Obituaries
George W. Whitaker
George W. Whitaker was born on February 19, 1938 in McGuffey, Ohio to Ollie and Clarinda (Williams) Whitaker. George was one of nine children in his family. George passed away on October 6, 2023 in Harlingen, Texas.
George attended elementary school in Springport, Michigan and then attended high school at Eaton Rapids High School in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
George was married to Donis Ilene Iauch on June 27, 1959 at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Their first child, Julie Irene Whitaker, was born in 1960; Tamara Ilene Whitaker was born in 1963; and Eric George Whitaker was born in 1968. All three children were born at Hayes-Green-Beach Hospital in Charlotte. George and Donis’ first house was partially built by George and Donis’ father, Harold Iauch, at 2152 S. Cochran, Charlotte. They happily lived in this house and brought up their family here. After Donis’ mother, Mildred Iauch, passed away in 1986, George and Donis bought and redecorated her house and loved living there until 1994. At that time, they became permanent residents at River Bend Resort in Brownsville, Texas so that they could be closer to their children and grandchildren in Houston, Texas.
George’s first job was at Lawrence Bakery in Lansing, Michigan. He then worked for a foundation contractor in Lansing. After that, George worked for Fisher Body in Lansing, Michigan until he was laid off. He was then hired at Lindell Drop Forge in Lansing where he worked for 30 years before retiring.
George was an accomplished woodworker and made many pieces of furniture and other items for his family and friends. He loved gardening and had big gardens when he lived in Michigan and always had nice lawns with pretty flowers at their homes.
Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte in the summer of 2024, date to be determined.
George is survived by wife, Donis; children: Julie, Tammy, and Eric; grandchildren; and one great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn Ann Rutter
Marilyn Ann (Sumerix) Rutter, the rock of her family that kept everyone connected, died peacefully February 1, 2024 at her home in Olivet. Marilyn, 85, was born October 23, 1938 in Charlotte, MI to Henry and Ina (Baker) Sumerix. Marilyn married Charles Rutter in June of 1957, and together they had three children that grew up knowing the love of extended family because Marilyn always made family the heart of every adventure. For the last 20 years, Marilyn put together a Sumerix family newsletter to let everyone know what was happening within their large, extended family. Travel often included a stop at family members homes to say hi, and she loved to travel…visiting most of the 50 states in her lifetime. Her children and grandchildren will remember many trips with their family, including train trips West, and an annual family fishing trip to Canada.
Marilyn had a keen eye for detail, working as a secretary at Olivet Middle School, and had also been a proofreader for the Charlotte newspaper, The Republican Tribune, and she wrote a lot of poetry. With a big heart, Marilyn would often find ways to lend a helping hand in any way she could, and was always looking after friends and family. She loved to cook for large crowds, always cooking from scratch, and made a variety of wonderful pies for family gatherings. With an adventurous spirit, she even participated in a school donkey basketball game. Marilyn and Charles served as youth group leaders at the Brookfield Church for many years, and always put God’s love as the highest priority in life.
The greatest adventure of Marilyn’s life was family. She will be greatly missed by her children, Jacquelynn Kwiatkowski, Jeffrey (Katie Collier) Rutter, and James Rutter; grandchildren, Katelyn and Stephanie Kwiatkowski and Alex Schneider; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Rutter in 2019; her siblings, Lyle Sumerix, Joyce Morgan, Betty Ross, and Harry Sumerix; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, February 6, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. John Morse officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marilyn’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Olivet Schools scholarship fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey Richard Powell
Jeffrey Richard Powell, a resident of Charlotte, MI, peacefully departed on Thursday, January 25, 2024, following a courageous battle against cancer, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on May 25, 1976, in Lansing, MI, Jeff was the beloved son of Dale and Lois (Brown) Powell. Though he spent a brief period in Gulliver in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he was primarily raised in Charlotte, MI and proudly graduated from Maple Valley High School class of 1994.
A true outdoors enthusiast, Jeff found joy in hunting and fishing, embracing the beauty of nature. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of his survivors, including his mother, Lois Powell, sister, Terri Powell, and brother, Bill Powell. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Dale.
In honoring Jeff’s life, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society. In accordance with his wishes, no formal services will be held for Jeff. Those who wish to share memories or offer condolences are invited to visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Roger Jeffrey Dibean
Roger Jeffrey Dibean, age 52, passed into heaven unexpectedly from a heart attack on December 2, 2023. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School, class of 1989. Roger attended Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida and graduated with an Associates Degree in business. He worked as a Banquet Manager at a Hilton Hotel in Gainesville, and later moved to Washington D.C. where he worked for Encore Global Events, an audiovisual company. Roger enjoyed taking his boat out on the Gulf of Mexico and fishing with friends. Roger was engaged to Pam Koops for two years.
He moved back to Hollywood, Florida and worked in the audiovisual department at St. Regis Hotel for several years, and two years ago moved to Colorado near Aspen, working at St. Regis Hotel in audiovisual services.
Richard is survived by his father, Richard J. (Jan) Dibean of Lake Placid, Florida; mother, Nancy (Badgley) Dibean of Charlotte; brother, Charles (Kristi) Dibean of Eagle, Michigan; sister, Sheri Patterson of Mason; nephews: Dustyn (Rachel) Patterson of Tucson, Arizona, Skyleir and son Jake of Tucson, Arizona, Emerson Dibean, Preston Dibean, and Wade Dibean of Eagle, Michigan; and niece, Sunshyne Patterson of Mason.
Tim Alair Galvin
Tim Alair Galvin passed into the next phase of his life at age 67 on January 28th 2024. His wife Lucy, his son Joshua and Joshua’s fiancé Jennifer as well as his beloved Vizsla Cayenne were at his side with the Doors playing. He will have many loved family members and friends to greet him as he moves on. His father and mother, Edsel (Ed) and Pauline (Polly) Galvin, aunts and uncles most especially his aunt Norma Klettke. He is survived by his wife Lucille (Lucy) Galvin, their son Joshua Galvin and grandson Vaughn Galvin. One brother Edsel Galvin Jr. and a niece, Jennifer (Galvin) Landris.
He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1975 and since then has kept in contact with some classmates, reconnected with others as well as made some new friends.
Tim was retired from GM, he started work at Fisher Body in Lansing and retired from the Lansing Delta Township (LDT) plant.
After retirement he and his wife travelled some and took their dream trip to Alaska as well as Airventure and camping.
Tim found a hobby he loved and made some great friends along the way. RC flying became his passion; he was a member of C.A.R.D.S. and C.A.M.S. RC clubs and acquired many planes.
In lieu of gifts the family asks that you contribute to American Cancer Society, Ele’s Place or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Honoring Tim’s wishes, a small gathering of immediate family will be held at a place and time to be determined. The family may hold an outdoor gathering at a later date to celebrate his life and joys.