Obituaries
Rickie D. Starkweather
Rickie Duane Starkweather, son of Theo Duane and Shirley Mae Starkweather (Burkett), entered into eternal sleep January 29, 2019 at 59 years of age.
He is preceded in death by brother, Jerry Starkweather.
He leaves behind sister, Vickie (Ronnie) Corbins of Charleston, S.C.; brothers, Randy Starkweather, Terry (Arline) Starkweather of Phoenix, Ariz.; aunts, Flora Cousins of Vermontville, Rachel (Jim) Clark of Lake Odessa; and many cousins and friends.
He will surely be missed.
Doris A. Fullerton
Doris A. Fullerton, 93, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Eaton Community Palliative Care with her family by her side. She was born at the family home on May 27, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Phillip A. and Lula S. (Shumaker) Wehr. Doris graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1943. Soon after graduation she married the love of her life, Calvin Fullerton at the Center Eaton Church, just outside of Charlotte. Every year on their anniversary, Cal would give Doris a bouquet of roses containing as many roses as the number of years they were married. This got to be a rather large bouquet as the years passed. Doris grew up on the farm and developed a passion for agriculture. She began as a young lady raising sheep. As she began to raise a family she passed on her love of the farm to her children and grandchildren. They are proud to say that they still own a centennial farm homesteaded by Doris’s grandparents. Doris and Cal owned and operated Cal’s Western Store and Cal’s Mobile Service here in Charlotte. Doris also worked as an LPN at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Doris loved to travel. Both she and Cal looked forward to their yearly trips to Acapulco and Las Vegas. In her free time, she adored spending time with her precious family and quilting.
Doris is survived by her children, Robert (Jeannette) Fullerton of Charlotte, Gordon (Tich) Fullerton of Charlotte Hall, Md., Kevin (Nancy) Fullerton of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and brother, Max (Dorothy) Wehr of Charlotte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 65 years, Cal in 2008; siblings, Elizabeth Crozier, Naomi Conard, Rolland Wehr, and Rex Wehr.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Curtiss DeMars-Johnson officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Doris’s honor to the Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Doris’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
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.