Obituaries
Clarence A. Humphrey
Clarence “Red” Arthur Humphrey, a man known for his saying, “It only takes a minute to stay an hour,” died Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Red, 76, of Charlotte, was born November 14, 1944, in Alma, MI, the son of Arthur and Cora (Melton) Humphrey. After dropping out after the 8th grade, Red later went back and got his diploma in 1978. He continued to take classes in drafting and small engine repair at LCC. Red began his career at Johnson Refinery and later went to General Motors in 1965 where he worked 31 years as a die worker until his retirement in 1996. On July 1, 1962, Clarence married Julene Miller and together created their legacy until her passing in 2009. On May 19, 2012 Clarence married Sandy McQueen. Red was a man who loved everyone, he devoted his time to helping others, from volunteering at Chester Gospel Church, teaching cooking at the Crosswalk Teen Center, to helping in the Amish community, he could be counted on for assistance. He was the type of man that if you needed his shirt then it was yours.
Red was a man that liked to stay busy, he was a jack of all trades, working as a Handyman for Joe Fix Rentals, and owned his own business CJ&T Produce. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, trips to the Tippy Dam, motorcycles, his Austin Healey Sports Car, blacksmithing, woodworking, yard sales and trying to find treasures for others, mud bogs, and most importantly sharing his life skills with others.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Pennie (Doug) Lake, Julia (Chris) Long, Clarence (Betty) Humphrey Jr., and Lorinda Gidner; grandchildren, Melissa Lake, Martyn (Cristy) Lake, Troy (Raquel) Copenhaver II, Victoria (Zach) Steinbacher, Dalton Humphrey, Lamour Humphrey, Maggie Humphrey, Marshall Humphrey, Craig Gidner, Gina Wilkes, and Erin (Sean) Barker; great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Mykenzie Lake, Cole Wilkes, Logan Barker and Conner Barker; step-children, Nicholas Truax and Christopher Truax; and his other sons, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser, and Michael (Penny) Halliwill; sister-in-law, Patricia Humphrey; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Julene Humphrey; granddaughters, Angel Kay Humphrey, and Christina Lake; brothers, Marvin, Leon, and Bruce Humphrey; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Red’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, October 1, 2021, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastors Dennis Weeks and Marc Livingston officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Crosswalk Teen Center or the Eaton County Agricultural Society (Eaton County Fairgrounds). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Patricia J. Holley
Patricia Jean Holley, age 72, of Mason, Mich. started her Heavenly Journey on September 24, 2021. Patricia was born March 24, 1949, to Mildred Marie (Larson) Holley, and Lester Benjamin Holley Jr. in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Patricia grew up with a love of animals and gardening that she nurtured and grew all through her life. She was known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. People would stop while she was working in them and ask for tours and the names of her favorite plants.
Patricia’s love of animals included a pet fawn, a duck, and a very special Cocker Spaniel, Lady, during her childhood. As an adult, there was always some kind of pet in the home, including dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, snakes and mice. Many of these pets her children would bring home with a “Can we keep it?” and a big smile. Her special pets were Tasty Tidbit, a toy Pomeranian, and Tuxedo Mask, a 24-pound purring ball of love.
Patricia had a knack for arts and crafts, woodworking, sewing and quilting. When her daughter bought her an embroidering machine, she went wild with-it, creating birthday and Christmas gifts for her family and friends.
Patricia was best known for her many paintings, including beautiful Christmas bulbs that were given as gifts and sold at craft shows. She was asked to paint bulbs for Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, Mich., but declined because she said that it would become a job instead of a creative outlet. She also liked to paint with oils, sketch with pencils and charcoals, and, a long time ago, Artex painting.
Patricia was a great fan of bird feeding. She had a variety of feeders and food to attract as many different species as possible to her yard. A stack of bird books was kept at her window to identify birds. She would then research the best type of food for that bird and send one of her daughters off to the feed store. She waged a constant war against the pillaging squirrels that was an unending source of entertainment for her family and friends.
Patricia was very strong-willed, feisty, and protective. These traits helped her to raise her three children: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer, Tamara Keith, and Dwayne Keith. She also took an active role in helping to raise her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She believed in the philosophy that it took a village to raise a child.
Patricia endured a difficult three-year battle with cancer so that she could have more time with her beloved family. She then passed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her daughters and sister.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chester Holley; son, Dwayne Keith; niece, Mindy Pearl Reed.
Patricia will be mourned by her daughters: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer and Tamara Keith; grandchildren, Nikolas Alldaffer, Aurora Alldaffer, Zavier Keith, Daimeon Keith, Pearl Keith, Noah Keith, Emily Keith, and Dakota Keith; great-granddaughter: Nova Hope; siblings, Lester (Mary) Holley III, Vicki Reed, Rhonda (Dave Gruesbeck) Pressley, and Cindy Holley Miller; her nieces and nephews; special friends Anna Deplanty and Mikki (Ron) Foster-Hunt; along with many other family and friends.
There will be a private burial for her immediate family at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Mich. followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends on October 4, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center located at 804 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. Suggested charities in Patricia’s honor are Ingham County Animal Control, 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854; The Good Samaritan Fund, Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 N. Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842; and SIREN/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by Vickers Leslie Funeral Home in Leslie, Michigan.
Donald H. Milliman
Donald Harry Milliman, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at the age of 71. Don was born on December 1, 1949, in Lansing, Mich. the son of Orville and Natalie (Markiw) Milliman. He was raised in Lansing where he attended Everett High School. Don worked for Lindell Drop Forge in Lansing and then Lake City Drop Forge, retiring in 2005. He loved riding his motorcycle and traveling to the family cabin in Harrison. Don was above all a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed his family and cherished the time he spent with them.
Don is survived by his wife, Pam Milliman; daughters, Stefanie (Daniel) Davis, Shannon (Jamie) Milliman-Tidwell; sons, Steven Milliman and Mike Whittum; grandchildren, Daniel (Anna) Davis II, Connor Davis, Jessica (Josh) Shook, Josh Whittum, Michael Whittum III, Noel Milliman, Cameron Milliman, Kevin Mills, James (Jade) Mills, eight great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Milliman.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Don. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Natalia S. Andrews
Natalia Susan Andrews, age 67, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a 19-month battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. She was born January 18, 1954 in Ionia, the daughter of Raul and Esther (Silva) Luna. Natalie graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1972. During her youth she worked at as a popcorn girl at the Eaton Theatre, Owens Illinois glass factory, Burger Chef restaurant, and Doty Floral. On February 9, 1974, she married Donald Lee Andrews at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte.
Natalie worked for Fitness USA in Frandor as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer. While there she taught kick boxing, jazzercise, and step classes. She also taught aerobics at Charlotte and Potterville Public Schools, where the women gave her the nickname “Terminator from Hell.” She was also a gymnastics instructor for Charlotte, Potterville, and Olivet Schools. During the summers she was a playground summer recreation supervisor at Galewood School. She was also a Cub Scout den leader for both of her sons.
Natalie was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Catholic Church and a member of St. Vincent dePaul. She also taught gym classes at St. Mary School and was part of the St. Mary Child Care.
She will always be known for her cheerful smile and kindness which she readily shared with everyone. Natalie was a great listener and would often times spend hours on the phone lending a caring ear.
Natalie is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Donald; sons: Donald Lee Andrews Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, Jeremy Lee Andrews of Portage; grandson, Talon Andrews; mother, Esther Silva of Charlotte; father, Raul (Mercedes) Luna of SanBenito, Texas; siblings: Virginia (Randy) Day, Art (LouAnn) Luna, Linda (Dean) Bongiovanni, Julie (Paul) Tucker, Teresa Luna; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Domingo and Inez Silva and Manuel and Julia Luna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass at the church on Monday. The rosary will be prayed on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Natalie’s memory to St. Mary School or the American Cancer Society.
To view Natalie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Dick Rulison
The interment for Dick Rulison will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2 p.m., at Section U of Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan. Friends and family are invited to the VFW for conversation and refreshments immediately after the burial.