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John F. Davidson

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John F. Davidson was born December 16, 1933, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and passed away January 19, 2023. John was the eldest son of John G. “Jack” and Helen Davidson. His younger brothers, Linton (Arlene) Davidson and James (Janet) Davidson survive him.
John graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, where he played baseball and basketball throughout. He maintained a lifelong interest in sports and spent much of his adult life coaching. He enjoyed reading and had committed to memory several poems and quotations. John further cultivated his love of literature and learning while attending Albion College and Western Michigan University. Upon graduation, John began his career teaching Physical Education and Literature at Starr Commonwealth, where many colleagues became lifelong friends. For 32 years, John’s unwavering commitment, passion and dedication to teaching changed the lives of countless youths.
John picked up a love of golf as he neared retirement. He was a member of Duck Lake Country Club for 42 years, where he shared many laughs, stories, and rounds with his friends. He often participated in golf trips both domestically and abroad.
John’s true love and most important job was his family. He never missed an opportunity to teach life lessons and highlight what is truly important. He also always stressed that, “You can’t put a price tag on a good time.” His abundance of wisdom and knowledge will be missed, but most certainly will not be forgotten.
In addition to his parents; his wife and companion of 58 years, Patricia (Hodges) Davidson, preceded John in death. Surviving are his daughters; Janne Byrens and Meri (Lane) Stumpos; grandchildren, John (Miriam) Byrens, Graham (Andrea) Byrens, Elyse Byrens, Andrei Stumpos, and Sofiya Stumpos; and great-grandchildren, Loxley, Danny, Gideon, and Graedy Byrens.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in John’s memory can be made to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068, online at www.oaklawnhospital.org or by phone at 269-789-3939. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.

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Pamela Jean Baker

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Pamela Jean Baker of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the age of 69. Pam was born on October 14, 1953, in Lansing, MI. She worked for several years as a school bus driver for the Mason School District and in the custodial department for Michigan State University where she retired in 2016. Pam was very family oriented, and her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She loved planning get-togethers and hosting holiday dinners, which she planned out months in advance. Pam also enjoyed traveling and was always up for a spontaneous road trip. She was compassionate, generous, and full of love for her family and friends. Her generosity was shown through her willingness to help others in need.
Pam is preceded in death by her husband, Homer Baker; son, Robin Baker; mother, Patricia Rule and sisters, Denise Jones, and Diannia Gibbs.
Surviving are her children: Shane Baker, Tiana Baker, Jaime Gerred; grandson, Rivyr Adams; sisters, Peggy (John) Vallie, Tina (Steve) Cary; brother-in-law, Bill Gibbs; beloved dog, Sassi; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s in memory of Pam. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Gary Frank Saylor

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Gary Frank Saylor, age 69, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Gary was born on July 10, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to Jack and Lenora (Anson) Saylor. On June 2, 1972, he was married to Audrey “Penny” Sebastian in Springport, Michigan. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Gary was a hard-working man. He worked at Spartan Motors as a mechanic for almost 30 years. He loved to play as hard as he worked! During the off-work hours in summer and on weekends, you would find him driving either his motorcycle, quad, or boat. Or else, he just may be participating in some other outdoor sport which he enjoyed. Gary loved to hunt and fish. He took meticulous care of his yard. Gary was an animal lover to the core. His dogs and cats never lacked for affection! Above all though, Gary loved his family. His wife, children, and grandkids knew that they meant the world to him and that he would go to the ends of the earth for them. Life must go on, but it simply won’t be the same without him.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Audrey “Penny”; children, Chad (Brandi) Saylor of Eaton Rapids, Jamie (Mike) Stenberg of Charlotte, Brandon Saylor of Charlotte; two very special nephews, Christopher (Stacey) Caruthers of Hastings, and Brian (Pam) Caruthers of Charlotte; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren; sister, Jody (Kent) Laubhan of Claremore, OK; uncle, Roger (Cheryl) Saylor of Holt; and many friends and co-workers.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Sharon Worden.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Brian Caruthers officiating at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Betty V. Fletcher

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Betty V. Fletcher, 83, of Charlotte, MI (formerly, of Rimersburg, PA), passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Eaton Community Palliative Care.
She was born April 11, 1939, in Rimersburg, the daughter of Wilbur L. and Alberta R. (Miller) Seybert.
Betty lived in the Rimersburg area all her life until moving to Michigan in 2009. She worked in food service for many years as a cook and baker and was known for making many delicious meals and desserts for her family and friends. Betty was a member of Rimersburg First United Methodist Church and also belonged to the Red Hat Society and Alive Health Club.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Cynthia K. Jones; and husband, Larry, of Charlotte, MI; grandchildren, Shane Risher of Clarion, and Craig Jones and wife, Jennifer of Charlotte, MI; brothers, Howard E. Seybert and wife, Sylvia, of Hermitage, PA, and John W. Seybert, of Farrell, PA; sister, Sharon K. Wilson and husband, Tom, of Rimersburg; sister-in-law, Joanne Seybert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, John C. Fletcher, whom she married November 30, 1973, and who died May 15, 2002; son, Michael Craig, who died July 20, 1979; and brothers, Wilbur L. Seybert, Jr., and Donald P. Seybert.
Services were held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 758 Main St., Rimersburg, PA with Rev. Brock Beveridge officiating.
Interment is in Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, PA.
Contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to Rimersburg First United Methodist Church, 399 Main St., Rimersburg, PA 16248.
Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
For anyone wishing to send an online condolence to Betty’s family please visit, www.bauerfuneral.com.

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Shirley Hazel Halsey

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Shirley Hazel Halsey, age 101, of Charlotte passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Sunday, January 15, 2023. She was born June 27, 1921, at the family home on Mulliken Road the daughter of Donald and Retah (Hicks) Satterly. Shirley graduated from Charlotte High School in 1939. Soon after graduating she married Floyd A. Halsey. Shirley was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word. She was a wonderful seamstress, cook, and canner. She always saw to it that her family was well cared for. Shirley and Floyd enjoyed their yearly camping trips up north. She was a devoted life-long member of the Gresham United Methodist Church.
Shirley is survived by her children, Gary (Lou) Halsey of Clarksdale, MS, Sheila Draper of Charlotte, Sharon (Harlan) Young of Charlotte, Larry (Judy) Halsey of Charlotte; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd; two brothers; and son-in-law, Larry Draper.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Gresham Cemetery with Pastor Dave Burnett officiating.
Those desiring may make contributions in Shirley’s memory to the family.
To view Shirley’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.

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Glenn David Voorhorst

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Glenn David Voorhorst went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 14, 2023. “Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day, declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised!” I Chronicles 16:23-25. Glenn was born September 3, 1938, in Overisel, Michigan, the son of John and Delia (Brink) Voorhorst. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1957 and joined the family business, the Overisel Feed Mill and Lumber Yard. Glenn and his brothers also delivered feed and produce throughout the region. He met his sweetheart in a carrot patch on a West Michigan farm while picking up a load of carrots. Johanna Renooij was visiting from the Netherlands on a six-month visa. Glenn made a point to return to this farm as often as possible until Johanna returned home. Soon after, he went abroad to visit her, and they decided to marry. On May 22, 1964, they were wed. About this time Glenn also took over the trucking business from his brothers. Because his runs often took him to the Ralston Purina plant in Lansing, they settled in Charlotte in 1970. In 1971, they joined First Baptist Church of Charlotte where they have enjoyed fellowship for many years. Glenn will be missed in many ways but particularly his faithful prayers, listening ear, wisdom, sense of humor, and Godly example, especially to his children and grandchildren. Though significantly bodily impaired in 2008 by a severe stroke, his mind remained sharp, and he continued to pray, read, learn, and encourage others, while trusting that God still had a purpose for him. Glenn was most thankful for the Lord’s mercy to him in being a child of God.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 58 years, Johanna “Jo” Voorhorst; daughter, Susan (Steven) Roskos of East Lansing; son, Paul (Cara) Voorhorst of Larimore, ND; grandchildren, Sarah Grace (Drew) Hayward, Josiah Roskos, Anna Roskos, Hope Roskos, Kaitlyn Voorhorst, Rachel Voorhorst, Morgan Voorhorst, and Abigail Voorhorst; sisters, Florence Martin of Chico, CA and Barbara Hartgerink of South Haven, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Nancy Voorhorst; and his brothers, Dale Voorhorst and Lloyd Voorhorst.
Friends are encouraged to support Glenn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Glen’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church of Charlotte or Samaritan’s Purse. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Ray William Smith

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Ray William Smith, a beloved lifelong resident of Charlotte, passed away on December 10, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing due to complications from diabetes. Ray was born December 22, 1956 to Beverly Ann (Catron) Smith of Charlotte and Lester William Smith of Eagle, both of whom have preceded Ray in death.
Ray graduated from Charlotte High School Class of 1975 where he played varsity football and basketball. He mentored several kids in sports through the Charlotte Summer Recreation Program and at YMCA Camp Sloan in New York State. Ray enjoyed golfing with his many lifelong friends in area tournaments for many worthwhile causes and traveling Michigan and other states just to play different courses. Ray also enjoyed fishing with friends and family on inland lakes and Lake Michigan. Ray worked at the Charlotte Chair Factory, AE Hoover, Ace Hardware, and finally Meijer Warehouse in Lansing from which he retired. He was a former member of the Charlotte Optimist Club and a current member of the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 and was always actively involved in their fundraising efforts.
Ray is survived by his sister, Lynn Ann (Smith) Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Mark Zimmerman; nephews, Andrew (Sarah) Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska, and William (Candice) Zimmerman of Adrian, Michigan; niece, Melissa Zimmerman (Jonathan) Timm of Tecumseh, Michigan; four great-nephews and one great-niece.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring – his favorite time of year for fishing and golfing. The family wishes to thank their neighbors, friends and family for their help with Ray’s trials and tribulations with diabetes.

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Carolyn Jean Clark

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Carolyn Jean Clark of Eaton Rapids, was carried by the arms of angels and entered into Heaven, January 11, 2023, at the age of 63. Carolyn was born in Lansing, MI, May 16, 1959, the daughter of Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley. She was a 1977 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Carolyn worked at Sparrow Hospital as a Medical Assistant, attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was an amazing cook and baker and a very loving and caring homemaker. Carolyn was such a fun grandma who loved spoiling her grandchildren and made sure her children had some of their favorite homemade meals on special occasions. She will forever be remembered for her huge dimples, great smile, and the faith she carried in her heart which she shared with everyone.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Steve Clark; daughters, Emily (Jeff) Kaylor, Amy Clark, Melissa (Justin Shroyer) Clark; grandchildren, Sloane and Harper Shroyer, Isaac Clark, Madison Dutcher and Mason Clark; siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley, Chris (Loren) Cowles, Cathy (Bud) Cowles, Janice (Jim) Boice, Joseph (Pam) Ackley, Robert (Annette) Ackley, William Ackley, Mary (Scott) Patrick; sister-in-law, Sue Ackley; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James and Richard Ackley; niece, Carol Lynn Cowles.
A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church, 807 St. Mary’s Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48837, with a Rosary prayed at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities or to the church. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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James “Jim” Pfister

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James “Jim” Pfister, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Friday, January 13, 2023. He was born on June 12, 1932, son of the late Herman and Regina Pfister.
Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dorothy (Dibean); sister Andrea Wellman of Oregon, Ohio; daughter Karen (Charles) Osborne of Potterville, stepson Sean (Susan) Corbin of Byron Center; grandchildren Erika (Ralph) Reagan of Dewitt, Sara (Nic) Fowler of Eaton Rapids, Cecilia (Justice) Price of Grand Rapids and Sam (Taylor) Corbin of Grand Rapids; great grandchildren Audrey, Mason, Max and Nora Reagan, and Melanie, Keira, and Shane Fowler, along with many extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his dear wife Margaret (Connor), daughter Deborah Pfister, grandson Chad Osborne, sister Nancy Jakubiak, and countless other loved ones, including his beloved Black Labrador, Mindy.
As a child, Jim moved to Detroit from Ohio and had fond memories of taking the train downtown to work. After high school he attended Wayne State University for a solitary semester, deciding that college just wasn’t for him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, boating, hunting, and fly-fishing. Jim was drafted into the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Germany where he competed in downhill skiing for the Army. Following his service, Jim made a career in sales. He owned Sportland Inc., which was located in the Knapps Capital Avenue Department Store, later he managed the Lansing Mall Knapps. He was charismatic and friendly to everyone that he encountered. If you had a minute to spare, he would regale you with many a story or two. After retiring from sales, he went to work for John E. Green Company in Lansing as a truck driver and expeditor, delivering parts and equipment to jobsites. He was a loved member of every team he was a part of.
In 1963, Jim married Margaret (d. 1994) and became a devoted father to Deborah and Karen. After living in Lansing, they moved their family to the farm in Potterville. It was there, where he would reside for 50+ years. The farm was Jim’s pride and joy. It was a place filled with wonderful memories and moments that are cherished still to this day by the entire family. In 2001, Jim married Dorothy. Together they enjoyed traveling with their RV to destinations all around the US and on their anniversary every year they would road trip up north to the Silent Sport Lodge B&B. During Jim’s final years, Dorothy was a devoted partner and caretaker, her love of her husband apparent to all.
From early on in his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. As a collector of firearms, Jim was well-versed in shooting sports. He was a member of the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Lansing and if he wasn’t at home, you knew you could find him at the “club,” enjoying a round of sporting clays, or having a cup of coffee with his friends while telling many of his famed stories.
The family is in the care of Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. There will be a private service.
There will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. to honor Jim. The celebration will be held at Tony M’s Restaurant at 3420 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48917.
Jim was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Jim’s memory (www.micasl.org).

 

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Keith Graham Harrison

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Keith Graham Harrison, a resident of Holt, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in Holt, Michigan. He was born at Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, Michigan on January 10, 1950. Keith was a 1968-graduate of Cassopolis (Michigan) High School. He held a 1972 Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Michigan State University and a 1974 Master of Arts degree in Ecology from Western Michigan University. He retired from the State of Michigan in February 2005 after serving for 25 years. In addition to his numerous state Civil Service environmental executive positions culminating as Director of the Office of Special Environmental Projects within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, he also held two gubernatorial appointed positions by then Michigan Governor John Engler (Executive Director of the Michigan Environmental Science Board and Acting Director of the state’s Office of Great Lakes). In addition to state service, he also served as a Special Federal Employee, where he participated in several National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board committees as an invited Ecology Expert. His professional research and work resulted in more than 100 publications addressing a wide range of environmental and natural history issues. Upon his retirement, Mr. Harrison’s public service career was acknowledged with tributes from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan State Senate, then Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, the United States House of Representatives, and then President and First Lady of the United States, George and Laura Bush.
Keith belonged to several historical, patriotic, and civic organizations, including the 1865-created Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, in which he served as the National Commander-in-Chief from 2009 to 2011, the 1881-created Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), in which he served as the National Commander-in-Chief in 1994/1995, and Commanding Officer of the SUVCW’s Sons of Veterans Reserve in 1996/97. He also belonged to the Michigan Society of Mayflower Descendants; Society of Colonial Wars; Sons of the Revolution; Society of the War of 1812; Morgan’s Men Association Inc.; Military Order of the World Wars; and Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was a Mason (Lodge #252 of Okemos, Michigan and Civil War Research Lodge #1865 of Highland Springs, Virginia) and a Rotarian (Rotary Club of Eaton Rapids). He also was a member of the Michigan Civil War re-enactment organization, 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company B, Inc., and the midwestern reenactment organization, Cumberland Guard.
Keith was a Civil War reenactor for 33 years and participated in over 550 reenactments and living histories throughout the United States. He traces his ancestry back to 47 Union Civil War soldiers, 42 of whom served in Michigan regiments and five from non-Michigan regiments. He also had two ancestors who served with the Confederacy. Following the end of the Civil War, several of his Union veteran ancestors joined local Michigan Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Keith served as the Board President of Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum (Eaton Rapids, Michigan) since its inception in 2013, Chair of the Michigan Civil War History Partners, and Treasurer of the Friends of Michigan History. He published four books, one on the Natural History of Cass County, Michigan in 1979), two family genealogies (Ancestry of Nathan Lewis Harrison in 1989 and Ancestry of Nathan Lewis Harrison – Revisited 19 years Later in 2008), and his most recent book (2020) on Cass County, Michigan in the Civil War and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Keith is predeceased by his father, John Barnard (1915 – 1986), mother, Maxine Pearl (Lewis) (1920 – 2005) [Lyon, Harrison] McCormick, stepfather, Frank McCormick (1911 – 1986), first wife, Linda Diane (Dodson) Harrison (1950 – 2008), and brother, Philip Barnard Harrison (1947 – 2019). He is survived by his wonderful wife, Jean Ann Harrison of Holt, Michigan, his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan Lewis and Sarah Harrison of Grand Blanc, Michigan, brother and sister-in-law, David Dale and Stacie Lyon of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sister-in-law, Paula Harrison of Niles, Michigan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States and in England.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with burial and a graveside service taking place later that day at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis, MI. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the nonprofit Michigan’s G.A.R. Memorial Hall and Museum (224 South Main, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827) and/or the nonprofit Capital Area Human Society (7095 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48906).

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