Obituaries
Sheila Marie Clark
Sheila Marie Clark, of Leslie, and formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the age of 66. Sheila was born on February 23, 1953, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of William and Bonnie Holwig. She was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and went on to work for the federal government in Washington D.C. before returning home to work for the State of Michigan in the Bureau of Automotive Regulations, where she retired in 2009. Sheila loved animals, especially cats, and was fondly referred to as the “cat lady” by her friends. She was talented at knitting, cross stitching and needle pointing and would often make baby blankets for many family and friends. Sheila was a regular at the monthly State of Michigan retiree lunches, where she enjoyed the company of her former coworkers.
She was preceded in death by parents and brother, Tim Holwig.
Sheila is survived by her husband of 33 years, John Clark; sisters-in-law, Connie (Rick) Maynard, Jeanine Christman and numerous cousins and extended family and friends.
A memorial gathering was scheduled to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Sheila. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Carson Andrew Eaton
Carson Andrew Eaton, age 11, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on December 13, 2019, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pediatric brain cancer. Carson was born on October 25, 2008, in Lansing, the son of Mark and Lorie (May) Eaton. He attended Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where he was currently in the fifth grade. Carson was a happy kid who loved to play practical jokes and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, playing soccer, basketball and his favorite video game, Fortnite. Carson also loved turtles, especially his pet turtle Waddles. Above all, he was a loving son, grandson, brother and friend who will be dearly missed by all who cherish his memory.
Carson is survived by his parents, Mark and Lorie; twin-brother, Brennan Eaton; half-brother, Austin Eaton; sister, Sienna Eaton; grandparents, Terry and Janie Eaton, Carol and Gary May; aunts and uncles, David and Zinda May, Rick and Jenifer May; great aunts, Judy Craft, Delores Craft and cousins, Cameron May, Teah May and Emily May. He was preceded in death by great aunt Debbie Kay Eaton and beloved dog Rusty.
A Celebration of Carson’s Life will be held January 11, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Recreational Outreach Center (ROC) at 1706 W. Dansville Rd. in Mason. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Carson A. Eaton Memorial Scholarship Fund. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Rhoma S. Powers
Rhoma S. Powers, age 91, of Bellevue, entered our Lord’s Kingdom on December 17, 2019. She was born January 11, 1928, in Crystal City, Miss., to loving and devoted parents, Mitchell C. Smith and Mary B. (Phillips) Smith. She was a graduate of Crystal City High School and attended Central Methodist College in Missouri.
The story of Rhoma cannot be told without her beloved husband, David. Rhoma and David were part of the “Greatest Generation.” Prior to David enlisting in the United States Navy and serving in the Armed Guard during World War II, David and Rhoma had their “first date” on December 23, 1943. They celebrated that date for the next 70 years. Shortly after their first date, David told a buddy that he “was going to marry that girl someday.” David and Rhoma were married August 5, 1947.
Rhoma provided a loving home for her husband of nearly 67 years. She was a wonderful mother to their two daughters, Janice Lynn and Joan Elyce. When Rhoma retired from the health care field, she and David moved from Battle Creek to Bellevue in 1990 and built their dream retirement home, “Penny Run.” They enjoyed being closer to their grandsons, Mitch and Scott, and attended many of their sporting events. Rhoma was a member of the Bellevue Book Club, 20th Century Club, Bellevue Historical Society, Friends of Bellevue Township Library, Methodist Primetimers, and Bellevue Task Force. She and David were long-time members of Bellevue First Baptist Church (Pastor Donald Francis).
Rhoma is survived by her daughter, Joan (Parr) Powers of Bellevue. Her grandsons, Mitchell (Jennifer) Parr of Dallas, Texas and Scott David Parr of Beijing, China. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Dennis (Nancy) Rewa; grandsons, Ben Rewa and Joey Rewa and granddaughter, Kelli (Brady) Hustad; seven great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Judith (Joe) Powers and Beverly (Dick) Bueker; and four nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Norma Jean; her loving daughter, Janice (Denny) Rewa and her beloved husband, David Lynn Powers.
Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service is being arranged. In her final days, Rhoma said “don’t be sad when I die, I have had a wonderful journey.”
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall. Visit kempffuneral.com to see the online obituary, sign the online guest book or leave condolences to the family.
James Phillip Hale
James Phillip Hale, age 67, of Albion, a loving father who enjoyed laughter, died December 25, 2019. Born in Albion to Wallace and Myrtle (Hollenbeck) Hale on November 3, 1952, he grew up learning about hard work and enjoying the little things in life. His Aunt Dorothy was a mother figure after his parents died, and he had lots of special memories with her, especially ice skating together. Hunting and fishing were very important to Jim, spending as much of his free time in these activities as possible to provide food for the table and time to slow down for him. He also enjoyed watching TV — especially cooking shows, classic TV, the History Channel and westerns (especially Laramie). As a resident at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, Jim enjoyed bird watching and could name most of the birds that came to the feeders. He also enjoyed putting together puzzles, playing bingo and solving Sudoku puzzles. Jim worked on a farm for 20 years, then later worked at Lear Corporation in Marshall.
Jim is survived by daughters, Angela (Jeffery) Hill and Trisha Earls (Andy Minix); sons, Thomas Hale and Jesse Hale; grandchildren, Joe, Brandon, Brittany, Matt, Cody, Katie, Nic, Tiffany, Autum, Dylan, Alyssa, Kaden, Josh, Conner, Brooklynn, Hunter, Jase, and Kane; brother, Phillip Hale; and former wife, Shelly Neal and her daughters, Kayla Slone and Rhonda Sizemore; and caregiver Justin at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, who took excellent care of James. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Wallace Hale Jr.
Memorial services were held December 30, 2019, at Grace Freewill Baptist Church in Albion. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of James on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathy K. Shepard-Hussey
Kathy K. Shepard-Hussey – a loving, kind and devoted Christian – died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, in Ann Arbor. Kathy, age 67, was born August 6, 1952, in Lansing, to Edwin A. and Ruth (Campbell) Shepard Sr. She devoted her life to serving others. She worked as an eldercare giver and housekeeper and in an eldercare home as a caregiver, and she enjoyed being a homemaker. Kathy was a great cook and baker. Attending church was a strong passion for Kathy, and she loved volunteering in the church nursery. She also adored her pets, especially her dog George. Hobbies that Kathy enjoyed were traveling to fairs and flea markets, working in her flower gardens, caring for her house plants and spending time with her family. Kathy leaves a legacy behind of being faithful to God. She was a very strong and independent woman.
Kathy is survived by children, Chance and William Hussey; her grandchildren; loving friend and significant other who she had deep admiration for, Karl Kempf; siblings, Floyce Abernathy and Mary (Roger) Fuller. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Sandra K. Shepard; infant brother, Keith E. Shepard; and brother, Edwin A. Shepard Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Kathy’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Monday, January 6, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation is Sunday, January 5, 2020, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kathy on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.