Obituaries
Lydia Harris
Mrs. Lydia Harris, age 80, of Nashville, Mich., passed away Friday, April 9, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.
Lydia was born in Woodland, Mich., on September 22, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Ira and Lydia (Peabody) Stairs. She was raised in the Woodland area and graduated with her high school diploma. Lydia continued her education by attending college.
On April 20, 1982, she married Mr. Gary Harris in Hastings, Mich. The couple made their home together in the Nashville, Mich. area. They enjoyed spending time visiting local restaurants, socializing with their many friends. They loved the company of their family and pet dogs and cats.
Lydia was a dedicated mother, spouse, sister, aunt, grandma, friend, and worker. She spent over 32 years employed at Owens International in Charlotte, Mich., before retiring in 2003 to dedicate more time to her family and friends.
Lydia’s family was always her priority. She loved spending time in the kitchen preparing her specialties that everyone craved. Whether it was goulash, beef and noodles, or taco night, having her family together, laughing and enjoying a home-cooked meal, was something she always held dear. She adored her Pomeranian dogs, who were always by her side and were her fiercest companions. She loved gardening and growing the most beautiful flowers. She enjoyed sewing, shopping, and surrounding herself with family and friends, all of which honored her unconditional love, wisdom, warmth, generosity, sense of humor, and prized desserts, specifically peanut butter sheet cake and sugar cookies.
Lydia is survived by her husband, Gary Harris; her son, Robert Thompson; her daughter, Tina Marie Moccardine; two sisters, Iris Simpson and Shirley Hicks; several grandchildren, Robert and Rebecca Thompson, Stephanie Moreno, Leslie Moreno, and Rusty and Jessica Moccardine; two great-grandchildren, Kaylie Thompson and Brenden Thompson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lydia Belle Moccardine.
Funeral services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, Mich., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
The family will receive visitors before the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Barry County Humane Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit their website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Robert Dale Squires
Robert Dale Squires had a personality that was larger than life, so Jesus decided it was time for him to come Home on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the age of 55.
Robert, also affectionately known as Robert Dale, Bob, Bobby, Roberto, and Robert Dale-y, was born on July 21, 1965, in Charlotte, Mich. He could make friends with anyone and happily did so in all the cities he lived in, which included Eaton Rapids, Mich.; Brevard, North Carolina; Minden, Louisiana; Dubberly, Louisiana; Cowpens, South Carolina; Crossville, Tennessee; and finally Cullman, Alabama.
He was well known for his smile and ability to bring joy to others, just as much as he was for his regular bouts of happy tears. He worked tirelessly to coax a laugh out of even the most unwilling participant, usually through corny jokes, funny sweaters, or random bursts of song and dance. He also had an uncanny ability to dress up as any number of inanimate objects, usually in support of local businesses, such as hot dogs, cell phones, shampoo bottles, and occasionally the Statue of Liberty. All of these he performed while listening to pop music on his Walkman.
Robert’s patience knew no bounds, and he always saw the best in situations. He didn’t let you forget when his birthday or Christmas was coming up, but he never complained and he was always genuinely willing to help others. In his free time, he liked to solve word search puzzles and ride his bicycle around town, constantly stressing out many of the people in his life who love and care about him. One of his favorite hobbies was calling his friends and family to chat or show them his latest find on FaceTime. He had a knack for calling at the most inopportune moments, though his poorly timed calls and long voicemail messages will be missed dearly.
He was met at Heaven’s gates by his mom, Waneta Laughter; step-dad, Fred Laughter; dad, Douglas Squires; step-mom, Doris Squires; niece, Holli Tyler; and nephew, Troy Nealey. He leaves behind his sisters, Sally (Johnny) Whaley, Annette Squires (Tony) Gee, and Maurica Brown; brothers, Rocky (Leigh) Tyler and Ralph Squires; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Eaton Rapids First Baptist Church, 9220 Kinneville Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan. A private graveside service will follow at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan.
Delford L. Hasty
Delford Leroy Hasty, age 86, of Fowlerville, Mich. passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was born in South Haven, Mich. on August 29, 1934 to Delford Wesley and Phyllis (Herrick) Hasty. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1952 and later joined the US Army where he was stationed in Puerto Rico during the Cold War years. After his honorable discharge in 1963 he continued his life long career with General Motors as a test driver at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Mich., retiring after 41 years with the company.
He will forever be remembered by his family and friends as the WORLD’S GREATEST father, brother, uncle and grandfather! He was honorable in all acts, a genuinely kind, caring and humble man.
Delford is now forever reunited with his beloved wife, Yvonne Belle Bennett Hasty, who preceded him in death in 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jan Travis Hasty; his sister, Layne Renee Hartenburg; his brothers-in-law, William Axley Whitaker and Jerry Hartenburg; and his nephews, William Dennis Whitaker and Eugene John Dutzy Jr.
Delford is survived by his children, Lane (Kim) Hasty of Whitmore Lake; Leslie Hasty of Fowlerville; and Gina (Duke) Dominguez of Galveston, Tex.; grandchildren, Celeste, Juliana and Alex Hasty of Whitmore Lake, Morgan Hasty of Galveston, Tex., Chelsea McBride of Granbury, Tex., Sebastian McBride of Galveston, Tex., and Jayla Dominguez of New Caney, Tex.; sisters, Claudia Whitaker of Eaton Rapids, Paige (Gary) Richardson of Eaton Rapids, and Susan Perrone of Ludington; brother-in-law Geoffrey Bennett of London, England, UK.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center of Houston in honor of his granddaughter Morgan who is currently receiving treatment through their Brain and Spine Center at gifts.mdanderson.org or to LACASA Center of Livingston County which helps families in need at lacasacenter.org, LACASA Development Department, 2895 West Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI 48843.
RD Crim
RD Crim, age 92, of Olivet, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. He was born September 13, 1928, in River Junction, Fla. the son of Vance and Ella Jane (Caldwell) Crim. RD and his family moved to Tenn. when he was just a boy. He attended country school in Tenn. On December 20, 1947, RD married the love of his life, Lucille Naomi Lance. Soon after they were married, they moved to Mich. Together they raised two boys at their home in Olivet. RD worked for Air-Way Manufacturing in Olivet for many years. He loved fishing and traveling together with Lucille and their many friends. RD also enjoyed spending time outdoors working in his yard. He was a friend to everyone and loved being with people.
RD is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lucille; sons, Robert D. Crim of Olivet, Paul E. (Penny) Crim of Bellevue; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and three brothers.
A private burial and graveside service will be held at the Olivet Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in RD’s memory to the charity of their choice.
To leave a condolence for the family or to view the obituary online please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Gloria Southward
Gloria Southward, age 88, with daughter, Nanette at her side, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Gloria was born in Albion, Mich. the daughter of Orville and Minnie (Sharp) Eishen. She graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1950. On August 1, 1950, soon after graduating from high school, she married Dale Southward. Together they farmed and raised their family on Mahan Highway between Charlotte and Olivet.
Gloria is survived by her children, Nanette (Mike) Visger of Vermontville, Tony (Karen) Southward of Charlotte, Pam (Gordon) Harder of Eaton Rapids; she was the unforgettable grandmother of ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and the dear sister of Leonard (Rosalie) Eishen of Sturgis.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale; and brother, Duane (Genevieve) Eishen.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Perry Cemetery with Reverend Irene Vittoz officiating.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gloria’s honor to the American Diabetes Association.
To view Gloria’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.