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Joan Ann Kerstetter Wilmore

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Joan Ann Kerstetter Wilmore, 92 of Charlotte, passed away peacefully November 12, 2020 at her home with family. Joan was born in Lansing, Mich. on December 13, 1927, the only child of George and Mabel (Cooper) Kerstetter. George, Mabel and Joan moved to the city of Charlotte when Joan was a small child, to be close to George’s parents, who owned a farm on Mulliken Road. In the early 40’s they moved to the farm, which at that time had a double house.
Joan said many times she thought she had been put in exile, leaving town! She soon became a part of farm and country life, and met the neighbor boy, Norm Wilmore, when he came to work for her family. We all know where that led, before Norm spent time in the service, they were engaged and after his return, they married on July 2, 1948. They rented a farm on Vermontville Highway before purchasing and moving to their farm on Shaytown Road in Vermontville. This is where they milked cows, farmed, and raised a family of five, Connie, Karen, Vicki, Pam, and Kirby.
In 1977, and after most of the kids had moved out and moved on, Joan and Norman moved back to the beloved home of her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents on Mulliken Road. Joan re-designed and remodeled the house, became a HGB volunteer (which she loved doing), and was frequently seen with the McDonald’s coffee club where she felt very much a part of being a Charlotte girl! Joan had many friends that she went to school with, church with, and knew from being a part of the greater Charlotte community. Over the years she worked at McNamara’s Drug Store, Wilcox-Gay, and Barber State Bank, and was a member of Gresham United Methodist Church where she served on many boards and committees. Joan lived a life of service to her family, church, and community. Her faith in God sustained her through many ups and downs in life, and her family knows she is now walking hand-in-hand with her husband, Norman, in Heaven.
Memories of Joan will be cherished by her family, including her children, Connie (Chuck) Corbin, Karen Scott and friend Chuck O’Connell, Pam (Fred) Todd, and Kirby (Kate) Wilmore; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Norman in 2013; her daughter, Vicki Watson; and grandson, Chad Gingrich.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family will have a private graveside service. In 2021 the family plans to have a Celebration of Life for Joan once it is safe to do so. If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to the Gresham United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Janice Barnett

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Janice Barnett, age 84, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. She was born November 12, 1936, in Gladwin, the daughter of John and Jenny Morrison. She married Don Barnett Sr. on July 12, 1958. Jan adored her grandchildren. She was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Faith Assembly of God. Her church family was very important to her. Jan also enjoyed time spent fishing and being outdoors at Tri-Lakes Campground in Marshall with her family.
She is survived by her children: Patricia (John) Moore of Battle Creek, Billy Sam (Gerald Allred) Bowen Jr. of Olivet, Diana Lee Braden of Bellevue, Debra Ann Parks of Bellevue, Donnie Lee Barnett Jr. of Marshall, Gary Douglas Barnett of Battle Creek, Dawn Marie (Jerry) Stone of Battle Creek, Darla Jean (Brad) Tennent of Kentucky; 14 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; brother, Roger (Pat) Morrison of Saginaw; sister, Claudia Smith of Northern Michigan.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Barnett; sons-in-law: Bill Braden and Frank Cummings; grandson, Johnny Cummings; and ten siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Road, Olivet, MI 49076 with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the church. Burial will follow at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jan’s memory to Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Rd., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Jan’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan.

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Brian Whitcomb

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Brian Whitcomb, 42, of Bellevue died on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at his home following a long illness.
Brian was born on April 3, 1978 in Battle Creek to Randy and Debbie (Clift) Whitcomb.
He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1996.
Brian was a carpenter foreman for Schweitzer Company in Battle Creek for several years. Prior to that he worked for Grand River Construction in Hudsonville. He was a member of the Battle Creek Eagles Aerie 299, the PNA Club in Battle Creek. When he was younger, he was active in the 4-H Rodeo, he took part in team penning/roping, and breaking horses to ride for himself and others for many years following his years in 4-H. Brian participated for many years at Michigan State University Cowboy Christmas Rodeo. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends and enjoyed cooking a big food spread for everyone to enjoy. Brian enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, target shooting, and helping others. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially time with his nephews.
He is survived by his parents, Randy and Debbie Whitcomb; two siblings, Garett (Char) Whitcomb and Amy (Phil) Rigelman; five nephews; several aunts, uncles, many cousins; and lifelong friend Monique Colizzi. He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Shirley Whitcomb, and Clyde and Letha Clift; aunt Lisa Clift; uncle George Whitcomb; aunt Sue Whitcomb; cousin Janet Whitcomb.
Due to COVID-19 a memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions are requested to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall Mich. 49068 or Eaton County 4-H, 551 Courthouse Drive #1, Charlotte, Mich. 48813.  Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home, P.O. Box 519, Marshall Mich. 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at KempfFuneralHome.com.

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Harold Earnest McDonald

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Harold Earnest “Spanky” McDonald, a dependable and supportive person to all he met, died Monday, November 16, at his residence at the age of 88. Harold was born September 14, 1932 in Lansing, the son of Roscoe and Bessie (Rogers) McDonald. Harold, or “Spanky” as his grandfather called him, was a self-proclaimed “wild child” with an ambitious streak as he was growing up. As a youth in Lansing he delivered papers for both the Lansing State Journal and the Detroit Free Press. He became well known around the neighborhood and it wasn’t unusual for him to be invited to breakfast at one of the neighbors’ homes (after he had eaten breakfast at his own home).
Harold also loved visiting the farm of his grandparents where he would often follow his cousin’s lead…pulling the goat’s whiskers, terrorizing the chickens, pulling each other around in a toy wagon and riding an old “doodle bug” around the countryside. One of his favorite stories is the day he and classmates climbed up on the schoolhouse roof to fix the school bell rope. They pulled the ladder up and stayed up there the rest of the day. However, the teacher came to his house to inform his parents, and that “earned him a whippin.”
As he grew older his attention turned to tractors and cars. He often recalled his first car as a green ’36 Chevy with no shift, no brakes, no gas, and no glass. Spanky entered the U.S Army in 1950 and served in Korea where he was one of the survivors of the Iron Triangle. Upon returning from service overseas he escorted dignitaries around Ft. Custer and helped indoctrinate new troops.
Harold met his wife, Vera, while hanging out at the gas station of Vera’s father, Harold Brown. Spanky and Vera were married in 1953 in Muir, Mich. at her grandparents’ farm. Together they raised two sons, Harold Jr. and Steven. They moved to a farm outside of Charlotte where Harold developed his love of farming and tractors. His ambition led him to several other jobs at the same time which included his work at Aluminum Extrusions (AE) in Charlotte where he a was one of the longest-term employees. He also began work as a minister, helping to establish the RLDS church in Charlotte, where he served as treasurer for many years, and at the same time owned and managed several rental apartments. After AE closed, Harold and Vera moved to Leslie where they ran a motel. In 2002 they returned to Charlotte. During all that time Harold’s favorite hobby was “bookkeeping.” He reveled in keeping track of numbers and accounts.
Harold is survived by his wife Vera; his two sons, Harold Jr., and Steven; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and his sister, Hazel Whitford Bowen Smith. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Clara Belle; brother, Leon; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation and funeral services were held on Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m. at Real Life Church in Charlotte with Pastor Martin Garn officiating.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Harold on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Beverly J. Newcomer

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Beverly J. (Kelley) Newcomer, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. She was born on February 7, 1937 in Lansing, Michigan. Beverly was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, crocheting, and traveling to see her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed doing projects around the house with her husband George; from building a fire pit to adding a new addition. Beverly was an active member at Calvary Baptist Church as a Ladies Ministry Committee member and enjoyed being in the nursery loving on the babies. She was known for her hugs at church—and there would be a line next to her pew to receive them. She also volunteered as a room mother in the Charlotte Public Schools for all six of her children.
Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, George E. Newcomer; her three brothers, James, Phillip, and Frank Kelley; and her sister Norma Jean Kelley (Hagerman). She is survived by her son, Kelly (Chong Im Kim) Newcomer of Savanah, Ga.; daughters, Pamela (Agaifea) Uini of Tahrump, Nev., Linda (Ronald) Haigh of Bellevue, Diane (Ronald) Kreps of Bellevue, Teri (Eric) Jensen of Traverse City, and Patricia (Ramon Rivera III) Newcomer-Rivera of Charlotte; grandchildren, David (Melissa) Newcomer, Christopher Uini, Joshua Uini, Jessica (Julian) Branscombe, Paul (Hiro Ko) Haigh, Crystal (Dale) Dowding, Laura Haigh, Leanne (Seth) Ojala, Heather Kreps, Jared Jensen, Jesse (Taylor) Rivera, Kyle Rivera (engaged to Emily Kemp), Adrianne Rivera; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Betsy.”
Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, November 21, at 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Mask, group capacity, and social distancing guidelines will be observed. Please be considerate of others during this time.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte and Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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William Duane Eaton

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William Duane Eaton, age 63, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, November 16, 2020. He was born March 29, 1957, in Lansing, the son of Harley and Lillian (Schulze) Eaton. Bill graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1975. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was an active member of the VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte and the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Bill cherished his family but was especially fond of his grandchildren. He retired from the Lansing Post Office after many years of service.
Bill is survived by his children: William (Katie) Eaton of Lansing, Tara Eaton of Charlotte, Tasha (Steven) Marietta of Eaton Rapids, LaTrisha (Adam) Voorhees of Springport, Daysha (Anthony) Eaton of Charlotte; 12 grandchildren; mother, Lillian Eaton; siblings: Randy (Debbie) Eaton of Va., Clifford Eaton of Ky., Debra (David) Parshall of Ind., and Laura (Perry) Plyler of Hasting.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harley Eaton and brother, Wallace Eaton.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bill’s memory to the family.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Ronnie Dean Binning Sr.

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Ronnie Dean Binning Sr., age 77, of Lansing, formerly of Potterville, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born June 13, 1943, in Alton, Ill. the son of Everett and Verna (Snider) Binning. On April 4, 1963, Ronnie married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Holtorf in Woodriver, Ill.
Ronnie retried after 30 years of service from Owens- Illinois in Charlotte, where he worked as a gage-shop mechanic. Ronnie had a witty sense of humor, loved to talk and everyone called him Grandpa. He would often say, “If you lost your sense of humor, you lost it all!” Ronnie enjoyed collecting coins, playing cards, completing crossword puzzles, and raising chickens. He had a big heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Family meant everything to Ronnie. He cherished his wife and children but he had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley; children: Kristine (Mark Boeckmann) Kelso of Lansing, Ronnie Dean Binning Jr. of LaVergne, Tenn., Dawn Binning of Lansing; grandchildren: Ryan (Kelly), Bethany, Benjamin (Heather), Tyler (Iceley), Allison (Austin), Keyanna (Dominque), Morgan; great-grandchildren: Aiden, Braeden, Vincent, Sophia; sister, Connie (John) Clark of Cottage Hills, Ill.; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard, Gerald, and Clem (Barb) Binning.
A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ronnie’s honor to the charity of their choosing. To view Ronnie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.

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Doris Andrews

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Mrs. Doris Andrews, age 66, of Charlotte passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte, Michigan.
Doris was born in Charlotte on November 9, 1953, the daughter of the late Isaac and Helen Bursley.
She was raised in the Charlotte area, attended local schools and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1971.
Doris was the widow of Mr. Mark  Andrews. The couple were married in 1983, and made their home together in the Nashville area while they raised their family together. After the loss of her husband in 1997, Doris relocated to the Charlotte area, to be closer to her sister Barbara.
Doris spent the majority of her working career as a custodian, who specialized in the care of government buildings in the Lansing area. Doris retired in 2017 after 21 years of faithful service.
Doris had a beautiful gift of “giving.”  No matter what stage of life Doris was in, she enjoyed giving not only of herself but tangible gifts as well. In her later years she enjoyed making crafts and art, which she would give to fellow residents to brighten their rooms and their day. She also enjoyed listening to “classic” country music and watching old westerns on television.
Doris is survived by her sons, Christopher (Tiffany) Andrews and Patrick Andrews; her two sisters, Barbara Bursley and Dorothy Palmer; one brother, Ike (Terrie) Bursley; and two grandchildren, Laura and Bryan Andrews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mark, and her sister, Mary Gamble.
Graveside services were held at the Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville, Michigan on Friday, November 13, 2020 with Pastor Karen Kinney officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton County Rehabilitation Center – Activities Department.
The family is in the care of The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Michigan.

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Gerald Dean Brock 

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Gerald Dean “Gary” Brock, of Eaton Rapids, passed away November 16, 2020 at the age of 79. Gary was born in Jackson, Mich., March 6, 1941, the son of Clyde Larson and Francis Naegele. He worked as a factory worker with Hoover Universal for 25 years, then went on to work for Hotsy Power Washing in Eaton Rapids and Stahl Heating and Cooling. Gary enjoyed playing the guitar, golfing and riding horses. He was a member of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center and frequently played in a band called the “Good Old Boys.”
Gary is survived by his son, Rick (Carrie) Brock of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jeremy, Diana, Erica and Levi Brock, all of Charlotte; brothers, Brian, Chester and Jon Larson; sister-in-law, Helene Larson; several nieces and nephews; his friend and caregiver, Jeanne Creyts. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; brothers, David Larson, Wayne Brock; sister-in-law, Sandra Brock; and niece, Tracy Cuatt.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place on Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. To place online condolences please visit the Mills Funeral Home website at MillsFuneral.com.

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Inez Bernice Premo

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Inez Bernice Premo of East Lansing, passed away November 17, 2020 at the age of 94. Inez was born in Detroit, November 24, 1925, the daughter of John and Farrel (Graves) Furfaro. She worked for Dodge trucks during WWII as one of the original Rosie the Riveters and later went on to beauty school where she earned her beautician’s license and worked out of her home. Inez was a member of the Lutheran Church and the Red Hat Society. She loved people and loved life. Her hobbies included playing bridge, crafting, and watching old movies so that she could go down memory lane watching her favorite old actors and actresses.
Inez is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Gary) Mitchell; grandchildren, Annetta (Marc) Cooper, Dawn (Christopher) Copeland, Nathan (Stella) Premo; daughter-in-law, Adrienne (Tom) Logsdon; seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Premo; son, Thomas Premo; sisters, Catherine Morgan, Jane Wagner and Gloria Bown.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at Columbia Road. Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Columbia Road. Baptist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place online condolences at MillsFuneral.com.

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