Obituaries
Robert J. Delong
Robert Jay “Bob” Delong, of Eaton Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at the age of 85. Born June 27, 1935 to Adrian “Jay” and Inez (Woodburry) Delong in Lansing, Mich. Bob graduated from high school and completed trade school before going to work for Oldsmobile where he would later retire after 30 years working in tool and die. While working for Oldsmobile he purchased a farm and after retiring he farmed his land full time. Bob was a faithful member of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Lansing for many years before becoming a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Lansing where he was currently attending and known as the “free hugs” greeter. Bob was a selfless man always thinking of others. He was a hard worker and had a unique ability of being able to produce nearly anything that could be bought in the store by simply studying the specs of a product. Bob was currently in the process of creating his very own duplicator for manufacturing guns which was a hobby of his. He also enjoyed flying airplanes and took many of his friends and family for airplane rides. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend that will be dearly missed by all who remember him. Preceding him in death were his son, Thomas Dean Delong; brother, Cecil Delong; sister, Shirley Cataline as well as his parents.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Barbara Delong; children, Robert (Tina) Delong, Connie Delong, Bonnie Delong; grandchildren, Kaleb Davis, Kristen (Jake) Moore, Nathan (Keilani) Delong, Kelli Delong; great-grandchildren, Emma Davis, Norah Moore, Eryka Delong, Eli Moore; sisters, Janet “Jenny” McDaniel, Peggy Foess as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lansing. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 in Bob’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Margery J. Eckhart
Margery Jane Eckhart (Margie), of Mason, Mich. passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the age of 84. Margie was born on September 7, 1936 in Eaton County, Mich. the daughter of Earl A. and Helen Florence (Beaton) French. She was a farmer’s wife as well as worked for the State of Michigan and eventually at Felpausch in Eaton Rapids for many years. Margie married her high school sweetheart, Robert Bert Eckhart (Bob) on September 14, 1951.
Surviving are her daughters, Cheryl Lynn (L.C.) Raymond, Denise Ann Eckhart; son, Scott Robert Eckhart; eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; and sister, Elaine (Robert) Brooks. Margie is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Bob Eckhart; daughter, Susan Kaye (Eckhart) Clark; and sisters, Fern Hill, Wilda Arnold, Donna Fast and Shirley Walter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Robbins United Methodist Church Women’s Auxiliary or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Margie. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Wanda Louise Cook
Wanda Louise Cook, age 80, of Potterville, Mich., died on March 21, 2021. She was a homemaker. Services were held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Real Life Church in Charlotte.
Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Almon M. Sebolt
Almon Marion Sebolt a caring and loving, husband, father, grandfather, and brother of Charlotte, died Thursday, March, 18, 2021. Almon, 81, was born May 21, 1939, on the family farm in Partello, MI, the son of Almon Sr. and Lucille (Shepard) Sebolt. On October 5, 1957, Almon married Joann Hamilton and together created their legacy of 62 years together. Almon was a man that was always on the move and loved working. Following graduating from high school Almon started working for General Motors. He started as a line worker and retired as a Foreman after 30 years. Almon then helped his wife with their AFC home and lastly worked as a Security Guard for the Board of Water and Light. When he wasn’t working Almon enjoyed watching country westerns, mowing his lawn, cooking, playing guitar, listening to country and gospel music, and also taking car rides with his wife Joann.
Almon is survived by his children, Almon Sebolt III, Franklin Sebolt, Lou A. Sobleskey, Jerome Sebolt; grandchildren, Virginia Sebolt, Rosalynn Sebolt, Courtney (Tim) Blomfield, Blair Sobleskey, and Ryan Sobleskey; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kailie, Elysia, Ellia, and Abbey; siblings, Earl Sebolt, and Alma (Larry) Baker; He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joann; grandson, Lance Sobleskey; brother, Dennis Richardson; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Almon’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 12 Noon
at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Fred McGlone officiating. Visitation will take place just prior to the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral 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 Almon’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 Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Joyce Y. Dunn Schmidt
Joyce Yvonne Dunn Schmidt went home to Jesus on March 30, 2020 at the age of 83.
Joyce was born to Nora Louise and George Dunn on April 11, 1937 in Dermott, Ark. She met William Thomas Schmidt on a blind date in Memphis, Tenn. and immediately knew Tom was “the one.” Tom and Joyce were married for 59 years and had three children: David, Deborah, and Pamela. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Joyce graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee and was a Registered Nurse. She spent her professional career caring for people and was proud of her work. Throughout her entire life Joyce held an unwavering faith in God and in the spirit of her name, Joyce shared the joy of the Lord with all those who knew her. Joyce was a member of Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids. She served her church in numerous other capacities by teaching Sunday school and being the director of Women’s ministry. Growing up, Joyce was an athlete and an amazing basketball player. Her hobbies included sewing quilts and caring for her house cactus plants. Joyce most enjoyed spending time with her husband and family.
Joyce joins her daughter Deborah Arnold and her parents George and Louise Dunn in Heaven. Joyce is survived by her husband, William Thomas Schmidt; son, David (wife Liz) Schmidt of Memphis, Tennessee and her daughter Pamela (husband Tony) McDaniel of Eaton Rapids. Joyce had twelve grandkids and five great-grand kids who were her pride and joy.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, located at 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Harold Demott officiating. Interment will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Nazarene, 2225 S Michigan Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in memory of Joyce. To place online condolences or memories please visit millsfuneral.com.