Obituaries
Mitchell L. Sivyer
Mitchell “Mick” L. Sivyer of Grand Ledge passed away June 24, 2020. He was born June 14, 1952 in St. Johns to Leslie Allen Sivyer and May Ann (Pitchford) Sivyer. Mick attended Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa. In 1971, he married Debra Arnold and together they raised Gregory and Justin. Mick worked in landscaping, dirt-moving and pipe laying as well as operating construction equipment his entire life. He will always be remembered for his big, bright smile and his jovial attitude. He was always hard working until his retirement and was always willing to give anyone a hand up. Among his many other qualities, he loved his family the most.
He leaves behind his special companion, Ann Patrick of Grand Ledge; his two sons, Gregory (Darcy) and Justin (Autumn) of Mulliken; three step-children, Lonny (Angie) Patrick, Troy Patrick, Angela (Tom) McKenzie, all of Grand Ledge; 16 grandchildren: Gage Sivyer, Garrett Sivyer, Gabrielle Sivyer, Karmyn Winkler, Hunter Sivyer, Colin Sivyer, Emalie Sivyer, Leah Patrick, Joey Green, Jacob Patrick, Macie Patrick, Kylie Tefft, Sawyer McKenzie, Savannah McKenzie, Torry McKenzie, and Tommy McKenzie; four brothers, Bradley (Mary) of Kalamazoo, Brian (Kathi) of Lansing, Steven (Jody) of Owosso, and Scott (Jill) of Charlotte; one sister Kristina (Rich) of York, Pennsylvania; aunt Anna (Bud) Doss of Manistee and uncle Douglas Pitchford of Lansing; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the Sivyer Farm in Mulliken. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mick’s honor to the American Liver Foundation or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be shared at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Barbara L. Mooberry
Barbara Louise (Black) Mooberry, a Charlotte native, passed away at her home in Evergreen, Colo. on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the age of 71 of complications from multiple sclerosis. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, it is acknowledged that she is in better hands now than ever. Her family derives comfort that her name is written in the book of life and that her spirit continues to abide in the eternal plan of God. Barbara was born March 29, 1949 the daughter of Herbert and Josephine (Connolly) Black.
Barbara received the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior as a young woman and chose to be baptized in the Lyre River on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. While in Washington State, Barbara consented to marry Roger Mooberry, also a Christian, and they raised three boys Isaac, a chiropractor from Evergreen, Colorado; Matthew, soon to be a missionary in Brazil; and Jacob, currently finishing optometry school in Philadelphia. Barbara dedicated her life to her God, her husband and her family and daily prayed that the Lord would bless them and their efforts in life
Throughout her life, her greatest joy was found in her family and her boys provided her great happiness. It is generally acknowledged that Barbara had the warmest and most attractive smile. One church elder’s wife commented, simply, “Oh, that smile.” Even in her age while being rolled around in a wheelchair, people on the sidewalk would stop her, bend down close and exclaim, “You have the most lovely skin.” Barbara was an exceedingly beautiful and compassionate woman. Perhaps the one was a reflection of the other.
Barbara received her bachelor’s degree in education from Marygrove College in Detroit. Using her education she worked with special education students in Cadillac, prior to moving to the west coast and settling in Port Angeles, Washington. With the advent of three boys, Barbara participated in homeschooling programs in Longview, Washington where her husband’s work took the family and where they lived for the next 20 years. While there, Barbara served as a Sunday School director, taught in public schools, finished a Master’s degree in education and enjoyed camping and travel in the region and returning to the Charlotte and Ann Arbor areas for visits with family and friends and the occasional class reunion. Barbara’s strength became subjected to relapses from multiple sclerosis that was diagnosed in her early forties. The insidious disease was treated using modern technologies, but they only slowed the progression of deterioration both somatic and cognitive. Barbara’s condition was cared for by her husband who was a strong advocate for her throughout multiple sclerosis’ encroaching disablement. Barbara’s bout with multiple sclerosis never seemed to shake her faith in God nor made her doubt that her life could be lived effectively in prayerful support of her family, friends and community.
Barbara’s husband notes that, “Everywhere I would go with Barbara was like being in paradise.” She could make the most of what were, for us, sometimes minimally sustainable lifestyle conditions. Nevertheless, her boys never remember want, but are thankful for the nurturing environment that their parents were able to provide. For twenty years the family lived next to the Columbia River that provided a wealth of opportunities for recreation and freedom. Fishing, canoeing, swimming and enjoyment of beach activities were family favorites.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Roger; their three sons, Isaac and his wife Katy, Matthew and his wife Maggie, and Jacob and his wife Keara. She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren and her siblings, Marcia McMahon, Margaret Spaly, Susan Black and Herbert Black Jr.
The family will honor Barbara’s life at a graveside service on the family lot in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte on July 17, 2020 at 11 a.m.
The Pray Funeral Home encourages family and friends to share condolences and tributes to Barbara on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. Flowers would be nice. Contributions, if considered, would be best made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Barbara’s family appreciates your prayers and thanks her friends for their prayer support during her illness.
Vernon V. Fosket
Vernon Victor Fosket, age 88 — husband, father, brother and son — passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2020. Vernon was born June 7, 1932 to Virgil and Lorene (Troyer) Fosket of Potterville. Vernon spent his whole life in Potterville. Known for his strong opinions and knowledge of flooring, Vernon spent 60 years creating a legacy in the flooring world. Vern began working for Morely Brothers flooring as a whole sale distributor in 1951 and worked there until he joined Alexanians Fine Rugs as a floor installer in 1955. He apprenticed under the Alexanian Family, learning the trade until venturing off into his own and opened Vern Foskets Carpets in October 1965 where he worked, alongside his son David, until retiring in 2010. While his life consisted primarily of “all things flooring “ he also enjoyed various other hobbies such as baseball, fishing and his ponies.
While he enjoyed many of these things nothing compared to his favorite love in life, his wife Joan. Vern and Joan met at a birthday party at the age of four and eventually reconnected after high school and were married January 20 1951. They resided in Potterville where they raised their five children and worked alongside one another running their flooring business. They were married for almost 70 years, and Vern’s love for Joan was constant and unwavering up until the very end.
He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Lorene, along with his sister Marilyn (Fosket) Ranshaw.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his baby sister Dianne Fulghum, his two sons Dennis (Mary Angela) Fosket, and David (Danna) Fosket; three daughters Victoria Fosket, Sharon (Dino Kalush) Kozachik, and Laurel (Mark) Williamson, along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Vern’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held for immediate family at Benton Township Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Vern’s honor to Elara Caring Hospice 900 Cooper St., Jackson MI 49202.
Geneva Gullett
Geneva “Jenny” (Napier) Gullett, went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2020, at her home surrounded by those who loved her, just as she wished. Geneva was born August 4, 1928, in Blue Diamond, KY, where she was raised with her five sisters and three brothers.
There she met her childhood sweetheart, Homer Gullett, at the tender age of thirteen. They were married on September 21, 1944, and they renewed their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. He was her only true love. She lived in Kentucky through the birth of her first two children and then moved to Michigan in the late 1940s in search of a better life for their children.
Geneva had a passion for antiques and their history. She was an antique dealer for over 50 years and traveled near and far to find them. She had shops in Mason and Ionia. She also set up shows as far away as Massachusetts. She was a lover of all things beautiful, be it a poem, bible verse, a cloud or sunset. She loved the color red and furnished her house with red décor. Geneva and Homer loved to travel and enjoyed many winters at their snowbird home in Bradenton, Florida.
She loved her family and especially enjoyed chatting and visiting with her sisters, who also relocated to Michigan. She could talk for hours with them every day. Her faith in her Lord and Savior was profound. She encouraged all her children to follow her savior, Jesus Christ. A gentle soul who loved life to the fullest, she never met anyone she couldn’t have a conversation with. A mother truly with a heart of gold, we will sadly miss her love and presence and mourn her passing but welcome the end to her pain and suffering. We know Heaven awaits your arrival, until we meet again.
Geneva was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Homer Gullett; son Kenneth Gullett; and grandson, Brian Oliver.
She is survived by her daughters: Linda Kehoe, Carol (Mike) Schneckenberger, Dawn (Mark) VanPortFleet, Crystal Gullett; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. All are welcome to attend and help us celebrate her life. The family is requesting all who attend to wear a mask due to the immuno-compromised family members and COVID-19. Some seating will be available but feel free to bring your own chair.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Geneva’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 322 Eighth Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Elizabeth A. Nichols
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Nichols, 100, of Nashville, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born April 3, 1920 in Bellevue, the daughter of William and Flossie (Vocker) Hoeflinger. She graduated from Vermontville High School in 1938 and married William Jacob Nichols on March 14, 1943. In her early years, she worked as a waitress, then 12 years at J.C. Penney where she served as Women’s Sportswear Manager from 1942-1945. She later worked as secretary at Craig Swanson’s Commercial Foods in Nashville, retiring in 1995. Throughout the years, Betty was an active member of the Auxiliaries of Nashville VFW Post 8260 and Charlotte American Legion Post 42, was President of both, as well as of VFW 8th District. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and faithfully attended Chester Gospel Church. In her downtime, she enjoyed reading and crocheting.
Betty is survived by her children, Yvonne Wright, William (Cathy) Nichols, Sheila (Russie Gilley) Braden, and Ross (Tammy) Nichols; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Peggy Nichols; sister, Barbara Bleisch; brothers, William (Naomi) Hoeflinger and Richard (Ellie) Hoeflinger; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, William Nichols; son, David Nichols; son-in-law, Ballard Wright; sisters, Catherine Hoeflinger, Ruth Mahar, and Marilyn Francis; and brother, George Hoeflinger.
Friends are encouraged to support Betty’s family. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastors Marc Livingston and Dennis Weeks officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Chapel Hill in Lansing. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Betty’s tribute, and then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Betty on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.