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James Caruthers, Jr.

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James Charles Caruthers, Jr. — a gentle and caring man who loved his family — died February 1, 2020. Jim, age 70, was born July 21, 1949, in Charleston, W. Va., to James Charles and Phyllis Marie (Kirk) Caruthers. Jim enjoyed golfing, cars, cooking and playing games with his mom and sister. Cherished memories include car shows on Father’s Day with his daughters, crossing the Mackinac Bridge on a tractor, challenging his Uncle Gene in golf games and a special dog he had, Joey. He was employed as a store manager at a Florida Wendy’s restaurant. Jim was very proud of how he grew as a person over the years, building a strong relationship with his daughter and grandsons.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Aimee Powell; sons, Brian and Chris Caruthers; step-daughter, Mary-Margaret Medler; Violetta Conley; grandsons, Hunter and Eric Powell, and Joseph Caruthers; mother, Phyllis Renner; sister, Shirley Raths; aunt, Kathy Brownfield; uncle, Gene Brownfield; uncle, Robert Kirk; aunt, Sandy Kirk; niece, Jennifer Apol; and nephew, James Raths.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Ronald D. Granger

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Ronald “Ron” Dale Granger — an adventurous, straightforward and strong husband, father, grandfather, brother and son — died Monday, February 3, 2020. Ron, age 72, of Charlotte, was born September 9, 1947, in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Margaret (Townsend) Strang. He was a graduate of Charlotte High School in 1965. Ron later joined the Air Force and served during Vietnam. On April 16, 1971, Ron married Deborah “Debbie” Dunham. Ron was a man that, as mentioned, was adventurous, and after his service in Vietnam, he joined the Air National Guard. He worked in Battle Creek as a weapons and munition specialist. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 2001. Ron was referred to by his squad as the Zoo Keeper of the “Party Animals.” He was extremely proud of his years serving his country. A passion for blowing things up has always stuck with Ron. He had a term called “backyard ballistics.” Ron was an active member of the Eagles, American Legion and VFW, and he enjoyed his time being able to socialize with fellow veterans. Ron had a very strong love for panning for gold. He was a member of the GPAA and LDMA. Ron would pan for gold when he would be stationed at different bases around the country — from California, Denver, Georgia and Alaska. He loved finding gemstones, gold and other valuable items. Ron was a very generous man who would collect something valuable and then give it away, even if it was extremely valuable. He was always willing to help others. Ron enjoyed hunting, and he turkey hunted until he said that it became too easy. He also enjoyed the annual trip to deer camp in the UP with his buddies. Above all, Ron loved his family. He was always telling others about them.
Ron is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Jeffrey (Jenny) Granger, Kathryn (Steve) Miller, and Karla (Willie Conroy) Lilly; grandchildren, Kevin Miller, Brooke Miller, Kayla Bruce, and Kyle Lilly; brothers, Patrick (Jody) Strang, Robert Granger, and Dennis (Janice) Strang; mother-in-law, Esther Dunham; brothers-in-law, Frank (Sue) Dunham, Michael Dunham, John (Rita) Dunham, and Richard (Leslie) Dunham. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Robert Strang and Russell Granger.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eagles Community Dinners (FOE Aerie 3552). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ron on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Michael Woodbury, Sr.

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Michael Woodbury, Sr., age 66, of Charlotte passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 27, 2020, at his home.
Michael was born in Lansing on July 12, 1953, the son of the late Willard and Etta (Holton) Gleason. He was raised in the Mulliken and Olivet area and attended local schools. Michael served his country in the United States Army as a sniper in the 21st Armory Division during the Vietnam War, being discharged in 1969. He was married to Marcia (Yeasley) Woodbury for over 13 years, and together they had two children. Michael later met Ms. Ella Ressigue, and the two became best friends and companions for many years before she passed away in 2015. Michael began his working career at Oldsmobile in Lansing where he worked for several years. It was during his time at GM that he became interested in trucking and ventured into over the road truck driving, which he did for over 25 years before retiring.
Michael loved his family, and spending time with them was always something he looked forward to doing. He loved bowling and was on a league for many years with his daughter. During those warm summer days, he enjoyed taking his daughter and granddaughter for rides on the motorcycle trike. Each year, he would ride the trike to the Vermontville Syrup Festival, with the trike’s signature horn announcing his arrival. Michael had an amazing talent to communicate with the small animals around his home. Each day, he would venture onto his back deck, and with a scratch on the door, the squirrel he named “Baby” would eat cookies directly from his hand. He could make a certain sound that the birds would come to as well. Even the woodpecker named “Dum-Dum” knew to go from window to window tapping until he found the room Michael was in and then would await a handful of suet for his reward. Michael was a great cook, and his family would always request him to make his no-recipe sausage gravy, that you just can’t replicate. Michael was a very good neighbor and loved helping whenever and wherever he could. He was involved with the local Amish community, and they became great friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Melinda (Brent) Rozema, four sisters, Nancy (Max) Sampsel, Wanda (Steven) Lahr, Joyce Sweet, Janet (Ronald) Parker, two brothers, Melvin (Beth) Gleason, Russell (Dayle) Gleason, his granddaughter Paige Rozema, and Ms. Ella Ressigue’s many family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved companion Ella Ressigue, his ex-wife Marcia Woodbury, his son Michael Woodbury Jr., and his brother Wesley Woodbury. A memorial service was held at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Sunday, February 2.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Michael Woodbury. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home. For further details, visit www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Bernard A. Sumner

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Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Sumner, age 86 — a dedicated firefighter, husband, father and grandfather — died peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Charlotte. Bernie was born October 30, 1933, in Jackson, Mich. He attended Jackson High School, where he met Shirley Ann Walters, and the two married in 1951. They settled in Potterville, where they raised their three children. In 1953, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Mississippi.  Upon his return, he joined the City of East Lansing Fire Dept. (ELFD), dedicating the next 32 ½ years to public safety. He retired from ELFD as captain in 1989 and then continued his career as a member of the Benton Township Fire Board for many years. Bernie was a member of the Lansing Moose Lodge #288, where he served as administrator, and shared a supper club with other members. He and Shirley enjoyed time spent hosting card parties and camping with family and friends. Bernie loved sports, especially the MSU Spartans, and was instrumental in starting the youth flag football leagues in Potterville Youth Athletics. Many will remember Bernie’s dedication to service and his love for his family.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Aurora) Sumner of Charlotte; daughter, Jayne (Tim) Anderson of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Christine Sumner; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryon) Mott, Ryan Arias-Sumner, Kristopher Arias-Sumner, Brian Sumner II of Arizona, Amandajean (Brett) Line, Chelsey (Josh) Evans of Texas, Kyle (Shelby) Anderson and Kaitlyn Anderson; and 7 great-grandchildren, Arianna, Teighan, Easton, Cameron, Braxton, Grady and Emmett. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Ann (Walters) Sumner in 2015; son, Brian Scott Sumner in 1998; and his brothers, Stan Sumner and Rex Sumner.
Friends are encouraged to support Bernard’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bernard on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Rosalie M. Schneider

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Rosalie Mae Schneider, a small woman with a big heart, died peacefully with her family by her side on February 5, 2020, at the age of 85. Born August 13, 1934, to Ralph and Juanita (Johnson) Cortright, Rosalie grew up with a strong will and great understanding of the power of prayer.  She became a nurse and worked at St. Lawrence and Hayes Green Beach Hospitals. She met her future husband in Lansing at Bradleys Dance Hall, and on June 8, 1955, she married Edwin Schneider. When they started their family, they filled their home with love, caring, adventure, helping others and the Word of God. Her family fondly remembers that she would pray with her Rosary … while driving. A strong, silent force about her, Rosalie cared for others all the time through her actions and enjoyed cleaning the church, organizing funeral dinners, making afghans for children, sewing clothes for her family and making birthday and Easter cakes. Some of the things that Rosalie enjoyed include: camping, hiking, square dancing, polka music (especially the Beer Barrell Polka), swimming in the neighbors’ pond, baking and tending her flower beds. After their retirement, Rosalie and Edwin enjoyed several trips to McAllen, Texas, and a special trip to Alaska and Newfoundland.
Rosalie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edwin; children, Marcella (Mike) Haag, Marvin (Teri) Schneider, Dorothy (Ron) Schroder, Edward (Lynn) Schneider, Charles (Marlene) Schneider, and Kay (Parks) Preston; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Juanita Brassell and Cleo Cortright; sister-in-law, Rose Cortright.  She was predeceased by daughter, Nancy; and siblings, Mayn (Marty) Cortright and Ralph Cortright.
Friends are encouraged to support the Schneider family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2020, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. David Rosenberg officiating. Visitation is Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary service officiated by Deacon Charles Schneider at 7:30 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rosalie on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Barry E. Hoyt

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Barry E. Hoyt, age 77, of Coldwater, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Barry was born on May 10, 1942, in Charlotte, to Elmer and Kathryn (Willis) Hoyt. He attended and graduated from Charlotte High School. On May 7, 1966, he married the former Donna Withrow, who survives. Barry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was later employed with the U.S. Army National Guard, where he worked with computers and attained the rank of staff sergeant, retiring with 20 years military service. Outside of work, Barry enjoyed traveling and engaged in many outdoor pursuits, including snowmobiling, camping and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed visiting many different posts.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Barry is survived by his children, Tara (Mike) Powell of Union City, Theresa Mohrhardt of Burlington, Robert (Robin) Hoyt of Quincy and Daniel Hoyt of Watervliet; a brother, David Hoyt of Charlotte; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gary Hoyt and Rodney Hoyt; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Mohrhardt.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City, Mich. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, also at Lighthouse in Union City.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center Homeless Veterans Program Fund. Visit lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.

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Jon Myers

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Jon Myers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020, at Hospice of Lenawee. He was born in 1943 in Lansing to Edward and Caroline Myers. After graduating from Charlotte High School, he attended Lansing Community College and continued his studies at Michigan Technological University, where he received a BS degree in forestry in 1968, and at Lake Superior State University, where he received an MBA in 1989. He married Rebecca Ruth Gladden in Owosso on September 10, 1966, and they made their home in Houghton, Mich. until he received his degree. The couple had two children, Charles (Raina) Myers of Blackshear, Ga., and Rachel Myers (Ronald) Moore of Fargo, N.D. Jon’s professional career was as a maintenance manager at the Lafarge cement plant in Alpena and the Holnam cement plant in Dundee. Jon served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Charlevoix Lodge 282 F&AM. He loved flying and was a certified flight instructor. At home, he enjoyed stained glass work and woodworking, even building his own sailboat.
Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years; his children; several grandchildren; his brother, Fred (Sherry) Myers; and sister, Martha (Charles) Powers. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Mildred I. O’Dell

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Mildred Irene O’Dell, age 88, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 15, 1931, in Charlotte the daughter of Vern and Vera (Smuts) Waddell. Mildred went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1948. On March 20, 1949, she married Gerald F. O’Dell at the Bellevue United Methodist Church. Mildred was one of the most caring and compassionate ladies one could ever meet. She loved people and was always concerned about the needs of others. She was a devoted Christian woman who ministered to many throughout the years. Mildred was a long-time member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet where she faithfully served in many compacities. She retired after over 30 years of service from State Farm Insurance where she worked as a senior underwriter.
Mildred is survived by her children: Gerry (Becky) O’Dell of Augusta, Garry (Sue) O’Dell of Olivet, Dick (Martha) O’Dell of Olivet, Ruth (Ron) Pufpaff of Marshall; seven grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; brother, Byron (Lorene) Waddell; and nephew, Ron Waddell.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Faith Assembly of God in Olivet with Pastors Garry O’Dell and Todd McLane officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in Mildred’s honor to Gideon’s International or Faith Assembly of God.  To view Mildred’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, Charlotte.

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Roger L. Corey

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Roger L. Corey — a quiet and gentle man that silently supported the Village of Vermontville in many ways — died February 3, 2020, at the age of 65. Roger was born June 3, 1954, in Charlotte to Marion and Flossie (Case) Corey and lived his entire life in Vermontville. A graduate of Maple Valley High School in 1972, Roger had a real love for his community and did many things throughout his life to support his hometown, always behind the scenes and with no fanfare or recognition of his contributions.
He spent many years as a volunteer for the Vermontville Fire Department. His real passion, however, was the baseball diamond at Maplewood school, used by the Maple Valley High School. Roger single-handedly made sure the field was meticulously cared for — mowing it himself every week, caring for the field before and after games, ensuring that a sprinkler system was installed so the grass was fantastic and organizing and helping build a press box. Hundreds of young baseball and softball players enjoyed this field over the years.
Roger worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years as a rural carrier in Bellevue until his retirement in 2009. At home, he enjoyed an extensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia and had a love for trains, old tractors and several beloved cats over the years. He loved to bowl, target practice with his guns and attend auctions/ sales. Roger enjoyed giving to others and was very humble and kind.
Roger is survived by many cousins, including: John Clayton (Kristyn) Briggs of Vermontville, Judy Lemon of Potterville, Lynn Brooks of Auburn, Ind.; dear friends, David and Paula Benedict from Ft. Collins, Colo.; his beloved cats, Gandalf and Jack; and many friends at the Vermontville Fire Department and within the community of Vermontville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his best-friend, Monte O’Dell.
Friends are encouraged to remember Roger by attending a Community Affirmation Service at the Vermontville Fire Station on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 11 a.m. Those attending are requested to bring a baseball bat with them for a special salute. Roger suggested many years ago that if anyone wanted to remember him, they were welcome to donate to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Roger on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Steven M. Rosie

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Steven Mark Rosie of Eaton Rapids passed away February 5, 2020, at the age of 49. Steven was born in Lansing, on October 5, 1970, the son of Ronald and Louise (Maring) Rosie III. He was a 1988 graduate of Charlotte High School and earned his associates degree in business from LCC. Steven loved to be outdoors enjoying all the things young boys did. He was a collector of Star Wars memorabilia, played online games and loved to hot rod around town with his brother in his younger years and go fishing with his niece and nephew.
Steven is survived by his parents; brother, Paul (Amy) Rosie of Eaton Rapids; niece, Samantha Rosie; nephew, Joshua Rosie, both of Eaton Rapids.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Wildside Rehabilitation Center or the Saved by Zade cat rescue. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.

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