Obituaries
David W. Fuller
David Wendell Fuller, a friend to many with a big heart and an even bigger smile, died Friday May 28, 2021 at the age of 68. Dave was born November 30, 1952, in Lansing to Wendell and Faunita (Mayo) Fuller. Growing up in Charlotte, David graduated from Charlotte High. Following high school, he served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. In 1972 he married Mary Frances (Fran) Pawli. Together they raised their son Bradley.
Many people will remember Dave as the owner of Blue Ribbon Meat Products. He sold all kinds of meats, and other delicacies door to door to people throughout Eaton County and beyond. People loved to see Dave pull into the drive, not only for the product he brought with him, but also for his smile and story he might share. His “gift of gab” made him a friend to all he met. After his retirement in 2018, Dave couldn’t sit still so he started driving for Uber, and as a master conversationalist he was the perfect Uber driver.
His unique organizational abilities and his connections made through his business travels enabled him to help develop the Charlotte Junior Orioles Baseball program and help build the CJO baseball fields at the American Legion in Charlotte.
At home Dave would tinker and fix a number of things. His wife referred to him as her “MacGyver” who could fix anything. His favorite times at home were when ALL the family was over. He loved to entertain. Especially if he could share his best bartending concoction, the “BBC.”
Dave is survived by his wife, Fran; their son, Bradley (Melisa) Fuller; and granddaughter, Hazel Fuller; brother, Rod (Betsy) Fuller; and sister, Rhonda Fuller. He was predeceased by his brother, Bill Fuller and his parents.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The funeral mass was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Dave’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. We also encourage family and friends to share memories on Dave’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Vincent Food Pantry. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Laurencio Ruiz
Laurencio Ruiz, of Potterville, passed away June 1, 2021, at the age of 86. Laurencio was born in Mexico, June 10, 1934, the son of Demetrio and Beatriz (Gonzalez) Ruiz. He worked for General Motors for 21 years before retiring in 1996. Laurencio enjoyed reading, woodworking, carpentry, working on crossword puzzles and was an active member at St. Peter Catholic Church. He loved being surrounded by his family and attending family gatherings.
Laurencio is survived by his wife, Thelma Ruiz; children, George Ruiz, Beatriz Popp, Carlos Ruiz, Joel Ruiz, and their families; six grandchildren; six siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister and four brothers.
Graveside services will be held at Rosehill Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To place online condolences, please visit MillsFuneral.com.
Earl “John” McCafferty
Earl John McCafferty funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to services at the Pray Funeral Home Gardens.
Gordon E. Bottomley
Gordon Ellis Bottomley, age 78, died on May 16, 2021. He was a resident of Sunfield, Mich. He worked as a welder for Douglas Steel.