Obituaries
W. Jean Davis
W. Jean Davis, 92, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019. She was born January 5, 1927, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carson and Evah (Rawson) Parr. Jean went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1944. While working at the local soda fountain in town, Jean met R. Wayne Davis. He loved ice cream, and would frequent the soda fountain often. Soon his attention changed from ice cream to the beautiful girl behind the counter. On February 14, 1945, they married at the Baptist Parsonage in Eaton Rapids. Jean was a hard worker and could often be found helping with chores, while still keeping her home. She adored her family and always looked forward to the next family gathering. Jean enjoyed gardening, traveling and camping with Wayne and her family, and playing shuffleboard. For over 30 years, Jean and Wayne loved spending their winters in Bradenton, Fla. She was a member of the Perkey School Board, Eaton County 4-H, and the National Farmers Organization, where she served as the Secretary of the Eaton County Branch.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Sue Ann Bartlett of Plainwell, Nancy (Mike) Davis of Coldwater, Pamela Andrews of Charlotte, Laurie (Chuck) Anderson of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Cheryl (Chris) Drew, Mery (Josh) Donald, Kristal (Jason) Gilchrist, Dustin (January) Burk, Kristie (Joe Hall) Andrews, Alyssa (Bob) Flahive, Ashley Anderson, Amanda (Aaron) Tarr; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Venice Martin, Anona Osborne, Sharon Bayes, Linda (Mike) Garrison- Kehres; sister- in-law, Sharon Parr; and brother-in-law, Bruce Bryan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, R. Wayne Davis in 1999; sister, Shirley Bryan; two brothers, Wayne Parr, Dick Parr; and son-in-law, Hal Andrews.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Julie Yoder-Elmore officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Jean’s honor to the Gresham United Methodist Church, 5055 Mulliken Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813, Diabetes Education Program at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, 321 E. Harris St., Charlotte, MI 48813, or Autism Society of Michigan, 2178 Commons Pkwy., Okemos, MI 48864.
To view Jean’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Wanda W. Butler
Pastor Wanda Willo Butler of Eaton Rapids went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2019 at the age of 90. Wanda was born in Alma, February 21, 1929, the daughter of Robert and Thelma (Stoner) Wing. She graduated from Sexton High School and followed her calling to be a pastor with the Christian Fellowship Center in Eaton Rapids. Wanda owned the Whispering Pines Adult Foster Care Center in Lansing and was also a real estate agent. She loved to share the Lord with family and friends, write songs, sew, and spend time with her beloved family.
Wanda is survived by her daughters, Tamera (Carlin) Ramey of Eaton Rapids, Tanya (Larry) Beckner of Lansing, Sarah (Timothy) Cross of Lansing; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 14 great great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Wing, Rockney (Beverly) Wing; sister, Thelma Crabb; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tianne Cross; and husband, Phillip Butler.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Calvary Grace Church, located at 915 Water Street in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Rockney Wing officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids.
To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.
Rose B. Woodbury
Rose B. (Longley) Woodbury, a loving mother, grandmother and friend, died Monday, March 11, 2019. Rose, 84, was born September 13, 1934 in Apison, Tenn. to Preston and Lillie (McDonald) Longley. She married Merrill “Bill” on November 4, 1968 and created their legacy until his passing in 2003. Growing up on the farm taught Rose many life skills that she would use throughout her life. She was tough as nails and could outwork most men on the farm. She was a fixer and would repair the washer/dryer, lawnmower and the family car. There was not one task that Rose could not complete. Rose was known for her large flower and vegetable gardens, she would keep her children and grandchildren busy with the countless hours weeding and harvesting. Fishing was a great enjoyment for her as well. Rose has devoted her life to helping others. From working as a nurses aid to babysitting the grandchildren, she was there for others. Her selfless attitude made her the glue that held her family together. Above all Rose loved spending time with her family.
Rose is survived by her loving family; children, George Pope, Merrill Woodbury, Jennifer (Doug) Becker, Danny Woodbury, Tracy Woodbury, Karen Woodbury and LuCinda Woodbury; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Rose was predeceased by her husband, siblings, and parents.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 15, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rose on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Patricia A. Mathews
Patricia Annette Mathews, 74, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born July 5, 1944, in Bloomington, Ind., the daughter of Paris and Jewel (Knight) Thrasher. Annette was a proud Hoosier and a huge Indiana University basketball fan. If at all possible, she tried to never miss a game. She was also an avid quilter and member of the Across the Square Quilters Quilt Guild in Charlotte. Annette was an active member of the Chief Okemos Sportsmen’s Club and took a special interest in their Junior Trap Program.
She is survived by her children, Raymond Mathews of Lansing, Christine (Brett) Hake of Mattawan; grandchildren, Kelsey McClung, Alexis McClung, Taylor Hake; and siblings, Judy (Ron) Golota of Bath and Roger (Linda) Thrasher of Lansing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, John R. Mathews, in 2011.
A memorial service was held on Friday, March 15, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment took place at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Annette’s memory to the Chief Okemos Sportsmen Club-Junior Trap Program, 4667 N. Gunnel Road, Dimondale, MI 48821.
Martha V. Flower
Martha Vivian (Brooks) Flower, 97, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in Lansing. Vivian, as she was known to her family and friends, was born on August 11, 1921 in Cloverdale, Mich. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1939 and from what is now Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation from college, she taught kindergarten in Lowell.
Following the war, she married her childhood sweetheart, Marvin Flower, on February 3, 1946 in Cloverdale. In 1947 they moved to Charlotte to pursue their teaching careers and start their family. Dedication to children was always a priority for Vivian. She was instrumental in the formation and development of Charlotte’s first nursery school, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, but many knew her as their third grade teacher at either Southridge or Galewood Elementary Schools in Charlotte.
Many summers were spent at the family cottage on Little Guernsey Lake in Barry County, where she cooked up great meals for anyone who happened to stop by for a visit. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake pies and cookies. Following their retirement from teaching in 1980, she and Marvin travelled to many destinations including winters in Texas and trips to Australia, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and Italy.
Her faith in God and membership in the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church was her foundation. She possessed a gift for music, loved to play the piano and sing, and was a long-time member of the church choir. She was a dedicated member of the Hayes Green Beach Auxiliary and volunteered at the Gift Basket for many years. She also was a member of the Charlotte Women’s Club.
She had a pleasant disposition and a keen, dry wit. In her later years she loved watching Tigers baseball and Spartan basketball while at her apartment in Hope Landing in Charlotte.
Her family was her strength and she was so proud of her children, grandchildren and especially being “GGma” to her nine wonderful great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Marvin; daughter-in-law, Caterina Flower; and grandson-in-law Kevin VanZanten.
She is survived by sons, Douglas of La Jolla, Calif., Raymond (Joy) of Potterville, and Frederick (Lisa) of Delton; grandchildren, Stefano Flower of La Jolla, Emily (Alex) Lengacher, of New Haven, Ind., and Kristin (Mike) Vorce of East Grand Rapids; and nine great-grand children, Joey, Brianna, Evan, Jesse, Claire, Levi, Leah, Seth and Andrew. Vivian is also survived by a brother, Robert (Beverly) Brooks of Hastings, many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Gary Wales officiating. A visitation with the family will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Private family interment will take place at Prairieville Cemetery in Prairieville, Mich.
Those desiring, may make a contribution in Vivian’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
To leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.