Obituaries
Betty J. Boatman
Betty J. Boatman
Betty Jane (Whipple) Boatman of Eaton Rapids, comfortably passing October 13, 2021 at the age of 96. Betty was born September 6, 1925 in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of John William and Goldie Mae (Tropp) Whipple.
Betty grew up as an only child attending the Henry Ford High School & Jr. College in Dearborn, Mich. She was blessed when marrying Dale Boatman, son of an Eaton Rapids farmer, and blessed again having five children and three step-sons to love and care for.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, H. Dale Boatman; and step-son, Howard D. Boatman Jr. Survived by step-sons, Stephen Boatman (Dixie) of Mission, TX, and Robert (Debbie) Boatman of Binghamton, NY; daughter, Pamela Emery of Rogers, AR; sons, Ricky Boatman; Craig (Cindy) Boatman and daughters, Sherrilyn Olson and Joy Mulvaney from Eaton Rapids.
Betty was so blessed with family and loved each and every one of her children equally, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She had a very involved life with all her children and their families. She was also a lifetime member of the First Congregational Church and a member of the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Auxiliary.
Mother we love you, and you will remain in our hearts and memories, and our children’s hearts and memories always.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids or the Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Kirby Grettenberger
Kirby, a six and a half-year-old American Lineback-Holstein cross steer trained to be part of an oxen team, was terminally injured on Friday, October 8, 2021. The injury occurred when a driver failed to stop at the stop sign, entered the intersection, was struck by a second vehicle, careened into the pasture and struck Kirby, fracturing his rear legs. Kirby was humanely euthanized and returned to the family farm in Eaton Rapids for burial. Kirby leaves behind his teammate Reid, his herd mate Zeiter, and his “Mom” Dr. Brenda Grettenberger and her family. Memorials in Kirby’s name can be made to Tiller’s International at tillersinternational.org or to Heifer International at heifer.org.
Lita J. Gillett
Lita J. Gillett
Lita Jannette (Clarke) Gillett left her earthly home for her heavenly home October 11, 2021. There she was reunited with the love of her life, Samuel Gillett.
Lita was born February 11, 1925, to Minnie and William Clarke. Lita was the third child of five. She is predeceased by her sisters, Aletha Clarke and Mary (Raymond) Stanke and her brothers, James (Dorothy) Clarke and Herbert Clarke. Surviving is her dear sister-in-law, Shirley Clarke, along with many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School in 1943, Lita continued her education at County Normal School in preparation for teaching in a one room schoolhouse. After completing this training, she went on to teach for a number of years. Through the years she kept in close contact with her classmates from County Normal. They circulated a round robin letter to keep each other updated about their lives and had reunions once a year.
It was one of her County Normal classmates, Martha Moore Betz, who was responsible for introducing Lita to Sam. Less than a year after meeting, they were married. On June 14, 1947, Lita Clarke became Lita Gillett. It was a marriage that lasted until the death of Sam 67 years later. And while the marriage may have ended with the passing of Sam on March 10, 2015, Lita’s love for Sam never ended.
Sam and Lita made their home outside of Eaton Rapids. It was here that they raised their five children. Lita is survived by Doris (Rodney) Robertson, Lee (Michele) Gillett, Ralph (Lee Ann Lindahl) Gillett, Nancy (Bruce) Korthase and Lois (Doug) Bush. It was at this home that grandchildren came to celebrate holidays, make bird feeders, take walks to the barn, play with cousins, and enjoy the many books and toys kept from when their parents were young. These grandchildren include Lesley (Brian) Kozminski, Christa (Jeff) Hudson, Sara (Al) Finkelstein, Brian (Carrie) Robertson, Matthew (Courtney) Gillett, Rachel (Kellen Lister) Gillett, Barbara Bush, Michael Bush, Taylor Korthase, Katharine Korthase, and Molly Korthase. Great grandchildren include Simone and Camille Kozminski, Lauren and Lynsey Hudson, Julia and Ruby Finkelstein, Annabelle and Samantha Robertson, Matthew, Evelynn and Presley Gillett, Hudson Lister and Leevi and LitaMarie Bush.
Lita served her community by being an active member of the United Methodist Church. She held offices in the Griffith United Methodist Women for years and could be found in the back row of the Griffith United Methodist church every Sunday. The church was part of her family and an important and lasting part of her life.
She also held the position of Hamlin Township treasurer from 1971 to 1992. She saw the formation of Hamlin Township Fire Department and was proud of her part in the development of that organization.
Lita moved to Boyne City to be closer to more of her children in March of 2016. She first resided in Boyne City in an Assisted Living Facility. She lived in her own apartment there until her needs increased. In the Fall of 2018, Lita moved to Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. While there she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, doing word search puzzles, and amazing staff with her quick wit. When the pandemic closed the facility, the staff put in place window visits. And even though Lita’s family could not be inside next to her, there was great comfort in knowing the staff cared for her and loved her.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00. In memory of Lita, the family encourages you to sit with a friend or family member and play a game of scrabble or put together a jigsaw puzzle! Be still in the moment and enjoy sharing a table and a quiet activity with someone you love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lita’s name to Grandvue Medical Care Facility, 1728 S. Peninsula Rd., East Jordan, MI 49727 or Hamlin Township Fire Dept., 6463 South Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Jacob L. Lincoln
Jacob Lee Lincoln, age 36 years old, died on September 25, 2021. He was a resident of San Antonio and worked as a HVAC technician at Will Fix It HVAC. Service will take place on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home Gardens.
Marian G. Leiter
Marian Geneva Leiter, age 94 went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 2, 2021, at ECARS in Charlotte, Mich. She was born February 27, 1927, in Broomfield Township, Isabella County, Mich. to Hugh and Lucille (Esch) Fountain. She married Ward Leiter on August 2, 1945. Together they raised five children. They moved to Charlotte area around 1956 where they made their home for most of their lives. Marian was always very active in her church. The gift of hospitality was very predominated in every area of her life. She and her husband, Ward, ministered the gospel for many years as pastors with the Assembly of God church and then made the transition to Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International until Ward passed away in 1984. She enjoyed spending time with her family as much as her family enjoyed spending time with her. If there was one word to describe her it would be “gentleness.” She had a gentle and quiet spirit about her. She is survived by one daughter, Diane (George) Goodnoe of Eaton Rapids; one son, Randy (Sue) Leiter of West Branch, Mich.; two sisters, Irene Mercer of Elsie, Mich. and Judy (Bill) Kennedy of Mt. Pleasant; 16 grandchildren, and numerous great, great-great, and great-great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Lucille Fountain; her husband, Ward Leiter; two sons, Jim and Tom Leiter; daughter, Vicki Hill; brother, Jack Fountain; sister, Connie Clyde; and several grandchildren. Arrangements are being handled by Skinner Funeral Home. A memorial service will be scheduled later.