Obituaries
Joanne Marriott
Joanne Marriott of Eaton Rapids, passed away at the age of 83 on April 25, 2022. Joanne was born in Pittsburgh, PA, January 17, 1939, the daughter of William and Romaine (Kinsey) Dean. She was, as many will attest, truly a one of a kind individual. An Eaton Rapids Greyhound through and through, Joanne spent a significant amount of her life in service to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where for over fifteen years she supported and touched the lives of numerous students and staff as a member of the high school athletics department. Following her retirement, her dedication to the athletics program continued when she entered into a long-term volunteer role taking admissions for sporting games. It was in this capacity that many people came to know and adore Joanne, as she greeted all with a big smile, oftentimes a warm hug, and if you were lucky – she might have even waved you into the game for free.
Joanne’s impact in the community extended well beyond the school systems, where over the course of her years she became involved with several community groups. Generous to a fault, Joanne never hesitated to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed. The local Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, nearby hospice thrift store, Heart and Hands food pantry, and Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society are just a few of the places that were blessed by her time, contributions, and beautiful spirit.
Joanne loved engaging in a good game. From euchre to Yahtzee, Rummikub to dominoes—you name it, and she was up for the challenge. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her window, hoping especially to catch a glimpse of a cardinal or hummingbird flutter past. In her more recent years, Joanne liked to go out for a drive. While she might have started off without a specific destination in mind, it was to no surprise when she ended up making a few stops along the way, whether to purchase some scratch-off lottery tickets, pick up freshly baked cookies from a nearby Amish community, or snag a trinket from a yard or garage sale.
Above all, nothing made Joanne happier than a visit or phone call with family members. Without fail, it was next to impossible to leave her house empty-handed, as she always had some kind of treat or gift to bestow. Her biggest gift of all, though, was the way in which she fiercely cared for her loved ones.
Simply put, to have known Joanne Marriott was to have loved her. Undoubtedly, she has left this small corner of the world a better place than when she had found it. Joanne will be deeply missed, but there is a comfort in knowing that the impact of her many joyful, generous, and well-lived years will be felt for a long time to come.
Joanne is survived by her sons, Jeff (Sean) Marriott, Todd (Patti) Marriott; daughters, Julie (Patrick) Marriott Carey, Donna Marriott; grandchildren, Michael Carey, Matthew (Amanda) and Meghan Marriott, Valery Voelker; great grandchildren, Joanna, Ruthie and Evalyn Marriott; Trenton and Austin Halsey; brother, William (Pat) Dean; special friend and partner, Dave Kaiser. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Marriott; and step-father, William “Grunt” Montgomery.
Memorial services will be 12 p.m. May 21, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children or the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. Also, plans are being made to establish a scholarship fund to honor Joanne and Don’s memory, with details forthcoming. 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.
Donald Hugh Faulkner
Donald Hugh Faulkner of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on November 20, 2021, from congestive heart failure. Don was born February 21, 1945, in Charlotte, MI, the son of Lynn and Anna Mae (Thornton) Faulkner. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1963.
In his early years he loved his “hot cars” owning a 1964 442 convertible and then a 1967 Chevelle that he said was purple but was really maroon. He tried to impress a young, quiet, and shy girl named Jeannine Cady. Winning her over, they were married in 1967. Together they raised their children, Aaron and Michelle.
Don worked at Foote and Custers and Wohlerts before going to Fisher Body where he worked for 32 years. After retiring in 1999 Don was able to do more of what he enjoyed. He loved to bake bread and do things outdoors, farming for a family friend, taking great pride in his yard, growing a giant garden, and cutting wood to keep the house toasty and warm in the winter – summer clothes recommended.
Don leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Jeannine; his kids, Aaron and Michelle (Thomas) Hector; and his grandkids, Ashlea and Brendon, who affectionately called him “Grumpa.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Union Street Elementary School gymnasium from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022. In honor of Don, blue jeans are preferred. Those familiar with him know he was not a fancy guy. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Shaun Bartlett
Shaun Michael Bartlett, 43, of Charlotte, a guy with a tough exterior but a caring heart, died unexpectedly April 28, 2022. Shaun was born in Lansing, MI on November 15, 1978, to Larry and Mary Ann Bartlett. He grew up in Charlotte, was a Charlotte High School graduate, and though he traveled and moved he always came back to his hometown and city he loved. A fan of many sports, Shaun grew up playing high school football, baseball, and basketball, and as an adult loved watching sports and was a huge University of Michigan fan. Shaun worked as a cook for restaurants in the area, including Applebee’s, Tony M’s, and Eaton Place. To some he was a hero, a defender of those who couldn’t defend themselves, often coming to the defense of others because of his compassionate nature.
Shaun is survived by his children, Dakota, Damon, Conner, and Joshua; grandson, Finley; mother, Mary (Dean) Bartlett Erickson; father, Larry Bartlett; and close friend, Chris Spalding. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alice and Theophile “Frenchie” Schneider, Uncle Mark Schneider and Uncle Melvin Bartlett.
Friends are encouraged to support Shaun’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Shaun’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Boys Club of America. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sherwood Conrad
Sherwood Ray Conrad, of Charlotte, a guy who could build anything, died May 3, 2022, at the age of 83. Born October 9, 1938, in Lansing, to Sherwood Franklin and Helen (Farr) Conrad, he grew up in the Mid-Michigan area and graduated from Sexton High School in 1956. Sherwood started working in building construction, and later retired as a handyman for Hudgins Realty. He showed his skills in construction when he helped build his son John and Deb’s home and deer camp, and many other projects that made his family very proud.
With a love for the outdoors, Sherwood enjoyed hunting and fishing, often getting deer or fish when no one else could. His favorite fishing destination was Cloverdale Lake in Michigan and Rice Lake in Canada, where there were many fishing trips over the years. He was also a treasure hunter, finding many treasures each year as students at MSU moved out each spring. Another pastime that he enjoyed was jigsaw puzzles, always working on the next big puzzle in a room dedicated for that.
Sherwood is survived by his son, James Sherwood (Helen) Conrad, daughter-in-law, Debbie Conrad; grandchildren, John Sherwood Conrad, Kayla Conrad, Brandon (Laura) Conrad, Jacob Conrad, Madelyn Conrad, and Chelsey (Ashton) Wood; step-granddaughters, Sheri Collins and Kristy Wilmath; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sisters, Jeanette Reynolds and Marilyn (Chuck) Bleisch; and former wife, Kathryn Conrad. He was predeceased by his son, John Joseph Conrad; sister, Barbara Reedy; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Sherwood’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, May 6, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services followed at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Deepdale Memorial Park in Lansing. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ivan King
Ivan Junior King, age 93, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on April 26, 2022, in Hastings, Michigan.
Ivan was born in Charlotte, Michigan on July 2, 1928, the son of Harvey and Winifred (Sanford) King. He was a 1945 graduate of Charlotte High School and attended Michigan Tech University, Michigan State University, and Texas A&M studying Civil Engineering. Ivan proudly served his country during World War II in the US Army. In 1947 he married Melody Hussey, and they enjoyed 65 years together until her passing in 2012.
Ivan was an entrepreneur, working as a receiver for a number of businesses. He is one of the founding owners of Flexfab, and he owned and operated King’s Appliance. He was previously a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks.
Ivan enjoyed his farm, gardening, traveling with his wife, and spending time in his home in Florida. He liked carving and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Ivan is preceded in death by his wife Melody King, his son Curtis King, and brothers Richard and Robert King.
He is survived by his sons Tim (Jackie) King, Mike (Jeanne) King, Dan (Tammi) King, Brad King; grandchildren Beau King, Jennifer (King) Barrett, Jessica (King) Murphy, Brenda (Vrooman) Hubbell, Elizabeth (King) Whittle, Curtis King, Jr., Ashtin, Bradan and Carson King, Danielle (King) Nurenberg; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers Vincent and Tom King; and several nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service has been planned. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.