Obituaries
Robert D. Pierce
Robert “RD” Daniel Pierce, age 79, of Morenci, passed away on June 1, 2020, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
He was born on September 2, 1940, in Eaton Rapids, to Daniel H. and Grace (Harrison) Pierce. He was in the 1958 graduating class at Eaton Rapids High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He married Marsha Clark on May 13, 1970, and she survives. RD was a self-employed farmer, owned a carnival game business for 15 years, and then the Morenci Pub from 1993 to 2018. RD was a past member of the American Legion and the Eagles. He enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether he was working, golfing, hunting, fishing, sledding or swimming. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Pinochle. RD loved going to Disney World and Mickey Mouse, NASCAR and was a cowboy at heart. Most of all, RD loved being with his kids, grandkids and his dogs.
In addition to his wife of 50 years, Marsha, he is survived by his son, William “Bill” (Susan) Pierce; a daughter, Amanda Pierce; four grandchildren, Wes, Ella, Abby, and Chelsea Pierce; and a brother, John (Nancy) Pierce. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jim Pierce.
A private funeral service for RD was held on Friday, June 5, 2020 at Eagle-Marry Funeral Home, Morenci with brother-in-law John Maddox officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. You may send condolences to the family at eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be given to the Lenawee Humane Society.
Joyce A. Rudowske
Joyce Arlene Rudowske, age 69 — a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister and follower of Jesus Christ — passed into glory on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at her home. Joyce, of Charlotte and previously Benton Harbor, was born November 29, 1950 in Benton Harbor, the daughter of William Sr. and Frances (Webb) Bridgman. After graduating from Coloma High School in 1968, Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1972 and would go on to obtain a master’s degree. She was an elementary school teacher for nearly 30 years, then worked for the Berrien County Department of Health and Human Services as an eligibility specialist, retiring after 20 plus years in 2012. On November 3, 1972 Joyce married Richard Charles Rudowske and raised their family together until his passing in 2015. Joyce was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, for many years, and most recently a member of First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. She actively studied the Bible daily and used her time and talents for the church in various ways. She also volunteered as a counselor at A New Beginning Pregnancy Center in Charlotte. Her family meant the world to Joyce; she loved them more than anything else on earth. She also loved her many friends who helped her so much on her journey through life. Above all, Joyce loved Jesus and served Him in any way she could.
Joyce is survived by her children, Jennifer (Jerry) Powell, Richard (Maya) Rudowske Jr., Christopher (Kristi) Rudowske, Kimberly (Daniel) Longden, Rachel (Kalvin) Miller; 20 grandchildren, Kayla, Zachary, Abigail Powell, Christopher, Katherine, Matthew, Joshua, Rebecca Rudowske, Mark, William Rudowske, Micah, Grace, Seth, Jonah, Lydia, Anna Longden, Kameron, Nathan, Sebastian, Laurel Miller; siblings, Diane Orth, Brenda (Robert) Zapolnik, Jeanne (Bruce) Hutchins, William (Cynthia) Bridgman Jr.; and numerous nieces
and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Richard; grandchildren, Isabel Marie and Owen Louis Miller; brother-in-law, Louis Orth; and her parents.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Due to current executive orders, those attending visitation will be asked to wear a mask and will be directed into the visitation rooms by Pray Funeral Home staff to maintain no more than 10 people in any room. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 3, 2020 for Joyce’s immediate family only at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte with Pastor Richard Rudowske Jr. and Pastor Jim Eggert officiating. The funeral will be available for live stream through Joyce’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Friends and extended family members are also encouraged to share memories of Joyce on her tribute page and/ or send flowers to the service to show your support for the family. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lutheran Bible Translators. The family is in the care of the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.