Obituaries
Zelma L. McCrimmon
Zelma Lorraine (Stickles) McCrimmon, age 77, of Midland died Sunday morning, March 15, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 25,1942 in Lansing, daughter of the late William and Zelma (Kikendall) Stickles. Zelma was a 1961 graduate of Charlotte High School. On May 14, 1977 she married James McCrimmon in Vermontville. Together, they spent 34 years until his passing in 2011.
In 1984, she received a certificate as a respiratory therapy technician and entered a career in Arizona which later took her to Louisiana and that would last 30 years. Zelma had a deep love of animals and gave over 200 dogs a loving home. She was a loving and caring woman that had a deep faith. She was always hard working and enjoyed crocheting, bee keeping and helping others.
She will be missed by her four children, Marvin Jr.(Diane) Humphrey, Darlene (Gene) Faylor, Rebecca Humphrey and Laura Humphrey; stepchildren, Deborah Funk, and Jason McCrimmon; 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers: William Stickles, Mervell Stickles, Royal Stickles, David Stickles, Robert Stickles and George Stickles. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her stepson, James “Buzz” McCrimmon.
In honoring Zelma’s wishes and keeping up with her tradition of helping people, her body will be donated to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donations Program. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Humane Society Of Midland County. Services were entrusted to Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Homes in Midland.
Steven T. Kita
Steven Thomas Kita, age 52, of Bellevue passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, as a result of an accident. He was born February 7, 1968, in Marshall, the son of Stanley and Nancy (Key) Kita. Steve graduated from Olivet High School in 1986. Family was of the utmost importance to Steve. He cherished his daughter and loved each and every moment they spent together. Steve enjoyed deer hunting, snowmobiling, riding his quad, fishing and nearly every outdoor activity. He also looked forward to his regular trips to the Upper Peninsula. Above all else, his life with Mallory defined who he was. Steve was a worker in the truest sense of the word. He was always busy working with his hands and always enjoyed what he was doing. Steve worked for over 20 years for the Calhoun County Road Commission.
Steve is survived by his daughter, Mallory Kita of Bellevue; parents, Stan and Nancy Kita of Bellevue; brothers: John (Carla) Kita of Bellevue, Jeff (Jamie) Kita of Olivet; several nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and close friends, including Lisa Kelley, Mallory’s mother.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: John and Delia Key, Stanley and Lillian Kita; and uncles: Elmer Key, Joseph Kita and Frank Kita.
Due to the new state mandate limiting crowd sizes, a private funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Jon Doty officiating. There will be a public memorial service held at the funeral home at a later date. Interment took place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s memory to the Olivet FFA Alumni or American Diabetes Association. To view Steve’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Daniel L. Smith
Daniel Lee Smith, age 62, of Mason passed away on March 10, 2020. He was the owner of Sieloff Glass and Screen. Funeral services were held on March 17, 2020 at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Galen F. Higdon
Galen Floyd Higdon, age 79, of Eaton Rapids passed away on March 13, 2020 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Galen was born December 22, 1940 in Eaton Rapids, to Floyd Higdon and Fidema (Starks) Higdon. He spent his childhood in Eaton Rapids along with his brother Arthur where he attended school and worked on the family farm. Growing up, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout alongside many of his classmates and was president of his high school senior class. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In later years, he made several salmon fishing trips to Alaska. Galen was very active in the community as a member of the Conservation Club, served as president of the Jaycees and as the co-chairman of the Eaton Rapids Bi-Centennial celebration. He had a passion for antiques, and his wife Faith owned and operated a successful antique restoration appraisal company in Eaton Rapids and Mason. Galen worked as a salesman, first for Paul Auto Parts and then for Road Equipment Parts Center, from which he retired in 2005. After retirement, he took up woodworking, making furniture, but was mostly known for his turkey calls. Galen is survived by his children, Greg Higdon, Mark Higdon and Christine (Danny) Olson-De La Vergne; his stepchildren, Cal (Holly) Hartline and Rachel (David) Rockafellow, as well as seven grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. His ashes will be spread in the woods that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in his name. To share memories or condolences, visit millsfuneral.com.
Jeanette Snyder
Dora “Jeanette” Snyder, age 94, of Charlotte passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte. She was born March 4, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Ernest and Gretchen (Gutchess) Gardner.
Jeanette graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943. On June 6, 1946, Jeanette married Philip E. Snyder. Together they raised two children. Shortly after graduation, Jeanette went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Charlotte until the Charlotte office closed. She went to work for Michigan National Bank in Charlotte for several years before returning to Michigan Bell Telephone Company (AT&T) in Lansing. Jeanette retired after 30 years of service. After retirement, Jeanette and husband Philip spent winters in Palmetto, Fla. and summers in Michigan. She enjoyed playing trumpet in the Bradenton Community Band, playing shuffleboard, bicycling with her husband Philip, working at the clubhouse, dining out and playing board games with friends. Jeanette and Philip square danced year-round, being members of several clubs. They were members of the Lansing Capital Totems Holiday Ramblers Travel Club and traveled to almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. Jeanette and Philip also traveled a large part of Canada and Mexico. Jeanette was a tremendous cook, and she liked to walk. Jeanette walked a mile a day until she was 92 years old.
Jeanette is survived by her children, David P. Snyder (Patricia) and Kristie S. Snyder; grandchildren, Jon D. Snyder, Brenda (Todd) Supica, and Cindy (Brian) Kane; five great- grandchildren; and brother John Gardner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip E. Snyder; and brother, Gaylord Gardner.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeanette’s honor to the charity of their choice. There will be no service held at this time. A graveside memorial will be held this spring.