Obituaries
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.
Linda D. Cervantes
Linda Dawn Cervantes, age 71, of Farwell, passed away at her home on April 6, 2021. She was born June 23, 1949, in Ionia the daughter of Frank and Dawn (Brooks) Maynard. She graduated from Potterville High School with the Class of 1968. Linda was a meticulous housekeeper and took great pride in caring for her family. She enjoyed baking, canning, and watching MSU Basketball. Linda also loved her Persian cat, Lilly.
She is survived by her children, Lisa (Bill) Schutt of Fla., Jessica Mosier of Bay City; granddaughters, Autumn Schutt, Jasmine Schutt; siblings, Jill (Bill Paul) Gidner of Bellevue, Rick Maynard of Charlotte; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 29 years, Tony; brother, John Maynard; and niece Stacey McDaniel.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Linda’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Linda’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.