Obituaries
Earl C. Cady Jr.
Earl C. Cady Jr., an unforgettable man and leader with a strong Type A personality, died December 6, 2019, at the age of 98. He was born June 20, 1921, in Benton Township to Earl C. and Gertrude (Whitaker) Cady. A graduate of Potterville High School, he went on to Michigan State University. He earned his degree and became a teacher and coach in Potterville. Continuing his education, he moved into the position of superintendent at Potterville schools, then principal at Waverly schools, and lastly as superintendent at Saranac schools until his retirement.
On December 9, 1943, Earl entered the Army and married Alberta Whitney two days after enlisting. Serving during World War II, Earl was part of the 88th Blue Devil Division in Italy and earned a Bronze Star. When he was discharged from active duty as a captain in 1946, Earl joined the Army National Guard and served until 1981, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and provost marshal for the State of Michigan.
As a young man, Earl was a quarter-mile track champion, earning the state record in 1939. He ran track at MSU while earning his degree in education. Through his life he enjoyed coin collecting, golf and the “Pedro Club” where he played cards with his army buddies.
Earl is survived by his wife of almost 76 years, Alberta; sons, Jeff, Kip (Ruth), and Colin Cady; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A spring memorial service and interment at Benton Township Cemetery will be planned. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Earl on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Clyde B. Ray
Clyde B. Ray, age 100, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his home. He was born November 11, 1919, in Blanchard, MI. Clyde grew up on the family farm in rural Montcalm County. He graduated from high school in Blanchard in 1937. He lived in the thumb for a brief time in his teens with his brother and his wife. Soon after graduating from high school, he went to live with the local county agent and his family. During this time, he attended Arenac County Normal School to obtain his teaching certificate. After receiving his certificate, he enrolled at Michigan State College. It was there that he would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree. While he was attending Michigan State College, he met a charming young lady by the name of Violet Nelson. During Clyde’s time at Michigan State College, he was also enrolled in ROTC. After his time there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Before being sent overseas, he returned home to Michigan for one final visit. While there, he and Violet decided to make a bus trip to the thumb so she could meet Clyde’s brother and sister-in-law. On the ride home, Violet asked Clyde if he would marry her before he was to be shipped out in just a few short weeks. He agreed, and the two were soon married at Violet’s family home in Brookfield Township. Clyde served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 with the 28th Infantry in Germany and later with the 355th Engineer Battalion. He earned three Bronze Service Stars for his heroic service to his fellow man and country.
When he returned home from active duty, he began his teaching career in Vocational Agriculture at Hanover-Horton Schools and later Lake Odessa. Violet was also teaching home economics at the same time in Lake Odessa. When an opening for teachers came up in Charlotte, the couple jumped at the opportunity. Clyde would teach Vocational Agriculture for 28 years before retiring, and Violet taught on and off for 20 years. Clyde loved his students and the opportunity he had to be a positive influence in their lives.
Clyde is survived by his sons: Roger of Lansing, Nelson and (Rochelle) of Hillsdale; grandchildren: Adrian (Cassandra) Ray, Aimee (David) Cole, Aubrey (Louis) Harper, Anderson Emmillie (Jonah) Boot; great-grandchildren: Bailey Ray, Teagan Ray, Emmerson Ray, Merik Slovacek, Adaline Flint, and Viola Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet in 2006; and nine siblings.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Burial was scheduled to take place at Danby Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Clyde’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans or Charlotte FFA Scholarship Fund, 378 State St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Clyde’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz
Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz, age 83, of Marengo Township, the current Marengo Township Supervisor, passed away in the love and care of his family at his home on Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019.
Pete was born on June 20, 1936, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte to Dale and Mildred (Goodwin) Shrontz. He graduated in 1954 from Olivet High School. His first job after graduation was driving school bus for the Olivet schools. In 1955, he started to drive for Michigan Milk Haulers while helping his father with his farming operation in Walton Township.
On January 21, 1968, he married Joyce (Kreger) Scripter. The couple moved to where their home is now in Marengo Township. In 1969, Pete and his wife Joyce began Shrontz Milk Service. The couple operated the milk hauling operation from their home until they retired and sold the business in 2004.
Pete served his township in several capacities during his lifetime to help insure his family and neighbors a well-deserved quality of life. From 1988 until 2002, he served with the Marengo Township Fire Department, responding to calls for help both day and night. He served as a Marengo Township trustee, first being appointed to fill a term in 2003. In November of 2004, he won the seat in the general election.
While serving on the township board, he was appointed to fill the position of supervisor on Feb. 3, 2012. The township residents elected him to the supervisor’s position in November of 2012, and he still currently served in that office until his death.
Pete and Joyce enjoyed several vacations, which included trips to Amsterdam, Hawaii and London, besides a multitude of trips to Las Vegas. They enjoyed camping, playing cards and going out to eat.
Pete was a dedicated fan of Michigan State University sports, Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions and high-school sports. Many games were rehashed with his daughter Lorie, with Pete’s slant on what would have been the proper coaching!
Pete is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Joyce; daughter Lorie (Dean) Hartley of Lansing; step-children Donna (Doug) Miller of Concord, Phyllis Hoffman of Albion, Bob (Sue Taylor) Scripter of Spring Arbor, and Roxanne (Michael) Gifford of Miller, MO; his son-in-law Al Denbrock of Albion; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Pete with Joyce enjoyed their family roles as grandparents over the years with the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mildred Shrontz, his sister Joyce Ott and his step-daughter Diane Denbrock.
Friends were invited to call at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, at 723 US Hwy. 27 N. in Marshall, on Friday, Dec. 13. from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Paul Koehn officiating. Interment will follow in Albion Memory Gardens. A luncheon will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church after interment.
The family suggests you remember Pete with a contribution to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Luther Blvd., Albion MI 49224; Marengo Township Fire Department, 14201 23 Mile Road, Albion MI 49224; or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, www.heartlandhospicefund.org.
To leave a message for the family, visit kempffuneralhome.com.
Dennis Eugene Wertz
Dennis Eugene Wertz, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 14, 1935, in Charlotte the son of Duane E. and Martha L. (Welch) Wertz. Denny graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1954. On May 15, 1955, he married Carla Gene Powers at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Denny, along with his family, owned and operated Wertz and Company John Deere in Charlotte for many years. He also served on the Charlotte Fire Department for the majority of his life as assistant chief. Denny loved racing Polaris snowmobiles. He also enjoyed raising a menagerie of animals for everyone to enjoy but had a special place in his heart for Weimaraner dogs. He also played and sponsored the Wertz and Company men’s fast-pitch softball and bowling teams. Denny loved his family but was especially fond of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters: Deniece (Bill) Kellogg of Grand Ledge, Deanna Wertz of Olivet, Darci (Todd Hogeland) Wertz of Charlotte, Darla (Troy) Scott of Lansing; grandchildren: Mikel Kellogg, Corie (Eric) Lawrence; Billy (Malori Grantham) Kellogg, Deni Swinton, Dustin Scott; great grandchildren: Laityn Kellogg, Dawson Kellogg, Miles Lawrence; siblings: Darry (Delores) Wertz, Angie (Fred) Earl, and Donald (Linda) Wertz.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carla in 2006; and sister, Marcia (Thomas) Dewey.
In keeping with Denny’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Denny’s honor to the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue, PO Box 372, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
To view Denny’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
David M. Sutherland
David M. Sutherland, of Florida, died at 11:30 a.m. on December 6, 2019, in Fort Myers. David was born on December 28, 1957, in Hastings, MI, the son of Mile and Mary (Nielsen) Sutherland. He attended Lakewood and Eaton Rapids schools. He served his country in the Navy. He was a very talented handyman.
David is survived by his brother, James R. Sutherland. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his son, David J. Sutherland.
Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Mills Funeral Home — Shelly Odell Chapel for their assistance.