Obituaries
Catrina L. Brown
Catrina Louise Brown, née Klaiss, age 36, passed away February 29, 2020. Catrina was born to Alan Klaiss and Darlene (Dahlem) Klaiss Hendrickson on May 6, 1983, in Lansing. She graduated from Olivet High School in 2001, where she played volleyball.
Catrina had a passion for working with the homeless and could often be found volunteering in shelters. She was a lifelong lover of cats and shared a special bond with her Maine Coons — King Leonard and Henry. Catrina lived in Manistee for several years and loved the town and people. She loved to read, as well as watch reality television and crime dramas. Catrina enjoyed sending notes and cards to friends and family.
She is survived by her son, Benjamin Brown; ex-husband, Judd Brown; parents, Alan (Trina) Klaiss and Darlene Hendrickson; sisters, Davi Sue (Jeff), Lacey (Dave), Rebecca (Tim), and Mary (Luke); step-brothers Philip, Charlie, Shane, and Joe; nieces, Haven, Justyce, Colbi, and Grace; nephews, Brody, Ben, Devin, Cooper, Logan, and Coltin; grandmother, Jean Klaiss; grandfather, Charles Dahlem; and close friends, Melody, Robin and Lisa. She was predeceased by grandmothers, Barbara Dahlem and Mary Klaiss; grandfather, Donald Klaiss; and step-father, Mark Hendrickson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ingham County Animal Shelter or Lansing Rescue Mission. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Catrina on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary L. Tuckey
Mary Lee Tuckey of Lansing, and formerly of Charlotte, passed away on a memorable Leap Year Day, February 29, 2020. She spent her last hours in the presence of family and a very close friend, Adla Lorimer. Mary Tuckey was born September 25, 1939, in Charlotte to parents Zahn and Violet (Metternick) Tuckey. She graduated from Charlotte High School and attended two years at Ferris College. She worked alongside her father Zahn Tuckey at Tuckey’s Machine Shop as an office administrator until her father retired and sold the machine shop in 1972.
Beloved Aunt Mary treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own — baking cookies, cakes and candies and making surprise visits with her treats. She was an avid knitter and enjoyed needlepoint, as it showed in her prized sweaters, socks, mittens, hats and scarves — also lovingly given to the family. Mary was devoted to her family, especially to her parents Violet and Zahn, and she multi-tasked between preparing for holiday dinners with her mother Violet in the kitchen to supporting father Zahn, as he was also the fire marshal and firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.
She enjoyed sharing her rich family history and early days of the Bartlett and Bahr family resort in northern Michigan and the Metternick family and spending time on the farm with grandparents. She also had fond memories of spending time at the family cabin in Baldwin. After her parents retired, the three of them travelled with the Holiday Rambler Club. She noted one of her most favorite trips was to the Porcupine Mountains.
Mary worked at Paul’s Automotive until her career of 17 years at Michigan Manufacturers Association in Lansing. During this time, she worked with a dear friend, Adla. Adla and her husband Herb enjoyed many years together with Mary. Mary was an active member of the Eastern Star. She also made a difference in the lives of many children, as she knit hats for newborn babies at Sparrow Hospital, volunteered at St. Lawrence Hospital and put her seamstress skills to work sewing dresses for a Haiti mission. When asked what her favorite teams were, two thumbs up for Michigan State basketball and University of Michigan football.
Mary Tuckey was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Zahn Jr. (also known as “Tuckey”) and Joseph E. Tuckey; sister-in-law, Rachel (Van Dyk) Tuckey; sister-in-law, Lucille (Whitinger) Tuckey; nephews, Daniel Tuckey and Shane Wertz.
She is survived by Joel (Kathy), Kevin (Nancy), Phil (Stacey Banks), Brian (Ronda), Sue Tuckey, Sara Powers (Max), Julie Wertz, Steve, Robert and Ed (Carole.) She is also survived by 17 great-nieces and nephews and 25 great-great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Grand Haven Manor Activities Fund at 3215 W. Mt. Hope, Lansing MI 48911. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dora 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.
Phyllis Squires
Phyllis Squires, age 71, of Onondaga was reunited with family and friends on the other side on March 1, 2020. She is survived by her husband, David Squires; children, Cindy (Danny) Ward and Randy (Allison) Squires; and six grandchildren. Services honoring Phyllis’ life were held on Thursday, March 5. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home.
Kevin D. Wiltse
Kevin Duane Wiltse, age 48, of Eaton Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020. Kevin was born on December 5, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Sharon (Reynolds) Wiltse and James Wiltse. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Kevin was a huge outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an avid MSU and Carolina Panthers fan. Kevin enjoyed gaming and especially liked virtual pool and Game of Thrones. He was currently employed at Meridian Magnesium where he worked as a general laborer.
Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Ruth Reynolds and Robert and Peg Wiltse; uncles, Richard and Jim Reynolds; aunt, Sally Hudson and step-brother, Ron Antes II.
Surviving Kevin are his wife, Nancy (Eggleston) Wiltse; parents, Jim (Rose) Wiltse, Sharon Wiltse; children, Olivia (Shawn) Murray, Caleb Fuller; grandchildren, Peyton Hankins, Shyann Hankins, Dante Murray, Reid Murray; brothers, Kirk (Carrie) Wiltse, Keith (Samara) Wiltse, Ken (Tina) Wiltse; step-sisters, Cassandra (Pete) Shong, Michelle (John) Robertson, Roxanne (Todd) Frantz; aunts and uncles, Rusty and Deb Simmons, Paul Fotis, Kay Lawson, Barb and Ken Marshall, Tim and Judy Wiltse, Butch Hudson and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Kevin. To share memories or leave condolences visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.