Obituaries
Lavinia C. Kineman
Lavinia Carolyn (Milner) Kineman, of Hastings, was born January 7, 1935 and passed on from this earth September 3, 2018. Lavinia Carolyn Milner was born in Hickman County, Ky. She attended High School and Junior College in Paducah, Ky. and continued on to Murray State Teacher’s College. On September 14, 1957, she married Jack Lavern Kineman, her college sweetheart, and traveled with him on his life’s journey as a civil engineer throughout the Midwest. Although she is gone from this earth she is treasured in our hearts and minds as a loving wife and caring, nurturing mother and grandmother who believed in hard work and perseverance. She believed in all of us and we are grateful for her life and love.
Lavinia, “Carolyn” to many, is survived by her husband and three children, Steven Kineman (Marie McLaury) of Charlotte, Rhonda Kineman (John Houck) of Chicago and Melinda (Michael) Rodgers of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Radie, Maizie, Zephie (Josh) Hillard, Bram Kineman and Oskar Houck.
In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Associations.
To view Carloyn’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Cards of caring and remembrance can be sent in-care-of Steven Kineman, 388 North Wheaton Rd, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Marion Maurer
Marion Maurer, 86, of Olivet, passed away Sunday, September 2, 2018, at her home with her family by her side. She was born October 23, 1931, in Hastings, the daughter of Floyd and Dorothy (Loveland) Denny. Marion spent her growing up years in Barry County. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1949 and then went on to Michigan State and took a short course in home economics. On June 11, 1950, she married Harold R. Maurer at her parent’s home in Hastings. After her marriage, she and Harold moved to their new home on Mathews Road in Olivet. This was where they raised their family. Marion was very active in all aspects of the farming operation. She helped milk cows, did field work, and maintained her home. Marion was a 4-H Leader for many years. She made most of the girl’s dresses while they were at home and even entered them in several Grange sewing contests. In one of these contests she became a State Champion Seamstress. Marion was active in her children’s education. She served as a room mother, was PTA President, and put on many style shows. She always enjoyed the Eaton County Fair and had a hot dog booth there for years. She lived her life for her family.
Marion is survived by her children, Marvin (Tammy) Maurer of Charlotte, Martha (Alan) Scott of Columbiaville, Aaron Maurer of Olivet, Darlene (Roger) Conley of Charlotte, Carla (Brian) Wilmore of Charlotte; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Oliver) Boulder of Woodland, Kathryn Dewitt of Hastings; brother, Robert Denny of Battle Creek; sisters-in-law, Iva Jean Wilmore, Maxine Baun, Shirley Watson; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; step-daughter, Karen Haigh; four sisters; and two brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, September 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family received friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marion’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
David E. Cross
David Eliot Cross, a loving and caring, son, brother, uncle and friend, died unexpectedly August 22, 2018. David, 40, was born November 16, 1977 in Lansing to Sam and Kathy (Jones) Cross. He was a 1996 Charlotte High School graduate. In high school David loved running cross country and track, two sports that he was truly good at. David worked in the frozen foods department at the Meijer Warehouse. Some of his interests include creative hobbies such as art and poetry. He also had a strong passion for the outdoors, going for walks whenever he could. Other hobbies included reading, going to the movies, and playing the keyboard. Family was very important to David. He loved spending time with them and was actually a caretaker for his grandmother, and loved spending time with his nephew, Ryan.
David is survived by his parents, Sam and Kathy (Jones) Cross; siblings, Jonathan Cross, James (Christina Raby) Cross, Lisa (Brian) Ruble, and Robert Cross; grandma, Elva Jones; nephew, Ryan Cross; niece, Ambrosia Ruble; cousins, Joshua Kirk, Jennifer Kirk, along with other cousins and aunts and uncles.
David is predeceased by grandparents, Gerald and Alice Cross, and Wilbur Jones; and aunt, Jan Kirk.
A celebration of life was held at the Charlotte Church of Christ on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 7 p.m. with Pastor John Bailey officiating.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of David on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Annie M. Campbell
Annie Margaret Campbell, 94, of Sunfield, died Monday morning, August 27, 2018. She was born February 11, 1924 in Pineville, N.C., a daughter of Fred and Daisy (Fowler) Thrower. She was a former member of Sunfield United Methodist Church and its Women’s Society, plus the Red Hats.
Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; daughter, Allene Mullins and son, Loren Fred Campbell. Surviving are two daughters, JoAnne (Dennis) Clay of Charlotte and Patricia (Clair) Hewitt of Sunfield; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; nieces and nephews.
Services were held Friday at Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken, with Randy and Sally Seifert officiating. Interment was in Meadowbrook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilation Services – Activity Fund, 530 Beech St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Lawrence E. Suntken
Lawrence Edward Suntken, 76, of Charlotte, a story-teller and prankster, passed away August 24, 2018. He was born June 5, 1942 to Edward and Arlene (Guy) Suntken in Lansing. Lawrence attended Sunfield High School, graduating in 1960. Lawrence married Jill Maxam in 1966, and they raised two daughters, and their legacy continued with five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Lawrence worked at Owens-Illinois for 30 years. Hunting and fishing were a big part of his life, and he loved recounting stories of his adventures with his family and friends. Lawrence enjoyed watching the deer and wildlife in his yard, and evening drives with his family so they could look for deer. He loved his dog, Domino, who was the true “Ruler of the Roost.”
Lawrence was always thinking of others, he would pick up returnable bottles and cans, and put the proceeds in a fund to use for special purposes. The Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield also benefited from a number of things he donated to them. He also enjoyed building birdhouses, antiquing, and cutting wood (which he did until he couldn’t start his gas chainsaw any longer, then he bought an electric chainsaw). After his wife Jill died in 2016, Lawrence met Kay Stuber at a support group at Eaton Community Palliative Care. When Kay tied his shoes for him, he fell for her kind ways, and she loved the way he was a gentleman—the kind who opened the door for ladies. They enjoyed dancing together at the Maple Grove Grange.
Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Yvonne Visger and Felisha (Lloyd) Prickel; granddaughters, Ashley (Joshua) Sanders, Mackenzie (Adam) Foster, Alison Childers and Cassey Childers; grandson, Taylor (Samantha) Visger; great-granddaughters, Brenleigh Sanders, Ava Foster, and Aubriana Childers; great-grandsons, Jensen Sanders, Easton Foster, and Mason Visger; brothers, Lavern (Marilyn) Suntken, Loyal (Glea) Suntken, and LaGrand Suntken; and girlfriend, Kay Stuber.
He was preceded in death by wife, Jill Ione Suntken; grandson, A J Childers; and his parents, Edward and Arlene Suntken.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Courtney Suntken officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Share memories of Lawrence on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.