Obituaries
Kevin D. Wiltse
Kevin Duane Wiltse, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020. Kevin was born on December 5, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Sharon (Reynolds) Wiltse and James Wiltse. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Kevin was a huge outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an avid MSU and Carolina Panthers fan. Kevin enjoyed gaming and especially liked virtual pool and Game of Thrones. He was currently employed at Meridian Magnesium where he worked as a general laborer.
Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Ruth Reynolds and Robert and Peg Wiltse; uncles, Richard and Jim Reynolds; aunt, Sally Hudson and step-brother, Ron Antes II.
Surviving Kevin are his wife, Nancy (Eggleston) Wiltse; parents, Jim (Rose) Wiltse, Sharon Wiltse; children, Olivia (Shawn) Murray, Caleb Fuller; grandchildren, Peyton Hankins, Shyann Hankins, Dante Murray, Reid Murray; brothers, Kirk (Carrie) Wiltse, Keith (Samara) Wiltse, Ken (Tina) Wiltse; step-sisters, Cassandra (Pete) Shong, Michelle (John) Robertson, Roxanne (Todd) Frantz; aunts and uncles, Rusty and Deb Simmons, Paul Fotis, Kay Lawson, Barb and Ken Marshall, Tim and Judy Wiltse, Butch Hudson and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Kevin. To share memories or leave condolences visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Barbara E. Dickinson
Barbara Evelyn Dickinson, age 80, of Dayton, Nev., passed away on March 2, 2020.
She was born November 6, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Susie (Wiseman) Homer. Barbara was a graduate of the University of California at Berkley. She used to hear groups like the Kingston Trio and The Limelighters practicing on the campus grounds as she walked to classes. During those same years, she was introduced to a young “Navy man” through a friend of a friend. She married that “Navy man,” the love of her life, John Duane Dickinson, on July 1, 1961, in Salinas, Calif. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage last July. Barbara enjoyed her California and Nevada mountains and countless vacations with her husband and with family (Hawaii, Barbados, Michigan, Utah, Denver, CO 50 Cousins Reunion and Arizona, to name a few). She adored her pets, loved crossword puzzles and was an absolute whiz at Jeopardy. Barbara had a background story to share about almost every favorite song on the radio and many a movie. She was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, The San Francisco Giants, The Golden State Warriors and her Cal State Bears. Barbara was an exceptional conversationalist and is greatly missed by her family and friends. “She’ll be waiting on the far side banks of the Jordan …”
Barbara leaves behind her husband John Duane Dickinson; sons, John M. (Kimberly) Dickinson and James W. Dickinson; grandchildren, Sean Dickinson, Suzanne Dickinson, Nathan (Torri) Dickinson, Corey Dickinson, Kelly Powser, Ryan Powser; brother-in-law, David (Katie) Dickinson; sister-in-law, Anne Dickinson; former sister-in-law, Bette Stark; nieces, Julie Dickinson-McClure, Diana Dickinson, Heather (Daniel) Hundt and Gina (Ben) Fosmoen and families. Her parents preceded her in death as did her sister, Phyllis (Homer) Messenger.
Denny L. Miller
Denny Lee Miller, age 52, of Eaton Rapids passed away February 27, 2020. Denny was born in Eaton Rapids on December 18, 1967, the son of Vernie “Pops” and Laura (Camp) Miller. He was a 1987 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Denny worked at Michigan Packaging for several years and was also a custodian with the Eaton Rapids Public Schools. He played softball in his younger years, liked to hunt and fish and was a pretty good cook. Denny really enjoyed giving out unwanted advice on Facebook.
Denny is survived by his mother, Laura Miller of Eaton Rapids; children Tracie Miller, Marcus (Ashleigh) Miller and Chris (Kaitlyn) Miller, all of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren Gaige Oberlin and Nevaeh, Kaydence, Kameron, Aspen and Logan Miller; brother David Miller; sister-in-law Missy Miller; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Vernie “Pops” Miller and brother Michael Miller.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, with interment following in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled for Thursday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, March 6, one hour prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the family to help with funeral expenses. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Lorna Marguerite Rusch Tripp, age 101, of Mason passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 4, 2020. Lorna was born September 7, 1918, in Mason, the daughter of William LeRoy and Ada (Osborne) Rusch. She attended County Normal College after high school and was a country school teacher for many years before raising her family. Lorna married Lawrence Tripp, and they celebrated 61 years together before his death in 2004. She and her husband were avid rock hounds and long-time members of the Central Michigan Lapidary and Mineral Society. Lorna was also a life-time member of Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and loved watching birds, golfing, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Lorna is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Jordan) Odell of Eaton Rapids, Rosanna (Christopher) Mouton of Mason; grandchildren, Eric (Teresa), Scott and Nathan (Noel) Odell, Alyssa and Larry Mouton; beloved sister, Joan (Ken) Mathews; great-grandchildren, Madison, Ben, Kaden, Sebastian and Rowan; brother-in-law, Bob Fedosky; many nieces and nephews and special friend, Brenda Matteson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Kathy Tripp; sisters, Sada Fancher, Virginia Weller, Donna Eldred, Madilyn Owen; and sister-in-law, Mary Fedosky.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in July. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Animal Shelter, 600 Buhl St., Mason MI 48854. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Ivy F. Powell
Ivy F. Powell, age 73, of Dansville joined her husband William Powell in eternal rest on February 22, 2020. Ivy was a caregiver and longtime resident of the Charlotte community.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ivy and Everette Gostnell, and brother, Robert Gostnell (Carol).
Surviving are her two sons, David Powell (Nicole) and Kevin Powell; grandson, Christopher Powell; sister, Sherry Whitesides (Joe); brother, Mike Gostnell (Patty); and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. She will be missed.
There will be no services. Arrangements were made by Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.