Obituaries
Phyllis Squires
Phyllis Squires, age 71, of Onondaga was reunited with family and friends on the other side on March 1, 2020. She is survived by her husband, David Squires; children, Cindy (Danny) Ward and Randy (Allison) Squires; and six grandchildren. Services honoring Phyllis’ life were held on Thursday, March 5. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home.
Kevin D. Wiltse
Kevin Duane Wiltse, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020. Kevin was born on December 5, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Sharon (Reynolds) Wiltse and James Wiltse. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Kevin was a huge outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an avid MSU and Carolina Panthers fan. Kevin enjoyed gaming and especially liked virtual pool and Game of Thrones. He was currently employed at Meridian Magnesium where he worked as a general laborer.
Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Ruth Reynolds and Robert and Peg Wiltse; uncles, Richard and Jim Reynolds; aunt, Sally Hudson and step-brother, Ron Antes II.
Surviving Kevin are his wife, Nancy (Eggleston) Wiltse; parents, Jim (Rose) Wiltse, Sharon Wiltse; children, Olivia (Shawn) Murray, Caleb Fuller; grandchildren, Peyton Hankins, Shyann Hankins, Dante Murray, Reid Murray; brothers, Kirk (Carrie) Wiltse, Keith (Samara) Wiltse, Ken (Tina) Wiltse; step-sisters, Cassandra (Pete) Shong, Michelle (John) Robertson, Roxanne (Todd) Frantz; aunts and uncles, Rusty and Deb Simmons, Paul Fotis, Kay Lawson, Barb and Ken Marshall, Tim and Judy Wiltse, Butch Hudson and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Kevin. To share memories or leave condolences visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Barbara E. Dickinson
Barbara Evelyn Dickinson, age 80, of Dayton, Nev., passed away on March 2, 2020.
She was born November 6, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Susie (Wiseman) Homer. Barbara was a graduate of the University of California at Berkley. She used to hear groups like the Kingston Trio and The Limelighters practicing on the campus grounds as she walked to classes. During those same years, she was introduced to a young “Navy man” through a friend of a friend. She married that “Navy man,” the love of her life, John Duane Dickinson, on July 1, 1961, in Salinas, Calif. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage last July. Barbara enjoyed her California and Nevada mountains and countless vacations with her husband and with family (Hawaii, Barbados, Michigan, Utah, Denver, CO 50 Cousins Reunion and Arizona, to name a few). She adored her pets, loved crossword puzzles and was an absolute whiz at Jeopardy. Barbara had a background story to share about almost every favorite song on the radio and many a movie. She was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, The San Francisco Giants, The Golden State Warriors and her Cal State Bears. Barbara was an exceptional conversationalist and is greatly missed by her family and friends. “She’ll be waiting on the far side banks of the Jordan …”
Barbara leaves behind her husband John Duane Dickinson; sons, John M. (Kimberly) Dickinson and James W. Dickinson; grandchildren, Sean Dickinson, Suzanne Dickinson, Nathan (Torri) Dickinson, Corey Dickinson, Kelly Powser, Ryan Powser; brother-in-law, David (Katie) Dickinson; sister-in-law, Anne Dickinson; former sister-in-law, Bette Stark; nieces, Julie Dickinson-McClure, Diana Dickinson, Heather (Daniel) Hundt and Gina (Ben) Fosmoen and families. Her parents preceded her in death as did her sister, Phyllis (Homer) Messenger.
Denny L. Miller
Denny Lee Miller, age 52, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 27, 2020. Denny was born in Eaton Rapids on December 18, 1967, the son of Vernie “Pops” and Laura (Camp) Miller. He was a 1987 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Denny worked at Michigan Packaging for several years and was also a custodian with the Eaton Rapids Public Schools. He played softball in his younger years, liked to hunt and fish and was a pretty good cook. Denny really enjoyed giving out unwanted advice on Facebook.
Denny is survived by his mother, Laura Miller of Eaton Rapids; children Tracie Miller, Marcus (Ashleigh) Miller and Chris (Kaitlyn) Miller, all of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren Gaige Oberlin and Nevaeh, Kaydence, Kameron, Aspen and Logan Miller; brother David Miller; sister-in-law Missy Miller; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Vernie “Pops” Miller and brother Michael Miller.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, with interment following in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, March 6, one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family to help with funeral expenses. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Lorna Marguerite Rusch Tripp, age 101, of Mason passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 4, 2020. Lorna was born September 7, 1918, in Mason, the daughter of William LeRoy and Ada (Osborne) Rusch. She attended County Normal College after high school and was a country school teacher for many years before raising her family. Lorna married Lawrence Tripp, and they celebrated 61 years together before his death in 2004. She and her husband were avid rock hounds and long-time members of the Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society. Lorna was also a life-time member of Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and loved watching birds, golfing, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Lorna is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Jordan) Odell of Eaton Rapids, Rosanna (Christopher) Mouton of Mason; grandchildren, Eric (Teresa), Scott and Nathan (Noel) Odell, Alyssa and Larry Mouton; beloved sister, Joan (Ken) Mathews; great-grandchildren, Madison, Ben, Kaden, Sebastian and Rowan; brother-in-law, Bob Fedosky; many nieces and nephews and special friend, Brenda Matteson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Kathy Tripp; sisters, Sada Fancher, Virginia Weller, Donna Eldred, Madilyn Owen; and sister-in-law, Mary Fedosky.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in July. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Animal Shelter, 600 Buhl St., Mason MI 48854. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Ivy F. Powell
Ivy F. Powell, age 73, of Dansville joined her husband William Powell in eternal rest on February 22, 2020. Ivy was a caregiver and longtime resident of the Charlotte community.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ivy and Everette Gostnell, and brother, Robert Gostnell (Carol).
Surviving are her two sons, David Powell (Nicole) and Kevin Powell; grandson, Christopher Powell; sister, Sherry Whitesides (Joe); brother, Mike Gostnell (Patty); and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She will be missed.
There will be no services. Arrangements were made by Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.
Timothy J. Brunsink
Timothy John Brunsink, age 48, of Olivet, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Tim was born April 26, 1971, the son of Dale and Betty (Hall) Brunsink. He was a guy with a rough early life, rugged exterior and gentle interior. Tim was a true one-of-a-kind, generous with the little he had, a hard worker, a prodigal son who returned and, above all, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He took great pleasure in helping others and enjoyed the small blessings in life. Tim worked for Olivet Machine Tool since 2015 and in lawn care prior to that. He was a devoted member of the Olivet Congregational Church.
Tim is survived by his son, John Michael Brunsink; one grandson; mother, Betty (George) Banfill; siblings Carrie (Gregg) Mellema, Nicholas (Christie) Coplin, and Kelly (Cheryl) Coplin; aunts Bonnie (Daniel) Judd, Beverly (William) Cahill, and Sally Wilburn; uncles Bernard (Julie) Hall and Wayne (Martha Ann) Brunsink; and special friends, the Frank and Sharon Palacios family.
He was preceded in death by his father.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Rev. Jack Brown and Frank Palacios officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tim’s honor to the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College St., Olivet MI 49076 or Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Tim’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marcella M. Woodbury
Marcella M. Woodbury, age 92 of Wellston, Mich., formerly of Olivet, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born May 29, 1927, in Churubusco, Ind., the daughter of Cecil and Irene (Moran) Shank. On February 26, 1947, she married Ralph William Woodbury. Marcella was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a tremendous cook and enjoyed fixing food for anyone that happened to stop by. Marcella was an extremely generous lady who was always concerned about the needs of others. When she wasn’t cooking, you could often find her tending to her garden or just enjoying the outdoors. Marcella had a wonderful sense of humor. She always had a joke to lighten the moment.
Marcella is survived by her husband of 72 years, Ralph; children: Vicki (Denny) LaPoint of Olivet, Bill (Judy) Woodbury of Saugatuck, Michael Woodbury of Olivet, Cindy McLeod of Parchment, Peggy (Scott) Roop of Olivet; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Sam Shank of Avillo, Ind., Cecil Shank of Albion, Ind., Faye Ries of LaOtto, Ind., Kenneth Shank of St. Joe, Ind., Julia Snyder of Hicksville, Ohio, and John Shank of St. Joe, Ind.
She was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandson, Cameron Simon; siblings: Myrtle Secrist, Wilma Hess, Ara Jean Knapp, Jerron Edsall Shank, William Lee Shank, Tommy Shank and Bernice Shank.
The family received friends on February 27, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. No funeral service was held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marcella’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte MI 48813. To view Marcella’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burhkead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Joyce E. Barkley
Joyce Elaine Barkley, age 85, of Olivet passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at Flower House Assisted Living in Nashville, Mich. She was born February 7, 1935, in Charlotte, the daughter of Eaton and Vera (Whitbeck) Thornton.
Joyce graduated from Olivet High School in 1953. Joyce married Jack Barkley in 1962. Together, they raised a beautiful family at their home in Olivet. Joyce was a meticulous housekeeper. On Saturdays, you would always find Joyce in the kitchen baking for her family. Her mincemeat cookies, pecan pie and peanut butter fudge were a few of the children’s favorite recipes. In her spare time, she and Jack enjoyed traveling, square-dancing and playing games.
Joyce is survived by her children; Jack Barkley of Olivet, Joe (Mary) Barkley of Olivet, Debra (John) Maxwell of Olivet, Candace (Mark) Venske of Texas, Shelly (Rex) Mann of Olivet; special niece, Bonnie Stansbury; 15 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Barkley; daughter, Connie Wooten; daughter-in-law, Judy Barkley; great-grandson, Jackson Dotson; brothers, Kenneth (Virginia) Thornton, Carl (Zelma) Thornton; and sister, Ina (Leonard) Post.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Byrens officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joyce’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York N.Y. 10001. To view Joyce’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Mathew J. Dimond
Mathew “Matt” John Dimond, age 52, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., died doing what he loved on Saturday, February 22, 2020. He was a man known for having the best laugh, being hardworking and consistently providing for others. Matt was born January 22, 1968, in Charlotte. He is the son of David and Sandra (Cagle) Dimond.
He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986, and later earned his associate’s degree. Matt most recently worked as a scale technician for Great Lakes Scales in Ft. Wayne, Ind. He was known for being a planner and was always on the go. Matt was an avid outdoorsman — fishing and hunting were his life. He fished around the entire state with his closest buddies. Matt was also a die-hard University of Michigan sports fan. He never missed a night watching sports with the people he loved.
His biggest passion in life, aside from hunting and fishing, were his children and family. Matt adored his children and was their biggest fan. He didn’t miss a volleyball game or cross-country meet and could be found giving the team pep talks and encouragement.
Matt is survived by his children, Hunter and Erika Dimond; parents, David and Sandra Dimond; sisters, Shelly (Jeff) Kyle, and Jennifer (Greg) Williams; former wife, Karla Dimond; best friends, Chuck McLean and Charlie Bullock; and extended family, including aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Matt’s family. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions made to the family. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Matt on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.