Obituaries
Edward Dehnert
Edward “Ed” Ernest Dehnert, 84 of Charlotte, a devoted family man, died at home with his family by his side on September 8, 2022. Ed was born in Flint, Michigan on June 1, 1938, the son of Ernest and Leah (DeYoung) Dehnert. Employed by General Motors for many years in many different positions, he retired in 1992 and started a trucking business. Many will remember Ed as an all-around happy guy, always finding the positives in life. Things that gave him great joy included cutting wood, fishing, hunting, traveling, camping, woodworking (especially making bird houses and lighthouses). He enjoyed woodworking so much that he was a 4-H instructor, teaching his own children and others about woodworking.
Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoAnn; children: Jerry, Brian, and Craig (Rosalie) Dehnert; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lois (Don) Larson, and Darwin (Phylis) Dehnert); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Dehnert and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Dehnert family by attending services or sharing memories on Ed’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, September 13th, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey 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 Ed’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 Compassus Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barbara Haines
Barbara Jo (Kerr) Haines, age 94, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, in Charlotte Michigan.
Barbara was born August 12, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to George Earl Kerr and Elizabeth (Morrison) Kerr. She graduated from high school in Jackson, MI, and married Dwight “Pete” Haines in 1952, and they made their home in Charlotte, raising two sons. She lived the rest of her life in Charlotte.
Barb had an infectious laugh, and was delighted by her grandchildren, and even her “grand-dogs!” She enjoyed Christian devotions and keeping up with the news. She loved to tell the story about she and Pete meeting “Lady Bird” Johnson at the Johnson family ranch in Texas, while on one of their trips out west. Another fond memory was when they attended the Supremes final concert in Detroit. In addition, they enjoyed trips to visit family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete, in 2006, after 53 years of marriage; brother, Charles, in 1989. She is survived by her sons, James (Linda) Williams of Lansing, MI and Paul (Kathleen) Williams of Prescott, AZ; her two grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Williams of Peoria, AZ, and Kimberly Williams of Colorado Springs, CO; three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Barbara’s wishes, no service will be held. Arrangements were handled by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Donations may be made in Barb’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, in Charlotte.
Richard Charles Sanders
Richard Charles Sanders of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 9, 2022, at the age of 93. He was born in Brookfield Township, MI on August 2, 1929, the son of Jay and Norene (Potter) Sanders. Richard was a United States Army Veteran. He worked for General Motors for 30 years, managed a trailer park in Arizona, and owned Sanders Auto Salvage for two years. He was a member of Jaycees, enjoyed fishing and playing trumpet in the Sanders Family band.
Richard is survived by his three children: Shey (Steve) Zenker, Pamela Tigner, Kevin (Deb) Sanders; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren; brothers, Ralph (Linda) Sanders, Clair Sanders; sister, Esther (Dean) Shrontz; sister-in-law, Lauralee Sanders. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; parents; brothers: Bruce and Lennis.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment took place at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Janet Marian Higgins
Janet Marian Higgins of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the age of 88. Born July 25, 1934, to Donald and Harriett (Robinson) Williams in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Janet worked for Eaton Stamping in several roles for many years including Personnel Director. She was an avid golfer and big MSU fan. Family was most important to Janet and she was the matriarch of the family always planning and organizing family gatherings. She was a beloved woman that will be dearly missed by all who remember her. Preceding her in death were her husband, Bruce Higgins and five siblings as well as her parents.
Surviving is her daughter, Janice Higgins; brothers: Charles (Phyllis) Williams, Keith (Carol) Williams; sister-in-law, Sharon Williams. She was especially close to several nieces and nephews and many treasured grandnieces and grandnephews.
A private family graveside service has already been held. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the American Diabetes Association or Fanciful Farms of Eaton Rapids. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marjorie Claire Gulliver
Marjorie Claire Gulliver of Independent Village of Grand Ledge and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on September 9, 2022, at the age of 91. Marjie was born on December 20, 1930, in Sault Sainte Marie, MI the daughter of Stuart and Melba (Filer) Ten Eyck. She graduated from Sault Sainte Marie High School class of 1948 and went on to receive her Registered Nursing Degree from Sparrow Hospital in 1953. Marjie worked in surgery for Sparrow Hospital and retired in 1986. She was a talented artist and loved to do arts and crafts and especially enjoyed wood craft painting. Marjorie was an avid MSU Spartan fan and particularly enjoyed the hockey program, traveling with the Spartans to championship games. She was a past member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing where she was a member of the Altar Guild. Family was most important to Marjie and her devotion showed through her love and compassion for her husband, children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Richard Gulliver; daughter, Wendy (Richard) Allison; son, Gary (Theresa) Ten Eyck; grandchildren: Benjamin Jones, Sarah Ten Eyck, Lily Ten Eyck; great grandchildren: Mathias Stoecker, Marah Jones, Malek LaRose; brothers, Gary P. Ten Eyck, Michael (Betty) Ten Eyck; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Marjie is preceded in death by her parents, son Rick, and grandchildren, Rebecca LaRose and Daniel Jones.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Gulliver Ten Eyck Scholarship Fund at Lake Superior State University. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.