Obituaries
Donald M. Klingshirn
Donald “Donnie” Martin Klingshirn, a faith-filled, teddy bear of a man, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Donnie, 73, of Charlotte, was born November 11, 1944 in Rogers City, Mich., the son of Alfred and Anna (Grochowski) Klingshirn. He graduated from high school in Rogers City in 1962 and shortly after moved to Charlotte to take a job with Harris Brothers, fellow Rogers City natives. He proudly answered the call to duty when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he helped build the airport in Cam Ranh Bay. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Jane “Janie” Orban, on May 18, 1968. The two started their family and Donnie went to work for Oldsmobile, retiring in 2004 after over 30 years. In retirement, Donnie worked for Delta Airlines at the Lansing airport, working in many capacities on and off the tarmac.
Donnie and Janie were devout members of St. Mary Parish in Charlotte, where he was very involved in St. Vincent DePaul and the Knights of Columbus, achieving the honor of fourth degree brother knight. Everyone will remember Donnie as the beloved St. Nicholas, visiting Mass during the feast day in full staff and mitre and handing out candy canes. He also sang in the church choir, and participated in every church function throughout the years.
He loved the Detroit Tigers, the ink on his fingertips from reading “real” newspapers, and woodworking. He was a skilled handyman and craftsman, always keeping things running around the house and helping with woodcraft for Janie’s elementary art classes at St. Mary School. He loved music, and even enjoyed the opportunity to sing the “12 days of Christmas” on stage with Kenny Rogers. Donnie remained proud of his service to his country, his faith, and his family. One of his greatest joys in life as “Dzia Dzia” was time spent with his grandchildren, especially attending their many activities and events.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Klingshirn; three daughters, Marcy Klingshirn, Kristy (Steve) Shepard, and Jenny (Larry) Hart; five grandchildren, Amelia, Annalise, Adeline, Gunnar and Archar; four siblings, Betty Valentin, Barbara (Gary) Lamb, Jimmy (Nancy) Klingshirn, and Mary (Mike) Witulski; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Charles Klingshirn; sister-in-law, Gayle Klingshirn; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Donnie’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral Mass was held Monday, June 25, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Parish or St. Vincent DePaul.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donnie on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.