Obituaries
Eva Sanders
Leaving a legacy of love, our kind spirited Eva Sanders, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan passed away on December 11, 2021, at the age of 86. Her battle with multiple medical conditions in recent years showed us her courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and positive attitude. Eva is now reunited with her parents, Gordon and Alice (Rood) Twitchell and sisters Irene Twitchell, Ellie Shaw and Jeannie Lampman.
Eva started her beautiful life on March 1, 1935, in Dimondale, Michigan. Her family moved to Eaton Rapids where she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School. Eva furthered her education graduating from Lansing Business University, then advanced her career to become Business Manager for the Eaton Rapids Medical Clinic, a position she held for numerous years. There was nothing Eva liked better than meaningful conversations with good friends and offering a helping hand in whatever way she could. Her love of family, friends and the Eaton Rapids community were evident to all.
In 1952, Eva met the love of her life, Army Corporal, Ellis Sanders. They married and enjoyed a caring and collaborative relationship for over 68 wonderful years. Eva was a woman with many passions and gifts. An avid reader, tournament bowler, sports and country music enthusiast, expert card player, board game challenger and family recipe collector. She shared her passions with those she loved the most–her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (or as Eva would call them- Honyocks). They were her pride and joy! She loved traveling to be with her family and friends. Always ready for a road trip, she adventured to Tallman and Loon Lakes, Florida, multiple places out West and even a trip to Europe. Eva’s zest for life will live through many of us for years to come.
In addition to Ellis, Eva will be lovingly remembered by her children: Steve (Ann) Sanders and Julie (Jim) Hannon of Eaton Rapids, Rick (Jackie) Sanders of Henderson, NV. Grandchildren: Allison (Josh) Hummel of Palm Harbor, FL, Jessica (Erik) Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Look and Zach (Kasidy) Hannon of Eaton Rapids, Stephanie (Jimmy) Wood of Van Alstyne, TX, Grant (Hayley Standage) Sanders of Portland, OR and Gabrielle (Tyler Witte) Sanders of Bend, OR, and nine beautiful great grandchildren who she adored. How thankful she was for her sister-in-law Evelyn (Doug) Stall, brother-in-law Norm Sanders, niece Rosa Hector and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends along with the special women of her Red Hatters Group.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eva’s tribute page at www.vickersfuneralhome.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 29, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Eva Sanders name to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48915. You can make donations online at www.sparrow.org/give. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Leonard F. Barnhill, Jr.
Leonard Frank Barnhill Jr., of Rives Junction, passed away December 9, 2021, at the age of 83. Leonard was born in Muskegon, Michigan on May 22, 1938, the son of Leonard and Rose (Hutta) Barnhill. He served with the U.S. Army for two years in Germany, stationed at the Berlin Wall. Upon returning home, he worked as a painter for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, decorative woodworking, and his flowers. Leonard was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church for 56 years and served as an usher for numerous years. He loved to tell jokes and laughed well with a beautiful twinkle in his eye.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Barnhill; sons, Leonard Barnhill and Thomas Barnhill, both of Rives Junction; daughter, Roseann Barnhill of Washington; grandchildren, Cody Barnhill of Leslie, Allisen (RJ) Wells of Holt; great grandchildren, Aubrey and JR Wells; brothers, Larry Barnhill of Baldwin and Robert (Barbara) Barnhill of Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Emilie Barnhill.
Memorial services will take place at a later date at St. Peter Catholic Church. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the church. 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.
Gary L. McCune
Gary Lee McCune age 73 of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on December 5, 2021. He was an assembly worker at General Motors. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral home.
Heather M. Contreras
Heather Marie Contreras, age 38 from Charlotte, Michigan passed away on December 3, 2021. She was a homemaker. Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Melissa L. Bliesener
Melisa Lynn Bliesener, age 49, from Charlotte passed away on December 6, 2021. Melisa worked as a server. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.