Obituaries
Carole A. Townsend
On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Carole Ann (Curtis) Townsend lost her fight with gallbladder cancer. She died at home surrounded by family and supported by Faith Hospice. Carole was born in Monroe, Mich. on August 31, 1942.
She is survived by her mother, Ruth Curtis; husband, Robert Townsend; children, Todd Townsend, Timothy (Kathryn) Dawson-Townsend, and Amy (Todd) Smith; sister, Christine (Robert) Smith; and brother-in-law, Donald Maron; grandchildren, McKenna and Brianna Smith, Charlotte and Trevor Dawson-Townsend; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Carole was preceded by her father, Robert M. Curtis, and her brother, Bob.
She was a loving, compassionate lady who worked with special needs children around the State of Michigan and was always recognized as “Grammy” to the kids in every town and neighborhood in which she lived. Carole could talk to anyone and easily made friends wherever she went. She and Robert traveled around the State taking many pictures, specializing in sunsets, breaking surf, sailboats, and Michigan lighthouses. They also traveled to visit grandchildren in Chicago, Scotland, and Switzerland.
A memorial service will be held this summer for Carole.
The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at cookcares.com.
Evelyn Montague
Evelyn (June) Montague, 83, of Charlotte, an extremely generous and loving woman who literally gave someone the shirt off her back once, passed away April 17, 2019 in Lansing. She was born June 25, 1935 to Forrest and Inolene (Harris) Willis in Memphis, Tenn. A graduate of Charlotte High School, June then married Gerald Montague in Hastings on December 26, 1952. Generous, even beyond her means, Evelyn saved money so she could give to others. Weather also fascinated her and she became known as the family weatherperson. All things historical were interesting to Evelyn, including learning about American History, reading historical fiction and antiquing to find treasures. She worked as a medical office secretary for Drs. Joseph and Leeser, and later as an office manager for Action Warehouse. A loving person, kind to everyone, June had an amazing ability to focus on the good in others.
June is survived by her daughter, Mitzi L. (Rex) Montague-Bauer; grandchildren, Justin Cain, Jerrad Thomson, Elijah Cain, Breaha (Zachary) Wallin, and Joshua (Sandy) Bauer; great-grandchildren, Caleb Cain, Domonic Thomson, Noah Cain, MacKenzie Cain, Brittney Vaugh, Neil Vaugh, Haleigh Dies, Jacob Dies, Shaylee Wallin, Lyra Wallin, Kai Bauer, and Jude Bauer; and sister, Dorothy Steiner.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Lana Soto and Dawn Cain; husband, Gerald; her parents; brother, James (Bud) Willis; granddaughter, Brandi Dies; and grandson, Journey Montague-Bauer.
A Life Celebration will be held at Valhalla Park, located at 4030 Keller Road in Holt on Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m.
In Evelyn’s memory, memorial donations may be made to The Mother Teresa Hospice House in Lansing.
Friends and family are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences on June’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
(Gerald J. Starr)
Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Starr, 89, a hardworking husband, father, and horseman, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 in Eaton Rapids. Jerry was born March 11, 1930 in Grand Ledge, the son of Wilbur and Marcella (Batsche) Starr. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948, where he ran track under Coach Mac Gobel. Following graduation, he went to work alongside his father as a carpenter, shortly after taking ownership of the family business at the age of 26. He owned and operated Jerry Starr Building and Remodeling for more than 50 years and passed the trade on to his sons. Throughout the years, Jerry built countless homes and important landmarks of Charlotte, including the altar at St. Mary Catholic Church, which is still in use. Many will remember Jerry’s wagon and team of ponies, especially as a fixture of the Charlotte Frontier Days Parade, of which he and his wife, Eilene, were Grand Marshals in 1995. He was a founding member and President of the Eaton County Sheriff Mounted Division, and Superintendent of the Open-Class Showing at the Eaton County Fair. He touched the lives of thousands through his lifetime involvement in 4H, earning him the Emerald Award. He was also a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte.
Jerry was proud of providing for his family. They took family vacations as often as possible, especially to Horseshoe Lake. He loved opening day of Pheasant season, because it meant spending the day with his sons and grandsons, and a family dinner of baked beans and corn bread to follow. Jerry could also “kick em up” on the dance floor, square dancing and doing the polka at countless barn dances.
Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 14 years, Fern Starr; children, Denis (Karen) of Olivet, Kathy (Jim) Pion of Olivet, Tim (Sherry) of Charlotte, Mark (Cheryl) of Charlotte, Karen (Tony) Southward of Charlotte, Daniel (JoAnn) of Adrian, Chris (Shelly) of Charlotte, Mary (Doug) Campbell of Olivet, and Jimmy (Lisa) of Eaton Rapids; 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Jeannette Sommer of Charlotte; and brother, David Starr of Charlotte; step-children, Glen Burkett, Helen (Gary) Vedder, Kenneth (Debby) Burkett, David (Barbara) Burkett, Sally (David) Bivens, Mary (Jeff) McKillop, and their children and grand-children.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Eilene (Tanner) Starr; sister, Laurel Pray, and brother, Arthur Starr.
A Funeral Mass of Celebration was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary Catholic Church and The CareTeam Home Health and Hospice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jerry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Jon A. Woodworth
Jon A. Woodworth, 51, of Royal Oak, died peacefully surrounded by his family at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Jon had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sitting around bonfires, watching Tigers baseball, golfing and bowling (he bowled one perfect 300 game).
Jon was born in Charlotte on April 17, 1967 to James A. Woodworth, Sr., and the late Joanne I. Woodworth (Edwards). He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1985. He was a master electrician, most recently working for the City of Livonia.
In 2004 he married Tammy Lea, and she survives him. Also surviving are his two stepsons, Eric (Lisa) Reichelt, and Bradley Reichelt; two granddaughters, Raelyn and Jolene Reichert; his father, James A. Woodworth, Sr.; brother, James A. Woodworth, Jr.; sisters, Ami (Jacqueline) Woodworth, and Anissa (Patrick) Hanley. Jon had numerous nieces and nephews he enjoyed spending time with, Trey and Caden Woodworth, Jenna Woodworth, Emily, Foster, Halen, and Griffon Rice.
He was predeceased by his mother, Joanne in 2016; his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Gramer Funeral Home in Clawson, Mich.
John D. Martis, III
John Douglas Martis, III, 83, of Potterville, died peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Charlotte. John was born on March 16, 1936, in St. Johns, the son of John Douglas and Ann (Durkovic) Martis, Jr. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1953 before going to work in various capacities.
In his early days, he drove truck for Schafer’s Bakery and worked construction. He eventually entered into car sales, working at many notable Oldsmobile Dealerships in the Lansing area, Albion Ford, and eventually founding Martis Auto Sales in Lansing. In 1983, he purchased Martin Jeep Eagle with two locations in Charlotte, which he owned and operated until his retirement.
He is a 50-year member of the Potterville Masonic Lodge, and was well known throughout the community. Throughout the years, John owned several sulkie racing horses and enjoyed traveling the state to various races. Many will remember his sponsorship of Charlotte’s Frontier Days. He enjoyed time spent with his children riding snowmobiles around the house and boating with the family at the lake. John was a big time casino guy, and loved gambling trips with friends. Above all, John loved his family.
He is survived by his children, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis, Shari (Craig) Engle, Sandi Martis, and Shannon Martis; grandchildren, Jena and Jodi Martis, Richard Whitbeck, Dartanion (Sandra) Thomas; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon Whitbeck, and Treaden Gallert; step-granddaughter, Avery Engle; sisters, Dorothy (James) Wirt and Betty (Jim) Dent; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Daune Martis; sister, Irene Coats; and his parents.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Michael Bater officiating. Interment followed at Benton Twp. Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society or the Masonic Lodge #367. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John’s on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.