Obituaries
Merlin F. Guilford, Sr.
Merlin F. Guilford, Sr., 93, of Charlotte, died April 1, 2018 in Portland. He was born February 7, 1925 in Mulliken, a son of Russell and Agnes (Holbrook) Guilford. Merlin was an Army veteran of World War II, a P.O.W. and a retired employee of Lindell Drop Forge.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Dorothy and Mary; and his son, Merlin F. Guilford, Jr.
Surviving are his daughters, Brenda Harper, Barbara (Paul) Holland and Janet (Tom) Wohlscheid; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 15 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Faye Foltz, Sue (Bob) Walker and Linda (Pat) Patton; brother, Greg Guilford; several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken, with Pastor Ross McElroy officiating. Interment followed at Meadowbrook Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Portland V.F.W. Pallbearers were Brian Holland, Paul Holland, Jr., Randy Raines, Brian Richards, Scott Webert and Trenton Webert.
Memorial donations may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
Dale Miller
Dale Miller, born December 13, 1948 to Charles, and Betty (Clark) Miller in Hay Springs, Neb., passed away at his home in Bellevue on March 10, 2018.
He grew up on the family farm in Hastings and attended Durfee (One room) School House. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1967. Dale married the love of his life, Cynthia Lou (Smith) on April 28, 1969. They were blessed with three children, Shane, Tammy and Merrie.
He was a Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter (Penn. State) for over 45 years. He was a hard worker and could just about fix anything, and get it done. Over the years he built his own house, was the Baltimore Township Supervisor (Hastings) during the 197’s. He was a State- Hastings High School Wrestler, played on many company ball teams, raised cattle, and hogs (with twin brother “Don”), assisted with coaching wrestling, trained/rode horses, gave roping lessons, and enjoyed the outdoors.
Dale’s passion was Team Roping, which he won many awards for over the years. Also, he was on the board, and belonged to the M.R.A (Michigan Ropers Association). He was an avid reader, and considered a lifelong learner. He particularly enjoyed playing cards “Mississippi Stud,” doing crossword puzzles, mushroom hunting, and camping/ horseback with wife Cindy, and friends for years.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, Donald (twin), Ronald, and recently oldest brother Gerald Miller.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cynthia of Bellevue; sister, Charlene (Daniel) Cheney; sisters-in-law, Christine, Linda, and Lorna Miller all of Hastings; sister-on-law, Diane, and Valery Miller; son, Shane (Joan) Miller all of Battle Creek; daughters, Tammy (Scott) Flower of Charlotte, and Merrie Miller of Bellevue; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Cash, Heath and Clay Flower. Sarah, Olivia, Brayden (Degris), and Luke Miller; many special nieces, nephews, and good friends.
In recent retirement, Dale liked making “Lucky’s” wine, canning, helping his brother Gerald on the family farm, growing flowers, and watching his grandchildren play sports, as well as horse events.
He will be remembered most for his quick wit, and his determined spirit. He voiced his great appreciation for being given a good life. Dale went home to be with his lord and savior with his loving family by his side on March 10, 2018.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” memorial service in his honor for family and friends on April 28, 2018 at his home in Bellevue at 4 p.m. You can find details for the celebration on Facebook @ Dale Miller Celebration of Life/Memorial
Memorial contributions can be made to the Michigan Ropers Association in Dale’s honor in memory of his love of Team Roping and particularly Novice/Youth classes. Donation information: M.R.A. Office, 12100 Fairbanks Rd., Linden, MI 48451 (Send note designating who donation is for), or contact 810-223-4045.
William J. Morey
William “Bill” Joseph Morey, a jack of all trades and loving family man, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Bill, 56, of Hastings, was born September 6, 1961 in Charlotte, the son of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Morey. He graduated from Charlotte High School before marrying Johanna “Joni” Royston on April 24, 1982 in Charlotte. The two moved to Freeport to start their family and Bill took a job with the City of East Grand Rapids, working as a foreman at the city garage, and as a reserve police officer for the village of Freeport. He received the Freeport reserve officer of the year for his efforts in stopping a bank robbery.
Bill loved time spent with family in the outdoors, especially fall salmon fishing up north along the Manistee River. He loved fishing, hunting, working on his cars and trucks, and racing. Bill built the cars for the county fair races for his son, Joe, to drive, and sometimes wreck. Bill coached his kid’s sports teams and would do anything to help others and lend a helping hand. Above all, Bill loved time spent with his family and friends, especially his best pals, his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joni; daughter, Kari (Dustin) VonItter; son, Joe (Kimberly) Morey; six grandchildren, Wyatt, Hazel and Josie VonItter, and Carter, Ethan and Levi Morey; parents, Joe and Mary Morey; brother, Don (Jan) Morey; and his mother and father-in-law, Joan and Duane Royston; siblings-in-law, Arvid and Katie Salisbury and Greg and Marilyn Royston; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the New Faith Church of the Nazarene in Charlotte with Bill’s father-in-law, Pastor Duane Royston officiating. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Johanna Morey. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bill on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.