Obituaries
Michael J. Sevenski
Michael John Sevenski, 72, a caring and humble man of few words, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 28, 2019, following a nine-year battle with cancer. Mike was born January 20, 1947 in Lansing, the son of Carl and Helen (Gawala) Sevenski. He graduated from Everett High School in 1965 before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving as an Army Engineer during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he worked final repair for General Motors, retiring in 2001. He served three years as the GM/Pontiac Representative for national auto shows. Mike married Sandy Keeler on February 25, 1967, and the two lived a life of love and happiness raising their four children. Mike and Sandy remained active at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte throughout the years. Mike was one of the founders of St. Mary’s St. Vincent DePaul Society and a member of the church Men’s Club.
Mike was known as “Huey,” a nickname given to him from his childhood best-friend Mike (Horsehead) Olger. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends bowling, hunting, league softball, and trips to the casino. Mike coached hundreds of kids in youth leagues, and loved to make people laugh and had a soft spot for the less fortunate. He loved trips up north to the family property in Elmira, where he enjoyed tinkering out in the pole barn. Mike was the Duck Tape King, and was often quoted as saying, “If it can’t be fixed, duck tape it.” He loved and cared for animals, usually inheriting them from his children. Mike was proud of over 40 years of sobriety, and always served as an example of a strong work ethic. Above all, Mike lived a life of Faith, and loved his family.
Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy Sevenski; their children, Renee Sevenski, Michael John Sevenski II, Cami Sevenski, and Ryan (Dawn) Sevenski; he will be remembered as “Pa” by his grandchildren, Kelsey (Michael) Sailor, Konner Whitinger, Anna Marie Sevenski, and Steven Michael Sevenski; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ty Sailor; brother, Carl Sevenski; sisters, Sandra Eldred and Joyce (Larry) Cords; and brother-in-law, Arthur Montgomery.
He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Sevenski; sister, Carlyne Montgomery; brother-in-law, Lyle Eldred; and nephew, Mark Montgomery.
A Funeral Mass of Celebration was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul of Charlotte or Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pinetree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911, hopsiceoflansing.org.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Michael on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marilyn U. Ranshaw
Marilyn Uvon Ranshaw, a devoted farmer, wife, mother and grandmother, of Potterville, died Friday, April 26, 2019. Marilyn, 90, was born July 2, 1928 in Potterville, to Virgil and Lorene (Troyer) Fosket. On July 4, 1945, Marilyn, at the age 17 married her sweetheart, Robert Ranshaw and together spent the next 70 years creating their legacy. Their legacy consisted of the family farm. Each year they farmed vegetables and fruit. She devoted her entire life to her family, from working on the farm with her husband and sons, to cheering on her grandchildren during their sporting events. Even with high demand on the family, Marilyn and Robert were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family in Branson, Missouri. Marilyn was very strong in her faith, attending church and being involved with prayer groups. Above all Marilyn was most proud of her sons and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marilyn is survived by sons, Dick (Libby) Ranshaw, Larry (Diane) Ranshaw; grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, Clint (Normarie), Blake (Rebecca) Ranshaw; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Vernon (Joan) Fosket, Dianne Fulgum.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 2015 and her parents.
Memorial services are Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Keith Sova officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Gary D. Underwood
Gary Dean Underwood, a loving father, husband and compassionate man, of Charlotte died on Saturday, April 27, 2019 after a short battle with Cancer. Gary, 68, was born 1950, in Charleston, W.V., the son of Willis and Gladys Underwood. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1968, Gary worked for General Motors for 30 years. Gary married his sweetheart, Jean (Groh) and spent the next 36 years creating their legacy together. He loved everything outdoors, from riding his Harley to hunting, fishing, boating, traveling, riding ATVs, rock hunting, and golfing. Gary could always be found enjoying life. Family and friends meant so much to Gary. Family and friends will remember Gary for being a handyman that could fix anything. There was no job too difficult for him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Maggie (Jennifer Tabar) Underwood, Dennis Underwood, Brooke Underwood and Jimmy Underwood; and his dearest friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Darrel Underwood, Carol Stutler, and Paul Underwood.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Gary on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Theodore R. Marshall
Theodore Robert Marshall II, 55, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2019. He was born September 12, 1963 in Charlotte, the son of Theodore and Margaret (Henderson) Marshall. Theodore was an avid reader throughout his entire life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
Theodore is survived by his children, Meghan Marshall, Matthew Marshall; grandchildren, Trenton Wiseley, Winter Wiseley; father, Theodore R. Marshall; siblings, Debra Ethridge, Sindi Marshall, Tammy (Gary) Bower, Lisa Marshall, Beth Peeler; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; mother, Margaret; sister, Lori Henry; niece, Maggie Marshall; nephew, Joshua Meacham.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Theodore’s honor to the family.
To view Theodore’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Max L. Bottomley
Max Leroy Bottomley, 96, of Midland, passed away April 25, 2019. He was born Feb. 5, 1923, in Charlotte. Max married his beloved high school sweetheart, Martha Snow. She preceded him in death after 71 years of marriage.
After graduating from Charlotte High School, he entered Michigan State University. While attending Michigan State University, he joined Army ROTC. He was called to active duty to serve in World War II and attended officer candidate school. He served as a Lieutenant in the 65th Infantry Division, a part of Patton’s Third Army in its march across Europe. His unit was in Enns, Austria, when the war ended. He then returned to Michigan State University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry.
In 1947, Max started his 39-year career at Dow Chemical Company. He was on the teams that developed latex paint and Methocel. At another time during his career he was a technical expert in a patent infringement case. He was a member of the Midland Jaycees, a founding member of both the Kiwassee Kiwanis Club of Midland and the Midland Jayvesters Investment Club. He was an active member in the community, including treasurer of the Midland Historical Society and served on the Investment Committee of the Midland Center for the Arts.
Above all else, Max was a devoted family man, involving himself in his children’s activities such as Boy Scouts, youth sports, and PTA. He enjoyed traveling to Europe, was an avid golfer, participating in several golf leagues, and was a loyal Spartan fan. He was a longtime member of the Midland First United Methodist Church, serving as an usher and on many committees.
He is survived by his sister Shirley Wahlstrom of Novi; children, Douglas (Jane) of Kalamazoo, Bruce (Sharon) of New Canaan, Conn., Anne (Bruce) Metzdorf of Granger, Ind., Richard (Susan) of Rancho Mirage, Calif., Peggy (Thomas) Carr of Suffield, Conn., and Janice (Peter) Mowry of Carmel, Ind.; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by siblings Don and Marcia, and one grandson, Connor Mowry.
Funeral services took place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the First United Methodist Church, the Midland Center for the Arts, with a designation to the Historical Society, Bradley Home Restoration Fund. Condolences to the family may be made online at waresmithwoolever.com.
The family is most appreciative of the care and support of the Independence Village staff and Hospice of Mid-Michigan Health Home Care.