Obituaries
Harold J. Benward
Harold Jay Benward, a man who enjoyed a cold Bud Light and a Black & Mild Cigar, died Friday, May 22, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jay, 69, of Potterville, MI, was born December 24, 1950, in Albion, MI, the son of Harold and Ruth (Shannon) Benward. He was a graduate from Albion high school class of 1969. Jay went on to work numerous years as a customer service rep at APCO. On May 29, 1998, Jay married Sandra Bullen and together they spent the next 21 years creating their legacy together. He will be remembered for being everyone’s friend. A man who was kind and had the biggest heart and well respected by others. Jay would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His hobbies include camping at Michigan’s beautiful state parks, bowling -Jay has 2 successful 300 games- and was known for his “hop” after his release, and his favorite activity was spending time with his family.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; children, Mark (Jen) Benward, James (Ingrid) Benward, Mindy (Mark) Biehl, Kendra (Simon) Nathan, Charlene Tondreau, Jacob (Abbi) Tondreau, Matthew Benward and Ethan Benward; 13 grandchildren; and, sister, Bonnie (Greg) Cox. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Phillip Benward.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jay on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald Mills
Donald (Donny) Mills, age 57 of Lake City, Mich. (formerly of Charlotte), passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Traverse City Munson Medical Center. Born on August 10, 1962 to Thomas and Alice (Smith) Mills in Charlotte, Donny was raised there and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1980 and later from Lansing Community College. Donny served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf conflict on the USS FOX that would seek out ocean mines.
A welder at Spartan Motors, Donny worked on the first fire truck off their line and was later sent to Universal Studios in California to weld on the trans built by Spartan. He later worked at Bannish Welding and various other companies. Donny loved the outdoors, loved riding his Harley and camping and canoeing with his beloved dogs always by his side.
Donny is survived by his son, Jason Mills of Lansing; sisters, Vicki Ball of Lake City, Dianne Webb, Jacque (Jeff) Sage, and Barb (Gary) Wells all of Charlotte; brother, Randy (Carla) Mills of Charlotte; significant other, Sharon Wright of Indiana; his faithful companions, Ringo, Big Dog, Pepper and Yoko; and his cat, George. Donny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglas Mills; and brother-in-law, Brian Ball.
Pray Funeral Home will be assisting the family with a memorial service at a later date. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice or the Missaukee Humane Society. Share memories of Donny on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Rory D. Harmon
Rory Dean Harmon, age 62, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Rory was born May 21, 1957 in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Marie Harmon. Rory went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1976. On September 15, 1979 he married the love of his life, Cynthia Lea Donaldson, in Charlotte. Rory was a tremendous husband, father and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and loved being together with them. Rory enjoyed a hosting family get-togethers and could often be found grilling something delicious. He enjoyed all things outdoors and always kept an immaculate lawn and garden. Rory retired after 40 years of service from St. Regis Culvert in Charlotte.
Rory is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy; son, James (Mallory Campbell) Harmon of Charlotte; daughter, Jessica (Johnathan) Yeary of Charlotte; grandchildren: Abbey Harmon, Dakota Wallace, Colten Harmon, Aria Harmon, Reed Cullimore, Ashton Yeary, Benjamin Rory Yeary; siblings: Lonnie (Jane) ; Harmon, David Harmon, Dawn (Jas) Morse, Chris Harmon; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and lifelong friends: Chris Davis, Gary Jones and Jack Zakora.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Bobby Harmon, Jack Harmon, Charlie Harmon, Byron “Tracy” Harmon, Paula “Penny” Granger, Roxanne Harmon; and sister-in-law, Leisa Harmon.
In keeping with Rory’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those desiring, may make contributions in Rory’s honor to the charity of their choice. To view Rory’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Rose M. Strong
Rose Mary Strong of Lansing, MI and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020 at the age of 62. She was born on March 14, 1958 in Abilene, Kansas the daughter of Melvin and Nayola (Duran) Strong. She attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools before moving to Cadillac where she graduated from High School class of 1976. Rose worked for MESA in Medical Insurance and also for Dr. Wulff’s Office in Eaton Rapids and eventually for Ryder in Lansing.
Rose is survived by her daughter, Amy Fajnor; parents, Melvin and Nayola Strong; brothers, John (Dalene) Strong, Randy (Helen) Strong, Phillip Strong; sister, LuAnn (Charles) Borton and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Bill Strong.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com
Mitchell W. Taylor
Mitchell W. Taylor, age 24, died May 6, 2020. Mitchell was born September 15, 1995 in Marshall to Rusty and Louise (Philp) Taylor. Mitchell loved animals and sports. He spent a lot of time with his grandfather playing Texas Holdem. They went to a Detroit Lions game for Mitchell’s birthday and, on another occasion, sat in the front row of a Red Wings game.
Mitchell is survived by his parents, Louise and Rusty Taylor; his grandparents, Charles and Sharon Philp, Alfred and Nancy Taylor; two brothers, Benjamin Taylor and Zachary Taylor; his best friend, Isaiah Harris, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private memorial service to celebrate Mitchell’s life was held at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Memorial contributions can be given to the Substance Abuse Council of Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.