Obituaries
Anita J. Rodgers
Anita Joan (Hyde) Rodgers, 79, of Gwinn passed away on October 26, 2021, in Sullivan Missouri while vacationing with her fa1nily.
Anita was born on July 17, 1942, in Lansing to Francis and Nancy (Aubrey) Ilyde. She was raised in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School class of 1960.
On July 3, 1959, she married Rodney Rodgers and they enjoyed 62 years together. They raised their family in Magnolia, Illinois and in 1996 they moved to Gwinn where they spent their summers and wintered in Florida.
Anita was a stay-at-home mom raising her four boys until they went off to school. She then went on to pursue her nursing degree and worked as a registered nurse in various hospitals and nursing homes in Illinois and Upper Michigan. She loved to travel and spend time with her family. Her hobbies included watching the ore boats on the Great Lakes, crocheting and was a talented crafter.
Surviving is her husband, Rodney; four sons: Steve (Lynn) Rodgers of Gwinn, MI; Brian (Karen) Rodgers of Georgetown, TX; Jeff (Sharon) Rodgers of Washington, MO; and Scott Rodgers of Frederick, MI; Seven grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren; siblings: Pat (Glenn) Briggs of Charlotte, MI and Mike Hyde of Tulsa, OK; along with many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents along with a brother, Steven Hyde, and granddaughter, Tiffany Wright.
A service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Charlotte Senior Center at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon to follow where family can greet relatives and friends.
Sondra S. Emenhiser
Sondra “Sandy” Sue Emenhiser, of Lansing, MI, a lady who was loved by all who knew her, died October 21, 2021, at the age of 76. Sondra was born September 26, 1945, to Harold Ivan Gage and Ardis Lavonne (DeLong) Gage. She married the man of her dreams, Carl Emenhiser, on April 27, 1984. Sondra worked as a Car Driver, later as a Clerk at Don’s Truck Stop and most recently as a Cake Designer. Sondra was strong with her family; she was a member of The Calvary Baptist Church and later attended New Hope Community Church. Her hobbies included fishing, camping, and doing word searches. Sondra was an avid MSU fan and enjoyed the friendly rivalry with family members. Above all she adored her family.
Sondra is survived by her children, David Michels, Ken Michels, James Michels Jr., Mark Michels, Jim Emenhiser, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser, Hank (Cindy) Emenhiser and Carla (Emenhiser) Barnard; sisters, Carol Kolp and Pamela Gord; brother, John Maxwell Jr.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Emenhiser; sisters, Nancy Robinson and Sarah Maxwell; son-in-law, David Barnard; grandson, Bradley Emenhiser; and daughter-in-law, Marge Emenhiser.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte with Pastors Randy Royston and Victor Williams officiating. Visitation will be held at the church just prior to the service from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Jeff Watson
Jeff Watson was born on June 19, 1955, in Marshall, Michigan, the son of Victor and Florence Watson. He graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1974. He married Jodie Lynette Root, on July 11,2012. Jeff loved wrenching on cars and worked as a mechanic at Vic’s Garage in Partello. He also worked as a DJ spinning the tunes with JC Entertainment. He loved to sing and dance and play the guitar with the Wireman boys and friends. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jeff was a true character. He was fun-loving, always laughing, and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Victor Mae Watson. He is survived by his mother, Florence Courtright Watson; wife Jodie L. Watson; children: Jami (James) Sibbersen, Tracy Watson, Jessica (Benny) Lucero, Robert (Krystle) Rininger, and Megan (Jack) Kemler; grandchildren: Tyler, Savannah, Madison, Harlie, Cassandra, Anthony, Esperanza, Aliyanna, Samuel, Evelyn, Logan, Ellenore, Abigail, and Scarlett; great-grandchildren: Giovanni, Lorenzo, Spencer, and Theodore; siblings, Victor Lee (Dotty) Watson and Kay Watson; nephew, Nick Friedly; best friends: Connie Friedly, Randy and Debi Bartley, the Wireman Family, Clifford Mead, and Vinnie Martinez.
There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.
Dennis B. Parshall
Dennis Bruce Parshall, better known as “Denny” to friends and acquaintances, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021 in his Bitely home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
Denny was born January 2, 1946, to Bruce and Rose (née Thayer) Parshall in Lansing, the fifth of six surviving children and their eldest together. He was raised in rural Ingham County near Williamston, where he attended the one-room White Dog School. He graduated from Dansville High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track.
Denny graduated from Michigan State University, first in 1968 with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and later with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, after serving more than three years in the U.S. Army. He remained a lifelong Spartan, and an avid supporter of MSU sports as well as a football season ticket holder.
Denny’s great passion was conservation, working with animals and the environment. He worked as a farmhand in his younger years, as a veterinary technician in the Army, in wastewater treatment with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and in environmental training and inspection with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
In 1986, he moved to Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Mary, where they raised their sons. They became active members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Denny taught Sunday School for many years.
In his role with MDOT, Denny helped pioneer new methods and processes for handling hazardous materials. After retiring from the state, Denny worked part time as a substitute teacher and later, swimming instructor.
His love and know-how for the environment transcended his work life, and as an activist Denny fought against local installations of incinerators and microwave towers. His role in activism led to a brief career in politics as part of the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte Board of Parks and Recreation.
Those who knew Denny best knew his heart belonged to the outdoors. An avid sportsman, Denny could often be found away from home, camping and fishing, or hunting the wild turkey, white-tailed deer, or black bear with his sons and closest friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Duane and Jack O’Dell; sisters Marilyn Yeager, Sharon and Pamela Parshall; best friends, Bernie Reuter, Cleo Townsend, and Rod Hunt.
Denny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary (née Antozak); sons, Bruce, Ryan “Jonny”, and Joel; grandson, Reece Myers; sister, Diane Parshall; best friends, Scott Cornelius and Jim Hayes; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and siblings-in-law.
Denny’s Memorial will be held November 6th, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church of Charlotte, with visitation held 1 to 4 P.M., followed by Services at 4 P.M.
Please share a memory, picture, and condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Arrangements and care by Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.