Obituaries
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.
Lillian E. Morrison
Lillian Ellen Morrison, a longtime employee at Walmart in the jewelry department, died July 19, 2021. Lillian, 90, of Charlotte, was born June 20, 1931 in Aurelius Township, Ingham County Mich. to William and Eliza (Disbrow) Herrick. Lillian was a very loving and caring person who would give you the shirt off her back to help others. One of her most favorite things was taking her grandchildren on several camping trips. Lillian loved to go fishing with her husband, so much so that they did it on their wedding day! She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed knitting afghans for her grandchildren. Lillian was employed by G.C. Murphy’s as a stock person, managed Colonial Village apartments in Olivet for 15 years and was most recently employed by Walmart where she received an award for many years of service in the jewelry department. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Lillian is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Baker and Foy Hackler; sister, Sharon Garcia; nine grandchildren, many great- and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Morrison; sons, Gary Morrison and Robert Morrison; parents, William and Eliza (Disbrow) Herrick; brother, William Herrick; sisters, Birtice Lundy, Roberta Quinn, Dorothy Star, Marie Opdike, Maxine Herrick, Vera LaMathe and Pauline Batora.
Graveside services were held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Mich. with Pastor Darwin Kuhl and Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Mich. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to West Carmel Congregational Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online at Lillian’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard “Dick” Rulison
Richard “Dick” Rulison, 66, passed away of a heart attack on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at his home on Cabbage Road in Tapiola, Mich. He was born in Charlotte, Mich. and was the son of Katherine and Robert Rulison. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel, who was killed in Vietnam. He is survived by his brother, David; sister-in-law, Linda; and his nephews, Jesse and Adam (wife Rachel), whom he loved very much.
Dick started working with horses in his early teens and apprenticed with a local farrier after graduation from Charlotte High School in 1973. In the early 1980’s he moved to Tapiola where he continued shoeing horses locally and working at the Pelkie Co-op. In 1983 he took a job with Carriage Tours on Mackinac Island. Until his recent retirement, he worked and lived on the island during the summer seasons and spent the winters in Tapiola. He loved his U.P. Tapiola life, and for over 30 years he donated his “off-season time” as a volunteer for Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly and was a fireman for the Otter Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Dick had a great sense of humor and never ran out of stories to tell, and embellish, in his own special way. He will be missed deeply by his family and many friends.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be offered on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 12 noon at the Tapiola Pavilion. Food and refreshments will be provided.
The interment of his ashes will be held at a later date this fall at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Mich., followed by a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly or the Otter Lake Fire Department.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to oneilldennisfh.com.