Obituaries
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.
Linda J. Kincaid
Linda Jane Kincaid (Dossett) passed away January 8, 2018 at her home in Omaha, Neb. She was cared for by Robert Kincaid for the last few years. Linda was born May 1, 1953 in Charlotte to Douglas and Genevieve (Bumford) Dossett. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1971. Linda worked for Carter’s IGA corporate office in Charlotte after graduation, and then moved to Omaha in the early 1980s. After moving to Omaha, she worked in data processing for Sara Lee for most of her life, then moving on as a bookkeeper for Watt Telemarketing. She loved cats, collected all things cats, California Raisins, Ferbies, jewelry, and loved to shop online.
Linda is survived by her ex-husband and companion, Robert Kincaid; sister, Martha (Tom) Gibson; nephew, Todd Gibson; nieces, Amanda (Trevor) Carr, and Katie Gibson Stofflet; great-nephews and nieces, Alyssa, Jonathan, Genevieve Gibson, and Joe Carr; cousins, SueAnne (Nicholas) Hillard, Russell Nichols, Kay Lynn (Gunnison) House, and Forest Gunnison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Diana.
There will be no services; she was cremated as per her wishes. A special thank you to Robert Kincaid who loved and cared for her for 35 years, despite being divorced for 34 years.
Lon M. Senko
Lon Michael Senko, 69, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 4, 1948 in Marlette, Mich., the son of Francis and Betty (Bates) Senko. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School with the class of 1967. He went on to earn a degree in engineering. Lon worked his entire career for the State of Michigan, where he worked as a bridge inspector. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. After returning from the war he went on to serve in the United States National Guard and retired after many faithful years of service. On April 20, 2002 he married Linda Jane Andrew. Lon loved his family and cherished every opportunity he had to be together. He supported not only them, but many others in whatever dream they were pursuing. Lon was a Past Commander of the VFW Maple City Post 2406 in Charlotte, Past National President of DADS of Foreign Service Veterans, and life member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Lon also served as Deacon at the South Lansing Church of Christ and was active as a member of the Charlotte Church of Christ. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and traveling.
Lon is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Michelle (Chris) Senko-Patch of Swartz Creek, Eric (Brittney) Senko of Las Vegas, Nev., Christine (James) LeBrun of Sumter, S.C., Lissa (Troy Lahr) Staszuk of Potterville, Brian (Julia) Wigington of Pahrump, Nev.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Rose) Senko of Onondaga, Bob (DeeDee) Senko of Boulder City, Nev.; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn (Tom) Mahon of Charlotte.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 25, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Lon’s honor to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or VFW Camp Trotter, 924 N Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Lon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Rose-Ann M. LaJoice
Rose-Ann Marie (Rapson) LaJoice, a gracious hostess, proud mother and loyal friend, 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018. She was born in Detroit on September 25, 1941 to Chester and Gertrude (Kanzler) Rapson. Rose-Ann was raised in the Upper Peninsula. She married Patrick J. LaJoice, of St. Ignace on November 9, 1964 in Brimley, Mich.
Rose-Ann was always a phone call away — she would be there to help. After her father died, Rose-Ann being the first born of her siblings, took on many responsibilities on the family farm, which led to a very close-knit family. She worked as a phone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in St. Ignace. She was also the cafeteria manager for the State of Michigan Treasury Building, Teacher’s Aide at Eaton Rapids Schools and retired from Walmart in Charlotte after 15 years of service. Rose-Ann was very charitable, and a devoted Catholic serving at St. Jude’s, and St. Mary Church, and involved in Women’s groups and Bible studies over the years.
Rose-Ann loved to travel and visit her family. One of her most cherished trips was traveling to Italy and visiting the Vatican and Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi where St Francis of Assisi lived and where he began the Franciscan Order. Her hobbies included collecting, crocheting, and crafting. Rose-Ann loved playing cards and learning new games while chatting with friends.
Rose-Ann is survived by her husband, Patrick; sons, John K. LaJoice of Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; siblings, George (Gloria) Rapson, John (Betty) Rapson, Gary (Susan) Rapson, Mary (Robert) Squires, Darlene (David) Taylor, Leo (Connie) Rapson and Lorraine (Marty) Rapson.
She was preceded in death by parents; infant son, James LaJoice; and sister, Teresa Valerie Semasky.
Visitation was held Friday, February 23, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Mary Catholic Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Rose-Ann’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.