Obituaries
Winifred Thaxton
Winifred Dale “DANNY” Thaxton, a quiet man of the outdoors, died Monday, November 15, 2021, a day after his 76th birthday. Danny was born November 14, 1945, in Charleston, WV, the son of Freda and Luey Thaxton. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War, from 1965 to 1971. Upon his return, he moved to Charlotte, MI, to go to work 39 years for Owens-Illinois as a journeyman mechanic. Danny married his loving wife, Charlene, on February 25, 2000, combining their families into one. His greatest passion in life was fishing, where he enjoyed the calm and quiet, and the beautiful of nature. Danny was known to go fishing just about any day, no matter the occasion. His family and friends will remember his kind nature, his readiness to say the right thing when it mattered, and, above all, his love for family.
Danny is survived by his wife, Charlene Thaxton; daughters, Malinda Gross and Kathy (Brad) Gill; sons, Shane Thaxton, Sam (Jen) Walters, and Coltyn Field; 10 grandchildren; brothers, David (Toni) Thaxton and Johnny (Sandy) Thaxton; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Jason Field; and son-in-law, Thomas Gross.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Danny’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home, followed by procession to Kalamo Hillside Cemetery for a 2 p.m. Graveside and Military Honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to any charity of choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Paul M. Wright
Paul Manford Wight Jr., age 74, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the woods doing what he loved. Paul was born March 30, 1947, in Charlotte the son of Paul and Nora (Wood) Wight Sr. He graduated from Bellevue High School with the Class of 1965. In high school Paul enjoyed taking part in numerous different sports and playing the tuba in the band. He set several records in track and field while in high school. On May 23, 1967, Paul married the love of his life, Phoebie Marie Honeycut in Dallas, Texas. Soon after graduating high school Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country. Paul was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family and always wanted the best for each of them. Paul retired after many faithful years of service from POST in Battle Creek. Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors especially deer hunting.
Paul will be missed by his children: Patricia Brown of Coldwater; Tommy Wight of Bellevue, Dale (Janora Stevens) Wight of Olivet; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Dale (Lois) Wight of Arizona; Phyllis Waltman of Battle Creek, Peggy (Dwayne) Jones of Dowling; sister-in-law, Charlotte Wight; and brother-in-law, Marvin Honeycut.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie in July of 2021; sisters: Virginia Wight, Sally Wight, Delores (Paul) Ford; brothers: Burrell Wight, and Reuben Wight.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Paul’s memory to the family.
To view Paul’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Linda M. Skeens
Linda Marie Skeens, age 71 from Lansing passed away on November 13, 2021. She was a press operator at WJG Enterprises. Funeral will be held at Pray Funeral on Tuesday November 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
Joy Peake
Mrs. Joy (Harrington) Peake, age 85, of Nashville, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 3rd, at Metro Health Hospital, in Wyoming, MI.
Joy was born in Battle Creek, MI on October 27, 1936, the daughter of the late Lura (Flint) and Joseph Harrington. Joy was raised in the Banfield area where she attended local schools, before transferring to Delton Kellogg in the 4th grade. She completed her education graduating from Delton Kellogg High School as the Valedictorian of the class of 1954.
It was during those early school years, that Joy met the love of her life; Ralph Peake. The couple became high school sweethearts and were married on May 30, 1955, at the Cedar Creek Bible Church. The wedding however, had to be postponed because the Pastor had been double booked for the original date! This never phased Joy, she simply made new invitations and resent them to each guest with the new date. Joy & Ralph have celebrated over 67 wonderful years together.
Shortly after the couple was married, Joy began working as a Case Worker at the Social Security Administration in Battle Creek, MI. She served faithfully for over 30 years before retiring in 1990.
After retiring, Ralph & Joy enjoyed traveling to several destinations in the United States. Their winters were spent enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Dade City, Florida. Joy was a talented seamstress and enjoyed making beautiful quilts which she gave to each of her grandchildren. Her friends were a special source of joy for her, and she thoroughly enjoyed handwriting letters to them detailing and sharing the special events that were happening in her life.
Joy is survived by her beloved Husband Ralph, daughter, Jill, (David) Eddy, two sons Mark Peake, Larry, (Christine) Peake, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Eugenia Parker.
The family received visitors two hours prior to the funeral service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, November 8th at The Vermontville Bible Church in Vermontville, MI.
Funeral service began at 12 Noon with Pastor Joe Benedict officiating. There will be time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service in the fellowship hall at The Vermontville Bible Church. Graveside service and interment will take place privately at the Banfield Cemetery in Banfield, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to the Vermontville Bible Church or Putnam Library in Nashville, MI. Funeral services have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For complete details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net
Kimberly Thompson
Kimberly Thompson of Charlotte passes away on November 14, 2021, at age 50. She worked as a clerical worker. Funeral at Northpointe Community Church in Dewitt Mich. on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.