Obituaries
Marilyn J. Crittenden
Marilyn Jean (Medcoff) Crittenden, a fiercely independent woman who wanted it “done right,” died December 7, 2020 at the age of 85. Marilyn was born December 17, 1934 in Lansing, Michigan to Edward and Freda (Wolfe) Medcoff. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954 and then married her sweetheart William Critenden on July 31, 1954. Together they raised four children on their farm, and Marilyn became an active 4H leader. She loved learning new things and sharing with others, including crocheting, knitting (her family says she could make anything), and keeping her mind active by taking classes. She was a beloved teacher’s aide at Galewood Elementary and other Charlotte schools for over 25 years before she retired.
Marilyn is survived by her children Beverly (Patrick) Day, Pamela Cary, Gary (Diana) Crittenden, and Daniel Crittenden; 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; siblings Richard (Debbie) Medcoff, Lyle (Jean) Medcoff, and Tom Harshman; brother-in-law, Robert Buonodono; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Bill; son-in-law, Michael Cary; siblings, Duane Medcoff, Phyllis Buonodono, and Robert Harshman; and her parents.
A private graveside service will be held, and a public memorial will be held in the Spring of 2021. If desired, contributions are suggested to Sparrow Hospice. Friends are encouraged to support the Crittenden family by sharing memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Theo K. Savage
Theo Kay Savage, considered a legend by many, who dedicated his life to serving his community, and the countless youth that entailed, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 4, 2020. Theo, 78, of Mulliken, was born September 2, 1942, the son of Phil and Letha (Lunn) Savage. He attended Loucks School through the eigth grade. He later went on to attend Charlotte High School. In high school Theo joined the FFA as a freshman. In his senior year Theo was awarded the State Farmer of the Year award. Farming meant the world to Theo, at one point he farmed close to 1,000 acres. In the 80s farming took a rough turn and Theo used his truck driving skills that he accrued from his farming and started driving semi for Meijer. He would retire from Meijer in 2006 after 20 years of driving truck. On January 4, 1998 Theo married Laurie Sinclair. Theo was a man that volunteered when needed. He served as an usher and a youth group counselor for the Nashville Baptist Church. In the community Theo has served on numerous boards; Eaton County Fair board for 35 years, treasurer for the Loucks School for 18 years, Eaton County Struttin Toms, a chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for 15 years, Lakewood Wrestling club board, and also the Roxand Township Board of Review. Theo just recently received the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions Zone 1 Volunteer of the Year award in honor of his devoted and valuable service. In 2018 Theo was a recipient of the Fair board’s prestigious Emerald Award for his service to the youth through the Eaton County Fair and most recently was honored with the dedication of a building in his name, “The Theo Savage Exhibition Center.”
When Theo was not serving the community, he had a strong love for hunting. He hunted just about anything from deer, bear, turkey, racoon, elk. If you could hunt it, then Theo pursued it. Over the years Theo has developed a large network of hunting buddies. Every year he would host his hunting family at his house for a bear hunters get together. Everyone that knew Theo knows that he always had a story to tell. He was a man who was one of a kind. Theo never met a stranger. Above all Theo loved and cherished his family.
Theo is survived by his wife, Laurie Savage; children, Rebecca (Geno) Roberts, Phil (Chris) Savage, Carrie (Nathan) Hause, Lisa Volz, and Staci (Alex) Lowe; 11 grandchildren, Taylor, Trevor, Tegan, Mitch, Julia, Brooklyn, Breslyn, Caleb, Morgan, Brady, and Austin; 1 great-grand-daughter on the way, Aidyn Jerlene; brother, Bruce (Carmella) Savage; numerous beloved extended family members; and his hunting buddies. He was predeceased by his parents, Phil and Letha.
Friends are encouraged to support Theo’s family. Visitation was Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. His funeral service was for family only. It was always Theo’s wish to have his funeral at the Eaton County Fairgrounds. There will be a future Celebration of Life for Theo at the fairgrounds when it is safe to do so.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Fairgrounds, checks payable to ECAS (Eaton County Agricultural Society). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Theo on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Murray Marsh
Murray “Mule” Marsh died saving puppies from a burning building. Well, maybe not. We all know how much he loved telling stories. Saying goodbye to a man like Murray is hard because he was larger than life. He was a presence in more ways than one. Physically, you couldn’t miss him. His shoulders alone cleared the way in many crowds. Many of you may have seen more of him than you wished to at the dinner table but as he would say, “If you don’t like it, don’t look.” His style was one of a kind. Yes, he was a physical legend, but his personality shone even brighter. Murray was an honest, kindhearted, hardworking, generous man who was also a little stubborn sometimes – okay, all the time. He was someone you trusted that you could call on when you needed a lift or a laugh. His humor was unbridled and often told jokes at your expense and we loved it. He’d often steal your milk when you weren’t looking or shift the car into neutral from the passenger side just to see the look on your face when you noticed what he’d done.
He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted friend. He was a retired welder for General Motors, an Army veteran, a township official, and champion weightlifter, and a very proud farmer. He was a simple man. He travelled the world but always found home to be his favorite place. He took great pride in caring for the people and land around him and he was never without a four-legged buddy by his side. He taught us so much about life and when we look to the future without him, we will find ourselves asking, “What would Murray do?”
With Murray you knew exactly where you stood because he did not waste his time. When he loved you, he really loved you, and you knew it. Murray leaves behind countless individuals whose lives will not be the same without him, including his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; his daughters, Terri (Dean) Hanton, Jerri (Jeff) Blust, and Kelli (Col. Mike) Shreves; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Morris (Joan) Marsh; and many very close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Garry and Jackie Marsh. We will miss him every day, but will remember him whenever we smell the scent of fresh-mowed grass or enjoy some butter pecan ice cream.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends are encouraged to support Murray’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bernard LaDuke, Jr.
Bernard LaDuke, Jr. (Bernie/Beanie) left this world, in the arms of the love of his life, his wife Seidy, on November 5, 2020, in San Vito, Costa Rica. Born in 1949, a landslide caused by relentless hurricane inspired rain loosened the soil behind their home and took their lives, destroying their home.
Bernie graduated from JW Sexton in 1968 and lived away from Lansing most of the rest of his life, although returning frequently to visit family and friends. He and Seidy recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in Costa Rica, their home for many years. They were loved by many around the globe and their generosity and kind spirits will remain in the memories of those of us who loved them.
Bernie is survived by his mother, Alice (Billye), previously of Potterville; sister, Donna; and three daughters, Blythe, Morning Star and Alicia. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard, Sr.
John S. Carpenter
John S. Carpenter
John Sanford Carpenter, age 93, of Lake Odessa, formerly of Charlotte and Vermontville, passed away peacefully at home with his children by his side on Monday, December 7, 2020. John was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on September 15, 1927. John was the 11th of 14 children born to Frank J. Carpenter and Susan A. (Church) Carpenter. He had ten brothers and three sisters. John was the last remaining brother. John lived in Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, Vermontville, Woodland and his final resting place was Lake Odessa. John worked many different jobs and retired from Oldsmobile in 1989. John married Patricia Amon (Winnie) on July 7, 1972. Pat predeceased him on November 21, 2004. John was a very proud grandparent. He was an outdoorsman who hunted and fished with his many nephews who he adored. His story telling, impish wit and smile will be sorely missed. John is survived by his stepchildren, Nancy A. (Ronald) Carpenter and Dean Winnie who after all the years, considered him their father. John is also survived by his grandchildren, Lisa (Andy) Garvic of Dayton, Ohio, Lori Carpenter of Des Moines, Iowa; great-grandchildren Evangeline (Evy), Marin and Luka; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a future time.