Obituaries
Raymond D. Grant
Raymond DeVere Grant, 93, from the comfort of his own home entered the gates of heaven on September 5, 2020. Raymond (Ray) was born on June 9, 1927 in Chester Township, Michigan, the son of Thomas DeVere and Anne (Baas) Grant. There he attended a country school and later met his wife of 54 years, Esther Wright.
Ray, a hard-working man, worked in several industries until he laid the foundation of Grant’s Woodshop in 1972. In his spare time, he used his craftsmanship at craft shows, building wooden games for kids at a local Bible school and Christian camps. He was a charter member of Chester Gospel Church, which he took part in building. Here and at home is where he developed his strong foundation of love, faith and Christian values that he used throughout his life. With this devotion, he gained respect from everyone he met and especially from his family that he so loved and enjoyed.
Ray is survived by his children: Paul Grant, Pam (Nelson) Appelman, Don (Marcia) Grant, Rob (Wendy) Grant; daughter-in-law, Cindy Grant; grandchildren, Dusti (Dennis) Seeley, Tennille (Andy) Stetler, Cassie (friend Matt) Bell, Tony (friend Shannon) Appelman, Joheather Grant, Leslie (Mike) Zook, Jessie (Matt) Grant-Drout, Hillary (Clint) Malinowski, Nick (friend Amy) Grant; along with 11 great-grandchildren that he adored. He is also survived by his siblings, Norma (Wendell) Frantz, Martha (Keith) Moore, Connie (David) Green, Kathryn Burnett; and brother-in-law, Verlie Shaver; plus many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Esther; son, Randy; infant daughter, Sandra Kay; his parents; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Barbara Benedict, Marjorie Wagoner, Virginia Shaver; and brothers-in-law, Robert Burnett, Wayne Wagoner, and Carroll Benedict.
Friends are encouraged to support Ray’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced both indoors and outdoors. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 10. Funeral services were Friday, September 11, 2020, at 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Dennis Weeks officiating. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ray’s tribute, and then click on Photos & 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 Chester Gospel Church or Youth Haven Ranch. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Sandra J. Miller
Sandra Jean Miller, age 73, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home September 8, 2020. She was born May 8, 1947, the daughter of Orlo and Allison (McDaniel) Taylor in the original Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. Sandra graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1965. On January 29, 1966, she married Alfred “Wes” Miller Jr. Sandra was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her family and loved them all to the fullest extent. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing BINGO. Sandra was a tremendously kind hearted lady who was always concerned about the needs of others. In recent years she cherished the companionship of her two dogs, Lacey and Blaze.
Sandra is survived by her children; Scott Miller of Charlotte, Michael (Shawn) Miller of Grand Ledge, Tricia (Ken) Mullins of Charlotte; grandchildren: Blake (Nicki) Miller, Cody Mullins, Samantha Mullins; siblings: Reggie (Julie) Wyman, Alan (Judy) Crews, Gary Crews, Liz (Paul) Forsberg; brother-in-law Larry (Pam) Miller of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred in 2018; and her life-long friend, Kathy Gusey, in 2014.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A private burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make a contribution in Sandra’s memory to Erin’s Angels Rescue, 498 Ridge Road, Quincy, MI 49802.
To view Sandra’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Doris J. Stevenson
Doris Jean Stevenson of Eaton Rapids, passed away on September 9, 2020, at the age of 85. Doris was born in Cambria, Mich. on December 29, 1934, the daughter of Claud and Inez Betzer. Doris and her twin brother, Orris, were salutatorian and valedictorian of their graduating class at Reading High School. Doris married the love of her life, Douglas, on April 22, 1956, and they celebrated their 60th anniversary just before he passed away in 2016.
Doris enjoyed many hobbies, including traveling, golfing, scrapbooking, genealogy, and attending plays and musicals. She was also talented at baking (she made the best sugar cookies), sewing, and playing the organ. Before retiring, Doris worked at Air Lift and Old Mill Furniture.
Doris is survived by her sons, Brian (Terri) Stevenson of Eaton Rapids and Brady (Ann) Stevenson of Lansing; grandchildren, Kyle (Brooke) Stevenson of Eaton Rapids, Lindsay (Calach) Peters of Eaton Rapids, Kate (Brendan) Nordstrom of Texas and Ben Stevenson of Minn.; great granddaughters, Emma and Hailey Stevenson. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Olen, Orris, Elsie, and Kern.
Graveside services were held in Evergreen Cemetery in Ransom, Mich. at 11 am on Friday, September 11, 2020. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Griffith United Methodist Church, 9537 S. Clinton Trail or the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation, 1500 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
Richard A. England
Richard “Dick” Arthur England, of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 26, 2020 at the age of 86. Dick was born in McGuffey, Ohio, July 3, 1934, the son of Ray and Ruby (Conley) England. He enlisted and proudly served with the Army National Guard as an Arial photographer. For 34 years he worked for General Motors as a Material Handling Superintendent, retiring in 1987. Dick enjoyed watching the Animal Planet shows on the television, fishing in Canada and was a talented woodworker. Dick had an infectious love for his family and they will miss him greatly. His family was the focal point of his life and he felt truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with them. Even though his birthday was July 3rd, his family made his day special by celebrating with him during the parade in Eaton Rapids on the 4th every year. Dick had a great love of gardening along with his late wife, Beverly. Together they tended to their vegetable and flower gardens and shared them with friends, family and neighbors. With great care, support and love from his family, Dick was able to enjoy life in his own home up until his passing.
Dick is survived by his children, Debra England of Charlotte, Richard (Debra) England of Elsie, T. Michael (Darlene) Swan of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Laurie) Swan of Charlotte, Michael (Jatana Cripe) Swan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Rachel (Scott) McCune, Jerry England, Joshua England, Ricky (Misty) England, Melissa (Donny) Bever, Teresa (Jamie) Bartley, Mischelle Prill, Tony Swan, Katie Swan, Stacee (Justin) Robison, Dillon (Harley) Swan; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly England; grandson, Trevor Swan; great grandchildren, Victoria Tanner and Hayden Bartley; brothers, Danny and Merle England.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Dick’s memory. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Marvin R. Ruff
Marvin “Marv” Reinhold Ruff, 95 of Charlotte, a guy who loved breakfast and social time at “Wee Willies” restaurant, died September 2, 2020. Marvin was the son of Reinhold F. and Bertha (Scherbenske) Ruff, born near Lehr, North Dakota on February 4, 1925. He lived with his parents on a farm north of Lehr and attended a Logan County School. They moved into town in 1933, where Marv helped his father in the Standard Oil bulk business and service station. Several years later, he was named the youngest Standard Oil Bulk Agent in the history of Standard Oil of Indiana, which covered thirteen states.
On October 15, 1950, Marv married Viola “Vi” Strehle in Medina, N.D. They moved to Michigan where Marvin worked in the trucking industry. In 1984 he retired after 28 years as an automotive transport operator for Howard Sober, Inc. Marv and Vi enjoyed spending several winters in Florida in their fifth wheel camper. They also made several trips to North Dakota during the summer months. Marv enjoyed horse racing, motorcycles, gambling, and a nice shot of whiskey.
Marv was preceded in death by his wife, Vi, in 2011; as well as his sister, Marlys Nickisch; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Desiree and Weston Ruff; granddaughter, Miranda (Chad Stalker) Bishop; and great-granddaughter, Myla Jane Stalker.
Friends are encouraged to support Marv’s family at visitation and funeral services. Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced. Services are Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with visitation from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral service 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 Marvin’s tribute, and then click on photos & 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 the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marvin on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.