Obituaries
Eric Flancher
Eric Flancher passed away on May 22, 2023, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident with another vehicle. Born November 23, 1989, in Crystal Fall, Michigan, Eric grew up in Eaton Rapids and spent his early days equally involved in both academics and athletics – you would never know whether to look for him in the weight room or the library. He played varsity football in addition to running cross country and track (2008 state runner-up in the 4x800m relay). After graduating from ERHS top-10 in his class, Eric elected to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. A member of the Lava Dogs (1st Battalion, 3rd Marines), his four years of service as a Machine Gunner included two combat tours in Afghanistan. Following his honorable discharge in 2012, Eric returned to the Lansing area to spend time with family and began working as a security guard at Sparrow Hospital. Having previously received his Associate Degree from Lansing Community College, Eric graduated with honors from Davenport University in December 2022, obtaining his Bachelor of Business Administration. He will be remembered as funny, charming, humble, and well-liked by all who knew him. Ever the ambassador of physical fitness, self-discipline, and education, Eric was a role model not only to all his siblings, but to everyone he met. If he wasn’t working out, you could find Eric reading a book, taking his cat Jameson for a walk, or playing Old School Runescape. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, hanging out with his many friends, and watching his favorite shows and streamers.
Eric leaves behind his mother, Jane (Scott) Paradis; father, Steven (Isabelle) Flancher; older sister, Stefanie; younger brothers, Jonathon (Samantha) and Nathan; step-siblings, Zach (Morgan) and Raquel Ray; uncles, Jim (Lori) Busakowski and Chet Busakowski; maternal grandmother, Carol Busakowski; and good friend, John (Kate) Szafranski.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Chester Busakowski and his paternal grandparents, Bruce and Theodora “Cookie” Flancher.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, with a Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Thursday from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Capital Area Humane Society. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Sharon Jeanne Williams
Sharon Jeanne Williams of Eaton Rapids passed away April 21, 2023 at the age of 88. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, September 3, 1934, the daughter of Harold and Marion Owen. Sharon lived in Eaton Rapids, Michigan until she married the love of her life, Richard Williams, in 1951.
She attended Lansing Community College where she earned her nursing degree as an LPN in 1972. She was employed by Sparrow where she retired in 1996.
She was a devout Christian attending Pennway Church of God in Lansing until she moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, in 1998. There she attend3ed and was very active at Christian Community Church and Family of Faith Bible Church.
Sharon loved traveling, golf, bowling, singing in the church choir, crocheting, and last but not least, baseball.
She is survived by her children: son, Michael (Angela) Williams of Montrose, CO; daughter, Cheryl (Roger) Morrison of Eaton Rapids, MI; four grandchildren: Chad, Chelsea, Jessica, and Trisha; six great-grandchildren: Zach, Kensley, Lilly, Skylar, Harley, and Everly; brother, Tom Owen of Eaton Rapids; and many extended families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Williams; sister, Shari Clough; brothers, William Owen and David Owen; and granddaughter, Shena Esper.
A Graveside Memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt, Michigan.
Betty Jane Gulliver
Betty Jane Gulliver, 77, of Clarklake passed away from cancer, March 25, 2023 at Manatee Memorial, Bradenton, Florida. Betty’s family and friends will gather for visitation Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Eineder Funeral Homes – Brooklyn Chapel and Friday, June 2, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Brooklyn Presbyterian Church. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, 160 N. Main St., Brooklyn, Michigan. Pastor Tami Recob will officiate.
Betty was born on January 6, 1946, in Trenton, Michigan to Henry and Marion (Skidmore) Steward. She married her college sweetheart, Ted Gulliver, whom she met on a blind date at Western Michigan University, 55 years ago. She will be remembered as having lived a wonderful life. Betty attended Wyandotte Roosevelt High School where she was homecoming queen in her junior year. She earned her degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University where she belonged to the Delta Zeta sorority. Betty was like a mother to her special needs’ classroom; using her great personality to make her classroom one that the students loved. She had a knack for working with her classes. She took her “kids” to Michigan’s first Special Olympics, held in Kalamazoo in 1969. She continued to volunteer for the Special Olympics for many years. Her personality helped make her a good wife, caring and kind mother that had a terrific sense of humor and was a good role model. Betty continued to play in a golf league that started in Manchester over 60 years ago. She helped bring back the Columbia Central High School musicals and produced them for many years, providing another place for the students to learn and excel. Betty even acted in a few plays at the Potter Center with her husband and daughters. She made it fun for every group she was part of, such as her book club (who actually read the books); she volunteered with the local Red Cross for a time; the Red Hat group, The Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty, and she looked forward to Thirsty Thursdays and the comfort of old friends. She and her husband spent much of their recent years as caregivers for each of their two daughters. She was known to be a very kind and good friend. In her later years, she found a special “family” at her Winterset home in Palmetto, Florida where she loved to lead the decorating of the clubhouse for Christmas and to line dance. Betty was truly loved by all who knew her; and her brilliant, constant smile with eyes that truly sparkled will be greatly missed, especially by her husband Ted.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Ted; sister, Marie (RC) Wallace; mother-in-law, Nina Gulliver; sisters-in-law Christine (Keith) Pople, Charna (Bob) Welch; brother-in-law Gary (Debbie) Gulliver; nephews, Mike Vick and Mark (Tammy) Vick, John Welch, Keith (Blerina) Pople, Zach (Kim) Gulliver, Nick Gulliver; nieces, Laura (Devin) Benford, Kim (Chad) Porter, Alexis Gulliver, and Jessica Gulliver. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marion Steward; and daughters, Anne Reed and Katie Clark. She will be remembered fondly by so many more, including the residents of Florida’s Winterset Resort, and Clark Lake residents, along with scores of Michigan friends, and her extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty, 2231 Jefferson Rd., Clarklake, MI 49234 or Educational Foundation for Columbia Schools, P.O. Box 126, Brooklyn, MI 49230. Please leave a message of comfort for Betty’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
Harold Alan Degner
Harold Alan Degner, 75, of Dimondale, died on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Harold was born on October 14, 1947, in Lansing the son of Roy and Dorothy (Thompson) Degner. Upon graduating from high school Harold enlisted in the Air Force where he served during Vietnam, once he returned home, he would then serve in the Air National Guard. Harold worked as an Electrician for Fisher Body for 40 years before his retirement in 2007. He also was a volunteer fireman in Potterville for several years. In his free time Harold enjoyed watching westerns, target shooting, and being with his dogs. His biggest enjoyment in life was growing up on the family farm and being able to cruise around the property on his scooter.
Harold is survived by his son, Shawnn; grandchildren, Elizabeth, and Christopher; siblings, Jerry (Jamie) Degner, and Emma (Louie) Trowbridge; sister-in-law, Pat Degner; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Roy Degner.
Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ark J. Hampton
Ark J. Hampton of Charlotte, a guy with a big heart and a big sense of humor, died May 15, 2023, at the age of 75. Ark was born April 14, 1948, in Prestonburg, KY to Benjamin and Vernie (Prater) Hampton. Ark served in the Army during Vietnam and returned to get an Associate degree. Over the years he held many different positions, including a salesman for Sundance Home Sales and the place he worked last, Northwest Tire. Always acting from the heart, Ark was often helping others and putting others first. He loved being a jokester too, sometimes over-the-top with his pranks and jokes but always with good humor. Ark was very proud of his family and encouraged his kids and grandkids in all they did. He always stood up for others, for what was right, and was willing to lend a hand and “just do it.”
Ark is survived by his wife, Connie Hampton; son, John (Carol) Moreno; daughters, Darla (Scott) Moreno-Ream and Brandy Moreno; grandchildren, Corey Rice, Matt Kreis, Danielle Wood, Dustin Rice, Garrett Rice, and Marissa Moreno; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Hershel Hubbard, Thomas Hampton, Ben Hampton, Chillie Hampton, Lucy Wright, and Sally Johnston. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Benjamin and Vernie Hampton.
Friends are encouraged to support Ark’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.