Obituaries
Raymond D. Winters
Raymond D. Winters, a man who devoted his life to serving others, died Sunday, April 18, 2021. Raymond, 88, of Charlotte, Mich., was born November 8, 1932, in Charlotte, the son of Carl and Margaret (Silverthorn) Winters. Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1951 to 1952, then worked in Wisconsin through 1965. When he returned, began working at Fisher Body in 1968, where he worked on the assembly line and retired in 1995. He also was determined to earn his diploma and graduated from Olivet Adult Education 1979. On November 5, 1988 he married the love of his life, Linda Beals-Patterson. You could find Raymond spending his time after retiring volunteering at the Helping Hands Food Pantry, mowing the grass at the Eaton Area Senior Center, and also serving on his church council. Raymond and Linda were both active members at the South Cochran Church of God. Hobbies that Raymond enjoyed were crossword puzzles, watching the Detroit Tigers and listening to some Hank Williams Sr. and other country music.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda; children, Tom Winters, Peggy (David) Gardner, Carla (Mike) Fell, Robert (Starr) Patterson; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter, Betty Brown; grandson, Daniel Fell; his parents; siblings, Kenneth Winters, William Winters, Shirley Oswald, and Ila May Royston.
Friends are encouraged to support Raymond’s family. A memorial service is going to be held at the South Cochran Church of God. The date of the memorial will be determined at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Helping Hands Food Pantry. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Raymond on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marilyn J. Gilding
Marilyn Joan Gilding, a loving mother and grandmother, age 67, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021. Marilyn was born August 9, 1953 in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of John Edward and Norma Jean (Bidelman) Hickey. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1971 before going to work at General Aluminum in Charlotte, where she met the love of her life, Jerrold “Jerry” Gilding. The two married on April 15, 1977 and soon started their family. Marilyn lived a life devoted to her children and grandchildren. She was a constant volunteer at Weymouth Elementary, helping with field trips and class parties. In her spare time, she could be found watching soap operas and reality TV with a can of pop by her side.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Tara (Steven) Vanluven, Tasha McCrimmon, Trevor (Britnee) Gilding, Tia (Joel) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Jensen and Maddie McCrimmon, Kelsey and Jaxson Johnson, Caiden Gilding, Carter and Gracie Vanluven; sisters, Janice Wilson, Ann Winans, and Sue (Asa) Randall; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jerrold Gilding in 2020; son-in-law, Christopher McCrimmon; brother-in-law, Bruce Wilson; and her parents.
The family received visitors on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. A Rosary service was held at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral is available for live stream through Marilyn’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com, click on Marilyn’s tribute, click photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Interment has taken place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, in Augusta, Mich. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Tia Johnson. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Darcy W. Sunkle Sr.
Darcy Warren Sunkle Sr., age 68, of Springport, Mich., departed this life on April 18, 2021 in the comfort of his home. A celebration of Darcy’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Springport VFW located at 230 Mechanic Street in Springport, Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home.
Richard H. Hillard
Richard Harvey Hillard, age 76, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born April 5, 1945, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Bob and Bernice (White) Hillard. Richard grew up in rural Eaton Rapids and Olivet. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1963. Richard was a devoted family man and enjoyed getting together with others. He had a passion for all sports but was especially fond of bowling. Richard also enjoyed making trips to the casino and fishing at the family cabin on Narrow Lake. He retired after 42 faithful years of service from Owens-Illinois in Charlotte.
Richard is survived by his children, Richard Hillard Jr. of Charlotte, Melissa (Timm) Williams of Charlotte, Roger Hillard of Florida; significant other, Linda Brown; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine Green; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom Hillard, Dave Hillard; sisters, Marion (Paul) Smith and Marie (Garold) Griffin.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home of Charlotte.
Marjorie P. (DeYoung) Galvin
Marjorie P. (DeYoung) Galvin, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Traverse City and Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021 at Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids, Mich. at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her parents, Justin and Mavis Hanshew; her brother, Richard Hanshew; her second husband, William “Doug” Galvin; and her step daughter-in-law, Sheila Galvin. She is survived by her children, Steve (Jo) DeYoung, Karen DeYoung, and Patti (Scott) Compton. She is also survived by her stepson, Mike Galvin; grandchildren, Shawntell and Sam, and their spouses; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and extended family members who loved her very much.
Marge was a PEO sister for many years, of which she was very proud. She was a retired nurse and volunteered for the American Red Cross, which was important to her. She enjoyed her post retirement years with Doug, living on Spider Lake and traveling extensively, experiencing new adventures. She did not let her disability from a stroke get in the way of living life to the fullest. Mom loved people and enjoyed hosting large family gatherings at their home on the lake. She was equally loved in return by all who knew her. Her children will be forever grateful to Sheryl, and the entire staff at Island City for their loving, compassionate care, where she resided for the last six years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to any local chapter of the American Red Cross. Mom had a great sense of humor, and always had a way of making us laugh, whether it was intended or not. “Moon over my Aunt Bea,” we love you Mom.