Obituaries
Thomas Joe Owen
Thomas Joe Owen of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 5, 2024, at the age of 82. Thomas was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 26, 1941, the son of Harold and Marion (Hine) Owen. He proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force for four years. Thomas worked for General Motors for 30 years. During that time, he worked as a Health and Safety Representative for the UAW and on the United Way project before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles near his vacation home in Harrison, MI. He also had an eye for cars, especially Mustangs.
Thomas is survived by his children, Thomas (Brenda) Owen of Grand Ledge, Jeffrie (Stacy) Owen of Concord, Richard (Dee) Owen of Eaton Rapids, Aric (Nancy) Owen of Eaton Rapids; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laura “Charlene” Owen; infant son, William Owen; siblings, David Owen, Bill Owen, Shari Clough, and Sharon Williams.
A Memorial Service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 in loving memory of Thomas Joe Owen. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Arletta Joan Lahr
Arletta Joan Lahr, age 79, of Charlotte, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, July 1, 2024. She was born November 25, 1944, in Charlotte, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Murray) Lewis. On May 23, 1963, she married Michael Lahr in Charlotte. Together they created a beautiful legacy centered around their loving family. Arletta and Mike owned and operated Mike’s Automotive in Charlotte for 43 years. She enjoyed spending time working outdoors and maintaining an immaculate yard. Arletta loved bowling, trips to the casino, feeding the wildlife around her home, and the company of her cats. Most important in her life was her family. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart.
Arletta is survived by her children, Troy Lahr, Teri (Larry) Senk, Todd (Stacey) Lahr, Travis (Lauri) Lahr; grandchildren, Eric Senk, Taylor Lahr, Brooke Lahr, Lexie Lahr; several step-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte (Erwin) Walker, Roberta (Jon) Forell, Diana (James) Wietzke; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joe and Karen Woods.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mike; and brother, Duane Lewis.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. just prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Gresham Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Arletta’s memory to Charlotte Christmas Kiddies 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Arletta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Martin Marc DeBow
Martin (Marty) Marc DeBow, age 66, passed away from this life into the arms of Jesus at home surrounded by his loving family in Eaton Rapids, MI, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born to Ann and John DeBow in Lansing MI, Marty dedicated his life to faith, family and community.
For 36 years, Marty served as a beloved pastor in five parishes, touching countless lives with his compassion and wisdom. His commitment to his congregation was unwavering, and he found great joy in his ministry. He had a heart for youth and spent many hours with kids running work camps and programs for young people. While serving his various churches Marty also loved being a part of his community and served in many capacities, including coaching his kids in t-ball, football and basketball. He also served on the Eaton Rapids Hospital Board as well as many community service organizations throughout the years.
Outside of his pastoral duties, Marty cherished and prioritized his precious family, spending time with Cindy, the kids and grandkids at his favorite retreat, the family cottage on “Happy Loon Lake.” He loved taking the family fishing, tubing, making bonfires and cooking up “Papa’s Pancakes.” He also had a great love for the Au Sable River and enjoyed fishing for steelhead there with friends. Marty was an avid sports fan with a deep love for Michigan State as an alumni. Many a Saturday he could be found with family and friends cheering on the Spartans. Fishing, basketball, football, and deer hunting were activities that Marty participated in throughout his life.
Marty will be sorely missed for his warmth and kindness, his great sense of humor and his wonderful ability to make anyone feel like a friend.
Marty is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, his children Kattie (Ryan) and Matt (Katie), as well as his cherished grandchildren Mila, Grayson, Quinton, Cameron, and Rosie. He also leaves behind his mother, Ann DeBow, and sisters, Julie Doolittle, Debbie Kline, and Missy Howey. His legacy of love and kindness will live on through them.
A visitation will be held at Skinner’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 10 from 5-8 p.m. The celebration of Marty’s life will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, with a luncheon immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following organizations: The Craig Cartwright Memorial Fund (earmarked for the Eaton Rapids High School Hunting & Fishing Club), or the First United Methodist Church – Youth and Family Ministries Programming.
William David Loveland
William David Loveland (Bill) of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on June 27, 2024, after a 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer at the age of 63. Bill was born in Charlotte, Michigan on November 15, 1960, the son of Leon and Joyce (Moore) Loveland, the youngest of 5 boys. He was the only “buck” his dad ever got on opening day of deer season. As a child growing up he enjoyed, camping in the summer with the family, roller skating at Adams Skating Rink, and spending a lot of time at the family farm where his father was raised.
He has been employed at Shroyer Auto Parts for the better part of 30 years and had made some lasting friendships. His position at Shroyer consisted of automotive dismantle, loader operator, fork lift driver and other tasks that were asked of him. Hobbies included, watching football, NASCAR, movies, and playing video games. He was very proud of his large DVD collection.
Over the years, Bill became quite a collector of many things. There was always a purpose for things and someone may be able to use it. He enjoyed tinkering with little projects.
For those who had the privilege to know Bill, knew him to be a happy man with a smile all of the time. He was someone who would give you the shirt off his back and was there for you at a moment’s notice, no expectation for anything in return. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was never afraid to say “I love you” to anyone. He will be greatly missed by many.
He was the perfect ride along for a quick road trip with his sister, Amy, even if he really didn’t need anything. He was always up for a trip to the Eaton Place for lunch or dinner or a chocolate ice cream cone from Dairy Queen.
Later in life, Bill moved back to the family farm property and was able to spend the remaining time in his life in a place that held some of the most important times and life lessons he held near and dear to his heart.
Bill is survived by his children, William (Alexis) Martenies of Eaton Rapids, Kaitlyn Loveland of Potterville; grandchildren, William Loveland III, Cale Loveland, Madison Wood, Shayne Craft, Cayden Craft; great grandchild, Kaleah Craft; siblings, Robert (Dawn) Loveland of Vermontville, Daniel (Vanessa) Loveland of Hackett, AR, Amy (Mark) Liepins of Charlotte; sister in law, Debbie Loveland of Charlotte; good friend, Adam Brundage, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dale Loveland and Roger Loveland.
Special heart felt Thank you’s to the Sparrow Cancer Center, Sparrow Pharmacy Plus, Sparrow Hospital, Sparrow Specialty Hospital and Sparrow Home Hospice and Sparrow Medical Supply for the compassionate care that was provided to Bill and his family during his entire journey with his treatment. All of the Caregivers who helped in some way to make things as easy as possible for him will not be forgotten. They are all truly amazing people.
A special thank you to Slater and Harriett at Shroyer for their continued support and help during Bill’s illness. It did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at his sister’s home, 1197 N. Chester Rd, Charlotte, MI 48813. Those who wish to join the family in remembering the life of Bill are welcome to come. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrow Cancer Center or Sparrow Home Hospice in loving memory of William David Loveland. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Richard Edward Toncray
Richard (Rick) Edward Toncray, 75, departed this earth after a short illness, while surrounded by his family, on June 22, 2024, in Rochester, Minnesota.
Rick was born January 8, 1949, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to Richard Horner and Phyllis (O’Mara) Toncray.
Rick’s life was complete in a way few others can claim, yet all who knew him know that his leaving came in God’s own timing, as Rick’s plans were far from finished.
Throughout his life, Rick achieved many great things, fulfilling his own seemingly impossible dreams and inspiring others to do the same. He had an indomitable will, which showed itself at an early age, overcoming lower body paralysis from polio to enjoy water skiing and eventually becoming a professional golfer and PGA professional. When he set his mind to something, he would not stop until it was 100% finished.
Rick began his golf career at 15, working as part of the grounds crew at the local country club. Then, while attending high school at the Howe Military School, he played on the varsity golf team. He graduated in 1967 and continued working at the country club while playing tournament golf. During this time, the head professional invited Rick to join him in business, forming a company to build golf courses in Florida. Rick jumped at the opportunity and moved across the country, where he worked and played professional golf on various golf tours.
Rick met his wife, Pam, on a blind date in Michigan in 1973. They were immediately inseparable, spending 5 days together before Pam returned to school in England. The following month, Rick flew to England and they married two days later, on November 3, 1973. The newlyweds began their life with an epic adventure, backpacking through Great Britain, Western Europe, and North Africa before returning to Florida, where a new adventure awaited them. They welcomed their first child, Richard Robert, in January 1975. Splitting time between Florida and Michigan, Rick worked to acquire his PGA professional card. They eventually made Michigan their permanent home in 1979, purchased Olivet Country Club, and welcomed their second child, Lissa Jean, in August of that same year. They settled in to raise their family and develop the golf course- which they owned and operated for the next 35 years.
Rick’s passion for life and learning expanded; he raced sailboats, learned engine-building, and all that goes along with racing a front-engine dragster. He also owned and raced IMCA modified and Winged Sprint cars, and became a NAUI-certified dive instructor, diving WWII shipwrecks in Micronesia and more locally shipwrecks in the Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Lakes with his son. He also became a private pilot.
He liked to travel and enjoyed Europe for its rich history. When his work schedule limited his travel, family members often brought him back destination t-shirts to taunt him, which became a comical tradition and the source of many jokes.
Even the winter months did not deter his enthusiasm. He enjoyed building, repairing, and sailing ice boats. In 1999, Rick became crew chief for his daughter’s snocross racing program, helping her to obtain multiple world titles. He loved snowmobiling, which had influenced their move to the UP of Michigan, his “favorite place on earth.”
He often wore a t-shirt that read, “he who dies with the most toys wins”- it was a motto he lived by. He loved powersports and owned a variety of snowmobiles and motorcycles. He especially enjoyed riding his motorcycle along with his best friend on their many rides throughout the Midwest. He also grew fond of riding side-by-sides and rode often with his wife, Pam, and their close friends.
Rick was affectionately known as Mr. Fix It. If he wasn’t outside working in the yard, he could be found in the shop. Filled with knowledge, he was the person people went to with questions and for advice, and was his family’s personal search engine. He will be remembered for his genuine concern and his usual first questions, “How are things going?” and “What projects are you working on now?” Being with family, working on a car, a snowmobile, a motorcycle, a boat, an engine or anything mechanical was his favorite thing to do, particularly with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons. He was always there for others wanting help or advice.
Rick was a lifelong learner and an avid reader; hardly a day went by when he didn’t spend a few hours reading with a book or his iPad in his hands. He was determined, some might say stubborn —a trait which served him well and which produced great gains in many areas of his life. That, however, was not perhaps his best trait when playing cards, as he played to win—making card games hilarious, and the family made great fun of his competitive nature.
He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, grateful to share life with his wife, Pam. She was his best friend, matching his zest and enthusiasm for life and family. They pursued life together, working hard, chasing adventure, and taking on whatever life threw at them. Even in the mundane, they worked as a team. He took pride in cooking, doing laundry, and even knew how to sew—which his mother had taught him early. These proved invaluable skills, and he was always ready to help his grandchildren with any project, even crafts and jaw-dropping Halloween costumes!
After their retirement, Rick and Pam spent many hours in their motorhome exploring the country— at times wintering in Florida or making their way wwto spend time with family and friends, wherever that might be. They also logged many miles snowmobiling and riding side-by-sides hosting friends and family from their home in Manistique, Michigan. Rick paid very close attention to the number of miles ridden on every trip, still focused on goals it brought him so much happiness to mark the miles. The challenge is what pushed Rick— that was never more evident than when he would spend hours hitting golf balls at the driving range. He would set challenges for himself at the range which he found more rewarding than a round of golf at the most prestigious course.
Family was Rick’s greatest joy. He truly cherished the time and memories he created with his wife, their children and spouses, their grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was deeply invested in their growth, and well-being, spending much of his time supporting them in their own endeavors, sharing his experience, or just listening, and spending time together. Nothing was more important.
Rick was rich in friendships. He befriended a trusted group of forever friends, and he cherished each of them; Duke, Charlie, Dan, Anthony, Dave, Dan the Governor, and his snowmobile trasher friends, who became part of his family.
Rick loved unconditionally and without demands.
Those remaining to cherish Rick’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Pamela Toncray, children Richard Robert (Lisa) Toncray of Foster, Virginia, and Lissa (Chad) Marsolek of Menomonie, Wisconsin; grandchildren Richard Ryan and Alaina Toncray, Allena Washburn, Cole, Kinsey and Kenna Marsolek, great grandchild Richard Roman Toncray, his brother-in-laws Charles Becker and Robert Young, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Horner and Phyllis Toncray, his sister, Terry Lee Becker, his uncle Michael O’Mara, and his grandparents.
He was our Iron Man and we will miss him dearly.
We are so honored to have been Rick’s family, and his friends, and we are proud of the enduring legacy he leaves. He was a rare and special person, who brought us joy and love, which made us hopeful, courageous, and strong. While we wish to have him with us, we trust God and know that his story lives on.
Our memories are forever rich because he was ours.
We know that Rick would want the same for all of you, so rather than a donation, please invest time to be with your family, and your friends, making stories that will live forever.
A memorial “gathering/ride” to honor Rick will take place at a later date.