Obituaries
John and Nancy Gutierrez
John (Pepe) Gutierrez and Nancy Ruth (Zeitz) Gutierrez, of Charlotte, a very loving and devoted couple, tragically left this earthly world behind to be in Heaven together forever on July 29, 2018. John was born April 29, 1949 to Jose and Antonia (Cantu) Gutierrez in McAllen, Texas. Nancy was born October 29, 1948 to Jim and Edith (Klink) Zeitz in Eaton Rapids. John and Nancy were inseparable since they were married 50 years ago, an example to the community of a wonderful marriage. They spent their free time traveling to watch their children and grandchildren participate in all the activities they loved doing.
John joined the Army out of high school, and later became a State Trooper with the Michigan State Police. After his retirement, he worked as a Public Safety Officer at Capital Region International Airport and later Baker College. He was an adjunct professor for 30 years at Lansing Community College Criminal Justice Program for law enforcement. John enjoyed cooking for family, as well as hunting with his son and grandson. John was a fun loving, animated storyteller who loved people.
Nancy, known for her quiet strength and subtle sass, loved gardening and spending time with family. She was a nurse at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte, and later left to work as a rural postal carrier for the U.S. Post Office until her retirement. Nancy was always ready to listen with an open heart. Nancy was very proud to be a mother and grandmother, and loved sharing stories with her children and grandchildren.
John and Nancy are survived by their children, Lisa (Sean) Carroll, Brock (Holly) Gutierrez, and Erin (Tony) Harbor; grandchildren, Rourke, Cormac, and Catriana Carroll, Izabelle and Bode Gutierrez, and Jelani, Thaine, and Tamaeus Harbor; brothers and sisters Julie Steele, Steve (Brenda) Gutierrez, Lupe Shakespeare, Jesse Gutierrez, Audrey Martini, Hank (Carol) Zeitz, and Peggy (Gregg) McCann; and Nancy’s parents, Jim and Edith Zeitz.
They were predeceased by John’s parents, Jose and Antonia Gutierrez.
Friends are encouraged to support the Gutierrez family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was held Friday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Fallen Trooper Memorial c/o Michigan State Police Troopers.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John and Nancy on their Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com or their Facebook Page at JohnNancy Gutierrez.
Lawrence L. Treadwell
Lawrence Lee Treadwell II, a loyal and dedicated husband, father, and deputy, died Monday, July 23, 2018 in Detroit, with his wife by his side. Larry, 52, of Charlotte, was born August 24, 1965 in Lansing, the son of Larry and Geneel Treadwell. Growing up, he spent time with his grandparents on the family farm in Olivet, a place that remained near to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1984 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway in the Persian Gulf. Upon his return home, he worked in corrections at the Federal Correctional Institute in Milan before entering law enforcement academy. He joined the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 as a deputy. On October 3, 2001, he married Teresa Ann Freer before immediately answering the call to service in 2001 after 9/11, deploying overseas to defend his country. Upon his return, he completed his bachelor’s degree and worked his way up to Lieutenant, overseeing much of the operations of Eaton County corrections, including the work release program.
Throughout his lifetime, Larry loved time spent in the outdoors. He enjoyed fall deer hunting on the Treadwell farm with his cousins in his early days, and his sons in later years. Larry and Teresa enjoyed family camping trips with their kids and traveling to many cheerleading events, where Larry served as the honorary cameraman. Above all, Larry loved his family, devoting his life to their wellbeing.
Larry is survived by his wife of 17 years, Teresa; sons, Larry Treadwell III and Lance Treadwell; daughter, Meagan Treadwell; brother, Chad Treadwell; mother, Geneel; grandfather, Sterling Treadwell; and his nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence Lee Treadwell, Sr.; and his grandmother, Arlouene Treadwell.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Charlotte Assembly of God Church. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Olivet.
Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Law Enforcement Monument Fund at michigan.gov/mleom in Honor of Lt. Larry Treadwell.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mario Gutierrez
Mario Gutierrez, 62, of Charlotte, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Mario was born March 27, 1956 in Pontiac. He lived in Charlotte with his wife Pamela. Mario graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1974. He was a General Motors employee for 25 years, retiring in 2006. Mario was so full of life. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, yard work, dancing, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by paternal father, Godfrey Gutierrez; and parents, Avelina (Chavez) and Fernando Aranjo.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela (Wildberger) Gutierrez; children, Mario Gutierrez, Gina (Braxton) Harris, and Justina Gutierrez; stepchildren, Jeremiah Lerma, Yvonne (Raul Jr.) Martinez, and Israel Lerma; grandchildren, Mikalya, Carter, Maribella, Conlin, Mackenzie, Jayda, Jaylen, Terry Jr., Samantha, Kaylee, Santos, Sophia, Anthony, Isabella, and Asher; siblings, Joyce Rodriguez, Rosalinda Castaneda, Yolanda (Joe) Garcia, Nina (Adam) Chavez, and Jesse Aranjo; also many nieces and nephews.
Mario loved his dogs, especially Pancho, and Chiquita who will miss him dearly.
A funeral service was held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes in Lansing on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 and the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at grlansing.com for the Gutierrez family.
Claudia L. Bryner
Claudia Lou (Redfield) Bryner, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and caregiver, died Thursday, July 19, 2018 surrounded by her family. Claudia, 64, was born September 9, 1953 in Lansing to Claude and Gertrude (McGilvra) Redfield. She graduated in 1971 from Potterville High School. On February 17, 1973 Claudia married her sweetheart Randy Bryner and together spent the next 45 years by each other’s side. Claudia devoted her life to caring for others. She often put her needs second to the needs of others. She worked as a caregiver at Hope Landing in Charlotte retiring in 2016, prior to Hope Landing she worked as a caregiver at Moore’s Country Living. Claudia showed true care and compassion with each and every patient that crossed her path. Her hobbies included reading, spending summers camping at The Sherwood Forest Camp Ground in Olivet, also camping at other locations around the state. Claudia’s biggest passion was spending time with her family.
Claudia is survived by her loving husband, Randy; daughter, Jessica Ripley; grandchildren, Ethan and Broden Ripley; siblings, Lucy Shaw, Wiley Redfield, Georgia Schlee, Cora Haun, and Annabelle Persons.
Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Delbert Redfield, Claude “Butch” Redfield, and Dennis Little.
Memorial services were held Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Claudia on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Eva Ruperd
Eva Ruperd, 96, of Alma, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Alma. Eva was born July 26, 1921 in St. Louise, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Julia (Sweet) Hunsaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and a member of Maple City Chapter #218, Order of the Eastern Star of Charlotte. For many years before retirement, she was employed in the Eaton County Department of Social Welfare and Eaton County Clerk’s Office.
Eva is survived by her daughters, Joyce Lennon and Janice (Richard) Ripley; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert J. Ruperd on September 23, 1980; and her six siblings, Frank Hunsaker, Jr., Dorothy Cranmer, Elmer Hunsaker, Bob Hunsaker, Geraldine Brown, and Everett Hunsaker.
Memorial services were held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Estarl Education Fund of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan or the Masonic Home at Alma.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of her on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.