Obituaries
James Powers
Mr. James “Jim” Powers, age 89, of Nashville passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 at Thornapple Manor, in Hastings. Jim was born in Vermontville on October 23, 1930, the son of the late Thomas and Bernadine (White) Powers.
He was raised in the Vermontville and Nashville areas and attended local schools. Immediately after his schooling, Jim enlisted in the United State Army. He was the widower of Elaine (Downing) Powers. The couple was married Oct 6, 1952 in Fort Wayne and made their home together in the Nashville area where they raised their family together.
After being honorably discharged from US Army, Jim began working at Oldsmobile in Lansing, and later became a supervisor at Clark Equipment where he was employed for over 10 years. After leaving Clark Equipment, Jim took a job at Morman Feed Company as the lead mechanic overseeing the companies vehicles. It was during his time at Morman Feed, that he was able to pursue his passion for automobile restoration, as he refurbished may older vehicles for the company’s owner. In 1971, Jim purchased the Shell Station in Nashville, which he operated successfully until 1990 when it was sold. Jim was a hard worker, who’s passion for automotive mechanics expanded when he purchased a new building in town and opened his own auto repair facility where he worked until 2005 when he retired after being injured.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. The family cabin in Luther, Mich. was always a favorite destination when traveling. It was not uncommon for Jim and Elaine to pack up their Winnabago and visit various destinations throughout Michigan. After retiring Jim spent his winters enjoying the warmer climate on South Padre Island in Texas.
Jim is survived by his three daughters, Sharon Varney, Margaret Felder, Maryellen (T.R. ) Myers; two sons, James M. (Dawn) Powers; Patrick (Linda) Powers, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine, three brothers, Glenn “Ed,” Lewis, and Milton Powers, and son-in law Richard Varney.
Funeral services were held at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Thursday, May 28, with Pastor Jeff Hodge officiating. Jim was interred at Lakeview Cemetery Nashville with full military honors provided by the United State Army. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please the website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
William K. Wight
William K. Wight, age 76, formerly of Syracuse, Ind., died Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in Brookville, Ind., a victim of COVID-19. Bill was born May 4, 1943 in Lansing, the son of the late William G. and Bessie (Hammond) Wight Morgan; and a brother to the late Roberta Gustafson and to Evelyn (Pete) Janos, Port Charlotte, Fla. He and the late Gayle Louise Rowe were married in 1963 and are survived by two daughters; Lisa Peterson, North Webster, Ind. and Penny (Robert) Combs, Haines City, Fla. His loving grandchildren are Patrick Burchett, Lukas, Jack and Tyler Peterson, and great-grandchildren, Ailah and James Burchett.
On April 10, 2010, Bill and Jan (Montag) Day of Brookville, Ind., were wed and lived happily in Charlotte and Brookville. Bill was warmly embraced by his step-children, Robin, Oldenburg, Ind.; Stefanie, Columbus, Ohio; Christopher (Lessie), Middletown, Ohio and William (Kim), Cincinnati; as well as grandchildren, Seth and Jada Lewis, Garrett, Kira, and Ryan Day, Rose Brock, Drake Doane and Kyle Day. He is greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many many loving friends.
Bill loved the Lord and sought to serve him all his life, through his religious teaching, his volunteer mission work and generous service to churches where ever he lived. He had recently fulfilled his youthful dreams of being a pastor and preaching the Gospel, serving as Associate Pastor of Creekside Church, Brookville, until his death. Bill enjoyed a long career as director of state, county and city parks in Missouri, Indiana and Michigan. He also managed an Olympic Canoe and Kayak Team, officiated high-school and college football and basketball games and presented motivational lectures at many state-wide and national professional conferences.
A graveside service will be held at Syracuse Cemetery, 969 North Mill Street, Syracuse, Ind. on Tuesday, June 16th at 1 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Creekside Church, 11001 Bossert Road, Brookville, Ind., when we are able to gather once more.
Memorials may be directed to New Mercies Community Services, PO Box 375, Brookville IN 47012.
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.