Obituaries
Dwain Lynn Gray
Dwain Lynn Gray of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at the age of 88. Dwain was born on March 28, 1931. in Chickasha, OK, and moved to Lansing with his family, where he attended school and graduated from Everett High School class of 1949. He married his wife Joanne Henrys in 1950 and together they moved to Eaton Rapids, where they raised their family. Dwain was a hard worker; he farmed cattle for many years while also working for General Motors in the paint department, where he retired after 33 years. He was also a founding member of the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department and served as the dispatcher for 15 years. Dwain was a skilled woodworker, making furniture, cabinets and figurines for his family and friends. He loved to hunt and fish and would make annual fishing trip to Rice Lake in Canada for Memorial weekend.
He is preceded in death by his son, Dan Gray; parents, Tracy and Neva Gray; siblings, Gwen, Gale “Tut”, Tracy Jr. Dale, Garnett, Bonnie, Jerry and Ed.
Surviving are his wife, Joanne Gray; daughter, Kathy Gray; grandchildren, Autumn Rybolt, Thor Taylor; great grandchildren, Sky and Austin Rybolt, brother, Glenn (Betty) Gray and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family will host a luncheon immediately following the service at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Dwain. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Refugio Barragan Luna
Refugio Barragan Luna, age 81, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Refugio was born February 8, 1938, in Uvalde, TX to Manuel and Julia (Barragan) Luna Sr. Refugio worked 30-plus years as a forklift operator for Fisher Body, and after retirement he worked for an asphalt company. Refugio proudly served in the Army and then Army National Guard for 30 years as a helicopter repairman. In his free time, he enjoyed fixing up old cars.
Refugio is survived by his children, Donyaellie (Adam) Wheaton, John (Chris) Luna, and Joe Luna; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Manuel Luna Jr., Mary Rice, Yolanda Zavala, Raul Luna, Dolores Zagun, Mario Luna and Modesta Whitworth. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Roberto Luna.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Refugio on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Frances L. Pease
Frances L. Pease, age 88, of Bellevue died Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019, at the Flower House Assisted Living in Nashville, MI.
Mrs. Pease was born on December 31, 1930, in Kalamo Township to Conrad M. and Esther (Beckner) Barker. She was a lifelong resident of the Bellevue area and was a graduate of Bellevue High School, class of 1949. After graduation, she attended Western Michigan University (WMU). On June 23, 1951, she married Harry A. Pease on the family farm in Kalamo Township. She continued her education, graduating from WMU with a BA in elementary education. Frances had been employed as a teacher for Bellevue Community Schools for 20 years, retiring in 1987.
Seeing a need to help students in her community, she, along with her friend and school librarian, June Rabbit, established the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation. In 2004, Mrs. Pease was honored by receiving The Enquirer and News George Award for her work with the scholarship foundation.
Mrs. Pease was a very active member of the community. She was a member of the Kalamo United Methodist Church, the Kalamo Chapter #399 Order of the Eastern Star, the 21st Century Club, the Bellevue Lioness Club and the Kalamo Area Extension. She also enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with family.
Following the death of her husband in 2000, she began volunteering with hospice, the Eaton County Palliative Care and Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
She is survived by children, Constance (Thomas) Campbell of Wolfeboro, NH, Kathryn (Mark) Jarvie of Lake Odessa, Carl (Anne) Pease of Bellevue, Edward (Leslie) Pease of Middleville and Jacqueline (Thomas Dyszkiewicz) of Anderson, SC; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Dane of Troy, OH. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; son, Joseph Pease; great-granddaughter, Jasmine Dennis; and sister, Carolyn M. Salisbury.
A funeral service to celebrate the gift of her life was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at the Bellevue Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township.
Friends, who wish, may make memorial contributions to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Grace Hospice or Kalamo United Methodist Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Robert “Bob” L. Dockey
Robert “Bob” L. Dockey, age 74, a hardworking man of generosity (and a little bit of mischief), died peacefully on December 11, 2019, at his home with his best friend and wife of 35 years, Cindy, at his side. Bob was born April 10, 1945, in Detroit. He grew up in Owosso, the son of Clyde and Sarah (Wooten) Dockey. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years. Following his return, he went to work for General Motors in Flint. He eventually transferred to Lansing, serving as a committee man and later, as an ergonomics representative. Following retirement in 1999, Bob continued working hard to play hard, always helping friends and neighbors with anything and everything. He was always there for those in need, and he had a special, soft place in his heart for children and animals. Bob and Cindy lovingly cared for many horses and pets throughout the years. He enjoyed time outdoors riding motorcycles, playing softball, fishing and riding horses. He had a notorious sense of humor, always pulling elaborate pranks on Cindy and his friends. Many will remember Bob as a man of kindness and patience, even if he presented himself as a little rough around the edges.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Scott (MaryAnn) Beebe; three grandchildren, Chase, Harper, and Grayson Beebe; close friend, Deo Wells; and countless friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by his infant son, Jeffrey Lynn Dockey; son Robert Lynn Dockey; and his parents.
A private memorial service has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ila M. Burnett
Ila M. Burnett, age 93, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born April 28, 1926, at the family home in Charlotte, the daughter of Ira and Vera (Rolfe) Halsey. Ila graduated from Charlotte High School in 1944. On October 27, 1945, she married Jack Burnett. Together, they farmed and raised their family in rural Olivet. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Ila cherished her family and was proud of each and every one of them. She also loved flowers and enjoyed watching birds.
Ila is survived by her children: Sherry (Steve) Landers of Centralia, MO; Nona Walker of Carsonville, MI; Toby (Cindy) Burnett of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and sister-in-law, Shirley Halsey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack Burnett in 1995; son-in-law, Daryl Walker; and 17 siblings.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 22, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Burnett officiating. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ila’s memory to Grace Hospice, 2205 Jolly Rd. Suite C, Okemos MI 48864. To view Ila’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.