Obituaries
James W. Rawson
James William Rawson Jr., 61, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Monday, August 6, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. James was born on October 18, 1956 in Grant, Michigan, the son of James and Betty (Hathoway) Rawson Sr. He grew up in Casnovia where he worked on the local orchards and was a graduate of Kent City High School class of 1975. James worked for Meijer Warehouse as a high-low loader from 1975 until his retirement in 2016. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, singing karaoke and working on cars. His greatest joy was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Rawson Sr. and brother-in-law, Doug Haskell.
Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Vivian Rawson; sons, James Lee (Melissa) Rawson, Casey (Carisa) Rawson, Dexter Rawson; grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Zachary, Steven, Brianna, Jude, Jase, Vaidabel; sisters, Debbie (Mike) Lustey, Coni Haskell; brothers, Duane (Lori) Rawson, Calvin (Delia) Rawson; first wife, Donna Grow and numerous nieces nephews and extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Rawson Family in care of Vivian Rawson. To share memories or condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Frances E. Lee
Frances Eunice Lee, 99, of Charlotte, died peacefully at home Wednesday, August 8, 2018. Frances was born June 8, 1919, in Flint, MI, the daughter of Ora and Mabel (Fuller) DeLong. At an early age, the family moved to the Upper Peninsula to follow the logging industry. The Great Depression soon struck, and they moved around Michigan wherever jobs could be found. During this time, she met a young man working in an onion field near Plainwell, Maxwell Lee. The two fell in love and soon married and moved to the Eaton Rapids area. They often spent winters in Alabama, where Frances served her country as an LPN at Camp Rooker. Later, during WWII, she continued her service as a true “Rosie the Riveter” at American Seating in Grand Rapids. They later moved back to Eaton County, where Frances worked as an LPN for many years, including time in eldercare at Storybook House in Eaton Rapids.
Frances loved time spent up North at her home on Huffman Lake, near Vanderbilt. She claimed she could make Gaylord in two hours with her Pontiac. As soon as she arrived, she’d make her way to the lake to spend time fishing, her favorite pastime. She enjoyed walking in the woods of “God’s Country,” searching for mushrooms and taking in nature. Frances made the world’s best chicken and dumplings and enjoyed cooking for her many family members. Her children and grandchildren will forever remember her sweet youthful voice and her spunky spirit.
Frances is survived by her daughter, Dixie Nevada Wright; son, Robert E. (Janet) Lee; grandchildren, James (Jill) Wright, Chris (Tom) Bennett, Dana Wright, Fran Wright, Dean (Becky) Wright, twins Terry and Garry Wright, Shannon (Tom) Mercier, , Robert E. Lee, John (Coffee) Lee, Mike (Jannetta) Lee, Frank (Adnra) Lee, Edward Lee, and Carrilyn Lee; 19 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Maxwell and her son, “Bud” Lee.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. just prior to the service. Interment at a later date will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Frances on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Joyce Y. Lynd
Joyce Yvonne Lynd, 72, of Charlotte, died peacefully Sunday, July 15, 2018 in Charlotte. Joyce was born September 30, 1945 in Charlotte, the daughter of Elmer Percival and Alice Elaine (Prescott) Arnold. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1963 before earning her Nursing degree. Joyce married Robert Neil Lynd on April 10, 1965 and the two enjoyed nearly 52 years of marriage until his death in 2017. Joyce dedicated her career in nursing to serving others, working in several capacities throughout over 40 years. She worked as an OB and outpatient nurse at Oaklawn in Marshall, 11 years in Lakeland, Florida, and retired from Hayes Green Beach in Charlotte. In her spare time, she and Robert enjoyed time spent traveling with family, especially visiting the natural beauty of Tennessee and Alaska. She was an avid crafter, creating treasures of all kinds for her grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Tiffany (Brad) Clarke; son, Ryan Lynd; four granddaughters, Aliah Dingwell, Amanda (Tim) Neitzel, Erica Clarke, and Neva Clarke; three grandsons, Braden Clarke; Alex Dingwell, and Levi Clarke; great-grandson, Caiden Neitzel; great-granddaughters, Reagan Clarke and Addison Neitzel; sisters, Karen (Eugene) Fata and Paula (Stu) Dillin; brother, Tom (Nancy) Arnold; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert; and brother, Bryce Arnold.
A memorial service was be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating. Private interment will took place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Joyce on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kerry Simons
Kerry “Top Gun” Simons, 66, of Grand Ledge, died July 20, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He was born March 9, 1952 in Lansing, the son of Donald and Laura Simons. He was raised in Grand Ledge and attended Grand Ledge High School, relocating to Maine after graduation.
He married Gretchen Graham on December 10, 1982 in Massachusetts. He and Gretchen started their family in Maine and decided to move home to Grand Ledge when the children were young. Kerry had a successful career as a realtor, first with Key Realty, and concluding his career with ReMAX Home Professionals. He earned the nickname “Top Gun” at the beginning of his real estate career, and earned many awards in the greater-Lansing area.
Kerry is survived by Melissa Graham, Zachary (Mercedes) Simons, Casey (Sandy) Simons, Sean (Stephanie) Dush, and Amy (Antwan) Randolph; and 18 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gretchen Simons in 2015, and both of his parents.
A celebration of life will be planned, per Kerry’s wishes, in the near future.
Ronald L. Shepler
Ronald “Ron” Laverne Shepler, an independent and very devoted farmer, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at his family farm surrounded by his family. Ron, age 85, was born February 6, 1933 in Lansing, to Harry and Pauline (Root) Shepler. He was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. After graduating high school, he went to serve in the United States Marine Corps. On August 2, 1952, Ron married his sweetheart, Norma Wilhelm and they spent the next 65 years creating their legacy together. Despite growing up a city kid in Lansing, Ron knew that he wanted to be a farmer at the age of 5. He was a very successful and devoted dairy and cash crop farmer. Ron managed 100 head of dairy cattle, naming and remembering each and every one. Following a long day of work on the farm, Ron was welcomed with a homecooked meal by Norma.
Ron was a man who could create an experience with the simplest of things around the farm. His children and grandchildren cherish the time that they spent on the farm with dad and grandpa. He loved wintering in Florida, swimming, and walking two miles a day. Traveling was one of Ron’s favorite hobbies, he and Norma traveled all across the country…they would pack up the fifth wheel and go. Ron’s sense of direction was top notch, he did all of this traveling without using a map. His grandchildren cherish the numerous adventures that they spent each year with grandpa and grandma. Ron was the type of person that when he spoke you listened. He always told people to “Accomplish what you want, because you only have one shot at life.”
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Norma; children, Julie (Bruce) Telfer, Betty (Darryl) Shook, and Bill Shepler; grandchildren, Amy Williams, Carla Vastine, John Shook, Dennis Shook, and Kimberly Hubbs; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Bonnie (Forrest) Hatch.
Ron was predeceased by grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Garett Swift and Charlotte Shook; brother, Roger Shepler, and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation was Friday, August 3, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ron on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.