Obituaries
Dennis Eugene Wertz
Dennis Eugene Wertz, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 14, 1935, in Charlotte the son of Duane E. and Martha L. (Welch) Wertz. Denny graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1954. On May 15, 1955, he married Carla Gene Powers at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Denny, along with his family, owned and operated Wertz and Company John Deere in Charlotte for many years. He also served on the Charlotte Fire Department for the majority of his life as assistant chief. Denny loved racing Polaris snowmobiles. He also enjoyed raising a menagerie of animals for everyone to enjoy but had a special place in his heart for Weimaraner dogs. He also played and sponsored the Wertz and Company men’s fast-pitch softball and bowling teams. Denny loved his family but was especially fond of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters: Deniece (Bill) Kellogg of Grand Ledge, Deanna Wertz of Olivet, Darci (Todd Hogeland) Wertz of Charlotte, Darla (Troy) Scott of Lansing; grandchildren: Mikel Kellogg, Corie (Eric) Lawrence; Billy (Malori Grantham) Kellogg, Deni Swinton, Dustin Scott; great grandchildren: Laityn Kellogg, Dawson Kellogg, Miles Lawrence; siblings: Darry (Delores) Wertz, Angie (Fred) Earl, and Donald (Linda) Wertz.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carla in 2006; and sister, Marcia (Thomas) Dewey.
In keeping with Denny’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Denny’s honor to the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue, PO Box 372, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
To view Denny’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
David M. Sutherland
David M. Sutherland, of Florida, died at 11:30 a.m. on December 6, 2019, in Fort Myers. David was born on December 28, 1957, in Hastings, MI, the son of Mile and Mary (Nielsen) Sutherland. He attended Lakewood and Eaton Rapids schools. He served his country in the Navy. He was a very talented handyman.
David is survived by his brother, James R. Sutherland. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his son, David J. Sutherland.
Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Mills Funeral Home — Shelly Odell Chapel for their assistance.
Skyler James Dyer
Skyler James Dyer of Eaton Rapids passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at the age of 26. Skyler was born on January 11, 1993, in Lansing, the first of three children to Brent and Babe (Shelden) Dyer. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 2011, and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he was currently enrolled studying computer science. Skyler was passionate about music and sports, especially European soccer and MSU, attending the basketball games in the Izzone and football and hockey in the student sections. He was a talented photographer and tap dancer and enjoyed video games and Friday-night movies with his friends. Skyler made numerous friends that became more like family, throughout the United States and abroad, through his memberships with the Tennessee Squires Association and the Michigan Grand Prix Club. Skyler also loved to travel with his family and spend time at Lake Odessa.
Skyler is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ken Dyer, Sr., Gram and Pa Rogers; great-grandparents, Vi and Joe Simmons.
He is survived by his parents, Babe and Brent; brother, Brody Dyer; sister, Breann Dyer; grandparents, Merrill “Bird” and Trudy Shelden, Bob and Barb Kurtz; aunts and uncles, Angel (Chris) Thomas, Kenny (Heather) Dyer, Snapper (Sara) Shelden, Sid (Christie) Shelden; cousins, T.J. Dyer, Meghan Dyer, Amiah Thomas, Noelle Thomas, Braylen Thomas, Ebony Shelden, Noah Shelden, Teleri Shelden, Emmalynn Shelden, Ian MeClellan; his cat, Zane and dogs, Motlow and Peaches.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, at the Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family’s Go Fund Me page or to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Skyler. To share memories or condolences, visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Betty Lou (Moubray) Danford
Betty Lou (Moubray) Danford, age 90 — a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend — passed away December 2, 2019, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Born October 25, 1929, in Lansing to Carlos and Hazel (Levis) Moubray, she attended Miller Road elementary in her early years and later graduated from Dimondale High School. A lifetime member of Dimondale United Methodist Church, Betty was married there in August of 1953 to George William Danford, and remained active with many church groups and activities throughout her lifetime. Betty lived in the Dimondale area for 80 years, residing at her home where she and George raised their family together for 61 years. Following her desire to become a nurse, Betty graduated from Mercy College, St. Lawrence in 1953, where she began her nursing career and taught nursing classes. She ended her nursing career at Ingham Medical Center (Ingham Sanitarium) with over 38 years of service.
Betty will be missed dearly by her beloved children, Catherine (Jerry) Timmons, Larry (Kimi) Danford; George Danford; and Bruce (Christine) Danford; grandchildren, Corey (Sara French) Danford, Kiersten (Crist Webb) Danford, Justin (Eleni) Danford, Katelyn (Thomas Huber) Danford, Jeri Lynn (Mark) Lauer, Laura (Carl) Logan; great-grandchildren, Malachi and Esther Lauer; sister, Doris (Jim) Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Moubray; brothers, Thomas (Cheryl) Moubray, Jim Moubray; Charles Steven (Carolyn) Moubray, and Ronald (Karen) Moubray; cousin, Gary (Cathy) Moubray; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 2008; her parents; and brother, Richard (Dick) Moubray; and sister-in-law, Joyce Moubray. The family appreciates the tender loving care and support Betty received from the Sparrow Hospice team and the Eaton Community Palliative Care staff.
A celebration of Betty’s life was scheduled to be held at the Dimondale United Methodist Church on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Linda Farmer-Lewis officiating. Visitation was held prior to the Life Celebration, from 9-11 a.m. Interment will be at Dimondale Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Betty’s memory. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Betty on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ellen Anne Gidner
Ellen Anne Gidner, a very humble and caring lady, died December 4, 2019, at the age of 90. Born October 17, 1929 in Jackson to Lyle and Anna (Whiting) Hartley, she graduated from Holt High School in 1946. She married Keith Gidner in 1951, and together they created a legacy of love and caring for others. Ellen was very proud of her 28 years as an employee at Eaton Federal Bank, starting as a teller and retiring from the accounting department as a bookkeeper. After retirement, Ellen and Keith were very busy, camping with friends in the summer and winters in Texas. Never one to complain, Ellen was very easy to get along with and made many friends over the years. She was very proud of her family and loved spending time with them, making every event special and full of love.
Ellen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Keith; children David Gidner, Cindy (Gary) Sabo, and Brian Gidner; grandchildren, Jessica, Lindsay, Julia, Jill, Josie, Cody, and Connor; and 6 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters, Janice and Esther.
Friends are encouraged to support Ellen’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Gary Wales officiating. Visitation is Friday, December 6, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ellen on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Clarice Harris
Mary Clarice Harris, age 73, a warm and caring woman of deep Faith and a loving mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at her home in Charlotte. Mary was born January 22, 1946, on Selfridge Field Airforce Base in Harrison Township, MI, the daughter of William Richard and Mary Lisette (Leitz) Stephens. During her childhood, the family moved often with her father’s Air Force assignments. She graduated high school from Rome Free Academy in Rome, NY, before eventually returning to Michigan and taking a job with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, where she met Michael Duane Harris. The two married six months later on February 21, 1970. They settled in Charlotte, where Mary served as a troop leader for both boy scouts and girl scouts, and she began her career in education as a volunteer for Potterville schools. Following her time in Potterville, she started with Charlotte Public Schools in juvenile corrections, eventually moving on as a para professional at the high school, Galewood Elementary and, finally, the middle school before retirement after over 15 years.
Mary devoted much of her time and talent to Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. As a longtime member, she served as head of the Altar Guild and helped prepare meals through the church for the Eaton Area Senior Center Thanksgiving dinners. She lived a busy lifestyle in retirement, mostly through the workings of her Faith. She enjoyed swimming at the Aquatic Center and Tuesday trips to the movie theater with her best friend Chris Stough. Chris and Mary also travelled the country together, visiting family members and friends. Above all, Mary loved and cherished her family.
Mary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Michael; son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughter, Alice Harris, and another granddaughter due in January; brother, Robert (Nancy) Stephens; sisters-in-law, Beverly Stephens and Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, William Stephens, Jr. and Barry Stephens.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor David Keller officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019, at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charlene Candice Moore
Charlene Candice Moore, age 91, an eternal optimist and center of her family, died on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019, in Petoskey. Born in Potterville on July 31, 1928, to Ray and Bonnie (Bramble) Laverty, Charlene grew up there and graduated from Potterville High School in 1946. She married Donald Moore and worked at Michigan Bell as an operator until they expanded their family. A few years later, she returned to work at AT&T at their switch station in Charlotte, retiring with 32 years of service. Over the years, Charlene enjoyed lots of activities in the Charlotte community, including membership at the Charlotte Country Club (where she had a hole in one), bowling and dancing with Don. Charlene and Donald loved to travel to Bradenton, FL in the winters after their retirement.
Charlene is survived by her daughters, Candace (Ron) Karr of Petoskey and Connie Burgess; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Donald, in 2013; and her son, Rocco Moore, in 2007.
A spring 2020 interment at Benton Township Cemetery is being planned. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Charlene on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Charles “Butch” Rutter, a man who lived a full life even after the doctors gave him an early expiration date, died December 1, 2019, at the age of 85. Butch was born September 15, 1934, in Logan, OH, to Valley and Estella (Wright) Rutter. He married Marilyn Sumerix in the summer of 1957, and they moved to Olivet where they raised their family. In the 1970s, Butch had a terminal cancer diagnosis, and doctors told him that he wouldn’t live to see his 25th anniversary with his wife, but he proved them wrong and lived a long and happy life with his beloved Marilyn. Butch enjoyed his church and served as a trustee and a youth leader at the Brookfield Church. He enjoyed working with children and was a 4-H leader with The Walton Wonders 4-H Club. A very dedicated employee, Butch worked many years for the Calhoun County Juvenile Home as a childcare worker until his retirement. Some of Butch’s favorite activities included hunting, fishing (with trips to Canada as often as possible), watching the Detroit Tigers play baseball and traveling around the United States. Since 2005, Butch and Marilyn enjoyed winters in Ft. Myers, FL.
Butch is survived by his wife of 62 year, Marilyn; children, Jacquelynn Rutter-Kwiatkowski, Jeffrey (Katie Collier) Rutter, and James Rutter; grandchildren, Katelyn and Stephanie Kwiatkowski and Alex Schneider. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Vance and Victor Rutter.
Friends are encouraged to support Butch’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Monday, December 9, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. John Morse officiating. Visitation is Sunday, December 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Elara Caring Hospice. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Charles “Butch” on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bette Eileen Emede
Bette Eileen Emede of Vestaburg, age 96 — our loving mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma — passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 27, 2019. Bette was born to Harold and Flossie May (Bohner) Convis on December 23, 1922, in Lansing. Bette was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. Bette was the beloved wife of Gerald Emede for over 57 years and the mother of five children. She was well-loved and cared for until the end.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Harold and William Convis, husband Gerald Page Emede, son Gary Emede, daughter Susan Hendrick and her grandson James John Emede.
Surviving are her children; Cheryl Sage Emede, William (Julie) Emede, and James Dean (Denise) Emede; sister-in-Law Sharon Emede, and daughter-in-law Linda Emede, grandchildren; Natalie Sage (Martin) Petermann, Thomas Emede, Stacy (Luke) McGarry, Jake (Kami) Emede, Jordan (Jasmine) Emede, Urian and Jeremy Spotts, Roger and Travis Smith; great-grandchildren Saige Petermann, Ryder, Kason and Max McGarry, Cheyenne Emede, Preston Spotts, Kaelyn Welsh, Aliya Agnello and Ashton Smith, Tobias, Holden, Brody, Jayden, Trey and Jocelyn Smith; great-great-grandchildren Hayden and Sabrina Emede, and special family friend Amanda McQueen.
A celebration of Bette’s life will be held in the spring. A cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Riverdale. To view Bette’s obituary or to leave a condolence for the family, visit luxfuneralhomes.com.
Barry Kurt Janetzke
Barry Kurt Janetzke, a hard-working handy man, died on November 28, 2019, at the age of 67. Barry was born to Reinhold and Mary Lou (Jolliff) Janetzke in Lansing on July 9, 1952. On June 6, 1980, Barry married his love, Tammy (Durbin) Janetzke. He earned his degree in skilled trades and was proud of the awards he earned during his time spent as a laser operator at General Motors. Barry was known for being precise and thorough in his work, which is a skill that he passed on to his children. Always frugal, Barry did his research on items before purchasing them and preferred American-made products.
A big kid at heart, Rock & Roll lover, Barry, prioritized spending time with his family. He was a super dad who had fun camping, swimming at Lake Michigan and enjoying the sand dunes. Barry is survived by his wife, Tammy; their children, Jamison Janetzke, Aaron (Mandy) Janetzke, Travis (Dawn) Heinze, Michael (Christina) Janetzke, and Regan Janetzke; grandchildren, Tara, Alex, Lauren, Devin, Logan and Brayden; granddog, Sophia; mother, Mary Lou Janetzke; siblings, Rev. Doug (Marguerite) Janetzke, Randy (Sue) Janetzke, Phillip Janetzke, Shari (Terry) Roe; and sister-in-law, Debbie Parish. Barry was preceded in death by his father, Reinhold Janetzke; and daughter-in-law, Stefanie Janetzke.
Friends and family will celebrate Barry’s life at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Kennedy’s Disease Association or Cure SMA. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Barry on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.