Obituaries
Diane Elizabeth Eggleston
Diane Elizabeth Eggleston, 85, of East Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, died Thursday, August 31, 2017 in Lansing. Diane was born April 30, 1932 in Niles, the daughter of Daniel Marinus Zwigtman and Ione Ina (Guyberson) van Noppen. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1950 before working as a waitress at several Charlotte area restaurants, including Dicks, Clock Restaurant and the Coffee Cup. She and her husband, Bob, enjoyed travelling in their RV, spending summers at Tri-Lakes Trails Campgrounds in Marshall, and winters in Texas.
She is survived and will be missed by her children, John Eggleston (Claire), Karrie McCullough, and Daniel Eggleston (Ginny); grandchildren, Careena Eggleston, Joshua Aubrey, L’lainah Smith (Chris), Christopher Eggleston (Emilie), Amanda Green, Mike McCullough, Mark McCullough; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Emery Eggleston; brothers, Dan van Noppen and Vern van Noppen; sister, Sandy Sebastian; and grandchildren Jacob Crebessa and Jeremiah Crebessa.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Chuck Snyder officiating. Private interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any charity of choice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Diane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Margaret Armstrong (Gaffney)
Margaret Armstrong, 91, passed away August 28, 2017 at the home of her son in Tucson, Ariz. Margaret was born October 8, 1925 to William J. and Norma (Pritchard) Gaffney in White Cloud, Mich. Margaret married the love of her life, Sterling Armstrong on June 14, 1946. They moved to Charlotte in 1950, where they raised their family. Margaret worked at Hayes Green Beach Hospital as a nurse’s aid from 1953 until they moved to Tucson in 1977.
Margaret is survived by her children, Patricia Barnes of Midland, James (Pam) Armstrong of Tucson, Charlene (Bruce) Wakeman of Bellevue, Linda (Mike) Milner of Tucson, Marilyn (Glen) Parker of Stillman Valley, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including beloved nephew, Loren Goll; and sister-in-law, Delores Kettinger.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling in 2013; beloved brother, Harold Williams; beloved sister, Bertha Goll, and son-in-law, Kenneth Barnes.
There will be a memorial in Tucson on October 9, 2017. Interment for Sterling and Margaret will be in Jackson, Mich. at a later date.
Margaret will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Lester William Kennicott
Lester William Kennicott of Eaton Rapids passed away August 31, 2017 at the age of 99. Lester was born in Gunplains Township in Allegan County on September 2, 1917, the son of Guy and Margaret (Shook) Kennicott. He was very passionate about riding his Harley motorcycle and his quad, was a member of the North American Hunt Club, St. Peter Catholic Church and a life member of the NRA. He farmed his whole life, enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, fish fries and had a great love for his dogs.
He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Larry) Keefer of Mulliken, Jane (Patrick) Dotson of Charlotte, Patricia (Robert) Fuller of Marshall; sons, James Kennicott of Eaton Rapids, William (Marcella) Kennicott of Westland, Mich., Bruce (Lola) Kennicott of Burlington, Mich.; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Fran) Kennicott of Plainwell.
Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine, and sister, Betty Grindol of Plainwell.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids, with Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Rosehill Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Great Lakes Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest register.
Henry Lamont Markison
Henry (Hank) Lamont Markison II passed peacefully on July 31 at home, in the company of his son and daughter in West Danville, Vermont. He was born in Hardwick, Vermont to Henry Lamont Markison, Sr. and Anna (Hill) Markison. After the drowning death of his father (WWI VFW member) in 1929, the family moved to the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids with his mother and sister where his mother, Anna became a housemother at the home. He recollected of the home having cows, an apple orchard, silent movies and a school bus with a wooden frame. Hank was sent to live with family and Greensboro, Vermont in 1942, and at the age of 17, joined the Army, where he was assigned to the Field Artillery, 25th Division in Japan. He became a lifelong member of the VFW in 1947. Hank was married to Mary (Baker) Dimond of Charlotte from 1960 until her passing in 1996.
Hank was a private pilot, restored Model T Fords, enjoyed building and fixing things, and in good fun, mercilessly teased everyone around him. He was a great benefactor of the VFW and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
Hank was predeceased by his parents; sister, Hazel V. Miller; and his beloved wife, Mary (Baker Dimond) Markison.
He is survived by his son, Henry Lamont Markison III; daughter, Lynda Markison; stepchildren, Kathy Edington, Mary Pat (Dave) Haigh, Lorrie Louckes, Richard Dimond; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He left us to be with his wife, Mary, whom he cherished and loved.
On his birthday, August 9, and in accordance with his wishes, Hank’s ashes were placed on the property of his ancestors in his home state of Vermont. Eternal rest granted unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Cathy Sue Sulcer (Keeney)
Cathy Sue Sulcer, 62, of Bellevue, passed away on September 2, 2017. She was born on November 17, 1954, to John M. and Maudie J. (Jeffrey) Keeney in Madison, West Virginia. Cathy graduated from Olivet High School. She married Ernest Sulcer on January 17, 1976, and together they raised four children.
Cathy will be remembered for having the “biggest heart.” She loved everyone, and would do anything for them. Cathy loved the fact that she had a close-knit family. She was a great homemaker, cooked from scratch, and taught all of her children how to cook. She enjoyed painting ceramics, stained glass and other various art projects. Cathy’s love for singing led her to sing with a band. She also loved dancing, and reading, especially the Bible.
She is survived by her husband, Ernest Sulcer; children, Ernest John (Ashley) Sulcer, Christopher Max Sulcer, Michael Eric Sulcer, and Terra Star Sulcer; five grandchildren; a brother, John Keeney; and many other loved ones.
Cathy was predeceased by her parents, John M. Keeney and Maudie J. Keeney.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Pray Funeral Home.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cathy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. If desired, the family requests memorial gifts to the family.