Obituaries
Robert B. Sinko
Robert Bernard Sinko of Vermontville, a prankster who loved to make people laugh, died November 4, 2020 at the age of 89. Born in Johnstown, Pa., to John and Mary (Galash) Sinko on August 31, 1931, Robert grew up in a home full of love and children, 11 children in total. After graduating from Alma High School, he married Rosalie Ann Gryble on October 23, 1954 in Lansing, and they started a family of their own, based in faith, love, honesty, and hard work. Robert was a Material Handler at General Motors for 30 years, and then worked ten years at St. Mary Catholic Church taking care of the facility and he truly enjoyed his time there. Over the years Robert was a Cub Scout Leader at St. Therese in Lansing, a member of St. Mary Men’s Club, he helped out at Resurrection Football and Basketball games, enjoyed sports of all kinds, and he took a lot of pride in caring for his lawn (his wife lovingly calls him an obsessive mower).
Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosalie; children Robert (Linda) Sinko, Mark (Sherry) Sinko, Randi Sinko, Karen (Kris) Fase, and Kathy Sinko-Mills; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several siblings; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and several siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Robert’s family. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Father Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service, 10-11 a.m. at the church. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capital Area Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Robert on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Edna Mae Spaulding, 87, of Bellevue, died on October 21, 2020 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek.
Edna was born on December 27, 1932 in Bellevue to J.C. and Lucy (Hamilton) Olmstead. She attended Bellevue Schools. In 1948, she Edna M. Spaulding married Robert Spaulding in Bellevue. He preceded her in death in 1992.
Edna worked for Church’s Grocery Store for many years. She would continue to work for Feldpausch Food Center in Bellevue, and she retired in 1974. While working, she would still find time to help her husband on the farm with milking cows and other chores. Edna was an active member of the Bellevue Frist Baptist Church. She was a familiar sight in the church kitchen, and her crafty skills were seen at church with the cross in the pocket craft. Edna also was a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge where she enjoyed going to the dances. She loved spending time with her family especially spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children Larry Spaulding, Jean (Jay) Thorndyke; son-in-law Ron Clark; seven grandchildren; sever-al great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice Palatas, Ilene McDonald, Sally McDermid, Sue Wing. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Linda Clark, siblings; Evert Olmstead, Elizabeth Simons, and Helen Jenkins.
Family gathered with friends on Monday October 26 at the Bellevue First Baptist Church with a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Don Francis officiating. A private burial will take place at the Bellevue Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Bellevue First Baptist Church. Memorials may be mailed to Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068 for delivery to charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempfuneralhome.com.
Margaret Lucille Bishop, 100, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte, Michigan. Margaret was born on February 28, 1920 in Lansing, Michigan to William and Lottie (Groh) Gee. She was a 1938 graduate of Lansing Everett High School and graduated in 1939 from Cosmetology College. After her marriage to Earl L. on November 9, 1945, together they bought and operated a dairy farm in the Bellevue area in 1947. Margaret went to work in the pack-aging department at Kellogg Cereal Company in 1970, retiring in 1982. Margaret was a longtime member of Bellevue First Baptist Church, life member of Charlotte VFW Post #2406, life member of the Charlotte Senior Center and a member of the Bellevue Historical Society. She enjoyed playing cards and loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Margaret is survived by her children, Duane (Marilyn) Bishop of Bellevue, Michigan and Dean W. (Wanda) Bishop of Dover, Florida; her son-in-law, Steven Whitaker of Bellevue, Michigan; her grandchildren, Scotty Mathis, Joseph Bishop, Earl Bishop, Jason Whitaker, Treasa Lindsey, Travis Whitaker, Nick Whitaker, Gregory Bishop and Ashley Bishop. Margaret is also survived by 16 great grandchildren and two great great grand-children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Earl L., and her daughter, Diane Whitaker.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, Michigan 49021. A funeral service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Bellevue First Baptist Church in Bellevue, Michigan, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
Memorials contributions are requested to Bellevue First Baptist Church.
Please visit kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.
William Robert Bursley, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on October 27, 2020 at the age of 92. Bill was born in Chester Township, Mich. the sixth of ten children born to Bert and Vevia (Satterly) Bursley. He honorably served in the United States Navy during WWII. Bill worked as an engineer for Oldsmobile from 1948 until his retirement in 1998. He enjoyed fishing, William R. Bursley bowling, playing pool, woodworking and hunting in his younger years.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Beatrice Fuller, Raymond Bursley, Bertie Steward, Donald Bursley, Maxine Fuguer, Betty Holland, Annabel Sheren and Ruth Olney.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Judy Bursley; daughters, Vevia (John) Beaulieu, Robin (Donald) Freeman; son, William “Todd” (Melissa) Bursley; grandchildren, Sara (Dustin) Bartel, Emily, Nicholas and Evan Freeman, John (Janelle) Jones, James (Robin) Jones, Jaron (Susanna) Jones; great grandchildren, Alexander and Jocelyn Bartel, Kristopher, Justin, Aaron, Rachael and Logan Jones; Desiree Sanguedolce, Quinton Thompson, Reece Jones; great great grandchildren, Easton Jones and Tylar Thompson; sister, Mable Olney and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation on Friday from 2 – 4 p.m. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte for their exceptional care. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Bill. To share memories or condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jack Richard Shimmin of Grand Ledge, Mich. and formerly of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on October 21, 2020 at the age of 87. Jack was born on May 22, 1933 in Lansing, Mich. the son of Glyn and Florence (Gunn) Shimmin. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Jack R. Shimmin class of 1951 and went on to attend Ferris State University where he received a Doctor of Pharmacy. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jack was the owner of Shimmin Pharmacy in Eaton Rapids from 1960-1975. Upon selling his business he subcontracted for many pharmacies in the area before working at Pleasant Grove Pharmacy in Lansing. Jack enjoyed photography and building and flying radio operated airplanes. He was a passionate Harley Davidson Motorcyclist and a member of the Mid-Michigan M.C. Club and a member of the ROMEOS lunch Club. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol (Cosper) Shimmin; and step-daughter, Cathy Guilford. Surviving are his daughters, Sandra (Brion) Pearson, Janice Shimmin-Mason; son, Richard (Juliann) Shimmin; step-son, Tim (Jane) Cosper; son-in-law, Greg Guilford; grandchildren, Laura (Travis) Sportel, Mat-thew (Katelyn) Pearson, Ian (Emily) Mason, Everett (Megan) Mason, Alan Shimmin (Natalie), Christopher (Katie) Shimmin, Andrew Shimmin, Mariah Cosper; great grandchildren, Alexis Pearson, Evelyn and Logan Sportel, Adalyn and Kahle Mason, Larry Rogers; sister, Suzanne Litchfield; his love and friend, Carolyn Gafner and numerous extended family. A private family funeral will be held. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Southside Community Kitchen or Meals on Wheels in memory of Jack. To share memories, condolences or to view the funeral service please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
James Max Long, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. and seasonal resident of Montague, Mich., passed away on October 23, 2020 at the age of 75. Jim was born on November 18, 1944 in Lansing, Mich., the son of Max and Beverly (Sadler) Long (while his father was overseas serving in James M. Long the China-Burma-India Theater of WWII). Jim grew up living at Duck Lake and in Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School after the birth of his daughter in 1963 and attended Lansing Community College. As a young man he worked at his family’s business, Farmer’s Warehouse, and continued working in the farming/produce industry with many local farmers, eventually becoming a produce broker.
Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Leslie; daughter, Shelli; granddaughters, Margeaux (Will) Wing, Maci (Matthew) Mc-Namara, and Morgan (Ryan) Wing; great granddaughters, Vaida, Norah and Claira McNamara; step-granddaughter, Adriana Wing; nephew, David Long; niece, Mary (Bryan) Crandall; sisters-in-law, Laura (Patrick) Marutiak, and Lisa (Steven DeDoes) Emmer; nephew, Mattias DeDoes; and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; son, Philip; and mother-in-law, Sallie Emmer.
Jim was known for his love of being on the water and all things adventurous (motorcycles, downhill skiing, guns, and many other things we can’t mention here). His younger years were spent growing up at Duck Lake where he enjoyed all wa-ter sports and then racing C-Scows in the summer (his daughter crewing with him), ice boating in the winter, and later on his 30’ sailboat, the Duck, on White Lake/Lake Michigan from the marina in Montague. He loved reminiscing on his trips to Alaska and Costa Rica and was always an avid reader. In his last days, he wanted to be sure his granddaughters knew the kind of sail-boat he and his friends sailed from Florida to Panama. Others knew him from the many “offices” he frequented over the years: mainly Abie’s in Eaton Rapids, the Eagles and CBs in Charlotte and Jimmy’s Pub/The Talk and the Eagles in Montague.
His biggest success was marrying the love of his life, Leslie Emmer. Together they shared 23 years of happiness, respect and love, with Leslie caring for him at home until his very last breath.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to any open tabs at Abie’s in memory of Jim. To share memories, condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John Lavoy Gray, Sr. of Onondaga, finished his earthly life on October 25, 2020 at the age of 77. John was born in Enid, Oklahoma on September 24, 1943, the son of John and Frances Marie (Lillywhite) Gray. He owned his own stone masonry business called John Gray and Sons for several John L. Gray, Sr. years before going to work for Camshaft for over 39 years. In
between working, he loved to farm, bale hay and volunteer with the Onondaga Fire Department. John enjoyed gardening, canning tomatoes, grilling and spending time outdoors. He was a humble man that loved being with his family and helping others.
John is survived by his children, Bobbie Gray of Onondaga, John L. (Kim) Gray Jr. of Charlotte, Mary Foster of Jackson; grandchildren, Korie (Anna) Gray of Traverse City, Devann Gray of Mason, Shawna (Collin) Benavides of Mason, Drew Smith of Jackson, Evan Foster of Jackson; great grandchildren, Colt Garman and Rowan Benavides; and siblings, Gale (Bernie) Steele, Jim (Sue) Gray, Gwen (Roy) Rogers, and Kim Scutt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Connie Graves and Dianne Lokken. It was John’s wish not to have services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To share memories with the family please visit our website at millsfuneral.com.
Terry Dean Southerly
Terry Dean Southerly, age 77 of Bellevue died October 15, 2020. Terry was employed as a pipefitter at GM. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cheryl M. Braden
Cheryl May Braden, 64, of Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at her home on October 20, 2020. Cheryl, an outgoing and sociable friend of many, was born January 25, 1956, in Lansing. She graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1974 before working at Care Free in Charlotte and starting her family. Despite her struggles in life, Cheryl maintained a love for her family and friends. She always loved to shop for the perfect gift, especially for her grandchildren. She enjoyed golf and bowling, participating in a bowling league in her earlier days. Cheryl enjoyed taking her dog, Buddy, for walks, and was the first to spark a friendship to anyone she encountered.
Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Jamie (Michael) Gurski of Charlotte; grandchildren, Kaiden, Braylon, and Lileigh; her father, Neal Wright of Charlotte; siblings, Gary Wright, Nick (Melanie) Wright, and Rich (Lori) Wright, all of Charlotte; step-father, Tony Oien of Fla.; several nieces and nephews; life-time friends, Zauner (Jill) Lea and Richard Dimond; and her beloved dog, Buddy. She was predeceased by her mother, Janice Oien; and her sister, Vicki Pease.
A private family ceremony will take place in the future. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue in Olivet. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cheryl on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Margaret A. Elbrink
Margaret “Maggie” A. Elbrink passed away peacefully in her home on October 16, 2020 at the age of 77.
Margaret was born in Lansing, Mich. on May 1, 1943. She was raised in Charlotte, where she graduated from Charlotte High School. She retired from the Charlotte Medical Care Facility where she dedicated ten years of her life. Maggie enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and her bird, Sydney.
Maggie is predeceased by her mother, Beatrice Scott, and her father, Archie Scott. She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Joyce; ex-husbands, Garth Smith and Bruce Best; and four children, Debbie (Bob) Columbia, Terry Smith, Winnie (Shane) Miller, and Candy (Matt) Ewing; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be forever missed.
A celebration of life is to be determined due to the current pandemic. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to McLaren Hospice.