Obituaries
Gary L. Shaw
Gary Lee Shaw, 72, from Charlotte, Mich. passed away July 29, 2021. Gary was born October 12, 1948, in Lake Worth Fla., to Edward and Betty (Beebee) Shaw. Gary was the quintessential family man. He was lucky enough to have found love early in life. While Gary was in high school, he met Lucy Redfield who would later become his wife. The two of them shared 54 blessed years together. During that time, they had two children and created a life focused on family connections. Gary’s devotion to his family was well known to all, and it was that devotion and love for Lucy, their children, and grandchildren that created a strong foundation for a happy life. Gary cherished his time spent with his beloved grandsons, often watching them participate in sports and driving them to school in “Papa’s school bus.” Gary’s heart was full of love for his family, but it didn’t end there; he always had room for others. It was said that Gary “never met a stranger in his life” and any new encounter was viewed as an opportunity to make a new friend. He loved his friends and valued the time he spent with them. During the 37 years that Gary worked as a car hauler, traveling the country, he befriended many of his coworkers and formed the most valued friendships with them. Gary took great joy in camping as well as watching racing of all kinds. He didn’t just watch racing but participated as well. He particularly enjoyed racing karts and slot cars. In retirement, Gary would often advocate locally and in Washington DC for preservation and restoration of pensions for more than one million retirees and workers; a cause that was of utmost importance to Gary.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty; and his brother, Charlie Shaw. Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his wife, Lucy; children, Skip Shaw, and Kellie (Brian) Banko; grandchildren, Cameron Shaw, Eli Banko, Evan Banko, Ryan Lord, and Jenna Smith; siblings, Pam Smith, Jerry Shaw, Pat (Sherry) Shaw, and Sharon (Bill) Dodge; many nieces and nephews; and Gary and Lucy’s dearest dog Tatar.
There will be a celebration of Gary’s life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 116 Lansing St, Charlotte, Mich.
Cynthia A. Bishop
Cynthia Ann Bishop, age 67, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. She was born November 26, 1953, in New Castle, Ind. the daughter of Eugene and Sharon (Butler) Wojcik. Cindy graduated from North Side High School in Muncie, Ind. in 1972. After graduating high school, she went on to earn her undergraduate from Ball State University and her master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University in Minnesota. Cindy had a passion for nursing and was dedicated to helping others. She worked as a critical care nurse, taught nursing to countless students, and retired as a donation coordinator with Gift of Life. Cindy also was instrumental in establishing a stroke patient support group where she would encourage those who had experienced the devastating effects of a stroke. Cindy loved animals and cared for many pets throughout her life. She loved her home and enjoyed feeding the orioles, hummingbirds, and numerous other of God’s marvelous creatures. Cindy also loved traveling with Rick in their Mustang and motorhome throughout the country. She was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church Choir, West Michigan Mustang Club, Charlotte Cruisers, and the National Honor Society.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Rick; stepchildren, Brandan (Miriam) Bishop of Kentwood, Tami (Jack) King of Kentwood; granddaughter, Kylee King; and cousin, Cheryl Reed and her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and uncle, Leo Wojcik.
In keeping with Cindy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastors Gary Wales and Jack Conklin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation and the memorial service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Cindy’s memory in lieu of flowers to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or the Capital Area Humane Society.
To view Cindy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Claudia J. Perry-St. Andre
Claudia Joy Perry-St. Andre, champion of adversity and lifelong fighter, passed away peacefully in the presence of those who loved her on Saturday, August 28, 2021. She was 72 years old and a resident of Charlotte. Claudia was born March 21, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Mich. the daughter of Bernard and Alberta (Bonini) St. Andre. She graduated from Creston High School in 1967. Claudia was a tremendously creative lady. She enjoyed making stained glass, sewing costumes for her children, and painting. Claudia had a heart for animals, especially her rescue pets. Claudia was active at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte and enjoyed being involved in multiple community theater productions. She found joy in camping with her family and was especially fond of the Upper Peninsula. Claudia operated a daycare in Charlotte for many years. She had a heart for children and cherished each and every one of “her kids.” Nothing brought her more happiness than her children and grandchildren.
Claudia is survived by her children, Christi (Manny) Lopez of Lansing, Matt (Michelle) Perry of Stanton, Chandra (Joe) Polasek of Portland, Alexis (Dan) Weibel of Wyoming, Autumn Perry of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren; siblings; Bernard (Doris) St. Andre of Cedar Springs, and Fran St. Andre of Hudsonville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Joyce Blaszczyk, Karen Carter-St. Andre, and Bev Fountain.
The family received friends at a memorial gathering on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Claudia’s memory to the Children’s Miracle Network, 205 W. 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
To view Claudia’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Ruth Finner
Ruth Elizabeth Finner of Eaton Rapids, the best mom ever, passed away on August 31, 2021, at the age of 84, with her family by her side. Ruth Elizabeth Finner (Willis) was born in Carleton Place Ontario on January 5, 1937, to Harry and Gladys Willis (Clemens). Ruth moved from Canada to Eaton Rapids in 1962 with her husband and children. She retired from the State of Michigan and enjoyed traveling, camping, and reading.
Ruth is survived by her son, Larry Finner (Carol); daughter, Susan Ball (Lynn); sisters, Sandra Totten of Owen Sound Ontario and Barb McKay (Norm) of Meaford Ontario. She was a grandmother to Andrea Ball, Jennifer Gibbs (Eric), Joshua Finner (Felicia), and great-grandmother to Parker, Carter, Caiden, Morgan, Kira and Rayn. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; brothers, Jerry, David, Barry; daughter-in-law, Carol.
Private services will be held with her family in Canada at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Kathy S. Wilson
Kathy Sue Wilson, of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 27, 2021, at the age of 67. Kathy was born in Lansing, Mich., May 17, 1954, the daughter of Cecil and Geraldine (Stepp) Sutberry. She worked for American Sunroof for over 30 years before retiring. Kathy enjoyed taking care of her flower and vegetable gardens, reading, baking having spirited political debates and spoiling her grandson.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jeff Wilson; daughter, Angie Ehl of Eaton Rapids; grandson, Tre Ehl of Eaton Rapids; brother, Larry (Mary) Sutberry of Haslett; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Barry Sutberry.
Memorial services were held on Thursday September 2, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.