Obituaries
Wilma R. Blatt
Wilma Rae (Reed) Blatt, 82, of Eaton Rapid and most recently Odessa, FL, passed away on July 15, 2020. She was born March 3, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Roland and Mildred (Emery) Reed. Wilma was one of the first in Michigan to obtain the designation of Certified Professional Secretary while working for Michigan Farm Bureau in the mid 70’s. Wilma was also part owner of Auto Truck in Potterville. Wilma lived the last 25 years in the Tampa, FL area. Wilma cherished her family and dog, Lucy. Wilma was lovingly cared for by her family the last few years while enduring dementia. She is survived by her brother, Russell (Pam) Reed; her sons, Steven (Sandra) Turner, and David (Leslie) Turner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A family and friends gathering will be held in September, 2020.
Douglas C. Heisler
Douglas C. Heisler, age 64, of Springport, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 26, 1956, in Charlotte the son of Cecil Jr. and Marjorie (Fuller) Heisler. Doug graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1975. On September 13, 1975, Doug married the love of his life, Judy Lynn Newsome at her family home in Springport. Doug adored his family and cherished each and everyone. Doug was a tremendously hard-working man. He had a kind and loving heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. Doug enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his free time. Due to his recent health issues he was forced to retire early from Meridian Magnesium in Eaton Rapids after 20 years of faithful service.
Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Judy; children: Jody (Robert) Burk of Springport, C.J. Heisler of Springport; adopted son, Corey (Autumn) Freeman and family of Springport; mother, Marjorie Heisler of Charlotte; siblings: Susie Fitchett of Mt. Orab, Ohio, David (JoEllen) Heisler of Charlotte, Carol (Jeff) Swint of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Heisler Jr.; sister Catherine Nichols; and in-laws, Archie and Leora Newsome.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran, Olivet. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the North Clarence Cemetery. Those attending the service or visitation are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the family.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Lorinda S. Ayers
Mrs. Lorinda Sue Ayers, age 69, of Charlotte died on August 3, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth.
Lorinda was born on September 8, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Ruby Williams. She was raised in Lansing and attended Waverly High School, graduating in 1968. On November 1, 1969 she married her husband, David D. Ayers, Sr. at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. She worked as a secretary at many schools, later working at Thomas Cooley Law School as a receptionist.
Lorinda is survived by her son, David D. Ayers, Jr.; her daughter, Merideth Ayers (Gregg); grandchildren, Chloe Ayers and Gregory Richardson; great grandson, Bensyn Seume; sister, Helen Boettcher; three nephews, Aaron Boettcher, Andy (Stacy) Boettcher, and Mark (Nikki) Boettcher; and many friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband.
Arrangements are being made by her children. A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Joyce K. Haga
Joyce Kay Haga, 81 passed away on Aug 6, 2020. She was born April 16, 1939 to Clifton A. and Mildred R. (Pervorse) Grosnickle in Lansing, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her grandson, Corban Ferris. She is survived by her son, Don (Jane) Haga; daughter, Michelle Ferris; and two grandchildren, Jesse and Jacob Haga and loving friend Ronald Smith (Smitty)..
Over the years, Joyce’s hobbies included gardening, crocheting, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles, and crosswords. She also really enjoyed cooking meals for her family and baking. Joyce was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte, and also Women of the Moose, where she participated in many volunteer activities over the years.
A memorial service will be held at Sunfield Cemetery located east of Sunfield Road on St Joseph Hwy. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or to the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Charlotte, Mich.
Lillian E. Wilkinson
Lillian Edna Wilkinson, of Springport, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the age of 84. Lillian was born on September 16, 1935 the seventh of nine children born to Richard and Etta Mae Hicks. She moved around a lot as a child but has called Springport home since 1958. Lillian always enjoyed gardening, restoring old antiques and watching old westerns and soap operas. She worked for a short period at River Rising in Eaton Rapids but spent most of her life dedicated to her family, raising her four children and would never miss a grandchild’s sporting or school event.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Wilkinson; daughter, Teresa Wilkinson; sisters, Mildred, Jean and Mary; and brothers, Frank, Bud, Ernie, Wayne and Joe.
Lillian is survived by her sons, Rick (Camille) Wilkinson, Rusty (Cindy) Wilkinson, Randy (Connie) Wilkinson; grandchildren, Kristen Wilkinson, Andrew (Cliffany) Wilkinson, Danny Wilkinson, Jessica Wilkinson, Jason Wilkinson, Ashlee Wilkinson, Nicole (Michael) Ryan, Jennifer (Tony) Lewis, Bret Hudson, Blake Hudson; great grandchildren, Jaden, Mia, Chase, Bryce, Taylor, Connor, Christian, Olivia, Lola, Ella, Hayley, Hannah, Tyler, Travis, Kaydee, Allie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, August 7, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with a private graveside service being held Saturday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Caner Society in memory of Lillian. To share memories or leave condolences please visit skinnerfunneralhomes.com.