Obituaries
Keith Allen Goodnoe, age 67, passed away on June 6th, 2017, surrounded by family after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Keith was born on March 2nd, 1950 to Kenneth and Ronnie (Ebright) Goodnoe. He was a 1968 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and was employed by Springport Steel, co-owner of Goodnoe Tool Products and then most recently ETRAN Transportation. Those close to Keith knew that music was his lifelong passion. He started playing when he was 15 and shortly after helped form the band “Friars of Youth”. He continued through the years as a member of many local bands including: Bad Breath, The “Us Band”, Rukus, Backtrak and the highly popular Fabulous Hitmen. His long time musical partner Doni Baldwin & Keith performed countless times as the “Goodnoe-Baldwin Duo” for many community functions and parties over the last 20 years. Keith and his bluezy guitar playing will be missed by many. Left with a lifetime of cherished memories are his wife Linda of 32 years; his mother; his children: Whitney (Charles) Calio, Summer (Mike) Earls, Shadd (Jenny) McMann, Jasen (Deb) McMann, Misty (Randy Long) McMann; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Linda (Bob) Lundberg, Cindy (Dean) Gaulsha; his wife’s loving family: Don (Pat) Keith, Don Jr. (Cathy) Keith, Doug (Val) Keith, Barb (Larry) Rice, Karen Olsen; many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his father, mother-in-law Belva Keith and brother-in-law Michael Olsen. Friends are invited to a celebration of Keith’s life on Saturday, June 17th from 11 am – 2 pm at the Edgewater Apartments Community Room, 223 North Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations that will be given to a local musical organization in Keith’s memory.
Donald Judson Ulrey
Donald Judson Ulrey, 88, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, June 1, 2017. Don was born January 13, 1929 in Steuben, Mich., the son of Judson and Bernice (Johnson) Ulrey. Don graduated from Sturgis High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and proudly serving aboard the submarine USS Cavezon in China during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Joann Marie Jackson in Utica, Mich. in 1957, and the two started their family. He went to work for the Michigan State Police from 1955-1981 before working in Bureau Regulator Services until his retirement in 1994. He remained a member of the VFW and American Legion as well as the Michigan State Police Command Officers. Don also proudly honored the lives of other veterans as a member of the Ft. Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard, where he will be laid to rest and honored by his fellow honor guardsmen. When Don was not devoting his time to service organizations he enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, and traveling. His favorite place to travel was to the U.P. Above all, Don loved his family.
Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joann; sons, Donald (Dana) Ulrey Jr. and David Joseph Ulrey; daughter, DeAnn Joy Ulrey; grandchildren, D’Lynn (Tim) Amatrone, Dawn (Gary) Layfield, and Cole Ulrey; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Tyler, Novilee, Aubrey, and Brennen.
He is predeceased by his parents and four siblings.
A memorial service was held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Tim Olson officiating. Interment will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Monday, June 12, 2017.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Fallen Troopers Association.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Don on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Leola Dora Lundstrum
Leola Dora Lundstrum, formerly of Nashville, passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s on June 2, 2017 at Sugarbush House in Flint. Leola was born on April 5, 1924 to Sherman Leroy Tidd and Delilah Bell Kelley in Grand Ledge. Leola finished the 10th grade, and then graduated from the Melba Academy of Beauty Culture, in Lansing. She worked as a beautician in Lansing near the Capitol, where she would give manicures to politicians and hairstyles to their wives.
She married the love of her life, Gerald Raymond Lundstrum on September 9, 1944 at the People’s Church in East Lansing. Leola was a dedicated mother and farm wife, supporting her husband in his agricultural endeavors, including driving tractor herself. She was a maple syrup producer with her husband, and made many dishes with maple syrup, including pie, popcorn balls, and spring lettuce topped with maple syrup and brown sugar.
She loved hummingbirds and flowers, especially gladiolus, rhododendrons, and peonies. She had an affinity for a particular shade of blue, and painted many things that color. She decorated extensively for Christmas and hand-made Christmas ornaments which she would give to friends and family.
Leola was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her two sisters, Leona Deyarmond and Mildred Root; brother, Sherman Valentine Tidd; and son in-law, Richard Graham.
She is survived by children, Clifford (Mary) Lundstrum and Vickie Graham; grandchildren, Russell (Jenni) Lundstrum, Autumn (Darren) Bagley, Cynthia (Ian) Vissers; and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon and Emily Lundstrum, Lonna and Orion Bagley, and Jack, Sam, and Ryan Vissers.
Leola was loved by members of her blended family, Jacqueline (David) Sandiford and Allison, Amanda and Molly Sandiford.
Memorial services will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. Coffee hour, to share memories of Leola will begin at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Eaton Area Senior Center.
The family wishes to make a special thanks to both Sugarbush House and Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their loving care of Leola.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Leola on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Minnie Belle Jenson (Yates)
Minnie Belle “Peggy” Jenson, 71, of Vermontville, died June 5, 2017 in Lansing. She was born in Porthsmouth, Ohio on January 18, 1946 to Drew and Violet (Sparks) Yates. She moved to this area in 1968, following her sister’s family, and began working at the Townhouse restaurant. Minnie was well known as a great waitress who took excellent care of her customers at Sharon’s Café and the Charlotte Country Club. She was a caring, loving person, very understanding and compassionate, while always working hard and setting an excellent example and giving great advice to her friends and family. Minnie was known for her great memory and the love for her children and grandson.
Minnie is survived by her son, Michael Payne; daughter, Melissa Jenson; son-in-law, Eric; and her grandson, Jericho, who was the apple of her eye; and very special friend, Barb Powers.
She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Jenson in 1986; significant other, Ivan Suntken in 2011; sisters, Helen Jordan and Linda Back; brothers, Lee Yates, Robert Yates, and Clifford (Tick) Yates; several nephews and a niece.
A celebration of Minnie’s life will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is prior to the service on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Minnie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Connie Lou Owen
Connie Lou Owen, 75, of Charlotte, formerly of Olivet, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. Connie was born November 4, 1941 in Charlotte, the daughter of Russell M. and Donnis L. (Gifford) Owen and was a lifelong area resident. She was a retired caregiver and babysitter for people in their own homes. She enjoyed listening to music, going for rides and loved all animals, especially cats.
Surviving are her brother, Marvin (Burdeena) Owen of Charlotte; sister, Nancy Lambert of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sally Jensen; and brothers-in-law, Wes Lambert and Robert Jensen.
Per Connie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No services will be held. Private inurnment will take place in the Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may go to Sensations Memory Care of Charlotte or to the Tri-County Office on Aging.
Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home of Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.