Obituaries
Dorothy M. Rowe
Dorothy M. Rowe, age 75 of Martin, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 25, 2021. She loved camping, riding motorcycles, and most of all, her Bible and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Geno Davis; parents, Walter and Helen Darnell; brother, Michael Darnell; sister, Jean Darnell.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Major (Tammy) Rowe, Harold Rowe, Vernon Rowe, Heath Rowe; and their father, Harold Rowe Sr.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Dorothy was a life-long member of the VFW Women’s Auxilliary Charlotte Post.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 30, 2021, at Stegenga Funeral Home, 3131 South Division Avenue, Wyoming, with Rev. Scott Wiley officiating. Dorothy’s family greeted relatives and friends on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial was held at Grandville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen Devos Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at stegengafuneralchapel.com.
Elizabeth J. Griffin
Elizabeth Jane Griffin, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, April 26, 2021. She was born February 13, 1947, in Charlotte the daughter of Earl and Dorothy (Morrison) Young. Elizabeth graduated from Springport High School with the class of 1966. She married the love of her life, Jon Griffin on May 28, 1975. Elizabeth was a social butterfly who loved visiting with others. She always wanted to be in the know when it came to happenings around town. She had a heart of gold and was concerned about the needs of others. Her home was always open to anyone in need. Throughout her life she loved fast cars, especially her Ford Mustang she had when she was young. But most of all she cherished her family and loved spending time together.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Jon Griffin of DeWitt, Allison (Albert) Carnell of Charlotte, Dana Carmichael of Texas; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and brother, Mark Young of Springport.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jon in 2016; and brother Michael Timothy Young.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. For those desiring to view the service from a computer or mobile device, the service will be livestreamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Elizabeth’s honor to SIREN Eaton Shelter 520 Robinson St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Elizabeth’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Gloria A. Benden
Gloria Anita Simmons Benden, 75, of Charlotte, Mich., passed away April 26 under the care of Grace Hospice at Country Woods Assisted Living in Potterville, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born May 21, 1945 in Baltimore, Md., to Rose Marie (Buccari) Simmons and Harold T. Simmons.
Gloria graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1964.
In September 1964, Gloria met the love of her life, Leonard Benden, at a dance at Fort Meade, Md. They married on February 13, 1965 and lived for many years in Charlotte. After Leonard’s retirement from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department, they enjoyed winters in Fla., as well as several trips to the Netherlands.
Gloria volunteered for 18 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. She learned to drive later in life, and demonstrated great skill at finding bargains at yard sales and department stores. She cherished her impressive display of ceramic angels, became adept at using her iPad, and stayed informed about news and politics.
Her signature meal was spaghetti, a recipe passed down from her mother. Never a fan of vegetables, Gloria nonetheless baked delectable zucchini bread, and kept a big supply frozen to offer as gifts. She was a quiet, caring grandma who never, ever said anything bad about anyone.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Leonard; son David (Melissa) Benden of Grand Ledge, and daughter Julie Benden of Charlotte; grandchildren Alex and Alyssa Sanchez, Lucas Mattoon, Kyle and Josh Benden; sisters Darlene (Ronnie) Upton of South Boston, Va., and Dorothy Simmons of Glen Burnie, Md., and brother Wesley (Diane) Simmons of Cypress, Tex.; in-laws Peter (Christine) Benden of Lahnstein, Germany, Paul (Linda) Benden of Albion, Mich., and Rina Benden (Andy) Miller of Dexter, Mich.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Tommie Simmons, and sister Deborah Mizenko.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Janet D. Verhelle
Janet Darlene Verhelle, age 74, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 after a 10-year battle with lung cancer. Janet was born on October 8, 1946 in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Altus and Evelin (Yaks) Smith. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Eastern High School class of 1964. Janet married Wayne Verhelle in 1967 and moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her family. She worked for short periods as an Avon representative, waiting tables and for the State of Michigan but found her calling taking care of her home and her children. She was a lover of all animals and had a special gift to speak to wildlife. Janet also enjoyed music, reading and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne; children, Christina Verhelle, Todd Verhelle, Scott Verhelle; half sister, Phyllis and numerous nieces and nephews. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Bonnie Raum and brother, Duane Smith.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society in memory of Janet. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Teresa L. Howe
Teresa L. Howe
Teresa “Teri” Lynn Howe, a lifelong resident of the Eaton Rapids area passed away April 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 65 years old.
Teri was born in Eaton Rapids on July 21, 1954, the daughter of the late Harold “Punk” and Esther Linda (Dana) Howe. She was a 1972 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and a lifelong Greyhound and Spartan fan.
Teri began her career of helping and caring for others in the Sparrow Hospital System and subsequently retired from her position of Ward Clerk after 40 years exemplary service in 2016. She was also named Sparrow’s “Employee of the Year” at the Diamondale facility in 1996.
She was a dedicated and loving daughter, sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Teri took particular pleasure interacting with the accomplishments of her many nieces, nephews and friends.
She will always be remembered for her gentle smile, infectious laugh, love of life as well the special place in her heart she held for her friends. Her unique fondness and joy for the many Walt Disney characters – especially “Pooh”– always created a smile on people’s faces. The “Beach Boys” were also atop of her favorite vocalists list.
Teri is survived by her brother Bill (Marie) Howe of Bath, MI. Special friends Karen Miller of Ionia, MI, Kaye Sanders of Vermontville, MI, Penny Johnson of Diamondale, MI, Teresa A of South Carolina as well as nephews Mike (Margie) Howe, Springport, MI, Doug (Mary) Howe of Ingadine, MI, Tim Howe of Holt, MI, Chris (Susan) Howe of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Pettifor of Indianapolis, IN and nieces Penny Howe of Boseman, Montana, Michelle (Dean) Harmon of Martinsville, IN and Lynda (Melvin) Smallwood of Indianapolis, IN as well as several Great and Great Great nieces and nephews.
Teri was predeceased by her parents, sister Linda (Howe) Pettifor and brothers James and Walter (Elli) Howe.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com