Obituaries
Larry Dennis Clark
Larry Dennis Clark who had a kind heart and a hard worker, died October 4, 2024. Larry, 78, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan was born November 14, 1945, in Brazil, Indiana to Everett and Wilma (Bullerdick) Clark. After graduation from Charlotte High School, Larry worked for General Motors for forty-two years. Larry loved to garden where he grew huge heirloom tomatoes and peppers which he gave away. Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren and mowing his yard.
Larry is survived by his son, Jeff (Gretchen) Clark; daughter, Sheri Clark; grandchildren, Brittany (Jeremy) Willadson, Jasmine (James) Clark, John Parsons, Codie (Dakata) Zakora and Taylor Stults; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Madalynn, Abigail, Jaylinn, Ronan, Everlyn, Colson; step-children, Cheryl (Tim) Miller, Michael Wright, and Joel Wright; grandchildren, TJ (Amy) Davis, Uriah Cole Cervantes, Cody (Mary) Cervantes, and Michelle Powers; great-grandchildren, Tyler James Davids, Rose Antonina Davids, Autumn Taressa Cervantes, Wyatt Cole Cervantes, Olivia Grace Hancock, Waylan Timothy Cervantes, Alaina Maize Cervantes, Emberly Blue Cervantes, Arwyn Rosemary Cervantes, Bodee Tiger Cervantes; great-great-grandchild, Estelle Victoria Wilson and sister, Judy Moncrief. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Betty Priest.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Friday, October 11, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Elder Jeff Teachout officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses of Charlotte, MI. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Philip Henry Byington
Philip Henry Byington, Age 98, of Vermontville, passed away October 1, 2024, in his home.
Philip was born December 1, 1925, in Herculaneum, MO to Oliver and Flora (Blair) Byington.
He moved to Michigan in 1943 where he soon met the love of his life, Peggy Buck. In 1946 he joined the Army Air Corp, getting stationed at Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Peggy joined him there and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 30, 1947. They celebrated 70 years together before she passed December 20, 2017.
Philip was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Mardelle (Buck) Byington, his parents, eight siblings, grandsons Alex and Derek, and great grandchildren LJ, Lilley, and Jonathan.
He is survived by his children Sandra (Dennis) Mick, Gwen Jo (Mark) Anderson, Jeff (Barb) Byington, Jennifer (Jurrell) Hibdon, Cliff (Karen) Byington, and Penny Byington (Allen Hapeman), his sister Alice (Barry) Carty, three sister in laws and brother in law Jon (Connie) Buck, as well as 17 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren.
Philip will be interred privately at Fort Custer National Cemetery alongside his wife Peggy.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Philip at Vermontville Bible Church, located at 250 N. Main St., Vermontville, MI, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M79 Hwy., Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Sheila Ann Rugg
Sheila Ann Rugg, 88 of Charlotte, Michigan went to be with her beloved Lord and Savior on Friday, October 4, 2024. Sheila was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 27, 1935, to George and Maxine Henderson.
Family was truly the corner of Sheila’s life. She loved taking road trips with her grandkids, often getting lost, calling these trips, “Going on an adventure”. Sheila was skilled at making people smile with her campy sense of humor. Even in her later years when she became homebound, she still found ways to brighten people’s days. Maybe you were one of the lucky ones to receive a singing phone call. Sheila was an avid reader and had a lifelong passion for learning. Sheila truly loved the Lord and shared that love by serving the lost and lonely in her community.
Sheila is preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick D. Rugg Jr. She is survived by her 4 children, Shanna Moran, Stacy Badger (Guy Badger), Mary Christensen (David Cantu), and Christy Long (Fred Long). She is preceded in death by her son, Daniel Rugg.
She is survived by her dear lifelong friend Mary Jo Scott. Sheila is survived by 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Sheila is also survived by two friends Will Burton and Dustin Marriner.
A memorial service was held on Monday, October 7, 2024, in Charlotte. Her family will lay her to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville at a future date.
Denise Ellyn Heisler
Denise “Dee” Ellyn Heisler, 81, of Olivet, passed away on October 5, 2024, at Sparrow Health System in Lansing. Dee was born on July 9, 1943 to Russell and Cristina (Noss) Wagoner in Albion, MI. She married Fred H. Heisler on October 5, 1963, in Homer, MI. Fred preceded Dee in death on June 23, 2016. Dee graduated from Olivet College and worked as a substitute teacher for Olivet Schools.
She was a fan of University of Michigan and Detroit Tigers. Dee liked to travel to New Orleans and Florida. She would home school kids and help out at track meets at Olivet schools. Dee loved her children most of all.
Dee is survived by her children, Sherrie (Jeff) Case of Olivet, MI, Tammy (George) Poulopoulos of Marshall, Mike Heisler of Olivet, MI, Brian (Carri) Heisler of Olivet, MI, Brett (Dawn) Heisler of Albion, MI; eight grandchildren, seven great-Grandchildren and sister, Sue (John) Dogan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Craig Wagoner.
Dee’s family had a gathering on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall in Olivet.
Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Dee may do so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Dementia Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
Samuel LeRoy Love
Samuel LeRoy Love of Charlotte, passed away October 5, 2024, at the age of 64. Sam was born on February 13, 1960, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Norman and Phyllis (Scott) Love. He was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978, where he showcased his athleticism by playing football, tennis, and participating in swimming. Sam’s love for sports continued throughout his life, notably as an avid Spartan fan. He could always be found tailgating at Spartan Stadium, where his infectious enthusiasm brought people together.
After a fulfilling career at General Motors, Sam retired and channeled his passion into becoming a licensed builder. His work with the Charlotte Planning Commission displayed his deep commitment to the city he loved, reflecting his desire to give back to his community. Sam’s voice could often be heard announcing Charlotte’s football, baseball, and softball games.
A lover of the outdoors, Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing, always enthusiastic about sharing these moments with his children and grandchildren. Camping trips were events full of laughter and storytelling, as he relished the time spent with family and friends. His culinary skills were apparent to all who had the pleasure of tasting his dishes, as he loved to cook for those he cherished.
Sam’s woodworking skills were admirable, handcrafting many special pieces for his loved ones. These pieces will be treasured reminders of his skill, love, and dedication. Above all, Sam will be remembered as “everyone’s handyman,” always there to lend a helping hand. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Those who knew him could always count on his support, kindness, and willingness to go the extra mile.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Kelly (Koos) Love; children, Shalyne (Sean) Harris, Victorria (Joshua Snead) Chavez, Ashley Chavez-Ross, and Tiffaney Chavez; grandchildren, Cadence Harris, Felicity Harris, Bryce Ross, Cameron Ross, Dakota Ross, Sofia DeMasters, Lillyanna DeMasters, Mia Snead, Hayden McLean, and Landyn McLean; mother, Phyllis Love; sisters, LuAnn (Gary) Gloden and Joanie (Van Mollette) Love; sisters-in-law Kristy Koos-Volz and Kathy (Ron) Bristol; brother-in-law Kim (Paulette) Koos; special friends Karen and Jeff Beasley, Deb and Steve Shaughnessy, as well as several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman LeRoy Love and in-laws Merlin and Patricia (McConnell) Koos.
A visitation was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.