Obituaries
Daniel L. Smith
Daniel Lee Smith, age 62, of Mason passed away on March 10, 2020. He was the owner of Sieloff Glass and Screen. Funeral services were held on March 17, 2020 at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Galen F. Higdon
Galen Floyd Higdon, age 79, of Eaton Rapids passed away on March 13, 2020 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Galen was born December 22, 1940 in Eaton Rapids, to Floyd Higdon and Fidema (Starks) Higdon. He spent his childhood in Eaton Rapids along with his brother Arthur where he attended school and worked on the family farm. Growing up, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout alongside many of his classmates and was president of his high school senior class. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In later years, he made several salmon fishing trips to Alaska. Galen was very active in the community as a member of the Conservation Club, served as president of the Jaycees and as the co-chairman of the Eaton Rapids Bi-Centennial celebration. He had a passion for antiques, and his wife Faith owned and operated a successful antique restoration appraisal company in Eaton Rapids and Mason. Galen worked as a salesman, first for Paul Auto Parts and then for Road Equipment Parts Center, from which he retired in 2005. After retirement, he took up woodworking, making furniture, but was mostly known for his turkey calls. Galen is survived by his children, Greg Higdon, Mark Higdon and Christine (Danny) Olson-De La Vergne; his stepchildren, Cal (Holly) Hartline and Rachel (David) Rockafellow, as well as seven grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His ashes will be spread in the woods that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in his name. To share memories or condolences, visit millsfuneral.com.
Jeanette Snyder
Dora “Jeanette” Snyder, age 94, of Charlotte passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born March 4, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Ernest and Gretchen (Gutchess) Gardner.
Jeanette graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943. On June 6, 1946, Jeanette married Philip E. Snyder. Together they raised two children. Shortly after graduation, Jeanette went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte until the Charlotte office closed. She went to work for Michigan National Bank in Charlotte for several years before returning to Michigan Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) in Lansing. Jeanette retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jeanette and husband Philip spent winters in Palmetto, Fla. and summers in Michigan. She enjoyed playing trumpet in the Bradenton Community Band, playing shuffleboard, bicycling with her husband Philip, working at the clubhouse, dining out and playing board games with friends. Jeanette and Philip square danced year-round, being members of several clubs. They were members of the Lansing Capital Totems Holiday Ramblers Travel Club and traveled to almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. Jeanette and Philip also traveled a large part of Canada and Mexico. Jeanette was a tremendous cook, and she liked to walk. Jeanette walked a mile a day until she was 92 years old.
Jeanette is survived by her children, David P. Snyder (Patricia) and Kristie S. Snyder; grandchildren, Jon D. Snyder, Brenda (Todd) Supica, and Cindy (Brian) Kane; five great- grandchildren; and brother John Gardner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip E. Snyder; and brother, Gaylord Gardner.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeanette’s honor to the charity of their choice. There will be no service held at this time. A graveside memorial will be held this spring.
Hazel E. Satterly
Hazel Elaine Satterly, age 75, of Charlotte passed away March 6, 2020, with her family by her side. Hazel was born to the late Fay and Cortha (Torbet) Gilson on August 14, 1944, in Eaton Rapids.
She graduated from Mason High School in 1962. She married the late Leonard D. Satterly on March 9, 1963. Hazel drove a school bus for 16 years for Lakewood Public Schools and retired to take care of her six grandchildren, which she enjoyed. She loved to go to Rice Lake and fish. She loved camping and going on road trips. She was an active bowler ,and she loved to crochet and do scrapbooking.
Hazel is survived by her loving family; children; Leonard D. (Tara) Satterly Jr., Dawn E. (Ronald P.) Kauffman, Michael F. Satterly; grandchildren, Stephan Satterly, Sean (Brittany) Satterly, Brian (Kristin) Satterly, Ronald D. (Danielle) Kauffman, Cassandra (Timothy) Haney, Jalesa (Zachary) Raymer; great-grandchildren, Drake Campbell, Deegan Campbell, Dayne Campbell, Emerson Satterly, Brezlyn Satterly, Kamden Satterly, Brinley Haney, Ashlyn Manshum, Jackson Manshum, Ryleigh Raymer, Rhys Raymer, Rozlynn Raymer; sisters, Mary (Bob) Gilson- Batten, Vernice VanNess; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norris (Hazel) Satterly, Byron (Pam) Satterly, Chris (Linda) Satterly and Larry (Jan) Mahan.
Hazel was predeceased by her husband, Leonard D. Satterly, parents and in-laws. Hazel’s family is planning a celebration of her life sometime this summer
Donald E. Otto
Donald E. Otto, age 69, of Bellevue died on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends, following a long battle with lung cancer.
Don was born on February 8, 1951 in Battle Creek to Bernard and Joyce (Oaster) Otto. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1969. Don served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1971-1977. On December 28, 2001 he married Martha “Marty” Lennon.
Don worked for Grand Trunk railroad for many years, and he retired in 1991. He also served on the Bellevue Fire Department for 16 years and eight of those years as assistant fire chief. Don enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, hunting and fishing. He was the assistant coach for the Bellevue High School girls softball team for several years. Don also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He loved family get-togethers, especially time spent with his nieces and nephews.
Don is survived by his wife Marty of Bellevue; father Bernard Otto of Bellevue; son Dan Otto of Bellevue; two granddaughters; brother Michael (Mary) Otto of Delton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Joyce; and siblings Gary Otto and Steve Otto.
A memorial service took place on March 12, 2020 at the Bellevue United Methodist Church in Bellevue. A private family interment took place at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Bellevue Fire Department or to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com.