Obituaries
Wayne E. Miller
Wayne Eugene Miller, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the age of 85. Wayne was born on May 29, 1935 in Laingsburg, Mich. the son of Doyt and Hattie (Emmerson) Miller. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School class of 1954 and went on to work as a meat pack and butcher at Feldpausch, and worked as a supervisor for Michigan Packaging retiring in 1998. Wayne was a member of the Abies bowling league and an avid golfer. He spent 20 years of retirement in Clearwater, Fla. where he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Palm Harbor, Fla. Wayne loved to travel, he visited all 50 states along with Ireland and numerous cruises over his lifetime. Wayne was a thrill seeker who enjoyed rollercoasters, trip to Cedar Point and was an avid MSU athletics fan.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Evelyn Acheson, Rose Cantine, Mary Snyder; and brother, Clarence Miller.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Vickie Miller; children, Terri (Larry) Markwart, Tracey (Dawn) Miller, Debbie (Dan) Kares, Julie (Charlie) Hicks; step-children, Pamela Colestock, John (Colleen) Colestock, David (Lois) Colestock, Joseph Colestock; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Donna) Miller; sister, Harriett Orr; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association in memory of Wayne. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Maxine W. Blackmer
Maxine Winifred Blackmer, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. and formerly of Mason, Mich. passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the age of 95. Maxine was born on September 22, 1925 the second of four children born to Lester and Marie (Kenyon) Hendrick in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was part of the first graduating class of Sexton High School, class of 1943. She went to work for the State Police in the 1960’s and moved to Capital Business Services, where she retired in the late 1970’s. Maxine enjoyed bowling, was an avid reader and loved to socialize. She was a member of the Aurelius Baptist Church and the Barnes Road Coffee Klutch, a neighborhood group of women that met weekly to gossip and drink coffee. She also volunteered her time with local elections and for her local food bank. Maxine was also very proud to be a 30-year survivor of breast cancer.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David Blackmer; sons, Rick Wilbur, Paull Wilbur, D. Alan Blackmer, Randy Moss.
Surviving are her children, Patricia (Terry) Wing, Gloria Shelton, Scott (Alyce) Blackmer, Bradford Wilbur, Lynn (Julie) Moss; brother, Kenneth (Margaret) Hendrick, Delores (Fred) Crothers and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Homes in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Friday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Maxine. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dorothy J. Steiner
Dorothy “Dot” Jean (Willis) Steiner, 90, of Charlotte, passed away on April 15, 2021. Dot was born on October 22, 1930, in Memphis, Tenn., and she never lost her southern charm and wonderful smile. Dot was the daughter of the late Forest and InoLene (Harris) Willis. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1949. Dot married Edward Steiner Jr. on June 16, 1950, and spent the next 64 years creating their legacy together. She worked at Michigan Bell and later for Sears as a sales clerk, retiring at the age of 62. Dot was a very talented cook and enjoyed having the family over for dinner. She enjoyed traveling, antiques, gardening and playing cards. Dot created a happy and beautiful home for her family.
Dot is survived by her sons, Mark (Dee) Steiner, Eric Steiner; grandchildren, Brandon, Brittany, and Ben. She was predeceased by her husband, Ed; parents; siblings, James Willis, Evelyn June.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dot on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Loralie A. Hunter
Loralie Ann Hunter, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away unexpectedly on Friday April 23, 2021, at 71 years old.
The daughter of the late Rex and Clara (Gordnier) Cronk, Loralie was born on April 8, 1950 in Battle Creek, Mich. She married Larry Bass in 1968, together they had Troy Bass, Daniel Bass, and Michelle (Bass) Bush. Their marriage later ended. She married Ross Hunter on November 7, 1998, however their relationship began in 1985. He preceded her in death on April 10, 2021.
Loralie’s infectious personality touched everyone she met, including the stranger in front of her in line at the grocery store. She always made sure to be the first person to call friends and family on their birthdays, often singing over voicemail if they didn’t pick up their phone. No stray cat went hungry at her house. She was a loyal and compassionate person who never hesitated to help a friend in need. Everybody loved her. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet Loralie, has a fun or hilarious story about something she did or said in their presence. She shared a special relationship with her grandchildren and was so proud of their individual personalities and achievements.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Daniel (Kelly) Bass, Michelle (John) Bush; grandchildren, Kenneth Bass, Sara (Jake) Esselink, Joshua Bass, Hailey French, Brynlee Bass, Clayton (Kayla) Beers, Rachelle Beers, Christina (Jeff) Lipscomb, Jane Bush; six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Troy Bass April 23, 2021; and her husband Ross Hunter April 10, 2021.
Visitation will take place from 12 to 2 p.m., followed by the funeral services for Loralie and her husband Ross on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall Mich. 49068. Memorial contributions are requested to Bellevue Meals on Wheels. Memorials may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.
Donald D. Keehn
Donald Duane Keehn, 69, a hardworking and patriotic husband, father and grandfather, died Friday, April 23, 2021 in Lansing. Don was born July 29, 1951, in Eaton Rapids, Mich., the son of Carleton Ellis and Gloria Jean (Harper) Keehn. He graduated from Springport High School before going to work for Oldsmobile in Lansing. His career was cut short, however, when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as a side gunner aboard a helicopter as a member of the Pacesetters Team Company. He courageously re-enlisted for multiple tours, eventually serving 13 years as a career staff sergeant. During his years of service, he was stationed in Germany, and several U.S. states, including Kentucky, where he met his lifetime love, Janice Joan Thornberry. The two married on July 16, 1974 and started their family. Following his retirement from the Army, he worked at Akemi Plastics in Eaton Rapids, Carefree Windows in Charlotte, and many years at Johnson’s Lumber. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, and time spent with his grandchildren, his cats, Sassy and Felix, and his dog, Shaggy. In his early years, he even dabbled in car racing in Germany. Many will remember Don’s love for family, friends, and his country.
Don is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janice; daughter, Angela Keehn; seven grandchildren, Robbie Richardson, Alexandria Richardson, John C. Vincent, KateLynn (Bryce) Angel, Matthew Keehn, Devon Keehn, and Kevin Keehn; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Pam (Tom) Braatz and Carla (Ken) Mazur; brother, Larry Keehn; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Donald “Donnie” Keehn in 2011.
Friends are encouraged to support Donald’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, followed by funeral services at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Don’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family in care of Angela Keehn. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.