Obituaries
Richard “Dick” Lavern McManus
Richard “Dick” Lavern McManus of Charlotte, a wonderful guy that always made sure his family was taken care of, died October 3, 2023, at the age of 95. Born in Charlotte, MI to Vern and Blanche (King) McManus on September 22, 1928, Dick grew up learning about hard work, the importance of family, and a love of learning how to fix things and tinker with all kinds of gadgets to learn how they worked. A music lover, Dick enjoyed playing the guitar, especially old “Real Country” bluegrass style music, which he often played at area care homes in his winter home in Rockport, TX. Deer hunting was something Dick enjoyed, but only if he could get his trophy within 15 minutes. Fishing was more his style, enjoying any opportunity where he could be on the water at Guernsey Lake.
Working at Automatic Screw in Charlotte for many years, Dick was there until the age of 62 alongside Curley Cooper. This probably fostered his interest as a tinkerer, because he was always working on something and interested in gadgets and how they worked. He also enjoyed puzzles, as well as collecting rocks and seashells, and his weekly trips to McDonald’s in Lansing. With a love for travel, he enjoyed winters in Texas after his retirement, and in his 80’s he rode a bicycle alongside his grandson in “One Pedal Across Michigan.”
Dick is survived by his daughter-in-law, Darlene McManus; grandchildren, Charles and Julius McManus; five great-grandchildren, Wesley, Casey-Jo, Keegan, Brendan, and Collin; and two great great-grandchildren, Kayden and Atlas; and companion, Anita Gordon. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; son, James Charles McManus; brother, Harley Bennett McManus, and sister, Alta Christensen.
Friends are encouraged to support Dick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. All services are on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, funeral services at 12 noon, and a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gerald William Sundermann
Gerald William Sundermann of Dimondale, passed away October 3, 2023, at the age of 87. Gerald was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 15, 1935, the son of George and Edith (Martin) Sundermann. He served in the Air Force as a mechanic in the early years and then went on to be a foreman for General Motors where he retired in 1987. In his free time, he raised fowl having 40 different breeds of birds at one time or another.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Lou (Jones) Sundermann; siblings, Michael (Bonnie) Sundermann, James Sundermann, William Sundermann, Jack Sundermann and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will take place Friday from 2-4 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Christian Fellowship Church, 5324 Millett Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Scott Kirkland
Scott Kirkland of Eustis, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on September 30, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 30, 1965, the son of Roy Kirkland and Norma (Kirkland) Cole.
Scott is survived by his mother, Norma Cole, three sisters, Kimberly Faggion, Lori Kirkland, and Tami Byer. Along with his husband, Reid Haines, and sister and brother-in-law, Gregg and Shelly Brooks.
Scott enjoyed traveling the beach and gathering with his family and friends. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who loved and remember him.
Scott was preceded in death by his father, Roy Kirkland, stepfather, Bill Cole, and brother-in-law, Chris Byer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. and host a light reception immediately following the service. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Alden Roy Poyer
Alden Roy Poyer of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the age of 90. Alden was born on July 9, 1933, on the family farm in Brookfield, Township, he was the only son of Lloyd and Pauline (Umburger) Poyer. Alden lived his entire life in Eaton Rapids and spent his younger years working on the family farm, later in life he went to work for Huber Aluminum in Charlotte, MI, where he eventually retired. Alden was an avid hunter in his youth and in retirement, he enjoyed watching a good movie, especially his “old time” shows.
Alden is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Poyer; son, Duane Poyer; daughter, Nola Vantyle; grandson, Stacy Vantyle, and his sister, Nettie Wildt.
Surviving are his sons, Ray Poyer, Dale Poyer; stepdaughter, Dawn Richards; grandchildren, Toni Poyer, Lena (John) Stadel, Kayle Brown; great-grandchildren, Lyle Poyer, Nathan (Bre) Paton, Molly Paton, Jasmine, Cheyanne; and great great-grandchildren, Levi, Micki, and Emersyn.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Anna Mae Isbell
Anna Mae Isbell of New Baltimore, MI and formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the age of 90. Ann was born on February 4, 1933, in Chaffee, MO, the daughter of James and Edna (Robbins) Jones.
At the age of twelve, Ann relocated to Eaton Rapids, where she lived at the VFW National Home alongside her younger siblings. She attended Eaton Rapids High School and proudly graduated with the class of 1950. During her school years, she crossed paths with William “Bud” Isbell, and their relationship blossomed, culminating in their marriage on September 15, 1951.
Ann’s professional career began with the VFW Home as a switchboard operator and later for the State of Michigan where she worked in the income tax department. She was a devoted University of Michigan fan, rarely missing a U of M football game or any other sporting event that was televised. Beyond her passions for camping, traveling, gardening, crafting, playing cards, and square dancing, Ann will forever be cherished for her radiant smile and unwavering love for her family. Her grandchildren were so important to her and held a special place in her heart.
Ann is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bud” Isbell Sr.; son, William “Bill” Isbell, Jr.; and siblings, Wanda (Evans) Ryan, Norma (Ottie) Evans, Carl Jones, Earl (Marie) Jones, Glenda (Carl) Good, Doris (Jim) Ward, Bobby Jones.
Surviving are her children, Demetra Jan Isbell, Susan (Michael) Misteravich, James Brent Isbell; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Barb) Jones, Bill (Maria) Jones; sister, Marilyn (Carlton) Hunt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Michigan at http://www.hom.org/donate in memory of Ann. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.