Obituaries
Martha V. Flower
Martha Vivian (Brooks) Flower, 97, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in Lansing. Vivian, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on August 11, 1921 in Cloverdale, Mich. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1939 and from what is now Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation from college, she taught kindergarten in Lowell.
Following the war, she married her childhood sweetheart, Marvin Flower, on February 3, 1946 in Cloverdale. In 1947 they moved to Charlotte to pursue their teaching careers and start their family. Dedication to children was always a priority for Vivian. She was instrumental in the formation and development of Charlotte’s first nursery school, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, but many knew her as their third grade teacher at either Southridge or Galewood Elementary Schools in Charlotte.
Many summers were spent at the family cottage on Little Guernsey Lake in Barry County, where she cooked up great meals for anyone who happened to stop by for a visit. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake pies and cookies. Following their retirement from teaching in 1980, she and Marvin travelled to many destinations including winters in Texas and trips to Australia, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and Italy.
Her faith in God and membership in the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church was her foundation. She possessed a gift for music, loved to play the piano and sing, and was a long-time member of the church choir. She was a dedicated member of the Hayes Green Beach Auxiliary and volunteered at the Gift Basket for many years. She also was a member of the Charlotte Women’s Club.
She had a pleasant disposition and a keen, dry wit. In her later years she loved watching Tigers baseball and Spartan basketball while at her apartment in Hope Landing in Charlotte.
Her family was her strength and she was so proud of her children, grandchildren and especially being “GGma” to her nine wonderful great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Marvin; daughter-in-law, Caterina Flower; and grandson-in-law Kevin VanZanten.
She is survived by sons, Douglas of La Jolla, Calif., Raymond (Joy) of Potterville, and Frederick (Lisa) of Delton; grandchildren, Stefano Flower of La Jolla, Emily (Alex) Lengacher, of New Haven, Ind., and Kristin (Mike) Vorce of East Grand Rapids; and nine great-grand children, Joey, Brianna, Evan, Jesse, Claire, Levi, Leah, Seth and Andrew. Vivian is also survived by a brother, Robert (Beverly) Brooks of Hastings, many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Gary Wales officiating. A visitation with the family will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Private family interment will take place at Prairieville Cemetery in Prairieville, Mich.
Those desiring, may make a contribution in Vivian’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
To leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
William J. Brown III
William J. “Bill” Brown III, 70, of Eaton Rapids, passed away at his home on Friday, March 8, 2019. He was born March 27, 1948, in Pontiac, the son of William and Frances (Long) Brown. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966. He then went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army. Bill received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Ferris State University in 1973. After graduation, Bill worked with his family at Brown’s Pharmacy in Charlotte and later for Spartan Stores in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids. Bill enjoyed hunting, golf, and collecting old cars in his spare time.
Bill is survived by his son, Justin (H.P.) Brown of Rives Junction; grandson, Zane M.H. Brown; brothers, Dave Brown of Lake Odessa, Robert “Bo” (Cecille) Brown of Florida; nieces, Tessa (Chris) Wackerle, Marci (Marcel) Pfeiffer, Mary Brown; nephews, Ian (Danielle) Brown, Adam (Stephanie) Brown; and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Wes Emerson officiating. The family received friends on Friday, March 15, 2019, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the VFW Children’s Home, 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Sean Richard Kiss
I was born September 1, 1973 and I died February 14, 2019.
I graduated from Charlotte High School in 1991. Later, I continued my education at Baker College, earning a Doctorate Degree in Business. Statistics was my favorite and usually I could figure out issues brought to me. I worked as a registrar at Sanford Brown University for a few years. I loved the beach and played beach volleyball whenever I could. I even won a few tournaments. Also, I played mean drums taught to me by my dad.
Alcoholism shortened my life considerably, and toward the end of my life, I realized how many people I hurt because of it. I am very grateful to the many people, family and friends who helped me and didn’t judge me. They just loved me. They tried to help me out of my addiction. I married the love of my life, Katherine, and regret how my alcoholism ended my marriage.
I learned more about God the last few years of my life thanks to family and friends who not only cared for my earthly well being, but my eternal wellbeing as well. I knew that I would be in heaven when I died. I just didn’t know it would be this soon.
People told me I was a funny guy, but I knew that. I was hiding my demons through humor and silliness. My heart was always drawn to the less fortunate and loved being able to help them, even if it was only an encouraging word.
I hope in my death, at such a young age, I can urge those who are addicted to seek help.
I am survived by my son, Dominic Curtis, and my dad, Rick and Jan (my mom the last 25 years).
I am also survived by my brothers, Aaron and Adrian; and my sister, Tamal; stepbrothers, Bob and Jon Grinstead and all their families, including many nieces and nephews who I loved being silly with.
Upon my death, I am being welcomed into heaven by my mom, Anna; my step-sister, Jill Grinstead and three grandpas.
I will be there with you in spirit at my memorial service, which will be Friday, March 22, 2019 at 11 a.m.
Visitation will be a half hour prior to the service at Charlotte Assembly of God, located at 1100 E. Clinton Trail in Charlotte. A light luncheon will immediately follow my service.
May God Bless you all.
Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Holy Cross Services.
My family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Jobie Moist
Jobie Moist, 73, a hard-working and deeply strong mother and grandmother, died Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Lansing. She was born September 6, 1945, the daughter of Pedro and Felicitas (Rodriguez) Silvas in New Braunfels, Texas. Jobie worked 16 years on the line at Aluminum Extrusion until their closure. She then served in the Washington School cafeteria and, eventually in the ladies’ clothing department at Meijer in Charlotte. In 1991, she completed her education and received her diploma.
She was a dedicated member of the Eaton Area Senior Center, where she participated in countless events, even dressing in costumes to entertain other members and her grandchildren. Many family members knew her as the “text savvy aunt,” as she was very active on Facebook thanks to the help of her grandchildren. She dedicated countless hours to spending time with family, and especially loved supporting the kids at soccer matches, where she was unafraid to correct the referees. She was a huge Detroit Tiger’s fan, and also had a soft spot for the music of Elvis Presley.
Jobie demonstrated a strong faith, and a strong resolve. She was always smiling, regardless of health trials, including being a 21-year breast cancer survivor and kidney transplant survivor. Her family will miss evenings playing cards and having fun, especially at Christmas time.
Jobie is survived by her daughter, Gina (Darry) Brown; grandchildren, Allie and Coy; siblings, Mary Cruz, Sid Silvas, Pete Silvas, and Bruce Silvas; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
She is predeceased by her parents; husband, William Moist; siblings, Pedro Silvas, Juan Silvas, Frank Silvas, David Silvas, and Matilde Silvas.
A funeral Mass of Celebration was held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Senior Center.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jobie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Sylvia M. Criss
Sylvia Mae (Stephens) Criss, 102, of New Sharon, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March, 4, 2019 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Sylvia was born September 3, 1916 in Lacey, Iowa to Oscar and Hettie (McCain) Stephens. She married the love of her life, Ed Criss, on September 20, 1936. Together they journeyed through life for the next 56 years until Ed passed in December 1992. She bravely ran the family household, raising two toddlers and a young sister-in-law, while Ed was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. When her husband was sent home critically injured, she continued to care for everyone while nursing him back to health and eventually gave birth to their third son. The couple became very active in their community, with Sylvia playing the role of team mother to the many, many athletes Ed coached throughout the years. She won numerous awards for her gardening and needlework talents. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in New Sharon and was a founding member of the 50+ Club.
But most of all, Sylvia will be remembered as the loving matriarch of her family.
She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Bilge) Criss and Donald (Jan) Criss; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Criss; as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her beloved Ed; son, Norman; granddaughter, Lisa; and great-granddaughter, Kelly.
Services for Sylvia will be on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon, Iowa. Family visitation is at 9 a.m. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Lansing City Rescue Mission: donatenow.networkforgood.org/1439238?code=Donate+Button.