Obituaries
Daune Martis
Daune Martis, a devoted wife to her husband, John, died June 10, 2018. Daune, 74, was born December 10, 1943 in Carson City, Mich., to Franklin and Leona (Fishburn) Hall. Daune’s family shared that others would remember her for her Christian character and how she cared for others. She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lansing. After graduating from high school, Daune was employed at the State of Michigan in Collections at the Department of Treasury, retiring in 2004. On August 18, 1979, Daune married John Martis. Daune’s interests were varied, although she loved to be home cooking great meals. Her favorite pastime was travel. There were many trips including cruises, visiting Las Vegas and travel abroad.
Daune is survived by her husband, John; stepchildren, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis, Shari Schnepp, Sandi Martis, and Shannon Martis; grandchildren, Jena and Jodi Martis, Richard Whitbeck, Dartanion (Sandra) Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon Whitbeck, and Tredon Thomas.
She was predeceased by her parents, Franklin and Leona Hall.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 15, 2018, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Lansing, with Pastor Michael Bater officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Daune on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard Best
Richard Best, 78, of Charlotte, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved to fish and was an avid MSU fan, passed away on June 9, 2018 from pancreatic cancer. Richard was born on May 24, 1940 in Lansing. Richard attended J.W. Sexton High School, graduating in 1958. After high school Richard joined the Coast Guard reserves and served 5 1/2 years.
Richard went to work for the State of Michigan. He hired as a clerk and went on to write the code and programs to convert many of the State’s records and processes to computers. He retired in 1996 after 38 years of service as a Systems Analyst Manager.
Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda; son, Bradley (Missy) Best; daughters, Jamie (Matt) Bennett, Carrie Best (Tom Beebe); seven grandchildren; brother, William (Luella) Best; five nephews; one niece; and sister-in-law, Sharon Monroe.
Richard was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Scott Best; his parents, Rista and Doris (Hutchins) Best; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Sue (Tabor) Best; and brother-in-law, James Bradshaw.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home. Interment took place in Dimondale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Richard’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Timothy W. Olson
Rev. Timothy W. Olson, 51, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born November 5, 1966, in Antigo, Wisc., the son of Peter L. and Valerie M. (Lichman) Olson. Tim graduated from Antigo High School in 1984. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Wisconsin. In 1994 he received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. On October 22, 1994, Tim married the love of his life, Deborah “Chris” Hackett in Indiana. Tim’s first assignment was in St. Helen, Mich. at Hope Lutheran Church, where he had the privilege of serving for 5 years. In 1999, Tim, was called by the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Tim loved the Charlotte community and cherished the opportunity he had to serve them. He was a devoted husband and father. Tim loved his family with a deep devotion and enjoyed every moment they spent together. He was also an active member of the Charlotte Rotary Club and served as the Chaplain at Hayes-Green-Beach Memorial Hospital.
Tim is survived by his wife of 23 years, Chris; children, Rebekah (Adam Boston) Olson, Rachel Olson, James Olson; mother, Valerie Olson; siblings, Tom (Maria) Olson, Andy (Peggy) Olson, Mark Olson, Dan (Katie) Olson, Laura (Jerry) Houdek, Theresa (John) Schmidt, Sally Glazer, Patty Olson, Pete (Pam) Olson; parents-in-law, Earl and Kathy Hackett; brothers-in-law, Jim Hackett, Bryan (Amy) Hackett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Olson; and sister, Linda Olson.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, with Rev. David Maier officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tim’s honor to the First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Tim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marjorie L. Woolstenhulme
Marjorie Louise Mobbs Woolstenhulme, 92, was called home by her loving Heavenly Father, Wednesday, May 30, 2018. Midge, as she was known by her family and friends, passed away peacefully at Sensations Memory Care of natural causes. She was born August 14, 1925 in Exeter, N.H. to Karl and Gladys Mobbs. She proudly served her country in the United States Navy where she met and married Lynn J. Woolstenhulme October of 1952. Through the many years of her husband’s military transfers and deployments, Midge never lost her love for adventure, sense of humor, or her New Hampshire accent.
Midge had many jobs, but her two favorites were, town librarian in Bakersfield, Vt. and working as a hospice volunteer. She loved to sew, garden and visiting with people. She actively served in various capacities for her church, always putting the needs of others before herself.
Midge is preceded in death by her by husband of 56 years, and one daughter, Janise Witkowski (Thomas) of Tooele, Utah.
She is survived by two sisters, Doris Kleinheitz (Herman) of Kentucky, Edith Belanger (Edward) of New Hampshire; daughters, Yvonne King (Gary) of Charlotte, Karen Morales (David) of Gresham, Ore., Sandra Woolstenhulme of Grand Ledge; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved deeply.
Midge spent the last two years living at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. Our family would like to thank all the staff from Sensations and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for the wonderful compassionate care they shared with our mum making sure she was most comfortable in her final days.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 200 N. Bostwick Street in Charlotte. Visitation was held on June 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Interment will take place at Benton Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To view Midge’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Candy S. Riley
Candy Sue Miller Riley, 49, of Shelbyville, Ky., passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018. She was employed by Pegasus Transportation.
She is preceded in death by husband, Joseph Riley.
Survivors include: daughters, Crystal Shannon (Steven) and Ashley Riley; son, Trevor Riley, all of Shelbyville, Ky.; grandchildren, Brandon, Logan, Blake and Madison Shannon, Scarlett and Joseph Montfort and Carolyn Riley; parents, Larry and Pam Miller, of Charlotte; sister, Rhonda Shopper, of Charlotte.
A funeral service was held Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Shannon Funeral Home, with Tina Theiler officiating. Burial followed in Defoe Cemetery.
Duane L. Cook
Duane Leslie Cook of Charlotte, a friendly, easy-going man that was loyal, selfless, and honest, died May 29, 2018. Duane, 80, was born February 12, 1938 in Vermontville to Willis and Marie (Boyles) Cook. Duane was an outdoorsman, and loved to hunt deer, pheasant, duck, and turkey. He coached little league baseball and softball for many years, and was a long-time volunteer at Camp Michawana in Hastings. Duane enjoyed playing ping-pong during his breaks at work, and he was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all the Michigan based teams from Detroit, MSU, and UofM. Duane retired from General Motors, after working for 48 years at the parts plant. He was very proud of his service to our country in the Army from 1961 to 1963.
Duane’s friends and family will miss his happy demeanor and great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bobby (Ransburg) Cook; sons, Stephen M. and Michael W. Cook; daughter, Faith (Joel) Truax; three grandchildren, Angel Polhamus, Daniel Cook, and Brianna Truax; one great-grandchild, Dane Martin; brother, Darwin (Liz) Cook; sisters-in-law, Pat and Alene; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, DeVere (Barbara) Cook, Dale Cook, and Dorr (Bobby) Cook; and sister-in-law, Nancy.
Friends are encouraged to support Duane’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at Nashville Baptist Church, with Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating. Visitation is Friday, June 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Camp Michawana in Hastings.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Duane on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Edward Ells
Edward “Ted” Ells, a deeply devoted and loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2018, in Charlotte, at the age of 86. Ted was born April 27, 1932, the son of William and Aletha (Root) Ells. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1950 with a letter in every sport. Soon after, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served nine years. Ted married the love of his life, Ann Ruth McMillen on November 14, 1953 and the two enjoyed 43 years together before her death on January 22, 1996. He worked for General Motors for 32 years, never missing a day of work. He retired in 1997 and continued an active lifestyle as a member of the Charlotte Moose Club, the American Legion, and the Charlotte Fraternal order of Eagles #3552. He enjoyed showing off his Eagle membership card with an expiration date in the year 3042. Ted enjoyed Tuesday breakfast with his cousins, and started many adult softball fast pitch leagues as pitcher. He enjoyed his daily routines, stubbornly sticking to them throughout the years. Many will remember Ted as a very generous friend to many, with a prankster sense of humor and always making others smile. He treated everyone he knew as family, and knew someone everywhere he went. Above all, Ted loved his children and grandchildren.
Ted is survived by hais daughters, Ann (Scott) Britton of Charlotte; Rebecca (Gary) Bala of Mulliken; Tina Ells (Dale) of Olivet, Debbra Jones (Mark) of Arizona; son, Ed (Tiffany) of Colorado; 13 grandchildren, Bob, Tresa, Levi, Casie, Jason, Blake, Karli, Devin, Paige, Morgan, Lindsay, Olivia, and Logan; 15 great-grandchildren; loving sister, Marilyn (Carroll) Briggs of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Aletha; sister, Elaine; brothers, Maynard (Mickey), Willard (Bill), Donald; and his wife of 43 years, Anna.
Funeral services were Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to McLaren Hospice of Lansing.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ted on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Barbara Ann Williams, 82, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Barbara was born May 23, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisc., the daughter of Charles and Mercedes (Kirkpatrick) Bernhardt and Ernest R. Kluge, who have predeceased her. Barbara was a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School, class of 1954 and a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church in Lansing, and Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. In 1988, Barbara retired from the City of Lansing, personnel department, after 28 years of service, and went to work for WalMart in Charlotte for several years. She was an ardent and active member of the Lansing Community; including Cub Scout leader, GLAHA hockey mom; member of The United Way of Lansing, Lansing Civic Players, Lansing Women’s Club, American Society of Safety Engineers, Lansing Safety Council, Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Jug and Mug Ski Club of Lansing, and the Eaton Area Senior Center.
Barbara always loved music and was always a member of the choir in the church she belonged to. She studied with Dr. David Machtel, Sr. of Lansing and the Armand School of Theatrical Art in Detroit. She was the guest soloist with the Saginaw Symphony Orchestra, and sang with the “Rocketaires.” A soprano, Barbara also shared her talent by soloing at weddings and many other community functions. In addition to her love of music, she enjoyed bowling, dancing, bingo, and, of course, her animals.
Surviving are her son, Randy (Gail) Williams of Charlotte; grandchildren, Charlie and Ethan Williams and Shelby Wilson; and special cousins and friends. All knew they were very much loved. She lived one day at a time, counted her blessings, and had a strong faith in God.
Friends and family gathered on Wednesday, May 30, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any charity of choice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Barbara on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Dale I. Faulkner
Dale Ira Faulkner of Charlotte passed away surrounded by his loving family and close friends, on May 18, 2018 at the age of 71. He was born in Eaton Rapids, May 21, 1946, the son of Lynn and Anne (Thornton) Faulkner. He worked for General Motors for 40 years, retiring in 2005 as a maintenance supervisor. Dale was a member of Pheasants Forever and the National Elk Foundation. He and his wife, Barbara, loved to travel up north to their cottage in Barryton. Dale enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, attending auto shows, and traveling to Oshkosh for air shows.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Faulkner; children, Scott (Amy) Faulkner of Charlotte, Sheri (Tony) Jaglowski of Charlotte; Barb’s children, Lori Dotts of Grass Lake, Lisa (John) Kozitzki of Virginia, Stephen (Ahnika) Dotts of Charlotte; beloved Sheltie, Lizzy; grandchildren, Alyssa (Brent) Bos, Kelsey Meyer, McKenna Kozitzki, Silver Dotts, Stevie Dotts, Abigail Dotts, Zoë Dotts-Brown, Avery Dotts-Brown; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Charlotte Bos; brother, Don (Jeannine) Faulkner; brothers-in-law, Dave Moss, Ken Burch; several nieces and nephews and many close friends.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Diane Moss and Dawne Burch.
A Celebration of Life will be at noon on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, located at 518 S. Main Street in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, 2469 Woodlake Circle, Ste. 100, Okemos, MI 48864 or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Heidi R. Hackett-Ripley
Heidi Renee Hackett-Ripley, a selfless, caring mother and friend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at her home in Potterville at the age of 54. Friends and family remember Heidi as a spunky lady with a great sense of humor and creative do-it-yourself spirit. She put her heart and soul into everything she did whether it was figuring out how to make the perfect cookies or dessert, making the best little ladybug stone, or working in the yard. Heidi would spend hours researching various do-it-yourself projects and then dedicate herself to completing the tasks at hand. She often placed the needs of family and friends ahead of her own. Her interests outside the home were eclectic, including popular music, being a fan of NASCAR, and cheering on her children in whatever they were doing.
Above all, she was proud of her family, taking care of Kris, Olivia and Jack. She was often on the road, following her children to all their competitions and events, no matter whether it was around the corner or across the state.
Heidi is survived by her husband, Kris Ripley; daughter, Olivia Hackett; son, Jack Ripley; mother, Cindy Ivcovich; brothers, Scott (Deanna) Hackett, and Sam (Kathleen) Hackett; and many friends.
She was predeceased by her father, Gary Hackett.
Friends are encouraged to support Heidi’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Richard Mitterling celebrant.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Heidi on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.