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Clenton Goad

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Funeral Services:

Clenton Goad, age 94, went home to be with his Lord, peacefully in his Charlotte home, on December 18, 2019. Clenton was born in Sycamore, KY, on August 19, 1925, to George and Maude Goad, and had six brothers growing up.  He joined the U.S. Navy on September 25, 1942, in Norfolk, VA, at the age of 17, and was an important veteran of World War II, serving as an aviation machinist mate 3rd class on the aircraft carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), eventually capturing the now famous German U-Boat submarine U505, with the respected “Hunter-Killer” Task Force.  The captured U505 was eventually moved to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where it remains today.
After serving his country in the Navy, he lived in the South for many years, where he had six daughters and one son from a previous marriage. He married Shirley Ann Darling on January 22, 1966. He was an honest, hard-working man, working for Motor Wheel Corporation in Lansing as a foundryman for 15 years. Shirley recounts “he always put me and his kids first and was a steadfast, good provider.” When not working, Clenton is remembered as a devoted family man. He also had a passion for maintaining his properties, had large vegetable gardens and could fix about anything. He is remembered for his bright sense of humor, always wearing a smile and his positive outlook, plus being a world-class “picker” to his friends and family, always in love. He revered George Jones’ music, ate raw onions like apples, and his favorite meal was pinto beans, cornbread and buttermilk — a clear tribute to being a true southern gentleman.
His children are Tony Goad, Nona Irwing, Judy Bryant (Jerry), Cynthia Brown (David), Tanna Wermes (Jack), Wanda Petty (deceased), Wendy Masterson (Lynn), Michael Goad (Pablo), Alicia Crawley (Jimmie), Deborah Kerns (Tony), Shelly Van Belle (Dirk) and also many grand-, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place per his wishes. A memorial service is anticipated to occur in late spring or summer 2020, with expected internment at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, at that time.  The family would like to thank the at-home associates and staff at the Battle Creek VA for years of devoted care and the in-home Hospice folks from Sparrow Health System for their nurturing care. In lieu of flowers or remembrances, the family suggests any desired donations be made to your local Hospice organization.

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Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman

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Funeral Services:

Velma Jean (Spotts) Dingman, age 98, of Bellevue, went to be with her Lord while surrounded by her family on December 22, 2019, at the Flower House in Nashville, MI. She was born to Ray C. and Gladys M. (Casler) Spotts on January 29, 1921. Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1938, Velma continued to the Home Economic short course at Michigan Agricultural College on a scholarship. While at college, she met her future husband, Harold E. Dingman. Velma also worked in Lansing and was the autograph girl for her uncle, Governor Luren D. Dickinson. Being a child of the depression, nothing went to waste. There was a place for everything, and she kept everything neat as a pin.
Velma Jean and Harold were married on June 26, 1941, at the home of the bride’s parents. They resided with the groom’s parents until May 1948, when they purchased their home in Bellevue where they raised their family on a farm — milking cows and raising a flock of sheep. In 1968, they achieved the high-producing dairy herd in Eaton County from the DHIA and in 1996 were awarded Outstanding Purebred Breeders from the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association. Working alongside her husband, Velma was the shepherd to their flock of sheep, caring for the ewes and lambs during lambing season. She also kept immaculate records for the registration of their sheep. Velma and Harold also belonged to Whirlaways square-dance club and made many lasting friendships through this club in Bellevue.
Some of her favorite pastimes included:  sewing, fishing, gardening and canning, as well as completing multiple scrapbooks and photo albums for her four children, as well as one for special memories that she and Harold shared. As a member of the Nimble Needles Club, she helped make quilts for families in need. Her greatest hobby and proudest accomplishment, however, was raising her children and watching her grandchildren.
Velma is survived by her sons, Dennis L. (Laraine) Dingman, Doyle D. (Renee) Dingman; daughter, Diane (Dennis) Kelly; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Marilyn Hosey. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold (who also passed on December 22 in 2005); son, Duane E. Dingman; and brother, Robert Spotts.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Pennock, the caregivers at the Flower House and Kendra from Grace Hospice. Their care, compassion and love did not go unnoticed, and the family thanks you for making their mother’s final days comfortable.
Funeral services were held on December 26 at Bellevue United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. Friends who wish to make memorial contributions are encouraged to support Bellevue Historical Society or the Eaton County Agricultural Building Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Velma on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Rosarita Moorhead

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Funeral Services:

Rosarita Moorhead, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, December 23, 2019, at her home. She was born October 29, 1937, in Lansing, the daughter of Thomas and Edith (Ranier) Costigan. She graduated from Ithaca High School. Rosarita loved her family but was especially fond of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Bingo, scrapbooking and lighthouses. Rosarita also enjoyed eating out locally.
She is survived by her children: Raye Lynn (Robert) Owen of Middleton, Roxanne White of Clearwater, FL, Rhonda (Sam) Butters of Charlotte, Justyne White of Tampa, Fl; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers: Mike (Mary) Costigan, Thomas Costigan; and special friend and caregiver, Virginia Spade-Patino.
Rosarita was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Ray E. White in 1981, Jerry Kipp in 1992, Jim Moorhead in 2010; five infant children; great-grandchildren: Jitari White and Vallerie Kunsman.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Alma.  Those desiring, may make contributions in Rosarita’s memory to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte MI 48813.

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Marjorie B. Southworth

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Marjorie B. Southworth of Mulliken died on December 15, 2019, at the age of 93. She leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Neil E. Southworth.
Marjorie was very involved in Eaton County 4-H, the Mulliken United Methodist, the Mulliken District Library, as well as other nonprofit organizations within the community.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Clint (Mona) Southworth, Janet Merryfield, Armon (Cynthia) Southworth, Lorri (Greg) Lavelle; grandchildren, Brian, Mark, Joan, Chad, Marissa, Kyle, Amber, Amanda and Aaron. We’ll never forget the smiling faces of Andy and Ashley. Great-grandchildren include Megan, Coty, Jacob, Zack, Gavin, Parker, Ashley, Averie, Maylee, Patrick, Charlotte, Suzy, Ashley, Alex, Adra, Cooper, Kaylee and Alana.
A private family service has been held. Join the family in April when they host a “celebration of life” for Marjorie. Those wishing can make donations in memory of Marjorie to Watson Country School, c/o Union Bank, 233 W. Grand Ledge Hwy., Mulliken MI 48861. The family was served by Barker Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.

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Patrick Glenn Lewis

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Patrick Glenn Lewis, age 69, of Charlotte, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away at home Tuesday, December 10, 2019. He was born July 30, 1950, in River Rouge, MI, the son of Benjamin and Rose (Fidel) Lewis. Pat graduated from Battle Creek Central class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy. Pat completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and went on to complete his master’s degree at Western Michigan University. He retired from the Battle Creek Public School System as a teacher and drivers-training instructor after 30-plus years of service. He enjoyed movies, eating out, class reunions, music, dancing and traveling. Pat loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a very loyal friend who would go out of his way to help a friend in need.
He leaves to mourn his memory his best friend and partner in life, Michael Krause; half-sister Deborah Proulx;  brother, Steven Lewis; sister, Wendy Lewis; one niece and two nephews; special grandniece, Areal Lewis; and dear friend Susan Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles. A memorial service was held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service in Battle Creek. Visit Patrick’s tribute page at www.bachmanhebble.com.  Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice. “Pay it forward.”

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Robert “Bob” William Waite

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Robert “Bob” William Waite, of Barrington, NH, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019, at his home. Bob was born May 16, 1930. He retired from City Garage in Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Maxine; daughter Karrie; granddaughter Christina; and brothers, Rex and Don (Pat) Waite. His is survived by his wife Minta; sister Delores; sons, Randy (Bonnie) Waite of Hastings and Ron (Carol) Waite of Texas; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held in New Hampshire.

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Dwain Lynn Gray

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Dwain Lynn Gray of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at the age of 88.  Dwain was born on March 28, 1931. in Chickasha, OK, and moved to Lansing with his family, where he attended school and graduated from Everett High School class of 1949. He married his wife Joanne Henrys in 1950 and together they moved to Eaton Rapids, where they raised their family. Dwain was a hard worker; he farmed cattle for many years while also working for General Motors in the paint department, where he retired after 33 years. He was also a founding member of the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department and served as the dispatcher for 15 years. Dwain was a skilled woodworker, making furniture, cabinets and figurines for his family and friends.  He loved to hunt and fish and would make annual fishing trip to Rice Lake in Canada for Memorial weekend.
He is preceded in death by his son, Dan Gray; parents, Tracy and Neva Gray; siblings, Gwen, Gale “Tut”, Tracy Jr. Dale, Garnett, Bonnie, Jerry and Ed.
Surviving are his wife, Joanne Gray; daughter, Kathy Gray; grandchildren, Autumn Rybolt, Thor Taylor; great grandchildren, Sky and Austin Rybolt, brother, Glenn (Betty) Gray and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family will host a luncheon immediately following the service at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Dwain. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Refugio Barragan Luna

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Refugio Barragan Luna, age 81, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Refugio was born February 8, 1938, in Uvalde, TX to Manuel and Julia (Barragan) Luna Sr. Refugio worked 30-plus years as a forklift operator for Fisher Body, and after retirement he worked for an asphalt company. Refugio proudly served in the Army and then Army National Guard for 30 years as a helicopter repairman. In his free time, he enjoyed fixing up old cars.
Refugio is survived by his children, Donyaellie (Adam) Wheaton, John (Chris) Luna, and Joe Luna; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Manuel Luna Jr., Mary Rice, Yolanda Zavala, Raul Luna, Dolores Zagun, Mario Luna and Modesta Whitworth. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Roberto Luna.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Refugio on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Frances L. Pease

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Funeral Services:

Frances L. Pease, age 88, of Bellevue died Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019, at the Flower House Assisted Living in Nashville, MI.
Mrs. Pease was born on December 31, 1930, in Kalamo Township to Conrad M. and Esther (Beckner) Barker. She was a lifelong resident of the Bellevue area and was a graduate of Bellevue High School, class of 1949. After graduation, she attended Western Michigan University (WMU). On June 23, 1951, she married Harry A. Pease on the family farm in Kalamo Township. She continued her education, graduating from WMU with a BA in elementary education. Frances had been employed as a teacher for Bellevue Community Schools for 20 years, retiring in 1987.
Seeing a need to help students in her community, she, along with her friend and school librarian, June Rabbit, established the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation. In 2004, Mrs. Pease was honored by receiving The Enquirer and News George Award for her work with the scholarship foundation.
Mrs. Pease was a very active member of the community. She was a member of the Kalamo United Methodist Church, the Kalamo Chapter #399 Order of the Eastern Star, the 21st Century Club, the Bellevue Lioness Club and the Kalamo Area Extension. She also enjoyed traveling, camping and spending time with family.
Following the death of her husband in 2000, she began volunteering with hospice, the Eaton County Palliative Care and Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
She is survived by children, Constance (Thomas) Campbell of Wolfeboro, NH, Kathryn (Mark) Jarvie of Lake Odessa, Carl (Anne) Pease of Bellevue, Edward (Leslie) Pease of Middleville and Jacqueline (Thomas Dyszkiewicz)  of Anderson, SC; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Dane of Troy, OH.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; son, Joseph Pease; great-granddaughter, Jasmine Dennis; and sister, Carolyn M. Salisbury.
A funeral service to celebrate the gift of her life was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at the Bellevue Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township.
Friends, who wish, may make memorial contributions to the Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Grace Hospice or Kalamo United Methodist Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.

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Robert “Bob” L. Dockey

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Funeral Services:

Robert “Bob” L. Dockey, age 74, a hardworking man of generosity (and a little bit of mischief), died peacefully on December 11, 2019, at his home with his best friend and wife of 35 years, Cindy, at his side. Bob was born April 10, 1945, in Detroit. He grew up in Owosso, the son of Clyde and Sarah (Wooten) Dockey. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years. Following his return, he went to work for General Motors in Flint. He eventually transferred to Lansing, serving as a committee man and later, as an ergonomics representative.  Following retirement in 1999, Bob continued working hard to play hard, always helping friends and neighbors with anything and everything. He was always there for those in need, and he had a special, soft place in his heart for children and animals. Bob and Cindy lovingly cared for many horses and pets throughout the years. He enjoyed time outdoors riding motorcycles, playing softball, fishing and riding horses. He had a notorious sense of humor, always pulling elaborate pranks on Cindy and his friends. Many will remember Bob as a man of kindness and patience, even if he presented himself as a little rough around the edges.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Scott (MaryAnn) Beebe; three grandchildren, Chase, Harper, and Grayson Beebe; close friend, Deo Wells; and countless friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by his infant son, Jeffrey Lynn Dockey; son Robert Lynn Dockey; and his parents.
A private memorial service has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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