Obituaries
Penny Johnson
Penny Lou Johnson of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 6, 2022, at the age of 71. Penny was born in Gladwin, MI, January 30, 1951, the daughter of Roy and Marian (Lange) Johnson. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1969 and was an employee at Eaton Rapids Public Schools for several years. Penny enjoyed working on puzzles, bowling in her younger years, and watching the Detroit Tigers. She loved meeting the girls for lunch every Wednesday, and loved being able to keep up with everyone through social media on her computer. The greatest joy in her life was spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Penny is survived by her children, Heather (Eric) Mergener of Eaton Rapids, Alex (Patricia) Carris of Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren, Kaila and Ashley Carr, Ciera, Kenny and Dakotah Carris, Brandon Siple, Daniel and Rachael Mergener; great grandchildren, Aveian, Eli, Alannah, Aubree, Blayke and Theo; siblings, Randi Colestock, Sue (Tom) Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Robert Johnson, James Johnson, Tom Johnson, and Cheryl Moss.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Robert Schilz
Mr. Robert Howard Schilz, age 82, of Nashville, MI, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, in Hastings, MI.
Robert was born in Eagle, MI on January 16, 1939, a son of the late Verna (Reed) and Howard Schilz. He was raised on his family farm the Charlotte area and attended local schools graduating from Charlotte High School in 1957. During his younger years Bob was very active in FFA, and 4H where he showed hogs, and learned to knit.
On December 28, 1962, Robert married Sandra (Gillett) Schilz at the Oneida Gospel Church. The couple had been introduced by mutual friends while they were still in high school and spent their first date, at the Sunday School picnic. Robert & Sandra established a beautiful Christ centered relationship spending time together attending Youth for Christ Events, and Singpirations with neighboring churches. Robert loved music and for many years played his trumpet in the Orchestra at Oneida Gospel church where they had attended church. Robert loved his church and enjoyed volunteering his free time to work as a youth leader, chaperoning and leading youth activities and adventures.
Bob began his working career shortly after completing his education working his family farm in Charlotte for many years. The family relocated to the Nashville area in 1974 and he began working at Clark Equipment as a truck driver where he worked faithfully for over 10 years. Bob enjoyed driving truck and would often take the kids with him to work so they could enjoy a day with dad riding in the semi-truck. The majority of Bob’s career was spent with the Eaton County Road Commission where he was responsible for road maintenance, plowing snow in the winter and oversee road cleanup projects.
Bob & Sandra enjoyed spending time during the summer traveling throughout the state of Michigan camping with close friends, especially the Upper Peninsula,
Robert is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his children, Faith (Roger) Byykkonn, , Kaylin, (Shawn) Rhoades, (Sonya) Schilz, Paul (Phetsamone) Schilz, Tim (Stacey) Schilz
his sister, Sharon Moore, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren
he was preceded in death by his infant sister Juanita Schilz.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 5th at Grace Church in Nashville, MI with Pastor Don Roscoe officiating. There will be a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service at Grace Church in Nashville. The family will receive visitors on Friday February 4th from 3-5 PM at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Terri L. Visscher
Terri Lynn Visscher, a world traveler, highly recognized and accomplished flight attendant, beloved sister, and loving daughter passed away January 31, 2022, at her family’s home in Charlotte. Terri, 55, of Charlotte was born December 15, 1966, in Muskegon to Eugene (Gene) and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher. Terri graduated from Charlotte High School in 1985. Following high school, she graduated from Davenport University before finding her life’s passion of becoming a flight attendant. One of her proudest moments was when she graduated from the Northwest Flight Attendant school. She lived in Hawaii for 18 years taking care of passengers on flights from Honolulu to Tokyo and beyond. Though she was frequently far away, Terri valued her friendships and connections with her nieces, nephews and friends’ kids. She would often travel halfway around the world to attend a birthday party, dance recital, or just to say Hello. After her retirement, Terri returned to Charlotte where she continued to nurture her other passion, family and friends. She was often referred to as the “Favorite Aunt.” With a heart of gold and a passion for life, Terri lived each day to the fullest. Her generous spirit was often demonstrated through her willingness to help anyone at any time. During the holiday seasons, the smell of chocolate chip cookies and “Terri’s Special Chex Mix” would emanate from the Visscher kitchen with great anticipation from all. Terri will be dearly missed by anyone who was blessed enough to have had the opportunity to know her.
Terri is survived by her parents; Eugene and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher; brother, Jerry (Shannon) Visscher; sister, Traci (Dr. Kendall) Bos; 4 nieces; Samantha Visscher, Madelynn Visscher, Lauren Visscher, Reagan Bos; 2 nephews; Emmitt Visscher, Ethan Bos; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring. It 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 Terri Lynn Visscher 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. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to palliative care. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Terri’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Bernard D. Otto
Bernard D. Otto, 96, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was born on May 18, 1925, the son of Doris (Augustine) and Sidney Otto.
Bernard graduated from Bellevue High School in 1942. After high school he joined the United States Army 7th Infantry Division, Company A 82nd Mortar Battalion from July of 1943 to January of 1946. During that time he was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He married the love of his life, Joyce Oaster in 1946. Bernard owned and operated Otto’s Clothing Store in downtown Bellevue for 20 years. He also served as Bellevue Mayor from 1962-1963, City Clerk/Village Manager from 1974-1987 and the Bellevue Township Supervisor from 1996-2012.
Bernard and Joyce loved their family, spending time with their children and grandchildren were always their favorite things to do. They spent countless hours traveling to every athletic event, concert and many other extra-curricular activities their children or grandchildren participated in. The two attended and were active in the Bellevue Methodist Church for over 70 years. Bernard was active in the Village Players, Historical Society, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and also played a role in obtaining grants for developing the Edward Keehne Environmental Park.
Through his many involvements Bernard received rewards for his accomplishments. Many of which include, Michigan Minuteman Award in 1973, Bellevue Citizen of the Year in 1976 and Michigan Volunteer Award in 1977.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Mary) Otto; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Otto; parents; sons, Gary, Donald and Steven Otto; grandson, Quinton Otto; brothers, Charles and Richard Otto; and sister, May Lou Vogt.
Visitation was held at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, 122 West Capital Avenue, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with the funeral service to immediately follow.
Interment will take place at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellevue United Methodist Church in memory of Bernard.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800.
Kevin Ripley
Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral 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 Kevin’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.