Obituaries
John S. Carpenter
John S. Carpenter
John Sanford Carpenter, age 93, of Lake Odessa, formerly of Charlotte and Vermontville, passed away peacefully at home with his children by his side on Monday, December 7, 2020. John was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on September 15, 1927. John was the 11th of 14 children born to Frank J. Carpenter and Susan A. (Church) Carpenter. He had ten brothers and three sisters. John was the last remaining brother. John lived in Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, Vermontville, Woodland and his final resting place was Lake Odessa. John worked many different jobs and retired from Oldsmobile in 1989. John married Patricia Amon (Winnie) on July 7, 1972. Pat predeceased him on November 21, 2004. John was a very proud grandparent. He was an outdoorsman who hunted and fished with his many nephews who he adored. His story telling, impish wit and smile will be sorely missed. John is survived by his stepchildren, Nancy A. (Ronald) Carpenter and Dean Winnie who after all the years, considered him their father. John is also survived by his grandchildren, Lisa (Andy) Garvic of Dayton, Ohio, Lori Carpenter of Des Moines, Iowa; great-grandchildren Evangeline (Evy), Marin and Luka; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a future time.
William D. Whitaker
William Dennis Whitaker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 5, 2020 at the age of 50. Bill was born in Eaton Rapids, March 21, 1970, the son of William Axley and Claudia (Hasty) Whitaker. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1988 where he played football, earning first team all-league as a nose guard and was also an undefeated wrestler as a freshman. Shortly after graduating from high school, he began working with Spartan Motors where he would continue to work for 29 years. Bill was experienced, knowledgeable and very well respected by his co-workers. He was the kind of guy that could be put in any position and excel. Bill was a member of the Missaukee Conservation Club and the Poker Nuts Poker League. He enjoyed playing Texas Hold ‘Em, pool, going to the casino, and hunting. Being a Ford man, he also enjoyed motorcycles and car shows. Bill first and foremost had a great love for his family and his precious daughter, Stacie, who he spoiled with love every day of her life. The time they all spent at the family home in Lake City will hold precious memories for years to come.
Bill is survived by his mother, Claudia; daughter, Stacie Whitaker of Lansing; sister, Shelley Dutzy of Warren; brothers, Kevin (Jenni) Whitaker of Texas, Michael Whitaker of Eaton Rapids, Steven (Dawn) Whitaker of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Axley; brother-in-law, Gene Dutzy and his beloved 22-year-old dog, Rally.
The family will hold private funeral services at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chappel in Eaton Rapids. For those who would like to view Bill’s funeral, it will be posted on his obituary page with the funeral home after Dec. 12, 2020. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Bereada Houston
Bereada Houston, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 74. Bereada was born on June 16, 1946 in Albion, Mich. the daughter of Harmon and Bernice (Lafferty) Robinson. She was raised in Olivet, Mich. where she attended school and went on to receive her degree as a licensed practical nurse from Lansing Community College. Bereada worked as a nurse in Dimondale, Eaton Rapids and retired from Sparrow Hospital in 2009. She was a longtime member of the Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Albion, an active volunteer at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte and active at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center. Bereada enjoyed bargain hunting and garage sales, sewing, traveling, tending to her flowers, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was extremely strong willed and resourceful and could always see the potential in people and projects. Her joy for life and optimism for the future was a great example to her family.
Bereada is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gene Robinson; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Robinson. Surviving are her husband, Dean Houston; children, Pam Wolf (Todd), Kae Rochester, Deena (Scott) Bunce, Jodie (Trevor) Gruesbeck, Vernon (Kristin) Mulkey, Jr., Shyla (Paul) Houston-Powell, Deana Vess; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Judy) Robinson, Larry (Sheila) Robinson; Lum Robinson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Grace Freewill Baptist Church in Albion. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Grace Freewill Baptist Church in memory of Bereada. To share memories or condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Judith A. Rockafellow Husted
Judith Ann Rockafellow Husted, 90 years young, passed away November 29, 2020 at Rockledge Hospice Center in Rockledge, Fla. She was born February 2, 1930 to Franklin and Violet (Weatherby) Rockafellow of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Judith is survived by her children, Beverly Husted Kelly (Malvern), Jacqueline Husted Polhamus, and J. Marie Husted Wallace; and siblings, Robert Rockafellow, Joyce Rockafellow Burlison, and Keith Rockafellow.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Edgar Aaron Husted; six brothers and sisters; and three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending. The family is in the care of Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. Burial will take place at East Lawn Gardens in Okemos, Michigan.
Paulette S. Soule
Paulette Sue Soule of Mason, passed away unexpectedly, November 29, 2020 at the age of 71. Paulette was born in Eaton Rapids, August 5, 1949, the daughter of Douglas and Janet (Kowalk) Merwin. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1967. Paulette had a dream of becoming a nurse, so when her children grew up, she attended Lansing Community College where she earned her associates degree as a registered nurse. Paulette went on to work for Sparrow Hospital and retired in 2012 after 16 years. She was a natural caretaker and a nurturer. Paulette loved to spoil family and friends with gifts for any occasion. Her husband, children and grandchildren were her life and she loved them all dearly.
Paulette is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald Soule; children, Tamara (Paul) Roush of Eaton Rapids, Thomas Soule of Lansing, Timothy (Heather) Soule of Mason, Tiffany (Will) Horton of Ohio; grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, Joel, Abrianna, Alexandria, Chloe, Addison, Wesley, David and Grace; sister, Janette (Stan) Seavey of Owosso. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry Merwin and Douglas Merwin Jr.
To honor Paulette’s wishes for health and safety, the family has limited attendees at her funeral to family only, however, the service will be livestreamed on Saturday, December 5, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m. on the youtube channel by visiting sml holt. Memorial contributions may be made in Paulette’s name to the Sparrow Foundation Care for the Caregivers Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences please visit millsfuneral.com.
Loraine “Mae” Gaedert
Lori Gaedert, a much-loved wife, mother and daughter. Loraine M. Gaedert, 78, of Roscommon, peacefully passed away on November 27, 2020 at her home in Roscommon, Mich.
Lori is survived by her husband, Harold Gaedert; sons, Frank Fellows, Donald Fellows and David Bradish; and step-daughter, Patricia Gaedert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Kosecki.
At Loraine’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with final expenses. Please contact step-daughter Patricia Gaedert at pgaedert@gmail.com or 561-541-6914.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Christler Funeral Home in Houghton Lake, Michigan.
Lori shall be missed very much by many friends and family, but will never be forgotten.
Earl McCafferty
Earl “John” McCafferty, 76, of Dimondale, a Christian man of Faith, was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in Lansing. John was born May 20, 1944 in Lansing, the son of Earl John and Virginia (Johnson) (McCafferty) Gibbons. John married Rosalie Pauline Richey on August 29, 1964 in Bath, Mich. He worked 35 years at Oldsmobile, retiring in 1998. John was also an amazing artist, woodworker, and fabricator. In retirement he enjoyed his summer home on Drummond Island, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and very involved “Bapa” to his only grandchild.
John is survived by his wife, Rosalie McCafferty; daughter, Wendy (Jerry) Couchman; son, Troy McCafferty; grandson, Dane (Ivy) McCafferty; siblings, Beverly (Ralph) Anderson, Georgia (Jim) Williamson, Marguerite Gonzales, Judy Robison, and Steve (Hollie) McCafferty; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held outdoors in the spring, with interment taking place in Dimondale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Drummond Island Baptist Church Building Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles R. Dies
Charles Roger Dies, age 71, of Charlotte, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 27, 2020. He was born April 9, 1949, in Charlotte the son of Ernest and Pauline (Lynd) Dies. He graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1967. On May 1, 1971, he married the love of his life, Julia Anne Masters, at the Olivet Congregational Church. Chuck was a very loving man who had a larger than life personality. He had a heart of gold and was always concerned about the needs of others. Chuck had a passion for classic cars, enjoyed listening to Motown music, and was a connoisseur of food. As a young man Chuck enjoyed working on the family farm milking cows and working at Prescott Sales in Vermontville. He later took a job at Owens Illinois in Charlotte and retired after 38 years of service.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julia; daughters: Angela (Chad) Blackburn of Bellevue, Brenda Dies of Bellevue; grandchildren: Brianna (Josh) Keson of Bellevue, Wyatt Blackburn of Bellevue, Ty Blackburn of Bellevue; great grandchildren, Madeline and Kimberly Keson of Bellevue; siblings: Dennis (Dottie) Dies of Indian River, Pam (Dennis) Woodworth of Whitmore Lake, Cheryl (Darren) Ayles of Nashville; sister-in-law, Joyce Masters of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Steve, Rod, Bill, and Pat.
Due to the current restrictions, the family is planning on hosting a memorial service held at the funeral home in the spring.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Chuck’s honor to Miles for Memories, 4642 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015.
To view Chuck’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Kenneth F. Ploch
Kenneth F. Ploch, age 72, of Potterville passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020. He was born June 20, 1948, in Lansing. The son of Frederick “Fritz” and Velma (Sparks) Ploch. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1966. Afterwards, he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War performing maintenance on helicopters. He was married to Patricia Dravenstatt on August 21, 1971 in Potterville, where he was a lifelong resident. He worked for General Motors for 42 years, retiring in 2002.
Ken had varied interests and talents. For many years, he was a league bowler, once bowling a 299. An avid reader, Ken had an extensive collection of books. Photography was another interest, and for a time he processed and developed his own photos. He took many of his pictures on family vacations, camping or visiting historical places. Woodworking was another of his hobbies and he had a strong interest in electronics and built computers for himself and others. He also spent many hours working on jigsaw puzzles. Ken enjoyed being outdoors and planted and tended to a large vegetable garden every year. In retirement, he installed a pond and waterfall in his backyard and landscaped the area with beautiful flowers and plants. After that project was complete, he brought some natural beauty indoors by installing a saltwater fish tank and carefully tended to the fish and corals.
Throughout his life, Ken found great joy in the companionship of his dogs. He was partial to golden retrievers and trained and cared for many loyal companions. Each one held a special place in his heart.
Ken in survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia; daughters: Kristen Bigelow of Holt, Tricia Woodcock of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren: Tyler and Ryan Bigelow; Conner, Lincoln & Hadleigh Woodcock; Austin Ploch and his siblings Cody and Ellie; sisters: Nadine LaMotte of Ala., Ruth (Jeff) Beaver of Ala.; several nieces and nephews; and his four-legged friends Mollie and Tucker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth M. Ploch; brother, Frederick Ploch; son-in-law, Andy Woodcock; and his four-legged friends Copper, Buffy, GR, Jack, Maggie, Jake, Jill, Daisy and Mack.
A private funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Linda Farmer-Lewis officiating. Burial took place at Benton Township Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ken’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society.
To view Ken’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Nancy L. Eggleston
Nancy L. Eggleston, of Charlotte, the epitome of what a mother should be, died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the age of 85. Nancy was born in Charleston, W. Va. She was born on February 4, 1935 to Michael and Emma (Stewart) Stricker in Charleston, W. Va. Some of her favorite childhood memories were helping in her grandfather’s country store, helping her grandmother garden and do chores on their farm, and going to town to see the movies which only cost a nickel!
Nancy married Kenneth Martin and moved to Balto, Maryland. To their marriage was born their son Mark. During the years she lived in Maryland, Nancy worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone followed by positions in two factories, Vulcan Heart and Beta Shoe Factories in Balto where she earned the distinction of being one of the few female “stand-up forklift” operators.
After their divorce, Nancy moved to Charlotte, Michigan, to be near family. In 1978 she married Edward Eggleston. In Charlotte, many people will remember her for her work at Carefree Aluminum, and later, Walmart. Over the years Nancy attended the South Cochran Church of God and First Baptist Church. Nancy enjoyed word search puzzles, reading, plants and flowers, and collecting porcelain angels and salt and pepper shakers. She had remarked that she lived a good life. Above all else Nancy was very proud of her son, grandchildren, and their families. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, quiet woman that would do anything for her family. She has always given all she could and prayed for her family daily.
Nancy is survived by her son, Mark (Linda) Martin; two grandsons, Michael (Sarah) Martin, Shaun (Ginny) Martin; Three great-grandchildren, Lynnleigh Jane and Scarlett Rose Martin, and Ryan Mark Martin; many step-children and step-grandchildren; and her sister, Marilynn (Gary) Lilly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Edward Eggleston and her two brothers, Clifford Stricker and Michael Stricker.
Graveside services were held at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo on Friday, December 4 at 2 p.m., with Pastor Richard Mitterling officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines were practiced.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Nancy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.