Obituaries
Beverly J. England
Beverly Jean England of Eaton Rapids passed away after a short battle with cancer on June 25, 2018. Bev was born in Eaton Rapids, February 18, 1935, the daughter of Franklin and Violet (Weatherby) Rockafellow. She worked as a bookkeeper for several companies. Bev was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, was an avid doll collector and loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens.
Beverly is survived by her husband, Richard England; children, T. Michael (Darlene) Swan of Eaton Rapids, Timothy Swan of Charlotte, Debra England of Charlotte, Richard (Debra) England of Elsie, Michael Swan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Mischelle Prill, Melissa (Donny) Bever, Teresa (Jamie) Bartley, Rachel (Scott) McCune, Jerry England, Joshua England, Ricky (Misty) England, Tony Swan, Trevor (Katie) Swan, Stacee (Justin) Robison, Dillon (Harley) Swan; 20 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy Husted, Joyce Burlison, Robert Rockafellow, Keith (Carol) Rockafellow.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Juanita Kirchen, James and Donald Rockafellow; great-grandchildren, Victoria Tanner and Hayden Bartley.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 15, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, 201 Grand St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Tanya R. Barnes
Tanya Rene Barnes, 45, of Charlotte, died peacefully with her loving husband by her side on June 11, 2018. Tanya was born May 10, 1973 in Fulton, Ky. to Robert and Jacqueline (Husted) Polhamus. She grew up a “military brat” living on many different military bases including a base in Germany for several years. Tanya was a very social, loving, and caring lady who very courageously battled cancer four years. She loved all things related to motorcycles, including riding them and talking about them all the time. She enjoyed photography, and was an animal lover (especially cats and dogs). She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Sensations Memory Care, and later at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. She enjoyed hanging out with friends and family, and was very proud of her children and grandchildren.
Tanya is survived by husband, Michael Barnes; children, Bruce, Blake, Kody, and Evan Anderson and A.J. Barnes; grandchildren, Courtney Anderson and Aubree Anderson-Smith; and parents Robert and Jacqueline Polhamus.
She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert Aaron Earl Polhamus; and grandparents. Edgar Husted and Caroline Berry.
Friends are encouraged to support Tanya’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Friday, June 22, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Jack Childs officiating, and visitation prior to the services from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If desired, the memorial contributions are suggested to the family.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tanya on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Daune Martis
Daune Martis, a devoted wife to her husband, John, died June 10, 2018. Daune, 74, was born December 10, 1943 in Carson City, Mich., to Franklin and Leona (Fishburn) Hall. Daune’s family shared that others would remember her for her Christian character and how she cared for others. She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lansing. After graduating from high school, Daune was employed at the State of Michigan in Collections at the Department of Treasury, retiring in 2004. On August 18, 1979, Daune married John Martis. Daune’s interests were varied, although she loved to be home cooking great meals. Her favorite pastime was travel. There were many trips including cruises, visiting Las Vegas and travel abroad.
Daune is survived by her husband, John; stepchildren, Scott (Cathleen Johnson) Martis, Shari Schnepp, Sandi Martis, and Shannon Martis; grandchildren, Jena and Jodi Martis, Richard Whitbeck, Dartanion (Sandra) Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Audrey and Braylon Whitbeck, and Tredon Thomas.
She was predeceased by her parents, Franklin and Leona Hall.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 15, 2018, at 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Lansing, with Pastor Michael Bater officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Daune on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard Best
Richard Best, 78, of Charlotte, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved to fish and was an avid MSU fan, passed away on June 9, 2018 from pancreatic cancer. Richard was born on May 24, 1940 in Lansing. Richard attended J.W. Sexton High School, graduating in 1958. After high school Richard joined the Coast Guard reserves and served 5 1/2 years.
Richard went to work for the State of Michigan. He hired as a clerk and went on to write the code and programs to convert many of the State’s records and processes to computers. He retired in 1996 after 38 years of service as a Systems Analyst Manager.
Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda; son, Bradley (Missy) Best; daughters, Jamie (Matt) Bennett, Carrie Best (Tom Beebe); seven grandchildren; brother, William (Luella) Best; five nephews; one niece; and sister-in-law, Sharon Monroe.
Richard was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Scott Best; his parents, Rista and Doris (Hutchins) Best; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Sue (Tabor) Best; and brother-in-law, James Bradshaw.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home. Interment took place in Dimondale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Richard’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Timothy W. Olson
Rev. Timothy W. Olson, 51, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born November 5, 1966, in Antigo, Wisc., the son of Peter L. and Valerie M. (Lichman) Olson. Tim graduated from Antigo High School in 1984. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Wisconsin. In 1994 he received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. On October 22, 1994, Tim married the love of his life, Deborah “Chris” Hackett in Indiana. Tim’s first assignment was in St. Helen, Mich. at Hope Lutheran Church, where he had the privilege of serving for 5 years. In 1999, Tim, was called by the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Tim loved the Charlotte community and cherished the opportunity he had to serve them. He was a devoted husband and father. Tim loved his family with a deep devotion and enjoyed every moment they spent together. He was also an active member of the Charlotte Rotary Club and served as the Chaplain at Hayes-Green-Beach Memorial Hospital.
Tim is survived by his wife of 23 years, Chris; children, Rebekah (Adam Boston) Olson, Rachel Olson, James Olson; mother, Valerie Olson; siblings, Tom (Maria) Olson, Andy (Peggy) Olson, Mark Olson, Dan (Katie) Olson, Laura (Jerry) Houdek, Theresa (John) Schmidt, Sally Glazer, Patty Olson, Pete (Pam) Olson; parents-in-law, Earl and Kathy Hackett; brothers-in-law, Jim Hackett, Bryan (Amy) Hackett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Olson; and sister, Linda Olson.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, with Rev. David Maier officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tim’s honor to the First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Tim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.