Obituaries
Bernard A. Sumner
Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Sumner, age 86 — a dedicated firefighter, husband, father and grandfather — died peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Charlotte. Bernie was born October 30, 1933, in Jackson, Mich. He attended Jackson High School, where he met Shirley Ann Walters, and the two married in 1951. They settled in Potterville, where they raised their three children. In 1953, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Mississippi. Upon his return, he joined the City of East Lansing Fire Dept. (ELFD), dedicating the next 32 ½ years to public safety. He retired from ELFD as captain in 1989 and then continued his career as a member of the Benton Township Fire Board for many years. Bernie was a member of the Lansing Moose Lodge #288, where he served as administrator, and shared a supper club with other members. He and Shirley enjoyed time spent hosting card parties and camping with family and friends. Bernie loved sports, especially the MSU Spartans, and was instrumental in starting the youth flag football leagues in Potterville Youth Athletics. Many will remember Bernie’s dedication to service and his love for his family.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Aurora) Sumner of Charlotte; daughter, Jayne (Tim) Anderson of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Christine Sumner; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryon) Mott, Ryan Arias-Sumner, Kristopher Arias-Sumner, Brian Sumner II of Arizona, Amandajean (Brett) Line, Chelsey (Josh) Evans of Texas, Kyle (Shelby) Anderson and Kaitlyn Anderson; and 7 great-grandchildren, Arianna, Teighan, Easton, Cameron, Braxton, Grady and Emmett. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Ann (Walters) Sumner in 2015; son, Brian Scott Sumner in 1998; and his brothers, Stan Sumner and Rex Sumner.
Friends are encouraged to support Bernard’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bernard on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rosalie M. Schneider
Rosalie Mae Schneider, a small woman with a big heart, died peacefully with her family by her side on February 5, 2020, at the age of 85. Born August 13, 1934, to Ralph and Juanita (Johnson) Cortright, Rosalie grew up with a strong will and great understanding of the power of prayer. She became a nurse and worked at St. Lawrence and Hayes Green Beach Hospitals. She met her future husband in Lansing at Bradleys Dance Hall, and on June 8, 1955, she married Edwin Schneider. When they started their family, they filled their home with love, caring, adventure, helping others and the Word of God. Her family fondly remembers that she would pray with her Rosary … while driving. A strong, silent force about her, Rosalie cared for others all the time through her actions and enjoyed cleaning the church, organizing funeral dinners, making afghans for children, sewing clothes for her family and making birthday and Easter cakes. Some of the things that Rosalie enjoyed include: camping, hiking, square dancing, polka music (especially the Beer Barrell Polka), swimming in the neighbors’ pond, baking and tending her flower beds. After their retirement, Rosalie and Edwin enjoyed several trips to McAllen, Texas, and a special trip to Alaska and Newfoundland.
Rosalie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edwin; children, Marcella (Mike) Haag, Marvin (Teri) Schneider, Dorothy (Ron) Schroder, Edward (Lynn) Schneider, Charles (Marlene) Schneider, and Kay (Parks) Preston; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Juanita Brassell and Cleo Cortright; sister-in-law, Rose Cortright. She was predeceased by daughter, Nancy; and siblings, Mayn (Marty) Cortright and Ralph Cortright.
Friends are encouraged to support the Schneider family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2020, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. David Rosenberg officiating. Visitation is Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary service officiated by Deacon Charles Schneider at 7:30 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rosalie on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barry E. Hoyt
Barry E. Hoyt, age 77, of Coldwater, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Barry was born on May 10, 1942, in Charlotte, to Elmer and Kathryn (Willis) Hoyt. He attended and graduated from Charlotte High School. On May 7, 1966, he married the former Donna Withrow, who survives. Barry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was later employed with the U.S. Army National Guard, where he worked with computers and attained the rank of staff sergeant, retiring with 20 years military service. Outside of work, Barry enjoyed traveling and engaged in many outdoor pursuits, including snowmobiling, camping and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed visiting many different posts.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Barry is survived by his children, Tara (Mike) Powell of Union City, Theresa Mohrhardt of Burlington, Robert (Robin) Hoyt of Quincy and Daniel Hoyt of Watervliet; a brother, David Hoyt of Charlotte; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gary Hoyt and Rodney Hoyt; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Mohrhardt.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City, Mich. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, also at Lighthouse in Union City.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center Homeless Veterans Program Fund. Visit lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
Jon Myers
Jon Myers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020, at Hospice of Lenawee. He was born in 1943 in Lansing to Edward and Caroline Myers. After graduating from Charlotte High School, he attended Lansing Community College and continued his studies at Michigan Technological University, where he received a BS degree in forestry in 1968, and at Lake Superior State University, where he received an MBA in 1989. He married Rebecca Ruth Gladden in Owosso on September 10, 1966, and they made their home in Houghton, Mich. until he received his degree. The couple had two children, Charles (Raina) Myers of Blackshear, Ga., and Rachel Myers (Ronald) Moore of Fargo, N.D. Jon’s professional career was as a maintenance manager at the Lafarge cement plant in Alpena and the Holnam cement plant in Dundee. Jon served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Charlevoix Lodge 282 F&AM. He loved flying and was a certified flight instructor. At home, he enjoyed stained glass work and woodworking, even building his own sailboat.
Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years; his children; several grandchildren; his brother, Fred (Sherry) Myers; and sister, Martha (Charles) Powers. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mildred I. O’Dell
Mildred Irene O’Dell, age 88, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 15, 1931, in Charlotte the daughter of Vern and Vera (Smuts) Waddell. Mildred went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1948. On March 20, 1949, she married Gerald F. O’Dell at the Bellevue United Methodist Church. Mildred was one of the most caring and compassionate ladies one could ever meet. She loved people and was always concerned about the needs of others. She was a devoted Christian woman who ministered to many throughout the years. Mildred was a long-time member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet where she faithfully served in many compacities. She retired after over 30 years of service from State Farm Insurance where she worked as a senior underwriter.
Mildred is survived by her children: Gerry (Becky) O’Dell of Augusta, Garry (Sue) O’Dell of Olivet, Dick (Martha) O’Dell of Olivet, Ruth (Ron) Pufpaff of Marshall; seven grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; brother, Byron (Lorene) Waddell; and nephew, Ron Waddell.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Faith Assembly of God in Olivet with Pastors Garry O’Dell and Todd McLane officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in Mildred’s honor to Gideon’s International or Faith Assembly of God. To view Mildred’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.