Obituaries
Carrie L. Blanchard
Carrie Louise Blanchard, age 72, of Eaton Rapids (formerly of Onondaga), went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 17, 2020. Carrie was born in Lansing on November 24, 1947, the daughter of Charles and Arlene (Doxtador) Higelmire.
She worked several years at Eaton Stamping and Ole School Apartments in Eaton Rapids. She enjoyed cooking and watching her grandchildren.
Carrie is survived by her husband, Franklin James Blanchard; daughter, Tia (Jason) Bartley of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Amber Bartley of Eaton Rapids, Erica (Brandon) Holt of Grand Rapids; great-grandson, Cavan Bartley of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Dennis (Sue) Higelmire of
Onondaga, David (Linda) Higelmire of Rives Junctions and Steve (Kathy) Higelmire of Three Rivers. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles Higelmire Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Carrie. Online condolences may be placed at millsfuneral.com.
Joyce E. Yerxa
Joyce Elane Yerxa, age 86, of Farmersville, Ill., and formerly of Eaton Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, February 24, 2020. Joyce was born on the Twichell family farm in Eaton Rapids on April 12, 1933, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Gardner) Twichell. She was raised in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated from high school in the class of 1951. Although Joyce primarily stayed at home raising her children and taking care of the family, she did spend time working at Lansing General Hospital, Eaton Rapids Woolen Mill and Ivy Manor Nursing Home. She was a talented crocheter and tater who made beautiful pieces and learned her craft because of her Auntie Rose Ribby. Joyce was also a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Girard, Ill. Joyce had a nourishing but playful personality; she was always there to take care of a family member or friend in need but also loved to play practical jokes and roughhouse with her grandchildren. Above all, Joyce was a beloved mother, grandmother and mother-in-law who adored her family and the time she spent with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin Yerxa; siblings, Virginia Purvis, Ron Twichell, Ruth Foster, Raymond Twichell, Janet Smith-Allman and several nieces and nephews.
Surviving are her daughter, Pamela (Ronald) Morrow; son, Steven (Rose) Yerxa; grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Hughes, Becky Welsh, Patrick Morrow, Jason (Amanda) Burgess, William (Lindsi) Morrow, Steven Morrow, Joe (Kristie) Yerxa, Cecil Yerxa, Andre Simmons-Holt, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services were scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel, with visitation starting at noon. Burial will be immediately following at Rosehill Cemetery, along with a reception at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club located at 4483 Freeman Rd. in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Stanley D. Black
Stanley Dail Black, age 76, of Eaton Rapids was carried into heaven by the arms of angels on February 19, 2020. Stan was born in Allegan, Mich., on March 23, 1943, the son of Delbert and Agnes (Staley) Black.
Stan graduated from Olivet High School and attended Jackson Community College. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Stan retired from the Michigan State Police after 29 years, serving at five posts during his career. He was a member of the state police pistol team, the American Legion and St. Peter Catholic Church. Stan enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting wood, biking and traveling with his wife and good friends.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Martha Black; sisters, Ardeth (Gaylord) Harris of Olivet, Margot Benham of Ariz.; Stan was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Wilma Black. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Charities or the American Cancer Society. To place online condolences, visit millsfuneral.com.
Rita M. Hubbard
Rita May Hubbard, age 82, of Albion passed away February 24, 2020. Rita was born in Springport, Mich., on September 29, 1937, the daughter of Kelly and Monabell (Richardson) England. She graduated from Springport High School in 1954.
Rita worked as a nanny for many years and was a foster mother to 48 kids. She then went on to work for Union Steel, Ganton’s and Spartan Manufacturing. Rita enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, baking and knitting. She loved to make hats, blankets and mittens for her family
and was known to donate many of those items to hospitals. Rita will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Richard) Lewis of Jackson; grandchildren, Archie (Jennifer) Hall of Albion, Bobby Smith of Albion, Benjamin Smith of Dexter; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Maizyn and Mea Hall; brother, Mitchell England; special nephew, Butch Lucas and several other nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Jodie Hubbard, David Hubbard; special nephews, Joe and Kelly England; brother, Arlo (Ollie) England; and sister-in-law, Mary England.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Covenant House, Times Square Station, PO Box 731, New York N.Y. 10108-0900. Those interested can place online condolences by visiting www.millsfuneral.com.
Denise A. Handziak
Denise A. Handziak, age 62, of Decatur, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at her residence. Denise was born on November 11, 1957, in Lansing, to the late Glen and Marice (Marcham) Davis. She was 1 of 17 siblings.
Denise attended Faith Baptist Church in Berne, Ind. She worked for Walmart and appeared briefly in the movie “Sleep” in 2003. She also served in the U.S. Army.
She is survived by her daughters, Brandy (Joe) Vergara of Decatur and Letha (Matt) Cranson of Rockford, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Handziak; mother and step father, Archie and Marice Lumbert and father, Glen Davis.
A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Faith Baptist Church, 989 W 700 S, in Berne. Preferred memorials are to the family. Arrangements were handled by Haggard-Sefton-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the guest book, visit hshfuneralhome.com.
Lawrence Campbell
Lawrence “Larry” Campbell of Charlotte, a car enthusiast and loving father and friend, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Larry was born May 15, 1940, in Lansing, the son of Albert and Ruth (Miller) Campbell. He was a very talented builder. Larry owned and operated his own dry wall company called Larry’s Dry Wall. He was talented and was able to build homes from ground to finish. When Larry was not working, he enjoyed taking his classic cars to car shows around the area. He loved his 1969 Cadillac convertible. Larry also had a large collection of model cars that he had built over the years. His cars were his biggest passion in life. Larry also enjoyed spending time with his best friends and enjoying a cold beer.
Larry is survived by his children, Robert (Deb Dzik) Campbell of Charlotte, Tamara Campbell-Davis of Fort Peirce, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Karen (Al) Brooks, Mike (Peggy) Katuscinski, Steve (Anna) Katuscinski, and Joe (Mandy) Katuscinski; best friends, AG Twitchell, Jim Cashen and Randy Bryner. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Phillip Campbell.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Charlotte Eagles Aerie 3552 with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family. Share memories of Larry on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
LeeAnn Sipes
LeeAnn Sipes, age 55, of Olivet passed away suddenly January 30, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born April 18, 1964, in Landstuhl, Germany, the daughter of Albert Fawcett and Virginia Stansbury. She attended International Business College in El Paso, Texas. LeeAnn worked as a supervisor for Peckham in Lansing. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, fishing and spending time with her family.
LeeAnn is survived by her husband, Daniel; step-father, Bill Stansbury; step-mother, Isabelle Fawcett; children: Dianna Hill, Albert (Michelle Mohr) Hill, Daniel Sipes; seven grandchildren; brother, Darryl Fawcett of Yucaipa, Calif.; step-sisters: Denise Hamilton, Daisy Rodriguez, Maggie Castillo, all of Calif.; brothers-in-law: Robert (Peggy) Sipes of Hampton, Va., Chris (Annette) Sipes of Lansing, Randy (Norma) Law of Lawton, Okla.; sister-in-law, Laurie Law of Lansing, and mother-in-law Priscilla Law. She was preceded in death by her parents.
In keeping with LeeAnn’s wishes, cremation was entrusted to Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Gresham United Church, located at 5055 Mulliken Rd. in Charlotte.
Griffith L. Williams
Griffith Leland “Lee” Williams, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at home with his family by his side. Lee was born December 27, 1932, in Sand Run, Ohio the son of Griffith and Nellie (Doak) Williams. He graduated from Logan High School in 1950 and then went on to attend Ohio University. Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. On October 11, 1959, Lee married Joyce Eileen Bowers at the Hebron United Methodist Church. Lee had a passion for music. As a young man, he and his family often sang together. Later in life, he was involved in several barbershop quartets and sang in the church choir. Lee also collected and played many different instruments. He and Joyce enjoyed traveling in their motorhome together to numerous destinations across the country. He also enjoyed golfing in his spare time. Lee began his career in clay and concrete pipe sales for Logan Clay and later for Zurn Industries. He was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and Charlotte Optimist Club. Family brought Lee his greatest joy in life. He adored each and every member of his family but had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren.
Lee is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; daughters: Gina (Duane) Hanrahan of Indianapolis, Ind., Julie (Wayne) Nash of Delaware, Ohio, Nancy (Bob) Loth of Pewaukee, Wis.; grandchildren: Chris (Annie) Hanrahan, Stephen Hanrahan, Geoff Hanrahan, Ben Nash, Chris Nash, Allison Loth, Megan Loth and Corinne Loth. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and one brother.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at noon at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon on the same day. Burial will take place at Poplar Forks Cemetery in Gratiot, Ohio.
Those desiring may make contributions in Lee’s honor to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte MI 48813 or Heartland Hospice, 865 S. Cedar St., Mason MI 48854. To view Lee’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Madge L. Cooley
Madge Loraine Sadowsky (Putney) Cooley, age 90 — a fun-loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother — died peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2020, at home in Battle Creek. Madge, formerly of Olivet and Montpelier, Ohio, was born December 4, 1929, at home in Clarence Township. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1948 and soon after married Kenneth Arthur Putney on August 7, 1948. Together, the two raised five children and enjoyed 25 years of marriage before Kenneth’s death in 1973. Aside from home life on the farm, Madge went to work for Olivet Schools as a substitute in the cafeteria, and in her eight years of service worked her way up to head of food service. She later married Robert Cooley, and the two spent 30 years of marriage in Ohio and enjoyed travel adventures to Germany, Alaska and Hawaii. She enjoyed many things — from sewing, crochet, polka dancing and traveling to canning vegetables from her gardens. Many will remember Madge’s amazing homemade cinnamon rolls, a tradition she passed down to her daughters. After Bob’s death in 2011, she lived in Battle Creek with her daughter, where she enjoyed time with family and watching wildlife.
Madge is survived by three daughters, Teresa Ballard, Dana Putney, and Linda (Bill Claggett) Putney; eight grandchildren, Joe (Joyce) Hoffdahl, Ben (Marcie) Graves, Jenny (Andy) Fry, Michael Hoffdahl, Amy (Claude) Plante, Stephanie (Tuffy) Collier, Michelle (Dan) Verhougstraete, and Elisabeth Keever; nine great-grandchildren, Tiffany Graves, Colton Graves, Joseph Graves, Cooper Fry, Luc Plante, Braiden Meininger, Andi Grochowsky, Kelton Plante, and Preston Collier; three great-great-grandchildren, Carter Kelley, Logan Kelley, and Remington Graham; and her brother, Gene Sadowsky. She was predeceased by her first husband, Kenneth Putney in 1973; second husband, Robert Cooley in 2011; son, Byron Putney in 1973; daughter, Evelyn (Putney) Cain in 2009; and two siblings, Eleanor Sadowsky and Paul Sadowsky.
Friends are encouraged to support Madge’s family at visitation and services. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor James Gysel officiating. Interment took place at Lee Center Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Southwest Michigan Humane Society at 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek MI 49015. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Madge on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.