Obituaries
Michael W. Knickerbocker
Michael Wayne Knickerbocker, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Mike was born on June 4, 1972 the son of Daniel Knickerbocker and Rosanna Kay. He attended Eaton Rapids High School graduating class of 1990. Mike was a carpenter by trade and owned and operated Everlast Carpentry and Contracting. He enjoyed watching Fox news and keeping up on current events, especially conspiracy theories. Mike was an avid golfer, pool player and played in a league at Onondaga Tavern. He enjoyed cabin camping, bonfires, spending time at the O.T. and was a true patriot, he loved his country and the American flag. Above all he was a dedicated father, brother, son and companion who cherished his children.
Mike is survived by his parents, Dan Knickerbocker, Rosanna Kay; girlfriend, Nicole Bancroft; children, Amanda (Clemente) Barron, Michael Knickerbocker, Jakob Knickerbocker, Chloe Knickerbocker, Vincent Knickerbocker, grandchildren Brayden and Morella Barron and special brothers and sisters of his children Tyler and Lacey Reichert, Kyler Smith, Justine Torrey, and Emily and Luke Collins; brother, Dan Knickerbocker; nieces Nicole Knickerbocker, Emily Knickerbocker and numerous extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Elden and Shirley Knickerbocker, Clarence and Lucille Eddy; uncles, Ted Knickerbocker, Garry Eddy and aunts, Peggy Knickerbocker and Kathy Meoak.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. There will be a family and friends memorial picnic Saturday ,August 15th beginning at 2 p.m. at Dan Knickerbocker’s (Mike’s childhood home) 5861 Ferris Road, Eaton Rapids, MI where Mike grew up and lived for many years.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to (https://www.gofundme.com/f/2398zmh0ao?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3WpvwEq7oNIYS_2rAeRbB1MM1EDhjM_mOsu86ftwP5t3UPTUi3isJSrbU) in memory of Mike. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Thomas Johnson
Thomas (Tom) Johnson passed away July 19, 2020 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. Tom was born December 2, 1941 in Gladwin, Mich. to Roy and Marian Johnson. Tom graduated from Gladwin High School in 1960, then the family moved to Eaton Rapids. Tom joined the family in Eaton Rapids after attending Ferris State College for two years.
Tom was a bookkeeper at Gibson Ford, Sessions Ford, Guy Ford and Candy Ford in Eaton Rapids. He later worked at Eaton Stamping, was a bookkeeper at Duck Lake Country Club, and a bartender for many years at Abies. There was no doubt that Tom loved the City of Eaton Rapids and its people. Over the years, Tom enjoyed going to his cabin in Harrison and stopping at Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant. Tom aslo enjoyed playing Keno at both Abies and Darb’s.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Bob and Jim.
Surviving siblings are sisters, Randi Colestock of Charlotte, Cheryl (Kent) Moss of Bushnell, Fla., Penny Johnson of Dimondale, and Sue (Tom) Wilson of Las Vegas, Nev. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews that all adored their “Uncle Tom.”
A graveside memorial will be announced at a later date for those wishing to pay respects to Tom.
Patricia House
Patricia (Holton) House, age 85, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, was called home to heaven peacefully on July 29, 2020. Patricia was born the daughter of Manford and Doris Holton on April 18, 1935 in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. She was an amazing mother and loved spending time with her family. Patricia loved Jesus and spent many hours with the Lord in prayer, reading the Bible, attending mass, and reciting the Rosary. She was always willing to help others and her generosity and caring nature endeared her to all that knew her.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Manford and Doris Holton; husband of 50 years, Ulysses House; and brother, Ronald Holton. Left to cherish her memory until reunited are her children: Kathy (Steve) Dwight, Nancy (Gerry) Gill, Matt (Dianna) House, David (Kathy) House, and Nora (Paul) Dwight; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass honoring Patricia’s life was held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Bunkerhill Campus of The Catholic Community of Sts. James, Cornelius, and Cyprian, with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Visitation began one hour prior to the service and a Rosary was held prior to the service. She was laid to rest in the Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Cemetery after the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kevin Dwight, Trevor Carr, Jake Carr, Steve Lawrence, Derek Lawrence, and James Lawrence. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, Leslie.
Juan A. Valadez
Juan Antonio “Tony” Valadez of Eaton Rapids, was called into heaven July 30, 2020 at the age of 68. Tony was born in Edinburg, TX, November 12, 1951, the son of Eliodoro and Angelita Valadez. He moved to Michigan in the late 70’s and became an outstanding union carpenter. An honest, hardworking husband and father, he was well respected within the community for these attributes and would not hesitate to help or care for those in need. Tony was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys football fan. He will always be remembered as a beacon of light and strength; a kind-hearted loving man who put a smile on the face of everyone around him and never gave up, even in his darkest moments.
Tony is survived by his wife Gloria Valadez; children, Michael J. Valadez of Eaton Rapids and Anthony Valadez of Grand Ledge; grandson, Diego Valadez of Grand Ledge; brothers, Carlos Valadez of IN, Jesse Valadez of IN; sisters, Valerie and Beatrice Valadez of FL; sister-in-law, Susan Valadez of IN; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mario and Jose Valadez.
A funeral mass was held Tuesday, August 4 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids with Fr. George Puthenpeedika officiating. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To share online condolences and memories please visit millsfuneral.com.
Derroll E. Cortright
Derroll Eugene Cortright passed away peacefully with his daughter Jill at his bedside at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, on Saturday August 1, 2020 at the age of 95 years young, following hip surgery and other medical problems over the past two and a half weeks. Derroll was born at his parent’s farm on New Years’ Day in 1925, to Ross Derroll Cortright and Hulda Ruth (Favorite) Cortright in Clarence Twp, near Duck Lake. He graduated from Springport High School with excellent grades, after K through 8th grade at the one room Clarence Center School less than a mile from his rural home. He worked on the farm until marrying Marjorie Rose Blair in 1946 with whom he had four children, all of whom survive him. Jill Marie Cortright of Springport, Daniel Eugene (Jean) Cortright of Albion, Alan Leroy Cortright of Salt Lake City, UT, Debra Rose (Gregg) Lockwood of Albion; sister, Barbara Elizabeth Seger of Elizabethtown, KY; grandchildren, Malissa Eldred, Joseph Hanks, Amanda DeVall, Valerie Bradley and Jaclyn Wheeler; numerous great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Marjorie Cortright as well as by his grandson, Kevin Cortright.
During his lifetime, Derroll also did factory work and owned and operated an electronics repair business. He loved climbing up TV antenna towers. He served Clarence Township as an elected Constable, the latter of which he was very proud. Derroll often said that he wished he had pursued a career in law enforcement. He was an avid reader, Time Magazine in particular, and TV News viewer, following current events closely. Derroll very much enjoyed “discussions” of politics. He was a very intelligent man and could discuss almost any subject. Derroll was fiercely independent, opinionated, and determined. Until falling, likely not using his walker or cane at the time, he lived independently at Willow Tree Village in Eaton Rapids most of the last year and a half. Derroll simply had outlived the old farmhouse he had lived in for 70 some years following marriage. He refused to leave until there was no other alternative. Derroll loved that place and never wanted it sold out of his family. He was always particularly close to his grandson, Joseph, his wife, Amanda, great granddaughters, Jordyn and Aryn, great grandson, Dylan. There was much mutual love and affection between them. Grandpa took great pleasure and interest in Dylan playing summer baseball. He had helped coach Joseph’s team at that age, invoking fond memories for him. Dylan says it best, “He was my favorite Grandpa.” Derroll was always very interested in what everyone was doing. He wanted to be kept informed. Derroll made his own decisions with very little oversight, “I’m in control” was a common phrase. Flowers were a love of Derroll’s, all kinds, but particularly spring bulbs and summer Gladiolas. He planted patches of Daffodils all over his yard at his old house. Derroll greatly favored the natural world and the natural look and was always planting many trees throughout his lifetime. He would buy trees every year from the County Conservation Organization and he shared many with others to plant. His property was a haven for wildlife and they had little fear of him. Derroll absolutely loved spending as much time up north as possible. He greatly loved his kitty, “Lucky Girl” now cared for with love by his daughter Jill. Derroll will now be reunited with two other prior beloved kitties, Snoopy, and Buddy Girl (aka Buddy Boy until he discovered it was a she).
Cremation has taken place through the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. A graveside service will take place 11 a.m. on August 23, 2020 for family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses or to the Pawsibilities Rescue near Olivet. Please visit our website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.