Obituaries
Donald B. Turner
Donald Benson Turner, aka “The Fixner,” passed away on February 24, 2018 at the age of 70. The life-long Charlotte resident was born on May 28, 1947 to Robert William and Thelsa E. (Sampson) Turner in Charlotte. His first name was chosen by his grandma, Myrtle Mae Sampson. His philosophies, insights and work ethic are to be admired. Donald never backed down from the truth. He was one to rethink or redesign for a solution, but he never quit. He would always complete the project. He could always be counted on for those who needed help.
He was a perfectionist-do it all the way. He despised the words, “I can’t.” If it’s difficult to do, we do it immediately. If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer. Not impossible, but I’m Possible! His memories of growing up were idyllic in the post-war years. You knew everyone in the neighborhood, and there was no fear. They didn’t have much money, but enjoyed building things such as soapbox derby cars, and such. One of his favorite memories as a young boy was riding a raft “Tom Sawyer style” in the Duffy Drain. It was a “we society” back then, helping each other and the family structure reigned.
Donald was an extreme workaholic, putting in 60 to 70 hours weekly. He was a patient, thorough and disciplined teacher, teaching compliance regulations at Minor Walton Bean (where he was employed for 37 years) and was thoughtful to teach at the needed education level for the varied employees. He took responsibility for their grasping the details, and was known to say, “that if they didn’t pass, he didn’t teach them right.” He had a fantastic memory with details and an uncanny sense of direction. One of his dreams was to fly an airplane.
He tutored for residential construction at LCC. As a final exam for an LCC class, he wrote the City of Lansing payroll computer program. He was determined to maintain the 100-year-old homestead and enjoyed gardening and the chores that went along with the family property. He restored a 1937 John Deere tractor with one of his buddies. He enjoyed attending church with his family, and loved singing the southern gospel hymns. He had a strong bass voice, and loved to harmonize.
Donald is survived by his siblings, David Turner, and Nancy Turner. He was preceded in death by his parents.
If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to The Courthouse Square Association.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Donald’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Rex D. Royston, Sr.
Rex Duane Royston Sr., a hard-working farmer and jack-of-all-trades, 93, of Charlotte and formerly Vermontville, died February 23, 2018. Rex was born July 2, 1924 in Lansing to Leo and Freda (Sawdy) Royston. Rex loved being outdoors and spending time on the farm with his grandchildren, fishing, and going to auctions. These are his family’s fondest memories of him. He collected clocks, and loved to tinker…he was always working at something. When he did sit down, he loved reading Louis L’Amour westerns and listening to country music.
Rex is survived by his sons, Rex (Kay) Royston Jr., Gary (Kieran) Royston; daughters, Nancy (Dennis) Carpenter, and Sue Fawley; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Fern Royston; and brothers, Lyle (Shirley) Royston, and Gerald (Joan) Royston.
He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; brothers, Donald and Loren; and sister, Leah.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lansing Hospice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rex on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Sandra J. Zimmer
Sandra Jean Robson Zimmer, 77, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2018, at her home. She was born November 18, 1940, in Detroit, the daughter of George and Elsie Robson. Sandra graduated from Belleville High School with the class of 1958. She later attended the University of Michigan. On October 15, 1965, she married Donald E. Zimmer in Belleville. They spent most of their married life and raised their children in Charlotte. She enjoyed quilting, playing the fiddle, and old-time music.
Sandy is survived by her children, Gwen Zimmer of Crystal, Don (Beth) Zimmer of Big Rapids, Jennifer (Greg) Weis of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Caleb Freestone, Amelia Freestone, Brettanya Zimmer, Merideth Weis; and companion, Mark Wesley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald E. Zimmer in 1998; and brother, George Robson.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at Tyler Road Cemetery in Belleville.
Those desiring may make contributions in Sandra’s memory to the Donald E. Zimmer Fund c/o Eaton Community Foundation, P.O. Box 204, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Wheatland Music Organization, 7251 50th Ave., Remus, MI 49340.
Sandra E. Groff
Sandra Ellen (Alfrey) Groff of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer in May, 2017. Sandra was born on February 11, 1947 in Wyandotte, Mich., the daughter of William “Leonard” and Jewel (Manier) Alfrey. She returned to high school while pregnant with her fourth child and earned her diploma in 1978.
Sandra’s greatest passion was her nine grandchildren, Tony, KaitLynn, Deanna, Lilliann, Owen, Gwendolyn, Dalton, Mannox and Cannon. She was an amazing artist who enjoyed drawing and painting nature scenes, animals and people. She gave most of her works as gifts.
Sandra is survived by her children, Steve (Kim) Groff Jr., Rachel (Norm) Nealey, Stacy Groff, Erica (Ray) Huerta, Ed (Jodie) Benitez Jr.; eight grandchildren; sister, Lori Jaramillo; brothers, Tim (Joan) Alfrey, Steve (Wendy) Alfrey and numerous extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Diana Mallory; and grandson, Tony Benitez.
There will be a gathering for burial on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Family and friends are invited to come pay respects.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid Michigan in memory of Sandra.
To share memories or condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Joyce M. Ott
Joyce Marie Ott, 83, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born November 11, 1934, in Olivet, the daughter of Dale and Mildred (Goodwin) Schrontz. Joyce went on to graduate from Olivet High School with the class of 1952. She adored her family and always looked forward to being together. Joyce was a wonderful cook and prepared many magnificent family meals. She enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge, bowling, and jigsaw puzzles.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Doug (Beth) Ripley of East Lansing, Neil (Lori) Ott of Allegan; step-children, Ken (Sue) Ott, Sue (Fred) Weiting, Larry (Nancy) Ott, Mike (Karen Hendrick) Ott; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and brother, Pete (Joyce) Schrontz.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ripley; sons, Donnie Ripley and Lonnie Ripley.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Julie VanSyckle for the tremendous love and care she showed to Joyce.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joyce’s honor to the Olivet High School Class of 1982 Scholarship Fund.
To view Joyce’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.