Obituaries
Helen Irene Bishop
Helen Irene Bishop of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at home August 26, 2024, at the age of 84. Helen was born in Holt, MI, April 4, 1940, the daughter of Harry and Martha (Waite) Elliot. She was a 1958 graduate of Mason High School, was a former member of the Michigan Bicentennial Wagon Train, and bred and raised Arabian horses. Helen worked at Quality Dairy for eight years and Harry Cards Meat Market for 10 years. She enjoyed getting lost in her beautiful flower gardens and was a member of the Waverly Church of the Nazarene.
Helen is survived by her son, Robert (Denise) Bishop; grandchildren, Miranda, Matthew and Michelle; eight great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, George “Butch” Bishop and Jeff Bishop. She was preceded in death by her parents and Husband, Richard Bishop.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday August 30, 2024, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery in Mason. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Vincent Jordache Davis
Vincent Jordache Davis, 22 months old, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024. He was the son of Pierson Jordache Davis and Karloina Marie Davis of Eaton Rapids.
Vincent was a joyful little boy who touched the lives of everyone around him, and was the beloved little brother of Jack Virgil Davis, four years old.
He will be missed greatly by his parents and his uncles, Sterling Davis and Paris Davis, both of Eaton Rapids. He will also be very much missed by his grandma, Terri Davis of Eaton Rapids; grandparents, Don and Angela Baranski of Bellevue; and his great-grandma, Joanne Barr of Fraser.
The family would like to thank Skinner Funeral Home of Eaton Rapids for the care given during this time.
A private memorial service will be held by his family at a later date.
Harry F. Stanton
Harry F. Stanton, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Harry was born in rural Bellevue on July 13, 1934, the son of Asa and Alfaretta (Dingman) Stanton. Harry graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1953. On June 26, 1954, he married Dorene Adeline Carey at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Harry worked as the manager at Eaton Farm Bureau for over 30 years. In his spare-time he enjoyed working in his garden, canning his special salsa and other produce, playing golf, and spending time with family. Harry was an active golfer and member of the Charlotte Country Club for over 40 years. He had three hole-in-ones over the years. Harry and Dorene enjoyed spending their winters in Florida but were always sure to be home to spend Christmas with their precious family.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Diane (Steven) Sowle of Charlotte; son, Chris (Cindy) Stanton of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 68 years, Dorene; nine siblings, Dorothy, Ruthe, Claire, Katherine, Josephine, W.J. “Bill”, James, Clara, and Ernest.
In keeping with Harry’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harry’s memory to the charity of your choosing.
To view Harry’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Geraldine Mae Huckendubler
Geraldine “Geri” Mae Huckendubler, of Copemish, Michigan, previously of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, with family by her side. Geri was born January 24, 1939, to Frederick and Helen (Koeller) Sauder.
On July 14, 1972, she married Richard Huckendubler. Her most treasured and loved pastime was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed snowmobiling, mushroom hunting, camping, crocheting, cooking and playing cards. She was a long-time member of Benzie-Manistee Snowbird Club. She and Richard wintered in Florida for over 20 years. Geri previously worked as a floral designer for the Heather House, Doty Floral and B’s Floral in Charlotte. She also cleaned offices and churches for many years. After moving to Northern Michigan, she was a product demonstrator for Sam’s Club and other area grocery stores.
Geri is loved and survived by: husband, Richard Huckendubler; daughter, Denise Hummel; sons, Randy (Christine) Dingman and Chris (Phil Forrest) Dingman; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sydney) Hummel, Kady (Matthew) Gusky, Carley (Geoff) Cesaretti, and Emily (Brennan) Volk; great-grandchildren, Hailee, Carson, Nora, Connor, Brantlee, Dawson, Hudson, Reyna, Kennedy and Madison; and many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; stepmother, Mabel Eileen (Huss) Sauder; sister, Irene (Yvonne) Appelman; step-sister, Bobby Jo Lamie; and nephews, Patrick Appelman and Robert Strotheide.
Services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, Michigan. Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Marilla Township Cemetery.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.
The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.
www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com
Dixie Lou Battin
Dixie Lou Battin, 74, of Charlotte, a fun-loving grandma extraordinaire, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25, 2024, in Lansing. Dixie was born May 28, 1950, in Lansing, the daughter of Ronald and Barbara (Cotton) Best. She graduated from Mason High School in 1968 before going to work for the City of Lansing, retiring as Chief Assistant City Clerk after 27 years. She then worked a few years at Pray Funeral Home before going back to municipal service as clerk at the City of Grand Ledge.
Many will remember Dixie for her deceptively innocent demeanor, concealing her fun-loving “devilish side.” She was fun to be with, especially on the golf course. Dixie was proud to have made a hole-in-one at Iron Horse, a feat that was commemorated in the newspaper. By far the greatest joy of Dixie’s life was her grandchildren. She adored them, and they simply worshiped her – forming what was lovingly called the “grandma cult.”
Dixie is survived by her daughters, Laura Craven and Lisa Pangburn; five grandchildren: Allison, Taylor and Jeremy Pangburn, William and Jordyn Craven; mother, Barbara Best; siblings, Darrell (MaryAnn) Best, Joanne Lose, Teresa McClean, Jeff (Cindy) Best, and Tim Best; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Ronald Best and her husband, Howard Battin.
Friends are encouraged to support Dixie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, August 29, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were held Friday, August 30, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dixie’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 Head for the Cure. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Steven Robert Dane
Steven Robert Dane, 34 of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly August 25, 2024. Steven was born January 9, 1990, in Lansing to Robert and Carol (Summer) Dane, and was a 2008 graduate of Charlotte High School. A strong-willed guy, Steven also loved to joke around. He was very close with his family, enjoying many family activities together. He also loved animals, music, gaming, travel (especially to historic sites and museums), and collecting knives. Steven was a dedicated worker at GM on the assembly line.
Steven is survived by his mother, Carol Dane; sister, Jessica (Eric) Hollister; and nephews, Carson and Adam Hollister. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Dane; brother, Greg Dane; and grandparents, Pat and Carroll Dane, and Arthur and Julia Summer.
Friends are encouraged to support Steven’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, September 4, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon with funeral services immediately following at 12 noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Don Eaton
Don Eaton passed away on August 13, 2024. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, at the Covered Bridge Farm County Park, 56705 Covered Bridge Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Funeral services celebrating the life of Don Eaton will also be at the Covered Bridge Farm County Park Wednesday, September 4 at 4 p.m. with a Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Memorial Ritual at the conclusion of the service. A reception will follow funeral services at the Sturgis Elks Lodge #1381 on September 4, 66200 Grey Lake Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Larry L. Sevitts
On August 19, 2024, with his loving wife at his side, Larry L. Sevitts “The kid from Morenci,” lost a long battle with cancer. Larry had a long and full life, he was born August 6, 1937, in Morenci to Leroy and Anne (Meyers) Sevitts. After serving in the Navy, Larry attended Adrian College where he met his lifelong love, Susan. They had three children together. Earning his master’s degree in education, Larry went on to become a school principal. His career in education went from Flint to Albion, and finally Charlotte where he eventually opened the Sport Center to enjoy his true passion, golf, and he retired from this business in 1999. Most golfers are lucky to get one hole-in-one in a lifetime, Larry had five!
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Susan; children, Michael Sevitts, Lynn Hicks, and Sheryl Haahr; grandchildren, Sydney Hamilton, Saydie (Bryan) Hogeland, Karlie Hicks (Chase Metts), and Adrian Sevitts; great-grandchildren, Kalub Hamilton, Piper Hogeland, and Henry “Hank” Hogeland; sisters, Marcia Reardon and Sandy Miller; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, LeRoy, Johnny, Kenneth, and Rick Sevitts; and sisters, Joanne Beard, and Sharon Strong.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte. Family Affirmation Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on August 28 in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Judge Paul Berger and Owen Whitkopf officiating. The service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’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 either the Charlotte High School Hall of Fame, or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Halle Ann Vaive
Halle Ann Vaive, a passionate, matter-of-fact woman, who always expressed her love for loved ones, died on Friday, August 16, 2024. Halle, 72, was born on August 5, 1952, in Lansing, the daughter of Earl and Evelyn (Williams) Vaive. After graduation she continued her education earning her associate’s in arts degree and later on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Halle worked at Bronson Hospital as the IT Manager for Help Desk Services. Halle was a master sewer and arts and crafts enthusiast. She enjoyed cross stitch, making homemade cards and jewelry. She was a very hands-on mother who loved family summer trips on Lake Michigan, and traveling for Jason’s BMX racing, who she was most proud of. She also loved her cats, her Coke, and being on the beach.
Halle is survived by her son, Jason (Shelly) Bates; grandchildren, Grace (Austin), Kathryn (Brendin), Justin, and Zachery; and siblings, Guy (Vickie) Vaive, Steve (Mary) Vaive, and Gary (Kathy) Vaive; and best friend Kay Mundt. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Christopher.
Friends are encouraged to support Halle’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life take place at a later date. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
June F. Johncock
June F. Johncock, age 90, was called home to Jesus on August 16, 2024, from her home in Olivet, Michigan. She was born to Fred and Laura (Blausey) Kunkel, September 11, 1933, in Shelbyville, Michigan. The family moved to a larger farm in Eaton Rapids in 1943 to raise onions. After graduating, she married Robert Johncock on December 31, 1952, after the New Year’s Eve church service at First Lutheran Church, in Charlotte, Michigan.
June and Robert raised their children on a farm, in Olivet. June became a secretary for the Olivet Community School Superintendent. She attended KCC and Western Michigan University to become a teacher. June taught 21 years at Bellevue Elementary School. After retiring, she helped homeschool her grandchildren.
June was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. Faith was very important to June, and she was involved in Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and was also a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed attending Bible studies and reading her devotionals. June also loved to travel with her family, and they visited all over the United States, including Alaska, Maine, Texas, and Florida. She had also traveled to Germany and Jerusalem.
June is survived by her children Susan (David) Moody of Olivet, Michigan and Steven (Diane) Johncock of Frostproof, Florida and Bellevue, Michigan; grandchildren Elizabeth Moody, Jonathan Moody, Nathan Moody, Joseph Moody, and Nehemiah Moody; great-grandchildren Isabelle Moody, Tobias Moody, and Juniper Moody.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; siblings Alfred Wittman, Lao Kunkel, Eleanor Vasques, Louisa Nail, Mae Getter, Dale Kunkel, and Ronald Kunkel; and her parents.
June is at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services where visitation took place on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Anthony Voltattorni officiating. June will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, Michigan
For memorial donation, please consider Zion Lutheran Church.