Obituaries
Agnes V. Graves
Agnes Victoria Graves, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services with her family by her side. She was born at home near Nashua, Mont., the daughter of Albert and Minnie Pearson Schakosky on January 27, 1925. Her childhood was spent on the family homestead. She attended a one-room school, named Big Four School. After graduating from that school, she went on to high school and graduated from Glasgow, Montana High School in 1941, just before World War II was declared. When soldiers began to be stationed in Glasgow, she became a USO hostess. It was then that she met John Graves from Texas, as he was there training on the B-17 bombers. They were married in Melissa, Tex., once he returned from flying 25 bombing missions over Europe. Together, they spent several years in Texas before moving to Michigan. Aggie worked for the State of Michigan, Department of Social Services, in Lansing. She retired after 27 years of service. In retirement, she became a volunteer for various organizations including Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Woldumar Nature Center, Mobile Meals, American Red Cross, Charlotte Business Women Organization and the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. When it became evident there was a need for a facility for the senior population, she became a part of the effort to secure the Eaton Area Senior Center, of which she was a life member. Aggie also enjoyed traveling in both the United States and Europe.
She is survived by her children: Vicki (Don) Voisin of Charlevoix, Jessica (Everett) Gard of Clarkston, Matthew (Tammy) Graves of Rockford, Andrea (Wayne) Price of Conway, S.C.; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister, Alyce (Hugo) Mosser of Slaton, Tex.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2020, at noon at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family was to receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon at the church on Friday. Those desiring, may make contributions in Aggie’s honor to the American Red Cross.
Gary L. Mandel
Gary Lee Mandel, age 70 passed away January 25, 2020, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born November 2, 1949, to Raymond and Helen (Kieffer) Mandel in Neenah, Wisc.
Throughout his life, he was a factory worker, a social worker in Walworth County, Wisc., and a SSA federal employee retiring in 2011. He loved all Wisconsin sports and outdoor activities — including hiking, biking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping, golfing and playing softball.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sons Shawn I. Mandel and Shannon McQuillin.
Surviving are his partner Lynda Norris, brother Roy (Nancy) Mandel, children Erin Shilo (Jeff Turley) Mandel, Garrett Mandel, Gina (Justin) Langholff Morgan, Shawyn (Kyle) Anderson, ErinRose McQuillin, Samatha (Len) Skar, Roy (Chrystal) Aseltine and Chet (Mandy) Norris, 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, special niece Teri Rae Mandel and nephew Rick Mandel and many life-long friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
John K. Cripe
John Kenneth Cripe, age 70, passed away on January 25, 2020, in Powell, Tenn. John was born June 18, 1949 in Jackson, Mich.
John enjoyed racing cars in his younger years, as well as mud bogging. He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, where he fought in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Michigan National Guard and General Motors.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Myrtle. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sister Lois (Terry); six children, John (Jatana), Jill, Janell (Tony), Janie (Justin), Jeremiah and Jeff (Melissa); step-children Bobbi, Scott and Stephanni; grandchildren, Jordan (Alyssa), Justin, Aleisha, Samantha, Michael, Michelle, Zach, J.J., Brandon, Rhyleigh, Gracie, Noah, Meghan, Audrey, Hazel, Maizie, Justice and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at the VFW Post 6056, 230 Mechanic St. in Springport, on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m.
Jannette A. Towns
Jannette Alice Towns of Eaton Rapids passed away January 28, 2020, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of Hoyle and Mary Agnes (Winegar) McMurtrie. Jannette graduated from Springport High School in 1958 and resided in Eaton Rapids for 54 years. She worked and retired from Eaton Stamping, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Parma and loved working in her garden and cooking. Jannette liked to travel, when she was able, to see her grandchildren and extended family.
Jannette is survived by her son, Ted (Patrycja) Towns of Tampa; grandchildren, Maggie, Liam, Connor and Aiden Towns; brothers, Calvin McMurtrie of Parma, Wesley (Rosie) McMurtrie of Parma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene McMurtrie and Douglas McMurtrie and sister, Gloria Arnold.
Jannette will be cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jannette’s memory to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, in Eaton Rapids. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Norman E. Reist
Norman Eugene Reist, age 69, of Charlotte, died on January 20, 2020. He worked as a baker at Reist’s Bakery. No funeral services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.