Obituaries
Jon Myers
Jon Myers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020, at Hospice of Lenawee. He was born in 1943 in Lansing to Edward and Caroline Myers. After graduating from Charlotte High School, he attended Lansing Community College and continued his studies at Michigan Technological University, where he received a BS degree in forestry in 1968, and at Lake Superior State University, where he received an MBA in 1989. He married Rebecca Ruth Gladden in Owosso on September 10, 1966, and they made their home in Houghton, Mich. until he received his degree. The couple had two children, Charles (Raina) Myers of Blackshear, Ga., and Rachel Myers (Ronald) Moore of Fargo, N.D. Jon’s professional career was as a maintenance manager at the Lafarge cement plant in Alpena and the Holnam cement plant in Dundee. Jon served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Charlevoix Lodge 282 F&AM. He loved flying and was a certified flight instructor. At home, he enjoyed stained glass work and woodworking, even building his own sailboat.
Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years; his children; several grandchildren; his brother, Fred (Sherry) Myers; and sister, Martha (Charles) Powers. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mildred I. O’Dell
Mildred Irene O’Dell, age 88, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 15, 1931, in Charlotte the daughter of Vern and Vera (Smuts) Waddell. Mildred went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1948. On March 20, 1949, she married Gerald F. O’Dell at the Bellevue United Methodist Church. Mildred was one of the most caring and compassionate ladies one could ever meet. She loved people and was always concerned about the needs of others. She was a devoted Christian woman who ministered to many throughout the years. Mildred was a long-time member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet where she faithfully served in many compacities. She retired after over 30 years of service from State Farm Insurance where she worked as a senior underwriter.
Mildred is survived by her children: Gerry (Becky) O’Dell of Augusta, Garry (Sue) O’Dell of Olivet, Dick (Martha) O’Dell of Olivet, Ruth (Ron) Pufpaff of Marshall; seven grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; brother, Byron (Lorene) Waddell; and nephew, Ron Waddell.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Faith Assembly of God in Olivet with Pastors Garry O’Dell and Todd McLane officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in Mildred’s honor to Gideon’s International or Faith Assembly of God. To view Mildred’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger L. Corey
Roger L. Corey — a quiet and gentle man that silently supported the Village of Vermontville in many ways — died February 3, 2020, at the age of 65. Roger was born June 3, 1954, in Charlotte to Marion and Flossie (Case) Corey and lived his entire life in Vermontville. A graduate of Maple Valley High School in 1972, Roger had a real love for his community and did many things throughout his life to support his hometown, always behind the scenes and with no fanfare or recognition of his contributions.
He spent many years as a volunteer for the Vermontville Fire Department. His real passion, however, was the baseball diamond at Maplewood school, used by the Maple Valley High School. Roger single-handedly made sure the field was meticulously cared for — mowing it himself every week, caring for the field before and after games, ensuring that a sprinkler system was installed so the grass was fantastic and organizing and helping build a press box. Hundreds of young baseball and softball players enjoyed this field over the years.
Roger worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years as a rural carrier in Bellevue until his retirement in 2009. At home, he enjoyed an extensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia and had a love for trains, old tractors and several beloved cats over the years. He loved to bowl, target practice with his guns and attend auctions/ sales. Roger enjoyed giving to others and was very humble and kind.
Roger is survived by many cousins, including: John Clayton (Kristyn) Briggs of Vermontville, Judy Lemon of Potterville, Lynn Brooks of Auburn, Ind.; dear friends, David and Paula Benedict from Ft. Collins, Colo.; his beloved cats, Gandalf and Jack; and many friends at the Vermontville Fire Department and within the community of Vermontville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his best-friend, Monte O’Dell.
Friends are encouraged to remember Roger by attending a Community Affirmation Service at the Vermontville Fire Station on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 11 a.m. Those attending are requested to bring a baseball bat with them for a special salute. Roger suggested many years ago that if anyone wanted to remember him, they were welcome to donate to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Roger on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Steven M. Rosie
Steven Mark Rosie of Eaton Rapids passed away February 5, 2020, at the age of 49. Steven was born in Lansing, on October 5, 1970, the son of Ronald and Louise (Maring) Rosie III. He was a 1988 graduate of Charlotte High School and earned his associates degree in business from LCC. Steven loved to be outdoors enjoying all the things young boys did. He was a collector of Star Wars memorabilia, played online games and loved to hot rod around town with his brother in his younger years and go fishing with his niece and nephew.
Steven is survived by his parents; brother, Paul (Amy) Rosie of Eaton Rapids; niece, Samantha Rosie; nephew, Joshua Rosie, both of Eaton Rapids.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Wildside Rehabilitation Center or the Saved by Zade cat rescue. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Bryan E. Arlen
Bryan Earl Arlen, born February 9, 1981, in Fort Ord, Monterey Bay, Calif., passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2020. Bryan was the son of David and Teresa (Clever) Arlen of Jacksonville, Fla., previously of Eaton Rapids.
Bryan was known for his laugh, smile and heart. He lived in Galion, Ohio, and then moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1998 and attended Lansing Community College. He later moved to Jacksonville, N.C. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, fishing, tattooing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with family and friends. Bryan was the owner of Old Salt Tattoo in Jacksonville, N.C. where he was well known for his amazing talent paired with the most humble personality.
Bryan was preceded in death by his son, Sullivan Arlen; paternal grandfather Jack Arlen; and maternal grandparents Harold and Carolyn Clever. He is survived by his children, Jameson, August, Jasper and Coraline Arlen, along with their mother, Meredith Mertz; grandmother, Carole Arlen; parents, David and Teresa Arlen; siblings, Jenny (Josh) Tice and Daniel Arlen (Jill Behnke); niece, Hannah Tice; nephew, Aaron Tice; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services were held in Jacksonville, N.C. In lieu of flowers, a donation for final expenses can be sent to his mother, Teresa Arlen, 204 Delight Dr., Jacksonville NC 28546.
Coral L. McCallum
Coral Lee McCallum, who enjoyed all things red, died January 28, 2020. Coral, age 84, was born on July 7, 1935, in Charlotte, Claude Hugh and Alberta (Payne) Conant. She was a quiet woman who kept to herself and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bingo and card games, making her house a home, cooking and dancing to country-western music were things to occupy her time. She and her husband, Max, loved to travel. She particularly enjoyed riding on his motorcycle with him and enjoyed time spent at Buck Lake with the family.
Coral is survived by her loving children, Linda (Bryan) Williams, Gary McCallum, Keith (Karen) McCallum; grandchildren, Mark (Amanda) Williams, Hope (Dan) Sheler, April and Holly McCallum, Kristina (Andy) Foster, Cameron McCallum, Amy McCallum and Eric McCallum; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Max; and her parents.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Hunt Cemetery in Clarence Township with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Coral on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Beverly A. Quantrell
Beverly Ann Quantrell — a loving mother, grandmother and friend — of Charlotte, died Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at her home. Beverly, age 82, was born August 20, 1937, in Detroit, the daughter of Lester and Gwendolyn (McKissic) Wagoner. Beverly worked extremely hard to support her children. She worked for the Charlotte Public Schools as a bus driver for 34 years, retiring in 2003. She spent 20 years as the wrestling team’s bus driver, being a “mom” to all of her wrestling boys. Beverly cherished the many years driving bus and being a good friend to the many students that she crossed paths with. She will be remembered for being the driver of the “Apple Bus.” Each day, Beverly would make sure that every child was loaded onto the correct bus and that none were left behind. She devoted her time to serving others; each year Beverly worked at the Eaton County 4-H fair and also volunteered at all sporting events as a ticket seller. When Beverly was not working, she enjoyed watching the Wheel of Fortune, soap operas, collecting stuff (especially snowmen) and also her cats, which were her children.
Beverly is survived by her children, Debra (Jerry Messing) Davis, James (Carol) Quantrell, Jack Quantrell, Katie (Andrew) Clarke; grandchildren, Melissa Davis, Nick (Karen) Davis, Justin (Amy) Quantrell, Jason Quantrell, Randy Quantrell, Josh (Kristine) Marple, Nicole Wellman, Alyssa Clarke and Meghan Clarke; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Duane Royston officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 1 to 3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William C. Vance
William “Bill” Clayton Vance — a selfless and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — died peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, in Kalamazoo. Bill was born November 14, 1962, in Charleston, WV, the son of Clarence Wesley and Gay (Kessinger) Vance. The family moved to Potterville in 1964, where Bill graduated high school in 1980. He went to work at Spartan Motors, starting on the line and working his way up to supervisor.
Bill was most at peace in the outdoors. His greatest passions including hunting and fishing, as well as NASCAR. He and Sue held season race tickets for 10 years, camping on the infield and traveling to Bristol. He played baseball at Spartan Motors and enjoyed bowling. Bill was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. He collected guns and knives and was fanatical about paranormal activity, especially theories on aliens and sasquatch. The family also spent time at their cabin on Narrow Lake, where Bill was usually the pontoon boat captain. All who knew Bill loved him. Many will remember his strength, his love for family and for always having a candy bar ready for his grandson Cooper.
Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sue; daughters, Tabitha Vance and Billi Jean (fiancé Cody Hennaut) Vance; grandson, Cooper Hennaut; five sisters, Nancy (Patrick) Pung, Brenda (Charles) Tomlinson, Chris (Steve) Morris, Terri (Joe) Jenson, and Rita Poyer; godson, Maverick Kreps; best friend for life, Charlie Berryhill; and his dog, Mia. He was predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law, Brian Poyer; and his dog, Hunter.
Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family. A memorial service was held on January 30, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home with Bill’s uncle, Rev. James Vance officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family in the care of the Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bill on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Helen L. Vierk
Helen Louise Vierk, age 95, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, in Marshall. Helen was born October 22, 1924, in Vermontville, the daughter of Boyer and Hazel (Wells) Rickle. She graduated from Vermontville High School in 1942 and enrolled in comptometer classes at Lansing Community College. Helen married Lee Vierk on September 13, 1947, and the two started their life together on the farm. She worked six years at Oldsmobile before going to work full-time alongside Lee on their “3000 layer” egg farm. Helen was a co-founder of the Spaulding 4H Club and a life member of Michigan Farm Bureau. She volunteered countless hours to the Eaton County Fair, as well as with the Eaton County Adult Handicap Programs. In her personal time, Helen loved sewing and crocheting and time outdoors in her flower gardens. She and Lee also enjoyed traveling, including winters in Texas, a caravan through Mexico to Cancun and a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They were 35-year members of the Good Sam RV Club. Following Lee’s death in 2010, Helen managed on her own, having breakfast everyday at Big Boy and a McDonald’s cheeseburger every night for dinner. Above all, Helen loved her family.
She is survived by her son, Larry (Diana) Vierk of Charlotte; daughters, Janet Bowers of Olivet and Brenda Vierk of Lansing; six grandchildren, Mark (Denise) Vierk, Chris (Nicole) Vierk, Tracie (Chris) Portillo, Chanda (Todd) Aves, Matt (Kyleigh Kunkel) Bowers and Melissa (Bruce) Carpenter; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Wood; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Lee; brothers, Douglas Rickle and Bob Rickle; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Helen’s family. Funeral services were held January 28, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Helen on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roland H. Korp
Roland “Ron” Henry Korp, age 89, of Charlotte — a proud patriot and loving husband, father and grandfather — died peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Ron was born June 22, 1930, in Niles, Mich., the son of Roland Glen and Dorothy Bell (Bergoine) Korp.
He graduated from high school in Bellevue in 1949 before enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from the war, he went to work in 1953 for the Grand Truck Railroad, retiring in 1992 as leading car inspector. Ron also served in the Michigan National Guard for many years, earning his retirement as a Master Sergeant. He was a member of the Charlotte VFW and the Eaton Area Senior Center. Ron had a passion for his cars, always keeping them in pristine condition, even waxing the engine. He loved Christmas time and lived life with a perpetual smile. Ron never had an enemy and will be missed and remembered by many.
Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Korp; his children, Susan Gleason, Tim (Mary) Korp, Rhonda (Tom) Crawford and Tracy (John) Golematis; grandchildren, Angela, Matthew, Andrew, Tayler, Abby, Hannah, Savannah, and Andra; great-grandchildren, Erika, Mia, Carina, Meghyn, Sophie, Reece, Laigha, Violet and another on the way; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Betty (Herbert) Ellis, Kenneth (Vicky) Winslow, Robert (Doris) Korp and Claribell (Cecil) Stice.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Visitation was scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020, at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ron on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.