Obituaries
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.
Robert A. Oring
Robert A. Oring
Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Alan Oring, age 79, of Eaton Rapids — devoted, loving husband, dad and grandpa — peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 13, 2020, after enduring a battle with cancer for over 10 years, with his true “Michigan Wolverines” spirit and fierceness. Bob loved God, family and his fellow man, which was evident through the influence he had in their lives and the impact he had on many others throughout his life and career. Bob was born in Bronx, NY in 1940 to Helen Oring (Greenhut) and Irving Oring, and later grew up in Greenbelt, MD. Bob graduated from High Point High School (Beltsville, MD) and received two degrees in exercise physiology, with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from the University of Toledo. He went on to complete his doctoral degree in health education at the University of Michigan in 1975. Bob was a member of Phi Kappa Tau social fraternity and Phi Epsilon Kappa physical education and health honor society.
Bob began his extensive teaching and coaching career in Anne Arundel County, MD, where he taught for two years. From there, he moved to Jackson and began 33 years of teaching at Jackson Community College (1966-1998). Bob also coached swimming, baseball, hockey, track and cross country for many years, mostly at Jackson Community College and East Jackson High School. Among the thousands of students he taught and hundreds of incredible athletes he coached were three NCAA All-Americans, 13 NJCAA All-Americans, one national champion (swimming), and two national runners up (cross country). Ten of his former athletes became high school coaches, and three former runners became National Coaches of the Year. All of his former athletes and students held a special place in his heart. In addition to coaching, Bob held other volunteer positions for youth sports including league director and Little League President for many years. He was also a water safety instructor trainer for the American Red Cross for several years.
Bob’s passion for helping others through teaching, coaching, community service, and working with youth eventually led him to cross paths with his wife, Marcia, at JCC, and that became the beginning of a long and happy loving marriage. Bob was the bravest, most endearing and sacrificial man in the world, as he knew a commitment to Marcia meant a commitment to her five children as well. Bob joined Marcia in marriage and immediately adopted her five young children, merging his three children with her five, into one loving family. Words cannot adequately describe his greatness, blessing, love, leadership, and strength Bob provided to the family. Bob provided many things to our family, big and small, as he had the biggest heart ever. Bob was so thankful to God and felt very blessed and proud to have seen his children achieve great educational, spiritual, career, and family goals.
Bob loved being outdoors, loved nature, loved his flower gardens, and loved to travel with his wifey, Marcia and the family. Bob and Marcia were blessed to have traveled on over 30 cruises together and have an abundant group of special friends from all of their travels. Bob and Marcia especially enjoyed a great group of winning trivia pals on these cruises, thanks to Bob’s vast array of what he called “worthless knowledge.” Aruba is also a second home to the Orings and Bob and Marcia loved their Aruban family. An avid golfer, Bob would be found in his spare time constantly improving his swing and score, multiple times per week with his Golfing Buddies, at his favorite golf course, Bonnie View, in Eaton Rapids, near his home where he had been a member for many years. Bob would pause his daily golf outings to stop and admire the beauty of God’s creation around him. Bob was passionate about all University of Michigan sports and was known by everyone who knew him as one of the University’s biggest fans. Bob always said he was easy to shop for as most of his wardrobe was maize and blue.
Last but not least; Bob really enjoyed dining out and eating great food. He was a perfect match for Marcia, who just happens to be a great cook and baker. Some of her friends tease calling her Betty Crocker. Marcia made everything home-cooked from scratch, and constantly was cooking and baking for him in their home. Bob was like a child at Christmas when it came to enjoying all the freshly prepared treats. He couldn’t wait to get back home each day to see what surprises he would have waiting and what aroma he would detect walking back in the door from town or a golf game. Among his favorites were sausage gravy and biscuits, turkey with lots of stuffing and mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef, homemade bread, homemade rolls, lots of spaghetti, lasagna, homemade macaroni and cheese (this was a favorite), anything he could grill, beef stroganoff, carrot cake loaded with homemade cream cheese frosting and pecans, homemade chocolate cake with thick frosting, spinach pie, every type of cookie, cashew brittle, every type of homemade soup, apple/rhubarb/custard/pumpkin pie, pastries, pecan cinnamon rolls, pecan tarts, various homemade candies, and treats, Well actually, Bob loved everything foodwise, except olives, so he was very easy to please, as long as it was homemade (which was pretty often!). Bob and Marcia had lots of laughs and love in their home around the dinner table.
Bob is dearly loved and survived by his wife, Marcia Anderson Oring of Eaton Rapids, MI; eight children: Andy (Mariann) Oring, Larry (Sherrie) Oring Anderson, Chadwick (Sarah) Oring Anderson, Darin (Cassie) Oring, Kady Jo (Andrew) Hofer, Brady (Elizabeth) Oring, Scott (Leslie) Oring, and Bobby (Lynn) Oring, as well as Bob’s 14 adoring grandchildren: Addison, Jace, Sophie, Jaeda, Madelyn, Ruby, Phoebe, Jackson, Parker, Micah, Savannah, Olivia, Isaac, and Lilah Jo. Also surviving are Bob’s brothers: Lewis (Kay) Oring of Eagle Lake, CA and Stuart (Alena) Oring of Owings, MD and cousin Russell (CA). In addition, Bob is survived by loving in-laws, nieces, and a host of wonderful supportive friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to offer our most sincere appreciation for the compassionate and amazing care of Oncologist Dr. Daniel Isaac with his caring nurses and staff at the MSU Breslin Cancer Center (Go Blue!).
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th from 3-7pm at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18th at 11 a.m. at Skinner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Bonnie View Golf Course to set up a memorial fund for underprivileged youth golfers in memory of Robert Oring. To share memories or condolences visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.