Obituaries
John Raymond Johnson
John Raymond Johnson, 78, of Eaton Rapids passed peacefully at home with loved ones on April 30, 2025. Born September 25, 1946, in Halo, Kentucky to Johnathon and Margret Johnson. He was a devoted husband to Diane (Long) Johnson since December 4, 1965, and loving father to six children. John was a hardworking and dedicated tool & die maker at General Motors for 30 years until his retirement in 2006. Despite his many responsibilities, John always made time for his family and passions such as car shows, attending auctions, playing poker, a nice motorcycle ride, and the occasional round of golf. Above all, John’s favorite pastime was sitting beside his beloved wife of 59 years, waiting for company to stop by which many people often did.
John is survived by his wife, Diane; children Randy, Rick, Tamara (Derrick), Timothy and Theodore; grandchildren, Brittany, Rachelle, Autumn (Nate), Emily, Benjamin, Jachob, Tyler, Maya, Johnathon, Collin and Cooper; great-grandchildren Jaxon, Steadson and Braxton. John was preceded in death by his son, Thomas; parents, Johnathon and Margret; siblings James, Nell, Joel, Faye, Leon; and many dear friends. John was a man of integrity and kindness who will forever be remembered by his sense of humor and storytelling.
A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. A visitation took place one hour prior to the service. Interment took place in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Donor’s Choice of Charity in loving memory of John Raymond Johnson. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral. com.
George DeVries
George DeVries, age 87, of Charlotte, Michigan, met his heavenly Father on Friday, April 25, 2025. Family was by his side during his last hours while in comfort care at the hospital due to complications related to congestive heart failure.
George DeVries was born at home on August 31, 1937, to Klaas and Fintje (Hoogenveen) DeVries in Ureterp (Friesland) Netherlands.
He was the youngest of 10 children. George’s family was closely involved in the Dutch resistance during World War II.
As a teen, George dreamed to immigrate to America like a third of his older siblings had done already. At age 19, in February 1957, he embarked on a 10-day journey across the Atlantic on the Zuiderkruis emigrant ship. He traveled alone and legend has it he had only $30 in his pocket. He ported in Hoboken, New Jersey.
George first worked as a milk hand on dairy farms in New Jersey and also for three years in Southern California.
Then he served in the United States Army (1961-1964). After six weeks of basic training, he returned to Europe and served his time with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany. In time, George learned conversational English and became a citizen of the USA in 1965, of which he was very proud.
He married Gert (Valkema) DeVries, the love of his life, on August 18, 1965, in Sussex, New Jersey.
They both were from the providence of Friesland and could speak Frisian, Dutch, and English to each other. They were married for fifty-nine years.
George was a second-generation butcher and owned DeVries Meats in Newton, New Jersey. George and Gert then moved with their four children to Charlotte, Michigan, in 1982. George operated Card’s Food Locker in Eaton Rapids from 1982 -1989.
George was very handy, and he transformed their pole barn into a seasonal deer processing business. From 1991–2011 George and Gert operated George’s Game Processing. George was known for making savory venison jerky and a variety of smoked sausages.
During those years on the off seasons, George and Gert spent many winters in Navarre Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed fishing. They also did mission work including a few summers at Camp Fahola in Grass Lake, MI, and a trip to Hawaii and Florida with the Assemblies of God RV Volunteers. They also went on two short-term mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Belize. George also went with a church group on a bold mission trip to Moscow, Russia, in 1992.
George was known for his dry sense of humor, storytelling, work ethic, loyalty to family, and unshakable faith in Jesus. He had a heart for the prison ministry and Gideon ministry.
George is survived by his wife Gert DeVries; his 4 children: Heidi (Buck) Hagy of Bath, MI, Kevin DeVries of Grand Rapids, MI, Walter (Kerrie) DeVries of Millville, PA, Felicia (Aaron) Almanza of Oak Forest, IL; his 11 grandchildren, Nate (Ciana) Hagy, Miah (Ben) Cook, Zach Hagy, Luke Hagy, Jack DeVries, Emma DeVries, Levi (Sarah) DeVries, Sam DeVries, Anne DeVries, and Amelia and Abigail Almanza; his 2 great grandsons, Grayson and Beckham Cook; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and multiple nephews and nieces in the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA. His nine siblings and parents preceded him in death.
George’s family would like to acknowledge the compassionate comfort care George received during his last days at U of M Sparrow Eaton in Charlotte. We are forever grateful to the care team.
A celebration of life will be held at Lakeside Chapel, 5800 Park Lake Road, Bath, Michigan 48808, on Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Hagy Homestead in Bath.
Cremation has taken place per George’s wishes.
If you have a story or memory of George you would like to have read at the celebration, please send to hagyherd@gmail.com.
Those desiring may make contributions in George’s memory to:
Lakeside Chapel https://lakesidechapelofbath.org/home,
Grace Explorations (Kevin DeVries) https://www.graceexplorations.com
Lansing Christian Schools https://www.lansingchristianschool.org
To view George’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Patricia Ann Ellis
Patricia “Patty” Ann Ellis, 66, of Charlotte, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 2, 2025. Patty was born August 28, 1958 in Lansing, the daughter of James and Mary Ann Nelson. She graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing before settling into family life. She worked in various capacities throughout the years, but most recently she worked as a clerk at the M-50 Party Store, where she loved sharing stories with her the customers and friends. Patty loved spending time in her garden working the soil and tending her flowers. She also enjoyed playing her daily scratch-offs and trips to the casino, as well as decorating for the Holidays, especially Christmas and Easter Patty was happiest when spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
Patty is survived by her son, Ryan (Katie) Cuff; daughter, Jessica (Carlos) Garcia; 10 grandchildren, Alexis Henning, Brianna Cuff, Makenzie Wilson, Harley Cuff, Ryan J. Cuff, Brianna Haan, Michael Brown, Carlos David Garcia, Jr., Aliyah Gabrielle Garcia, and Titus Rio Garcia; brothers, Mike Nelson, Jim (Carol) Nelson, Jerry (Tammy) Nelson, and Tommy Nelson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister-in-law, Betty Nelson.
Friends are encouraged to support Patty’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www. prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will take place from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., just prior to the service. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Patricia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family in care of Ryan Cuff. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Alfred Glenn Ewing
Alfred Glenn Ewing, of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 82 in Charlotte, MI. Born on June 17, 1942, in Lansing, MI, Alfred was a man who lived a full life marked by dedication to his family, work, and community.
Alfred’s early years were spent in Lansing, where he was raised by his loving parents, Garfield and Genevieve (Hillker) Ewing. The values of hard work and commitment were instilled in him from a young age, and these principles guided him throughout his life. He was the beloved husband of the late Delores Ewing, and together they raised a beautiful family. Though he was preceded in death by his wife; children Rick, James, Michael, Jody, Margaret, and Tina; grandson Robert (BJ); sister, Linda Shasteen. Alfred’s legacy continues through his surviving family members.
He leaves behind his stepdaughter, Kay Becker; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Dunlap; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly. Alfred also leaves behind his sisters, Bernetta Byewater, Virginia Greene, and Beverly Harris, who will cherish the memories of their brother’s unwavering love and support.
Alfred’s professional life was as diverse as it was distinguished. He was a former employee of Frigidaire, Motor Wheel, and Maple Brook Golf Course. His leadership skills shone brightly during his time as the chief of Walnut Hills Country Club, where he was respected and admired by his colleagues and the club members.
Beyond his professional achievements, Alfred was a man of many interests. An avid golfer and bowler, he could often be found enjoying the greens or participating in friendly competitions at the bowling alley. His love for animals was evident through his companionship with his beloved dogs, who were a constant source of joy in his life.
His commitment to his community was evident in his active involvement with the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565. Alfred not only was a member but also served on the state board for the Moose Lodge, contributing to the welfare of his community and the betterment of the organization.
As per Alfred’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 in loving memory of Alfred Ewing, 1809 Lansing Rd, Charlotte, MI 48813. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
Paula Taylor
Paula Taylor, 82, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Temple, Texas. Born on September 23, 1942, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Paula moved to Texas in 1983 after living in Michigan raising her three oldest children, she lived a life filled with love, dedication, and deep connections to family and friends, both in Texas and Michigan.
Paula was a devoted parent and cherished the time spent with their children: she is survived by her children Gower Lucas (wife Taresa), Patrick Johnson (wife Jaye), Pamela Hill (husband Darrell), Matthew Crutsinger (wife Jaye); Paula’s brother, Tom Taylor (wife Janet). Paula was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who all remain to honor her memory. Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lola Hayden and Thomar and Nadine Taylor; her sons Gregg Johnson and Paul Pennington; her former husband and longtime companion Harold “Bud” Crutsinger whom she was his devoted caregiver for more than three years.
A loving and sometimes overly protective mother. Paula was also a committed friend who valued the bonds she built throughout their life. Paula found joy in needlepoint and treasured moments spent with family and friends. Paula’s involvement with the Four Winds Tribal Society was a source of great fulfillment.
To celebrate Paula’s life, two gatherings will be held. The first Celebration of Life was taken place on April 19, 2025, in Belton, Texas. The second Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion on 1000 West Lawrence Ave in Charlotte, Michigan.
Paula’s legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May Paula Jean Taylor (Lucas, Johnson, Pennington, Emenhiser, Crutsinger)’s memory bring comfort to all who mourn her death.