Obituaries
Michelle Lynn Murphy
The famly of Michelle Lynn (Sautter) Murphy invites friends and loved ones to join them as we celebrate her life and honor the devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend that she was. A casual visitation will be held on July 24, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church at 125 College Street, Olivet with the memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. It is the wish of her family that all are able to gather together and share memories of her life that brought joy and hope both to her and those who loved her dearly. As she lived her life, Michelle had hopes of serving others even after her passing. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made to the charity of their choice.
Michelle was born on January 2, 1978, and died at the age of 43 on July 2, 2021. She is the daughter of the late Charles J. Sautter. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen (Thomas) Moon; husband, Benjamin E. Murphy; children, Benjamin R. and Emily R.; and sister, Jennifer (Arthur) Summer.
Herbert T. Pierpoint
Herbert Thomas Pierpoint, of Olivet, Mich. and formerly of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at the age of 86. Herb was born on December 24, 1934, in Athens County, Ohio the son of John and Christine (Cobb) Pierpoint. He was raised in Detroit before moving to Howell and eventually to Eaton Rapids where he resided for over 50 years. Herb worked for Diamond Reo as a mechanic for many years. After retirement he would buy and sell cars that he would fix up; he would also train, breed, race and sell standard-breed harness racing horses. Herb was a back-to-back state champion harness racer from 1969 to 1970 with his prized horse, Ebony’s Bachelor. He also moved to Toledo where he worked for Raceway Park as an official and a trainer.
He is survived by his children, Tom (Lynn) Pierpoint, Beverly Pierpoint; grandchildren, Jerry Pierpoint, Nichole (Jen Gieb) Pierpoint, Tori (Mike) Askew, Jasun (Angel) Pierpoint, Jennifer (Luke) Pierpoint, Maida (Podge) Martin, Dustin (Amanda) Mientkiewicz, Dallas Mientkiewicz, Kerry Shore, Denise (Will) Welton; 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Herb is preceded in death by his parents; son, Charles Pierpoint; daughter, Deborah Shore; great-grandson, Jaxon Kocher; sister, Betty Laudenbach; brothers, John Pierpoint and Bob Pierpoint.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.The family would like to extend a special thanks to the hospice nurses, Jenny, Jackie and his aide Trish. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Herb. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kermit Denton
Mr. Kermit Denton, age 82, of Bellevue, Mich., passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice, in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kermit was born in Dayton, Tenn. on December 4, 1938, a son of the late Wilma (Purser) and Ernest Denton. He attended local schools, graduating from Rhea County High School in 1956. The day after graduating high school, the family began the process of relocating to Bellevue, Mich., where Kermit’s father built the family’s new home.
On July 15, 1961, Kermit married Bettie Webb. Later the couple purchased Kermit’s childhood home, and raised their family together in the Bellevue area.
Kermit began his working career as a Valve Grinder at Eaton’s Manufacturing in Battle Creek until the company closed. He continued his career as a mechanic with Clark Equipment in Coldwater, where he worked faithfully for over 15 years. Kermit spent a short time employed at the Bellevue Hardware, before retiring in 2000.
During his spare time Kermit enjoyed raccoon hunting with many of his good friends, and, over the years, he held various offices, including serving as the president of the Wolverine State Coon Hunters Club where he was a lifetime member.
Kermit and Bettie loved watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, and rarely ever missed a game. After retiring, the couple enjoyed traveling and spent countless hours traversing the United States. It was not uncommon for them to load up the pickup truck and simply start driving with no particular direction or destination. One particular trip to the Western United States, Kermit and Bettie covered over 9,000 miles in three weeks.
When they were not traveling, Kermit enjoyed spending time on the water fishing. Bettie would often join him, packing a lunch and a good book, so the couple could enjoy time together on the water.
Kermit and Bettie enjoyed a beautiful Christian faith and heritage which they passed to their children. The couple have been faithful members of Nashville Baptist Church where they have attended for over 41 years. Their church family and fellowship was always something they cherished and enjoyed.
Kermit is survived by his beloved children, Lisa (Bill) Hartman, sons Lynn (Lori) Denton, Larry (Denise) Denton; sisters-in-law, Joyce Randall, Jill Webb and Judy Denton; brothers-in-law, Gary (Judy) Webb, and Gilbert Douglas; eight grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bettie.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich. with Pastors Lester DeGroot and Deano Lamphere officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the memorial service, beginning at 1 p.m., until service time.
Memorial contributions can be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been made through the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit their web site at danielsfuneralhome.net.
John R. Efaw
John Richard Efaw of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 14, 2021 at the age of 90. John was born in Marion County, W. VA, June 25, 1931, the son of John and Mary (King) Efaw. He worked for Owens Illinois in Charlotte for over 30 years before retiring. John was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Nazarene Church and the Charlotte Church of God. His hobbies included reading, attending church activities and tin working.
John is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Schrum of GA, Anita Mire of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Lucas, and Chanda Schrum, Cassondra Mire; five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; son-in-law, Eli Mire; four brothers and one sister.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Perry Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Linda M. Walker
Linda Mae Walker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 11, 2021 at the age of 60. Linda was born in Chicago, Ill. November 17, 1960, the daughter of Edwardo and Caroline Valin. She worked for ROI Group Home as a caregiver for 35 years before retiring. Linda enjoyed reading, walking, riding her bicycle, listening to Christian music, and loving on her dogs, Sadie and Kuddles.
Linda is survived by her husband, Mark Walker; daughters, Shelley (Mark) Lewis of South Haven, Mich., Heidi (David Berg) Klug of Bangor, Mich.; six grandchildren, Heather, Autumn, Kristie, Star, Sierra and Mikey; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Courtney; siblings, Lyle Fredrickson of Eaton Rapids, Robert (Evelyn) Westfall of Hastings, Cindy (Bobby) Landry of Holt, Valerie (Mark) Burgess of Eaton Rapids, Carol Rattigan of Oklahoma City, Mary Leffel of Wis., Brycella (Allen) Roth of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband, Gary Reeder.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.