Obituaries
Marcella M. Sanders
Marcella Marie Sanders, 92, of Charlotte, a woman devoted to family, died peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022, in Charlotte. Marcella was born December 5, 1929, in Fowler, MI, the daughter of Henry H. and Dorothy (Kowatch) Leik. She graduated from Portland High School and soon married her lifelong love, David Melvin Sanders, and the two started their family. Marcella worked as a teller at Michigan National Bank, and for the State of Michigan during tax season. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care Hospice Thrift shop, where she could partake in one of her favorite hobbies, people watching. Many will remember Marcella as dear friend, lover of dogs, and, above all, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Marcella is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Malerba; son, Mitchell (Angela Dorsett) Sanders; grandchildren; Marci (Jerry) Kohler, Andrea (Jeremie) Cherwinski, David (Nichole) Sanders, and Blair Dorsett; great-grandchildren, Blake Malerba, Carson Kohler, and David, Eva, Ana, and Jacob Sanders; siblings, Rosemary Fouts, Richard Leik, Elicia Rademaker, Francis (Pat) Leik, Larry (Rosemary) Leik, and Judy Feneis; loving goddaughter, Elaine Marshall; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, David Melvin Sanders; son, Michael David Sanders; sisters, Rita Secor and Joan Robinson; and several in-laws.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Marcella’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial is being planned for a later date. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to either the Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies Program, any animal shelter of one’s choosing, or the Charlotte High School Bird Feeder. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Myron Montie
Myron Montie of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 4, 2022, at the age of 91. Myron was born in Mosgrove, PA, August 22, 1930, the son of Michael and Zelma (Ross) Montie. He was a 1948 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Back in the day, Myron worked as a mortgage broker and loved to buy old homes to remodel and sell. He was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, sang in the choir and was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Congregational Church serving on their board. Myron volunteered his time at the Historical Society and the Miller Farm.
Myron is survived by his wife, Leone Montie; children, Michael (Mary) Montie, Patrick (Diane) Montie, Kathy Church, John (Peggy) Montie, Debra (Jeff) Teachout; 9 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; brother, Melvin Montie and sister, Madeline Martin.
A Memorial Service will be 11 am Friday January 14, 2022, at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, 205 Grand St. Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions be made to the Senior Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Ryan Isaac
Ryan Angus Isaac of Eaton Rapids was born in Lansing, MI., August 13, 1993, the son of Nathan and Jody (Farrar) Isaac. He passed away, December 29, 2021, at the age of 28. Ryan was such a kind-hearted young man and was loved by his family and friends. He was his sister’s biggest supporter and a mentor to all of the kids in the family. His niece and nephew were his world, and he loved his cats. Ryan’s hobbies included playing the guitar and was an avid PS4 gamer. He attended the Wesleyan Church and the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God Church.
Ryan is survived by his mother, Jody Isaac; grandmother, Doretta Isaac; sister, Haleigh (Austin Patton) Isaac; uncle, Noah (Mary) Isaac; aunt, Samantha (Mike) Schwelitz; cousin, Ellen Huff; niece and nephew, Maleah and Nathaniel McQuay. He was preceded in death by his father, Nathan Isaac, grandfathers, Neil Isaac and Jerry Farrar; grandmother, Cynthia Burgess.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Carl Lea
Carl Lea, 61, formerly of Webber Falls, Oklahoma was born on December 9, 1960 in Charlotte, Michigan to Alvetta (Smith) Lea and Ronald W. Lea and passed away on December 30, 2021 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was married to Diana (Graham) Lea in 1982 in Bellevue, Michigan. Mr. Lea was a construction worker and off-road trail scott for Fun Treks in Colorado. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Cornerstone Tabernacle in Gore, Oklahoma.
David C. Young
David Cline Young, 76, of Charlotte, a tight-line ice fishing man of the outdoors, died Thursday, December 30, 2021 in Lansing. David was born February 21, 1945, in Lake Odessa, MI, the son of Rev. C. Fred and Joan Evelyn (Copeland) Young. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1963 and went to work with General Motors. The U.S. Army drafted Dave into service in the Vietnam War in 1965. He proudly served two years before returning to GM, where he worked 43 years, retiring as a Union Representative to Locals 652.
Dave was internationally renowned in the world of ice fishing. He first started fishing with his sons, over 40 years ago. He was one of the finest and widely-known anglers to use the tight line method, a technique developed in his native Michigan. More than anything, he loved to share his knowledge with others, leading him to teach thousands in the art of tight line ice fishing. He toured the country on the pro circuit, appearing in countless tournaments and shows, sponsored by Schooley Reels, Clam, and HT. Many will recognize his regular appearance on the TV Show ICE MEN. The North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) says of Dave, “Dave’s love for teaching kids, for teaching tight lining is unmatched. The number of rods he gave away to people he just met is not countable. When he and son Mark won a prize at an event he looked for the nearest kid to give the equipment to…God bless, tight lines, rest in peace.”
Many will remember Dave’s generosity, passion for the outdoors, dedication to the Detroit Tigers, and, above all, love for his family. Much of Dave’s life was dedicated to hunting and fishing with his sons, and spending time with his grandchildren.
David is survived by his wife and life partner of over 55 years, Christine Young; sons, Matthew (L. Jacobsen) Young, Mark Young (Ann Johnson), Michael Young, Martin (Jessica Herrick) Young; daughter, Mandi Wallace; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey (Blake) Greiner, Josh (Sara) Young, Tyler Young, Brendan Brethauer, Haley Griffin, Hannah Thompson, Delilah Young, and MaKenna Young; 5 great-grandchildren, Justin, Brody, and Maverick Griener, and Easton and Connor Young; sister, Anita Stevens; many nieces and nephews; and countless close friends and sporting buddies. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Pamela Young.
Friends and family are encouraged to support David’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.