Obituaries
(Gerald J. Starr)
Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Starr, 89, a hardworking husband, father, and horseman, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in Eaton Rapids. Jerry was born March 11, 1930 in Grand Ledge, the son of Wilbur and Marcella (Batsche) Starr. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948, where he ran track under Coach Mac Gobel. Following graduation, he went to work alongside his father as a carpenter, shortly after taking ownership of the family business at the age of 26. He owned and operated Jerry Starr Building and Remodeling for more than 50 years and passed the trade on to his sons. Throughout the years, Jerry built countless homes and important landmarks of Charlotte, including the altar at St. Mary Catholic Church, which is still in use. Many will remember Jerry’s wagon and team of ponies, especially as a fixture of the Charlotte Frontier Days Parade, of which he and his wife, Eilene, were Grand Marshals in 1995. He was a founding member and President of the Eaton County Sheriff Mounted Division, and Superintendent of the Open-Class Showing at the Eaton County Fair. He touched the lives of thousands through his lifetime involvement in 4H, earning him the Emerald Award. He was also a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte.
Jerry was proud of providing for his family. They took family vacations as often as possible, especially to Horseshoe Lake. He loved opening day of Pheasant season, because it meant spending the day with his sons and grandsons, and a family dinner of baked beans and corn bread to follow. Jerry could also “kick em up” on the dance floor, square dancing and doing the polka at countless barn dances.
Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 14 years, Fern Starr; children, Denis (Karen) of Olivet, Kathy (Jim) Pion of Olivet, Tim (Sherry) of Charlotte, Mark (Cheryl) of Charlotte, Karen (Tony) Southward of Charlotte, Daniel (JoAnn) of Adrian, Chris (Shelly) of Charlotte, Mary (Doug) Campbell of Olivet, and Jimmy (Lisa) of Eaton Rapids; 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Jeannette Sommer of Charlotte; and brother, David Starr of Charlotte; step-children, Glen Burkett, Helen (Gary) Vedder, Kenneth (Debby) Burkett, David (Barbara) Burkett, Sally (David) Bivens, Mary (Jeff) McKillop, and their children and grand-children.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Eilene (Tanner) Starr; sister, Laurel Pray, and brother, Arthur Starr.
A Funeral Mass of Celebration was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary Catholic Church and The CareTeam Home Health and Hospice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jerry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Jon A. Woodworth
Jon A. Woodworth, 51, of Royal Oak, died peacefully surrounded by his family at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Jon had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sitting around bonfires, watching Tigers baseball, golfing and bowling (he bowled one perfect 300 game).
Jon was born in Charlotte on April 17, 1967 to James A. Woodworth, Sr., and the late Joanne I. Woodworth (Edwards). He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1985. He was a master electrician, most recently working for the City of Livonia.
In 2004 he married Tammy Lea, and she survives him. Also surviving are his two stepsons, Eric (Lisa) Reichelt, and Bradley Reichelt; two granddaughters, Raelyn and Jolene Reichert; his father, James A. Woodworth, Sr.; brother, James A. Woodworth, Jr.; sisters, Ami (Jacqueline) Woodworth, and Anissa (Patrick) Hanley. Jon had numerous nieces and nephews he enjoyed spending time with, Trey and Caden Woodworth, Jenna Woodworth, Emily, Foster, Halen, and Griffon Rice.
He was predeceased by his mother, Joanne in 2016; his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Gramer Funeral Home in Clawson, Mich.
John D. Martis, III
John Douglas Martis, III, 83, of Potterville, died peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Charlotte. John was born on March 16, 1936, in St. Johns, the son of John Douglas and Ann (Durkovic) Martis, Jr. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1953 before going to work in various capacities.
In his early days, he drove truck for Schafer’s Bakery and worked construction. He eventually entered into car sales, working at many notable Oldsmobile Dealerships in the Lansing area, Albion Ford, and eventually founding Martis Auto Sales in Lansing. In 1983, he purchased Martin Jeep Eagle with two locations in Charlotte, which he owned and operated until his retirement.
He is a 50-year member of the Potterville Masonic Lodge, and was well known throughout the community. Throughout the years, John owned several sulkie racing horses and enjoyed traveling the state to various races. Many will remember his sponsorship of Charlotte’s Frontier Days. He enjoyed time spent with his children riding snowmobiles around the house and boating with the family at the lake. John was a big time casino guy, and loved gambling trips with friends. Above all, John loved his family.
He is survived by his children, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis, Shari (Craig) Engle, Sandi Martis, and Shannon Martis; grandchildren, Jena and Jodi Martis, Richard Whitbeck, Dartanion (Sandra) Thomas; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon Whitbeck, and Treaden Gallert; step-granddaughter, Avery Engle; sisters, Dorothy (James) Wirt and Betty (Jim) Dent; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Daune Martis; sister, Irene Coats; and his parents.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Michael Bater officiating. Interment followed at Benton Twp. Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society or the Masonic Lodge #367. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John’s on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marilyn J. Rochester
Marilyn June Rochester of Eaton Rapids passed away April 9, 2019 at the age of 82. She was born in Jackson on July 2, 1936, the daughter of Ernest and Thelma (Throop) Denton. Marilyn was a member of the Old Timers Radio Club in Arkansas. Her hobbies included making quilts and clocks, crafting and working out.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Rustie (Sherry) Hiither, Teresa Chapman, Jackie (Brad) Coontz, Kelly (Rod) Paksi, Cheryl Lei Rochester, Dennis Rochester, Laurie Croy, all of Eaton Rapids; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Ed (Cathy) Clough and Phillip (Jenny) Hutchison; sister, Carolyn (George) Wardlaw.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Wilson; son, Dennis Hiither; daughter, Peggy Hiither; granddaughter, Melinda Carothers; grandson, Jeff Hiither; sister, Janet Clough and brother, Gary Hutchison.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, located at 518 S. Main Street in Eaton Rapids, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Online condolences may be placed at millsfuneral.com.
Russell P. Laverty
Russell Paul Laverty, 72, of Vermontville, passed away on April 2, 2019 at home with his loving family. Russ was born in Boston, Mass. on November 28, 1946, the son of the late William and Mary (Lonergan) Laverty. He attended school at Airport High School in Carlton, Mich., graduating in 1964. He married his childhood sweetheart, Bonita (Leonard) Laverty on September 11, 1965 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. Russ then attended Michigan State University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Transportation Planning in 1969, he also graduated from ROTC as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Russ served 4 ½ years on active duty stationed in Heidelberg, Germany where he was a company commander of a tank brigade. Russ’s two sons (Dan and Jeff) were born in Germany. After returning home to Lansing, Captain Russell Laverty transferred out of the regular Army and into the National Guard where he served another four years.
After taking graduate courses in transportation planning at MSU, Russ went to work for the State of Michigan, where he was assigned to start and support 12 bus systems in the southwest corner of Michigan, from Battle Creek to Benton Harbor. Russ worked for the state for 27 years, taking early retirement at age 55. After retirement he worked on his family farm and as the Township Supervisor of Vermontville for 20 years.
In 1977, Russ and Bonnie, with their three children (Amy, Dan, and Jeff), settled in Vermontville, living on a small farm where they raised crops, sheep, and beef. This kept them busy on most weekends. However, they still found the time to take their family camping in Northern Michigan, and an annual trip to Cedar Point, along with a couple trips to Disneyland.
On their 30th wedding anniversary, Russ and Bonnie went on a trip to Hawaii and on their 40th wedding anniversary they took a trip to Alaska. When their moms were in their 80s they took them to Boston, Mass., and Las Vegas, N.V. for vacations.
Russell served his family, community, and country. He was a Cub Scout Leader for four years and a 4-H leader teaching woodworking for 27 years. He taught CCD at St. Cyril’s, served as Vermontville Township Supervisor for 20 years, and was active in the Lions Club helping with community programs.
Russ is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Laverty of 53 years; also survived by his daughter, Amy (Adam) Meeker; and two sons, Dan (Cheri) Laverty, and Jeff (Robin) Laverty; seven grandchildren, Dan (Jessika), Brad (Stacey), Dale (Kate), Kylee, Lindsay, Juliann, Olivia; and one great-grandchild, Everly Laverty age 16 months. He is also survived by brother, William (Norma) Laverty; brother, Kevin Laverty; and sister, Cathy (Bert) Hunterbrinker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Laverty; sister, Marie (Dave) Zak; and brother, Richard Laverty.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Nashville on Saturday, April 6 2019, with Father Stephan Philip officiating. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.