Obituaries
Raymond D. Wilcox
Raymond Dewitt Wilcox passed away on October 22, 2019, at the age of 95. Raymond was born to Leo and Edna Wilcox on October 20, 1924. When Raymond was two years old, his mother passed away. A few years later, Leo married Arlene Morehouse who brought her strong faith to the home. Several years later, baby sister Bonnie was born, and Raymond took great joy in having his little sister tag along on his many adventures. It was Raymond’s fun-natured love of his little sister that attracted his future wife, Ardath.
Raymond graduated from Sunfield High School in 1942. He was busy on the family farm and also loved sports, hunting and all things mechanical. He was active in 4-H and had the Michigan State Fair Grand Champion Cow. As a result, he was offered a college scholarship at Michigan Agricultural College (later Michigan State University). He often remarked that he regretted the decision to pass up that scholarship since he always enjoyed learning something new. Thus began his strong desire for his kids and grandkids to attend college of some kind and also his lifelong love of Michigan State University and Spartan basketball.
In 1947, he married Ardath Hynes, who was the love of his life. Naturally outgoing, he brought adventure into Ardath’s life. Ardath, a natural worrier, even was convinced to ride in his motorcycle sidecar, shoot guns and take fun trips to Lake Michigan. They eventually settled in the Sunfield area. They both trusted Christ as Savior, and during this time of life began attending the Sunfield United Methodist Church, where they remained lifelong active members with Raymond serving as a trustee and chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. He was very generous in supporting his local church and community, many missions and charities.
Raymond worked alongside his dad on the farm. Both he and Ardath knew the value of hard work and family. Soon after establishing their own farm, Kendall and Lorraine were born. At a young age, Kendall joined his grandpa and dad in the farming operation. The entire family’s involvement in agriculture continues to this day.
Raymond began working for Hough Brothers Construction. He learned to fly and loved to travel to jobs around the United States. He was a devoted father and husband, although he sometimes found the balance of work and family difficult. But every night, like clockwork, he called to check in with the family, keeping up on all the activities at home.
When Raymond turned 65, rather than retire as most, he began his own construction company, Specialty Industries, Inc. He loved the challenge of starting a new business, and the company blossomed. During these years, the importance of family began to resonate clearly, as Raymond and Ardath set aside work schedules to attend almost every activity that their grandchildren were involved with. They became well known as grandma and grandpa to kids in Lakewood, Maple Valley and Portland. Most activities were followed by dinner or ice cream to celebrate successes as well as to ease the blow of losses.
Raymond and Ardath enjoyed good health and independent living for over 90 years. Recently, as health issues began to take their toll, the family was assisted by Luminate Home Care. Their loving care allowed Raymond and Ardath the opportunity to enjoy living in their own home. Ardath passed away in May of this year just short of their 72nd anniversary. On October 22, 2019, at the age of 95, Raymond also went to be with the Lord. Their strong commitment to their Lord Jesus Christ, and each other, unconditional love for their family, hard work ethic and fun-loving spirits will be greatly missed.
Raymond is survived by his son, Kendall (Kerry) Wilcox and his daughter Lorraine (Brian) Benedict, seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and brother in-law Lindy (Beth) Hynes. He was preceded in death by his wife Ardath of 71 years, great-granddaughter Kyra Winslow, parents Leo and Edna Wilcox, stepmother Arlene Weeks, siblings Bonnie (Roy) Van Houten, infant brother Donald Wilcox, stepbrother Paul Morehouse, and brother in-laws Glendon (Mary) Hynes, and Cecil Hynes.
A Celebration of Life was held on Oct. 30 at the Sunfield United Methodist Church. A graveside service at the Sunfield Cemetery followed. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sunfield SPYS or the Sunfield United Methodist Monday Night Supper Fund, which provides free meals to the community.
Visit a special page created for Raymond to leave a condolence for the family at RosierFuneralHome.com. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Rosier Funeral Home, the independent, family owned funeral home in Sunfield.
Thomas Neil Stanke
Thomas Neil Stanke, a generous neighbor that would give you the shirt off his back, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at home. Tom, 63, of Charlotte, was born October 8, 1956, in Charlotte to Raymond and Mary (Clarke) Stanke. He graduated from Charlotte High School and remained in Charlotte, working on the family farm, for his entire life. He enjoyed talking with his neighbors, cutting wood, taking care of his many barn cats and farming; the family farm was 200 acres. He was a big supporter and former member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Charlotte. His family fondly reminisced that “Tom was Tom,” right to the very end.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Lynn A. (Cindy) Stanke, and Bonnie S. (Pete) Raut; nieces and nephews, Mike (Katy) Stanke, Brad (Jen) Stanke, Christie (Nate) Omo, Joshua (Kayla) Raut, Kathryn Raut; and eight great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, October 31, at the Chester Township Hall. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Tom on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Michael D. Root
Michael Dee Root, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Sunday, October 27, 2019. Michael, 69, of Vermontville, was born December 27, 1949, in Charlotte to Cedric and Kathleen Root. A supervisor at General Motors, Mike was well-respected by everyone he worked with. In addition to his job at GM, Mike enjoyed farming and traveled every year to Mackinaw City for a farm tractor parade. His kids always had to help on the farm, especially the dreaded springtime rock-picking from the fields. Family was very important to Mike. No matter how busy he was, he always found time for his children, and then his grandchildren, attending their events and being there, supporting them in all their activities. He also served as the Chester Township Clerk for several years, as well as being an active member of the Charlotte Church of Christ. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending more time traveling, both to Florida and the Western parts of the U.S. He could often be found watching sports and, as a true Michiganian, he enjoyed the Lions, Tigers and Michigan State Spartans events.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicki; children Lance Root, Dawn (Chad) Crandell, Laura Medina, Jamie Wiggs, and Matthew (Micheala) Root; 12 grandchildren; his siblings, Cindy (Dennis) Walker, Bill (Vickie) Root, and Jim (Evelyn) Root; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, October 30, at the Charlotte Church of Christ. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Mike on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barbara Jean Putman
Barbara Jean Putman, a spiritual and devoted Baptist, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Barbara, 79, of Charlotte was born February 17, 1940, to Herbert and Annie Seals. On February 17, 1955, Barbara married Jerry Putman and started their family together. Barbara devoted her life to her family and her church.
Barbara is survived by her children, Dennis (Tracy) Putman, Donald Putman, Patricia (Bruce) Cotter, Elizabeth Wolcott, Jerrie (Jeffery) App; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild that is due next month. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and five siblings.
A memorial service was held on October 25, 2019, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Calvary Baptist Church. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Barbara on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard L. Andreau
Richard “Rick” L. Andreau, age 58, of Lake Odessa, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 27, at home. Rick was born on May 27, 1961, in Lansing, the son of Kosta and Doris (Smith) Andreau. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1979. Rick’s pastimes included camping, riding his Harley and spending time with his grandkids. He was always the first to offer help to any one in need of it, however not so quick to accept help.
Rick will be remembered by his wife, Jill, his dear children, Stacy and Rob Bryson and Eric and Andrea Andreau; three grandsons, Bobby, Porter and Donald Bryson, who affectionately referred to Rick as ‘Baa. The three grandsons were Baa’s world. He is also survived by his mother, Doris Andreau; his mother-in-law, Bernie Goodemoot; siblings, Jeff and Sandy Waldron and Alex and Maggie Andreau; in-laws, Jim and Chery Valentine, Kyle and Marilyn Goodemoot, and Randy and Doni Nurenberg and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Kosta Andreau; father-in-law, Donald Goodemoot; and brother, Chris and twin brother, Nick Andreau and his beloved dog, Bristol.
Private services will be held at a later time. For additional information, contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.