Obituaries
Sandra K. Parish
Sandra Kay Parish, age 67, an outspoken friend to many, passed away on April 9, 2020 at her residence in Charlotte. Born in Charlotte on September 10, 1952 to Glen and Bertie (Corbin) Burt, she remained in the area with her family and graduated from Charlotte in 1970. On March 27 of 1982 she married the love of her life, Dean Parish. Sandra worked at Hayes Green Beach Hospital and later for Spartan Motors in data entry until 1997. Sandra was a “caregiver,” willing to help everybody she could. She was never afraid to speak her mind or use her sense of humor to tease a smile from those around her.
Many may remember Sandra as the mom who helped develop and watch over Charlotte’s first skate park, built in the parking lot of one of the local churches. She would be there keeping track of the kids and selling snacks to help raise funds to maintain the park’s equipment. This later led to the development of the community skate park in Charlotte.
Sandra would want to be remembered as a huge supporter of her children and their friends — attending numerous games and concerts over the many years. You would see her in the stands or behind the counter of the athletic boosters selling popcorn and hotdogs to raise funds to support band or the sports teams. She was always one of the “not-so-quiet” workers there supporting “the kids.”
Her skill as a baker was celebrated all year long, as she would bake thousands of treats over the years. Her families’ favorites were her Holiday cookies. They were a special treat. One of her proudest moments was baking hundreds of cookies to sell to support RISE Recovery Community — a post treatment program to ensure the success of participants transitioning back into society after rehabilitation.
Above all else, family and friends will remember Sandy as a strong woman with a big heart.
She always opened her door to immediate family, distant family, “adopted family” and anyone who needed a safe place to go. She was truly “mom” to many.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Dean; three sons, Wesley (Karrie) Burt, Dean (Angela) Parish Jr, Nate Parish; daughter, Annie (Corey) Clarke; four brothers, Allen Burt, Jim Burt, Fred Burt, Doug Burt; three sisters, Judy (Don) Thornhill, Lois Kettner, Margaret (Ed) Johnson; grandkids, William Burt, Gavin Batey and Nate Batey. She was preceded in death by brothers, Larry Burt, Gary Burt, and Jerry Burt; sister, Marlene Davids; and her parents.
Due to current quarantine and sheltering guidelines, a celebration of life for Sandra will take place later. The family will send out information at a later time. In the meantime, go to prayfuneral.com and click on Sandra’s tribute page to share remembrances and condolences with the family. If desired, the family suggests memorial to RISE Recovery Community and Sparrow Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary J. Standley
Mary June Standley, age 75, of Brighton, formerly of Eaton Rapids and Marshall, passed away on April 7, 2020. Mary was born on October 13, 1944 in Marshall, the daughter of Donald and Agnes (Creps) Heath. She attended Marshall public school and graduated the class of 1962. Mary moved to Eaton Rapids, where she raised her two girls, worked and retired from the Eaton Rapids Hospital in 1984. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed years of volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. Mary and Ron were huge MSU fans and held season tickets for basketball and hockey for over 30 years. After the love of her life’s passing, she moved to Brighton where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren for the past 17 years.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Kris Hill, Kelly Parks; grandchildren, Travis Hill, Emily Hill, Nicole Kapff: and great-grandson Logan Kapff. A special mention to her doctor/ friend of many years, Dr. Carol Beals, and her special niece Sandy Drumm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron Standley; sister Peggy Drumm and brother-in-law Richard Drumm.
A memorial celebration will be held in the late summer of 2020. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. To share condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
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.