Obituaries
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.
Earl McCafferty
Earl “John” McCafferty, 76, of Dimondale, a Christian man of Faith, was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in Lansing. John was born May 20, 1944 in Lansing, the son of Earl John and Virginia (Johnson) (McCafferty) Gibbons. John married Rosalie Pauline Richey on August 29, 1964 in Bath, Mich. He worked 35 years at Oldsmobile, retiring in 1998. John was also an amazing artist, woodworker, and fabricator. In retirement he enjoyed his summer home on Drummond Island, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and very involved “Bapa” to his only grandchild.
John is survived by his wife, Rosalie McCafferty; daughter, Wendy (Jerry) Couchman; son, Troy McCafferty; grandson, Dane (Ivy) McCafferty; siblings, Beverly (Ralph) Anderson, Georgia (Jim) Williamson, Marguerite Gonzales, Judy Robison, and Steve (Hollie) McCafferty; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held outdoors in the spring, with interment taking place in Dimondale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Drummond Island Baptist Church Building Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles R. Dies
Charles Roger Dies, age 71, of Charlotte, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 27, 2020. He was born April 9, 1949, in Charlotte the son of Ernest and Pauline (Lynd) Dies. He graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1967. On May 1, 1971, he married the love of his life, Julia Anne Masters, at the Olivet Congregational Church. Chuck was a very loving man who had a larger than life personality. He had a heart of gold and was always concerned about the needs of others. Chuck had a passion for classic cars, enjoyed listening to Motown music, and was a connoisseur of food. As a young man Chuck enjoyed working on the family farm milking cows and working at Prescott Sales in Vermontville. He later took a job at Owens Illinois in Charlotte and retired after 38 years of service.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julia; daughters: Angela (Chad) Blackburn of Bellevue, Brenda Dies of Bellevue; grandchildren: Brianna (Josh) Keson of Bellevue, Wyatt Blackburn of Bellevue, Ty Blackburn of Bellevue; great grandchildren, Madeline and Kimberly Keson of Bellevue; siblings: Dennis (Dottie) Dies of Indian River, Pam (Dennis) Woodworth of Whitmore Lake, Cheryl (Darren) Ayles of Nashville; sister-in-law, Joyce Masters of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Steve, Rod, Bill, and Pat.
Due to the current restrictions, the family is planning on hosting a memorial service held at the funeral home in the spring.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Chuck’s honor to Miles for Memories, 4642 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015.
To view Chuck’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.