Obituaries
Robert L. Getter
Robert Lee Getter, age 85 — a family man, outlaw, snappy dresser, ladies’ man, and Eaton Rapids resident — passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on July 12, 2020. This was in stark contrast to the wild, loud and often mildly inappropriate way he lived his life. Robert worked for Fisher Body for over 37 years before retiring in 1991. He was known for being smart, creative, accepting, kind, loving, unintentionally hilarious and generous. Despite his dirty, and often stinky, outward appearance, Robert rightfully believed all the ladies wanted him. This included, but was not limited to, his doctors, meal delivery ladies, nurses, and most recently his 47-year-old caretaker. He knew they all loved his sexy legs and his dapper appearance. Perhaps Robert’s dearest legacy is how deeply he loved his kids, making each of them feel like they were the favorite. But, to be completely honest, it was always Laura (the author of this obituary) who was the true favorite. No matter the task, Robert loved to, and even insisted on helping. He would give the shirt off his back if it would make someone’s life better. Robert always looked for ways to improve the lives of everyone he knew. It is not an exaggeration to say that 99.99% of the people that knew him, loved him. And then there is Beverly Crawford, the mother of his children, who refused to admit she was still secretly in love with him after all these years. Robert had a life-long love affair with any food he was not supposed to eat and loved sneaking snacks into the house. Much to the dismay of this author, he was a Spartan fan and loved to argue with the Michigan fans about why MSU fans are better (even though we all know that is not the case). Always full of wisdom, his favorite statement was “buy only what you need and not what you want.” Yet somehow his house is full of things he did not need. Robert enjoyed shopping for gadgets in hopes his family would want or need them and even treated it like a sport. And although Robert said consistently that he did not care for sweets, we’re told that manufacturers of ice cream and fancy chocolates are simply devastated by this loss. You will never find a more a beautiful soul as a father, friend, confidante. He will be deeply missed.
Robert was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Lee Getter Jr. and Rodney Lee Getter; siblings, Herby Getter, Harvey Getter, Donnie Getter, and Carol Dillin; father, Harold Lee Getter; and mother Bertha Elston. Robert is survived in legacy by daughter, Laura (Mike) DeLong; sons, Scott (Lisa) Getter, Ted (Nicky) Getter, sister, Doris Goddard; grandchildren, Joshua DeLong, Kyle DeLong, Leslie Getter, Jeffery Getter, Stephen Getter, Jennifer Bahmer, Krystin Hoag, Austin Harmon, Coty Harmon, Chase Getter, Kallie Getter; 19 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and copious amounts of people who considered him to be their father/ uncle/ grandfather. A celebration of Robert’s life was scheduled to be held at Mill’s Funeral Home, Shelly Odell Chapel at 518 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids on Friday, July 17, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation hours were to be held beforehand starting at 10 a.m. in the same location. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Salvation Army. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Samuel Decarlos Toliver
Samuel Decarlos Toliver of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 6, 2020 after a short illness. Sammy was born on February 28, 1991 in Lansing, the son of Willie Toliver and Michelle Garcia. He was raised in Eaton Rapids by his grandparents, Sammy and Marilyn Garcia, where he attended school and was a part of the Eaton Rapids High School class of 2009. Sammy was a diehard U of M fan and especially loved football and basketball. He was friendly, outgoing, funny and a true pleasure to be around. Sammy had many friends and family that cared about him deeply, and he will be greatly missed by all who are left to cherish his memory.
Surviving are his mother, Michelle; father, Willie; grandmothers, Marilyn, Maria Garcia; brothers, Willie (Tiffany) Toliver, Jr., Lexus Toliver, Isiah Gingles, Marcus Gingles; best friend Ethan Baker and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Sammy Garcia and grandmother, Shirley Toliver.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation in memory of Sammy. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Donna R. Barker
Donna Rose Barker, age 59, of Eaton Rapids passed away July 13, 2020. Donna was born in Flint on August 26, 1960, the daughter of Donald and Rose (Dushon) Peters. She retired from Family Fare in 2013 after 15 years of service. Donna loved animals; her cats, Ellie and Gracie, provided companionship and joy. She loved to birdwatch, especially hummingbirds and orioles. The spring birds always made her excited for a new year of camping and outdoor activities.
Donna is survived by her husband, Steven Barker of Eaton Rapids; daughters, Heather (Cody Balfanz) Barker of Lansing and Rachel (Anthony Guizzetti) Barker of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister and two brothers.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart & Hands, 9220 Kinneville Rd., Eaton Rapids MI 48827 in memory of Donna. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, Eaton Rapids. To share memories or online condolences, visit, www.millsfuneral.com.
Barbara J. Main
Barbara Joan Main, age 85, passed away unexpectedly July 11, 2020. Born January 18, 1935 in Grand Rapids to Leland and Eula (Hedglen) Perrine. Barbara graduated from Dansville High School Class of 1952. She married her husband Dale Main in 1954 and worked doing data entry, retiring from the State of Michigan in 1997. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids for 30 years, the Michigan State Employee Retirees Association and The Capitol City Old Car Club. Barbara was also a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center where she was very involved and attended many events, lunch programs, Third Thursday Trivia and Bingo. She participated in and won several “bake off” competitions and was known for her homemade cookies, cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats. She loved playing cards; you would find her playing Euchre and a variety of card games at the “center” on most Mondays. But more than anything she loved her family; she proudly spoke of them and was always anxious to show photos of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, Dale and brother Leland Jr. Left to celebrate her life are her children, Diana (Steve) Foster, Irene (Dave) Pena, Melinda (Tom) Hernandez and Ralph Main; grandchildren, Amanda (Tony) Parker, Ryan Foster (Nickie), Alisha (Dan) Johnson, Aimee (Derrick) Nelson, Ashlee Pena (Frankie), Christopher Hernandez (Heather), Sierra Hernandez (Aaron); 16 great grandchildren, sister, Louise (Art) Pylar and her faithful dog Muffy.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 16 at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Burial followed at Fowler Cemetery Aurelius Township. For those desiring, memorials may be given to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in memory of Barbara. For online condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhome.com.
Richard Lowe, Sr.
Richard “Duane” Lowe, Sr., age 83, of Vermontville died peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in Charlotte. Duane was born December 10, 1936 in Lansing, the son of Albert and Evelyn (Porter) Lowe. Duane made a career at General Motors working as a machine repairman, retiring in 1979. He enjoyed horse pulling and country western music. Duane is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia May Lowe; sons, Richard Duane “Bud” Lowe, Jr. and Patrick Dean “Charlie” Lowe; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Lee Lowe; sisters, Vivian Jean Schultz and Connie Kay Garrison; and several nieces and nephews. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Duane on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.