Obituaries
Heidi R. Hackett-Ripley
Heidi Renee Hackett-Ripley, a selfless, caring mother and friend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at her home in Potterville at the age of 54. Friends and family remember Heidi as a spunky lady with a great sense of humor and creative do-it-yourself spirit. She put her heart and soul into everything she did whether it was figuring out how to make the perfect cookies or dessert, making the best little ladybug stone, or working in the yard. Heidi would spend hours researching various do-it-yourself projects and then dedicate herself to completing the tasks at hand. She often placed the needs of family and friends ahead of her own. Her interests outside the home were eclectic, including popular music, being a fan of NASCAR, and cheering on her children in whatever they were doing.
Above all, she was proud of her family, taking care of Kris, Olivia and Jack. She was often on the road, following her children to all their competitions and events, no matter whether it was around the corner or across the state.
Heidi is survived by her husband, Kris Ripley; daughter, Olivia Hackett; son, Jack Ripley; mother, Cindy Ivcovich; brothers, Scott (Deanna) Hackett, and Sam (Kathleen) Hackett; and many friends.
She was predeceased by her father, Gary Hackett.
Friends are encouraged to support Heidi’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Richard Mitterling celebrant.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Heidi on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Dale R. Briggs
Fish are once again safe in the Midwest. An avid, life-long fisherman, Dale Roger Briggs, known to many as “Spike,” passed away on May 20, 2018, at the age of 87 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Vermontville in 1930 to Dewey and Ruth (Shetenhelm) Briggs, Dale graduated from Vermontville High School before joining the U.S. Army in 1948. He completed four years of military service, including serving as a communications expert in Germany during the Korean War. All his life, he was a proud veteran of the American Legion. Upon completing his military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Bettyann Cole. They had four children, all of whom he taught to fish as well as to play push rummy and euchre.
He worked at Aluminum Extrusions for numerous years, and later became one of the first computer programmers, beginning work in Information Technology before there was such a thing, working for the Michigan Department of Education. Throughout his long life, Dale never lost touch with his roots, his friends, and his poker-playing buddies in Vermontville. He loved to hunt and fish, and thought nothing of sitting on a bucket on a frozen lake for hours at a time, never growing impatient when the fish didn’t bite. Every fall found him deer hunting around Vermontville, and he regularly visited his son, Mike in Montana for hunting expeditions.
He was much loved and is survived by his daughter, Kathi Eggers (Karl); sons, Jeffrey (Mary Jo), John (Wendy), and Mike (Carla); grandchildren, Kristin (Steven), Jesse (Sarah), Hayley, Clay (Kristyn), Keenan, Bethany, Tiffany (Todd), Jake, Eric (Jasmin), Kyle (Rhianna), and Marty; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Rose Briggs; and his former wife and dear friend, Eileen Briggs.
As he requested, there will be no funeral services.
Donations may be made in Dale’s name to: Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund; at barrycf.org/funds/maple-valley-memorial-scholarship-foundation-fund/Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Maple Valley Schools, 11090 Nashville Highway, Vermontville, MI 49096 or Heartland Hospice of Mason at heartlandhospice.com or mail to 865 S. Cedar St, Mason, MI 48854.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dale on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Virginia M. Wight
Virginia May Wight, 83, of Bellevue, formerly of Haines, Alaska, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Eaton County on May 6, 1935, the daughter of Paul M. and Nora I. (Wood) Wight. Virginia attended the Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music and Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed with Community Hospital of Battle Creek as a nurse. Virginia moved to Haines, where she ran a clinic for 13 years. There she was awarded “Woman of the Year” in 1978. While residing in Alaska, Virginia traveled the state hunting moose, fishing and received her pilot’s license. This was her absolute favorite place to live. Virginia moved back to Battle Creek where she continued her employment with Community Hospital as a House Supervisor Floor Nurse. After the merger she worked at Westbrook Hospital and here she retired in 2000 as an OB Nurse. Virginia led a very full and eventful life. She spent time in Africa on a mission trip. She played with the Brass Band of Battle Creek and even accompanied them to England. She played baritone, flute, piano and the organ. Music was a huge part of her life. On top of all of her accomplishments, she also drove school bus, worked with the Girl Scout troops, loved watching figure skating, enjoyed watching MSU and the Detroit Tigers, cake decorating and even made her siblings wedding cakes, and was a Sunday school teacher.
Virginia is survived by her siblings, Dolores (Paul) Ford of Hammond, Wisc., Phyllis Watman of Battle Creek, Dale (Lois) Wight of Bellevue, Peggy (DeWayne) Jones of Dowling, Paul (Marie) Wight of Bellevue, and Sally Lee of Battle Creek; and sister-in-law, Charlotte of Bellevue.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Reuben and Burrell Wight.
A visitation was held at Pleasantview Family Church in Dowling, Mich. on Friday, May 25, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service immediately followed at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. Interment was held at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Pleasantview Family Church or charity of one’s choice.
Friends may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.
David J. Hamilton
David J. “Stub” Hamilton, 85, of Charlotte, went home to Heaven May 17, 2018. Dave was born December 25, 1932, in Charlotte, the son of David M. and Eveline (Bursley) Hamilton. He was a lifelong resident of Charlotte. Dave grew up as the son of the Charlotte blacksmith. Dave and his brother Jim spent many summers on Mackinaw Island with their father, while he shod the horses on the island. He served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957. Upon his return from the Army he married Sylvia Robinson on April 12, 1958. Dave worked at AE Hoover for 36 years and farmed his entire life. He loved his horses. You would often find him working the fields or giving his grandchildren and their friends hayrides. He enjoyed participating in and watching horse pulls. Dave was a 4-H leader when his kids were young. He was incredibly proud and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia; four children, Janet (Dennis) Croff of Charlotte, John Hamilton of Charlotte, Brenda (Larry) Hall of Charlotte, Paul Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Chad (Melissa) Croff, Nick (Jennifer) Croff, Dustin (Sara) Hall, Brandon (Stephanie Frank) Hall, Ryan (Hope Hatter) Hall, Jonathon “Tom” Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Croff, Elli Croff, Easton Croff, Jemma Croff, Shane Croff, Canaan Hall; sister-in-law, Carolyn Hamilton; brother-in-law, Robert (Lilah) Robinson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernest “Jim” Hamilton; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clifford and Gurnarda Robinson; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Trulen) Harris.
Funeral services were held on Monday, May 21, 2018, at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte, with Pastor David Keller officiating. Interment followed at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Dave’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Elaine M. Doxsie
Elaine M. Doxsie, 82, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2018, at Tendercare Alpena surrounded by her family.
On October 4, 1935, Elaine was born in Eagle, Mich. to the late Edward and Ethel (Hewson) Kransz. She married Donovan Doxsie, and worked on their family farm for 30 years. She moved to Mulliken, Mich. and later to Charlotte. Donovan preceded her in death on February 25, 2006. Elaine was a musician and enjoyed playing her accordion. She also enjoyed being a bus driver for 10 years. Elaine was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed and loved by many.
She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (Mark) Beegle of Atlanta, Mich., and Patricia (Chris) Voight of Bellevue; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Elizabeth (Donny) Pung of St. Johns.
Elaine was preceded in death by her son Richard; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Earl and Robert Kransz.
A graveside service will be held at Sunfield Cemetery on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Greg Nitchman officiating.
Online condolences may be made at karpushuntercares.com.