Obituaries
Rev. Stephen Klink
On Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the age of 71, Steve passed from this life into Glory and has met his redeemer and Savior face to face. Born November 17, 1948 in Eaton Rapids the son of Robert and Anna (Howery) Klink, he was raised in rural Eaton Rapids where he attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools. Steve enlisted in the United State Marines just prior to graduation, after basic training he was stationed in Viet Nam during the war. Following his discharge Steve had several occupations but found his calling in the ministry. He ministered to several hundreds of people in his lifetime including the members of his church, The Eaton Rapids Community Christian Church. He was a lover of animals especially exotic birds and Percheron horses. Steve was a great orator and gifted writer who published a life experience article entitled “Sunglasses” in Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul. He also performed in theatrical plays with his good friend George Brown, one of which was the “Madrigals.”Steve was a talented singer and guitarist, and a man of God who truly loved his church family. He was quick witted and was often noted for saying, “Now write this down in the dust on your dash.” A man of the people, Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are his wife, Joy; six children, Kristy (Nick) Cimino, Steve (Pam) Klink, Amanda (Matt) Miller, Bill (Liz) Hoople, Lesley (Jeff) Sherwood, Paul (Kristie) Hoople; 17 grandchildren,;four great grandchildren; ten brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Burial followed at the Fowler Cemetery in rural Eaton Rapids with full military honors. The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice or to a charity of one’s choice in loving memory of Stephen Klink. For online condolences or to share a memory please go to SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robert C. Brown
Robert Clyde Brown, 86 of Charlotte, a guy who always said, “I’ll do it myself” and his family affectionately calls “a stubborn ole bastard” died November 8, 2020. He was headstrong with a soft heart, willing to take on tasks for others as well as accomplishing his list. He loved hunting and fishing and three-wheeling with his Kellogg buddies. Bob was a homebody. He was proud of his property, including the barns that he built, his house and his land. He enjoyed his building and refinishing of farm equipment and many other projects. He enjoyed his years at Kellogg as a machine operator. Bob was so proud of his family, and loved to share memories of his sons’ antics.
Bob is survived by his wife, Susan Myers; and his step-children, Keven Myers and August Mellios; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Dean (Sheila) Brown of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Steve Brown, Stan Brown, Donn Brown; grandson, Chad Brown; and brother, Larry Brown.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 14, 2020, 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with celebrant Joseph E. Pray officiating, and interment to follow at Perry Cemetery. Visitation is prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Bob’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Food Pantry. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Robert on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Shirley A. Collins
Shirley Ann Collins, 90, of Charlotte, a self-sacrificing, caring woman of great character and independence, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Shirley was born July 25, 1930 in Charlotte. She worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell (later AT&T), retiring with perfect attendance – a tribute to her flawless work ethic. Shirley always made sure things were done right. She enjoyed antiquing, especially collecting furniture, glass works, and books. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, and loved time spent playing cards and socializing with grandchildren, family and friends; chief among them was Susan Collins, her former daughter-in-law, whose relationship was treasured. Above all, she loved her role as matriarch of the Collins family. Shirley’s family will always be proud of her care of them even when resources were limited. The family has donated her many books and belongings to the local library in keeping with her spirit of generosity.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Mark, Gary (Eileen), and Jeff Collins; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Bruce (Tonja) Hicks, Phyllis Moore, and Jeannette Hicks, Bobby Hicks, Jerry (Evelyn) Hicks, and Dale (Carole) Hicks; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sons, Steve and Kyle Collins; and her brothers, Jack, Tink and Richard Hicks.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3552. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ruth A. Aagaard
Ruth Ann Aagaard, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home November 9, 2020. She was born April 11, 1948, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of George and Maude (Vandersteel) Kik. Ruth graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids in 1966. On February 21, 1979, she married Richard Aagaard in Crystal, Mich. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was always smiling and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She adored her family and was always there to support them. Ruth worked at the Eaton Place in Charlotte for 18 years and enjoyed the comradery she had with her coworkers. The family would like to thank the caring staff of McLaren Hospice, MSU Healthcare, and her favorite EMT Roy for their loving care during Ruth’s illness.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Richard; sons: Don Miller of Charlotte, Rick Aagaard of Charlotte; granddaughter, Vanessa Carroll; great grandson, Jace Carroll; and brother, Dan Kik of Grand Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bob Kik.
A graveside service was held on Friday, November 13, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Center Eaton Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ruth’s memory to McLaren Hospice 2815 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 4, Lansing, Mich. 48910.
To view Ruth’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Charles H. Miller
Charles “Chuck” H. Miller, a helper of people, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family in the early morning on November 8, 2020, after a four-year battle with health issues. Chuck was born August 7, 1939 in Manitowoc, Wisc. to Cecil and Ruth (Tomaschefsky) Miller. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1956 to 1958 and then continued his service to his country in the National Guard from 1973 to 1981.
Chuck was one of those generous people who cheerfully gave his time and his talent to others. Many will remember Chuck from his countless hours that he spent at the Potterville Sod Slingers racetrack where he manicured the grass to make sure the lawn mower races could proceed each weekend during the season.
Chuck loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed the many years at deer camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his buddy Jim Ness, his nephews, his son Bob, and son in-law Patrick.
Chuck was also a fan of family and friends gathering for chili cookout parties in the backyard of the family home. Above all he was loved by everyone he met. He will be remembered for his quick wit and memorable one-liners he would share with a smile, his favorite one being “Don’t tell me what to do.”
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; their children, Teri (Patrick) Daniels, Bob Miller, Greg Miller and John (Dena) Miller. He also leaves behind his 14 cherished grandchildren including the youngest, born June 30, 2020, and named Charlie Benjamin after his grandfather; as well his sister, June Ely; brother, Richard Miller; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Miller; his father, Cecil Miller; granddaughter, Kayla Daniels; brother, David Miller; and special brother-in-law, Jim Ness.
Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family at a chili cookout and memorial service at the family residence Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Chuck on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.