Obituaries
Debra S. Knoll
Debra Sue Knoll Armstrong, age 63, of Menifee, Calif. passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Loma Linda University Health-Murrieta, Calif. at 8:34 am. She was born August 11, 1956 in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of Phillip Knoll and Lauretta Alden.
Debra was a fun loving adventurer who enjoyed taking photos of old barns and covered bridges throughout Michigan. She loved nature and wildlife of all kinds, especially her own pets. She was a selfless individual who always put the needs of family and friends above her own. She cared for her mother (Lauretta Alden) until her death in 2017, where she continued to look after the welfare of step father (Charles Alden) until her final days. Debra was equally devoted to the care of her 96-year-old mother-in-law (Carol Perry) in California. She always made it a point to keep in touch with family and friends, consistently sending cards, letters and gifts. She especially loved sending gifts to all her nephews and nieces. Having no children of her own, she loved being aunt Deb. She did so much for others and asked for so little. She has touched the lives of so many and will be missed by countless friends and family throughout California, Utah, Arizona and Michigan.
Debra is survived her loving husband Chris Armstrong; mother-in-law Carol Perry; brothers-in-law and their wives, Kent and Diane Armstrong, Doug and Cheryl Armstrong; stepfather Charles Alden (mother’s husband); stepmother Lone Knoll (father’s wife); brothers and their wives Lowell and Carolyn Knoll, Richard and Roxana Knoll; and stepbrothers and stepsisters Janette Laymance, Linda Laymance, Terrie Bursley, Phil Mead, Tom Mead and Candy Carroll.
Cremation services were handled through Evans-Brown Mortuary, Menifee.
Roger L. Rockafellow
Roger “Rocky” Lee Rockafellow, age 68, of Potterville went home to be with the Lord on June 4, 2020, after a lengthy illness. Roger was born on October 4, 1951 in Hastings, to J.C. and Wilma Rockafellow, who have preceded him in death. Roger retired from working as a sheriff’s deputy at the Eaton County Sheriff Department. In addition, he worked for 14 years as the security coordinator at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of the Goldwing Touring Association. He was an active member of Grace Bible Church. He enjoyed playing his guitar and spending time perfecting his golf swing.
Along with his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Rockafellow. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gloria; son, Jared; brother, Steven (Stacy) Rockafellow; sister, Jane (Leo) Swaenepoel; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Rockafellow.
Roger’s family will be honoring his life at a memorial service to be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest at Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. Contributions to honor Roger’s life can be directed to Grace Bible Church, 1000 S. Canal Road, Lansing MI 48917 or to Sparrow Hospice Services, 1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48915. Arrangements were entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home in Leslie.
Helen M. Burgess
Helen Marie Burgess, age 80, of Eaton Rapids passed away on June 7, 2020. As she transitioned from this world to heaven, she looked forward to being greeted by God and reuniting with her true love and husband of 28 years, Claude Wonderful Burgess.
Helen was born on December 21, 1939 to Clair and Mary Jane (Jugovich) Farr. On November 23, 1968, she married the love of her life, Claude W. Burgess, who passed away in January 1996. Helen was a pioneer of her time, being one of the first women to become a general foreman at Oldsmobile, where she worked until her retirement in January of 1988. She enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, reading and listening to county music. Helen loved taking long road trips with family and an occasional trip to the casino.
Along with her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Lou (1989); brother, Dale Farr; and sister, Doris Wheeler. Surviving are two daughters, Patricia (Bob) Herrick and Debbie (Jerry) Vandre; brothers, Wayne Farr and Bob Farr; and several nieces and nephews.
Per Helen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 29, 2020. The location will be announced once it’s confirmed. Memorial contributions can be directed to a hospice provider of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home in Leslie.
Melvin C. Bartholomew
Melvin Carl Bartholomew, age 86, of Charlotte — a compassionate man with a great sense of humor — died June 8, 2020. Born to Lester and Florence (Lee) Bartholomew on January 29, 1934, Melvin grew up learning about family values and was the glue that held his family together. A car buff and collector of much, Melvin enjoyed his Model A and Packard. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his great-grandkids, and golf with a unique style that was all his own. A very patriotic man, Melvin was proud of his time in the Navy during the Korean War, and continued to love healthy discussions about politics and the constitution with a true love of his country. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte and Post 225 in Lansing.
A great family man and story teller, Melvin’s stories will be missed greatly by his family. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Lois; daughters, Jill (Jim) Wright and Lori (Steve) Orler; three grandchildren, Jamie (Gerry) Bristor, Kelsey Wright, Maddie Orler; two great-grandchildren, Kohen and Ezra Bristor; and siblings, Ruth Smith, Martha Austin and Harry Bartholomew. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Clifford, Larry and Claude; and sister, Donna Hobert.
Funeral services will be held in the Pray Funeral Home garden on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to current COVID-19 guidelines, it is requested that all guests wear a mask. Webcasting of the service will take place so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Melvin’s tribute, and then click on photos & videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Melvin on his online tribute page. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Melvin and Lois were long-time members.
Richard I. Brummette
Richard I. Brummette, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at the age of 78. Richard was born on March 6, 1942 in Lansing, Mich., to Earl and Kressa Brummette.
He served four years in the Army and 38 years in the National Guard as an Aircraft Armament Maintenance Technician. He was federally recognized as Chief Warrant Office ’04 in the Michigan National Guard.
Richard was a man who loved the great outdoors and his family. He knew how to fix anything and generously helped so many with his skills. He was an avid hunter and loved to share this and fishing with his boys.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Earl; mother, Kressa; first wife, Suzanne (Lutz) and sister, Joy Hicks.
Surviving are his wife, Janet (McCloud); sons, Rick (Cindy), Randal (Esther) and Robert; daughter, Ranae Roberts (Tim); step-children, Billi (Brock), Fred (Julie) and Jennifer (Vladimir); grandchildren, Maksim Kuskovski, Trent (Santrece), Dezirae, Michaela (Ryan) Roberts, Rachelle (Aaron) Sinnard, Shayna (Matt), Rosalyn, Rollin and Rourke Brummette; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Doug (Jonie), Eddie (Marlene); and sisters, Barb Bodell, Bev Geiser and Shirley Crosslan (Richard).
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Sunfield United Brethern Church, with Pastor Randy Carpenter officiating. Donations may be sent to your local hospice. Online condolences may be shared at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.