Obituaries
Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman
Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman, age 98, of Bellevue, went to be with her Lord while surrounded by her family on December 22, 2019, at the Flower House in Nashville, MI. She was born to Ray C. and Gladys M. (Casler) Spotts on January 29, 1921. Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1938, Velma continued to the Home Economic short course at Michigan Agricultural College on a scholarship. While at college, she met her future husband, Harold E. Dingman. Velma also worked in Lansing and was the autograph girl for her uncle, Governor Luren D. Dickinson. Being a child of the depression, nothing went to waste. There was a place for everything, and she kept everything neat as a pin.
Velma Jean and Harold were married on June 26, 1941, at the home of the bride’s parents. They resided with the groom’s parents until May 1948, when they purchased their home in Bellevue where they raised their family on a farm — milking cows and raising a flock of sheep. In 1968, they achieved the high-producing dairy herd in Eaton County from the DHIA and in 1996 were awarded Outstanding Purebred Breeders from the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association. Working alongside her husband, Velma was the shepherd to their flock of sheep, caring for the ewes and lambs during lambing season. She also kept immaculate records for the registration of their sheep. Velma and Harold also belonged to Whirlaways square-dance club and made many lasting friendships through this club in Bellevue.
Some of her favorite pastimes included: sewing, fishing, gardening and canning, as well as completing multiple scrapbooks and photo albums for her four children, as well as one for special memories that she and Harold shared. As a member of the Nimble Needles Club, she helped make quilts for families in need. Her greatest hobby and proudest accomplishment, however, was raising her children and watching her grandchildren.
Velma is survived by her sons, Dennis L. (Laraine) Dingman, Doyle D. (Renee) Dingman; daughter, Diane (Dennis) Kelly; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Marilyn Hosey. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold (who also passed on December 22 in 2005); son, Duane E. Dingman; and brother, Robert Spotts.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Pennock, the caregivers at the Flower House and Kendra from Grace Hospice. Their care, compassion and love did not go unnoticed, and the family thanks you for making their mother’s final days comfortable.
Funeral services were held on December 26 at Bellevue United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. Friends who wish to make memorial contributions are encouraged to support Bellevue Historical Society or the Eaton County Agricultural Building Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Velma on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rosarita Moorhead
Rosarita Moorhead, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, December 23, 2019, at her home. She was born October 29, 1937, in Lansing, the daughter of Thomas and Edith (Ranier) Costigan. She graduated from Ithaca High School. Rosarita loved her family but was especially fond of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Bingo, scrapbooking and lighthouses. Rosarita also enjoyed eating out locally.
She is survived by her children: Raye Lynn (Robert) Owen of Middleton, Roxanne White of Clearwater, FL, Rhonda (Sam) Butters of Charlotte, Justyne White of Tampa, Fl; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers: Mike (Mary) Costigan, Thomas Costigan; and special friend and caregiver, Virginia Spade-Patino.
Rosarita was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Ray E. White in 1981, Jerry Kipp in 1992, Jim Moorhead in 2010; five infant children; great-grandchildren: Jitari White and Vallerie Kunsman.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Alma. Those desiring, may make contributions in Rosarita’s memory to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte MI 48813.
Marjorie B. Southworth
Marjorie B. Southworth of Mulliken died on December 15, 2019, at the age of 93. She leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Neil E. Southworth.
Marjorie was very involved in Eaton County 4-H, the Mulliken United Methodist, the Mulliken District Library, as well as other nonprofit organizations within the community.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Clint (Mona) Southworth, Janet Merryfield, Armon (Cynthia) Southworth, Lorri (Greg) Lavelle; grandchildren, Brian, Mark, Joan, Chad, Marissa, Kyle, Amber, Amanda and Aaron. We’ll never forget the smiling faces of Andy and Ashley. Great-grandchildren include Megan, Coty, Jacob, Zack, Gavin, Parker, Ashley, Averie, Maylee, Patrick, Charlotte, Suzy, Ashley, Alex, Adra, Cooper, Kaylee and Alana.
A private family service has been held. Join the family in April when they host a “celebration of life” for Marjorie. Those wishing can make donations in memory of Marjorie to Watson Country School, c/o Union Bank, 233 W. Grand Ledge Hwy., Mulliken MI 48861. The family was served by Barker Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.
Patrick Glenn Lewis
Patrick Glenn Lewis, age 69, of Charlotte, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away at home Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was born July 30, 1950, in River Rouge, MI, the son of Benjamin and Rose (Fidel) Lewis. Pat graduated from Battle Creek Central class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy. Pat completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and went on to complete his master’s degree at Western Michigan University. He retired from the Battle Creek Public School System as a teacher and drivers-training instructor after 30-plus years of service. He enjoyed movies, eating out, class reunions, music, dancing and traveling. Pat loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a very loyal friend who would go out of his way to help a friend in need.
He leaves to mourn his memory his best friend and partner in life, Michael Krause; half-sister Deborah Proulx; brother, Steven Lewis; sister, Wendy Lewis; one niece and two nephews; special grandniece, Areal Lewis; and dear friend Susan Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles. A memorial service was held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service in Battle Creek. Visit Patrick’s tribute page at www.bachmanhebble.com. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. “Pay it forward.”
Robert “Bob” William Waite
Robert “Bob” William Waite, of Barrington, NH, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019, at his home. Bob was born May 16, 1930. He retired from City Garage in Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Maxine; daughter Karrie; granddaughter Christina; and brothers, Rex and Don (Pat) Waite. His is survived by his wife Minta; sister Delores; sons, Randy (Bonnie) Waite of Hastings and Ron (Carol) Waite of Texas; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held in New Hampshire.