Obituaries
William Richard Southern
William Richard (Dick) Southern, 92 of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away July 11, 2024 after a long and successful life. Dick was born to William and Vivian Southern. As the eldest son of 7, he went to live with his grandparents to help on their farm. There his love for farming flourished. He started at an early age driving horses and milking cows. He later raised crops farming over 500 acres with the help of his 3 daughters. In the late 1980’s, Dick was the first in Eaton County to use no-till equipment reducing planting time by almost 50% and fuel usage by 80% while helping to protect the soil and evolve agriculture toward sustainability.
Upon graduating high school Dick joined the United States Army and served overseas. Upon his return he obtained employment at Oldsmobile in Lansing, MI. In 1956 he married his wife Gretchen with whom he raised three daughters until her untimely death in 1979. He continued to farm full time after his retirement from Oldsmobile in 1983 eventually downsizing to 80 acres which is grandson still farms.
Dick enjoyed sports and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 as a player on the 1947-49 Vermontville High School Baseball Team who went a combined 30-1 during its historic three year run with the only loss occurring in extra innings in the league championship game. In addition to baseball Dick liked to golf. In his retirement years he played in leagues with his brother, Larry and his friends John and Jim. More recently Dick enjoyed caring for his flowers and garden, rooting for the Tigers and Lions, and watching his numerous hummingbirds each summer.
He worked hard throughout his life, was an example to many and remains respected and cherished by his family. He is survived by his daughters Cindy Boehmer, Jackie VanDenBerg and Brenda Southern; six grandchildren: Richard (Rick) (Kelly) Boehmer, Jesse (LeeAnn) Boehmer, Elizabeth (Daniel) Dumont, Leanne (Austin) Rahn, Ashley VanDenBerg and Amber VanDenBerg; one step grandchild Michelle (Rob) Harley; five great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery with a private celebration of life occurring at a later date by his immediate family.
Brandon Neil Ruthruff
Brandon Neil Ruthruff, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, after a short, brave fight with cancer. Brandon was born in Eaton Rapids on June 15, 1952, to Raymond and Sharon (Farrier) Ruthruff. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of ’70. Brandon was married to Amy Orbell on June 30, 2001. They recently celebrated their 23rd anniversary.
Shortly after graduating high school, Brandon was drafted into the USA Army where he served as a cook. He was stationed in Germany during his time in the service. After returning home, Brandon signed up with the Army National Guard where he faithfully served for 20+ years. His last job before retirement was working at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services as a dietary aide. Brandon spent his retirement years going with his mother to garage sales and Goodwill looking for bargains. His spare time was spent painting with acrylics, which he both sold and gave away to friends. He liked fishing. Brandon enjoyed talking memories and seeing pictures of days-gone-by at Farrier family gatherings.
Brandon was a lover of animals, and the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Eaton County Humane Society.
Brandon was preceded in death by his parents.
Brandon is survived by his loving wife, Amy; his children, Shane Ruthruff, Heather Gauthrie, and Robert (Hayle) Orbell; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Farrier side cousins; Collette Frank, David Tuckey, Jamie Tuckey, Nanette (Jerry) Podany, Diana Bosworth, and Terry Miller.
Following Brandon’s wishes, no public memorial services will be held.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Keith and Connie Bazaire
Keith and Connie Bazaire of Parrish, Florida, formerly of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away less than one month apart on April 24 and May 9, respectively. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Pray Funeral Home Gardens (behind the funeral home) at 401 W. Seminary Street in Charlotte. A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 11:00 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Barbara French
Barbara French, 95, of Michigan, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Barbara was born in Charlotte, MI on November 25, 1928.
Barbara was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. Barb and Keith loved living at their home on Narrow Lake.She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith French.
Survivors include her children, Patricia (Bill Ruxton) French and Kirk (Tammy) French; grandchildren, Tiffany (Jeff) Pfeiffer, Brian (Brittany) Hochradel, Tyler (Jenna) French, Ashley (Trent) Vance, and Mandy (Joey) Loveall; and great grandchildren, Zack (Cassie) Pfeiffer, Hayes Hochradel, Ethan French, Natalie Vance, and Miriam Loveall.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara French.
Donna Kay McBride
Donna Kay (Davis)(Johnson) McBride, born June 25, 1938, passed peacefully at home with her daughter on May 20, 2024. She married James Martin McBride in 1969, and moved to Eaton Rapids, MI, where she and James became very active members of the community. Donna managed James’ successful campaign for Mayor in the mid ‘70’s. She also managed Claudia Brown’s successful campaign for City Council. She was the chair of the ER Redistricting Committee. Donna was a member of the ER Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the U&I Club. She hosted the ERHS Senior Tea for several years. Donna was instrumental in cataloging graves in the Eaton County cemeteries, and many other civic activities.
She leaves behind her daughter, Brenda (Johnson) Harvey of Millers Falls, MA; three granddaughters, Hannah Harvey of Morehead Beach, NC, Halle Harvey of West Springfield, MA, and Hattie (Kevan Bordner) Harvey of Northfield, MA; two great grandchildren, Calvan and Blair Bordner; sisters, Bess Wiggins of Midland, MI and Mona Miller of FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her husband of 53 years James; brothers John and Grant Davis; sisters Shirley Emmendorfer and Irene Howe.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life to honor Donna and James (June 17, 1938 – October 11, 2022) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Charlotte VFW from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.