Obituaries
Sally A. Brown
Sally Ann Brown, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the age of 87. Sally was born on January 24, 1934 in Jackson, Mich. the daughter of Ray and Lillian (Williams) Hocott. She moved to Eaton Rapids as a child where her family ran the Hocott Bakery. Sally graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1952 and went on to receive her bachelor degree from Michigan State University in elementary education in 1956. After graduation, she taught in Battle Creek at Pennfield Elementary where she met the love of her life, James L. Brown In 1959. They got married and she taught at Grand River Elementary in Lansing while they lived in married housing as Jim finished his degree. After Jim graduated, she decided to stay home and raise her family. She was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church and attended at St. Johns in Charlotte later in life. Sally enjoyed researching genealogy, playing golf and bridge and spending her winters in Destin, Fla. She also loved shopping trips and eating out with her family and friends. Jim and Sally made many moves during their life and made many lifelong friends along the way. Sally was a kind soul and would make anyone feel welcome, her family was so important to her and she cherished all of her time spent with them.
She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Karin) Brown, Gregory (Laura) Brown; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Christy) Brown, Caroline (Tim) DeForest, Aaron Brown; step-grandchild, Alivia Scherer; sister, Nancy (Ron) Parsons and nieces and nephews, Michael and Mark Stambach, David DeMaso, Ryan Parsons and Carrie Wiltse. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Brown; sister, Mary Jayne DeMaso and nephew, Thomas DeMaso.
Visitation was held held on Thursday, and a private funeral service was held on Friday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Sally. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robert J. Delong
Robert Jay “Bob” Delong, of Eaton Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at the age of 85. Born June 27, 1935 to Adrian “Jay” and Inez (Woodburry) Delong in Lansing, Mich. Bob graduated from high school and completed trade school before going to work for Oldsmobile where he would later retire after 30 years working in tool and die. While working for Oldsmobile he purchased a farm and after retiring he farmed his land full time. Bob was a faithful member of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Lansing for many years before becoming a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Lansing where he was currently attending and known as the “free hugs” greeter. Bob was a selfless man always thinking of others. He was a hard worker and had a unique ability of being able to produce nearly anything that could be bought in the store by simply studying the specs of a product. Bob was currently in the process of creating his very own duplicator for manufacturing guns which was a hobby of his. He also enjoyed flying airplanes and took many of his friends and family for airplane rides. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend that will be dearly missed by all who remember him. Preceding him in death were his son, Thomas Dean Delong; brother, Cecil Delong; sister, Shirley Cataline as well as his parents.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Barbara Delong; children, Robert (Tina) Delong, Connie Delong, Bonnie Delong; grandchildren, Kaleb Davis, Kristen (Jake) Moore, Nathan (Keilani) Delong, Kelli Delong; great-grandchildren, Emma Davis, Norah Moore, Eryka Delong, Eli Moore; sisters, Janet “Jenny” McDaniel, Peggy Foess as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lansing. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 in Bob’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Margery J. Eckhart
Margery Jane Eckhart (Margie), of Mason, Mich. passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the age of 84. Margie was born on September 7, 1936 in Eaton County, Mich. the daughter of Earl A. and Helen Florence (Beaton) French. She was a farmer’s wife as well as worked for the State of Michigan and eventually at Felpausch in Eaton Rapids for many years. Margie married her high school sweetheart, Robert Bert Eckhart (Bob) on September 14, 1951.
Surviving are her daughters, Cheryl Lynn (L.C.) Raymond, Denise Ann Eckhart; son, Scott Robert Eckhart; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; and sister, Elaine (Robert) Brooks. Margie is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bob Eckhart; daughter, Susan Kaye (Eckhart) Clark; and sisters, Fern Hill, Wilda Arnold, Donna Fast and Shirley Walter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Robbins United Methodist Church Women’s Auxiliary or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Margie. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Wanda Louise Cook
Wanda Louise Cook, age 80, of Potterville, Mich., died on March 21, 2021. She was a homemaker. Services were held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Real Life Church in Charlotte.
Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Almon M. Sebolt
Almon Marion Sebolt a caring and loving, husband, father, grandfather, and brother of Charlotte, died Thursday, March, 18, 2021. Almon, 81, was born May 21, 1939, on the family farm in Partello, MI, the son of Almon Sr. and Lucille (Shepard) Sebolt. On October 5, 1957, Almon married Joann Hamilton and together created their legacy of 62 years together. Almon was a man that was always on the move and loved working. Following graduating from high school Almon started working for General Motors. He started as a line worker and retired as a Foreman after 30 years. Almon then helped his wife with their AFC home and lastly worked as a Security Guard for the Board of Water and Light. When he wasn’t working Almon enjoyed watching country westerns, mowing his lawn, cooking, playing guitar, listening to country and gospel music, and also taking car rides with his wife Joann.
Almon is survived by his children, Almon Sebolt III, Franklin Sebolt, Lou A. Sobleskey, Jerome Sebolt; grandchildren, Virginia Sebolt, Rosalynn Sebolt, Courtney (Tim) Blomfield, Blair Sobleskey, and Ryan Sobleskey; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kailie, Elysia, Ellia, and Abbey; siblings, Earl Sebolt, and Alma (Larry) Baker; He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joann; grandson, Lance Sobleskey; brother, Dennis Richardson; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Almon’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 12 Noon
at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Fred McGlone officiating. Visitation will take place just prior to the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. 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 Almon’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 The Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Joyce Y. Dunn Schmidt
Joyce Yvonne Dunn Schmidt went home to Jesus on March 30, 2020 at the age of 83.
Joyce was born to Nora Louise and George Dunn on April 11, 1937 in Dermott, Ark. She met William Thomas Schmidt on a blind date in Memphis, Tenn. and immediately knew Tom was “the one.” Tom and Joyce were married for 59 years and had three children: David, Deborah, and Pamela. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Joyce graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee and was a Registered Nurse. She spent her professional career caring for people and was proud of her work. Throughout her entire life Joyce held an unwavering faith in God and in the spirit of her name, Joyce shared the joy of the Lord with all those who knew her. Joyce was a member of Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids. She served her church in numerous other capacities by teaching Sunday school and being the director of Women’s ministry. Growing up, Joyce was an athlete and an amazing basketball player. Her hobbies included sewing quilts and caring for her house cactus plants. Joyce most enjoyed spending time with her husband and family.
Joyce joins her daughter Deborah Arnold and her parents George and Louise Dunn in Heaven. Joyce is survived by her husband, William Thomas Schmidt; son, David (wife Liz) Schmidt of Memphis, Tennessee and her daughter Pamela (husband Tony) McDaniel of Eaton Rapids. Joyce had twelve grandkids and five great-grand kids who were her pride and joy.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, located at 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Harold Demott officiating. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Nazarene, 2225 S Michigan Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in memory of Joyce. To place online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.
Thomas L. Hall
Thomas Lee Hall, 73, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. He was born April 10, 1947 in Charlotte to Paul and Donna (Hampton) Hall. After graduating from Charlotte High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving from 1966 to 1968. When he returned to Charlotte, Tom started an apprenticeship with LCC becoming a painter, and later started his own business alongside his father, Paul, becoming another in the long line of family painters. “Tom Hall Painting” was in business over 50 years, and painted almost every house in Charlotte during that time.
With many interests and hobbies, Tom was a wealth of knowledge that he was ready to share at any given moment from his mental archives. He learned through experience, always participating and never one to just sit on the sidelines and watch. To his family’s surprise, Tom secretly learned how to play the guitar. The family was so excited that they formed a family band, practicing in the basement, and even playing at a few local venues. Tom loved to fish and hunt, and his grandkids share stories of taking their first deer while hunting with their grandpa. A devoted family man, Tom very much enjoyed time spent with family and friends, making even the simplest moments memorable.
Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helen; children, Misty Harris and Holly (Andrew) Allen; grandchildren, Paul Walker-Hall (Samara Simmons), Chassity (Tanner) McNelly, Paige (Jean) Lizaire, Marranda Mitchell, and Drue Allen; great-grandchildren, Ava, Malaya, and Hendrix; mother, Donna (Tom) Salik; siblings, Ed (Linda) Hall, Mary (Pat) Schneider, and Rebecca (Ed) Magoon. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Paul Hall.
Friends are encouraged to share memories of Tom on histribute page at PrayFuneral.com, or by attending services. Visitation is in the Pray Funeral Home Garden, 401 W. Seminary St., Charlotte, MI on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 3-5:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Robert L. Eitniear
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Eitniear, 87 of Dimondale, died March 28, 2021. He was born in Dimondale on May 7, 1933 to Merle and Flossie (Hart) Eitniear. In 1956 he married Roberta Button and they had two children, Colene and Robert II “Robbie.” Bob was a talented builder, and he could make just about anything. Officially retiring from building in 1994, Bob had more time for the other things in life he enjoyed, including hunting, drawing, watching wildlife, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels at home, cooking (he especially loved the family and neighborhood pig roasts with the roaster he built), and making things for people with his building skills.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Colene (Mike) Foster; grandchildren, Jamie (Dustin) Howard, Zach (Diana) Foster, and Josh (Tab) Foster; six great-grandchildren, Mallory, Kaylee, Luke, Agnes, Mason, and Avery; siblings, Shirley Gilbert, Jake Eitniear, and Ann (Wayne) Vahs, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Roberta; son, Robert “Robbie” Lloyd Eitniear II; his parents; siblings, Wayne and Ted Eitniear; and special-friend, Phyllis Harkins.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A celebration of life is being planned. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a college fund for his great-grandchildren (checks payable to Colene). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Phyllis J. Landis
Phyllis Jean Landis, of Charlotte, passed away March 28, 2021 at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones. Phyllis was born October 21, 1936 in Payne, Ohio to Marion and Adah (Brewer) Fisher into a large family that included six brothers and one sister. She married Jimmy D. Landis in 1956 and together they had many adventures. Many around Charlotte may remember Phyllis from the Charlotte Eagles, where she had been a member for 46 years; bowling at CharLanes; drove bus for Charlotte Public Schools, and she tended bar at several establishments over the years. Phyllis enjoyed trips to the casino, traveling with her group of friends, the “Big 6,” and especially time she spent with her family.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Fred) Hayes, Rhonda (Martin) Procko, and Shelley Sommer; grandchildren, Kristin McHale, Jimmy (Michelle) McHale, Nicholas (Heather) Cantin, Katie James, Alex Sommer, and Grant Sommer; great-grandchildren, Harper and Max Cantin, Beckham James, and Lyla McHale; and “Bestest Life-Long Pals,” Wanetta Wolever and Pat Crandell. She was predeceased by her husband, Jimmy; all of her siblings; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family by attending visitation or funeral services or sharing memories on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Funeral services were Friday, April 2, 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jason Zinser
Jason “Cody” Zinser, 49, of Clare, Mich., passed away unexpectedly in Tonopah, Arizona on Friday, March 26, 2021 and passed from this life into eternal life. Cody was born the son of James “Jim” M. and Margaret “Maggie” A. (White) Zinser on September 23, 1971, in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Cody was a graduate of the class of 1990 at Clare High School. His high school friends were still some of his best friends.
Most of his life he worked alongside his family that owned J-Bar-J Rodeo. He was a member of the International Pro Rodeo Association and then moved on to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He was honored to be selected to work the Great Lakes Circuit Finals in Louisville, Ky. as a pick-up man and he also reached the pinnacle of his career by making the Great Lakes Circuit Finals in the steer wrestling in 2000. He was known as one of the best pickup men around, someone you could count on to have your back in and out of the arena. He loved his horses he rode. His lifelong rodeo horse, Hero, at age 31 is still on the ranch. After rodeo, he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator with Operating Engineers Local 324. He also worked for Central Michigan Contracting, the Dunkle family.
Cody was a member of the NRA, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and water sports including Air Chair. Although childless he loved children and they loved him. His niece, Jayce, was his pride and joy. Cody spoiled his friend’s kids and was just like one of the kids anytime he was around them. He cherished them all and shared his favorite candy, Jolly Ranchers, with them. Cody dedicated his life to Jesus Christ in 2018 and showed a true desire to change his life. Those that knew Cody know that he lived life to the fullest.
Cody is survived by his parents, Jim and Maggie Zinser; his sister, Shannon Zinser and her fiancé Jack Taylor, favorite niece Jayce Jordan and nephew Cody Jack Taylor.
Cody was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Fred Zinser in 1970, and his grandparents, Joe and Leona White, and Fred (Dutch) and Ellen Zinser. A celebration of Cody’s life will be held at the J Bar J Ranch, 6731 E. Coleman Road, Clare, Mich. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, justincowboycrisisfund.org/ or Western Days Ministry, westerndaysministries.org/donate. Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at stephenson-wyman.com.