Obituaries
Rodney J. Bartlett
Rodney John “Rod” Bartlett, a master of one-liners who loved to make people laugh, died June 6, 2021 at his residence in Charlotte surrounded by his family. Rodney was born February 15, 1945 in London, England to Victor and May (Bates) Bartlett. His family moved to the United States when he was nine-years-old. To this day one of the things he was most proud of was becoming a US citizen.
A hard worker himself, Rod always encouraged his family to do the best they can and instilled good work ethic. He was a journeyman tool and die maker, and retired as a CNC machinist. In his spare time, he enjoyed shooting pool, hunting, fishing and golfing all over Michigan. His pride and joy were always his wife and kids, putting his family number one in his life and openly showing his big heart with grandkids and great-grandkids. The light of Rod’s life, he loved to tease his children and grandkids, and as they got older, they learned to tease right back.
Rod is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; children, Laura (Keith) Wieber, Mark (Lisa) Bartlett, and John (Kathleen) Bartlett; grandchildren, Cameron, Sydney, Breanne (fiancé Adam), Bryce (Ciara), Karlie, Alexa, Ryan, Sean, and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Evelynn, and Edynn; sister, Rita Bartlett; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Gloria Talarczyk.
Friends are encouraged to support Rodney’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The memorial service, held on June 10, was webcast and may be watched from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Rod’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lucille Bulger
Lucille (Lucy) Bulger 84, of Marshall, passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Battle Creek Bronson Hospital under the care of hospice. Lucy was a resident of Maplewood of Marshall for the past several years.
Lucy was born on October 10, 1936 in Gibson City, Ill. to Homer H. and Marie B. (Melvin) Bulger. The family moved to Michigan in the early 1940’s.
Lucy graduated from Olivet High School in 1954. She then went on to earn a business degree from Argubright Business College with an associate’s degree. She worked for the Michigan National Bank in Lansing before going to work at General Motors until retiring in 1991. She was a member of the G.M. Girls Club and The Olivet Congregational Church.
Lucy enjoyed traveling with friends, reading, playing cards, putting together jig saw puzzles, going to the casino and attending family functions.
Lucy is survived by a brother, Louis Bulger of Edmond, Okla.; sisters, Janet Mason and Carolyn (Amos) Reagle of Marshall; nieces, Deanna (Todd) Jewell of Tenn. and Darcie (Bob) Kelso of Okla.; nephews, Scott (Ann) Reagle of Marshall and Greg (Angela) Mason of Wis. She is also survived by several great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Donald Bulger, nephew Steven Mason, and brother-in-law Harlon Mason.
Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068, with a funeral service taking place at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Olivet City Cemetery. Family will gather with friends following the committal services at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College St, Olivet, MI 49076, or to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 93, 400 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Memorials may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home, PO Box 519, Marshall MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
Wanita I. Clark
Wanita Irene Clark, age 69, of Charlotte, Michigan, was in the comfort of her home when she went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2021, after a long battle with lung cancer. Wanita was born on July 19, 1951, in Charlotte, Mich. Her favorite pastime was hanging out with her family. She filled the rest of her time with her favorite hobbies of reading, fishing, and hunting for treasures at yard sales and thrift shops.
Wanita was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Miller; son, Jim Griffith; and sister-in-law, Kim Miller. She is survived by her father, Chester Miller; husband of 31 years, Arthur Clark; children, Cheri (Brad) Cook, David Griffith, and Travis (Kershana) Griffith; step-children, Travis Clark, Adam (Beth) Clark, and Kelly Clark; grandchildren, Mayme (Keng) Lee, Mandee Griffith-Shade, Ashley Clark, Mackenzie Griffith, Andrew Cook, Mickenzie Leiter, Dallas Griffith, Jennifer Cook, Izaiah Griffith, Skylar Griffith, and Nova Griffith; great-grandchildren, Brody, Harper, Owen, Sophia, Elisia, Lila, Celiah, Adelia, and Jaxtyn; siblings, Irving (Sharon) Smith, Dan (Janette) Miller, Doris (Doug) Ewing, Doug (Betty) Miller, Darlene (Chuck) Cowling, DeWayne Miller, and Dwight (Mary) Miller; honorary daughter, Katrina Willoughby; and many nieces and nephews.
According to Wanita’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bellevue Conservation Club located at 8484 Greenfield Highway in Bellevue, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the family to assist with final and medical expenses. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home of Leslie.
Linda K. Woodbury
Linda Kay Woodbury, age 69, of Crouse, North Carolina, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 7, 2021. She was born July 20, 1951, in Charlotte, the daughter of Paul and Mildred (Wise) Holmes. Linda had a passion for drawing and could often be found with a pencil and paper creating her next work of art. She enjoyed spending time with her family, feeding her many animals, and watching old movies. Linda also enjoyed her work at Childer’s Potato Chip Factory in North Carolina.
Linda is survived by her children, Nora (William) Dean of Hastings, Ronald Daniels of Crouse, North Carolina, William (Ashley) Woodbury of Nashville, Paula Carver of Bessemer City, North Carolina; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wesley Woodbury in 2007; sister, Marsha Holmes; and brother, John Holmes.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
Mary E. Jordan
Mary Elizabeth Jordan, of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 15, 2021 at the age of 86. Mary was born in Lansing, July 7, 1934, the daughter of Harold and Elizabeth (Melenik) Houghtaling. She retired from Dart Container in 2008 with 30 years of service. Mary attended St. Peter Catholic Church and was a huge Elvis Presley fan. She loved to watch television, especially, the Food Channel and Hallmark movies, work on puzzle books, read and listen to old country music.
Mary is survived by her son, Bruce Tobi of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; daughter-in-law, Violet Jordan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Mary Bartlett, Andria Seelinger, David (Lori) Jordan, Theresa (Mickey) Watson, Chase Jordan, Helena Jordan, Crystal (Benjamin) Geddie; 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Richard Jordan and Phil Houghtaling; son, David Jordan.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. To place online condolences please visit MillsFuneral.com.