Obituaries
Dwight Payne
Dwight earned his angel wings on October 6, 2024. He was 77 years old. He was born and raised in Michigan. Dwight had a sharp sense of humor and had a never-ending supply of Dad Jokes. Before many significant health issues set in, he was an avid fisher and bowler, loved to cook and always welcomed a game of Cribbage.
Dwight was married to the love of his life, Claudia (Higbie) and together they had three children, Lisa, Rodney and Charles. Their love story was a little complicated, you see they married each other three times! For the rest of the story, well, you’ll have to talk to Claudia. Throughout their journey, four more children came into their lives, Robert, Peggy, Paula and Melissa. They shared a love for each one.
Dwight was loved by many and will be greatly missed but we are so thankful that he is now free of pain.
At his request there will not be a memorial service, however Claudia and the family would welcome any stories that you would like to share either via Facebook or by mail. Claudia can be reached via Facebook at Claudia Higbie-Payne or by mail at P.O. Box 1730, Prosser, WA 99350.
Michael Allen Raby
Michael Allen Raby, 60, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 21, 2024. Born on September 20, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, Michael grew up in the community he loved and graduated with the class of 1983. He worked in traveling janitorial services, cleaning retail stores throughout Michigan, and held roles as a prep cook at Don’s Truckstop in Dimondale and most recently at Dowding Industries.
Michael had a heart for helping others, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, no matter the time of day. His generosity and selflessness were evident in his volunteer work with Eaton Community Palliative Care, where he contributed his time to tasks such as mowing lawns, grocery shopping, and ensuring supplies were available. His dedication to serving others earned him the honor of Volunteer of the Year. Michael loved to stay active, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. Whenever an opportunity presented itself, he would travel with his mother to hospice conferences and to hospital gift shop shows. Before his eyesight declined, he was like the song “on the road again”.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Kyser; father figure, Bud Schmidt; sisters, Renee Kyser and Elonda (Don) Watts; grandparents, Clarence and Marion Trombley; and his aunt and uncles, Carolyn and Bill Spiker, and Bill Gaunt.
Michael is survived by his mother and father figure, Margaret Kyser-Pike and Jim Pike; siblings, Mark Wilcox, Alan Schmidt, Paul (Linda) Schmidt, Charley Schmidt, Cheryl (Dave) Emerson; nieces and nephews, Alexa (Ben) Colestock, Alana (Tim) Ferris, Alissa Allen, Garrett (Amy) Schmidt, Shawna Schmidt, Grant Schmidt, Reid (Jenna) Schmidt, Micalyn (Ethan) Wilcox, Travis Wilcox; aunts and uncles, Kathryn (Joe) Pore, Loretta Gaunt, Mary Ann (Will) Miller, Vonnie (Bruce) Murdock; his dear friend, Missy Minaya; as well as many great-nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, with a meal to be served at the funeral home afterward. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Eaton Community Palliative Care for their unwavering love and support throughout the years.
In honor of Michael’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Frances Rose Kirkpatrick
Frances Rose Kirkpatrick of Lansing formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 12, 2024, at the age of 98. Frances was born in Macomb, IL on April 27, 1926, the daughter of the late Louis and Rose (Twomey) Arnold. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Kirkpatrick in December 1947. They came to Michigan and eventually settled down in Eaton Rapids in 1960. Frances worked for the Eaton Rapids Public Schools system for many years, primarily as a bookkeeper, and retired in 1986. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering. Frances was the longest standing member of St. Peter Catholic Church. Her love of music and her faith combined beautifully as she played the organ and sang in the church choir. In addition, she served as a member of the altar society.
Frances is survived by her children, David (Sharon) Kirkpatrick, Dr. Leslie (Donald) Reynolds, Kerry (Bruce) Linder, Julie Kirkpatrick; daughter-in-law, Bernice Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Michael Reynolds, Paul (Sarah) Reynolds, Christina (Jeffrey) Breunsbach, Jessica (Robert) White, David (Brittany) Linder, Daniel (Samantha) Linder, Jules (Martyna) Febre, Alex Febre, Kevin (Cheri) Kirkpatrick, Robert (Karen) Kirkpatrick; great grandchildren, Drew, Lexi, Wyatt, Rosie, Anna, Caeleigh and Lydia Kirkpatrick, Caleb and Elliot Breunsbach, Kaiden Reynolds, Rio Febre, Eleanore and Theodore White, Ezra, Evalynne and Marseille Linder; four great-great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kirkpatrick; parents, Louis and Rose Arnold; son Richard Kirkpatrick; siblings, Leonard Arnold, Elaine Swanson, Monita Voellinger, Bernice Root, Joan Stadler.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Visitation took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel Friday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. Interment took place in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Road Ste. 1, Lansing, MI 48911 in loving memory of Frances Rose Kirkpatrick. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Donald Ray Galloway
Donald Ray Galloway of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on October 22, 2024, at the age of 85. Don was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 26, 1939, the son of Raymond and Lois (Johnson) Galloway. He retired from General Motors and was a member of Hamlin Township Fire Department for 20 years. Don was an Eagle Scout and a member of Eaton Rapids Conservation Club. He also owned his own motorcycle shop, Doc’s Sick Cycle Shop from 1971-2007. He loved racing motorcycles. Over the years he dabbled in hill, enduro, ice and flat track racing. Some of Don’s other hobbies were hunting and fishing. He and his wife moved to Houghton Lake for a few years and enjoyed lake life. Don made sure he went out and fished at least every Wednesday so he could enjoy his Walleye. He was a very generous and giving man. Don was passionate about Safety Town and Heart and Hands in Eaton Rapids. He and Janet donated countless hours to helping others in the community.
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet Galloway; children, Kris Ann Elizabeth (Murl) Miller, Scott David (Patricia Cinz-Galloway) Galloway; 12 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lois Galloway; son, Michael Galloway; sister Jacqueline Anderson.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hamlin Township Fire Department. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Nathan G. Potter
It is with both sorrow and celebration that we commemorate the life of Nathan G. Potter, a man whose courage and resilience were matched only by his loyalty and dedication. Nate was born on July 30, 1975, in Medford, Oregon, and later made his home in Georgetown Township, Michigan for 24 years. Nate’s life was a testament to the love of Jesus Christ, which was his guiding light and the cornerstone of his existence. His faith was echoed in the words of the Apostle Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Nate stood as a beacon of strength and dedication in his professional role as a Safety Director in the construction and manufacturing industries. His commitment to creating a culture of safety and continuous improvement was unwavering over his 13+ years in the role. His dedication was not confined to his career. He cherished his family deeply, showing steadfast loyalty to his beloved wife, Jenny, whom he married on June 6, 1997. His enduring love extended to his children and his extended family, consistently placing their needs above his own.
When not occupied with his work or family, Nate found joy in camping, shooting, cooking on the grill or smoker and gun-building; hobbies that reflected his adventurous spirit and skillful hands. Yet, above all, he was known for his willingness to help others. Whether it was car repairs or offering a listening ear, he was always there, a resilient rock in the storm.
Nate is survived by his wife, Jenny Potter; his mother, LuAnn Klont, brother Nicholas England (Jillian), sister Nicole Johnson (Todd), step-brother Greg Klont (Audrey), his children, Kenneth Potter (Marcos), Haleigh Massey (Justin), and Ashley Schimizzi (Nicole), father and mother-in-law John and Judy Wiggins, sister-in-law Jessica Reeves (Zach); many loving nieces and nephews, and his favorite fur buddy, Leo. He was preceded in death by his stepfathers Bob England and Rodney Klont.
Nathan G. Potter was a man who lived his life fully, loved deeply, and always gave of himself to others. His legacy of love, courage, and dedication will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. We invite you to share your memories of Nate and upload photos to his memorial page at www.MichiganCremation.com to celebrate his life. His story is not just in the past but lives on in each of us.
Visitation with the family was from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Georgetown Christian Fellowship, 3668 Port Sheldon Street, Hudsonville, where memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. A luncheon will follow the ceremony.
Memorial contributions may be sent to All Things Possible Ministry at victormarx.com, or to Jenison Pink Out at jenisonpinkout.org.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.