Obituaries
Larry D. Sanders
Larry Douglas Sanders, died unexpectedly October 8, 2018. Larry, 67, of Charlotte was born December 24, 1950 in Mt. Pleasant to Shirley (Sheldon) Fowler. He retired from the City of Charlotte as an equipment operator. Outdoor activities were some of his favorite pastimes, including fishing (anywhere there was water), motorcycling, and tinkering on his motorcycle and boats. Cooking for his family made Larry very happy, especially on Thanksgiving using his steam pot to make delicious seafood. Larry had a sharp wit, always making smart comments, but was also a very quiet, gentle, and helpful man. He loved spending time with all of his grandkids. He made them laugh and entertained them all with jokes and tricks.
Larry is survived by his children, Christy (Dave) Murphy, Shelby (Ben) Bean, and Jesse Sanders; grandchildren, Trip and Colin Murphy, Sarah, Taylor-Jade, Carrissa, and Benedict Bean Jr., and Addy Sanders, and Ava Austin-Swan; mother, Shirley Fowler; siblings, Gerald (Sherilyn) Sanders, and Jane Jensen.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family on Monday, October 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. for visitation and 11 a.m. for a memorial service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Cast for Kids.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Robert K. Joppie
Robert Karl Joppie, 89, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Monday, October 1, 2018. Robert was born February 3, 1929, the son of Henry and Dorthea Joppie in Sunfield Township. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1946 and started a career at Fisher Body Division of General Motors as a millwright, retiring after 43 years. Robert married the love of his life, Frances Eleanor Gould, on October 21, 1950. Robert was an incredible father to his three children. He had a huge appreciation of nature and time spent in the outdoors. He enjoyed a happy retirement filled with various hobbies, including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping and meticulous lawn care and gardening. He also enjoyed watching Detroit Tigers Baseball.
Robert and Frances enjoyed years of travel throughout the United States. Robert spent a lot of his time helping his family and others, along with being a generous blood donor and a longtime supporter of Paralyzed Veterans and the American Lung Association. Robert was a phenomenal grandpa and spent many years attending his granddaughters’ special event and activities. He lived a very full life doing what he enjoyed, around the people he loved most and was always giving of himself.
Robert is survived by his son, James (Delsa) Joppie; daughter, Angela (Greg) Parker; daughter-in-law, Diana Joppie; granddaughters, Lauren (Brian) St. John and Grace (Evan) Boehmer; great-grandchildren, Everett and Faith St. John, and soon to be Belle Boehmer; sister, Phyllis (Emery) Fenstemaker; and his special friend and companion, sister-in-law, Evelyn Joppie.
He was predeceased by his wife, Frances; son, John Joppie; brothers, Russell Joppie and Earl Joppie; and sister, Maxine Harag.
Friends are encouraged to support Robert’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Robert on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.