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Judith Ann Peters, age 81, of Charlotte passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born December 17, 1938 in Charlotte, the daughter of Val and Alice (Fhaner) Becktel. Judy graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1957. On October 12, 1957, she married Ronald Peters. Together they raised their family on the farm in Walton Township. Judy spent countless hours helping her husband milking cows and working in the fields. Judy was an avid gardener who loved spending time tending to her many beautiful flowers. She cherished each and every moment she was able to spend with her family. She also loved when her many friends and neighbors would stop by for a visit. 

Judy is survived by her children: Jeffrey Peters of Milan, Tenn., Diana (Pat) Ruthruff of Charlotte; grandchildren: Jessica Ruthruff, Michelle (Albert) Nagel; great-grandchildren: Andrew Seedorff and Sylas Nagel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald; sister Janice Neal; and great-granddaughter, Jasmine Seedorff. 

A graveside service will take place at Bosworth Cemetery when the current restrictions on public gatherings are lifted. Those desiring, may make contributions in Judy’s honor to the American Cancer Society. To view Judy’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Joan K. Franks, age 59, of Bellevue died on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family following a short illness.

Joan was born on August 17, 1960 in Charlotte to James and Laura (Everette) Shaw. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1978. On December 16, 1988 she married Charles E. Franks in Olivet. Joan had been working as a steward for Firekeepers Casino and Hotel in Battle Creek for the past seven years until her illness in January of this year. She also cared for the elderly, and she was a custodian at Bellevue and Charlotte schools for several years. Joan was a former member of the Marshall Women of the Moose. She enjoyed collecting tea pots, going to garage sales and watching children. Joan loved the outdoors, going camping on the Manistee River, hunting for mushrooms and reading. She also enjoyed cooking and playing scratch-off lottery tickets.

She is survived by her husband Charles of Bellevue; children, Bobbie Jo (Leon Kemp) Hanke of Bellevue, James (Danielle) Hanke of Bellevue, and Travis (Lisa) Franks of Potterville; grandchildren, Jordyn Franks, Kyle Franks, Ashley Bujarski, Alexis Hanke, Hunter Hanke, Madison Hanke, Dominic Moore, and Krista Moore; great-grandchild Blakely Roosa; siblings, Jannette Shaw-Groom of Bellevue, Katherine (Leo) Cider of Rolla, Missouri, and Terry Shaw of Bellevue; sister-in-law Angela Shaw-Duke of Bellevue and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Joe Shaw; a nephew Trenton Shaw; and a brother-in-law Martin Groom.

Due to COVID-19, there will be a memorial service held at a later date. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. Family requests memorial contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall #100, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com. Mrs. Franks and her family are being cared for by the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.

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Lane Alan Bishop, age 55, of Olivet passed away Monday, April 13, 2020, at Oak Lawn Hospital in Marshall. He was born October 25, 1964, in Battle Creek, the son of Alan and Rachel (Strong) Bishop. Lane graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1983. After graduating, he worked at GM, then as a mason tender for many years. He later moved to Tennessee where he studied to be an electrician. Lane was a jokester and prankster, who enjoyed making others laugh. He had a big heart and was always concerned for others. Lane enjoyed trips to the casino, rock concerts, spending time outdoors and all animals. 

Lane is survived by his mother, Rachel Bishop; children: Dustin Bishop, Amber Bishop; grandchildren: Blaine, Keagan, Odin; siblings: Sharon and Jack Irons, Ann and Bill Lundy, Harry and Tracy Reynolds, Mike and Linda Reynolds, Todd Bishop (Carri), Sheila McLean; aunts and uncles: Ron and Diane Bishop, Ted and Judy Bishop, John and Donna Bishop, Bill and Bev Strong, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; grandparents; father and step mother, Alan and Joan Bishop; and sister Mary Reynolds.

In keeping with Lanes wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Lane’s honor to the Calhoun County Humane Society, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek MI 49015.

To view Lane’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. 

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Betty Lee (Stafford) Jardot, age 91, passed away Friday, April 10, 2020 at her home in Gowen, Mich. She was under hospice care for the last few months. It was her wish to be cremated, and a small family gathering will be held at a later time.

She was born in Vicksburg on December 15, 1928. On November 6, 1948 she married Bernard Jardot. They were married almost 61 years until his death on May 19, 2009. In the late 1950s, the family moved to Columbia City, Ind. Betty was well known in the area for her interior decorating and painting and worked for both private individuals and contractors. She was active in the Boy Scouts and saw both her sons receive the Eagle Scout Award. Both she and her husband were very active in the Lions club and both held many offices. In 1967, her husband received a position on the staff at Michigan State University as a 4-H youth agent, and the family moved to Caro, Mich. She was very active with the 4-H groups and accompanied her husband on many 4-H trips. They were both very active in Lions and went on many international trips, including Rome, London and China as well as Hawaii. Saturdays during football season she sat in the stands and was a proud mother, having both her sons in the Michigan State University Marching Band at the same time. In 1979-80, they moved to Gowen when her husband was transferred. She was an active member in the Rebekah Lodge and held many offices including district president and Noble Grand. She enjoyed reading and gardening, and looked forward to when her grandchildren visited, especially when they were small, helping to plant and water the garden and asking if it was time to pick the garden.

She is survived by her son, Bernard Jr. “Mike” (Donna) Jardot of Kenton, Ohio; daughter, Judy Jardot of Gowen; grandson, David (Heather) Jardot of Hilliard, Ohio; granddaughter, Michelle (the late Scott) Kunkel and great-granddaughter, Katrina Kunkel of Whitehouse, Texas; a beloved sister, Alma Weber of Lansing; brother, Bob Stafford of Kalamazoo; brother-in-law, Don Jardot of Charlotte; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents and her husband, was a son Dick. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the charity of your choice. Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville is coordinating arrangements, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at hurstfh.com.

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Sandra Kay Parish, age 67, an outspoken friend to many, passed away on April 9, 2020 at her residence in Charlotte. Born in Charlotte on September 10, 1952 to Glen and Bertie (Corbin) Burt, she remained in the area with her family and graduated from Charlotte in 1970. On March 27 of 1982 she married the love of her life, Dean Parish. Sandra worked at Hayes Green Beach Hospital and later for Spartan Motors in data entry until 1997. Sandra was a “caregiver,” willing to help everybody she could. She was never afraid to speak her mind or use her sense of humor to tease a smile from those around her.

Many may remember Sandra as the mom who helped develop and watch over Charlotte’s first skate park, built in the parking lot of one of the local churches. She would be there keeping track of the kids and selling snacks to help raise funds to maintain the park’s equipment. This later led to the development of the community skate park in Charlotte.

Sandra would want to be remembered as a huge supporter of her children and their friends — attending numerous games and concerts over the many years. You would see her in the stands or behind the counter of the athletic boosters selling popcorn and hotdogs to raise funds to support band or the sports teams. She was always one of the “not-so-quiet” workers there supporting “the kids.”

Her skill as a baker was celebrated all year long, as she would bake thousands of treats over the years. Her families’ favorites were her Holiday cookies. They were a special treat. One of her proudest moments was baking hundreds of cookies to sell to support RISE Recovery Community — a post treatment program to ensure the success of participants transitioning back into society after rehabilitation.

Above all else, family and friends will remember Sandy as a strong woman with a big heart.

She always opened her door to immediate family, distant family, “adopted family” and anyone who needed a safe place to go. She was truly “mom” to many.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Dean; three sons, Wesley (Karrie) Burt, Dean (Angela) Parish Jr, Nate Parish; daughter, Annie (Corey) Clarke; four brothers, Allen Burt, Jim Burt, Fred Burt, Doug Burt; three sisters, Judy (Don) Thornhill, Lois Kettner, Margaret (Ed) Johnson; grandkids, William Burt, Gavin Batey and Nate Batey. She was preceded in death by brothers, Larry Burt, Gary Burt, and Jerry Burt; sister, Marlene Davids; and her parents.

Due to current quarantine and sheltering guidelines, a celebration of life for Sandra will take place later. The family will send out information at a later time. In the meantime, go to prayfuneral.com and click on Sandra’s tribute page to share remembrances and condolences with the family. If desired, the family suggests memorial to RISE Recovery Community and Sparrow Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Mary June Standley, age 75, of Brighton, formerly of Eaton Rapids and Marshall, passed away on April 7, 2020. Mary was born on October 13, 1944 in Marshall, the daughter of Donald and Agnes (Creps) Heath. She attended Marshall public school and graduated the class of 1962. Mary moved to Eaton Rapids, where she raised her two girls, worked and retired from the Eaton Rapids Hospital in 1984. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed years of volunteering at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. Mary and Ron were huge MSU fans and held season tickets for basketball and hockey for over 30 years. After the love of her life’s passing, she moved to Brighton where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren for the past 17 years.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Kris Hill, Kelly Parks; grandchildren, Travis Hill, Emily Hill, Nicole Kapff: and great-grandson Logan Kapff. A special mention to her doctor/ friend of many years, Dr. Carol Beals, and her special niece Sandy Drumm.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron Standley; sister Peggy Drumm and brother-in-law Richard Drumm.

A memorial celebration will be held in the late summer of 2020. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. To share condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.

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James Passick, age 85, of Eaton Rapids passed away April 13, 2020. James was born in Albion on March 21, 1935, the son of John and Francis (Rogers) Passick. He proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1958. During his service with the U.S. Army, he was awarded the National Service Medal, a Sharp-Shooter Medal and of all things, a medal for Good Conduct. After returning from the war, he went on to work for Lindel Drop Forge, where he would retire in 1986 after over 35 years. James was a member of the Eagles Club Post 3552 and the American Legion Post 42. He loved spending time outside, going on his annual fishing trip to Canada with his sons and friends, dancing, making wine, cooking, and he loved his solitude. Most of all, James enjoyed a good argument with a few choice words.

James is survived by his children, Theresa Passick Clark of Eaton Rapids, Nolan (Tiffany) Passick of Berrien Springs, Luke (Kelly McCormick) Passick of Lake George; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Ramsey of Kentwood, Chas Passick of Lake George, Tiffany Passick of Farwell, Casey Smith of Texas, Bodie (Sarah) Mills of St. Joseph, Gabrielle (Andrew) Mills of Eaton Rapids, Ryder Q. Passick of Berrien Springs; numerous great grandchildren; and brother, Kenneth Passick of SC. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and the love of his life, Shirley Passick; daughter, Michelle Mills; infant son, Matthew Passick; and grandson, Nathan Passick.

Private graveside services will take place in Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.

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Lillian Mae Peterson, age 87, of Eaton Rapids died on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. She worked as a seamstress. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Darlene Marie Pierce, age 78, of Charlotte died on March 30, 2020. She worked as an insurance claims processor. A full obituary will be published at a later date, when service date and time have been determined.

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Funeral Services:

Richard E. Spitzer, age 91, of Vermontville passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, at his home with his family by his side. He was born April 23, 1928, in Charlotte, the son of Edwin and Helen (Blair) Spitzer. Dick graduated from Nashville High School with the class of 1946. Soon after graduating, Dick and his parents bought an 80-acre piece of property in Gulliver, Mich. This place has brought the family much joy throughout the years. Whether it was for deer season or just a family get away, Dick loved being together with family. On January 21, 1950, he married Margaret Joan Shapley in Angola, Ind. Together, they enjoyed wintering in Florida and spending time at their cabin in the Upper Peninsula. Dick also liked working in his garden. Dick retired after 36 faithful years of service as a supervisor for General Motors in Lansing.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret; daughter, Cindy (Allan) Harvath of Charlotte; son, Richard (Teresa) Spitzer of Charlotte, nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents.
A private family graveside service was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dick’s honor to West Carmel Congregational Church. To view Dick’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneral.com.