the South. She loved all her neighbors. She belonged to St. Joseph Catholic Church from 2007-2024. She attended Knights of Columbus events with Nelson (husband) many times. She also attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School for her grandchildren’s church, sporting and school events.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Muncey and Bonnie Azeltine.
Survived by her husband, Nelson J Cantin of 55 years. Two daughters, Stacie Cantin (Celebration, FL) and Mandy (Jansen) Dellinger (Bogart, GA). Four grandchildren, Dylan Dellinger, Callie Dellinger, Andre Belokonev and Lana Belokonev. Sister, Candace Muncey (Salinas, CA) Stepsisters, Vanda VanValkenburg and Renee Stevenson (Lansing, MI); sister-in-Law, Louise (Jack) Thomas; brother in laws, Steve Cantin and Joe (Mary) Cantin. Many nieces and nephews.
A Rosary Service was held Friday, August 9, 2024 at 12 p.m. at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy., Athens, Ga 30606, followed by a Mass Service at 1 p.m. After the Mass, there will be a Celebration of Life at Club Estates, Statham GA.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com
Leona Charlene Canfield
Leona Charlene Canfield, age 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born December 3, 1947, in Battle Creek the daughter of Robert and Reva (Swick) Pierce. Leona was raised on the family farm near Nashville, Michigan. Her growing up years were very precious to her and she cherished the many memories that were made. On the farm Leona had many responsibilities that helped her to become a hardworking woman. Leona always had a great love for horses that began in her childhood. It all started with riding the family milk cow to the barn when it was time to begin chores. This passion for riding grew and once she began riding her horse she never stopped. As life progressed and her family began to grow, Leona took great pride in her three boys. She loved spending time together and their family camping trips contained many precious memories. Leona earned her associate’s degree in accounting while working full time and raising three rambunctious boys. She was also an avid rock collector. There was never a rock to big to load up in the car and take home. She also enjoyed riding her motorcycle whenever possible.
Leona is survived by her sons, John (Diane) Boughton of Yelm, Washington, Scott (Amanda) Canfield of Eaton Rapids; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Vickey) Pierce, Roy (Sheila) Pierce, Sharon (Irving) Smith, Patricia “Trish” Ellis; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Russ” Widhalm; and son, Troy Canfield.
A celebration of Leona’s life was held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the family home located at 11136 Griffith Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Those desiring may make contributions in Leona’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Road, Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48911.
To view Leona’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit
www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Lee Anne Cross-Gutierrez
Lee Anne Cross-Gutierrez, a woman that devoted her life to the Lord, died surrounded by her family on Friday, August 2, 2024. Lee 69, was born on February 24, 1955, in Lansing, the daughter of Theo and Barbara (Ball) Cross. She was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1974. Later she studied Art at Lansing Community College. On her birthday in 1989 she married the love of her life Joseph Gutierrez, and together they spent the next 35 years creating lasting memories. Lee worked at Aluminum Extrusion, where she made several lifelong friendships that she kept in contact with today. After their closing she began working in child care. As a young girl she loved trips to her grandfather’s farm, where she would go on horseback rides and tractor rides. Most recently she loved being outside and enjoying nature, anything art, oil paintings, drawing, trips to museums, reading, summer picnics with her AE co-workers, and most importantly she loved being surrounded by her family. Lee was a devoted member of St Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, where she volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry.
Lee is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; children, Autumn (Jonathan) Murphy and Michael Gutierrez; 3 grandchildren, Eliza, Emilia, and Ethan; siblings, Steve (Brenda) Cross, Theo Jayne Cross, and Bryan (Joni) Cross; nieces and nephews, Derek, Karla, Rachel, Brittany, Eric, Theo Jayne, Jeffrey, and Harvey; dear friends, Sally Haush and Danielle Linquist; childhood friends, Mary Shook and Ronda. She was predeceased by her parents, Theo and Barbara Cross; and several aunts and uncles.
Friends are encouraged to support Lee’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. An interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Lee’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 St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Davine Yvonne Cochran
Davine Yvonne Cochran, happiest when busy cleaning, passed away peacefully in her home on August 4, 2024. Davine, 85, was born to David and Audrey (Lynxwiler) Kelley on June 6, 1939 in Sikeston, MO. On August 31, 1956, Davine married Roy Cochran and the two began a family and raising their four children together. Her family and friends were a central part of her life memories of which the family all cherish today. Always active, Davine enjoyed working and fixing things up the way she liked them to be. A writer, she could often be found penning music to a song or playing songs on her guitar. She was also an avid reader with the thoughtfulness of once her book collection got too large, she donated her books to the public library for others to enjoy. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. You could count on finding her with a vacuum, a dust rag, washing dishes, windows, or a paint brush in hand re-painting a room white to freshen it up. It is believed that Davine would paint anything and everything white. Somehow, she made us all comfortable at home even though it was always spotless. With Davine it was never hard to guess what she was thinking in her very straightforward and to the point communication style. Davine was very meticulous about her flower gardens. Above all her biggest enjoyment in life was her family.
Davine is survived by her children, Terry (Kevin) Besey, Sherry (Gary) Burditt, Thomas (Mitzi) Cochran, and Anthony “Andy” (Misti) Cochran; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; siblings, Thomas (Betty) Kelley, Bonnie (Charles) Monan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Cochran; granddaughter, Esthony Cochran; sister, Paula Kelley; brother and sister-in-law, David (Jan) Kelley; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Davine’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Toby Teague officiating. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Community Library. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.