Obituaries
Eugene F. Sundermann
Eugene Frederick Sundermann, of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 18, 2021 at the age of 83. Eugene was born in Eaton Rapids on April 23, 1938, the son of George and Edith (Martin) Sundermann. He graduated from Springport High School in 1956. Eugene proudly served with the US Army in Germany. He worked with the railroad as a radiator repairman for 15 years and later worked at General Motors for 20 years before retiring in 1998. Eugene was a marksman, enjoyed hunting, golfing, and playing on his computer. He lived a life that reached out like a spider web, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Eugene is survived by his children, Wendy Pledger Godwin of Cal., Brenda Saines of Lansing, son, Bill Saines of Fla.; grandchildren, William (Kim) Saines, Jessica (James) Kelley, Carrie (Shane) Russell, Derek (Meghan) Thocker and Greg (Chelsea) Thocker; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Betty Lou) Sundermann, James Sundermann, William Sundermann, Grant (Bonnie) Sundermann, Jack Sunderman. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; daughter, Cyrena Sundermann; siblings, George Sundermann, Betty Powers, Johanna Novanty, Katherine Zillgitt, Darlene Lease and Marilyn Speckin.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Mark Lease, 9688 Griffith Road, Eaton Rapids on Saturday May 29, 2021 beginning at 1 p.m. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to McLaren Hospice, 2815 S Pennsylvania Ave, Ste 4, Lansing, MI 48910. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Please visit our website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
Loren D. Higginbotham
Loren Dale Higginbotham, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2021 at the age of 70. Dale was born July 28, 1950 in Paris, Ill., the son of Clyde Donald and Helen (Tyler) Higginbotham. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Vivian Keener Whitman.
Dale was known as a “junkman” and would often fix up items and sell them at Turkeyville, where he was well known and made many friends. He also did odd jobs for people from working on vehicles to doing work around the house.
He is survived by his sisters, Linda (Jim) Grouthouse, Cynthia Piper; brother, Gary Higginbotham; beloved dog, Tippy and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Perry Cemetery in Brookfield Township on Saturday, June 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Jack E. Johnson
Jack Edward Johnson, of Charlotte, a barber by trade but known by many for his creative paintings, died May 10, 2021 at the age of 96. Born in Potterville to Edward and Ina (Watts) Johnson on April 25, 1925, Jack lived to see many innovations in his lifetime, but always loved the simple things most. Jack served his country in the Navy during World War II, learning to cut hair while on the ship to make extra money. At the age of 21 he started his own business and then spent 63 years as a barber on main street in Charlotte. In August of 1945 Jack started the adventure of marriage with Betty Hull, and they raised two children together, Jack Jr. and Lynda.
Jack was as strong, honest man with a very kind heart, helping others whenever he could. He believed in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, which is why he was always working. With a great sense of humor too, Jack could easily make others laugh. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting, gardening, and was an expert tinkerer.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Lynda Nettleman; grandchildren, Shane, Jason, and Kimberley; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; and his brother, Dick Johnson. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; son, Jack Johnson Jr., grandson, Darren Ives; and sister, Iris Allen.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family. Funeral services are Monday, May 24, 2021, 2:00 p.m. in Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation is Sunday, May 23, 2-5:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a local veteran charity of your choice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jack on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jodi K. Rodebaugh
Jodi Kay Rodebaugh, a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and sister, of Lansing, died Friday, May 7, 2021. Jodi, 62, was born November 23, 1958, the daughter of Elzie and Virginia (Redfield) Hayes. She graduated from Olivet High School. In 1977 Jodi married the love of her life, Douglas Rodebaugh. She worked as a customer service representative for different businesses, however her pride and joy was being a grandmother. Jodi loved being with her grandchildren and attending their different events. She also liked making different arts and craft projects, collecting cow figurines and spending time with her Bloodhound Dee.
Jodi is survived by her children, Heather (Cheryl) Rodebaugh-Richards, Anthony (Trish) Rodebaugh, Doug (Amanda) Rodebaugh, Jr., and James (Shelby) Rodebaugh; and 10 grandchildren, Ashley Lord, Allison Reese, Emily Coddington, Katie Rodebaugh, Corinne Rodebaugh, Hayleigh Rodebaugh, Rachael Rodebaugh, Gavin Rodebaugh, Sadie Rodebaugh, and Myles Rodebaugh; siblings, Fred (Deb) Hayes, Denny (Roxy) Hayes, Randi Hayes. She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; brother, Jerry Hayes; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jodi’s family. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jodi’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the family to help assist with funeral expenses, checks may be payable to Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jodi on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donna J. Halliwill
Donna Jean Halliwill, a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, of Charlotte, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Donna, 70, was born November 6, 1950, the daughter of Donald and Patricia (Weber) Woodhams Sr. She graduated from Waverly High School. In 1973 she married Edwin Halliwill. A favorite memory is when they started their family. She was very proud of her son and grandchildren. She was a caring, thoughtful person who was always trying to make others feel good. She was a member at First Baptist Church. She liked cooking, working out at AL!VE, improving things, buying and selling stuff, working in her flower gardens, spending time with her grandchildren, and shopping.
Donna is survived by her husband, Edwin Halliwill; son, Anthony (Nicole) Halliwill; grandchildren, Jack, Katie, and Grace, niece and nephew Tammy and Clarence Colter; and siblings, Donald (Pledas) Woodhams and Marjorie Ann Patterson. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donna on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A graveside service is being planned for a later date. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.