Obituaries
Dennis B. Parshall
Dennis Bruce Parshall, better known as “Denny” to friends and acquaintances, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021 in his Bitely home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
Denny was born January 2, 1946, to Bruce and Rose (née Thayer) Parshall in Lansing, the fifth of six surviving children and their eldest together. He was raised in rural Ingham County near Williamston, where he attended the one-room White Dog School. He graduated from Dansville High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track.
Denny graduated from Michigan State University, first in 1968 with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and later with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, after serving more than three years in the U.S. Army. He remained a lifelong Spartan, and an avid supporter of MSU sports as well as a football season ticket holder.
Denny’s great passion was conservation, working with animals and the environment. He worked as a farmhand in his younger years, as a veterinary technician in the Army, in wastewater treatment with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and in environmental training and inspection with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
In 1986, he moved to Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Mary, where they raised their sons. They became active members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Denny taught Sunday School for many years.
In his role with MDOT, Denny helped pioneer new methods and processes for handling hazardous materials. After retiring from the state, Denny worked part time as a substitute teacher and later, swimming instructor.
His love and know-how for the environment transcended his work life, and as an activist Denny fought against local installations of incinerators and microwave towers. His role in activism led to a brief career in politics as part of the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte Board of Parks and Recreation.
Those who knew Denny best knew his heart belonged to the outdoors. An avid sportsman, Denny could often be found away from home, camping and fishing, or hunting the wild turkey, white-tailed deer, or black bear with his sons and closest friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Duane and Jack O’Dell; sisters Marilyn Yeager, Sharon and Pamela Parshall; best friends, Bernie Reuter, Cleo Townsend, and Rod Hunt.
Denny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary (née Antozak); sons, Bruce, Ryan “Jonny”, and Joel; grandson, Reece Myers; sister, Diane Parshall; best friends, Scott Cornelius and Jim Hayes; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and siblings-in-law.
Denny’s Memorial will be held November 6th, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church of Charlotte, with visitation held 1 to 4 P.M., followed by Services at 4 P.M.
Please share a memory, picture, and condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Arrangements and care by Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
Curtis A. Hall
Curtis Arthur Hall, age 83, of Grand Ledge formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, October 23, 2021. He was born October 21, 1938, in Charlotte, the son of Delbert and Helen (VanOrnum) Hall. Curt graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1957. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard where he honorably served his country. He worked for a short period of time as an officer in the Charlotte Police Department. On March 21, 1981, Curt married Elaine (Cooley) Gammage at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Curt worked the majority of his career at General Motors where he served as a Senior Project Manager. Throughout his life he had a passion for cars and was especially fond of his 1934 Auburn. He painstakingly restored the Auburn one piece at a time until the project was completed. Curt had a servant’s heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. He served as President of the Kiwanis Club and in many different capacities at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. He was also a Cub Scout Leader and took a group of young men to the Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico in brand new GM station wagons that were donated by Curt’s employer. He enjoyed spending time and entertaining at the family cottage that he built at Silver Lake. Family was the most important thing to Curt and he cherished each and every one of them.
Curt is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elaine; children: Michael (Jodi Anderson) Hall of Champaign, IL, Marcia Dunn of Murphysboro, IL, Debora Auge of Paxton, IL, Michelle (Dave) Peters of Grayling, Mark (Dawn Monk) Gammage of Charlotte, Karen MacWilliams of Mears, MI, Matt Gammage of Lake Odessa, Kay (Albert) Austin of Belmont, NC, Peggy Gammage of Charlotte; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren: siblings: Lois (Jim) Rodgers, Laura (Wade) Alderman, Russell (Nikki) Hall, and Lisa (Jerry) Kenney.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kurt Gammage; and granddaughter, Sarah Kowalski.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 1 P.M. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastors Gary Wales and Jack Conklin officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. The family asks that those attending the funeral service or the visitation to please wear a face covering.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Curt’s memory to the Kiwanis Club or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
To view Curt’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Janet W. Reed
Janet Wyne Reed, a warm, helpful, and caring friend to many, died October 21, 2021. Janet, 69, was born October 18, 1952, in Charlotte, Michigan to Kenneth and Margaret (Whaley) Wyne. She loved her time spent at their Head Lake cabin and was able to spend her last weekend there to soak up the sunshine on their deck. She enjoyed reading ghost stories and was an excellent seamstress with ability to sew some of her own clothing and embellish some with her cross stitching. She and John met as youngsters while her mom was a Cub Scout Den leader that he belonged to. Janet was employed by the State of Michigan in the Treasury Department until she moved to Health and Human Services.
Janet is survived by her loving husband, John; her dog, Annie; and many friends who will miss her.
Janet was predeceased by her brothers, Donald and Norman Wyne; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Janet’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, October 30, 2021, 11:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home inside in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation was held October 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM. 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 Janet’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. Friends and extended family members may send flower arrangements to the service to sit in your chair as a show of your support for the family. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Janet’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Hubert D. Dennis
Hubert Dale Dennis, 96, of Vermontville, died peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021, in Charlotte. Hubert was born April 15, 1925, in Detroit, the son of Glen Dale and Artie May (Schull) Dennis. He graduated high school in 1943 from Nashville, MI before enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly serving in Central Europe during WWII. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Marguerite Swift on September 1, 1945, at her parents’ home in Nashville. Hubert went to work as a pipe fitter for General Motors, retiring after 33 years of service. Throughout the years, Hubert dedicated a great deal of time to farming. He enjoyed woodworking and time spent in the garden. He and Gladys devoted much of their time to Vermontville Bible Church.
Hubert is survived by his children, Judy (Jack) DeGroot of Nashville, Kendale (Lynda) Dennis of Traverse City, Bill (Pat) Dennis of Vermontville, Janet Ellis of Hickory Corners and Mike (Diane) Dennis of Charlevoix; 17 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite Dennis; grandson, Michael Dennis; great-grandson, Brian Michael Wells; brother, Gaylord Dennis; and sister, Betty Courtney; and son-in-law, Bob Ellis.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 6, 2021, 11:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Kendale Dennis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, from 10 to 11:00 AM on November 6. Interment in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery. Friends and family are encouraged to support Hubert’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to Grace Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Judy A. Curtis
Judy Ann Curtis, 70, of Marshall died on Friday, October 22, 2021, at her home.
Judy was born on March 29, 1951, in Grand Ledge to John and Violet (Miller)Curtis. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1969.
Judy worked as Fire Claims Adjuster for State Farm Insurance in Marshall for several years. After her time at State Farm, she was co-owner of Lincoln Inn Antiques in Burlington, buying and selling different antiques and jewelry. Judy had a passion for gardening and outdoors, and she worked at Family Tree Garden Center until it closed. She enjoyed crafting jewelry, working in her garden, and doing floral design. Judy loved her cats and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her siblings, Jean (Robert) Winnie and Clare Curtis; 4 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and an Aunt Mary Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents; two nephews, Warren Curtis and Lyle Curtis; and a sister-in-law Mary Curtis.
A memorial was held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Kempf Family funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall. Memorial contributions in Judy’s memory are requested to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall MI 49068. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com