Obituaries
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.
Clyde E. Bodell
Clyde Edward Bodell, of Charlotte, a self-made, hardworking, jack-of-all-trades, died Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at his residence. Clyde, 84, was born July 15, 1934, in Eaton Rapids to Roy and Florence (Allwood) Bodell. He worked many jobs throughout his life, retiring from GM in 1988, worked as an electrician for Klaiss Electric, however his pride and joy was the business that he built; originally called Bodell Enterprises and currently Stage and Sports Audio. For the last 50-plus years, Clyde would do audio for large shows throughout the entire Midwest. He was known as a pioneer in the music business supporting many of the big-name acts. Clyde was as big as the stars on stage because of the work he did with his audio. His old-school hard-working mentality came from growing up at the end of the great depression. Clyde instilled his work ethic onto to children as well. In 1981 Clyde married his sweetheart Marjorie Wood and together spent the next 37 years creating their legacy. Clyde loved anything with a motor, he was known for his snowmobile racing. He also enjoyed racing Micro Midgets in his younger years and riding his motorcycle. Above all his biggest passion in life was what he accomplished and created in his life.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children, Terry (Will Stabenow) Pottruff, Bobbi (John) Bruder, Norma (Jeff) Stoecker, Champ (Heather) Bodell, and Richard (Brenda) Bodell; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Janette Klaiss, Marilyn Peters, Marlene Coffin.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, and 10 siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Clyde’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was Friday, December 21, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Clyde on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Cheri Rae Smith, 81, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Rae, as she preferred to be called, was born on August 14, 1937 in Charlotte. She was the oldest daughter of O.E. (Doc) and Frances M. (Pedersen) Latchaw. She was a lifelong Charlotte resident and a 1955 graduate of Charlotte High School. Over the years she had been employed as credit manager for the local Montgomery Ward Store, she was later appointed branch manager of the local Secretary of State office until it closed, she finished her career and retired from the Eaton County Treasurers Office. Rae was a member of the Charlotte Eagles and Charlotte VFW and she was an avid UofM football fan. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and love of her life, Douglas R. Smith and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Surviving are he three daughters, Debra (Gordon) Henney of Woodland, Cynde (Brad) Carley of Green Bay, Wisc., and Kimberlee Smith of Long Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Michael Fletcher of Potterville, Daniel (Judith) Fletcher of Grand Ledge, Jessica (Ryan) Scott-Monschau of Sterling Heights, Christine (DJ) Scott-Hisler of Charlotte, and Dylan Carley of Green Bay; four great-grandchildren; sister, Sally Haight and nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Douglas R. Smith; her parents; sister, Judy Latchaw and great-granddaughter, Bailey Rae Fletcher.
At Rae’s request, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation at this time as the family has chosen to have a private memorial service at a later date. The family would like to extend a very special thank you for the love care Rae received from Fairview in Grand Ledge and Hospice. Memorial contributions are suggested for Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Rae’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.