-

Funeral Services:

Lawrence Edward Suntken, 76, of Charlotte, a story-teller and prankster, passed away August 24, 2018.  He was born June 5, 1942 to Edward and Arlene (Guy) Suntken in Lansing. Lawrence attended Sunfield High School, graduating in 1960. Lawrence married Jill Maxam in 1966, and they raised two daughters, and their legacy continued with five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Lawrence worked at Owens-Illinois for 30 years.  Hunting and fishing were a big part of his life, and he loved recounting stories of his adventures with his family and friends. Lawrence enjoyed watching the deer and wildlife in his yard, and evening drives with his family so they could look for deer.  He loved his dog, Domino, who was the true “Ruler of the Roost.”

Lawrence was always thinking of others, he would pick up returnable bottles and cans, and put the proceeds in a fund to use for special purposes. The Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield also benefited from a number of things he donated to them. He also enjoyed building birdhouses, antiquing, and cutting wood (which he did until he couldn’t start his gas chainsaw any longer, then he bought an electric chainsaw). After his wife Jill died in 2016, Lawrence met Kay Stuber at a support group at Eaton Community Palliative Care. When Kay tied his shoes for him, he fell for her kind ways, and she loved the way he was a gentleman—the kind who opened the door for ladies. They enjoyed dancing together at the Maple Grove Grange.

Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Yvonne Visger and Felisha (Lloyd) Prickel; granddaughters, Ashley (Joshua) Sanders, Mackenzie (Adam) Foster, Alison Childers and Cassey Childers; grandson, Taylor (Samantha) Visger; great-granddaughters, Brenleigh Sanders, Ava Foster, and Aubriana Childers; great-grandsons, Jensen Sanders, Easton Foster, and Mason Visger; brothers, Lavern (Marilyn) Suntken, Loyal (Glea) Suntken, and LaGrand Suntken; and girlfriend, Kay Stuber.

He was preceded in death by wife, Jill Ione Suntken; grandson, A J Childers; and his parents, Edward and Arlene Suntken.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 28 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Courtney Suntken officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Welch Historical Museum in Sunfield or Eaton Community Palliative Care.

Share memories of Lawrence on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Dixie Lee (Miller) Stahr, a kind hearted, strong willed and happy go lucky, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Saturday, August 18, 2018. Dixie, 79, was born October 1, 1938, in St. Johns to Frances and Martha (Hartig) Miller. She graduated from Haslett High School. In 1962 Dixie married Thomas Beals and together they created their legacy until his passing in 1980. Dixie worked as a cashier for the Charlotte IGA and for Meijer before her retirement in 2002. Being outdoors was a strong passion for Dixie. She loved fishing, gardening, watching birds and camping at Yankee Springs Deep Lake Campground. She was a proud member of the TOPS Club 433 in Eaton Rapids. Dixie also enjoyed sewing and embroidering. Her family always knew where she was and when not to bother her, every night at 7 p.m. you could find Dixie watching The Wheel of Fortune, if you had to call it better have been before or after the show. She was a member of the New Hope Church in Charlotte. Dixie loved her dogs, Molly, Buddy and Jake. Above all her biggest passion in life was being a grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Dixie is survived by her children, Allen “Tom” (Kris) Beals, and Laura (Horace “Lewie” Doty) Griffin; grandchildren, Kayley, Timothy, and Nikolaus; great-grandchild, Damon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dixie is preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas; son, William Thomas Beals; siblings, Karlene, Roger, and Doug; and her parents.

A private family memorial service is going to take place at a later date.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure to benefit breast cancer.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dixie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Calvin H. Glassford, 92, left his earthly home to join his family and friends. He was born August 25, 2925, and raised in Almont, Mich. along with 11 brothers and sisters. Calvin served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, and joined the Michigan State Police in 1954. He gave the State of Michigan 27 years of dedicated service. Calvin lived in the Charlotte area for many years and was very active in his church volunteering for numerous projects over the years until he was unable to do so for health reasons.

Calvin is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Mark, Cathie (Joe), Bruce (Linda), Lori; grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan (Adena), Troy; great-grandchild, Jordyn; and two remaining sisters, Eleanor and Florence.

To honor his wishes, cremation has taken place with interment of ashes taking place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek on September 10, 2018 at 1 p.m.

-

Funeral Services:

Phyllis Jean Simpson, 84, of Charlotte, died peacefully August 21, 2018 at her home. A beloved member of the community who devoted her life to God and to helping others, she was born July 30, 1934 in Rochester, Mich. to Hiram and Mildred (Abbott) Barney. Phyllis graduated from Vermontville High School in 1952 and then married John Simpson on August 29, 1954 at Gresham United Methodist Church.

The central theme running through Phyllis’s life is that of nurturing. She cared for, and helped develop many organizations and causes she believed in. For example, she received the “Gold Clover” award and “Friend of 4-H” award from the 4-H club for 40 years of volunteer service, received the “Outstanding Farm Woman” award for her work with Farm Bureau on many projects, including “Ag in the Classroom,” was awarded the “Emerald Award” from the Eaton County Youth Fair, spent 50 years in the Extension Club of Eaton County, worked with the Chester Township election board for decades, and was a UMW member and secretary to the advisory board for more than 25 years at Gresham United Methodist Church — where she faithfully served by making the weekly programs, helping put on turkey suppers and ice cream socials, and caring for countless others.

Not only did Phyllis nurture others and her community, but she also loved to nurture plants.  She could often be found tending to her garden — planting flowers or cultivating vegetables. She especially loved her strawberries and made delicious jam that the family loved.  She and John loved their farm, where they have resided since 1963.  Together, they were inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame in 2002.  She was also a partner in Simpson Pioneer Seeds.  Phyllis and John loved to travel – often on farm tours or with friends – and she was proud to say that she had been to all 50 states.

But the reason she will be remembered most is that Phyllis nurtured relationships. First, and foremost, she served God every day. She got up and read her Bible for an hour each morning, developing her faith and her spirituality. She never said a bad word about others, but devoted her life to being accepting, loving, and kind. She was devoted to her marriage and her family, and loved her children and grandchildren dearly.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, John Simpson; children, Marilyn (Stanley) Marshall, Wayne (Sandy) Simpson, Diane (Sheldon) Enterline; grandchildren, Angel Andrews, Kathleen Marshall, Samantha (Lam Pham) Marshall, Josh (Lindsay) Simpson, Jason Ross, Josh Ross, and Jeff Ross; great-grandchildren, Kalli (Matt) Mongar, Kadence Andrews; great- great-granddaughter, Aubree Mongar; siblings, Louise (Richard) Todd, Leonard (Bonnie) Barney; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marvel (LaMarr) Weers, Max (Sandy) Simpson, Lois (Ken) Klumpp, Albert (Jaynne) Simpson, and Roy (Krys) Simpson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved grandson, Clifford Marshall.

Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family at visitation and funeral services, with visitations on Saturday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., and Funeral Services on Monday, August 27 at 10 a.m., with Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating.

If desired, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Lansing or the Gresham United Methodist Church Memorial Fund for a new roof on the church building.

Please share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Raymond Elmer Beebe, 92, of Six Lakes, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2018. Raymond was born on November 28, 1925 in Marion, Mich., the son of Raymond and Ada (Carpenter) Beebe. He was raised in Marion where he attended a one-room school house. Ray served his country honorably in the Navy during WWII, aboard the USS Bunch. During the Okinawa conflict he delivered soldiers to land on troop carriers. He married Lelia Barbara King in Sunfield on September 5, 1947. Ray owned a farm in Vermontville and worked for General Motors in Lansing as a parts inspector on the loading docks, retiring at age 55, after 30 years. It was at that time he moved to the Six Lakes area. Ray loved to play euchre and spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing with friends and then sharing his catch with area Senior Centers. He was a member of the Pleasant View United Brethren Church in Blanchard.

Raymond will be missed and is survived by his children, Leon Ray Beebe, and Cee Jae King; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Wiggins; and special friend, Betty Loomis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ada Beebe; his wife Lelia; daughter, Carolyn Faye LeMarie; five brothers; one sister; and grandson, Travis Quay.

Funeral services for Raymond will be Monday, August 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m., at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview, with Pastor Buzz Stone officiating. The family will greet friends at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview on Sunday, August 19, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pleasant View United Brethren Church of Blanchard.

Condolences may be made utilizing the guestbook at brighamfuneralchapel.com.

-

Funeral Services:

On July 1, 2018, James Ammon passed away in Tijuana, Mexico. James was born May 27, 1977 in Lansing and raised in Charlotte by his parents, David and Donna Ammon. James graduated from Charlotte High School in 1995, and attended the new Tribe Mission in Jackson. He was a missionary in Mexico, where he met the love of his life, Betty. They were married in 2011, living in El Centro, Calif. and starting their family, which included three children, David, Alan, and Charlotte.

For the past 10 years, James has worked for the U.S. Border Patrol in Calexico, Calif.

James is survived by his loving wife, Betty; children, David, 10, Alan, 7, and Charlotte, 4; parents, David and Donna; mother-in-law, Marina Najera; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Tim; and grandparents.

The family was served by Christ Community Church and U.S. Border Patrol. He was interred with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro on July 10.

-

Funeral Services:

Marion R. Heisler, 91, of Nashville, died August 10, 2018 at The Flower House in Nashville.
Marion was born on December 19, 1926 in Lansing to Wendell and Martha (Getter) Walter. She graduated from Lansing Everett High School. She was married on December 13, 1947 to Kenneth F. Heisler. She has lived in Kalamo Township the majority of her life. Marion was a homemaker and had worked at the former Owens-Illinois Glass Factory in Charlotte for a short time. She enjoyed flower gardening.

Mr. Heisler preceded her in death in February of 1991.

Surviving are her son, Larry (Eleanor) Heisler of Nashville; daughter, Linda (Gilbert) Berkner of Athens, Texas; and a step-son, James (Carol) Heisler of Battle Creek; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; her sisters, Joan (Clarence) Wheeler of Mason and Janice Knowles of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; a brother, Wayne (Joyce) Walter of Lansing: and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Daniel Heisler; brother, Glenn Heisler; and sisters, Joyce and Phyllis.

Family graveside services were held at Kalamo Township’s Hillside Cemetery.

Arrangements were made by the Bellevue Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services.

-

Funeral Services:

Scott Douglas Johnson, 55, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born May 20, 1963, in Charlotte, the son of Larry D. and Linda L. (Preston) Johnson. Scott graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1981. On July 9, 2005, Scott married Sandra Marie Burkett at her family’s home in Bellevue. Scott enjoyed rock music, the Michigan Lottery, taking part in radio contests, and playing cards with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Shadilea Marie Johnson of Royal Oak; Hannah Rose Johnson of Charlotte; father, Larry (Sharon) Johnson of Olivet; brother, Steven (Michelle) Johnson of Holland; nieces, Ashley Johnson, Emily Johnson; step-daughter, Laci (James) Newman of Bellevue; step-grandchildren, Blake Burkett, Landon Newman, and Logan Newman.

Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Linda on November 22, 1973; and wife, Sandra Marie Johnson on January 5, 2018.

A memorial service was held on Friday, August 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Byrens officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Those desiring, may make contributions in Scott’s memory to the City On A Hill Community Church, 206 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.

-

Funeral Services:

Daniel Raymond Cowden, 70, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 2, 2018. He was born July 21, 1948, in Plant City, Florida, the son of Raymond Cowden and Mary (Shepherd) Smith. On May 2, 2002, he married Gloria Jean Prine in Charlotte. He worked his entire career as a journeyman carpenter. Dan had a passion for all things outdoors. He loved spending time hunting, fishing, gardening, and working in the woods. Dan was also known for spending many hours in the kitchen, either cooking a delectable meal or canning some of his homegrown produce. Another favorite pastime was playing pool and euchre with friends. Dan was a very social person and always looked forward to a great time together with those he loved.

Dan is survived by his wife of 16 years, Gloria; sons: Randy (Adela) Bryant of Miami, Florida, Daniel (Christine) Cowden of Miami, Florida, Anthony Cowden of Dallas, Texas; stepchildren: Michael Burch of West Virginia, Tracey (Sarah) Burch of Texas; 13 grandchildren; four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial gathering was held Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the American Legion Post 42, 1000 W. Lawrence Avenue, in Charlotte.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dan’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Dan’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Raymond Edward Potter, 89, of Charlotte, died peacefully Thursday, August 2, 2018 in Hastings.  Ray was born September 6, 1928 near Charlotte, the son of Carl H. and Edith Mae (Xanders) Potter.  He attended Potterville Schools before going right to work on the farm with Harold Cole.  Throughout his life he enjoyed farming, and eventually purchased his own farm.  He also worked at Aluminum Extrusion until their plant closure in 1988.  Ray then worked five years at Hastings Manufacturing, retiring in 1994.  Ray loved his time outdoors on the farm, riding John Deere tractors, and taking care of his lawn.  Indoors, he played on a bowling league, and was an avid pool and euchre player.  Ray and Joan were active members of Chester Gospel Church and practiced their Faith throughout their daily lives.  Above all, Ray loved his family.

Ray is survived by his wife, Joan Potter; two sons, Reginald (Virginia) Potter and Steve (June) Potter; two daughters, Susan (John) Boyles and Kathy Potter; two step-daughters, Eloise (Dale) Berry and Joyce (Larry) Wait; step-son, Roy (Sharon) Letson; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his parents; first wife, Mavis Royston; second wife, Elsie Baas; son, Samuel Potter; great-grandson, Dillon Boone; brothers, Royce Potter, Milton Potter, Merlin Potter, and Max Potter; and sisters, Mildred Verhelle and Margaret Verhelle.

Friends are encouraged to support Ray’s family at visitation and funeral services.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Marc Livingston officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Monday.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Hospice.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Raymond on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.