Obituaries
Mary J. Howe
Mary Jane Backofen Howe (Jane), 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, with loved ones by her side. She was born January 29, 1936, in Brookfield Township, to Shorty and Dorothy (Williams) Wolf. She married Maynard (Freck) Backofen in February of 1953, and raised four children with him. After Freck’s passing, she reconnected with and married George Howe. She worked various jobs and retired from the Wesley Credit Union in 1997 as the CEO. She was very involved in her faith community, the Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Jane truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; traveling, visiting with friends and family, bowling, and crocheting. Jane had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way and an unobtrusive way of sharing her remarkable wisdom.
Jane is survived by her children, Jack (Susan) Backofen, Maynard (Sue) Backofen, Jodi Backofen and Sally (Annie Lange) Backofen; sisters, Joan (Duane) Royston, Judy (Bud) Faynor; grandchildren, Maynard (Andy) Backofen, Jessica Backofen, Alicia Backofen and Jason (Taylor) Backofen; and a multitude of stepchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Jane touched are invited to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte to celebrate her life. Visitation is Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m., and funeral services are Monday, October 15 at 3 p.m. with Pastor Tom Ott officiating. Interment will follow at Perry Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Robert W. Johncock
Robert William Johncock, 88, of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018. He was born January 15, 1930, in Orangeville Twp., Barry County, Mich., the son of Chester and Mabel Johncock. Robert went on to serve his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On December 31, 1952, he married June Francis Kunkel in Charlotte. Robert spent the majority of his life working as a farmer and sheep shearer in and around the Olivet area. He had a passion for people and enjoyed helping others with their remodeling and construction projects. After his retirement Robert enjoyed spending time at his home in Frostproof, Fla. Robert was a lifelong Lutheran and belonged to congregations in Michigan.
Robert is survived by his wife, June; children, Susan (David) Moody of Olivet, Steve (Diane) Johncock of Bellevue; grandchildren, Elizabeth Moody, Jonathan (Michaela) Moody, Nathan Moody, Joseph Moody, Nehemiah Moody; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Rose Moody.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ethyl Simons.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street in Charlotte, with Pastor Jim Eggert officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
To view Robert’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Gerald L. Greenfield
Gerald L. Greenfield, 83, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 2, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Charlotte on April 23, 1935, the son of Ralph and Ethelyn (Cook) Greenfield. Gerald graduated from Bellevue High School. He married Lea H. Beckner on October 16, 1954. Gerald was on the Bellevue Fire Department for 55 years and was a member of the Bellevue Conservation Club.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Lea of 63 years; children, Victoria (Richard) Glidden, Cathy (Larry) Smith, Todd Greenfield; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother; and six sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Bellevue Conservation Club, 8484 Greenfield Highway in Bellevue, on Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 3 to 7 p.m.
The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021.
Friends and family may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.
Hunter R. Robirds
Hunter Reese Robirds, a very kind and intelligent 2017 graduate of Potterville High School, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 7, 2018 in Charlotte. Hunter, 19, of Charlotte, was born December 22, 1998 in Lansing, the son of John Robirds and Barbara Merritt. He played trumpet in the high school band and was a National Honor Society member. Throughout his life, he enjoyed family trips up north to his grandparents’ home each summer with his cousins, Taylor, Morgan, Trevor, and Payton, and he had a passion for videogames. He worked at Wendy’s each summer, where he made many close friends. Following high school, he attended Central Michigan, where he was currently studying engineering and working in the school cafeteria. Many will remember Hunter’s gentle nature and sarcastic sense of humor, his love for animals, and his devotion to his family.
Hunter is survived by his father, John Robirds; mother and stepfather, Barbara and Breck Searle; stepbrother, Dylan Searle; grandparents, Stanley and Mary Merritt, Bob and Beverly Searle, and Joyce Russell; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his grandfather, Leaman Robirds; and cousin, Kyle Ducharme.
Funeral services were held Thursday, October 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Jim Codde officiating.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Hunter on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Catherine Jardot
Catherine Jardot, 82, of Eaton Rapids, died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Catherine was born July 16, 1936, in Portland, the daughter of Edward and Neita (Alldaffer) Hillis. She graduated high school before working several jobs, including soda jerk at the local soda fountain, switchboard operator at Bell Telephone, and the State of Michigan. She eventually settled into family with her husband Alfred to raise their five children. Catherine enjoyed crocheting, reading romance novels, and canning fruit and vegetables off the family property. Many will remember Catherine’s spirit of generosity and her willingness to give to others in need.
Catherine is survived by her children, Monty Parish, son-in-law, Rick Price, Lori Parish, Patty (Doug) Lifford, and Mitch (Debbie) Jardot; grandchildren, Sarah Price, Danielle Parish, Kim Price, Rebecca Lifford, Emily Lifford, Jessica Smith, Marvin Steward, Mia Jardot, and Tyler Jardot; seven great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Jeane Burt and Johnny Hillis.
Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Alfred Jardot, Jr.; her parents; daughter, Jane (Parish) Price; grandchildren, Brian LaValley, Jr., and Rae-Lynn; and sister, Grace Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Catherine’s family at visitation and service. Memorial services are Saturday, October 13, at 11 a.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to service at the church.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Catherine on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.