Obituaries
Robert F. Burkett
Robert (Bob) Frank Burkett of Charlotte passed away on March 28, 2018 at the age of 84. He was the son of the late Mildred Proctor Burkett Forent and Joseph Franklin Burkett. Bob was born on June 29, 1933 in Lansing. He married Mary Matheney on September 27, 1952. They were married for 56 years, before she predeceased him in 2008.
Bob graduated from Bellevue High School and immediately began working three jobs, Wilcox-Gaye in Charlotte, excavation, and Kellogg’s. He worked at Kellogg’s for 37 years before his retirement in 1988. In 1954 Bob joined the Navy, but before he was called to service, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. For one month he was in the Navy and Army at the same time.
After the Army Bob returned to work at Kellogg’s and purchased the family farm in Kalamo Township. He was the third generation to own the farm. Currently it is owned and operated by his son, Dan and grandsons, Tyler and Brandon. The business is known as Burkett Farms.
Bob had many, many hobbies over the years, including: a speedboat, hunting, snowmobiles, motorcycles, antique tractors, an MG car, and a Model A car and truck. He joined several clubs to enjoy the activities more. He also restored many antique tractors, cars, and trucks. Bob enjoyed telling stories. He would ask if we wanted to hear a ‘true story,’ of course how true was always up to the listener to determine. His last project was restoring a doodle-bug and grinding whole-wheat flour and giving it away to friends and family.
In addition to owning the family farm for many years, he owned a cabin on the Chippewa River while his children were young. Canoeing, tubing, and swimming in the river, while mini-bikes and bon-fires were enjoyed on land. In 1993, Bob and Mary moved to Charlotte. In recent years he has enjoyed dancing and going to the casinos with partner Jackie Morris. He attended the Nashville Baptist Church.
Bob is survived by his three children, Dena (Tedd) Hendon, Denise Burkett, and Dan (Jackie) Burkett; four grandchildren, Dr. Courtney (Gavin) Acton, Tyler Burkett (fiancé Brittany Crittenden), Dr. Ainsley Hendon (Navy Chief Petty Officer Spencer Flynn), and Army Specialist Brandon Burkett.
He was predeceased by wife, Mary; son, Joey; and sister, Bonnie Everhart.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the immediate family. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Eaton Community Palliative Care, website: echospice.org.
The best word to describe Bob’s life is active. Bob was always busy doing, and thinking of the next adventure. This is the way we will remember him.
You can share memories of Bob on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Earnest S. May, Jr.
Earnest “Ernie” S. May Jr., 67, passed away on March 28, 2018. He was born April 25, 1950 in Dayton, Tenn., son to Ernest and Alberta May.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; children, Jessica (Jay) Wells, Rebecca May and Zachary May; grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, Jenna, Andrew, Savannah, Natalie, Easten, Carter and Madison; siblings, John (Terri), Richard (Leeanne), Julie (Neil), Roger, Ed (Laura), Tina and Paul; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Andrew James; parents; and sister, Bonnie.
Ernie was a gifted mechanic that enjoyed working on cars, tractors … anything with a motor. He was always tinkering with something or telling you about what he was currently working on. He loved spending time with his family and telling goofy jokes. He will be greatly missed.
Private family graveside services were held at Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge.
For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2469 Woodlake Circle Suite 100, Okemos, Michigan 48864, (517) 319-1054.
The family is being served by the Peters & Murray Funeral Home in Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be made at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Katherine M. Nagengast
Katherine Mable Nagengast, 63, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 in Lansing. Kathy was born April 1, 1955 in Charlotte, the daughter of Richard Charles and Dorothy Mable (Sanderson) Stegenga. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1973 before settling into family life. Kathy went to work on the line for General Motors in 1981, retiring after 28 years. Kathy’s passion was horse racing. She and her husband, Marty, bred and raced several horses throughout the years and travelled the country racing. Kathy is a former member of the Michigan Harness Horseman’s Association and the United States Trotting Association. Kathy and Marty also enjoyed fishing trips and travelling together. Above all, Kathy loved her family.
Kathy is survived by her daughter, Marie (fiancé Mike Morrison) Ostrander; grandchildren, Tyler Vandlen, Brady Brisson, Samantha Hamm and Victoria Hamm; brother, Charles (Margaret) Stegenga; sisters, Mary Stegenga and Sally (Joe) Latta; and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, Martin Nagengast; son, Gerald Hamm; brother, James Stegenga; and her parents.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or the American Cancer Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Katherine on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Frances I. Bovee
Frances Iva Bovee, 95, of Charlotte, formerly of Ingles, Fla., and Traverse City, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Charlotte. Frances was born January 2, 1923, in St. Johns, the daughter of Fred and Delma Robinson. She graduated from St. John’s High School before marrying Olan F. Bovee and starting their family. Frances worked in the tax preparation office for the State of Michigan for 24 years. After retirement, she worked as a caseworker for the Department of Human Services in Lansing, and in Traverse City, where she lived for nearly 10 years. She then lived 20 years in Florida before returning to Charlottte. Frances loved bowling, enjoying time at the lanes well into her 80s. She even went to the state finals. Above all, Frances loved her family.
Frances is survived by two sons, Michael and Douglas Bovee; two daughters, Susan Whitman and Sharon Bovee; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, Olan; two sons, Richard and James Bovee; and her sisters, Merle Matice and Blanch.
Private services are being held. Interment will take place in North Star Cemetery near Ithaca.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Frances on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mildred M. Sampson
Mildred M. Sampson, 97, of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018. She was born December 19, 1920, in Wheeler, Mich., the daughter of George and Etta Woodcock. Mildred went on to graduate from Lansing Eastern High School with the class of 1937. In June of 1939 she married Fred Sampson, and to this union were born three sons. Mildred was a life-long member of Ainger Bible Church, where she was president of the Ladies Missionary Fellowship and active in AWANA. She enjoyed growing flowers, reading, and painting.
Mildred is survived by her son, Don (Sherry) Sampson of Olivet; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred in 2004; sons, Richard Sampson in 1972, and Robin Sampson in 2003.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Scott Brood and Pastor Brett Myers officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 9, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring may make contributions in Mildred’s honor to Ainger Bible Church, 5484 Ainger Road, Olivet, MI 49076 or Oak Lawn HomeCare and Hospice, 13444 Preston Dr., Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Mildred’s obituary or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.