Obituaries
Constance Irene Lennon
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Constance Irene Lennon on November 1, 2024.
Connie was born on January 16, 1961, in Battle Creek to Wayne and Irene Lennon. Connie was a 1979 graduate of Bellevue High School.
Upon graduating, Connie went to work at Mercy Pavilion and worked there for 15 years. She then went to work for the Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte and became Director of Dietary. She worked there for 26 years. Connie was not only a remarkable professional but also a mentor to many, always willing to share her knowledge and support the growth of others.
Family was at the heart of Connie’s life. She was a loving mother to her sons, Brandon Wayne Lennon and Jordan Tucker Kulish, and step-daughter, Taylore Ann Doyle. Connie cherished every moment spent with her family, including granddaughters, Odaysha Marie Williams-Kulish, Mirakle Noelle, and Semone Lynn; special friends, Mary White and Nancy Steele; and special niece, Jessica Scott, creating memories that will be treasured forever. She also leaves behind her siblings, Jim (Linda) Lennon, Mike (Karen) Lennon, Debbie (Steve) Green, Martha Otto, and Mary (Conrad) Sutter, and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Irene, Walter S. Kulish, Jr., and her brother-in-laws, Donald Otto, and Daniel Moreland.
Connie’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and unwavering integrity. She leaves behind a world that is better for having known her. Her kindness and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A funeral service to honor Connie’s memory will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service in Battle Creek, MI. Visitation will be held prior to services on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Eaton Community Palliative Care Thrift Shop, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Rest in peace, Con. Your light will continue to shine in our hearts.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Deborah Kay Norris
Deborah Kay Norris, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She was born February 2, 1952, in Lansing the daughter of William and Marjorie (Kelley) Beebe. Deborah married Stanley Norris on June 26, 2000, at their home on John Street. Deborah had a heart of gold and cherished her family deeply. She loved spending time together and was always looking forward to the next family gathering. When she wasn’t at work she enjoyed attending auction sales, garage sales, and collecting antiques. Deborah will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Stanley; children: Devrin (Rose) Beebe of Charlotte, Holly Brzycki of Grand Ledge; stepchildren: Jason (Lisa) Norris of Eaton Rapids, Amy (David) Price of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; five siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; stepdaughter, Connie Lauck; and three siblings.
A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Deborah’s memory to the family.
To view Deborah’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Susan Diane Shaw
Susan Diane Shaw, affectionately known as “Sue,” of Eaton Rapids, MI, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the age of 77. She was born on January 25, 1947, in Sandusky, MI, to Edward Jarmer and Virginia Stern. Sue grew up in Sandusky, graduated from high school there, and later pursued her studies at Ferris State University, where she earned an associate’s degree.
Sue dedicated much of her career to the Eaton Rapids Public Schools, where she served as a respected administrator in the middle school and high school office for 40 years. A cherished and active member of the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids, Sue served as choir director for many years, sharing her love for music with the congregation.
Family was Sue’s greatest joy, and she especially treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren. Her kind spirit and selfless dedication touched the lives of all who knew her.
Sue is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Doug; her brother, Edward Jarmer; and her parents. She is survived by her children, Jessica Shaw and Ryan (Melissa) Shaw; her grandchildren, Ethan Gaston, Sophia Gaston, Micah Gaston, Greyson Gaston, Isabella Gaston, Grace Shaw, Thomas Shaw, and Ella Shaw; and numerous extended family members and close friends.
Funeral services to honor Sue’s life were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home on Thursday, November 7, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church in loving memory of Sue Shaw. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jack Earl Alspaugh
Jack Earl Alspaugh of Eaton Rapids, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan. Jack was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 2, 1941, to Melvin Clyde and Mildred (Bayes) Alspaugh. He married Judith Marleah Bott on June 6, 1958. Jack retired from Oldsmobile in 1993 after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Charlotte Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved to be outdoors around nature, collecting radios, CB radios, and model trains.
Jack is survived by his wife, Judith M Alspaugh; children, Julie Marie Potter of Lansing, Brian Jack Alspaugh, William Barry Alspaugh, Carl Shannon Alspaugh all of Eaton Rapids, Jack Earl II (Gina) Alspaugh of Lansing; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Carl (Barbara) Alspaugh of Lansing; sister, Lora Alspaugh of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Eugene Alspaugh; sisters Joyce Raberg, Diane Katch, and Linda Bauer.
Funeral Services were held Wednesday, November 6 at 11 a.m. at The Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation was Tuesday, November 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh, Lansing, MI 48910. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
David Wendell Strank
David Wendell Strank passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on January 17, 1949, in Eaton Rapids, MI, David was the beloved son of Wendell and Barbara (Myers) Strank. A lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids, he graduated with the class of 1967 and continued his studies at Lansing Community College.
David was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. His career began in road construction, eventually earning his journeyman certification as a machinist. He worked with Lee Powers and Express Machines before becoming the proud owner and operator of Pressman. Alongside his professional work, David had a lifelong love for farming and often found solace in tending the land.
An exceptionally skilled woodworker, David enjoyed crafting beautiful bowls on his lathe and fixing cherished items for family and friends. His passion for the outdoors led him to many memorable hunting and fishing trips, and he delighted in traveling with his wife in their fifth wheel to various campgrounds and casinos.
David is preceded in death by his parents; his children, Wayne David and Wendy Ann Strank; and his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Carol Strank. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Gail (Reese) Strank; daughter, Laura (Jeff) Sweet; son, Peter Strank; grandson, Adam David Sweet; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vicki (Marvin) Ellsworth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. For those wishing to honor David’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the U of M Sparrow Home Hospice. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.