Obituaries
Shirley J. Carpenter
Shirley Jean Carpenter, age 93, of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte and Lansing, passed away peacefully Friday, April 17, 2020 in Norton Shores. She was born November 10, 1926 in Holt, the daughter of Roy and Dora (Johnson) Feier. Shirley graduated from Holt High School in 1944. On May 9, 1947 she married Edward W. Carpenter in Lansing. Family was of the utmost importance to Shirley. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In recent times, Shirley could often be found reminiscing while paging through her many photo albums. She enjoyed reading, watching Detroit Tigers baseball, trips to the casino, bingo and playing cards.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Lois (Rudi) Semen of Lansing; son, Kevin (Cindy) Carpenter of Columbia, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Sue (Green) Carpenter of Whitehall; grandchildren; Shawn Semen, Mark Semen, Katrina (Michael) Kutzleb, Jamie (Tom) King, Crissie Carpenter; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward W.; son, Leland Carpenter; grandson, LCpl. Andrew P. Carpenter; sister, Arlene Sheldon of Lansing; and brother, Wendell Feier of Holt.
A private graveside service was to be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Due to the current mandate limiting public gatherings, a celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions in Shirley’s honor to Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave. Suite 400, Muskegon MI 49441 or St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague MI 49437.
Donna J. Allen
Donna J. Allen, age 78, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2020. Donna enjoyed bowling and was on bowling leagues in the area for many years. Her and Wesley went camping with the family and enjoyed the time with the grandchildren very much. She will be remembered for those daily messages on Messenger and those messages will be missed dearly by all who received them.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Wesley Allen in 2005; her parents Edward and Rose O’Neil, Kimberly Allen and great grand-daughter Athena. Surviving are her children, Kevin (Lori) Crawley, Renee (Ted) Shiels; grandchildren, Caitlyn and Brigette Crawley, Jeff and Michaela Wilson, Billy Ramey, Amber (Ryan) Landis, Hazen and Zayden Shiels. Donna is also survived by many extended family members dear to our hearts. Graveside services were scheduled to be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Child Abuse of Michigan in memory of Donna and Athena or a COVID-19 charity of one’s choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Judith K. Gruber
Judith Kay Gruber, age 77, of Silver Springs, Fla., passed away April 17, 2020. She was born August 25, 1942, in Eaton Rapids, to the late Max Converse and Florabel-Bowers Converse. She was a homemaker, devoted wife, mother and “Meme.”
She was preceded in death by her brothers Phil Converse (Janet), Bill Converse; sister, Leah Blatt-Schofield; and brother-in-law, Howard “Red” Blatt, Jr.
She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Phillip Gruber; sons, Steven Gruber (Teresa), Mark Gruber, Scott Gruber (Lisa); daughter, Karen Dowdy (Jeff); 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brothers, Max Converse (Cathy), Mike Converse (Pat); sisters-in-law, Jewell Converse, Mary Parks (Richard); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Countryside Funeral Home in Anthony, Fla.
Lenore T. Wieber
Lenore Theresa Wieber, age 84, of Charlotte, formerly of Portland, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 18, 2020. She was born June 28, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of Joseph and Regina (Mazylewski) Potocny. Lenore graduated from Ionia High School in 1953. On November 21, 1953 she married Frank Wieber Jr. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. Together Lenore and Frank raised their family in Portland. Lenore was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She doted over her entire family and brought a smile to them all. Her grandchildren enjoyed an uncommonly close bond with her. If they were part of any type of event, grandma was there. She loved reading in her spare-time. After Frank passed away, Lenore enjoyed traveling with her twin sister Leona and John Rupp. They made many precious memories together through the years. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park was her sanctuary on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. Lenore had a keen eye for details. She was meticulous about her appearance, and holiday gatherings were always flawlessly arranged.
Lenore is survived by her children: Julia (Ronald) Bruner of Holt, Laura (Ronald) Goostrey of Charlotte, Lydia (Jim) Kopydlowski of Goodrich, David (Michelle) Wieber of San Jose, Calif.; grandchildren: Robyn (Rob) Mc’Brien, Jeff (Katina) Bruner, Nathan (Amanda) Kopydlowski, Megan (Kyle) Creyts, Tyler (LeAnna) Kopydlowski, Thomas Goostrey, Hannah Kopydlowski, Justin Wieber, Trevor Wieber, Derek Wieber; great-grandchildren; Jackson Mc’Brien, Makyna Mc’Brien, Raymond Bruner, Shayleigh Bruner; and sister, Carol Savage. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Wieber Jr. in 1985; and three brothers and four sisters.
A private Mass of Christian Burial took place on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The Mass was livestreamed on the parish’s Facebook page. Interment took place at Portland Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Lenore’s memory to Smile Train, 633 3rd Ave. 9th Floor, New York NY 10017 or my.smiletrain.org. To view Lenore’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Byron L. Aeder
Byron Lee Aeder, age 62, of Charlotte died on April 18, 2020. He worked as a mechanic at Sawyer’s Pontiac.