Obituaries
Peter J. Rottenbucher
Peter John Rottenbucher, IV, of Tarpon Springs, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids passed away on July 25, 2020 at the age of 54. Peter was born April 13, 1966 in Eaton Rapids, the fourth of five children born to Peter and Donna Rottenbucher. He grew up in Eaton Rapids where he graduated with the class of 1985. Peter had a kind and gentle spirit. His career included working at the family pharmacy where his knowledge was beneficial to the customers he served. He also worked in the real estate business for a period of time. His greatest love was for his family, second to that was his love for sailing.
Peter spent many summers sailing the Grand Traverse Bay at the family summer home.
Peter was preceded in death by his father, Peter John III and brother, David Rottenbucher.
Left to grieve his absence and to celebrate his life are his mother, Donna Rottenbucher; sisters; Dianne Rottenbucher, Denise (Bob) McKenzie, Kristin (Mark) Kleinfelt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass of Christian burial was held on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church or to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Peter. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Doretta K. Malerba-Cathcart
Doretta Kay Malerba-Cathcart “Punky,” known by many for her volunteer activities, died August 10, 2020 at the age of 67. Doretta was born, raised, and lived her life in Charlotte, Michigan. She loved her community and gave back through many organizations. Born November 17, 1952 to Roger and Dorothy (Shaul) Pruden, she graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970 and spent over 20 years with Carter’s as a store employee, manager and working in the corporate office. Prior to that Doretta worked with her best friend, Barb, at the Charlotte Country Club for 13 years. Some of her many volunteer activities included: Relay For Life participant and board member for many years; Charlotte Frontier Days committee member for many years, as well as General Chairman for multiple years and Grand Marshal in 2015; and Potterville VFW Auxiliary working often at BINGO.
Doretta was not only loved and admired by her community for her generosity, but also by her family for her kind ways and always finding time for the important things in life. She was very proud of her daughters and her 4 grandsons, and really enjoyed trips to the family cabin in Harrison. She dearly loved her bassett hounds, Sam and Maggie and shih tzu, Bella. Doretta was loyal, generous, and a hard worker. She gained even more admiration from her family and friends with the strength she showed during the struggles she faced over the years.
Doretta will be missed dearly by her family, including daughters, Melissa (Bryan) Foster, Marci (Jerry) Kohler; grandsons Blake, Bryson, Carson, and Bronx; brothers, Robert (Vickie) Pruden; Anthony Rodriguez, Tim Rodriguez, Dean (Candace) Rodriguez; sisters, Susanne Rodriguez (Todd Trowbridge), and Annette (Brian) Davis; step-mother, Jackie Pruden; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Barb Powers, Sue Wolcott, and Roxanne Ripley. She was predeceased by her husbands, Michael Malerba II in 1987, and Michael Cathcart in 2015; best bud Steve Cyphert; and her parents. The family is at peace knowing that Doretta is reunited with her son, Michael Malerba III, who passed away in 2007.
Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, August 14, 2020, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Saturday, August 15, 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Garden with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Mask and social distancing guidelines are required during visitation and funeral services. 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 Doretta’s tribute, 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 House of Ruth or Special Olympics Michigan Area 8. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doretta on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Wilma R. Blatt
Wilma Rae (Reed) Blatt, 82, of Eaton Rapid and most recently Odessa, FL, passed away on July 15, 2020. She was born March 3, 1938 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Roland and Mildred (Emery) Reed. Wilma was one of the first in Michigan to obtain the designation of Certified Professional Secretary while working for Michigan Farm Bureau in the mid 70’s. Wilma was also part owner of Auto Truck in Potterville. Wilma lived the last 25 years in the Tampa, FL area. Wilma cherished her family and dog, Lucy. Wilma was lovingly cared for by her family the last few years while enduring dementia. She is survived by her brother, Russell (Pam) Reed; her sons, Steven (Sandra) Turner, and David (Leslie) Turner; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. A family and friends gathering will be held in September, 2020.
Douglas C. Heisler
Douglas C. Heisler, age 64, of Springport, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 26, 1956, in Charlotte the son of Cecil Jr. and Marjorie (Fuller) Heisler. Doug graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1975. On September 13, 1975, Doug married the love of his life, Judy Lynn Newsome at her family home in Springport. Doug adored his family and cherished each and everyone. Doug was a tremendously hard-working man. He had a kind and loving heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. Doug enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his free time. Due to his recent health issues he was forced to retire early from Meridian Magnesium in Eaton Rapids after 20 years of faithful service.
Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Judy; children: Jody (Robert) Burk of Springport, C.J. Heisler of Springport; adopted son, Corey (Autumn) Freeman and family of Springport; mother, Marjorie Heisler of Charlotte; siblings: Susie Fitchett of Mt. Orab, Ohio, David (JoEllen) Heisler of Charlotte, Carol (Jeff) Swint of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Heisler Jr.; sister Catherine Nichols; and in-laws, Archie and Leora Newsome.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran, Olivet. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the North Clarence Cemetery. Those attending the service or visitation are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the family.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Lorinda S. Ayers
Mrs. Lorinda Sue Ayers, age 69, of Charlotte died on August 3, 2020 at Spectrum Health Butterworth.
Lorinda was born on September 8, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Ruby Williams. She was raised in Lansing and attended Waverly High School, graduating in 1968. On November 1, 1969 she married her husband, David D. Ayers, Sr. at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. She worked as a secretary at many schools, later working at Thomas Cooley Law School as a receptionist.
Lorinda is survived by her son, David D. Ayers, Jr.; her daughter, Merideth Ayers (Gregg); grandchildren, Chloe Ayers and Gregory Richardson; great grandson, Bensyn Seume; sister, Helen Boettcher; three nephews, Aaron Boettcher, Andy (Stacy) Boettcher, and Mark (Nikki) Boettcher; and many friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband.
Arrangements are being made by her children. A memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.