Obituaries
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.
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.