Obituaries
William D. Whitaker
William Dennis Whitaker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 5, 2020 at the age of 50. Bill was born in Eaton Rapids, March 21, 1970, the son of William Axley and Claudia (Hasty) Whitaker. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1988 where he played football, earning first team all-league as a nose guard and was also an undefeated wrestler as a freshman. Shortly after graduating from high school, he began working with Spartan Motors where he would continue to work for 29 years. Bill was experienced, knowledgeable and very well respected by his co-workers. He was the kind of guy that could be put in any position and excel. Bill was a member of the Missaukee Conservation Club and the Poker Nuts Poker League. He enjoyed playing Texas Hold ‘Em, pool, going to the casino, and hunting. Being a Ford man, he also enjoyed motorcycles and car shows. Bill first and foremost had a great love for his family and his precious daughter, Stacie, who he spoiled with love every day of her life. The time they all spent at the family home in Lake City will hold precious memories for years to come.
Bill is survived by his mother, Claudia; daughter, Stacie Whitaker of Lansing; sister, Shelley Dutzy of Warren; brothers, Kevin (Jenni) Whitaker of Texas, Michael Whitaker of Eaton Rapids, Steven (Dawn) Whitaker of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Axley; brother-in-law, Gene Dutzy and his beloved 22-year-old dog, Rally.
The family will hold private funeral services at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chappel in Eaton Rapids. For those who would like to view Bill’s funeral, it will be posted on his obituary page with the funeral home after Dec. 12, 2020. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Bereada Houston
Bereada Houston, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 74. Bereada was born on June 16, 1946 in Albion, Mich. the daughter of Harmon and Bernice (Lafferty) Robinson. She was raised in Olivet, Mich. where she attended school and went on to receive her degree as a licensed practical nurse from Lansing Community College. Bereada worked as a nurse in Dimondale, Eaton Rapids and retired from Sparrow Hospital in 2009. She was a longtime member of the Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Albion, an active volunteer at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte and active at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center. Bereada enjoyed bargain hunting and garage sales, sewing, traveling, tending to her flowers, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was extremely strong willed and resourceful and could always see the potential in people and projects. Her joy for life and optimism for the future was a great example to her family.
Bereada is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gene Robinson; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Robinson. Surviving are her husband, Dean Houston; children, Pam Wolf (Todd), Kae Rochester, Deena (Scott) Bunce, Jodie (Trevor) Gruesbeck, Vernon (Kristin) Mulkey, Jr., Shyla (Paul) Houston-Powell, Deana Vess; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Judy) Robinson, Larry (Sheila) Robinson; Lum Robinson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Grace Freewill Baptist Church in Albion. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Grace Freewill Baptist Church in memory of Bereada. To share memories or condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Judith A. Rockafellow Husted
Judith Ann Rockafellow Husted, 90 years young, passed away November 29, 2020 at Rockledge Hospice Center in Rockledge, Fla. She was born February 2, 1930 to Franklin and Violet (Weatherby) Rockafellow of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Judith is survived by her children, Beverly Husted Kelly (Malvern), Jacqueline Husted Polhamus, and J. Marie Husted Wallace; and siblings, Robert Rockafellow, Joyce Rockafellow Burlison, and Keith Rockafellow.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Edgar Aaron Husted; six brothers and sisters; and three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending. The family is in the care of Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. Burial will take place at East Lawn Gardens in Okemos, Michigan.
Paulette S. Soule
Paulette Sue Soule of Mason, passed away unexpectedly, November 29, 2020 at the age of 71. Paulette was born in Eaton Rapids, August 5, 1949, the daughter of Douglas and Janet (Kowalk) Merwin. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1967. Paulette had a dream of becoming a nurse, so when her children grew up, she attended Lansing Community College where she earned her associates degree as a registered nurse. Paulette went on to work for Sparrow Hospital and retired in 2012 after 16 years. She was a natural caretaker and a nurturer. Paulette loved to spoil family and friends with gifts for any occasion. Her husband, children and grandchildren were her life and she loved them all dearly.
Paulette is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald Soule; children, Tamara (Paul) Roush of Eaton Rapids, Thomas Soule of Lansing, Timothy (Heather) Soule of Mason, Tiffany (Will) Horton of Ohio; grandchildren, Joshua, Jeremiah, Joel, Abrianna, Alexandria, Chloe, Addison, Wesley, David and Grace; sister, Janette (Stan) Seavey of Owosso. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry Merwin and Douglas Merwin Jr.
To honor Paulette’s wishes for health and safety, the family has limited attendees at her funeral to family only, however, the service will be livestreamed on Saturday, December 5, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m. on the youtube channel by visiting sml holt. Memorial contributions may be made in Paulette’s name to the Sparrow Foundation Care for the Caregivers Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave online condolences please visit millsfuneral.com.
Loraine “Mae” Gaedert
Lori Gaedert, a much-loved wife, mother and daughter. Loraine M. Gaedert, 78, of Roscommon, peacefully passed away on November 27, 2020 at her home in Roscommon, Mich.
Lori is survived by her husband, Harold Gaedert; sons, Frank Fellows, Donald Fellows and David Bradish; and step-daughter, Patricia Gaedert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Kosecki.
At Loraine’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family to help with final expenses. Please contact step-daughter Patricia Gaedert at pgaedert@gmail.com or 561-541-6914.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Christler Funeral Home in Houghton Lake, Michigan.
Lori shall be missed very much by many friends and family, but will never be forgotten.