Obituaries
Lawrence E. Suntken
Lawrence Edward Suntken, 76, of Charlotte, a story-teller and prankster, passed away August 24, 2018. He was born June 5, 1942 to Edward and Arlene (Guy) Suntken in Lansing. Lawrence attended Sunfield High School, graduating in 1960. Lawrence married Jill Maxam in 1966, and they raised two daughters, and their legacy continued with five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Lawrence worked at Owens-Illinois for 30 years. Hunting and fishing were a big part of his life, and he loved recounting stories of his adventures with his family and friends. Lawrence enjoyed watching the deer and wildlife in his yard, and evening drives with his family so they could look for deer. He loved his dog, Domino, who was the true “Ruler of the Roost.”
Lawrence was always thinking of others, he would pick up returnable bottles and cans, and put the proceeds in a fund to use for special purposes. The Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield also benefited from a number of things he donated to them. He also enjoyed building birdhouses, antiquing, and cutting wood (which he did until he couldn’t start his gas chainsaw any longer, then he bought an electric chainsaw). After his wife Jill died in 2016, Lawrence met Kay Stuber at a support group at Eaton Community Palliative Care. When Kay tied his shoes for him, he fell for her kind ways, and she loved the way he was a gentleman—the kind who opened the door for ladies. They enjoyed dancing together at the Maple Grove Grange.
Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Yvonne Visger and Felisha (Lloyd) Prickel; granddaughters, Ashley (Joshua) Sanders, Mackenzie (Adam) Foster, Alison Childers and Cassey Childers; grandson, Taylor (Samantha) Visger; great-granddaughters, Brenleigh Sanders, Ava Foster, and Aubriana Childers; great-grandsons, Jensen Sanders, Easton Foster, and Mason Visger; brothers, Lavern (Marilyn) Suntken, Loyal (Glea) Suntken, and LaGrand Suntken; and girlfriend, Kay Stuber.
He was preceded in death by wife, Jill Ione Suntken; grandson, A J Childers; and his parents, Edward and Arlene Suntken.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Courtney Suntken officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Share memories of Lawrence on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Dixie L. Stahr
Dixie Lee (Miller) Stahr, a kind hearted, strong willed and happy go lucky, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Saturday, August 18, 2018. Dixie, 79, was born October 1, 1938, in St. Johns to Frances and Martha (Hartig) Miller. She graduated from Haslett High School. In 1962 Dixie married Thomas Beals and together they created their legacy until his passing in 1980. Dixie worked as a cashier for the Charlotte IGA and for Meijer before her retirement in 2002. Being outdoors was a strong passion for Dixie. She loved fishing, gardening, watching birds and camping at Yankee Springs Deep Lake Campground. She was a proud member of the TOPS Club 433 in Eaton Rapids. Dixie also enjoyed sewing and embroidering. Her family always knew where she was and when not to bother her, every night at 7 p.m. you could find Dixie watching The Wheel of Fortune, if you had to call it better have been before or after the show. She was a member of the New Hope Church in Charlotte. Dixie loved her dogs, Molly, Buddy and Jake. Above all her biggest passion in life was being a grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchild.
Dixie is survived by her children, Allen “Tom” (Kris) Beals, and Laura (Horace “Lewie” Doty) Griffin; grandchildren, Kayley, Timothy, and Nikolaus; great-grandchild, Damon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dixie is preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas; son, William Thomas Beals; siblings, Karlene, Roger, and Doug; and her parents.
A private family memorial service is going to take place at a later date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure to benefit breast cancer.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dixie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Calvin H. Glassford
Calvin H. Glassford, 92, left his earthly home to join his family and friends. He was born August 25, 2925, and raised in Almont, Mich. along with 11 brothers and sisters. Calvin served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, and joined the Michigan State Police in 1954. He gave the State of Michigan 27 years of dedicated service. Calvin lived in the Charlotte area for many years and was very active in his church volunteering for numerous projects over the years until he was unable to do so for health reasons.
Calvin is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Mark, Cathie (Joe), Bruce (Linda), Lori; grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan (Adena), Troy; great-grandchild, Jordyn; and two remaining sisters, Eleanor and Florence.
To honor his wishes, cremation has taken place with interment of ashes taking place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek on September 10, 2018 at 1 p.m.
Phyllis J. Simpson
Phyllis Jean Simpson, 84, of Charlotte, died peacefully August 21, 2018 at her home. A beloved member of the community who devoted her life to God and to helping others, she was born July 30, 1934 in Rochester, Mich. to Hiram and Mildred (Abbott) Barney. Phyllis graduated from Vermontville High School in 1952 and then married John Simpson on August 29, 1954 at Gresham United Methodist Church.
The central theme running through Phyllis’s life is that of nurturing. She cared for, and helped develop many organizations and causes she believed in. For example, she received the “Gold Clover” award and “Friend of 4-H” award from the 4-H club for 40 years of volunteer service, received the “Outstanding Farm Woman” award for her work with Farm Bureau on many projects, including “Ag in the Classroom,” was awarded the “Emerald Award” from the Eaton County Youth Fair, spent 50 years in the Extension Club of Eaton County, worked with the Chester Township election board for decades, and was a UMW member and secretary to the advisory board for more than 25 years at Gresham United Methodist Church — where she faithfully served by making the weekly programs, helping put on turkey suppers and ice cream socials, and caring for countless others.
Not only did Phyllis nurture others and her community, but she also loved to nurture plants. She could often be found tending to her garden — planting flowers or cultivating vegetables. She especially loved her strawberries and made delicious jam that the family loved. She and John loved their farm, where they have resided since 1963. Together, they were inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame in 2002. She was also a partner in Simpson Pioneer Seeds. Phyllis and John loved to travel – often on farm tours or with friends – and she was proud to say that she had been to all 50 states.
But the reason she will be remembered most is that Phyllis nurtured relationships. First, and foremost, she served God every day. She got up and read her Bible for an hour each morning, developing her faith and her spirituality. She never said a bad word about others, but devoted her life to being accepting, loving, and kind. She was devoted to her marriage and her family, and loved her children and grandchildren dearly.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, John Simpson; children, Marilyn (Stanley) Marshall, Wayne (Sandy) Simpson, Diane (Sheldon) Enterline; grandchildren, Angel Andrews, Kathleen Marshall, Samantha (Lam Pham) Marshall, Josh (Lindsay) Simpson, Jason Ross, Josh Ross, and Jeff Ross; great-grandchildren, Kalli (Matt) Mongar, Kadence Andrews; great- great-granddaughter, Aubree Mongar; siblings, Louise (Richard) Todd, Leonard (Bonnie) Barney; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marvel (LaMarr) Weers, Max (Sandy) Simpson, Lois (Ken) Klumpp, Albert (Jaynne) Simpson, and Roy (Krys) Simpson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved grandson, Clifford Marshall.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family at visitation and funeral services, with visitations on Saturday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., and Funeral Services on Monday, August 27 at 10 a.m., with Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating.
If desired, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Lansing or the Gresham United Methodist Church Memorial Fund for a new roof on the church building.
Please share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Raymond E. Beebe
Raymond Elmer Beebe, 92, of Six Lakes, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2018. Raymond was born on November 28, 1925 in Marion, Mich., the son of Raymond and Ada (Carpenter) Beebe. He was raised in Marion where he attended a one-room school house. Ray served his country honorably in the Navy during WWII, aboard the USS Bunch. During the Okinawa conflict he delivered soldiers to land on troop carriers. He married Lelia Barbara King in Sunfield on September 5, 1947. Ray owned a farm in Vermontville and worked for General Motors in Lansing as a parts inspector on the loading docks, retiring at age 55, after 30 years. It was at that time he moved to the Six Lakes area. Ray loved to play euchre and spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing with friends and then sharing his catch with area Senior Centers. He was a member of the Pleasant View United Brethren Church in Blanchard.
Raymond will be missed and is survived by his children, Leon Ray Beebe, and Cee Jae King; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Wiggins; and special friend, Betty Loomis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ada Beebe; his wife Lelia; daughter, Carolyn Faye LeMarie; five brothers; one sister; and grandson, Travis Quay.
Funeral services for Raymond will be Monday, August 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m., at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview, with Pastor Buzz Stone officiating. The family will greet friends at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview on Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pleasant View United Brethren Church of Blanchard.
Condolences may be made utilizing the guestbook at brighamfuneralchapel.com.