Obituaries
Linda Garrison-Kehres
Linda Garrison-Kehres, age 75, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 17, 2021. She was born August 16, 1945, in Eaton County the daughter of Carson and Evah (Rawson) Parr.
Linda is survived by her husband of 24 years, Michael Kehres; children, Tonya Keith of N.C., Christopher (Lynn) Garrison of Eaton Rapids; step-daughters, Kelly Kehres of Berkley, Mich., Kristy (Wes) Taylor of New Hudson, Mich.; father-in-law, Richard Kehres of Mason, Mich.; grandchildren, Cody Garrison, Brooke Garrison, Carson Keith, Dorsey Keith, Zavier Taylor, Presley Taylor, Dahlia Taylor; sisters, Venice Martin of Hastings, Nona Osborne of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Sharon Parr of Charlotte; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wayne Parr, Dick Parr; sisters, Jean Davis, Shirley Bryan, and Sharon Bayes.
The family would like to thank Sparrow Hospice and especially nurses Lexi, Melinda, Nicole, and Jennifer for the outstanding compassion and care for Linda during her illness.
The family received friends on Friday, May 21, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A private interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Linda’s memory to Sparrow Hospice 1322 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48912.
To view Linda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jack W. Holbrook
Jack Wallace Holbrook, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the age of 82. Born July 9, 1938 to Gerald W. and Myrtle (Slayton) Holbrook in Eaton Rapids, Mich. Jack honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he became a pilot, owned his own airplane and did aerial photography for ASCS. Jack also purchased land, built his own house from the ground up with his loving wife, Gerry, and raised both animals and agriculture on his farm. He specialized in dairy farming for many years and later focused more on produce. His farm had all kinds of animals including Bison, where he had up to 21 at one time. Jack taught stain glass classes for adult education in Eaton Rapids for two years, and he was a 4-H Leader. He was the owner/ operator of Jack & Sons Garden Produce that started on the corner of Spicerville Highway and Royston Road, and more recently on the corner of M-99 and Columbia Road. This produce stand allowed him to showcase his produce, cheeses and his specialty homemade ice cream. Jack was a jack-of-all-trades and the guy that many would go to for help because he was very knowledgeable and wouldn’t turn anyone away. Most of all, Jack loved his family and the time he was able to spend with them all. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and passing along his knowledge to all of them. Jack was a beloved man who will be dearly missed by all who remember him. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Judy Dowding; grandchildren, Gerald Holbrook II, Nicole Holbrook; great-grandchildren, Hunter Abbott, Hunter Holbrook and Cyrus Lea.
Surviving are his wife, Gerry Holbrook; their children, Connie Holbrook, Gerald Holbrook, Bart (Brenda) Holbrook, Stacy Holbrook; 13 grandchildren, Roberta (Scott) Bean, Nichelle Andrews, Autumn (Chris) Holbrook, Kendra (Chris) Holbrook, Matthew (Ashley) Kreis, Jack Holbrook, Dustin (Michelle) Holbrook, Mika Holbrook, William (Julie) Briggs, Leora (Chris) Lea, Megan Briggs, Donald (Naomi) Abbott, Johnathan Briggs; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia McCarrick, JoAnne Holbrook, June (Buddy) Riley; brother-in-law Don Dowding; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many extended family and friends.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on May 28, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to the family to help defer costs, in care of Stacy Holbrook. To share memories and condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
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.