Obituaries
Emmett Gooch
Emmett “Joe” Gooch, a proud father and even more proud grandfather, passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family at his home in Vermontville, Michigan. He attended Midland High School and was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War after graduation. After returning from the war, he worked for General Motors before starting his career as a Deputy for the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. He retired after 25 years as a Deputy and went on to serve as a District Court Bailiff for several years.
Joe’s pride and joy in life was his family, and he spent the last several years teaching his grandsons Will and Levi to hunt, fish, play baseball, and enjoy the property they all shared. He also enjoyed camping with them at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground on Lake Huron or the Jellystone Campground in Angola, Indiana.
Joe is survived by his wife of over 39 years, Teresa; children, Allie (Jon) Whitford, and Kim (Bill) Fillmore; grandchildren, William and Levi Whitford, Sean Carter, and Joel Engel.
At Joe’s request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Back-to-School Event at the Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center or Compassus Lansing Michigan Hospice Care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Cindy Lee Herlein
Cindy Lee Herlein, a strong-willed wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and Christian, died surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 24, 2023, after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Cindy, 60, of Olivet was born on June 7, 1963, in Hastings, the daughter of Roland “Bud” and Joan (Hummell) Bair. She graduated college from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, and later graduated from Argubright Business College earning a Business Degree. On September 30, 1989, Cindy married the love of her life, Phil Herlein, and together they spent the next 34 years creating lasting memories. Cindy worked for Northwestern Michigan College for 10 years until she and Phil moved to Olivet. She then began working for the Olivet Public Schools where she has worked for the last 16 years. Cindy was all about education and being able to work with children. Her devotion to the Lord was very important to Cindy, she attended the First Baptist Church in Charlotte and the Leslie First Baptist Church.
Cindy loved making trips to Shipshewana and to different garage sales around the country. She was a very frugal person and always looked for the best deal. Cindy was a Master Couponer and would spend her Sunday clipping out coupons from the newspaper. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were feeding the birds, reading, baking, cooking, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and most importantly helping people in need. Above all Cindy loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Phil; children, Kurtis (Felicia) Herlein, Alex (Rachel) Herlein, Tyler Canterbury; grandchildren, Eloise, Dawson, and Theo; mother, Joan Bair; siblings, Jody (Dan) Bivens, Earl (Jenny) Bair, Renee (Glen) Creek; dear friends, Deb Schwab, and Jeanna Ruthruff. She was predeceased by her father, Bud Bair.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Youth Haven Camp in Rives Junction. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert Floyd Raymer
Robert Floyd Raymer, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born February 10, 1939, in Eaton Rapids the son of George and Miriam (Warner) Raymer. On May 10, 1959, Bob married Darlene Baker at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for. After high school, Bob was drafted into the US Army where he faithfully served his country. Bob began working as a meat cutter when he was a teenager and upon his return from the Army, he made it his life-long career. This was not just a job to Bob but it was a passion. He was a perfectionist and every job that he did was done right.
He worked cutting meat at Carter’s IGA for many years and in later years he began cutting deer with George DeVres for many local customers. Bob enjoyed working on his pristine lawn and gardens. His vehicles were always kept in tip top shape and no dirt could be found inside or out.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Darlene; sons, Russ (Julie) Raymer of Eaton Rapids, Rick Raymer of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zach Raymer, Shelby (Jake) Skelton; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Rhys, Rozlynn, Sawyer, Jonah; sister-in-law, Joyce Raymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan (Ralph) Shaw, and brother, George Raymer.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Royston and Tom Surdenik officiating. The family received friends at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Bob’s memory to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or New Faith Church of the Nazarene 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Shawn Lee Lake
Shawn Lee Lake, a big teddy bear, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Shawn, 52, of Charlotte, was born on June 2, 1971, in Lansing, the son of Benjamin and Helen (Lawson) Lake. He graduated from Charlotte High School the class of 1989. The love of his life was his daughter, Alexis, and granddaughter, Evelyn-Rae. Shawn had a passion for music, whether it was playing his bass or writing songs, he enjoyed letting loose in the beat of a song. Other hobbies that he found enjoyment in were writing poems, riding his bike, and tinkering on his Cadillac.
Shawn is survived by his children, Destiny Holcomb, Michael Cooper, and Alexis Lake; five grandchildren; parents, Benjamin, and Helen Lake; girlfriend, Angie Yerke; and brother, Chad (Sylvie) Lake. He was predeceased by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Shawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Shawn’s family is planning a Celebration of Life for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Daniel Scott Rugg
Daniel Scott Rugg, 58, died peacefully August 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer. Dan was born on September 2, 1964 in Rockland, Massachusetts, the son of Fred and Sheila Rugg. He graduated with his GED from Charlotte High School where he studied building trades. He worked in construction and most recently was employed for the last 13 years with Hosford Brothers Concrete. His strong work ethic was always evident wherever he worked.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kim Rugg; children, Kisha Wallace, Fred Baker, Patrick (Amanda) Baker, Garrick (Rachel Baker), Michaella Baker (Ryan Callahan), and Matthew Rugg; grandchildren: Brandon Wallace, Charles Wallace, Damien Wallace, Haley Wallace, Jacqueline Baker, Hailey Baker, Amelia Baker, Aiden Baker; mother, Sheila Rugg; sisters, Shanna Moran, Stacy (Guy) Badger, Mary (David) Christensen, Christy (Fred) Long; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thanks to his cousin, Melinda Ward. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Rugg.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to offset funeral costs. Dan led a simple life and requested that his celebration of life be kept simple. His family will lay him to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville at a future date.