Obituaries
Theo K. Savage
Theo Kay Savage, considered a legend by many, who dedicated his life to serving his community, and the countless youth that entailed, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 4, 2020. Theo, 78, of Mulliken, was born September 2, 1942, the son of Phil and Letha (Lunn) Savage. He attended Loucks School through the eigth grade. He later went on to attend Charlotte High School. In high school Theo joined the FFA as a freshman. In his senior year Theo was awarded the State Farmer of the Year award. Farming meant the world to Theo, at one point he farmed close to 1,000 acres. In the 80s farming took a rough turn and Theo used his truck driving skills that he accrued from his farming and started driving semi for Meijer. He would retire from Meijer in 2006 after 20 years of driving truck. On January 4, 1998 Theo married Laurie Sinclair. Theo was a man that volunteered when needed. He served as an usher and a youth group counselor for the Nashville Baptist Church. In the community Theo has served on numerous boards; Eaton County Fair board for 35 years, treasurer for the Loucks School for 18 years, Eaton County Struttin Toms, a chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for 15 years, Lakewood Wrestling club board, and also the Roxand Township Board of Review. Theo just recently received the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Zone 1 Volunteer of the Year award in honor of his devoted and valuable service. In 2018 Theo was a recipient of the Fair board’s prestigious Emerald Award for his service to the youth through the Eaton County Fair and most recently was honored with the dedication of a building in his name, “The Theo Savage Exhibition Center.”
When Theo was not serving the community, he had a strong love for hunting. He hunted just about anything from deer, bear, turkey, racoon, elk. If you could hunt it, then Theo pursued it. Over the years Theo has developed a large network of hunting buddies. Every year he would host his hunting family at his house for a bear hunters get together. Everyone that knew Theo knows that he always had a story to tell. He was a man who was one of a kind. Theo never met a stranger. Above all Theo loved and cherished his family.
Theo is survived by his wife, Laurie Savage; children, Rebecca (Geno) Roberts, Phil (Chris) Savage, Carrie (Nathan) Hause, Lisa Volz, and Staci (Alex) Lowe; 11 grandchildren, Taylor, Trevor, Tegan, Mitch, Julia, Brooklyn, Breslyn, Caleb, Morgan, Brady, and Austin; 1 great-grand-daughter on the way, Aidyn Jerlene; brother, Bruce (Carmella) Savage; numerous beloved extended family members; and his hunting buddies. He was predeceased by his parents, Phil and Letha.
Friends are encouraged to support Theo’s family. Visitation was Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. His funeral service was for family only. It was always Theo’s wish to have his funeral at the Eaton County Fairgrounds. There will be a future Celebration of Life for Theo at the fairgrounds when it is safe to do so.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Fairgrounds, checks payable to ECAS (Eaton County Agricultural Society). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Theo on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Murray Marsh
Murray “Mule” Marsh died saving puppies from a burning building. Well, maybe not. We all know how much he loved telling stories. Saying goodbye to a man like Murray is hard because he was larger than life. He was a presence in more ways than one. Physically, you couldn’t miss him. His shoulders alone cleared the way in many crowds. Many of you may have seen more of him than you wished to at the dinner table but as he would say, “If you don’t like it, don’t look.” His style was one of a kind. Yes, he was a physical legend, but his personality shone even brighter. Murray was an honest, kindhearted, hardworking, generous man who was also a little stubborn sometimes – okay, all the time. He was someone you trusted that you could call on when you needed a lift or a laugh. His humor was unbridled and often told jokes at your expense and we loved it. He’d often steal your milk when you weren’t looking or shift the car into neutral from the passenger side just to see the look on your face when you noticed what he’d done.
He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted friend. He was a retired welder for General Motors, an Army veteran, a township official, and champion weightlifter, and a very proud farmer. He was a simple man. He travelled the world but always found home to be his favorite place. He took great pride in caring for the people and land around him and he was never without a four-legged buddy by his side. He taught us so much about life and when we look to the future without him, we will find ourselves asking, “What would Murray do?”
With Murray you knew exactly where you stood because he did not waste his time. When he loved you, he really loved you, and you knew it. Murray leaves behind countless individuals whose lives will not be the same without him, including his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; his daughters, Terri (Dean) Hanton, Jerri (Jeff) Blust, and Kelli (Col. Mike) Shreves; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Morris (Joan) Marsh; and many very close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Garry and Jackie Marsh. We will miss him every day, but will remember him whenever we smell the scent of fresh-mowed grass or enjoy some butter pecan ice cream.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends are encouraged to support Murray’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bernard LaDuke, Jr.
Bernard LaDuke, Jr. (Bernie/Beanie) left this world, in the arms of the love of his life, his wife Seidy, on November 5, 2020, in San Vito, Costa Rica. Born in 1949, a landslide caused by relentless hurricane inspired rain loosened the soil behind their home and took their lives, destroying their home.
Bernie graduated from JW Sexton in 1968 and lived away from Lansing most of the rest of his life, although returning frequently to visit family and friends. He and Seidy recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in Costa Rica, their home for many years. They were loved by many around the globe and their generosity and kind spirits will remain in the memories of those of us who loved them.
Bernie is survived by his mother, Alice (Billye), previously of Potterville; sister, Donna; and three daughters, Blythe, Morning Star and Alicia. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard, Sr.
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.