Obituaries
Richard Moulton
Richard C. Moulton was born in Owosso, Michigan, on July 3, 1937. Richard was the first son of Lloyd M. Moulton and Edith E. (Bailey) Moulton. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert L. Moulton, and his two children, Kyle R. Moulton and Kristen R. Moulton. Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean (Swanson) Moulton; and two grandchildren, Andrew J. Moulton and Lauren J. (Moulton) Anderson (Josh).
Richard and Shirley met in high school (Lansing Eastern) but didn’t date until a year or so later after a chance meeting at the Lake Lansing Amusement Park. They were married on March 30, 1957. For the first five years of their marriage, Richard worked for the Michigan State Highway Department (now MDOT), first as a surveyor helper and then in the office for the local government division. On October 1, 1962 he began what became a 35-year career in the life insurance industry. He began his career with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company as a salesman for four years and then a unit manager for the next three years. On October 1, 1969, he joined the Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company in their training department. In 1972, he became a marketing specialist in the company’s annuity division. Here, Richard found his true calling. For the next 25 years in a row, Richard qualified for the National Quality Award and the Million Dollar Round Table. In his last five years before his retirement, he also qualified for the Top of the Table Award. At that time the T.O.T. was the highest marketing award attainable in the life and annuity industry.
Richard, along with Shirley, enjoyed traveling and did so extensively both nationally and internationally. In retirement, they traveled the entire contiguous US in their RV. Together, they enjoyed the theater (both Broadway and local), and motorsports (mostly NASCAR). For a time, Richard also owned, operated, and drove for his own racing team. Richard came out of his 15-year retirement at age 75 to drive a semi-truck. Richard was fortunate to work for Pat Reilly/Mann Brothers Trucking for the next eight years, until at age 82, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Richard was a grand and humorous storyteller and was exceptionally loyal to his friends and family.
Richard passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 12, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to The Salvation Army Lansing Capital Area, 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 or online at www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
James Vogel II
James H. Vogel II went home to be with the Lord Saturday afternoon, March 26, 2022, surrounded by his wife and family members.
Born on September 10, 1947 in Mt. Pleasant, MI, to James Henry Vogel and Alma Mae (Gross) Vogel, he grew up there where he attended school and graduated in 1965. He then joined the Army and served in Vietnam.
Upon returning home, he began working at Oldsmobile and married Gladys Perez. They had five children. In 1989, he took the GM buy-out and moved his family back to Mt. Pleasant where he purchased and operated Stan’s restaurant. After the marriage ended, he moved back to the Lansing area.
He married Diane (Wawiernia) Kirby Weaver. They lived in Charlotte for a time and then built a house outside Eaton Rapids. They enjoyed traveling and camping with the dogs, and just going for drives. They purchased guitars and each learned to play.
Jim could fix anything, build anything, and was always there to help anyone who asked. His favorite thing was time spent with grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his widow, Diane; daughters Christine (Parsons), Michelle, and Johanna; sons Jim (Jennifer), Matt (Michelle); stepdaughters Erin (Cameron) Bramer, and Jess (Joe) Carey; and stepson, Ben (Kayla) Kirby; eleven grandchildren; his sister, Nan Topor, and brother Jack; two nephews and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Anna Demrell, as well as her father, Steve Topor.
Jim’s greatest passion was the Gospel and sharing the Good News with others. When asked about a funeral, he said, “Nope. Everybody should know what I stand for and what I would say: Come to Jesus!” And he calls to us from the other side, “Come to Jesus!”
Jim designated that his body be donated to science, so even after he has left this world, he continues to be of use and help to others.
Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Jim’s honor may consider Voice of the Martyrs or Samaritan’s Purse. Also gifts to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Lansing would be appropriate and appreciated.
Gerald Fielder
Gerald “Jerry” Douglas Fielder, a caring, kind, generous, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Jerry, 71, of Potterville, was born November 18, 1950, the son of Moten and Ruth (Carpenter) Fielder. Jerry graduated from Potterville high school in 1969; in school he earned the nickname Fearless Fielder. Following graduating from high school Jerry earned an Associated Degree, and later began working for the State of Michigan as a Corrections Officer. In 1985 Jerry married Julie Loveland and together they created their legacy. Jerry was a simple man who was a fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions. He enjoyed movies, especially ones with John Wayne and the Blue Brothers. Jerry was a very smart man who enjoyed challenging his mind from doing crossword puzzles, trivia, and anything history related. He also was known for being a collector of many things. His biggest enjoyment in life was his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Jerry is survived by his wife Julie; children, Elizabeth Loveland, Jon Loveland; grandchildren, Ericka (Bryan) Stauffer, Kimmi (Zack) Platschorre, Dalynn (Cody Hamilton) Loveland, Hannah Loveland; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Christian, Maya, Chloie, Kolt, Wesley, and one on the way; sister, Merideth (Bob) Kaiser; sister-in-law, Pam Slaughter; many nieces and nephews; close friends, Aaron, Greg, Mike, and Randy. He was predeceased by his parents; daughters, Carli Fielder, Heather Fielder; siblings, Bonnie Halbeisen, Dan Fielder, Becky Cain; niece, Bethany Halbeisen; nephews, Jon Cain and Kevin Holland; brother-in-law, Mike Domangue.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in his honor. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Patricia Lawless
Patricia Sue (Hunt) Lawless of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness, March 19, 2022, at the age of 93. Pat was born in Flint, MI on March 15, 1929, the daughter of Wilbur and Dorothy (Willemin) Hunt. She graduated from Portland High School and attended Central Michigan University, which is where she met the love of her life, Frederick Lavern Lawless. They spent 72 wonderful and blessed years together. Pat was a member of Robbins United Methodist Church. She loved to sing, play the piano and taught music for several years. Pat was an elementary school teacher in Baldwin, Saginaw, and Eaton Rapids. In 1992, she received the first Judy and Bill Babbitt Annual Eaton Rapids Teachers Award. She was beautiful, witty and will be remembered for her stunning flower beds, immaculately kept house and her ability to make everyone feel special. Patricia is survived by her husband, Frederick Lawless; children, David (JoAnne) Lawless, Jim (Sarah) Lawless, Susan (Charles) Simmons; her second family, wonderful twin grandsons, Matthew (Tasha) and Michael Lawless; grandchildren Myra Sperley, Rachel Merrill, Kellen Lawless, and 11 great grandchildren. Graveside services and Interment will be held at 12 p.m. on April 9, 2022 at the Portland Cemetery. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Hospice of Lansing for the tender care shown to Pat. Those desiring may make contributions in her memory to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pinetree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Norma Cribley
Norma Jean Cribley of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 90. Norma was born on January 8, 1932, in Springport, MI the second of ten children born to Howard and Twila (Greenslade) Place. She married Charles Cribley on September 4, 1948, and together raised their three children in Eaton Rapids. Norma spent most of her time raising her children and taking care of the home. Once the kids grew up and left the house, she worked for Eaton Rapids Public Schools as a teacher’s aide. Norma enjoyed visiting northern Michigan and walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. She also loved her monthly meeting with her lady’s coffee club.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles Cribley and siblings, Zelmadene McHaney, Herrold Place, Kevin Place, Merlyn Place and Phillip Place.
Surviving are her children, Robert (June) Cribley, Linda (Steve) Miller, Dana (Jackie) Cribley; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; brothers, Robert, Daryl and Ronnie Place; sister, Sheila Heisler and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Taylor for being such a great friend over the years.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Burial followed at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with a luncheon immediately following at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Norma. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.