Obituaries
Gerald L. Johnson
Gerald Lewis Johnson of Olivet went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the age of 67. Jerry was born on May 6, 1952 in Belding, Mich., the son of Gerald and Patricia (Peacock) Johnson. He graduated from Gaylord High School and went on to receive an associate’s degree in the electrical trade. Jerry honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He worked for 28 years at General Motors in skilled trades as an electrician retiring in 2012. Jerry was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Charlotte Post #3552 and the UAW Local 652. He was an avid gun enthusiast and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping at Scalley Lake where he spent many summers. Jerry was also a talented artist and woodworker who would make furniture and stained glass for his family and friends. Above all Jerry was a dedicated husband, father and friend who will be lovingly remembered for his lighthearted personality and his great sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Johnson and Patricia Olmstead; and his brother, Kenneth Johnson.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Daphne Johnson; children, Terri Hall (Bruce Dowding), Jennifer (Scott) Peregoy, Matthew Johnson, Ashley (Mike) Schroll, Brooke Johnson (Marlin Gloor), Charity (Kevin) Dalzell, Jennifer (Andrea) Hayeslip; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Cindy Parr and Jillian Blair-Johnson.
Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
To share memories or condolences, please visit SkinnerFuenralHomes.com.
Steven R. Donley
Steven Rae Donley, 78, of Potterville, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019, at his home with his family by his side. He was born June 26, 1940 in Charlotte, the son of Otis and Nelda (Hawley) Donley. Steve graduated from Potterville High School in 1959. He went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army. On December 14, 1966, he married Linda L. Mosier at the Methodist Parsonage in Potterville. Steve retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. He was a devoted family man who took great interest in his children and grandchildren. Steve’s favorite hobby was bowling and he loved every moment of it. He participated in many different leagues throughout the years at Char-Lanes in Charlotte and Royal Scot in Lansing.
Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; children, Jennifer (David) Phillips of Dimondale, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Donley of Potterville, Jason Donley of Potterville; grandchildren, Josh (Shaina) Phillips, Lexie (Dan) Schafer, Nick Phillips, Tori Phillips, Lizzy Phillips, Tommy Phillips, Kristina Donley, Stasi Donley, Matt Donley; great-grandchildren, Damon Wonch, Mathis Phillips, Wyatt Phillips; and sister, Ann (Bruce) Robertson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held on July 14, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legions Post 42 in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s honor to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
To view Steve’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Richard A. Smith
Richard (Rick) A. Smith, 74, of Hesperia, Mich., formerly of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 7, 2019 at his home. He was born September 16, 1944 in Battle Creek, the son of Lyle and Fern (Kinsey) Smith. Rick graduated from Bellevue High School, class of 1964. He married the love of his life, Rebecca McCandless on July 8, 1966. He was employed with Union Pump in Battle Creek for 43 years, known as Dick Smith by his coworkers. He was the Union President of the IATC, (International Assoc. of Tool Craftsman) for many years before retiring at age 63 in 2008.
Rick loved the outdoors, animals, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. He enjoyed family trips to Alaska. The most recent trip to Alaska included a family wedding on Mount McKinley. He enjoyed camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes and spending time at their cottage in Hesperia. Just six years ago it became their permanent residence where neighbors became friends, and friends became family. In his younger years he enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Becky, of 53 years; children, Ginny (Mike) Durow, Jeff (Teresa) Smith; grandchildren, Ryan and Reese Durow; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and his Saint Huberts family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Bruce, Robert, Myrna Avery, Carroll, and Alvetta Lea.
Funeral Services were held at Kempf Funeral & Cremation Service in Bellevue on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.
Rick says he really doesn’t need flowers and would prefer to help support local animals. Memorial donations in his name can be made to All Species Kinship, a nonprofit that cares about animals as much as Rick did. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 4055, Battle Creek, MI 49016 or donations can be made at allspecieskinship.org/donate. Memorial contributions may also be made to the organization of your choice.
Online condolences and memories can be left at kempffuneralhome.com.
Irene L. Tooker
Irene Louise Tooker, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully passed Monday, June 10, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. Irene was born on March 26, 1941, in Gaylord, to Ephraim and Violet (Helwig) Brock.
Irene was the cornerstone of her family and loved by all. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and the many family vacations they took with their children and grandchildren. Her favorite was visiting her hometown of Gaylord. She was a longtime, devoted member of Mount Hope Church. Irene and her husband took pride in establishing and running their family farm. She will be remembered for the solid foundation and values on which her family was built. She was exceedingly generous, kind and genuine; the person the family turned to in times of joy and need. Irene had a warm personality and a sense of humor that could make you laugh even at the worst of times. Words will never be enough to describe what she meant to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Roger Tooker. They were happily married for 55 years. They raised three wonderful daughters, Julie (Robert) Hadley, Kelley (Allen) Coburn-Harris and Lori (Mark) Harris.
Irene took great pride in her grandchildren, Nikki (Jeff) Schwarz, Bobbi (Brent) Elliott, Josh (Ashley) Harris, Angela (Dennis) Warren, Adam (Miranda) Coburn, Jessie (Eric) Villegas, Zach (Jenna) Coburn and Jake (Alyshia) Coburn. Her great-grandchildren were the sunshine of her life: Dylan; Sidena, Mackenzie, Tooker, Aubrey and Addy; Aubrey and Anistyn; Chase and Cooper; Elia; Sam; and Mickey.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alfred, Bill, Steve, Daniel and her sister Dorothy Beers.
She is survived by siblings, Elizabeth Julson, Earldine Payton and Tom (Cheryl) Brock.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 13, 2019 at Mt. Hope Church in Lansing, with Pastor David Johnson officiating. Interment will take place at Strange Cemetery in Oneida Township.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Irene’s memory to the Potterville Library, 150 Library Lane, Potterville, MI 48876.
To view Irene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Charlotte I. Jones
Charlotte Ida (Heese) Jones of Charlotte, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 93, passed from time to Eternity at her residence in Charlotte, on June 7, 2019. Charlotte was born on March 22, 1926 in South Dakota, the daughter of German immigrants, Karl and Martha (Roeser) Heese. She grew up in Upstate New York and met her husband, Kenneth G. Jones (1917-2001), while attending college in East Lansing. Charlotte taught school for 43 years. The family would like to extend special thanks to Brendalee Pierce, who was dearly loved by Charlotte and whose expert care made it possible for her to remain in her house until the Lord called her home. Also, special thanks to Dr. Gamat Issacs and Barb Densmore of Visiting Doctors and Taelor Johns of Heartland Hospice.
She is survived by her only child, Kay Ann Jones; grandsons, Herb and wife, Alanna, and Ken.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Ken and four siblings.
Private graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery with Rev. Chuck Jenson officiating.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Charlotte’s memory to Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, 133 S. Washington St. Charlotte, MI 48813.
Charlotte always remained true to her humble beginnings and helping others. The family wishes to share a special poem by an unknown author entitled, “The Rose Bud, It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of God’s design, but I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine. The secret of unfolding flowers is now known to such as I. GOD opens his flower so easily, but in my hands they die. If I cannot unfold a rosebud, this flower of God’s design, then how can I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine? So, I’ll trust in God for leading each moment of my day. I will look to God for guidance in each step of the way. The path that lies before me, only my Lord knows. I’ll trust God to unfold the moments, just as He unfolds the rose.”
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.