Obituaries
Donald E. West
Donald West of Eaton Rapids joined his wife in a heavenly choir and dancing on October 1, 2020. He was born August 5, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio and was able to work his way through college (GMI) for an engineering degree in Flint, Michigan. He then earned his MBA at Central Michigan University. He was conscious early in his life what his purpose was on earth: to make this world a better place, especially for young folk. While commanding American Legion Post 165 in Midland, he founded a Sons of the American Legion squadron. Living in Bullock Creek, while president of Southtown Little League for two years, he spearheaded a goal to build two regulation diamonds so that 200 boys would have a good place to play baseball.
Serving on the board of Lansing Community Credit Union for 14 years, he pushed for many rules making it easier and cheaper for members to get loans. In Mason he coached a Babe Ruth for a couple of years and even the Mason baseball team for a couple of games. During winters in Harlingen, Texas, he volunteered to teach fifth grade students, for over 15 years, how to read and comprehend stories. For a couple of years, he was a greeter at the local airport welcoming incoming travelers to Lansing and helping outgoing fliers with any issues.
He helped direct and sing on the Eaton Rapids Senior Center chorus where his best enjoyment was when they sang at rehab centers. His role for several years as an impersonator of a departed person on cemetery tours allowed him to bring that person’s role to life in a positive way. Don also made popcorn at a local hospital for over 20 years and was volunteer of the month for October of 2017.
He enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the customer. He always bought a few bags of popcorn to distribute to patients where he sang. As a wood carver, he personally carved over 40 whimsical walking canes and gave them to family and friends who needed them. He was an optimist and really enjoyed life and living.
His beautiful wife, Jackie, died in January 2019. They were married for over 64 years. His brother, Jerry died in 2013 and sisters, Betty Mason in 2016 and Patti Westland in 2019. He is survived by his four sons; Kerry (Barbara), Brian (Cindy), Dana, and Don Bo (Kelly). He has five grandchildren and onegreat-grandson. He also is survived by two sisters, Helen Marie Lawer, and Phyllis Shaw.
Funeral services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 162 Bridge St., Dimondale, MI 48823 or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To share online condolences or memories, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Mary J. Standley
Mary June Standley, of Brighton, Mich., formerly of Eaton Rapids and Marshall passed away on April 7, 2020 at the age of 75. Mary was born on October 13, 1944 in Marshall, the daughter of Donald and Agnes (Creps) Heath. She attended Marshall public school and graduated the class of 1962. Mary moved to Eaton Rapids where she raised her two girls, worked and retired from the Eaton Rapids Hospital in 1984. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed years of volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. Mary and Ron were huge MSU fans and held season tickets for basketball and hockey for over 30 years. After the love of her life’s passing she moved to Brighton where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren for the past 17 years.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Kris Hill, Kelly Parks; grandchildren, Travis Hill, Emily Hill, Nicole Kapff; and great grandson, Logan Kapff. A special mention to her doctor and friend of many years, Dr. Carol Beals, and her special niece, Sandy Drumm.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron Standley; sister, Peggy Drumm and brother-in-law, Richard Drumm.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family request that no black be worn and that you wear green and white or Michigan State University apparel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Mich.
To share condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Nicole E. Geahan
Nicole Elizabeth Geahan, a friend that loved to make others laugh with her bubbling personality, died unexpectedly September 25, 2020 in Jackson at the age of 33.
Nicole was a wonderful person that made lifelong friends easily. As she grew up, she would throw herself into activities that interested her and would proceed full throttle at all times.
Nicole is survived by her son Conner Powelson, her daughter Kaleigha Johnson, and her parents Kenneth and Martha Powelson.
Private graveside services were held at West Carmel Cemetery. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Nicole on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Cerel Merritt Fritz, Jr.
Cerel M. Fritz, Jr., age 74 died on September 27, 2020. He was a resident of Charlotte, Mich. and a tool and die operator. Funeral services will be at a later date.
James E. Davy
James Edward Davy, 70, of Charlotte, died Thursday, September 24, 2020 in Lansing. Jim was born November 24, 1949 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, the son of Jack and Marion (Sayre) Davy. In his youth, the family moved to Walled Lake, Mich., where he graduated from Walled Lake Central in 1967. Shortly after, on a visit to the beach, he asked if he could sit alongside a pretty young lady, Jean. This started their journey together. Jim left for basic training and was eventually stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. Jean followed him to Germany, and in 1971 the couple got married in Basil, Switzerland. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a firefighter during the Vietnam War. Upon their return, they started a family and Jim took a job in Walled Lake working for Dedoes. In 1990, Jim and Jean moved their family to Charlotte, where Jim worked in Sales with AdTech Plastics. He retired from Cass Polymers in 2015. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, and following the Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Lions. His pride in life was his grandchildren, Jack and Mya. Jim followed their sports and activities, and treasured every moment spent together as a family. Many will remember him as an all-around great person with a happy smile and a kind heart.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jean Davy; son, Jeff (Stephanie) Davy; daughter, Jessica Davy; grandchildren, Mya and Jack Davy; brothers, Richard Davy, John Davy, and Brian Davy; and his nieces and nephews.
A private memorial gathering will take place at Jeff and Stephanie’s home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.