Obituaries
Sharon L. King
Sharon Lee King, age 79, of Charlotte passed away March 24, 2020, surrounded by family. She was born January 20, 1941 in Charlotte , daughter of Eldeen and Norma (Bodell) Jones. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. Shortly after high school, she met and married her husband of 52 years, Jack King.
After working as a bank teller at Eaton Federal for some time, she happily moved on to her true calling – mother. After the children were grown, she returned to work as a tax preparer, most recently at H&R Block. She was also a lifetime farmer. Sharon loved being a mom, often serving as chaperone for school field trips. She attended every school sporting event her children participated in through the years. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who could always bring out her beautiful smile. She loved fishing and hunting – and even bagged an elk. After Jack retired, they started an antique business together and would often spend their time at auction sales. They also wintered in Ruskin, Fla., where she loved fishing and hunting for treasures at garage sales.
She is survived by her three children: Darrin (Amee) King of Grand Ledge, Beth (Eric) Pulver of Dimondale, and Jeff (Heather) King of Livonia; five grandchildren: Kyle King, Evan King, Danny Small, Rachel (Small) Reed and Addie King, and five great-grandchildren; as well as a sister, Beverly Wells of California. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother Darwyn Jones.
Due to the current mandate on public gatherings, a memorial service will be scheduled once the current restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, consider making donations to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing MI 48910, the hospice facility where Sharon spent her last five months. To view Sharon’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Harlan B. Pauls, Jr.
Harlan Benjamin Pauls, Jr., age 80, of Eaton Rapids passed away on March 25, 2020. Harlan was born in Williamston on June 6, 1939, the son of Harlan Benjamin Pauls, Sr. and Bernice Adell (Barnes) Pauls. He was a graduate of Williamston High School and proudly served with the U.S. as an airplane mechanic. Air Force After returning from the service, he worked for General Motors as an inspector and retired in 1991. Harlan was a proud member of the UAW Local 652, had a love for cars, enjoyed going to car shows and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports on television. But mostly, he enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren. Harlan is survived by his daughters; Tammie (Donald) Brown of Charlotte, Melanie (Christopher) Wood McCord of Eaton Rapids and Jessiey Pauls of Eaton Rapids; daughter-in-law, Melody Pauls; grandchildren, Cheyenne Moore, Harlan Brown, Devin Wood, Tayler McCord, Jorden McCord, Dustin McCord, Ezekial Pauls, Anne Marie Pauls; and sister, Judie (Larry) Gregg of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 50 years, Judy Kay Pauls; his son, Benjamin Pauls; sister, Madelyn Mason and brother, Jerold Pauls. No services are planned at this time. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, 530 Beech Street, Charlotte MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit the website at millsfuneral. com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Sallie Emmer
Sallie Emmer, born April 14, 1929, passed away on March 19, 2020. Sallie was a retired teacher who taught at Eaton Rapids and Charlotte for many years. She married Gene Emmer in 1951 and had three daughters, Laura, Lisa and Leslie. She loved art and art history and was accomplished in watercolors and figure painting, something she Sallie Emmer fine-tuned in retirement. Sallie had the gift of giving. She truly cared for the happiness of others. She gave her all to make sure her family was taken care of. Sallie was a strong individual who wouldn’t budge if she thought she was right, despite her family pointing out how opposite her politics were. She was true to her beliefs and respected others as well and cared deeply for her daughters and their well-being. Sallie had a special place in her heart for her grandson, Mattias DeDoes. In the days of a stay-at-home mom, she worked fulltime, cared for her family and the home — something we all should respect. At the same time, she never met a cookie she did not like or a flower she would not plant. Like her husband, Sallie loved books and movies about Sherlock Holmes. Her kids liked nothing better than to take her to the latest Bond movie. Between movies she read mysteries, especially Detective Montalbano. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughters, Laura (Patrick) Marutiak, Lisa Emmer (Steven DeDoes), Leslie (Jim) Long; grandchildren, Mattias DeDoes, Shelli Long; great-grandchildren, Margeaux (Will) Wing, Maci (Matthew) McNamara, Morgan (Ryan) Wing and great-great-grandchildren, Vaida, Norah and Claira. Due to current conditions, a private service will be planned. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Sandra L. Sevenski
Sandra “Sandy” Linn Sevenski — a warm and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died unexpectedly at home in Elmira, Mich. Sandy was born January 4, 1949 in Onaway, Mich. She married Michael John Sevenski on February 25, 1967, and the two lived a life of love and happiness raising their four children. As an adult, Sandy Sandra L. Sevenski attended Olivet College and went to work for Eaton Intermediate School District in early childhood development, retiring after many years of service. Mike and Sandy remained active at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte throughout the years. Sandy loved singing, art and time spent at the casino. She was known to adopt dogs from family members and would always go out of her way to help others. Sandy loved time spent with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “MeMe.” Following her husband Michael’s death in 2019, Sandy moved up north to the family property in Elmira, where she kept busy with her group of friends. They called themselves the “widow’s club,” and they played cards and took care of each other. Many will miss Sandy, especially her ability to make others laugh, even at inappropriate times. Sandy is survived by her children, Renee Sevenski, Michael John Sevenski II, Cami Sevenski, and Ryan (Dawn) Sevenski; grandchildren, Kelsey (Michael) Sailor, Konner Whitinger, Anna Marie Sevenski, and Steven Michael Sevenski; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ty Sailor; and several siblings, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Michael John Sevenski, in 2019. Friends are encouraged to support Sandy’s family. Memorial services will be planned at a later date, when quarantine and sheltering guidelines have been eased. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Special Olympics Michigan or Hospice of Lansing. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sandy on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John W. Franks
John William Franks, age 90, of Eagle, formerly of Charlotte, passed away on March 14, 2020. He worked as a repairman for General Motors. Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Zelma L. McCrimmon
Zelma Lorraine (Stickles) McCrimmon, age 77, of Midland died Sunday morning, March 15, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 25,1942 in Lansing, daughter of the late William and Zelma (Kikendall) Stickles. Zelma was a 1961 graduate of Charlotte High School. On May 14, 1977 she married James McCrimmon in Vermontville. Together, they spent 34 years until his passing in 2011.
In 1984, she received a certificate as a respiratory therapy technician and entered a career in Arizona which later took her to Louisiana and that would last 30 years. Zelma had a deep love of animals and gave over 200 dogs a loving home. She was a loving and caring woman that had a deep faith. She was always hard working and enjoyed crocheting, bee keeping and helping others.
She will be missed by her four children, Marvin Jr.(Diane) Humphrey, Darlene (Gene) Faylor, Rebecca Humphrey and Laura Humphrey; stepchildren, Deborah Funk, and Jason McCrimmon; 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers: William Stickles, Mervell Stickles, Royal Stickles, David Stickles, Robert Stickles and George Stickles. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her stepson, James “Buzz” McCrimmon.
In honoring Zelma’s wishes and keeping up with her tradition of helping people, her body will be donated to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donations Program. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Humane Society Of Midland County. Services were entrusted to Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Homes in Midland.
Steven T. Kita
Steven Thomas Kita, age 52, of Bellevue passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, as a result of an accident. He was born February 7, 1968, in Marshall, the son of Stanley and Nancy (Key) Kita. Steve graduated from Olivet High School in 1986. Family was of the utmost importance to Steve. He cherished his daughter and loved each and every moment they spent together. Steve enjoyed deer hunting, snowmobiling, riding his quad, fishing and nearly every outdoor activity. He also looked forward to his regular trips to the Upper Peninsula. Above all else, his life with Mallory defined who he was. Steve was a worker in the truest sense of the word. He was always busy working with his hands and always enjoyed what he was doing. Steve worked for over 20 years for the Calhoun County Road Commission.
Steve is survived by his daughter, Mallory Kita of Bellevue; parents, Stan and Nancy Kita of Bellevue; brothers: John (Carla) Kita of Bellevue, Jeff (Jamie) Kita of Olivet; several nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and close friends, including Lisa Kelley, Mallory’s mother.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: John and Delia Key, Stanley and Lillian Kita; and uncles: Elmer Key, Joseph Kita and Frank Kita.
Due to the new state mandate limiting crowd sizes, a private funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Jon Doty officiating. There will be a public memorial service held at the funeral home at a later date. Interment took place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s memory to the Olivet FFA Alumni or American Diabetes Association. To view Steve’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Daniel L. Smith
Daniel Lee Smith, age 62, of Mason passed away on March 10, 2020. He was the owner of Sieloff Glass and Screen. Funeral services were held on March 17, 2020 at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Galen F. Higdon
Galen Floyd Higdon, age 79, of Eaton Rapids passed away on March 13, 2020 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Galen was born December 22, 1940 in Eaton Rapids, to Floyd Higdon and Fidema (Starks) Higdon. He spent his childhood in Eaton Rapids along with his brother Arthur where he attended school and worked on the family farm. Growing up, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout alongside many of his classmates and was president of his high school senior class. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In later years, he made several salmon fishing trips to Alaska. Galen was very active in the community as a member of the Conservation Club, served as president of the Jaycees and as the co-chairman of the Eaton Rapids Bi-Centennial celebration. He had a passion for antiques, and his wife Faith owned and operated a successful antique restoration appraisal company in Eaton Rapids and Mason. Galen worked as a salesman, first for Paul Auto Parts and then for Road Equipment Parts Center, from which he retired in 2005. After retirement, he took up woodworking, making furniture, but was mostly known for his turkey calls. Galen is survived by his children, Greg Higdon, Mark Higdon and Christine (Danny) Olson-De La Vergne; his stepchildren, Cal (Holly) Hartline and Rachel (David) Rockafellow, as well as seven grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His ashes will be spread in the woods that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in his name. To share memories or condolences, visit millsfuneral.com.
Jeanette Snyder
Dora “Jeanette” Snyder, age 94, of Charlotte passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born March 4, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Ernest and Gretchen (Gutchess) Gardner.
Jeanette graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943. On June 6, 1946, Jeanette married Philip E. Snyder. Together they raised two children. Shortly after graduation, Jeanette went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte until the Charlotte office closed. She went to work for Michigan National Bank in Charlotte for several years before returning to Michigan Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) in Lansing. Jeanette retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jeanette and husband Philip spent winters in Palmetto, Fla. and summers in Michigan. She enjoyed playing trumpet in the Bradenton Community Band, playing shuffleboard, bicycling with her husband Philip, working at the clubhouse, dining out and playing board games with friends. Jeanette and Philip square danced year-round, being members of several clubs. They were members of the Lansing Capital Totems Holiday Ramblers Travel Club and traveled to almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. Jeanette and Philip also traveled a large part of Canada and Mexico. Jeanette was a tremendous cook, and she liked to walk. Jeanette walked a mile a day until she was 92 years old.
Jeanette is survived by her children, David P. Snyder (Patricia) and Kristie S. Snyder; grandchildren, Jon D. Snyder, Brenda (Todd) Supica, and Cindy (Brian) Kane; five great- grandchildren; and brother John Gardner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip E. Snyder; and brother, Gaylord Gardner.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeanette’s honor to the charity of their choice. There will be no service held at this time. A graveside memorial will be held this spring.