Obituaries
Marilyn Kay Watson
Marilyn Watson of Potterville, MI – beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and teacher – passed away after a short illness on August 19, 2023 at the age of 80. She was surrounded by her loving family in the days preceding her passing.
Marilyn was born on June 12, 1943 and grew up with her parents and three sisters in Belleville, MI. She graduated from Belleville High School in 1961 and attended Eastern Michigan University (EMU) to obtain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, as teaching children was her passion. There she met her future husband, Dewain (Bill) Watson, also from Belleville, and they were married on June 19, 1965, one week after graduating from EMU. Bill took a job that would transfer them to various states, and Marilyn would teach at the local elementary schools. After a few years, Bill returned to EMU to obtain his master’s degree in education administration, and they lived on Marilyn’s family farm with their two young children and Marilyn’s grandmother. After completing his degree, Bill was offered a position in Charlotte, MI, and the couple moved their family to their current residence. As an example of Marilyn’s love for family, she asked her grandmother, Helen Riggs, if she would like to move with them, and Helen accepted. Marilyn spent the next seven years caring for her, planting gardens for her to enjoy as they both loved gardening and making her last years happy ones.
After her grandmother’s passing, Marilyn returned to teaching as it was one of her greatest joys, particularly children with disabilities. Her dedication to her students was evident to all, and she gave endlessly of herself to her young pupils. Her love for her family and friends also knew no bounds, and she was known for the care packages that she would send with her delicious baked treats, thoughtful gifts, crafts, and seasonal items. She took particular delight in holidays and making family gatherings festive and memorable. In recent years, she was especially devoted to her grandchildren and strove to attend as many of their school functions and life events as possible. She enjoyed traveling, and went on many trips, within the U.S. and abroad, with her husband, mother, and sisters. She loved gardening and sharing her produce, was a bird enthusiast and kept her feeders full year-round, enjoyed baking, cooking, and sharing her creations, and was an avid reader and former library board member, focusing on programs for children. Her devotion to her family, friends, students, and community will live on forever in all of our hearts and will never be forgotten. Her work is now finished, the lessons that she taught us have been learned, and her rest is well deserved.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Bill Watson; children, Julie (Robert) LaMacchia and James (Deb) Watson; grandchildren, Derek (Hannah) Watson, Brooke Watson, Carter Watson, and Alex Feighner; great granddaughter Zoey Watson; sisters, Joanne (Mark) Williams and Debbie Cartwright; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Alice (Riggs) Herkimer; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet (Robert) Loria, and her brother-in-law, Paul Cartwright.
Marilyn is in the care of David C. Brown Funeral Home, 460 E. Huron River Dr., Belleville, Michigan 48111, and will be laid to rest in Belleville’s Hillside Cemetery in a private family memorial and interment this fall. The family invites you to make a donation in Marilyn’s memory to the charity that was close to her heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Posted by Design | August 31, 2023
Mary Ann Vercellino
Mary Ann (Wineland) Vercellino passed from this life on Monday, August 21, 2023 in the presence of her family, and in particular her loving husband, Al, of sixty-one years. Though Mary ultimately succumbed to dementia she maintained her loving kindness to the very end. If one word was used to describe Mary, it would be kind. Kindness, service to others and old-fashioned hard work were at the core of her being.
Mary was born on January 29, 1941, and grew up in Hudson, Michigan, the daughter of Elwin and Blondie Wineland. As a farmer’s daughter she became acquainted with hard work at a young age. It was at Hudson High that she met Al and they began their lifetime journey together. While in Charlotte she operated an in-home day care, providing love, and practical wisdom to dozens of children and their parents. Her sons have many fond memories of her including waking up almost daily to the delicious scent of her baking.
Al and Mary enjoyed nearly thirty years of retirement. For the first five years they traveled the country, full-timing it in their fifth wheel. They loved the freedom of the simple life and experienced many beautiful places while also enjoying hiking and fishing. They eventually settled in Key West where they resided for twenty years. Mary invariably found herself gardening at her home (and those around her) and going on daily bike rides with Al. It was there she met the second love of her life, Lucky, the homeless dog they adopted that was their faithful companion for many years.
Surviving Mary are her husband, Al; sons, Dave (Jodi) and Steve (Margie); brother, Phil (Phyllis) Wineland; sister, Connie (Dave) Tranel; as well as ten grandchildren: Joe (Heather) Vercellino, Dan Vercellino, Robin (Adam) Rogers, Andrea (Will) Vercellino, Sandra Vercellino, David Vercellino, Ben Vercellino, Mitchell (Leahla) Vercellino, Conner (Lindsay) Vercellino, and Alexis (Tyler) Garmen; as well as nine beautiful great-grandchildren (and one on the way).
The family would like to thank the devoted staff of Arden Court Memory Care in Livonia for their loving kindness and service to Mary and our family. She was a staff favorite. Everyone truly loved Mary and she will be greatly missed.
A memorial for the family will be scheduled later. Rather than flowers the family encourages donations in her memory to the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte (621 S. Jefferson, Charlotte, MI 48813).
Posted by Design | August 31, 2023
John Thomas Thayer
John Thomas “Jack” Thayer, age 76, of Olivet passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, in Marshall. He was born September 14, 1946, in Buffalo, New York the son of Richard and Gertrude (Butler) Thayer. After high school Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jack worked at Fisher Body in Lansing, Henderson Glass, and later owned and operated Residential Window Service in Olivet. He enjoyed spending time camping, NASCAR, and drag racing.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Troy Thayer, Connie Tobias; step-son, Ben (Carol) Nelson; sisters, Ruth “Dolly” (Dan) Finney, Nancy L. Gardenhouse; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home for a time of reminiscing and sharing memories.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Posted by Design | August 31, 2023
Mary Eileen Holt
Mary was a resident of Charlotte, MI where she peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 20, 2023, at the of 85. She was born on September 8, 1937, in Kewanee, IL to Smith and Lillian Monroe. This is where Mary led her life’s journey working as a school custodian for Southwestern School District in Brighton IL where she dedicated 20 years of her life. After she retired, she and her husband, Raymond Holt moved to Charlotte, Michigan and remained there for the past 23 years.
Mary also found joy in many different hobbies such as crocheting, free drawing, sewing, and solving word puzzles. She also had a fondness for traveling, she really loved the scenery of the landscapes of northern Michigan and southern Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her husband, Raymond Holt; her son, Bruce Holt; daughter-in in-law, Stacey Holt; and her brother, Paul Monroe.
She is survived by her children, Jerry and Lorie Merideth, Vicky Binnings, Kenneth Holt, Sherry Holt, Scott Holt, Evelyn (Nicky) and Jerry Case. She also has 13 grandchildren, 25 great -grandchildren and 11 great, great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lorena Hall and all of her children.
In honoring Mary’s wishes there will be no formal services held. For those who would like to pay their respects, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice House of Lansing Michigan in Mary’s memory. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneral Homes.com.
Posted by Design | August 24, 2023
Jeffrey Alan Shumaker
Jeffrey “Jeff” Alan Shumaker, a man known for enjoying the simple things in life, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, August 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. Jeff, 62, of Charlotte, was born on October 10, 1960, in Charlotte, the son of Orland and Ethel (Canter) Shumaker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1978. On September 13, 1985, he married his high school sweetheart Daneen Atwell. Jeff worked at Spartan Motors in Charlotte where he was a Production Supervisor. Many referred to him as the Best Boss at Spartan. He retired from Spartan in 2022 after 33 years and began working for Air Lift. Jeff worked for Air Lift until he was diagnosed with cancer and was unable to work any longer. Many will remember Jeff for his funny personality and his ability to make you laugh. His biggest pride and joy in life was his family and in recent years his three beautiful grandchildren.
Jeff was an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for chasing Michigan whitetails in the fall and turkeys in the spring. You could often find him cleaning up around his yard and tending to his yearly vegetable garden. Jeff and his son Travis were proud members of the Rankins Big Buck and Turkey Contest each year. On a bear hunting trip several years ago, Jeff was given the nickname Two Shot Shumaker, which has stuck with him over the years. Jeff also enjoyed numerous hunting trips out west. On May 28 Jeff was able to hunt one final time. With the assistance from Travis, he was able to tag one final turkey. There was also the yearly fishing trip to Platte Bay when the salmon were running. Jeff was also an avid golfer, playing in different leagues over the years.
Jeff is survived by his wife of almost 38 years, Daneen; children, Tara (Chuck) Collier, and Travis (Lexie) Shumaker; grandchildren, Olivia Collier, Adalynn and Tucker Shumaker; siblings, Bernard (Ana Maria) Stambaugh, Linda Russell, and Doug (Katy) Shumaker; mother-in-law, Janice (Barry Baba) Atwell-Finn; sister-in-law, Shelley (Chuck) Hogle; brothers-in-law, BA (Chris) Atwell, and Phil (Sonja) Atwell; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and step father-in-law, Thomas Finn, Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeff’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. There will be no services for Jeff at this time. His family would like to thank everyone that came to support Jeff and his family at the Living Celebration of Life that they had for Jeff earlier this summer. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Posted by Design | August 24, 2023
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