Obituaries
Lynn Sumerix
Lynn Allen Sumerix, 78, of Eaton Rapids, died on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Country Woods AFC Home in Potterville. Lynn was born on April 16, 1943, in Charlotte, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Goodrich) Sumerix. Following graduating from high school Lynn began working for Motor Wheel and later working at General Motors where he retired as a Skills Tradesman. On May 8, 1965, Lynn married Carol Ann Fisher in Charlotte, MI, and the couple spent the next 52 years creating lasting memories. He proudly served in the Michigan National Guard. Lynn enjoyed working with Carol in their perennial gardens around their property. Lynn also enjoyed traveling around the country, woodworking and fishing. Being outdoors was an important part of Lynn’s life. Above all his proudest accomplishment over his lifetime was his family.
Lynn is survived by his son, Tyler Sumerix; siblings, Lorraine Chase, Wayne (Sue) Sumerix, Carl (Marti) Sumerix; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Carol; siblings, Dale Sumerix, and Linda Lehr; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lynn’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ralph Moore
Ralph James Moore 92 departed this world peacefully at his home in Charlotte, Michigan on March 14, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Swift), and his daughter, Deborah. He leaves behind 4 daughters, Diane Dixon (Dale), Doreen Moore, Dawn Moore, Darlene Moore (Georgia); 4 grandchildren, Tina, Terence, Danielle and Amy, as well as several great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Ralph was born July 20, 1929, in Harrisville, Michigan. He graduated from Harrisville High School in 1947. Ralph joined the Merchant Marines in March of 1948, followed by a year in United States Army. He worked for Diamond Reo in Lansing, Michigan from April 1950 until he left in May of 1975. By January of 1976 Ralph was working for the newly formed Spartan Motors until he retired in June of 1992.
Ralph was a man with many interests and talents. He was a builder, Ralph built every house with his own bare hands that his family lived in, 3 homes in total. There wasn’t a sport he didn’t like. If there was a Michigan Wolverines game or the Detroit Tigers game on, you could find him in his big La-Z-Boy watching and cheering them on. He also had a profound appreciation for the beauty of wildlife and nature, which he was surrounded by and enjoyed every day on his 40 acres. He loved being outside chopping down trees, chopping up wood, mowing his lawn, anything to be outside Above all else Ralph was the definition of determination, optimism, gratitude and perseverance. His life was abundant with hard work and deep love of family. He was a gentle man with a peaceful heart, open mind and a loving soul.
Ralph’s family will be having a small private celebration of his life. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking to make donations to Heart to Heart Hospice. The family would like to acknowledge Heart to Heart Hospice for all the loving, compassionate care they gave to our father during his final days. They are truly angels here on earth.
Mildred Lively
Mildred S. Lively passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at age 90.
She was born April 17, 1931, in Bellevue, Kentucky, the daughter of Guy and Blanche (Maurice) Springgate. She met her high school sweetheart, Bill Lively, at Cloverport High School in Kentucky, where they graduated in 1948. Bill and Millie were married the following year and worked together as a loving and dedicated couple for the next sixty-six years. They moved to Michigan to build a life, a home and a family in the early 1950’s. In the ensuing twenty-five years Millie raised four children as an energetic homemaker and mother, keeping the household functioning smoothly. In addition, she worked for the Potterville Public Schools for nearly 30 years as a teacher’s aide and playground supervisor. Her children will always remember family trips to California, Kentucky and Florida, and her uncanny ability to do everything necessary to prepare a family of six for these wonderful trips. Bill and Millie supported each of their children in all their endeavors and protected them from undue trauma on the sometimes-rocky path to adulthood and beyond. Their children will be forever grateful for their stability and love.
In retirement Millie and Bill enjoyed travel together, journeying to Europe multiple times, Alaska twice, Mexico once and numerous destinations in the U.S. A consistent walker, you may have seen her briskly making her way down Pinch Highway. She was an avid reader and she and Bill never missed watching a game of her beloved Spartan basketball team. She was a regular figure at her grandchildren’s events and found great joy in their accomplishments. She was also a member of the Sycamore Creek Church, formerly the Potterville United Methodist Church.
Considering her humble beginnings, Millie made a quality life for herself, with her family at its center. Despite the loss of the love of her life, Bill, in 2016 and her physical and mental decline in the last few years she kept a positive spirit. She maintained many friendships and brightened the days of staff and residents at Story Point in Independence Village Grand Ledge, her last home. Her children are grateful and indebted to the staff at Independence Village for the care and compassion shown to their mother.
From her family:
You did your job well Mom!! Now you can rest. We will miss you and you will always have our love and gratitude.
Millie is survived by her children: Maureen (John) Sorbet, William “Aaron” Lively, Michelle (Dean) Peters, and John “Mark” Lively; 7 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William “Bill” Edward Lively, and sister Juanita (Edward) Speer.
A graveside celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday April 16, 2022, at Benton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of Millie Lively to the Sycamore Creek Church-Potterville Campus or to the church or charity of your choice. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at, www.millsfuneral.com.
Kevin Holland
Kevin Christopher Holland, a dedicated public servant and firefighter of Mulliken, MI died March 12, 2022. Kevin, 49, was born on December 16, 1972, in Madison Heights, MI to Howard Holland and Jacquelyn (Bylski) Kuebler. Kevin was a loving husband and father with a great sense of humor. As an EMT Specialist and firefighter he showed special care to his patients. Working at Eaton Area EMS, he saved many lives and helped teach others to do the same, taking great pride in his work and the importance of helping others. He was passionate about his job, working on the ambulance and providing care for people during difficult situations, helping to teach first aid, CPR, and babysitting classes to people in the community, assisting with teaching future EMT’s, and he had a key role in emergency management and preparedness for Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. Kevin also served as a volunteer firefighter for Roxand Township Fire Department.
In high school, Kevin played first base for his high school team, which inspired his love of baseball and a lifelong passion for the Detroit Tigers. To say Kevin was a fan of baseball would be a gross understatement. Kevin lived and breathed the Detroit Tigers, and baseball season was his favorite season of the year. In honor of his love of the sport, friends and family are encouraged to wear their Tiger’s gear to Kevin’s services.
A great father and servant to his community, Kevin and his contributions will be greatly missed. Kevin is survived by his wife, Jessicca (Cain) Holland; children, Erika and Rory Holland; parents, Howard (Bea) Holland and Jacquelyn (Gary) Kuebler; siblings, Jeffry (Christina) Kuebler, Kenneth (Rozlynn) Holland, Sean (Christina) Kuebler, Coreen (David) Sloney and Michelle (Jeff) Gabalis; several aunts and uncles and a collection of nieces and nephews; and his EMS and Firefighter families.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 at Holt Christian Church, Holt, MI with Pastor Conrad Gonzalez officiating. The funeral service 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 Kevin’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Kevin fought a courageous battle with cancer and was unable to work for the past two years. He was a recipient of funds from Walk for the Red 140, an organization founded to give financial assistance to firefighters who are fighting cancer. To continue this funding to help others like Kevin, the family suggests memorial contributions to Walk for the Red 140, c/o Neighbors United, 46839 Fox Run, Macomb, MI 48044, or on their website at wedontjudge.org.
Shirley Joan Heisler
Shirley Joan Heisler, age 91, of Olivet, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Hope Landing in Charlotte. She was born May 8, 1930, in Charlotte, the daughter of Forrest and Bernice (Shaw) Loveless. On February 4, 1950, she married her soul-mate Dewey F. Heisler in Bellevue. Shirley adored her husband and cherished the many years they spent together. Second to Dewey were “her boys”. She loved them with a deep devotion and was proud of them and their families. Shirley loved traveling together with Dewey and enjoyed spending their winters in Texas and Florida. Shirley worked for over 40 years as a secretary for the Olivet Public Schools.
Shirley is survived by her boys: Gregg (Sue) Heisler of Arcadia, Florida, Jeffrey (Christine) Heisler of Charlotte, Kim (Mary Jo) Heisler of Freeland; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Barbara Loveless of Charlotte, Helen Heisler of Olivet; brother-in-law, Richard (Sheila) Heisler of Olivet; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dewey in 2011; great-grandson, Noah Heisler; daughter-in-law, Ann Heisler; two brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. The family received friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Shirley’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view Shirley’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com