Obituaries
George M. Smith
Mr. George Melvin Smith, III, age 73, of Battle Creek, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2020, at McLaren Hospital in Lansing after a lengthy illness. George was born on November 1, 1946, in Charlotte, the son of George Melvin Smith, II and Doris Emma (nee Walker) Smith. George was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1965. George worked for Owens-Illinois in Charlotte and attended Olivet College until he was drafted into military service in 1967. George served in military police for the United States Army in Vietnam from 1967 until he was honorably discharged in December 1970 as a SP4. George enjoyed painting and listening to his favorite music (Beatles, Elton John and many other classic artists). George also enjoyed several years residing in Colorado Springs. George primarily resided in the Battle Creek area for the past 20 years until returning to the Lansing area for respite care due to his service-connected disability.
George is survived by his aunt, Dorothy Bargy of Potterville; his brother, Richard (Ann) Lown of Charlotte; and his cousins; Judy Kelly of Charlotte, Dennis (Cindy) Walker of Nashville, Debra (Terry) Shaver of Charlotte, Daniel Bargy of Brighton; nephew Evan Lown of Lansing; and niece, Emma Lown of Charlotte. George was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Doris and William Lown; uncle, Burt (Cleo) Walker; uncle, Donald Bargy and cousins George and Doris Walker.
Funeral services will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. with military honors at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George are requested to either Charlotte Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post 2406, 695 Lansing Rd., Charlotte MI 48813 or Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Michigan.
James Caruthers, Jr.
James Charles Caruthers, Jr. — a gentle and caring man who loved his family — died February 1, 2020. Jim, age 70, was born July 21, 1949, in Charleston, W. Va., to James Charles and Phyllis Marie (Kirk) Caruthers. Jim enjoyed golfing, cars, cooking and playing games with his mom and sister. Cherished memories include car shows on Father’s Day with his daughters, crossing the Mackinac Bridge on a tractor, challenging his Uncle Gene in golf games and a special dog he had, Joey. He was employed as a store manager at a Florida Wendy’s restaurant. Jim was very proud of how he grew as a person over the years, building a strong relationship with his daughter and grandsons.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Aimee Powell; sons, Brian and Chris Caruthers; step-daughter, Mary-Margaret Medler; Violetta Conley; grandsons, Hunter and Eric Powell, and Joseph Caruthers; mother, Phyllis Renner; sister, Shirley Raths; aunt, Kathy Brownfield; uncle, Gene Brownfield; uncle, Robert Kirk; aunt, Sandy Kirk; niece, Jennifer Apol; and nephew, James Raths.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald D. Granger
Ronald “Ron” Dale Granger — an adventurous, straightforward and strong husband, father, grandfather, brother and son — died Monday, February 3, 2020. Ron, age 72, of Charlotte, was born September 9, 1947, in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Margaret (Townsend) Strang. He was a graduate of Charlotte High School in 1965. Ron later joined the Air Force and served during Vietnam. On April 16, 1971, Ron married Deborah “Debbie” Dunham. Ron was a man that, as mentioned, was adventurous, and after his service in Vietnam, he joined the Air National Guard. He worked in Battle Creek as a weapons and munition specialist. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 2001. Ron was referred to by his squad as the Zoo Keeper of the “Party Animals.” He was extremely proud of his years serving his country. A passion for blowing things up has always stuck with Ron. He had a term called “backyard ballistics.” Ron was an active member of the Eagles, American Legion and VFW, and he enjoyed his time being able to socialize with fellow veterans. Ron had a very strong love for panning for gold. He was a member of the GPAA and LDMA. Ron would pan for gold when he would be stationed at different bases around the country — from California, Denver, Georgia and Alaska. He loved finding gemstones, gold and other valuable items. Ron was a very generous man who would collect something valuable and then give it away, even if it was extremely valuable. He was always willing to help others. Ron enjoyed hunting, and he turkey hunted until he said that it became too easy. He also enjoyed the annual trip to deer camp in the UP with his buddies. Above all, Ron loved his family. He was always telling others about them.
Ron is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Jeffrey (Jenny) Granger, Kathryn (Steve) Miller, and Karla (Willie Conroy) Lilly; grandchildren, Kevin Miller, Brooke Miller, Kayla Bruce, and Kyle Lilly; brothers, Patrick (Jody) Strang, Robert Granger, and Dennis (Janice) Strang; mother-in-law, Esther Dunham; brothers-in-law, Frank (Sue) Dunham, Michael Dunham, John (Rita) Dunham, and Richard (Leslie) Dunham. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Robert Strang and Russell Granger.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eagles Community Dinners (FOE Aerie 3552). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ron on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Michael Woodbury, Sr.
Michael Woodbury, Sr., age 66, of Charlotte passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 27, 2020, at his home.
Michael was born in Lansing on July 12, 1953, the son of the late Willard and Etta (Holton) Gleason. He was raised in the Mulliken and Olivet area and attended local schools. Michael served his country in the United States Army as a sniper in the 21st Armory Division during the Vietnam War, being discharged in 1969. He was married to Marcia (Yeasley) Woodbury for over 13 years, and together they had two children. Michael later met Ms. Ella Ressigue, and the two became best friends and companions for many years before she passed away in 2015. Michael began his working career at Oldsmobile in Lansing where he worked for several years. It was during his time at GM that he became interested in trucking and ventured into over the road truck driving, which he did for over 25 years before retiring.
Michael loved his family, and spending time with them was always something he looked forward to doing. He loved bowling and was on a league for many years with his daughter. During those warm summer days, he enjoyed taking his daughter and granddaughter for rides on the motorcycle trike. Each year, he would ride the trike to the Vermontville Syrup Festival, with the trike’s signature horn announcing his arrival. Michael had an amazing talent to communicate with the small animals around his home. Each day, he would venture onto his back deck, and with a scratch on the door, the squirrel he named “Baby” would eat cookies directly from his hand. He could make a certain sound that the birds would come to as well. Even the woodpecker named “Dum-Dum” knew to go from window to window tapping until he found the room Michael was in and then would await a handful of suet for his reward. Michael was a great cook, and his family would always request him to make his no-recipe sausage gravy, that you just can’t replicate. Michael was a very good neighbor and loved helping whenever and wherever he could. He was involved with the local Amish community, and they became great friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Melinda (Brent) Rozema, four sisters, Nancy (Max) Sampsel, Wanda (Steven) Lahr, Joyce Sweet, Janet (Ronald) Parker, two brothers, Melvin (Beth) Gleason, Russell (Dayle) Gleason, his granddaughter Paige Rozema, and Ms. Ella Ressigue’s many family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved companion Ella Ressigue, his ex-wife Marcia Woodbury, his son Michael Woodbury Jr., and his brother Wesley Woodbury. A memorial service was held at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Sunday, February 2.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Michael Woodbury. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home. For further details, visit www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Bernard A. Sumner
Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Sumner, age 86 — a dedicated firefighter, husband, father and grandfather — died peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Charlotte. Bernie was born October 30, 1933, in Jackson, Mich. He attended Jackson High School, where he met Shirley Ann Walters, and the two married in 1951. They settled in Potterville, where they raised their three children. In 1953, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Mississippi. Upon his return, he joined the City of East Lansing Fire Dept. (ELFD), dedicating the next 32 ½ years to public safety. He retired from ELFD as captain in 1989 and then continued his career as a member of the Benton Township Fire Board for many years. Bernie was a member of the Lansing Moose Lodge #288, where he served as administrator, and shared a supper club with other members. He and Shirley enjoyed time spent hosting card parties and camping with family and friends. Bernie loved sports, especially the MSU Spartans, and was instrumental in starting the youth flag football leagues in Potterville Youth Athletics. Many will remember Bernie’s dedication to service and his love for his family.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Aurora) Sumner of Charlotte; daughter, Jayne (Tim) Anderson of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Christine Sumner; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryon) Mott, Ryan Arias-Sumner, Kristopher Arias-Sumner, Brian Sumner II of Arizona, Amandajean (Brett) Line, Chelsey (Josh) Evans of Texas, Kyle (Shelby) Anderson and Kaitlyn Anderson; and 7 great-grandchildren, Arianna, Teighan, Easton, Cameron, Braxton, Grady and Emmett. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Ann (Walters) Sumner in 2015; son, Brian Scott Sumner in 1998; and his brothers, Stan Sumner and Rex Sumner.
Friends are encouraged to support Bernard’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bernard on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.