Obituaries
Janet Harms
Janet Harms passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018. She was born the second daughter of Lovaughn and Everett Harms, and grew up on the family farm near Sunfield with her five siblings: Judy, Bob, Ned, Ted and Carl. She attended Sunfield High school, where she helped start the girls basketball team along with her sister, Judy. Jan played forward and was one of the stars of the team. After graduating, Jan went to Manchester College in Indiana, where she earned her teaching license for the states of Indiana and Michigan and also received a master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Jan began her career as a high school teacher in Edwardsburg, Mich., then took a position at Charlotte High School, where she taught for 30 years. She specialized in office subjects and Physical Education, and also coached the girls’ volleyball teams for many years.
During her early years as a teacher Jan went on a European trip with friends, returning home with a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a painting of the Sacre Coeur in Paris, and many fond memories. She played golf for many years, and contributed her beautiful singing voice to the GFWC Women’s Club Choir and Eaton Area Senior Center Chorus.
Jan was a favorite of her nieces and nephews: David and Susan Harris, Laurie Harms, Charlie Harms, Courtney Barry and Kimberly Garvey, Wendy Hamilton, Carl Jr. and Tyler Harms. At Christmas each year she flew to Santa Barbara, California to spend the holidays with her sister Judy’s family. Her arrival marked the beginning of Christmas for everyone.
After retiring from teaching, Jan helped found the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, where she spent many hours volunteering and playing cards with friends. She was always up for a game of cards, whether a competitive game of bridge or hearts with friends, or a silly game of go fish with nieces and nephews.
Jan was dearly loved by her family and friends. She was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, supporting others with her combination of positivity and practicality. She helped care for several close friends and family members during times of sickness. She will be enormously missed, and remembered for her sense of fun, her wonderful laugh, and her concern for others.
A celebration of life will be held May 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to the Eaton Area Senior Center.
Brenda K. Collins
Brenda K. Collins, 59, of Olivet, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family following a long illness. Brenda was born on May 30, 1959 in Chariton, Iowa to Leland and Geneva (Allen) Long. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1977. On December 1, 1979 she married John M. Collins at the Olivet Congregational Church.
Brenda was a homemaker staying home to raise her family. She also worked for a short time at the McCamly Plaza in Battle Creek, and two gas stations in Olivet. Recently she had been working as a Para-Pro for Olivet Schools. Brenda was a member of the Ainger Bible Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, collecting snowmen, and shopping. Brenda especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness and having an open home to anyone in need in the Olivet area.
She is survived by her husband, John of Olivet; children, Parker (Christy) Collins of Colorado, Garrett (Kelly) Collins of Olivet, Taylor (Joel Flagg) Collins of Marshall, and Maddy (Sam Roe) Collins of Olivet; five grandchildren, Noah, Ainsley, Abel, Emelia, and Opal; siblings, Jeanne (Russ) Johnson of Norwalk, Iowa, Linda Henry of Charlotte, Lee (Debi) Long of South Carolina, Ken (Janet) Long, and Brian (Connie) Long all of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Donnie Long and Connie Ansley.
Family gathered with friends on Friday, December 21, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, with Pastor Scott Brood officiating.
Family will gather with friends following the services in the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Marshall Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to Oaklawn Hospice.
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.
Doris I. Lightner
Doris Irene Lightner of Eaton Rapids, a woman who believed in the power of prayer, died December 14, 2018. Doris, 84, was born July 13, 1934 in St. Johns to Harold Wineland and Zelma (Bond) Esch. She was adopted and raised by Burnett Esch. Doris was a woman of faith that loved everyone and enjoyed her time in prayer. There were many things that Doris excelled at and enjoyed in life, including: decorating cakes, cooking, crocheting, reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing the organ at church, and going to many church functions. Wal-Mart customers appreciated her cake decorating skills, and she also worked at a donut shop, and as an orange (fruit) sorter.
Doris was very proud of her family.
She is survived by her children, Peggy Jane Booth, David (Kathleen) Lightner, Lisa Hicks, Fred (Sheryl) Lightner; daughter-in-law, Peggy Jo Lightner; brothers, Bud (Carolyn) Esch, Gary Esch, Michael (Paula) Esch, Dale Wineland, Duane (Colleen) Wineland, Larry (Betty) Wineland, Laurence (Judy) Wineland, Keith (Vickie) Wineland; sister, Linda (Sheldon) Snow; brother-in-law, Bill (Anne) Lightner; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Lightner, Sr.; son, Robert Lightner, Jr.; grandson, David Joseph Lightner; son-in-law, Tony Booth; and siblings, Lloyd and Karen Wineland.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 17 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating.
If desired, memorial contributions to the family are appreciated to help with final expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doris on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Phyllis A. Southerly
Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Southerly, 72, of Potterville, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2018. She was born in Kenton, Ohio on December 27, 1945 to Mary Edna (Hesser) and Charles Fredrick Gordon. Phyllis was blessed to have her family, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends while growing up. A great-aunt led a 4-H club where Phyllis honed her homemaking skills learned from her mother. Her father loved to travel, so they travelled on a budget, camping and visiting family and friends across the country.
After graduating from Kenton High School in 1963, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Terry Dean Southerly, on September 21, 1963. They moved to Lansing upon his discharge from the Army in 1964. Starting their family and making a home occupied Phyllis until she began working for the State of Michigan at the age of 30. Beginning as an entry-level clerk, she retired as a unit supervisor while continuing to be a wife and mother.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry; sons, Troy (Shannon Combs) Dean and Jay Dion; grandchildren, Turner Southerly, Madison Southerly, Isabelle Robinson and her mother Laurie Robinson; sister, Nancy (Michael) Livingston; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by brother, David E. Gordon.
Burial and graveside services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a future date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
John P. Therrien
John Paul Therrien, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2018.
He leaves behind his wife, Marci; children, Steven, Brianna, and Bella; his parents, Brenda (Dave) Wendorf, and Mike Wellman, Sr.; brothers, Joseph (Tasha) Therrien, and Jared (Nikita) Therrien; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy E. Therrien, and his grandparents.
A small, private family service was held at the family home.