Obituaries
Beth A. Malcuit
Beth Anne Malcuit, 55, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2019, at her home. She was born July 8, 1963, in Lansing, the daughter of Bruce and Mikayla (Henry) Malcuit. She went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1981. While in school, Beth excelled in golf. It became a lifelong passion for her. Following high school, Beth went on to receive her degree as a dental technician from Ferris State University. Beth adored her family and took a special interest in her nephews and great nieces and nephews. Amid all of her struggles in life, Beth always had a heart for others. She would do anything she could to help anyone in need. Beth was an avid MSU sports fan. She also loved watching the birds and squirrels around her home.
Beth is survived by her siblings, Amy (Richard) Phifer of Allendale, Barbara (Frank) Silvas of Charlotte, Charles Malcuit of Georgia; nephews, Brendon (Sarah) Rankin, Ian Phifer, Bailey Silvas, Jacob Malcuit, Trey Phifer, Travis (Carli) Silvas, and Ryan (Vanessa) Silvas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and nephew, Blake Rankin.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Beth’s memory to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906, or Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Rd., Lake Odessa, MI 48849.
To view Beth’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Donna M. Harrison
Donna Marie Harrison, a funny, smart, and God-loving mother, grandmother, sister and best friend, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Center. Donna, 74, was born on January 15, 1945, in Phoenix, Ariz. to Jack and Gloria (Tripp) Cox. She held numerous administrative assistant jobs at the Federal and County levels. In her younger years, Donna’s biggest passion was traveling around the world with her travel buddy, Rhonda. One of Donna’s proudest achievements in her life was becoming certified as a First Responder. In her later years she enjoyed relaxing, playing Bingo, and watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Family was everything to Donna. Her family will cherish their memories of their Mema forever.
Donna is survived by her daughter, JoAnne (Mike) Dedman; grandchildren, Kevin (Andrea Kingsbury) Harrison, Dallas (Jackson Johnson) Dedman; great-grandchild, Raegan Marie; sister, Julie Brown; best friend for over 40 years, Rhonda (David) Roberts-Turner, and Devora (Blake) Torrence; and her nieces and nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Hunter Dedman; and sister, Kim Matson.
The family will be holding a memorial service at a later date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donna on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Bryan Howlett
Bryan Richard James Howlett, born in Great Yarmouth, England on January 16, 1934, met his Savior Jesus on February 12, 2019 at home, surrounded by family.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Barbara (Doty); five stepchildren, Frank Badgley, Brenda (Cor) Toncray, Jeffrey (Judy) Badgley, Monte (Susie) Ferris, and Stanford (Tina) Ferris; two sisters, Avril Smith and Shirley Hurren, both of England; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and dear dog, Muffi.
He was predeceased by his parents, James and Ellen Howlett; sister, Brenda Senior; and dog, Dusti Rose.
Bryan was an exceptional man, one worthy of four names. As a 5 year-old boy, he was evacuated during WWII and frequently told stories of meeting American soldiers preparing for D-Day. Later in life, he was an engineer by trade, which began with an apprenticeship with Vickers-Armstrong Aircraft Company when he was 17 years old. His passion of aviation led him to the Royal Air Force, where he served as an officer in the 50s in the Far East. After his service to queen and country, he returned to engineering, demonstrating his competency in not only aviation, but also designing bridges, buildings and automobiles. His vocation was not his only passion; he was a model husband who loved to travel and spend time with his wife dancing and antiquing. She became known on local airwaves as “The Penguin Lady” as he would call from overseas to request songs devoted to her, the trans-Atlantic romance capturing the attention of media outlets. He was an awesome stepfather, consummate gentleman and had many interests and talents. He was a competitive ballroom dancer, loved gardening and also his little girl, Muffi.
Bryan was so much to so many, and he will be greatly missed until the day we are reunited in Heaven.
Memorial services will be Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, located at 245 S. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte.
Donations can be made in memorium to Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care, 801 S. Waverly, Ste. 200, Lansing MI 48917.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Carole A. Townsend
On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Carole Ann (Curtis) Townsend lost her fight with gallbladder cancer. She died at home surrounded by family and supported by Faith Hospice. Carole was born in Monroe, Mich. on August 31, 1942.
She is survived by her mother, Ruth Curtis; husband, Robert Townsend; children, Todd Townsend, Timothy (Kathryn) Dawson-Townsend, and Amy (Todd) Smith; sister, Christine (Robert) Smith; and brother-in-law, Donald Maron; grandchildren, McKenna and Brianna Smith, Charlotte and Trevor Dawson-Townsend; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Carole was preceded by her father, Robert M. Curtis, and her brother, Bob.
She was a loving, compassionate lady who worked with special needs children around the State of Michigan and was always recognized as “Grammy” to the kids in every town and neighborhood in which she lived. Carole could talk to anyone and easily made friends wherever she went. She and Robert traveled around the State taking many pictures, specializing in sunsets, breaking surf, sailboats, and Michigan lighthouses. They also traveled to visit grandchildren in Chicago, Scotland, and Switzerland.
A memorial service will be held this summer for Carole.
The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at cookcares.com.
Evelyn Montague
Evelyn (June) Montague, 83, of Charlotte, an extremely generous and loving woman who literally gave someone the shirt off her back once, passed away April 17, 2019 in Lansing. She was born June 25, 1935 to Forrest and Inolene (Harris) Willis in Memphis, Tenn. A graduate of Charlotte High School, June then married Gerald Montague in Hastings on December 26, 1952. Generous, even beyond her means, Evelyn saved money so she could give to others. Weather also fascinated her and she became known as the family weatherperson. All things historical were interesting to Evelyn, including learning about American History, reading historical fiction and antiquing to find treasures. She worked as a medical office secretary for Drs. Joseph and Leeser, and later as an office manager for Action Warehouse. A loving person, kind to everyone, June had an amazing ability to focus on the good in others.
June is survived by her daughter, Mitzi L. (Rex) Montague-Bauer; grandchildren, Justin Cain, Jerrad Thomson, Elijah Cain, Breaha (Zachary) Wallin, and Joshua (Sandy) Bauer; great-grandchildren, Caleb Cain, Domonic Thomson, Noah Cain, MacKenzie Cain, Brittney Vaugh, Neil Vaugh, Haleigh Dies, Jacob Dies, Shaylee Wallin, Lyra Wallin, Kai Bauer, and Jude Bauer; and sister, Dorothy Steiner.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Lana Soto and Dawn Cain; husband, Gerald; her parents; brother, James (Bud) Willis; granddaughter, Brandi Dies; and grandson, Journey Montague-Bauer.
A Life Celebration will be held at Valhalla Park, located at 4030 Keller Road in Holt on Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m.
In Evelyn’s memory, memorial donations may be made to The Mother Teresa Hospice House in Lansing.
Friends and family are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences on June’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.