Obituaries
Sylvia Williams
Sylvia Williams, 86, of Vermontville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at her home with her family at her side. Sylvia was born in Lake Odessa on September 22, 1931, the daughter of the late Howard D. and Mable (Armour) Poff.
She was raised in the Lake Odessa area and attended local schools graduating from Lake Odessa High School in 1949. She continued her education at Western Michigan University where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education.
In 1953, she was married to Mr. Lafayette Williams in Lake Odessa. They began their lives together in the Hudsonville area for a short time, before moving to the Vermontville area where they raised their family together. Lafayette and Sylvia enjoyed traveling to Northern Michigan as well as other parts of the United States in their motor home.
Slyvia began her teaching career in the Hudsonville school systems where she taught Home Economics. During the mid 1960s the family moved to Vermontville where she taught at Fuller Street School until 1985 when she retired from teaching. After leaving education, Slyvia began working as the Register of Deeds for Eaton County, which she continued until her retirement in 1995.
She loved her home, and enjoyed sewing, cooking, working in her gardens and doing crossword puzzles. She especially enjoyed spending time with her friends; twice per week Sylvia and her group of friends would exercise and swim at the Charlotte High School swimming pool. Though the years, she has remained an active member of the Greater Federation of Women’s Club in Vermontville. She always looked forward to the many adventures the group would take during the year.
Sylvia is survived by her two daughters, Betsy Parish, and Jane Owen; a son, Paul (Debbie) Williams; two sisters, Mary Firth, Margaret (Pat) Maurer; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her infant son; her beloved husband; and her sister, Virginia Trumble,
Funeral services were held at The Daniels Funeral Home on Saturday, May 5 2018, with Pastor Karen Kinney officiating. Interment took place following the luncheon at Freemire Cemetery in Sunfield Township
Memorial contributions can be made to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund or the Lake Odessa Historical Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Karen S. Sullivan
Karen S. Sullivan, 76, of Gaylord, formerly of Lansing, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. She was born February 23, 1942, in Charlotte, the daughter of Harold and Esther (Zanger) Sloan. She graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1960. Karen was a devoted mother and grandmother. She always looked forward to Sunday family dinners. Karen enjoyed spending time outdoors. She loved wildlife and could often be found enjoying the seasons with family, along with camping, fishing and hunting. Karen enjoyed all things Northern Michigan. Whether it was just taking a drive down country roads or sitting beside one of its many lakes or streams, she loved it all.
Karen is survived by her two sons: Brian (Lori) Sullivan of Olivet, Steve (Winde) Sullivan of Gaylord; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Mark Sloan of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Sharon Sloan of Olivet.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David Sloan.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at Lee Center Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring may make contributions in Karen’s honor to Steve Sullivan to be used to purchase wildlife feed for Munson Hospice House. Steve will personally deliver feed.
To view Karen’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Garland G. Root
Garland Glen Root, 78, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, at home with his wife by his side. He was born May 15, 1939, in Charlotte to Glen H. and Virginia M. (Eldred) Root. Garland graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1958. He went on to serve his country in the US Army, where he was stationed in Germany. On April 28, 1962, Garland married the love of his life, Tommie Ann Carter at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Once returning from the service Garland found employment at Oldsmobile in Lansing, where he worked in skilled trades as a journeyman millwright. He was a devoted lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, where he served as an elder for many years. Garland enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing Euchre. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather one could ever ask for. He saw to it that his family always came first. Garland also loved helping others. He was always willing step up and volunteer to assist anyone in need.
Garland is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Tommie Ann; daughters, Tammy Ann Mullins of Eaton Rapids, Tanya Annette Cook of Potterville; four grandchildren, Rose Cook, Robert Cook, Garland Cook, Dacey Cook; great-grandson, Elias Cook; and sister, Connie (Stan) Guzy of Bellevue.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gerald Root.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Tim Olson officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Garland’s memory to the First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Garland’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Leonard E. Johnson
Leonard “Len” E. Johnson, of Charlotte, a man of freedom and respect for both his fellow humans and the great green Earth passed away. Leonard was born on the family farm on June 4, 1928. At the age of 89 Len died Saturday, May 5, 2018. This is who our husband, father and grandfather was. He understood the beauty and passion of those he loved. He was intelligent, charming, funny, kind and handsome, but most of all he conducted himself with a quiet grace. He had piercing blue eyes and with his smile you felt blessed all the way through. Our parents shared a deep love, the kind of love where you are lovers and friends. They so loved to dance together. They were two halves that make a whole and they understood how rare and lovely that is. The saying, “still waters run deep” comes to mind. Yet he never missed a trick and should you need a talking to he would deliver it without you ever doubting he had your back. He will be missed.
Len is survived by his wife of 67 plus years, Donna Mae; children, Cathy (John) Roberts, Dan (Katherine) Johnson, Linda (David) Prevo and Tom Johnson; nine grandchildren, Lisa, Adam, Keith, Kara, Amelia, Caelen, Alex, Jackson and Cydne; five great-grandchildren, Samantha Donna, Caroline Grace, Lyla Mae, Henry Leonard, and Beckett Francis; siblings, Pat Langmaack, Richard Johnson; plus so many dear friends and extended family members. Leonard is predeceased by his parents, Leonard Johnson Sr. and Isabel Johnson; sister, Peggy Moon; and brother, Casey Johnson.
Len loved to read, it was common for him to read four books a week. He loved to dance, ski, and travel. He loved Meadowland Farm, having lived in both houses on the property twice. Best of all was his family. Leonard served on many boards including, The First Congregational Church Board, Olivet School Board- 17 years, 4-H Leader – Livestock, Farm Bureau, Land Bank – First of America Bank of Charlotte and also First of America Bank of Lansing, to name a few. He was named a State Farmer and also American Farmer. Len and Donna wintered in Arizona for twenty-three years and so enjoyed the many friends and fun times. They traveled far and wide, living a wonderful life together. “It may seem that I am here and you are there. But my heart knows better. You are always with me.”
Friends are encouraged to support Leonard’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services were Thursday, May 10, 2018 at The First Congregational Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Len on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard E. Van Fossen
Richard Eugene Van Fossen Sr., 91, of Potterville, passed away Monday, May 7, 2018 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born March 12, 1927, in Flint, the son of Donald and Verl Van Fossen. As a boy Richard attended Flushing Schools. He then went on to honorably serve his country in the US Navy in World War II in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return from the war he married the love of his life, Jennie E. Petherbridge on November 25, 1944. Richard was a pillar in the Potterville community. He served as the town constable in the 1950s. Richard was also the Mayor of Potterville, longtime member and president of the Potterville School Board, and City Council. He was an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Richard was a licensed commercial pilot, who loved to fly every opportunity he had. He owned many planes throughout the years and even built one himself. Richard was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Union for over 50 years. In his early years Richard enjoyed racing stock cars and riding motorcycles. He owned and operated Van Fossen Excavating and Van Fossen Trucking for many years. He loved to read and was an ardent supporter of the Benton Township Library. Richard was a proud Shriner. He saw to it that every child that needed medical care had a ride to their appointments.
Richard is survived by his sons, Richard (Theresa) Van Fossen II, Michael Van Fossen; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn in 2014; daughter, Diane Jean in 1989; and granddaughter, Kelly Jean Van Fossen.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at the Benton Township Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.