Obituaries
Edna S. VanSplintern
Edna S. VanSplintern, age 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Friday, September 18, 2020. She was born October 7, 1931, in Lansing, the daughter of James and Ethel (Allen) Symonds. When Edna was a young girl the family moved to Fife Lake. Her childhood years were very happy times for her. Edna graduated from Fife Lake in 1949. In 1950, Edna married Stanley VanSplintern. She enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, traveling, and spending time at her home on Duck Lake. She looked forward to the family reunions that were held at the family farm in Fife Lake. She enjoyed the activities at the reunion, especially horse shoes and BINGO. Edna retired after 31 years of service from Bell Telephone.
She is survived by her children: Robert (Sandra) VanSplintern of Charlotte, Debbie (Robert) Fullmer of Charlotte, Jody (Paul) Moran of Charlotte; grandchildren: Chad (Tracy) VanSplintern of Bellevue, Chanda (Shawn) Hall of Charlotte, Aaron VanSplintern of Olivet, Bradley (Zoe Johnson) Butts of Lansing, Bobbi Moran of Charlotte; five great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sister, Wynona Cummer of Fife Lake; and several special friends.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley in 2002; daughters: Tina K. VanSplintern in 1955, Susan Young in 1992; and six siblings.
A private graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Edna’s memory to the Sparrow Foundation, 1322 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48912.
To view Edna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Clyde Fox
Clyde “Art” Fox, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Monday, September 14, 2020. He was born March 3, 1930, in Vermontville, the son of Clyde and Ruth Fox. Art graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948. On March 3, 1950, he married Marilyn Jean Shiels in Charlotte. Art managed the Shell Station, Lansing Street Mobile, and Farmers Gas and Oil in Charlotte. He was a skilled mechanic who could fix or build anything. He also worked for Spartan Motors as a mechanic. While working at Spartan Motors he had the privilege of traveling throughout the country working on fire trucks and even at Universal Studios on their tram project.
Art loved his family and enjoyed being together at family gatherings. Art also enjoyed the outdoors and always looked forward to hunting season and his trips to the U.P. with other men from town. He was an active member of the Eaton County Buck Club. Art could be found every day at the round table at the Eaton Place. It was there that he would keep up with the happenings around town and connect with his many friends.
Art is survived by his children: Marcie (Paul) Racine of Vermontville, Marty (Eileen) Fox of Charlotte, Nancy (Scott) Anderson of Dimondale; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Ruth Fox of Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marilyn Jean Fox in 2013; son, Robin E. Fox in 2016; and brothers: Amos (Virginia) Fox and John Fox.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ. The family received friends on Friday, September 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Art’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte.
To view Art’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Margaret H. Peltier
Margaret Hazel Peltier, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died September 6, 2020 at the age of 98 in Hartwell, Ga. Margaret formerly resided in Bradenton, Fla. and Charlotte. She was born March 3, 1922 in Hibbing, Minn. to George and Hazel (Bartlett) Tinkey. She graduated from Potterville High School where she lettered in basketball. She married Gordon Peltier on August 30, 1941. Margaret was a hard-working farmer’s wife who was busy, but always had time for others. A heart of generosity and a great memory, Margaret always remembered family birthdays and made sure she recognized them. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, shuffleboard and visiting with friends. She and Gordon were on the shuffleboard league at El Rancho Park in Florida and she was the president of the Petticoat League for several years.
Margaret is survived by her son, Jerry (Alice Ann); daughter, Sue (Darryl); 10 grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte Wright in 1970; her husband of 67 years, Gordon in 2008; and daughter, Bonnie Norris in 2018.
A graveside service with immediate family will be held at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Friends are encouraged to support Margaret’s family by sharing memories of Margaret on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. If desired, a memorial contribution in Margaret’s honor can be made to a charity of your choice.
Marilyn W. Biczak
Marilyn W. Biczak passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 10, 2020, surrounded by family; she was loved. She was born in Charlotte on May 9, 1939 to Charles and Gertrude Bush and was the older sister to twins Donna Cogswell (Donald) and Doras Weinley (Bob).
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Alan J. Biczak on May 2, 2016.
She is survived by her two lucky children, Laura Pulsifer (Jim) and David J. Olson (Brooke).
Laura and David feel fortunate to have had such a strong and encouraging advocate as their Mother. She was their biggest cheerleader in life and instilled in them a sense of compassion for others.
Marilyn was also blessed with nine grandchildren: Andrew McDonough (Kailee), Daniel McDonough (Callie), Dylan Sawyer, Dave Olson (Megan), Blake Olson, Grayson Olson, Andy Pulsifer (Paige), Alex Pulsifer (Ryann), and Jennifer Tenbrink (Nick). Alan and Marilyn traveled extensively during their retirement and settled back in West Michigan 10 years ago. At that time, she and her daughter and son-in-law created “Sassy Glass Necklaces” and participated in hundreds of craft shows throughout Michigan; Marilyn not only made the necklaces but was the personality of the business. Marilyn loved two things in life: family and shopping. She wasn’t interested in cooking and she wasn’t afraid to admit it. However, her delicious cheesy garlic bread was phenomenal! She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spoiling them all with treats, reading to them and just talking to them about their day. Marilyn will be missed by her very best friends from high school, the “Eight-Eights” and Charlotte H.S. Class of 1957, her co-workers, where she worked as a medical secretary, many nieces and nephews, along with her adopted family at Shoreline Allergy. Marilyn was a world traveler, country music enthusiast, and honorary member of the Grand Ole Opry, world-class shopper and a friend to all she met. She was remarkable, in that, wherever she was she brought laughter, happiness and genuine caring for whomever was in front of her at that moment. She was kind, selfless and genuine in a way like people used to be; she was timeless. There will be no services at this time due to COVID-19. Please consider donations to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon in her memory. Arrangements entrusted to the Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
Jan Tefft
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Jan Marie Tefft, 64, of Vermontville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 in her home with her loved ones by her side, after a short but valiant fight against ovarian cancer.
Jan is survived by her husband, Michael Howard Tefft of Vermontville; her son, Andrew Fowler and wife, Casey of Grand Ledge; daughter, Crystal Fowler of Portland, and grandsons, Grayson and Micha Fowler, Conner Gleason, and her beloved dog, Jasmine.
Also surviving are brothers, Brad Fedewa, Brian Fedewa and wife, Annette, Greg Fedewa, Chris Fedewa and wife, Lisa, and sisters, Valarie and husband, Doug Erwin, Tonya Fedewa and husband, Michael Nowik, Wendy and husband, Don Cole, Andrea Fedewa and husband, Dave Haines, Lynne and husband, Joe Vermillion, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of central Michigan. She is also survived by in-laws, Sue and husband, Randy Fogle, Steve Tefft and wife, Gloria, and stepson, Tyler Tefft and wife, Alia.
Jan was preceded in death by her father and mother, Vernon and Dorothy Fedewa and sister-in-law, Jeri Fedewa.
Jan Marie Fedewa was born in Lansing on January 20, 1956. She graduated from Portland High School in 1974 and worked for 30 years at Fisher Body before retiring in 2008.
Jan and Mike were married in Grand Ledge on September 17, 2007.
Jan had a feminine side that loved the color pink, hearts, and bling. But she had another side that was just as comfortable rolling up her sleeves and doing the hard and dirty work in the garden. She loved the outdoors and took great pride in her gardening and landscaping, with an ability to create beauty in outdoor spaces with her own very distinctive style.
Jan was a very high-energy person, always on the go, with the speed and agility of a hummingbird. She and Mike loved camping, hiking, and fishing, and especially enjoyed their time in the Ludington area. Jan was also an avid skater, skier, and bowler.
The Fedewa family is famous for huge family get-togethers for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Independence Day. Jan was an integral part of that tradition, highlighted by her wonderful baked beans and German chocolate cake, which rarely had leftovers.
There was no one more dependable than Jan when you really needed her. Most of all, Jan was a giver, always thinking of others and selfless in her relationships with friends and family. She treasured the time with her grandsons and formed a particularly strong bond over the last several years with Avery Hoppes, her young grand-niece.
Jan’s selflessness was shown right to the end. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden or trouble for anyone. Jan lived her whole life like that, always giving more than she took. We should all strive to learn from that part of her character.
The family requests that donations be made to Heartland Hospice of Mason. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at lehmanfuneralhomes.com.
Albert B. Startup
Albert B. Startup, 96, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 11, 2020.
Al was born July 1, 1924, in Royal Oak. Immediately after high school, in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Soon after enlisting in the Navy, the country became involved in World War II. During his time in the Navy, Al served in the submarine service and participated in battles fought in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1945, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. Soon after his discharge, he joined the Naval Reserves and was selected for active duty at the Great Lakes Electronics Laboratories. Upon being relieved of active service duty in the Navy a second time, Al joined the United States Army where he served his country for an additional 17 years. After retiring from the Army, Al worked for Owens Illinois for an additional 26 years, until his retirement in 1989. In addition, Al maintained and farmed the family farm from 1962 until 1989.
On November 25, 1952, he married the love of his life, Maudie Irene Lake in Battle Creek. Together, Al and Maudie were blessed with three children and nearly 68 years of marriage. By all accounts, Al was a gifted man that possessed many talents; he obtained his pilot’s license and captain’s license, served on the Olivet School Board, amongst countless other accomplishments. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, gardening and travel. Al was baptized and was a member of the Lee Center United Methodist Church in Olivet.
Al is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Maudie; Children: Charles Startup of Charlotte, Susan (David) Hiler of Lawrence; Grandchildren: Alena M. Clark of Flushing, Amanda (Joe) Richards of Vicksburg, and Benjamin Wierenga of Lawrence.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Charles Zwayer, and his son, Michael K. Startup in 1980.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at the Lee Center United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. James Gysel officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Al’s memory to the Lee Center United Methodist Church, 23058 21 Mile Rd., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view’s Al’s obituary online or leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Joyce E. Dankenbring
Joyce Dankenbring, age 72, of Huntington, died at 9:06 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Visitation will be from 3 – 7 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2020 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Rev. Raymond Scribner officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Marion National Cemetery. Please follow local recommendations for face coverings and social distancing during all events.
Preferred memorials are to Huntington House, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana, 46750.
Joyce was born on August 17, 1948 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Ruth (Klaun) Foote. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966 and attended Lansing Community College. She married David C. Dankenbring on July 6, 1979 in Grand Ledge, Michigan, where they lived and worked together on their third-generation family farm before moving to Huntington. She attended classes at Michigan State University to become a master gardener and was a member of a book club in Lansing.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, David Dankenbring of Huntington, her mother, Ruth Foote of Afton, Michigan, a son, Kent (Melissa) Dankenbring of Huntington, and a brother, Alan Foote of Howell, Michigan. Her father precedes her in death.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Joyce E. Dankenbring.
Kyle Moulton
Kyle Richard Moulton, 62, of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2020.
Kyle was born on December 2, 1957 in Lansing, the son of Richard and Shirley Moulton. Kyle graduated from Eaton Rapids High School. He worked for many years as a painter. He also worked in construction and maintenance. He retired from Eaton County Health and Rehab services in September of 2017.
He was married to Brenda Moulton on August 25, 2017 in Charlotte. Kyle was happily married and he had a great sense of humor – he could make anyone laugh. He enjoyed old cars, old records, and music. He was also very fond of his cats.
Kyle is survived by his wife, Brenda Moulton; his parents, Richard and Shirley Moulton; his son, Andrew Moulton; and his niece, Lauren (Joshua) Anderson, along with many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kristen Moulton.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in Kyle’s memory to the ASPCA (for donation information please visit ASPCA.org or call 1-800-628-0028).
A Celebration of Life will be held outdoors beginning at 2 p.m. on September 20, 2020 at 926 High Street in Charlotte. Come as you are.
Alice Ruth Miller, 72, of Eaton Rapids passed away September 4, 2020. The youngest daughter of Harry M. and Annabelle (Crain) Sutton, she was born September 25th 1947, and was a life-long resident of Eaton Rapids and a 1965 graduate.
Alice is survived by her children, Melissa (Miller) and Keith Goodman of Boyertown Penn. and Dale Miller of Okemos; grandchildren, Amber Goodman and Bailey Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alice’s wishes were to be cremated with no service at this time, due to the pandemic.
Just know she misses the love and laughter of friends and family, as she walks again under the sun.
Special thanks to the staff at Mid Michigan Hospice Residents at Sparrow Hospital Lansing, Mich.
Phyllis J. Ackley
Phyllis J. Ackley, 92, of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 16, 2020. She was the daughter of Cecil and Elizabeth (Suman) Langenfeld, born in Centralia, Ill., October 25, 1927.
Phyllis graduated from St. Mary Catholic Church in 1945 as the class valedictorian. After marrying her husband, Carson, they both decided they wanted a large family, so after raising 12 children, she considered that her vocation in life. Phyllis worked at Horner House Interiors for 26 years, was a faithful life-time member of St. Peter Catholic Church, she prayed the Rosary and Novena’s every day, enjoyed making quilts for her children and grandchildren and was very proud to make her special pies for the church auctions. She would frequently tell her grandchildren, “we are all trying to figure the same thing out, how to get into heaven.”
Phyllis is survived by her children, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley of Bellaire, Chris (Loren) Cowles of Springport, Cathy (Bud) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, Carol Clark of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Jim) Boice of Perry, Joseph (Pam) Ackley of Norton Shores, Robert (Annette) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, William Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Mary (Scott) Patrick of Lansing; daughter-in-law, Sue Ackley of Eaton Rapids; 26 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Delilah Langenfeld of Holt; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carson Ackley; sons, James and Richard Ackley; granddaughter, Carol Lynn Cowles; two brothers; and two sisters.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church, at 11 am Monday, September 21, 2020 with interment following in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Sunday from 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm and at the church one hour prior to the service. A Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home on Sunday at 7:30 pm. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Charities or St. Peter Catholic Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.