Obituaries
Betty R. Priest
Betty Ruth Priest, a woman devoted to her family, died July 25, 2021. Betty, 65, of Charlotte, Mich. was born January 31, 1956, in Bridgeton, NJ to Evertt and Wilma (Bullerdick) Clark. Full of laughter and enthusiasm for life, her family thrived in her love and incredible ability to make them first. On June 12, 1982, Betty married the love of her life, Dennis Priest, and together the couple devoted their life to each other and to others. The couple volunteered at the Eaton RESA Special Riding Program. Horses were a large part of her adventurous life in barrel racing, 4-H, county fairs and events at Circle ‘C’ Ranch. Faith and love of Jesus Christ was an integral part of Betty’s heart with her favorite scripture being John 3:16. She was a proud member of the Restore Church in Ionia where she volunteered in the nursery. Betty was excited about adopting her precious daughter, Ashlee. Later is life, her grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Betty is survived by her husband, Dennis Lee Priest; daughter, Ashlee (Jordan) Rivera; grandchildren, Olivia, Kaylynn, Everleigh, and Clayton Rivera; siblings; Larry Clark and Judy (Clark) Moncrief. She is predeceased by her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Mich. with Pastor John Prominski officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Eaton RESA for the Special Riding Program.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online at Betty’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Malcolm E. Hume
Malcolm Edward Hume, of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 6, 2020 at the age of 68. Malcolm was born in Highland Park, Mich., October 26, 1952, the son of Robert and Jackie (Scott) Hume. He worked for Dart Container for ten years, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Eaton Rapids Lions Club, liked to dabble in his garden, collect model trains, take his 1967 Mustang to car shows and drive it in parades.
Malcolm is survived by his mother, Jackie; wife, Carol Hume; sons, Matthew Hume of Eaton Rapids, Steven (Kelly) Hume of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Kiley and Jonah Hume both of Eaton Rapids; brothers, David (Julie) Hume and Robert “Bruce” Hume. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.
Memorial services will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Association, 260 Jefferson Ave SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Rosemary Allen
Rosemary Allen, of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 23, 2021 at the age of 82. Rosemary was born in Eaton Rapids, February 23, 1939, to Walter and Ruth (Halsey) Kikendall. She met Dick, the love of her life, and they were married on February 20, 1960. Rosemary was very artistic, creating beautiful art of many medias as well as belonging to the Eaton County Art League. The family would like to mention her friends in the Art League, Jill, Jean, Norma and Judy. The times they all spent together were an important part of her life. Rosemary was very proud of her art exhibit at Olivet College. She won five blue ribbons and two red ribbons at the Eaton County Fair in 2021. She earned her black belt in karate and was also an instructor. Rosemary was a belly dancer, enjoyed ball room dancing and wintering in Texas. She was a cake decorator for 4-H and Cub Scout leader and was the jewelry queen of JTV. Rosemary had a special place in her heart for her entire family and they will miss her greatly. A special thank you to her cousin, Linda Curtis for comforting her at the end of her life.
Rosemary is survived by her children, Laura (Ross) Venable of Eaton Rapids, Mark (Traci) Allen of Bellevue, Sheila Thacker-Allen of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Alicia (Dennis) Clarke, Curt (Kristin) Garnsay II, Wyatt (Taylor Cupp) Allen and Blake Allen; great-grandchildren, Alivia and Kody Clarke, Lillianna Garnsay, and baby Allen, (Rosemary was the only one that knew the gender); brothers, Terry (Penny) Kikendall and Robert Kikendall; numerous cousins; her yorkie dog, Poppy; best friends of 50 years, Amy Garnsay and Ann King. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard in 2015.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Art League. Please visit their website to share online condolences with the family, millsfuneral.com.
Michael James Herrick
Michael James Herrick, age 77, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., passed away peacefully with his children at his side on July 6, 2021. Mike fought a short, unexpected battle with colorectal cancer that quickly spread. We are sure he is now keeping tabs on all the big bucks and big fish for his friends and family. Mike started working at the Main #1 GM Plant in Lansing in 1965 for $2.65/hour. Shortly after starting at GM, he was drafted for a two-year tour into the U.S. Army where he proudly served in Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. Upon returning home, Mike continued to work at General Motors until his retirement in 1995, having earned 33.3 retirement years through long hours and impeccable attendance. He then was able to focus his time and energy on his hobbies.
Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. He was a life member of the NRA, Michigan Bowhunters, and the Blackhawk Bowhunters of Leslie. He loved to tell the same hunting and fishing stories over and over again to anyone who would listen. Mike also loved to grow a large garden where he would deliver his bounty to his friends. Mike would often just show up at his friends’ and family’s houses to chat for hours. He loved going on long drives to the family cottage, and to Cabela’s and Jay’s with his hunting and fishing buddies. He loved to tell the stories of any travel adventures. Mike could also be seen mowing his large lawn almost daily.
In recent years, Mike loved to talk about his granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah. When they lived out of state, he would take his friends on a grand adventure to visit them wherever they might be. Up until the end he loved talking about the time he flew to Texas when Rachel was a toddler and when he visited both Rachel and Sarah in Pennsylvania. Mike also loved to stop at the local coin shop to find unique coins for the girls.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, L.C. and Pauline Herrick; and his brother, Lawrence “Larry” Herrick. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki (Joe) Loren; son, Clayton Herrick; ex-wife, Susan Herrick; granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Loren; brother, Robert (Trish) Herrick; sister Susan (David) Fernald; sister-in-law, Carol (Duke) Lamotte; nieces and nephews, John D, Kim, Rob, Kathleen, Sheri, and Candice.
Mike’s children sincerely thank friends and family who stopped by the house during the last month of his life. They also want to thank those who stopped by to help and assist during this difficult time. Mike knew you were there for him and truly appreciated you.
A reunion of family and friends celebrating Mike’s life will be held closer to hunting season. It will be a time to share memories and laughter and Mike’s other favorite venue…food. Family and friends will be notified when a date is set.
In lieu of flowers, please schedule a colonoscopy and/or a mammogram. Memorial donations may be directed to the family to help with final expenses. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284 (517) 857-4848.
Bernard Williams
Bernard “Bernie” Williams, a kind and loving father, grandfather and brother, died July 22, 2021. Bernie, 90, lifelong resident of Charlotte, was born September 2, 1930 in Charlotte to Harry and Queen (Moore) Williams. He was a soft-spoken man, kind-hearted and put his focus on others rather than himself. A family man, he treasured the time spent with his wife and children and was there when needed. He had a passion for flying, and was a flight instructor, and a founding member of the Eaton Flying Service. Bernie owned and operated Garfield Tavern with his wife Elsie for 9 years. Later he retired from General Motors as Plant Security. He enjoyed game time with his family and friends and living his best life each and every day. Bernie was able to use his handyman skills to help anyone in need. His love for travel led to many fond memories created of the camping trips up north and out west. If asked, Bernie would say he was most proud of his family.
Bernie is survived by his daughters, Terry Wellman, Jo (Mike) Davis; son, Mark (Denise) Williams; grandchildren, Jarrod Schultz, Tony (Rachel) Schultz, Jeff (Lindsey) Davis, Kyle Williams, Kevin (Kelsey) Williams, Lauren Davis; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Margaret Harmon, John (Betty) Williams, and Larry Williams. He was predeceased by his wife, Elsie; son, Ronald; and his grandson, Matthew.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 26, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 27, 10-11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Dan Sowles officiating. Friends are encouraged to support Bernie’s family by attending, or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The Williams family would like to thank his second family at Hope Landing for the exceptional care he received while there. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hope Landing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.