Obituaries
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.
David L. Halsey
David Lee “Hap” Halsey, age 84, a man who should have been born in the old Wild West, died on February 24, 2020. Hap was born March 7, 1935, in Eaton County to Elmer C. and Rena M. (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in the rural Gresham area, helping on Don Hale’s farm down the road. He applied many skills learned working along with him to those jobs he held throughout his lifetime.
He was a proud, independent man always willing to help others. He could do anything he set his mind to — including welding, carpentry and mechanics — and was a helpful expert while helping others with projects they were working on. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to share stories. His years as a truck driver at Crandell Trucking led him to be an informal foreman and jack of all trades. He not only loved to watch old western movies but had an extensive gun collection. Hap and his wife Gerry loved spending time together at Platte Lake, where the pair built their family cottage. The couple shared a very strong and close relationship. They were meant for each other. Their partnership in running the household was very efficient. He brought the check home, and she handled the family business with an “iron fist.” She made Hap promise to let her go first, and she did. Geraldine passed away March 27, 2019. He was very close to his granddaughter, and recently took a road trip to Colorado to visit her, as well as his great-granddaughter and great-grandson.
David is survived by his children, David R. Halsey, Douglas E. Halsey, Daniel L. Halsey; grandchildren, Greg, Patrick, Joseph and Erica Cicchinelli; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Geraldine and his parents.
The family will have a graveside service for Hap and Gerry at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave. in Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Hap on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Arley L. Nelson
Arley Leland Nelson, age 94, of Charlotte passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020. He was born September 8, 1925, in Grand Junction, Colo., the son of Fred and Laura (Dorothy) Nelson. He enlisted in the United States Army. Arley faithfully served his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from WWII, Arley married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Andrews, on January 18, 1947, in San Diego. Arley was a terrific family man. He loved each and every member of his family with a deep devotion. He had a passion for music. Whether he was directing his dance band, participating in barbershop groups or singing in church, Arley loved them all. Arley owned and operated H and R Block in Charlotte for many years. He was proud of his community and served in many different capacities over the years. Arley was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and served in many leadership callings within the church. He will always be remembered by those who knew him as being an all-around great man.
Arley is survived by his wife of 73 years, Phyllis; children: Cheryl (Jay) Hanger of West Jordan, Utah, Val (Carolyn) Nelson of Charlotte, Kevin (Jeanene) Nelson of Gunnison, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Those desiring, may make contributions in Arley’s memory to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Fund. To view Arley’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Frederick W. Grove
Dr. Frederick W. Grove, MD, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 24, 2020, at his home. Fred was born April 18, 1945, in Ontario, Canada, to the late Frederick G. and Kathleen M. (Cluney) Grove. Fred graduated from Utica High School, where he was a talented athlete setting several school records in track and field. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with a Doctorate of Medicine. Fred was a general practitioner and was associated with Hayes Green Beach and Eaton and Springport Medical Centers. He was a diehard U of M fan and loved to watch football and basketball. He enjoyed reading, learning about history and considered himself an amateur astronomer. He had a telescope since he was in high school and was referred to as “Dr. Starman” by many. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking, especially different kinds of soup. Fred looked forward to traveling to Northern Ontario to canoe and fish with his Uncle Terry, with whom he was very close. He looked forward to attending his granddaughter’s soccer games and connecting with his friends at the Hotel Tavern in Springport. Fred will be remembered for his generosity to his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Scott) Dillon, granddaughter, Aleigha Sutton; and siblings, Linda (Peter Korch) Grove and Dave Grove.
A memorial gathering with a potluck will be held Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand St. in Eaton Rapids. Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be given to the family to be used according to their wishes. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.
William Papranec
William Papranec, age 85, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. William was born on June 24, 1934, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Amalia (Skrip) Papranec, Sr. He moved with his family to Charlotte in the 1930s, where they operated a dairy farm. William graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953 and went on to attend MSU before enlisting into the United States Air Force. He returned to Michigan, where he went to work as an airplane mechanic working for Marshall and Big Rapids airports. He eventually returned to Eaton Rapids to raise his family and work on the dairy farm. William’s talents for fixing things stretched well beyond airplanes. He could come up with a simple solution to almost any problem. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska where he enjoyed hunting and traveling the countryside. William was an excellent story teller and extremely out-going; he could strike up a conversation with anyone he came across.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph Papranec, Jr. and Paul Papranec.
Surviving are his children, Adam (Crystal) Papranec, Andy Papranec, Heidi (Matt) Williams, Heather (Brian) Lewis; grandchildren, Trent (Elizabeth) Hurd, Barrett Papranec, Gabrielle (Collin) Smith, Marcus Papranec, Grace Papranec, Caleb Williams, A.J. Papranec, Clara Williams; great-grandchildren, Tucker Hurd, Carson Hurd, Harper Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Brickyard Cemetery in Eaton Rapids Township. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids at 11 a.m. for processional to the cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, a luncheon will be hosted at the Charlotte Pentecostal Church of God. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Charities in memory of William. To share memories or condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.