Obituaries
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.
Marjorie Stevens
Marjorie Stevens, age 97, of Welaka, Florida, and formerly of Marshall and Olivet, died Monday, October 12, 2020.
Mrs. Stevens was born on January 1, 1923 in Convis Township to Will and Ethel Grace (Frye) Rundle. She was a lifelong resident of this area and was a graduate of Marshall High School, class of 1940. She continued her education, receiving a master’s degree in library science from Western Michigan University. On March 1, 1940, she married Paul Andrew Stevens in Lee Township. The couple enjoyed 31 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on February 17, 1971. For many years, Marjorie was employed by the Olivet College as a librarian, ultimately serving as Director of Libraries. She retired at age 65 and took a position with the Michigan Department of Corrections. She retired again at age 75.
Following her retirement, Marjorie enjoyed fifteen years of wintering in Welaka, Florida. She made Welaka her permanent home in 2019.
She is remembered by her family as a generous and loving mother and grandmother. Marjorie was the Matriarch for five generations of family. She was a firm believer in higher education and made it possible for many to attend college.
She is survived by children, Lorraine Stevens of Olivet, Norman (Denise) Stevens of Bellevue, Clare Stevens of Springport, Janice (Larry) Mahan of Vermontville, Sandra (Tom-deceased) Adams of Welaka, Florida, Lynn (Saundra) Stevens of Olivet and Ronald Stevens of Vermontville; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Grace Rundle; her husband, Paul Andrew Stevens; sons, Garry (Jane) Stevens, and Maynard (Debbie) Stevens; brothers, John Howard Rundle, Alba Earl Rundle and two brothers in infancy.
A graveside service to celebrate the gift of her life was held Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Lee Center Cemetery, with Pastor Jim Gysel of the Lee Center United Methodist Church officiating.
To honor Marjorie’s lifelong love of reading, friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Marshall District Library. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
Local funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Kempf Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N. Marshall, Michigan 49068. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit kempffuneralhome.com.
Dianne Piepkow
Dianne Piepkow, 72, of Olivet died unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2020 in Lansing, Mich. Dianne was born on the Fourth of July in 1948 to Alton and Kathryn (Rogers) Hodgman in Charlotte. She graduated in 1966 from Olivet Community Schools, where she met her future husband Paul Piepkow. They were married in Olivet on June 17, 1967. They made their home on the family farm in Olivet where they raised their two daughters, Angela and Lori.
Dianne was a vibrant member of her community even though she worked full time for the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission for 40 years, until her retirement in 2008 as a Department Analyst. She was an active member of Lee Center United Methodist Church, holding the position of Treasurer for the church for 40 years. In her personal time Dianne loved to trace her family’s genealogy. She would always enjoy the challenge of discovering their connections with people throughout the country. Scrapbooking and photography were two of her creative hobbies. She loved capturing moments of everyday life and travel in photos and then arranging those in meaningful scrapbooks that told the story of her experiences. She and Paul enjoyed travel, most notably celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Jamaica with their entire family. They travelled throughout the Caribbean and in Italy, where Dianne was known to fall behind as she photo documented the adventures. The gardens surrounding her home were also a source of pride as she would care for and enjoyed the many flowers and foliage that she nursed there. On the day before she was stricken and rushed to the hospital, she and Paul had planted new tulip bulbs that she looked forward to seeing sprout next spring. Her family will witness their growth next spring with bittersweet memories.
Many will remember Dianne as the rock of her family, and an amazing listener. She immediately became one’s best friend upon meeting her. She always maintained a comforting warm home and would welcome all visitors with her elegance and class. Her animated personality and stories will be cherished and missed by many. Above all, Dianne loved her family, especially her grandchildren who affectionately called her Mimi.
Dianne is survived by her husband Paul Piepkow, their two daughters Angela (Jesse) Worden of Mason, and Lori (Chris) Schrader of Charlotte; grandchildren, Payton, Baileigh, Kaycie, Christian “Buck”Schrader, and Alyssa and Conner Worden. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Phyllis Collins, and her brother Roger Hodgman.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Rev. Jim Gysel officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lee Center United Methodist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dianne on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Shirley F. Kill
Shirley Frances Kill, a devoted and loving matriarch of her large family, died October 19, 2020. Shirley, 84 of Olivet and formerly Charlotte, was born January 24, 1936 in Carson City, Mich. to Floyd and Ruth (Ward) Burger, one of twelve children. Shirley married Alfred Kill in 1953 and they had a large family of their own, filled with great food and lots of quality family time. Shirley was a strong woman, stubborn, but also the best mother that would do anything for her family.
Shirley worked her entire life as a cook, and she was a prep cook at Eaton Place Restaurant in Charlotte for 20 years until, she finally decided to let others do the cooking when she turned 80 years old. A talented seamstress as well, Shirley loved making blankets for all of her grandchildren, as well as knitting, listening to country music, dancing, puzzle books, and watching the game show network. Shirley also loved going to the casino, and it’s rumored that she always won at slots.
Shirley is survived by her children, Sharon (Ed) Lettermore, Penny (Roy) Therrien, John (Gari) Kill, Jeff (Trudy) Kill, Martin (Connie) Kill, Amy (Pat) Gardner, Steve (Lisa) Kill, and Lisa Meyers; 41 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; and siblings, Nancy Prathier, Larry Burger, Elaine Arntz, Vickie Griffey, Edward Burger, Dutch Scharaswak, Mark Gardner, and Doug Burger. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred in 2003; sisters, Ellen Davis and Bonnie Miller; brother, Kenny Burger; and her parents.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 22 at the Pray Funeral Home Garden in Charlotte.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Duane Paul Harris
Duane Paul Harris, 78 of Olivet, Michigan passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at his family home after a long battle with multiple health issues. Duane was born March 12, 1942, in Charlotte, Michigan the son of Clifford James and Dora Pearl (Robbins) Harris. Duane graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1961. On February 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Roberta Gallihugh. Duane and his family looked forward to their yearly camping trips which took them all over the United States. He had a passion for computers and CB radios. Duane also loved his motorcycles and was the Past President of the GWRRA. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, card games, and computer games. Duane loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren. In 1995 he retired from General Motors in Lansing.
He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; three sons: MSgt, USAF RET. Larry and Marla (DeKorte) Harris of Clarksville, Tenn.; ENC (SW) USN RET. David & Cindy (Hayward) Harris of Marshall, Mich.; and Todd and Kimberly (Kniebbe) Harris of Battle Creek, Mich.; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings: Leon Harris, Gary (Lydia) Harris, Loretta Woods, Neal (Mickey) Harris, Dianna (Timothy) Skidmore; and many nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service was held on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet with Pastor Jeff Renard officiating. Those desiring, may make contributions in Duane’s memory to the American Cancer Society. To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Cathy E. A. Berney
Cathy Elizabeth Anne Berney of Dimondale, passed away October 15, 2020 at the age of 63. Cathy was born in Baltimore, Md., October 17, 1956, the daughter of John and Jessie (Houston) Young. She was employed by the MSU Large Animal Clinical Center within the Veterinarian College for 27 years, and was devoted to her family, especially her two sons. After retiring from MSU, Cathy volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Dimondale and worked in Precinct A in Dimondale for the elections. She loved animals, opening her heart and home to horses, dogs and cats, was an excellent cook and baker extraordinaire.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael Berney; sons, Peter (Ashley) Berney of Sunfield and John Berney of Dimondale. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Young.
Memorial services will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Eaton County Meals on Wheels Program or the Windsor Township Library. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.