Obituaries
Robert H. Dornbos
Robert H. Dornbos, age 92, of East Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Friday, July 23, 2021. He was born May 18, 1929, in Grand Haven, Mich., the son of Lawrence and Gertrude (VanWoerkom) Dornbos. Bob graduated from Grand Haven High School with the class of 1947. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University. On November 26, 1951, he married Aleta L. Frovog in Spring Lake, Mich. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed traveling and was especially fond of taking trips with Penny and the kids to nearly every mountain range throughout the country. Bob owned and operated Dornbos Sign in Charlotte for many years. He cherished his many friends he was able to make while out on the road serving his customers. Bob loved nature. He had a passion and extensive knowledge of flowers and birds. Bob could often be found working in his beautiful gardens.
Bob is survived by his children, Kim (Doug) Johns of Punta Gorda, Fla., Sarah Earl of Ann Arbor, Jeffrey (Katie) Dornbos of Charlotte; grandchildren, Rachael (Travis) Therrien, Sadie (Sam) Ames, Samantha (Dustin) Newman, Madison Earl, Jacob (Ashley) Dornbos, Jared Dornbos, Gregory Dornbos; six great grandchildren; sister, Nancy Rhem; and sister-in-law, Beverly Stevenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Penny in 2014; and brother, Larry (Donna) Dornbos.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Doreen F. Kiplinger
Doreen F. “Susie” Kiplinger passed away peacefully on July 22, 2021. Doreen was born in Chester Township, Mich. on April 8, 1938, to parents, Arthur and Elaine (DePue) Schultz. She spent her 83 years in the Charlotte area, growing up in Chester Township, then settling in Walton Township to raise her family and work on a farm with her late husband, Jack.
Doreen loved spending time with her family and attended every school event for her children and grandchildren. Not only did she dote on her children and grandchildren, but every child that encountered Doreen, knew her as “Grandma Susie.” Also, if anyone in her world needed help, she was there. She also enjoyed being outside in her yard tending to her flowers or garden. Nobody had a green thumb like Doreen. She loved to feed and watch the birds. She also took pride in decorating her house for every month of the year.
Doreen worked at Eaton County Register of Deeds Office for five years, Battle Creek Enquirer as a newspaper carrier for fourteen years, she spent seventeen years at Olivet Community Schools as a bus aide and custodian, and forty years as the Walton Township Clerk.
Doreen was married to Jack Kiplinger for 42 years. She is survived by their children, Jon (Mirta) Kiplinger, Jodi Kiplinger, Jayne (Bob) Walker, Jeanine (Kevin) Nowak, James (April) Kiplinger, Jesse (Shelly) Kiplinger; grandchildren, Amber, Aaron, Casey, Christian, Angelia, Josalyn, Jonquil, Jessica, Jayme, Luke, Ellie, Lila, Emilea, Erika, Colleen, Jaysen, Tyler; and great-granddaughter, Harper; siblings, Arthur “Sam” (Jean) Schultz, Doris Schultz, and Darrell “Joe” (Janet) Schultz; as well as many nieces and nephews. Doreen was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Jeffrey Kiplinger; ex-husband Jack Kiplinger; and brothers, Douglas, Dorwin “Dade,” Donald and Dee Schultz.
Many people called her “Grandma Susie” as she was a grandmother figure to many, especially the Priesman family, Patrick II, Kristina, Thela, Patrick III, Magan and Aly.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will begin on Friday, July 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. You may leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Olivet Community Schools, 255 first Street, Olivet, MI 49076, for the scholarship fund for students.
Donald M. Jardot, Sr.
Donald M. Jardot, Sr., 92, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Hope Landing ALC in Charlotte. Don was born June 12, 1929, in Lansing, Mich., the son of Alfred M. and Thelma G. (Dornan) Jardot. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and attended Michigan State University. Don married Charlotte A. “Chuckie” Ellison on September 2, 1950, and together they raised three children. He started his own dairy milk hauling business, which he operated for 19 years before going to work as a building engineer for Potterville Schools, retiring in 1995 after 25 years of service. Throughout the years, Don loved car racing, and even built engines for Indy cars while helping to maintain a super-modified race car for many years. He and Chuckie enjoyed family trips together snowmobiling and mushroom hunting, as well as bus trips to the casino. Don was always known to keep a lovely yard and a well-maintained home. Don took exceptional care of Chuckie during her long illness, showing everyone what a wonderful husband he was.
Don is survived by his daughters, Linda (Jerry) Cobb of Olivet, Mich., and Cindy (Jay Eckert) Jardot of Mount Vernon, Wash.; son, Donald (Terrie) Jardot Jr. of Charlotte, Mich.; grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica) Carpenter, Heather (Joshua) Ramsay, Kristin (Michael) Zima, Carrie Ann Kearney and Kira Kearney; great-grandchildren, Caycee and Haylee Carpenter, Harlie and Devin Kamrowski and Dylan and Brandon Zima; and sister-in-law, Lois Ellison. He was predeceased by his wife; parents; sisters, Maxine and Barbara; and brothers, Bernard, Fred, and Paul.
Friends are encouraged to support Donald’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Monday, July 26, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Steve Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Adult Handicap Program c/o Eaton RESA, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard A. Lindsay
Richard Alan Lindsay, 66 of Charlotte, a selfless and joyful man, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2021. He was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 25, 1955, the son of Louis and Agatha (Feldpausch) Epkey. One of Rich’s proudest accomplishments was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Thoughtful, generous, and devoted, Rich had a heart filled with compassion. He often spent his spare time helping others, doing yardwork or just lending a listening ear. It didn’t matter if you were a stranger; Rich was a friend to everyone. He had the amazing ability to bring out the best in those around him. He constantly filled others with words of encouragement and truly loved to see other people succeed.
Rich proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Rich worked for Michigan Veterinary and Farm Supply as a salesman for over 25 years, retiring in 2011. He also managed numerous rental properties around Charlotte.
An avid sportsman, Rich loved to play golf and most recently won the First Baptist Church golf league. He enjoyed playing on multiple golf, pickle ball, tennis, and softball leagues where he formed many lifelong friendships. All who knew Rich knew he loved to compete, but he also had the amazing ability to make everyone playing feel believed in and valued. This held especially true for his family, he never missed a chance to support his children and grandchildren at all of their events.
Rich married the love of his life, Joan Lindsay, on March 10, 1990 at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte where he was an active member of the church. Together they raised four wonderful children. Rich’s adoration for his wife was evident to all who knew him. He made sure Joany, as he affectionately called her, knew she was supported and loved beyond measure. A Godly man, strong in his belief and willing to help all those who crossed his path, he lived by, Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”.
Rich’s enthusiastic personality and outlook on life will be missed by all that met him especially his family.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Agatha Epkey; and sister, Mary Kaiser. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; daughters, Jaime (Casey) DeMott of Charlotte and Carrie (Michael) Pendell of Dewitt, sons, Logan (Abby) Lindsay of Dexter and Lucas Lindsay of Charlotte; six beautiful grandchildren; and siblings, Fred (Linda) Epkey of Fowler, MI, Kathy (Randy) Simmon of Crystal Lake, MI, Lois Libiran of Plainwell, MI, Christine (Carlos) Libiran of Mason, MI, John (Patty) Epkey of Indianapolis, IN, Charlie (Theressa) Epkey of Post Falls, ID, and Dorothea (John) Sullivan of Elmira, OR.
Friends are encouraged to support Rich’s family by attending the memorial service, which is being held at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Memories can also be shared on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, Rich’s family encourages others to do as Rich would do and give their time to helping others. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.