Obituaries
Bernice I. Eaton
Bernice “Bernie” Irene Eaton, 88, of Vermontville, the woman known for her wild finger nail polish, completed her legacy on Monday, March 18, 2019. Bernice was born in St. Johns on August 27, 1930, the daughter of Amos and Edna (Schneider) Mull. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1949 Bernie began her working career at a curtain factory in Grand Rapids, followed by Wilcox Gay, Michigan Magnetics and Carefree working on the line and later as a janitor. After retiring from Carefree, Bernie worked at McDonalds in Potterville. She was dedicated to her work and received numerous awards for her perfect attendance. Bernie married Keith Eaton on May 27, 1950 and together spent the next 30 years together until his passing in 1980. Traveling was a big passion for Bernie, she traveled all across the world and her favorite destination was Hawaii. Bernie also enjoyed fishing; on the pier in Ludington was her favorite spot. She lived next to the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery and would take daily walks around the cemetery. During the summer she would take lemonade to the maintenance men at the cemetery. Bernie made numerous trips each day to her “favorite” places. These places were Taco Bell, Burger King and also Admiral gas station where she would put $5 of gas into her car each day.
Bernice is survived by her loving family; daughter, Jackie (Terry) Yesh of Bellevue; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Joyce) Mull of Belton, Mo.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; parents; brother, James Mull; and her significant other, Robert Wyble.
A private family graveside service will be held at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Michigan Children with Special Needs Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bernie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Janice McIntire
Janice McIntire of Charlotte passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the age of 83. She was born December 16, 1935 to Charles and Gwendolyn (Bursley) Stall in Vermontville. Janice was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of ’54. One of her passions in life was music. In her younger years she played the clarinet and later would play the piano and organ. She worked for Marshall Music, where she met her late husband, John McIntire. Janice also enjoyed golfing, sewing, gardening and cooking. Most of all, Janice loved her family and spending time with them.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, John McIntire; sons, James Kelley, David Kelley and sister, Joyce Watson.
Surviving are her daughters, Jeanette (Larry) Hall, Denise McDonough; grandchildren, Jeff (Stefani) Hall, James Hall, Francis X. McDonough IV, Kelly A. McDonough; great-grandchildren, Victoria Hall, Charles Hall, Francis X. McDonough V, Ellie V. McDonough; brother-in-law, Dale Watson as well as many extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service for visitation.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in Janice’s name.
To share memories and condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
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.