Obituaries
Matthew Whitehouse
Matthew Whitehouse, age 52, of Vermontville, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Sandra J. Smith
Sandra Jean Smith, age 75 of Charlotte — a lady who enjoyed the simple things in life — died July 21, 2020. Sandra was born May 4, 1945 in Yankton, South Dakota to Milton and Pearl (Rich) Johnson. She became a Registered Nurse, working at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing as an RN in the Intensive Care Unit and The Emergency Department. She was proud of her work and her ability to start even the most difficult of IV’s. The kind of person that was always there when you need her, Sandra was very proud of her family. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading and going to Las Vegas on vacation.
Sandra is survived by her daughters, Traci (Scott) Osman, Michelle Smith, and Nicole Smith; grandchildren, Megan and Mackenzie; brother, Richard Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents.
If desired the family requests donations to Eaton Community Palliative Care or the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sandra on her Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
George D. Guilford
George David Guilford of Eaton Rapids passed away after a short battle with cancer, July 21, 2020 at the age of 76. George was born in Marshall, MI, November 2, 1943, the son of James and Viola (Stuck) Guilford. He was a 1964 graduate of Marshall High School. George worked for Fisher Body for 30 years before retiring in 1995. He was a member of UAW #602, Robbins United Methodist Church, and the Charlotte and Eaton Rapids Senior Centers. For many years, George and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoyed wintering in Weslaco, TX, and enjoyed working in his manicured yard, his vegetable garden, hosting euchre parties and playing cards.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Guilford; daughters, Vicki (Mark) Sheffield of Eaton Rapids, Judy (Steven) Sharpe of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Logan (Cassidy) Sheffield of WA, Parker Sheffield of WA, Morgan and Marissa Sharpe of Eaton Rapids; brother, Lorence “Dick” Guilford of FL; and his beloved cat, Griffin. George was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2020 at Robbins United Methodist Church, 6419 Bunker Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 with Pastor Peggy Katzmark officiating. Visitation will take place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel Thursday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm . Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Amanda M. Esser
Amanda Marie Esser, age 24 of Potterville — a fun-loving young lady with a heart of gold — passed away unexpectedly July 9, 2020. Amanda was born March 22, 1996 in Baltimore to Paul and Alisia (Marzola) Esser. She had a big smile and a laugh that would light up the room. Amanda worked as a nursing aide and loved taking care of the elderly. She loved music, dancing and time fishing with her boys. She had a very genuine heart and would do anything to help others, but especially doted on her boys with everything she did.
Amanda leaves behind her beloved boys, Lucca and Levi Mendez; parents, Alisia, Paul and Tonyau; sisters, Stephanie Nieberlein, Casey (Justin) Partington, and Allison (Bobby Hubbel) Esser; brother, Jon Esser; several nieces and nephews; grandmother, Sharon Marzola; and Lucca and Levi’s father Luis Mendez. Amanda was welcomed home by her grandmother, Carolyn F. Cross; grandfather, Anthony Marzola; and her great-grandmother, Selma Kallenberger.
The family received visitors at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Sunday, July 12, 2020.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Amanda’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary L. Strank
Gary Lee Strank, age 73, died on Saturday, March 7, 2020 in Coralville, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol M. Strank, age 62, who died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 in Iowa City, Iowa. Gary and Carol were both raised in Eaton Rapids. Both will be laid to rest at Plains Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with a short service on Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m.