Obituaries
Ryan Savage
Ryan R. Savage passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the age of 31. Ryan was born August 21, 1990 in Lansing, Michigan to Ron and Kitti Savage.
Ryan grew up in Eaton Rapids where he attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools graduating with the Class of 2008. He attended LCC’s High Performance Engine Program. Ryan’s love for football started with his dad coaching him in the Eaton Rapids Youth Football League from Flag through the 8th grade. He continued playing until he graduated. His love of cars began before he could even walk, always having a “Hot Wheel” in his hand. Car shows became a regular hobby for he and his dad, along with his siblings, for decades. Anyone who knew Ryan, knew his love and passion for anything that had to do with cars. He continued the tradition of his dad, by coaching his son Gavin in the Leslie Youth Football Program. He and his fiancée, Sam, had just purchased their new home and were so excited to be planning a wedding, and couldn’t wait for the arrival of their son. Ryan was employed at EATON Aerospace in Jackson, MI, where his work family meant a great deal to him.
Ryan is survived by his son, Gavin; his parents; sister Elisha; brother Joshua; fiancée Samantha Bregg, her daughter, Karissa, and son, Ryan William, expected to arrive in June; Grandma Leona McLaughlin; many aunts, uncles and cousins, along with many, many friends and car buddies.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rick and Sally Savage, and Jim McLaughlin; and uncle, Rod McLaughlin.
Ryan’s life was honored on Tuesday, March 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to a Trust Fund being set up for Ryan’s boys and checks may be made out and mailed directly to: Elisha Savage, 206 North Donegal, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements by Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids.
Sanford L. Wolf
Sanford (Sandy) Louis Wolf of Springport, passed away March 4, 2022, at the age of 67. Sandy was born in Eaton Rapids, September 22, 1954, the son of Edwin and Marilyn (Keesler) Wolf. He was a 1972 graduate of Springport High School, loved playing pool, and played on several leagues. Sandy retired in 2017 as a machinist after many years to care for his beloved wife, Debra. Classic cars were a passion of his. He owned a beautiful Cutlass convertible and proudly took it to many car shows over the years.
Sandy is survived by his brother, Steven (Diane) Wolf of Eaton Rapids; sister, Sheila Day of Olivet; several nieces and nephews, and his four fur babies. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Debra Wolf; brother, Samuel Wolf.
Funeral services were Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW Adams-Rockey Post 6056 or the Humane Society of Michigan. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Amelia Place
Amelia (Marie) Place, a dearly loved woman, who devoted her life to the Lord, passed away on February 24, 2022. Marie, 91, was born on August 1, 1930, to Stephen and Elizabeth (Dumont) Gasper in Wyandotte, Michigan. While cheerleading a Hillsdale High School basketball game in 1946 she met her husband to be, Lyle Place and they married on her birthday, August 1, 1948, in Hillsdale, Michigan. Together, Marie and Lyle raised four children, three daughters and one son, in Hillsdale and later in Charlotte. Lyle and Marie owned and operated two businesses in Charlotte, a stained-glass door company called Charlotte Art Glass and Goosebumps, where they made ceramic and stoneware pieces as well as porcelain collector dolls. Additionally, they owned a stained-glass retail store in Lansing. Marie’s loving heart was clearly visible in the organizations she volunteered in. She volunteered with Charlotte Hospice, Meals on Wheels and Charlotte Helping Hands. She was active at: Ann Arbor Baptist Church; Gladwin Cornerstone Baptist Church; Bellevue First Baptist; First Baptist Church, Charlotte; New Hope Baptist Church, Ellington, Florida; College Baptist Church Hillsdale; and Bankers Baptist Church. Marie was active with her church, she started many prayer groups, participated with multiple prayer partners and was a witness to many non-Christians. Marie went on a medical mission trip to Haiti with her daughter, Rita, and her granddaughter, Crystal. Traveling was a big part of Marie’s life: Turkey, Alaska, and Hawaii were a few of her big trips.
Marie is survived by her children, Linda Place, and Lyle (Mary) Place II; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark Zsoter) Lynch, Nathan Grove, Jeremy (Megan) Grove, Crystal (Patrick) Galivan, and Ryan (Amanda) Burcham; great-grandchildren, Austin, Liam, and Marielle Lynch, August Grove, Rainer, Preston, and Hadley Grove, Brielle Galivan, Elijah and Edwin Burcham. Marie was preceded by her husband, Lyle; daughters, Marcia Feldpausch and Rita Place; grandson, Ricky Burcham; brother, Louie Gasper; and her parents.
The Funeral service was held Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastors Jonathan Barber of Ann Arbor Baptist Church and Pastor Don Francis of Bellevue Baptist Church officiating. The funeral service was webcast live so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marie’s (Amelia’s) tribute, then click on photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). A link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Kidney Fund. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Marie’s (Amelia’s) Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Richard Mitterling
Richard Alan “Rich” Mitterling, age 61, of Charlotte entered into the presence of his Savior on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Rich was born February 11, 1961, in Warsaw, Indiana the son of Jim and Pat (Henley) Mitterling. He graduated from North Miami High School in Denver, Indiana in 1979. On May 26, 1984, he married the love of his life, Laura Ann Jerrils in Grand Rapids. Rich attended Anderson College where he graduated in 1984. After receiving his bachelors, he continued to pursue his education and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Anderson School of Theology in 1987. Rich was a man of God in the truest sense of the word. He faithfully served Jesus Christ throughout his life. Rich served as pastor at North Avenue Church of God in Battle Creek, Elwood Church of God in Elwood, Indiana, Lapaz Church of God in Indiana, South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte, First Congregational Church in Vermontville, Centre Avenue Church of God in Portage, and West Benton Church in Charlotte. He also served as a hospice chaplain where he was able to compel the love of Christ to those in need. Rich was a selfless man and was always concerned about the needs of others before his own. He was extremely gentle, loving, and generous to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rich adored his family and cherished each and every one of them. He was a gentle shepherd who fulfilled his God-given call to serve others.
Rich is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laura; children: James (Anna) Mitterling of Alpena, Jennifer (Mitchell) Holt of Grand Rapids; grandchildren: Connor, Carter, and Kaylin; parents, Jim and Pat Mitterling of Akron, Indiana; siblings: Stan (Carol) Mitterling of Akron, Indiana, Randy (Susan) Mitterling of Noblesville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Linda (Bill) Bostwick of Wahalla, South Carolina; brothers-in-law, Rick (Barb) Jerrils of Lake Wales, Florida, Chuck (Lorri) Jerrils of Sparta; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Mitterling.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Road, Lansing, MI 48910, with Pastor Doug Irving officiating. The family received friends on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Rich’s memory to The Gideons International or Phil Waldrep Ministries-Pastors Encouragement Retreat, 226 Moulton St. East, Decatur, Alabama 36061.
To view Rich’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Patricia L. Mishler
Patricia L. Mishler, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022. She was born January 3, 1927, in Lansing, the daughter of John Roy and Myrtle (Swan) Osborn. Pat graduated from Lansing Sexton High School with the class of 1944. She married the love of her life, William Mishler, on March 1, 1947, at her family home in Dimondale. Pat was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her favorite thing in the entire world was her beloved family. Second to family was the love for her church. She was a lifelong member of First Lutheran in Charlotte, where she actively served until the end of her life. Pat was a strong-willed lady who served her God, family, and community with love and grace. She volunteered at Hayes Green Beach hospital for over 34 years. In her free-time she enjoyed theater, playing cards, and eating out with family and friends. Pat will always be remembered for her infectious laugh and magnificent personality. She was a lady in the truest sense of the word.
Pat is survived by her children: Dennis (Thais) Mishler of Lake City, Billie (Ron) Taylor of Charlotte, Penny (James) Shaull of Charlotte, Pamela (Thomas) Tangi of Jacksonville, Florida; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and two more great grandchildren on the way; sister, Bethel (Roger) Page of Olivet; brother, Thomas (Dee Harris) Osborn of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; brothers: William Osborn, Lee Osborn and Lawrence Osborn.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the Charlotte Public Library, 226 S. Bostwick St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Pat’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.