Obituaries
Eugene A. McGarey
Eugene Arlo McGarey, of Charlotte, a quiet man with a passion for fishing, passed away on September 28, 2018 in Lansing at the age of 82. He was born on August 25, 1936 to Vernon and Ruth (Keiser) McGarey in Petoskey. On June 9, 1962 he married Ruth Andrus in Angola, Ind. Eugene worked at various auto assembly plants in Lansing, for General Motors until his retirement. After his retirement he joined the produce department at the Charlotte Meijer store where he worked for another 12 years until his second retirement.
Eugene was a quiet man, until he spoke about things for which he had a passion. These topics included fishing, firearms and family. Like so many other fisherman, he enjoyed trips to Canada, however, his trips always included his wife Ruth, or family. On the topic of firearms, he was a model member of the NRA, developing a deep knowledge of guns of all kinds. He loved the outdoors, not only for fishing and hunting, but also spending time in his personal orchard raising apples and pears that grew near his large vegetable garden.
Eugene was most proud of his family. His grandchildren softened his hard exterior. Eugene’s close relationship with each one of them had a strong influence on his grandchildren, helping them grow into successful adults. Above all, Eugene would tell you that his best accomplishment was being married to his late wife, Ruth for 53 years before she passed away in 2014.
Eugene is survived by his daughter, Susan Cross; son, Michael McGarey; five grandchildren, Megan McGarey, Jamie Cross, Marissa McGarey, Jordan Cross, and Justin Cross; two sisters, Doris Scott, and Linda Schwartz; and two brothers, Gordon McGarey, and Gary Auvinen.
Visitation was held Friday, October 5, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, October 6, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Duane Royston, officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorials to Michigan Pit Bull Rescue.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online on Eugene’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Ronald J. Dedafoe
Ronald “Ron” James Dedafoe, of Onondaga, passed away unexpectedly, September 16, 2018 at the age of 76. He was born in Lansing, November 22, 1941, the son of Joseph and Pauline (Hilliard) Dedafoe. He worked for the State of Michigan for over 40 years, retiring from the DNR Fisheries Division in 2002. He and his wife, Nancy traveled around the country for several years in their motor home. Ron was a member of the All Color Tractor Club and liked putting chain saws and tractors together. He made a name for himself, “Flipper,” when he tipped his tractor over into the river. Ron was an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing and was a push over for dogs of various breeds. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father and uncle to his family.
Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Sue (Strouse) Dedafoe; daughters, Dawn Dedafoe of Onondaga, Amy Dedafoe of Georgia; sister, Gertrude Switzer of Holt; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth, Joseph and Carl Dedafoe; sister, Karen Kemper; grand dog, Charlie.
No services are planned at this time.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Rd. Lansing, MI 48906.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest register.
Michael A. Dickinson
Michael Allen Dickinson, 69, of Charlotte, died September 21, 2018. He was born August 15, 1949. Mike was a handyman. He worked construction most of his life. He could fix anything, and he did a great job doing it. He was always full of smiles that would brighten your day, and would do anything for anybody. He loved to hunt and walk the woods. He could also tell you some pretty good hunting stories.
Mike will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredric and Ethal Dickinson.
He is survived by four brothers and one sister, Bob (Barb) Dickinson, Carol (Terry) Piddington, Pat (Linda) Dickinson, Ken (Susan) Dickinson, and Stuart (Denice) Dickinson.
Mike married the love of his life, Jayne on August 25, 2012. He loved his kids and grandkids with all his heart. He is survived by children, Jason (Jill) Dickinson, Heath (Marcie) Dickinson; stepdaughter, Ashley (Jake) Wright; grandchildren, Victoria Dickinson, Brendan Dickinson, Reed Dickinson, Maverick Dickinson, Miken Dickenson, and Phoenix Wright.
There will be a celebration of life for Mike on October 13, 2018 at his home, 3618 N. Clinton Trail in Charlotte, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Helen L. Moore
Helen Lucille Moore, 96, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 13, 1922, in Charlotte, the daughter of Rex and Ruth (Bingham) Bottomley. On February 5, 1949, she married Leslie George Moore at the Congregational Church in Charlotte. Lucille was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Painting was one of Lucille’s favorite pastimes. She created many beautiful works of art throughout the years. Lucille also enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She also loved her many different puppies.
Lucille is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Driksna of Charlotte; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristen) Driksna, Dana (Kirk) Driksna-Rickerd; great-grandchildren, Kimberly, Ella, Lizzie, Brendan, Kathryn, Sean; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie G. Moore; grandsons, Christopher Hiar, Michael Hiar, Sean Driksna; brothers: Carlton “Sparky” Bottomley, Thomas “Tom” Bottomley, Harold “Red” Bottomley; sister, Louise E. Brown.
Funeral services were held Monday, October 1, 2018 at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Duane Royston officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 30, 2018, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make contributions to the New Faith Church of the Nazarene, 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Lucille’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
John C. Thorndyke
John Charles Thorndyke, 68, of Marshall, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 4, 1950, in Battle Creek, the son of Virgil and Joan (DeVine) Thorndyke. On June 16, 1967, John married the love of his life, Katheryn “Kay” Mahan. John retired after many years of service as a heavy equipment operator from Operating Engineers Local 324. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved fishing and hunting, but most of all, he cherished flying his ultra-lite airplane. It brought him great joy to be soaring above the area and taking pictures of the magnificent scenery. John enjoyed dropping candy from his plane to children at the Olivet Fireman’s Festival and many other events. Throughout the years many local farmers have had John document the location of drainage tile with pictures of their fields from his plane.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay; children, Julie (Tom) Harmon of Olivet, Nancy Thorndyke-Reed of Olivet, William “Bill” (Stacy) Thorndyke of Olivet; grandchildren, Zachary Reed of Chicago, Samantha Reed of Chicago, Kaylee Harmon of Olivet, Joshua Harmon of Olivet; special dog, Sophie; siblings, JoAnn (Gary) Chapman of North Carolina, James (Donna) Thorndyke of Tennessee, Jay (Jean) Thorndyke of Bellevue, Jaci Thorndyke of Battle Creek, Jill Jacox of Battle Creek, Jed (Sonia) Thorndyke of Olivet; many nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Bob Parker, Josh Stults, Leo Rice, Jim Swan and Mack Lipe.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with pastors Steve Byrens and Scott Brood officiating. The family received friends on Friday, October 12, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in John’s memory to the Olivet Fire Department, City On A Hill Community Church, or Oaklawn Hospice.
To view John’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.