Obituaries
Norma K. Hoag
Norma Kay Hoag of Springport, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the age of 78. Kay was born on July 5, 1943 in Eaton Rapids, to Lanson and Frances (Thumie) Tilford. She was raised on her family farm in Springport where she attended school, leaving early to start a family only to return to school where she received her diploma in 1969. Kay worked for the Springport School district for 33 years as a bus driver while also working on her own family farm. She always had an open door at her house, and it was usually filled with children from the neighborhood. Kay was an active member of 4H in her youth, a longtime member of Springport Methodist Church and always loved being outdoors and enjoying nature’s beauties.
She is preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law, Alonzo and Velma Hoag; brothers-in-law, Carl, Bill, Gene, Dick, Johnny and Wayne Hoag.
Kay is survived by her husband, Jerry Hoag; children, Terry (Sidney “Jim” Keupper) Adamski, Carl (Sue) Hoag; grandchildren, Carlee Hoag, John Hoag, Jerry Hoag; brothers, Clayton (Nancy) Tilford, Richard “Dick” (Margaret) Hisler; sister, Sharon (Carl) Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Clarence Center Cemetery in Springport. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Marlene G. Waterson
Marlene Grace Waterson of Mason, passed away on September 20, 2021 at the age of 79. Marlene was born in Jackson, Mich., on August 8, 1942, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Vian) Herrick. She went back to school and graduated from Bear Lake High School in 1992 alongside her daughter, Michelle. Marlene learned sign language on her own and was an interpreter for those in need. She was an awesome baker and cook, enjoyed sewing and canning.
Marlene is survived by her children, Sharon Chandler of Harrietta, Mich., Mark Wilhelm of Lansing, Michelle Jones of Copemish, Mich., Aaron Wilhelm of Mesick, Mich., Lloyd Wilhelm of Cadillac; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; siblings, Doretta Isaac, Beverly Mannor, Raymond Herrick, James Herrick. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Aaron Waterson; brother-in-law, Neal Isaac.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Mills Funeral Home. Please visit our website to place online condolences for the family, www.millsfuneral.com.
Ray A. Darnell
Ray Arthur Darnell of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 6, 2021, at the age of 67. Ray was born in Howell, Mich., January 8, 1954, the son of Clarence and Lillian (Bunker) Darnell. He worked for DecraLac and Fast Eddies in Holt. Ray was an avid outdoorsman enjoying camping, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, watching NASCAR and westerns. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his fiancé, Brenda Lee Richardson; children, Ray, Jenny, Bruce and Mark Darnell; step-children, Robert, Paul, Caleb (Kalynn), Jason (Amanda), Cody (Alyssa) Richardson and Heidi (Rod) Pyers; nine grandchildren; brother, Ronald Darnell; sisters, Lois (Dave) Clark, Karen Roebuck and Ila (Larry) Collins; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Kenny.
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Mills Funeral Home. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Dennis J. Lawhead
Dennis Jerome Lawhead of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on September 18, 2021, at the age of 73. Dennis was born in Lansing, June 25, 1948, the son of Duane and Irma Gayle (Walker) Lawhead. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1967 and went on to proudly serve with the US Army until his retirement in 1989. Dennis continued his employment as a corrections officer retiring in 2011 after 20 years. He was a member of the Masonic Temple in Eaton Rapids and Charlotte, the American Legion in Jackson and a lifetime member of the NRA. Dennis enjoyed riding his Harley Motorcycle, hunting and fishing. He was an amazing father and beloved husband and will be greatly missed.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Olivia Lawhead; children, Danah (Chris) Klinger of Georgia, Desi (Seth) Sohn of Wisconsin, Dennis (Christina) Lawhead Jr. of Kalkaska; grandchildren, Emily, Carlina, Clara, Max, Oscar and Juniper; brother, David Lawhead of Onstead; sister, Dorothy Parsley of Florida; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jack Swan.
Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please visit our website to place online condolences for the family, www.millsfuneral.com.
Sandra K. Eggleston
Sandra Kay Eggleston, 68, of Charlotte, died Saturday, September 11, 2021, in Lansing, surrounded by her family. Sandra was born October 31, 1952, in Charlotte, the daughter of Albert and Nellie (Johnson) Brandon. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1971, and the next week married Billy Eggleston on June 19, 1971. Shortly after, the two started their family with the birth of their son, Keith. Sandra worked many years as a grill cook, at the Eaton Place, Big Boy, and the County Gavel, as well as working at Mickey’s Party Store. She and Billy enjoyed bowling together on their Friday night league, and Sandra also played softball. She loved to cook, not only on the job, but baking cookies for her family, especially grandchildren. Sandra cherished her grandchildren, and her family.
Sandra is survived by her husband of 50 years, Billy Douglas Eggleston; son, Keith LaVerne Eggleston and his significant other, Heather Collins; daughter, Rose Marie Eggleston and her fiancé Devrin Beebe; four grandchildren, Amber (Ian) Nichols, Blake Peffer, Brandon Eggleston, and Jamie Collins; and her sister, Ruth Lawcock. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Virginia Potter, Albert “Vern” Brandon, Mary Myers, Robert Brandon, Glen Brandon, Dixie Weaver, Donald Brandon, Ronald Brandon.
Friends are encouraged to support Sandra’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Relay for Life. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.