Obituaries
James Passick
James Passick, age 85, of Eaton Rapids passed away April 13, 2020. James was born in Albion on March 21, 1935, the son of John and Francis (Rogers) Passick. He proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1958. During his service with the U.S. Army, he was awarded the National Service Medal, a Sharp-Shooter Medal and of all things, a medal for Good Conduct. After returning from the war, he went on to work for Lindel Drop Forge, where he would retire in 1986 after over 35 years. James was a member of the Eagles Club Post 3552 and the American Legion Post 42. He loved spending time outside, going on his annual fishing trip to Canada with his sons and friends, dancing, making wine, cooking, and he loved his solitude. Most of all, James enjoyed a good argument with a few choice words.
James is survived by his children, Theresa Passick Clark of Eaton Rapids, Nolan (Tiffany) Passick of Berrien Springs, Luke (Kelly McCormick) Passick of Lake George; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Ramsey of Kentwood, Chas Passick of Lake George, Tiffany Passick of Farwell, Casey Smith of Texas, Bodie (Sarah) Mills of St. Joseph, Gabrielle (Andrew) Mills of Eaton Rapids, Ryder Q. Passick of Berrien Springs; numerous great grandchildren; and brother, Kenneth Passick of SC. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and the love of his life, Shirley Passick; daughter, Michelle Mills; infant son, Matthew Passick; and grandson, Nathan Passick.
Private graveside services will take place in Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Lillian M. Peterson
Lillian Mae Peterson, age 87, of Eaton Rapids died on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. She worked as a seamstress. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Darlene M. Pierce
Darlene Marie Pierce, age 78, of Charlotte died on March 30, 2020. She worked as an insurance claims processor. A full obituary will be published at a later date, when service date and time have been determined.
Richard E. Spitzer
Richard E. Spitzer, age 91, of Vermontville passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his home with his family by his side. He was born April 23, 1928, in Charlotte, the son of Edwin and Helen (Blair) Spitzer. Dick graduated from Nashville High School with the class of 1946. Soon after graduating, Dick and his parents bought an 80-acre piece of property in Gulliver, Mich. This place has brought the family much joy throughout the years. Whether it was for deer season or just a family get away, Dick loved being together with family. On January 21, 1950, he married Margaret Joan Shapley in Angola, Ind. Together, they enjoyed wintering in Florida and spending time at their cabin in the Upper Peninsula. Dick also liked working in his garden. Dick retired after 36 faithful years of service as a supervisor for General Motors in Lansing.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret; daughter, Cindy (Allan) Harvath of Charlotte; son, Richard (Teresa) Spitzer of Charlotte, nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family graveside service was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dick’s honor to West Carmel Congregational Church. To view Dick’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneral.com.
Barbara Linsley
Mrs. Barbara Linsley, age 85, of Kalamo passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Barb was born in Kalamo on January 13, 1935, the daughter of the late Elston and Ethel (Palmer) Smurr. She was raised in the Kalamo area, attending North Kalamo School and Charlotte High School. On June 16, 1951, she married Mr. Bernard Linsley, who farmed in Kalamo. The couple made their home together in the Kalamo area, where they raised their family and established their farm. They shared their home with several foster children. Barb’s family, the Smurrs, also farmed in the Kalamo area, and her two sisters married Bernie’s two brothers.
Barb was a perfect lady and took great pride in the care of her family and her home. She raised her family at Nashville Baptist Church, where one of her true joys was singing in the choir each Sunday and occasionally singing solos. She enjoyed reading her Bible, novels and history books.
Barb loved working around their home and farm, enjoying horses, gardening and teaching her grandchildren how to fish. For a short period of time, she sold real estate. Along with her husband, Barb enjoyed renovating houses and, through the years, completed over 33 house renovations in the area. They spent their entire married life in the very first home they restored.
“Work hard, then play hard” was a creed that Barb and Bernie shared during their nearly 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In later years, the couple purchased homes in Florida that became their winter escape for over 30 years. They also enjoyed spending time at family property in Kalkaska and a cabin on Thornapple Lake.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Bernie; two sons, Glen (Donna) Linsley and Ed (Linda) Linsley; two sisters, Gloria Linsley and Mary (Jerry) Linsley; her brother Douglas (Patricia) Smurr; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Don Linsley.
Graveside services were held privately for the family at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo on Wednesday, April 8, with Pastor Lester DeGroot officiating. A memorial service celebrating Barb’s life and beautiful Christian faith will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, visit the website at danielsfuneralhome.net.