Obituaries
Kathy K. Shepard-Hussey
Kathy K. Shepard-Hussey – a loving, kind and devoted Christian – died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, in Ann Arbor. Kathy, age 67, was born August 6, 1952, in Lansing, to Edwin A. and Ruth (Campbell) Shepard Sr. She devoted her life to serving others. She worked as an eldercare giver and housekeeper and in an eldercare home as a caregiver, and she enjoyed being a homemaker. Kathy was a great cook and baker. Attending church was a strong passion for Kathy, and she loved volunteering in the church nursery. She also adored her pets, especially her dog George. Hobbies that Kathy enjoyed were traveling to fairs and flea markets, working in her flower gardens, caring for her house plants and spending time with her family. Kathy leaves a legacy behind of being faithful to God. She was a very strong and independent woman.
Kathy is survived by children, Chance and William Hussey; her grandchildren; loving friend and significant other who she had deep admiration for, Karl Kempf; siblings, Floyce Abernathy and Mary (Roger) Fuller. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Sandra K. Shepard; infant brother, Keith E. Shepard; and brother, Edwin A. Shepard Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Kathy’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Monday, January 6, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation is Sunday, January 5, 2020, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kathy on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Theodore R. Marshall
Theodore R. Marshall Sr., age 89, of Charlotte, passed away, Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services with his family by his side. He was born February 22, 1930, in Nashville, MI, the son of Everett and Minnie (White) Marshall. Ted honorably served his country in the United States Army. He adored his family and was proud of them all. Ted enjoyed playing cards, games and spending time in his garden. He worked the majority of his life as a master carpenter. He saw to it that each and every project was completed correctly the first time around.
Ted is survived by his children: Debra Ethridge of Eaton Rapids, Sindi Marshall of Charlotte, Tammy (Gary) Bower of Charlotte, Lisa Marshall of Charlotte, Beth Peeler of Texas; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret “Evelyn”; daughter, Lori Henry; son, Theodore R. Marshall II, grandchildren: Maggie Marshall and Joshua Meacham.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
To view Ted’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Clenton Goad
Clenton Goad, age 94, went home to be with his Lord, peacefully in his Charlotte home, on December 18, 2019. Clenton was born in Sycamore, KY, on August 19, 1925, to George and Maude Goad, and had six brothers growing up. He joined the U.S. Navy on September 25, 1942, in Norfolk, VA, at the age of 17, and was an important veteran of World War II, serving as an aviation machinist mate 3rd class on the aircraft carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), eventually capturing the now famous German U-Boat submarine U505, with the respected “Hunter-Killer” Task Force. The captured U505 was eventually moved to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where it remains today.
After serving his country in the Navy, he lived in the South for many years, where he had six daughters and one son from a previous marriage. He married Shirley Ann Darling on January 22, 1966. He was an honest, hard-working man, working for Motor Wheel Corporation in Lansing as a foundryman for 15 years. Shirley recounts “he always put me and his kids first and was a steadfast, good provider.” When not working, Clenton is remembered as a devoted family man. He also had a passion for maintaining his properties, had large vegetable gardens and could fix about anything. He is remembered for his bright sense of humor, always wearing a smile and his positive outlook, plus being a world-class “picker” to his friends and family, always in love. He revered George Jones’ music, ate raw onions like apples, and his favorite meal was pinto beans, cornbread and buttermilk — a clear tribute to being a true southern gentleman.
His children are Tony Goad, Nona Irwing, Judy Bryant (Jerry), Cynthia Brown (David), Tanna Wermes (Jack), Wanda Petty (deceased), Wendy Masterson (Lynn), Michael Goad (Pablo), Alicia Crawley (Jimmie), Deborah Kerns (Tony), Shelly Van Belle (Dirk) and also many grand-, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place per his wishes. A memorial service is anticipated to occur in late spring or summer 2020, with expected internment at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, at that time. The family would like to thank the at-home associates and staff at the Battle Creek VA for years of devoted care and the in-home Hospice folks from Sparrow Health System for their nurturing care. In lieu of flowers or remembrances, the family suggests any desired donations be made to your local Hospice organization.
Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman
Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman, age 98, of Bellevue, went to be with her Lord while surrounded by her family on December 22, 2019, at the Flower House in Nashville, MI. She was born to Ray C. and Gladys M. (Casler) Spotts on January 29, 1921. Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1938, Velma continued to the Home Economic short course at Michigan Agricultural College on a scholarship. While at college, she met her future husband, Harold E. Dingman. Velma also worked in Lansing and was the autograph girl for her uncle, Governor Luren D. Dickinson. Being a child of the depression, nothing went to waste. There was a place for everything, and she kept everything neat as a pin.
Velma Jean and Harold were married on June 26, 1941, at the home of the bride’s parents. They resided with the groom’s parents until May 1948, when they purchased their home in Bellevue where they raised their family on a farm — milking cows and raising a flock of sheep. In 1968, they achieved the high-producing dairy herd in Eaton County from the DHIA and in 1996 were awarded Outstanding Purebred Breeders from the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association. Working alongside her husband, Velma was the shepherd to their flock of sheep, caring for the ewes and lambs during lambing season. She also kept immaculate records for the registration of their sheep. Velma and Harold also belonged to Whirlaways square-dance club and made many lasting friendships through this club in Bellevue.
Some of her favorite pastimes included: sewing, fishing, gardening and canning, as well as completing multiple scrapbooks and photo albums for her four children, as well as one for special memories that she and Harold shared. As a member of the Nimble Needles Club, she helped make quilts for families in need. Her greatest hobby and proudest accomplishment, however, was raising her children and watching her grandchildren.
Velma is survived by her sons, Dennis L. (Laraine) Dingman, Doyle D. (Renee) Dingman; daughter, Diane (Dennis) Kelly; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Marilyn Hosey. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold (who also passed on December 22 in 2005); son, Duane E. Dingman; and brother, Robert Spotts.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Pennock, the caregivers at the Flower House and Kendra from Grace Hospice. Their care, compassion and love did not go unnoticed, and the family thanks you for making their mother’s final days comfortable.
Funeral services were held on December 26 at Bellevue United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. Friends who wish to make memorial contributions are encouraged to support Bellevue Historical Society or the Eaton County Agricultural Building Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Velma on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rosarita Moorhead
Rosarita Moorhead, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, December 23, 2019, at her home. She was born October 29, 1937, in Lansing, the daughter of Thomas and Edith (Ranier) Costigan. She graduated from Ithaca High School. Rosarita loved her family but was especially fond of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Bingo, scrapbooking and lighthouses. Rosarita also enjoyed eating out locally.
She is survived by her children: Raye Lynn (Robert) Owen of Middleton, Roxanne White of Clearwater, FL, Rhonda (Sam) Butters of Charlotte, Justyne White of Tampa, Fl; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers: Mike (Mary) Costigan, Thomas Costigan; and special friend and caregiver, Virginia Spade-Patino.
Rosarita was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Ray E. White in 1981, Jerry Kipp in 1992, Jim Moorhead in 2010; five infant children; great-grandchildren: Jitari White and Vallerie Kunsman.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Alma. Those desiring, may make contributions in Rosarita’s memory to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte MI 48813.