Obituaries
Mary L. Tuckey
Mary Lee Tuckey of Lansing, and formerly of Charlotte, passed away on a memorable Leap Year Day, February 29, 2020. She spent her last hours in the presence of family and a very close friend, Adla Lorimer. Mary Tuckey was born September 25, 1939, in Charlotte to parents Zahn and Violet (Metternick) Tuckey. She graduated from Charlotte High School and attended two years at Ferris College. She worked alongside her father Zahn Tuckey at Tuckey’s Machine Shop as an office administrator until her father retired and sold the machine shop in 1972.
Beloved Aunt Mary treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own — baking cookies, cakes and candies and making surprise visits with her treats. She was an avid knitter and enjoyed needlepoint, as it showed in her prized sweaters, socks, mittens, hats and scarves — also lovingly given to the family. Mary was devoted to her family, especially to her parents Violet and Zahn, and she multi-tasked between preparing for holiday dinners with her mother Violet in the kitchen to supporting father Zahn, as he was also the fire marshal and firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.
She enjoyed sharing her rich family history and early days of the Bartlett and Bahr family resort in northern Michigan and the Metternick family and spending time on the farm with grandparents. She also had fond memories of spending time at the family cabin in Baldwin. After her parents retired, the three of them travelled with the Holiday Rambler Club. She noted one of her most favorite trips was to the Porcupine Mountains.
Mary worked at Paul’s Automotive until her career of 17 years at Michigan Manufacturers Association in Lansing. During this time, she worked with a dear friend, Adla. Adla and her husband Herb enjoyed many years together with Mary. Mary was an active member of the Eastern Star. She also made a difference in the lives of many children, as she knit hats for newborn babies at Sparrow Hospital, volunteered at St. Lawrence Hospital and put her seamstress skills to work sewing dresses for a Haiti mission. When asked what her favorite teams were, two thumbs up for Michigan State basketball and University of Michigan football.
Mary Tuckey was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Zahn Jr. (also known as “Tuckey”) and Joseph E. Tuckey; sister-in-law, Rachel (Van Dyk) Tuckey; sister-in-law, Lucille (Whitinger) Tuckey; nephews, Daniel Tuckey and Shane Wertz.
She is survived by Joel (Kathy), Kevin (Nancy), Phil (Stacey Banks), Brian (Ronda), Sue Tuckey, Sara Powers (Max), Julie Wertz, Steve, Robert and Ed (Carole.) She is also survived by 17 great-nieces and nephews and 25 great-great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Grand Haven Manor Activities Fund at 3215 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing MI 48911. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dora Snyder
Dora “Jeanette” Snyder, age 94, of Charlotte passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born March 4, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Ernest and Gretchen (Gutchess) Gardner.
Jeanette graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943. On June 6, 1946, Jeanette married Philip E. Snyder. Together they raised two children. Shortly after graduation, Jeanette went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte until the Charlotte office closed. She went to work for Michigan National Bank in Charlotte for several years before returning to Michigan Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) in Lansing. Jeanette retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jeanette and husband Philip spent winters in Palmetto, Fla. and summers in Michigan. She enjoyed playing trumpet in the Bradenton Community Band, playing shuffleboard, bicycling with her husband Philip, working at the clubhouse, dining out and playing board games with friends. Jeanette and Philip square danced year-round, being members of several clubs. They were members of the Lansing Capital Totems Holiday Ramblers Travel Club and traveled to almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. Jeanette and Philip also traveled a large part of Canada and Mexico. Jeanette was a tremendous cook, and she liked to walk. Jeanette walked a mile a day until she was 92 years old.
Jeanette is survived by her children, David P. Snyder (Patricia) and Kristie S. Snyder; grandchildren, Jon D. Snyder, Brenda (Todd) Supica, and Cindy (Brian) Kane; five great- grandchildren; and brother John Gardner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip E. Snyder; and brother, Gaylord Gardner.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeanette’s honor to the charity of their choice. There will be no service held at this time. A graveside memorial will be held this spring.
Phyllis Squires
Phyllis Squires, age 71, of Onondaga was reunited with family and friends on the other side on March 1, 2020. She is survived by her husband, David Squires; children, Cindy (Danny) Ward and Randy (Allison) Squires; and six grandchildren. Services honoring Phyllis’ life were held on Thursday, March 5. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home.
Kevin D. Wiltse
Kevin Duane Wiltse, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020. Kevin was born on December 5, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Sharon (Reynolds) Wiltse and James Wiltse. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Kevin was a huge outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an avid MSU and Carolina Panthers fan. Kevin enjoyed gaming and especially liked virtual pool and Game of Thrones. He was currently employed at Meridian Magnesium where he worked as a general laborer.
Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Ruth Reynolds and Robert and Peg Wiltse; uncles, Richard and Jim Reynolds; aunt, Sally Hudson and step-brother, Ron Antes II.
Surviving Kevin are his wife, Nancy (Eggleston) Wiltse; parents, Jim (Rose) Wiltse, Sharon Wiltse; children, Olivia (Shawn) Murray, Caleb Fuller; grandchildren, Peyton Hankins, Shyann Hankins, Dante Murray, Reid Murray; brothers, Kirk (Carrie) Wiltse, Keith (Samara) Wiltse, Ken (Tina) Wiltse; step-sisters, Cassandra (Pete) Shong, Michelle (John) Robertson, Roxanne (Todd) Frantz; aunts and uncles, Rusty and Deb Simmons, Paul Fotis, Kay Lawson, Barb and Ken Marshall, Tim and Judy Wiltse, Butch Hudson and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Kevin. To share memories or leave condolences visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Barbara E. Dickinson
Barbara Evelyn Dickinson, age 80, of Dayton, Nev., passed away on March 2, 2020.
She was born November 6, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Susie (Wiseman) Homer. Barbara was a graduate of the University of California at Berkley. She used to hear groups like the Kingston Trio and The Limelighters practicing on the campus grounds as she walked to classes. During those same years, she was introduced to a young “Navy man” through a friend of a friend. She married that “Navy man,” the love of her life, John Duane Dickinson, on July 1, 1961, in Salinas, Calif. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage last July. Barbara enjoyed her California and Nevada mountains and countless vacations with her husband and with family (Hawaii, Barbados, Michigan, Utah, Denver, CO 50 Cousins Reunion and Arizona, to name a few). She adored her pets, loved crossword puzzles and was an absolute whiz at Jeopardy. Barbara had a background story to share about almost every favorite song on the radio and many a movie. She was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, The San Francisco Giants, The Golden State Warriors and her Cal State Bears. Barbara was an exceptional conversationalist and is greatly missed by her family and friends. “She’ll be waiting on the far side banks of the Jordan …”
Barbara leaves behind her husband John Duane Dickinson; sons, John M. (Kimberly) Dickinson and James W. Dickinson; grandchildren, Sean Dickinson, Suzanne Dickinson, Nathan (Torri) Dickinson, Corey Dickinson, Kelly Powser, Ryan Powser; brother-in-law, David (Katie) Dickinson; sister-in-law, Anne Dickinson; former sister-in-law, Bette Stark; nieces, Julie Dickinson-McClure, Diana Dickinson, Heather (Daniel) Hundt and Gina (Ben) Fosmoen and families. Her parents preceded her in death as did her sister, Phyllis (Homer) Messenger.
Denny L. Miller
Denny Lee Miller, age 52, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 27, 2020. Denny was born in Eaton Rapids on December 18, 1967, the son of Vernie “Pops” and Laura (Camp) Miller. He was a 1987 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Denny worked at Michigan Packaging for several years and was also a custodian with the Eaton Rapids Public Schools. He played softball in his younger years, liked to hunt and fish and was a pretty good cook. Denny really enjoyed giving out unwanted advice on Facebook.
Denny is survived by his mother, Laura Miller of Eaton Rapids; children Tracie Miller, Marcus (Ashleigh) Miller and Chris (Kaitlyn) Miller, all of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren Gaige Oberlin and Nevaeh, Kaydence, Kameron, Aspen and Logan Miller; brother David Miller; sister-in-law Missy Miller; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Vernie “Pops” Miller and brother Michael Miller.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, with interment following in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, March 6, one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family to help with funeral expenses. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Lorna Marguerite Rusch Tripp, age 101, of Mason passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 4, 2020. Lorna was born September 7, 1918, in Mason, the daughter of William LeRoy and Ada (Osborne) Rusch. She attended County Normal College after high school and was a country school teacher for many years before raising her family. Lorna married Lawrence Tripp, and they celebrated 61 years together before his death in 2004. She and her husband were avid rock hounds and long-time members of the Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society. Lorna was also a life-time member of Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and loved watching birds, golfing, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Lorna is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Jordan) Odell of Eaton Rapids, Rosanna (Christopher) Mouton of Mason; grandchildren, Eric (Teresa), Scott and Nathan (Noel) Odell, Alyssa and Larry Mouton; beloved sister, Joan (Ken) Mathews; great-grandchildren, Madison, Ben, Kaden, Sebastian and Rowan; brother-in-law, Bob Fedosky; many nieces and nephews and special friend, Brenda Matteson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Kathy Tripp; sisters, Sada Fancher, Virginia Weller, Donna Eldred, Madilyn Owen; and sister-in-law, Mary Fedosky.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in July. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Animal Shelter, 600 Buhl St., Mason MI 48854. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Ivy F. Powell
Ivy F. Powell, age 73, of Dansville joined her husband William Powell in eternal rest on February 22, 2020. Ivy was a caregiver and longtime resident of the Charlotte community.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ivy and Everette Gostnell, and brother, Robert Gostnell (Carol).
Surviving are her two sons, David Powell (Nicole) and Kevin Powell; grandson, Christopher Powell; sister, Sherry Whitesides (Joe); brother, Mike Gostnell (Patty); and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She will be missed.
There will be no services. Arrangements were made by Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.
Timothy J. Brunsink
Timothy John Brunsink, age 48, of Olivet, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Tim was born April 26, 1971, the son of Dale and Betty (Hall) Brunsink. He was a guy with a rough early life, rugged exterior and gentle interior. Tim was a true one-of-a-kind, generous with the little he had, a hard worker, a prodigal son who returned and, above all, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He took great pleasure in helping others and enjoyed the small blessings in life. Tim worked for Olivet Machine Tool since 2015 and in lawn care prior to that. He was a devoted member of the Olivet Congregational Church.
Tim is survived by his son, John Michael Brunsink; one grandson; mother, Betty (George) Banfill; siblings Carrie (Gregg) Mellema, Nicholas (Christie) Coplin, and Kelly (Cheryl) Coplin; aunts Bonnie (Daniel) Judd, Beverly (William) Cahill, and Sally Wilburn; uncles Bernard (Julie) Hall and Wayne (Martha Ann) Brunsink; and special friends, the Frank and Sharon Palacios family.
He was preceded in death by his father.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Rev. Jack Brown and Frank Palacios officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tim’s honor to the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College St., Olivet MI 49076 or Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Tim’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marcella M. Woodbury
Marcella M. Woodbury, age 92 of Wellston, Mich., formerly of Olivet, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born May 29, 1927, in Churubusco, Ind., the daughter of Cecil and Irene (Moran) Shank. On February 26, 1947, she married Ralph William Woodbury. Marcella was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a tremendous cook and enjoyed fixing food for anyone that happened to stop by. Marcella was an extremely generous lady who was always concerned about the needs of others. When she wasn’t cooking, you could often find her tending to her garden or just enjoying the outdoors. Marcella had a wonderful sense of humor. She always had a joke to lighten the moment.
Marcella is survived by her husband of 72 years, Ralph; children: Vicki (Denny) LaPoint of Olivet, Bill (Judy) Woodbury of Saugatuck, Michael Woodbury of Olivet, Cindy McLeod of Parchment, Peggy (Scott) Roop of Olivet; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Sam Shank of Avillo, Ind., Cecil Shank of Albion, Ind., Faye Ries of LaOtto, Ind., Kenneth Shank of St. Joe, Ind., Julia Snyder of Hicksville, Ohio, and John Shank of St. Joe, Ind.
She was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandson, Cameron Simon; siblings: Myrtle Secrist, Wilma Hess, Ara Jean Knapp, Jerron Edsall Shank, William Lee Shank, Tommy Shank and Bernice Shank.
The family received friends on February 27, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. No funeral service was held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marcella’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte MI 48813. To view Marcella’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burhkead-greenfuneralhome.com.