Obituaries
Chad Osborne
Chad “Ozzy” Alan Osborne, the best funcle (the fun uncle) and everybody’s friend, of Potterville died March 10, 2022. Chad, 48, was born March 17, 1973, in Lansing, MI to Charles and Karen (Pfister) Osborne. Chad was captain of his high school basketball and football teams at Potterville High School where he was a top 10 student, class of 1991. After high school, Chad served four years in the Navy on the USS Connelly in the engine room, and he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. During his time in the Navy, he docked at Guantanamo Bay and also in Finland, Denmark, Djibouti and Egypt, among many other destinations. He was a journeyman plumber for Mark Woodman Plumbing. Spending time with his family and taking care of them was very important to Chad, you could often find him at the bowling alley with his nieces and nephews as it was one of his favorite things to do. He loved to play golf and relearned it after he suffered a stroke 3 years ago. Chad overcame so much in his life, having the tenacity and perseverance to overcome his stroke. He was extremely proud of that as well as his sobriety, and in January he celebrated 11 years. As an avid Spartan fan, you could hear him yelling “Go Green!” and he loved March Madness.
Chad is survived by his parents, Charles and Karen (Pfister) Osborne; siblings, Erika (Ralph) Reagan and Sara (Nic) Fowler; grandfather, James Pfister and his wife, Dorothy; grandmother, Mary Jean Osborne; nieces and nephews, Audrey, Mason, Max and Nora Reagan and Melanie, Keira and Shane Fowler; aunts and uncles, and many cousins. He was predeceased by grandfather Richard A. Osborne, grandmother Margaret Pfister and aunt, Debbie Pfister.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Chad’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com There will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date this summer. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Bernard Ommen
Bernard (Bud) Wayne Ommen passed away peacefully at the age of 88 with his children by his side on March 11, 2022. Bud was born November 24, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan to Bernard (Ben) Ommen and Esther (Sommers) Ommen. He spent his childhood in Lansing, attending Lansing Schools until he moved to Vermontville where he graduated from Vermontville Rural Agricultural School in 1952. While still in school, he started working under the direction of his father for the Lansing Public School District, Buildings and Grounds Department. Throughout his tenure, Bud worked his way up to supervisor of the department sitting at the same desk and in the same chair as his dad, retiring in 1986.
After moving to Vermontville, Bud met the love of his life, Audrey Mae Lightner. On October 9, 1954, they were married and it was the beginning of a true love story that lasted for 64 years. Upon returning from their honeymoon Bud received his draft papers, and he spent the next two years serving in the United States Army. Audrey joined him in Germany while he was stationed there.
Bud will be remembered as an ever-smiling, kind, gentle, easy-going man who enjoyed family, friends, the outdoors and watching his granddaughters show horses. Spending time with his family, traditional camping trips to Interlochen, horses, snowmobiling with friends, and anything with an engine were among his favorite things.
His service to the community included being a firefighter with the Vermontville Fire Department and serving on the Vermontville Fire and Ambulance Board. He also served on the Vermontville Township Board of Review, Cemetery Board and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Vermontville. After retiring he spent many hours transporting members of the Amish community. He gained many friendships and enjoyed time spent with his Amish friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Karen (Steve) Newman, Scott (Cathy) Ommen; grandchildren, Alaina (Trent) Graham, Brielle Ommen, Kaitlin (Dylan) Haan, Kelsie Newman (Tyler Thering); great granddaughters, Eva Graham, Rylie Graham, Audrey Haan, and a fourth great-granddaughter coming soon; sister, Ann Samann; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is also survived by his constant companion dog, Lexie. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bessie (Norman) LaCross, Laurene (Tyrus) Stine and brother-in-law Jim Samann.
Friends are encouraged to support Bud’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Service was held at the First Congregational Church of Vermontville on March 16, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Andy Trowbridge officiating. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lynn Sumerix
Lynn Allen Sumerix, 78, of Eaton Rapids, died on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Country Woods AFC Home in Potterville. Lynn was born on April 16, 1943, in Charlotte, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Goodrich) Sumerix. Following graduating from high school Lynn began working for Motor Wheel and later working at General Motors where he retired as a Skills Tradesman. On May 8, 1965, Lynn married Carol Ann Fisher in Charlotte, MI, and the couple spent the next 52 years creating lasting memories. He proudly served in the Michigan National Guard. Lynn enjoyed working with Carol in their perennial gardens around their property. Lynn also enjoyed traveling around the country, woodworking and fishing. Being outdoors was an important part of Lynn’s life. Above all his proudest accomplishment over his lifetime was his family.
Lynn is survived by his son, Tyler Sumerix; siblings, Lorraine Chase, Wayne (Sue) Sumerix, Carl (Marti) Sumerix; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Carol; siblings, Dale Sumerix, and Linda Lehr; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lynn’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ralph Moore
Ralph James Moore 92 departed this world peacefully at his home in Charlotte, Michigan on March 14, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Swift), and his daughter, Deborah. He leaves behind 4 daughters, Diane Dixon (Dale), Doreen Moore, Dawn Moore, Darlene Moore (Georgia); 4 grandchildren, Tina, Terence, Danielle and Amy, as well as several great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Ralph was born July 20, 1929, in Harrisville, Michigan. He graduated from Harrisville High School in 1947. Ralph joined the Merchant Marines in March of 1948, followed by a year in United States Army. He worked for Diamond Reo in Lansing, Michigan from April 1950 until he left in May of 1975. By January of 1976 Ralph was working for the newly formed Spartan Motors until he retired in June of 1992.
Ralph was a man with many interests and talents. He was a builder, Ralph built every house with his own bare hands that his family lived in, 3 homes in total. There wasn’t a sport he didn’t like. If there was a Michigan Wolverines game or the Detroit Tigers game on, you could find him in his big La-Z-Boy watching and cheering them on. He also had a profound appreciation for the beauty of wildlife and nature, which he was surrounded by and enjoyed every day on his 40 acres. He loved being outside chopping down trees, chopping up wood, mowing his lawn, anything to be outside Above all else Ralph was the definition of determination, optimism, gratitude and perseverance. His life was abundant with hard work and deep love of family. He was a gentle man with a peaceful heart, open mind and a loving soul.
Ralph’s family will be having a small private celebration of his life. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking to make donations to Heart to Heart Hospice. The family would like to acknowledge Heart to Heart Hospice for all the loving, compassionate care they gave to our father during his final days. They are truly angels here on earth.
Mildred Lively
Mildred S. Lively passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at age 90.
She was born April 17, 1931, in Bellevue, Kentucky, the daughter of Guy and Blanche (Maurice) Springgate. She met her high school sweetheart, Bill Lively, at Cloverport High School in Kentucky, where they graduated in 1948. Bill and Millie were married the following year and worked together as a loving and dedicated couple for the next sixty-six years. They moved to Michigan to build a life, a home and a family in the early 1950’s. In the ensuing twenty-five years Millie raised four children as an energetic homemaker and mother, keeping the household functioning smoothly. In addition, she worked for the Potterville Public Schools for nearly 30 years as a teacher’s aide and playground supervisor. Her children will always remember family trips to California, Kentucky and Florida, and her uncanny ability to do everything necessary to prepare a family of six for these wonderful trips. Bill and Millie supported each of their children in all their endeavors and protected them from undue trauma on the sometimes-rocky path to adulthood and beyond. Their children will be forever grateful for their stability and love.
In retirement Millie and Bill enjoyed travel together, journeying to Europe multiple times, Alaska twice, Mexico once and numerous destinations in the U.S. A consistent walker, you may have seen her briskly making her way down Pinch Highway. She was an avid reader and she and Bill never missed watching a game of her beloved Spartan basketball team. She was a regular figure at her grandchildren’s events and found great joy in their accomplishments. She was also a member of the Sycamore Creek Church, formerly the Potterville United Methodist Church.
Considering her humble beginnings, Millie made a quality life for herself, with her family at its center. Despite the loss of the love of her life, Bill, in 2016 and her physical and mental decline in the last few years she kept a positive spirit. She maintained many friendships and brightened the days of staff and residents at Story Point in Independence Village Grand Ledge, her last home. Her children are grateful and indebted to the staff at Independence Village for the care and compassion shown to their mother.
From her family:
You did your job well Mom!! Now you can rest. We will miss you and you will always have our love and gratitude.
Millie is survived by her children: Maureen (John) Sorbet, William “Aaron” Lively, Michelle (Dean) Peters, and John “Mark” Lively; 7 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William “Bill” Edward Lively, and sister Juanita (Edward) Speer.
A graveside celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday April 16, 2022, at Benton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of Millie Lively to the Sycamore Creek Church-Potterville Campus or to the church or charity of your choice. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at, www.millsfuneral.com.