Mr. Thomas R. Burns, 83, of Kalamo Township, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings. Thomas was born in Lawton, on July 28, 1928, the son of the late Thomas A. and Marjorie A. (Fellows) Burns. He was raised in the Lawton, area, and attended local schools. Tom began working as a carpenter in 1960, building residential homes in the Battle Creek area. He retired from building in 2000 after 40 years in the business.
He was the husband of Ardith (Stevens) Burns. The couple met as neighbors while they were both living in the Lansing area. On October 14, 1951 the couple was married at the Delta Center in Lansing. They began their lives together farming in the Grand Ledge area, but in 1955 purchased their farm on Curtis Road, where they raised their family together. In October, the couple celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Tom loved to be outside, especially when working on the family farm. He was exceptionally talented with his hands and could make or fix just about anything. Tom has been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 50 years and loved to spend time in congregation activities and sharing his hope for unending life in the future. His grandchildren were a very special thing in Tom's life and he always cherished any time he could spend with them.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Ardith; two daughters, Marie (Eliot) Eberhard, Jean (Wayne) Porter; two sons, Max (Margaret) Burns, and Jeff Burns. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Kingdom Hall, on Chester Road in Charlotte at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 24, with Elder Jeffery Teachout officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to The Kingdom Hall.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net for further details.
David Cantine
David Eugene Cantine of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 20, 2011. He was born February 21, 1926 to Fred and Pearl Ralston Cantine in Ionia. David grew up on a farm in Ionia and on the Smith Road Orchard Farm in Eaton Rapids. He married his first wife, Katherine Pauline Conley in 1942. She passed away in 1974. David joined the Navy in 1941. He was a WWII Veteran proudly serving on the USS Charles Lawrence. David continued his Navy career in the Seabees as a Construction Battalion Reservist. The National Boy Scout Camp in Colorado was among a long list of the Seabee’s accomplishments. David owned his own construction business for several years. He also worked for area construction companies, supervising the building of many structures in the greater Lansing area, including GM plants, hospitals, and fire stations. David was also a life member of VFW post 2406.
In 1991, David married Anne Winslow Towns of Eaton Rapids. They traveled extensively to visit children, grandchildren, friends and family and wintered in Palmetto, FL. He joined Anne in her support of the Eaton Community Hospice hosting sales at their home and offering unending support. David enjoyed owning and performing with his street organ and attending organ rallies as a member of the Carrousel Organ Association of America. He prided himself on his immaculate lawn, his beautiful flowers and his very prolific garden.
David is survived by his wife, Anne; son, Robert David (Cathy) Cantine of Springport; Nancy (Tim) Propst of NC, Michael (Simon) Towns of GA, Mitchell (Krista) Towns and Ava Towns, both of Eaton Rapids; brother, Keith (Rose) Cantine; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews and his special friends, Jim and Judy Rocco. His nephew, Gary Cantine will particularly miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence and Earl; sisters, Ruth Stedman and Naomi Mason.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Daniel Hofmann officiating. Interment was at Brickyard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care formerly known as Eaton Community Hospice 2675 Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813. Online condolences may be sent to www.shellyodell.com.
John G. Conroy
John G. Conroy, 55, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at his residence. John was born January 3, 1956 in Lansing, the son of George and Mary (Lesher) Conroy and was a longtime resident of Charlotte coming from Lansing. He had served in the U. S. Army and was a retired employee of General Motors in Lansing from where he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
Surviving are: his wife of 29 years, Rosalie (Brzycki) Conroy; two sons, William Conroy of Charlotte and Thomas J. Conroy of Nashville; his parents, George and Mary Conroy of Florida; five siblings, Linda (Jeff) Wonch of Lansing, Jerry (Cindy) Conroy of Charlotte, Mary Pickett and Marv of Charlotte, Mike Conroy and Kathy of Charlotte and Diane Perkins of Charlotte and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Darwin Kuhl officiating. Interment will be in West Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may go to the Eaton Community Hospice, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. Online condolences may be made at www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Madeline Dickinson
Madeline Dickinson, 90, of Charlotte, went to be with the Lord Sunday, December 12, 2011 at Sparrow Health Systems in Lansing. Madeline was born June 14, 1921 in Eaton Rapids, the third daughter of Guy and Elizabeth (Livingston) Hillard. Madeline graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1939. She married Wendell Dickinson June 14, 1946 after he returned from WWIl. They enjoyed traveling throughout the country and spent their winters in Florida and Arizona after retirement. Madeline was employed by the federal government for 25 years as an executive secretary for the local Selective Service Board. Many will remember Madeline as an active and productive lady who was always bursting with energy. She was active in numerous avenues in the community. In her children’s earlier years she was a Cub Scout Leader and a member of the South Side Mother’s Club. She was also active in the Charlotte Business Women’s Guild, the Eaton Area Order of The Eastern Star, the Eaton Area Senior Center, and First Baptist Church of Charlotte.
She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Michael) Buhs of Charlotte; son, Bruce (Laura) Dickinson of Frisco, Colo.; five grandchildren, Caleb (Allison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Kirchmeier, and Dayton Buhs, and Dana and Troy Meeker; and her sister Ruth (Carl) Mascher of East Lansing.
Madeline was predeceased by her husband Wendell in 1992, and two sisters Annie Fosket and Dorothy Long.
Funeral Services were held Friday, December 16, 2011 at First Baptist Church. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com. Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Melinda Fox
Melinda “Molly” Fox, 60, of Charlotte, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Molly was born May 2, 1951 in Fremont, the daughter of Jay and Lois (Boeskool) Brookhouse. She taught elementary physical education for 27 years in Eaton Rapids at Northwestern Elementary, after teaching at Fremont High School, totaling over 35 years of educating. Molly was a lifeguard for over 40 years and was one of the first female umpires in the State of Michigan. She was a sports enthusiast, coaching Eaton Rapids softball and kept an amazing assortment of gym shoes, so none of her students would have to go without. Molly was happiest on the beach, especially Lake Michigan, where she loved to collect “beach treasures.” She especially loved family gatherings and, as a single parent, was devoted to her two children. Many will remember Molly’s generosity and the loving friendship she shared with everyone.
She is survived by her children, Alana Fox and A.J. Fox, both of Charlotte; her mother, Lois Brookhouse of Fremont; siblings, Jon (Barb) Brookhouse of Chassell, Nancy Leaver of Walker, Holly (Doug) Frakes of Williamston, Betsy (Doug) Crater of Rochester, N.Y., and Tony (Denise) Brookhouse of Whitinsville, Mass.; and a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jay Brookhouse, brother, Nick Brookhouse, and nephew Chad Brookhouse.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lansing, with Rev. Dr. William M. Beachy and Pastor Barbara Beachy officiating. The family will receive guests on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen of Greater Lansing or Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com. Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Lanny D. Garland
Lanny Dale Garland, 59, of Bellevue, died December 15, 2011 at Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte. He was born November 1, 1952, the son of Andrew A. and Faye B. (Head) Garland in Benton Harbor. Lanny served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner during Vietnam and Desert Storm. He then worked for Denso Manufacturing for 15 years, retiring in 2009.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Perlick) Garland of Bellevue; daughters, Sarah Garland and Shannon Garland, both of Bellevue; granddaughter, Evony Garland; sister, Brenda (Bill) Overman of Flint; brothers, Jeff (Trudy) Garland of Louisiana and Robert Garland of Jonesboro, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wayne Garland and Ken Garland.
Lanny enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding Harley’s, spending time with his granddaughter and helping friends. He was a member of the Masons, Shriners and Combat Veterans Association.
Services will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial donations may go to American Cancer Society, V.A. Medical Center in Battle Creek or Shriner’s Hospitals.
The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel in Bellevue — www.shawfuneralhome.com.
Orville Heinze
Orville Mitchell Heinze, 79, of Avon Park, Fla., formerly of Potterville, passed away in Florida on December 20, 2011. He was born on April 4, 1932, in Charlotte, the son of Ordail and Ruth (Mitchell) Heinze.
Orville is survived by his brothers, Arnold (LouAnn) Heinze of Ruskin, Fla., and Richard (Anna) Heinze of Potterville; sister-in-law Veralee Heinze of Charlotte; and daughter Pam of Florida.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Ann; brother, Francis Heinze; and sisters, Rachel Roan and Bonnie DePriest. A graveside service will be held at Highland Park Cemetery in Ionia, on Monday, December 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. If desired, attendees of the graveside service may meet at Pray Funeral Home at 10 a.m. prior to the service for directions.
Memorial donations may be made to the family. Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
Edwin Jamros
Edwin Francis Jamros, 93, of Potterville, passed away Monday, December 19, 2011 at the Eaton Community Hospice House in Charlotte. Ed was born May 1, 1918, the son of Anthony Rosakowski and Mary Jamros. Ed served in the United States Coast Guard from 1940 to 1945 as an Electrician’s Mate, First Class. He worked for the State of Michigan as an electrical inspector, retiring in February of 1980.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan May and her husband, Daniel Holcomb; daughter, Judy Ann and her husband, Martin Hannah; son, John and his wife, Rebecca Jamros; and William Anthony Jamros and his wife Kelly.
Memorial services will be conducted at the Potterville United Methodist church at 11 a.m. Jan. 7. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eaton Community Hospice House. Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
Kenneth D. Jones
Mr. Kenneth D. Jones, 87, of Nashville, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at The Flower House, in Maple Grove Twp. in Barry County. Kenneth was born in Orangeville Twp. in Barry County, on November 16, 1924, the son of the late Harold and Gertrude (Schissler) Jones. He was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools graduating from Nashville-W.K. Kellogg in 1942.
On December 16, 1945 Kenneth married Dorothy M. Blodget in Assyria Township while he was home on military leave. Kenneth’s service in the Army included the European and Asian Theaters. While serving his country Kenneth achieved the rank of TEC 3 (Sergeant) and was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was honorably discharged in November 1946.
When he returned, the couple bought a farm in Maple Grove where they raised their family. Ken and Dorothy also owned a grocery store on the corner of M79 and Thornapple Lake Road, which they operated for several years and a meat market in Hastings. Kenneth worked as a chemistry assistant at the Kellogg Company for 22 years before retiring on November 16, 1986.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Merlene (Bill) Black, Darlene "Susie" (Joe Leger) Jones, a sister, Katherine Richardson, two grandchildren, Bill (Adriana) Black and Julie Black and one great-grandchild (RoseMarie Black).
He was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Harold Jr., Edward, Harry, and James, and his sisters Hannah, Helen, and Hazel.
Funeral Services were held at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville on Tuesday, December 20, with Pastor Lester DeGroot officiating. A graveside service was held at Wilcox Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church, the Flower House. or Maple Valley Athletics.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. Please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net for further details.
Gladys Nelson
Gladys Margaret Nelson, beloved child of God, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord in Eternal Glory on December 9, 2011, at the age of 99. She was born on May 4, 1912, in Henning, Minn., to Andrew and Amanda Peterson, the third daughter and sixth of seven children. Her parents and all her siblings preceded her in death. She was married to John Wesley Nelson in 1942. They lived in Alameda, Calif. for many, many years. Gladys moved from Alameda to Charlotte in 2004 to live with her daughter, Margaret (Pinki) and son-in-law Doug Smith, who survive.
She is also survived by her daughter Michele (Dennis) Mannisto, granddaughters Cynthia (David) McKay, Erin (Scotty) Wozniak and Amy (Jeremy) Michaliszyn, special nephew Gary Brannan and nine great-grandchildren.
Gladys was a lovely and gracious lady. She will be greatly missed by her family and those who knew her. A gathering to celebrate her life was held at Pray Funeral Home on Saturday, December 17.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church’s “Peter’s Purse Project” or the charity of your choice. Per her wishes, Gladys will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered off the coast of California, joining those of her beloved Wes, who passed away in 1987.
Vicki Pease
Vicki Leigh Pease went to be with the Lord December 16, 2011 as a result of an automobile accident. Vicki was born April 3, 1961 in Lansing and grew up in Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School where many will remember her as an outgoing student and cheerleader. Vicki worked at Felpausch Grocery in Charlotte for 28 years, then moved to the Grand Ledge store. For the last three years Vicki has worked at Spartan Motors as an Administrative Assistant in the motor home chassis engineering department.
Vicki wasn’t shy about showing her love for family and friends. Her favorite times were family gatherings, whether it was during the Holidays, one of the frequent family cookouts. She was the “family organizer,” ranging from planning family events to Christmas shopping and wrapping for her parents. Vicki loved golf and traveling. There were numerous trips with her daughters including Tennessee, Horsehead Lake and Coldwater Lake. Above all she loved being a mother and was extremely proud of her two daughters. Nisha and Autumn.
Vicki is survived by her two daughters Nisha (and her significant other Matt Stoken) and Autumn; Vicki’s intended fiancé Randall Decker; her mother, Janice (Tony) Oien, of Charlotte, and father Neal Wright of Grand Ledge; her brothers and sisters, Cheryl Braden, Gary (Mary) Wright, Nick Wright, Rich (Lori) Wright, all of Charlotte, and Michael (Jodi) Campbell, of Dewitt; nieces and nephews, Jamie Holmes, Kyle Wright, Anthony Wright, Tyler Wright, Chase McPhee, and Kennedy McPhee; great nephews Kaiden, and Braylon Holmes.
A funeral celebration was held Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment followed at Maple Hill Cemetery.
If desired, the family has suggested memorial contributions to Eaton Community Hospice.
Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com.
County Journal 241 S. Cochran Ave., Suite #1,
Charlotte, MI 48813
517-543-1099
Madeline Dickinson
Melinda Fox
Edwin Jamros
Kenneth D. Jones
Gladys Nelson