Obituaries
Susan E. Baker
Susan Evelyn Baker, 54, a loving mother, grandmother and wife, died Friday, January 25, 2019 in Lansing, after a brief illness. Susan was born September 8, 1964, the daughter of Robert Carl and Dorene Ann (Cutcher) Dean. She received an associate’s degree from Suomi University before going to work as a caregiver with Wilson Homes Adult Foster Care. She spent most of her career at Crestview in Bellevue, where she met her husband, Keith Baker. The two married on July 2, 1988 and started their family in Olivet. She later continued caregiving at King Street Daycare, until her retirement. Keith and Susan were longtime attendees of Charlotte Assembly of God Church. Susan loved time spent at home with Keith and her daughters, and later, her beloved grandchildren. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially cows, and cherished her many pets, including dogs, chickens, and ducks. She enjoyed time spent outdoors, working around her flower gardens and bird watching. Above all, Susan loved her family.
Susan is survived by her husband of 30 years, Keith Baker; daughters, Bethany (Daniel) King of Marshall and Katlin (Jason) Bradfield of Charlotte; grandchildren, Elijah and Elliana King, and Weston Bradfield; mother, Dorene Dean; sister, Marilyn (Glen) Wagner; brother, William (Nora) Dean; nieces and nephews; and her in-laws, Larry and Alma Baker.
She is predeceased by her father.
A memorial service was held Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Private interment took place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue in Olivet.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Susan on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Duane P. Shipman
Duane Paul Shipman, 69, of Vermontville, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019 at his home. Duane was born October 20, 1949, in Hastings, the son of Paul Eli and R. Louise (Dow) Shipman. After graduating high school, Duane started his career at General Motors while attending college. After two years, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years, partly as a member of the Marine fast-pitch softball team. Upon his return, he soon met the love of his life, Donna Lee Turpin. The two married on September 18, 1976 and settled into family life, raising three children. Duane retired from GM in 2002, after 35 years of service. In his retirement, he shared his lifetime love of hunting, fishing and sports with his family and friends, especially his four grandchildren.
Duane is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Shipman; daughter, Heather (Jaime) Rittenhouse; sons, Daniel Shipman and Stephen Shipman; grandchildren, Cameron, Tyler, Matthew, and Kaitlyn; and his brother, Mark (Kim) Shipman.
He is predeceased by his parents; and his siblings, Linda Burt and Gary Shipman.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or VFW Post 2406. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Duane on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Peter B. Carpenter
Peter Ben Carpenter, 82, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital with his family by his side. He was born September 4, 1936, in Charlotte, the son of Jay and Ivadene (Lake) Carpenter. Pete graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954. Soon after graduation, on his birthday, he married Constance J. Keeny. Together they owned and operated Connie’s Beauty Studio in Charlotte for many years. Pete was also a cofounder of Eaton County MS Support Group. He also worked as a salesman, traveling many miles selling his promotional material. Pete loved serving others. Pete volunteered with Mobile Meals in Charlotte for many years and could often be found lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He also had a passion for bicycling. Pete rode in many DALMAC events throughout the years. You will be greatly missed, Petey the Sweetie.
Pete is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie; children, Debra (Roland) Williamson of Loveland, Colo., Anne Carpenter of Charlotte, Stacy (Ike) Fry of Mason; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Daniel Carpenter.
In keeping with Pete’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Pete’s honor to the Mulitple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.
To view Pete’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Raymond F. Hunt
Raymond Floyd Hunt, 60, of Eaton Rapids, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019, after battling cancer. Raymond, was born September 5, 1958 in Portland, Ore. to Thomas and Margaret (Myers) Hunt. Raymond graduated from Charlotte High School in 1976. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country. He worked as a housekeeper at HGB and also at the Sheraton Inn. Most recently he worked in home health. Raymond enjoyed playing card and board games, riding his bike, and also collecting eagles.
Raymond is survived by his loving family; daughter, Cassandra (Dustin Arnold) Hunt; girlfriend, Bernice Sherman; siblings, Annie (Theadore) Carmoney, Thomas (Rebecca) Hunt, John Elkins; and his nieces and nephews.
Raymond was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Howard Hunt.
Friends are encouraged to support Raymond’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 11:30 a.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to assist with final expenses.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Raymond on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Geraldine L. Bursley
Geraldine Louise “Gerry” Bursley, 93, of Charlotte, a caring and loving, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother died January 23, 2019. Gerry was born April 7, 1925 in Hammond, Ind. to Gerald and Frances (Ling) Niccum. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943, and soon after married Dale Bursley. Together they enjoyed Polka festivals in Indiana, Ohio, and all over Michigan. The Bursleys loved to dance every Saturday night at the Moose Lodge. While Polka music and dancing were two of Gerry’s favorite activities, she also loved gardening, fishing, camping, traveling, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. Experimental meals were common in the Bursley household, she loved trying new recipes. Gerry will be remembered for her loved showed towards others, she never met a stranger.
Gerry is survived by her daughters, Carol (Larry) Hill of Nashville and Connie (Al) Upright of Charlotte; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren; and beloved extended family members, Paul (Linda) Campbell, and sons.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dale in 2011; grandson, Don Beck; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Bursley family at her celebration of life. Her celebration of life is Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Sunfield United Brethren Chruch.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or the Sunfield United Brethren Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Gerry on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.