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Debra Sue Forist

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Funeral Services:

Debra Sue Forist, age 54, of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away tragically on Thursday, December 29, 2022, as the result of an automobile accident. Debra was born on March 19, 1968, in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Charles (Rosetta) McCarrick and Marjorie (William) Hartel (Burns). She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she attended school and was currently employed as a Health Unit Coordinator for Sparrow Hospital. Debra loved traveling and taking family vacations. Some of her favorite places to visit were Las Vegas and Tennessee. She was extremely compassionate to others and served as a caregiver and great friend to her uncle, Dave for the past 20 years. Her greatest joy in life was her family and she cherished the time she spent watching her children and grandchildren compete in their sporting events. Debra was an avid shopper and enjoyed buying abandoned storage units where she turned her hobby into a successful side business, selling her items on Facebook Marketplace. Debra had a great love for owls, dancing, music and especially enjoyed Michael Kors and Snoop Dogg.
Debra is survived by her children, Joe (Kyla) McCarrick, Jessica (Justin) Gardner, Brittaney (Rob Bancroft) Treve, Brandon (Brianna) Forist; grandchildren, Landin and Maverick McCarrick, Talan and Willow Gardner, Jada Esman; brother, Greg (Emily) McCarrick; sisters, Julie (Ken) Locke, Kathy (Dan) Curtis, Georgia (Steven) Keller, Crystal (Eric) Woodman; stepfather, William Hartel; stepmother, Rosetta McCarrick; uncle, Dave Burns and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the family of Debra Forist. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Richard James Johnson

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Richard James Johnson, 92, of Charlotte, passed away on December 31, 2022. He was born in rural Eaton County on June 5, 1930, to Leonard and Isabell (LaBare) Johnson. He had two brothers, Leonard Johnson Jr. and Casey Johnson, and two sisters, Peggy Moon and Pat Langmaack. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1947. Dick left the family farm and began working at Aluminum Extrusions, working there for 42 years until its closing. He worked at several golf courses mowing their greens. He met his wife to be, Marilyn Upright, at a barn dance and married her in 1948. Together they raised three children, Rick, Kurt and Judy. Dick in his early years, enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf and reading. He looked forwarded to his summers at Horsehead Lake and his winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Dick is survived by his children, Rick (Mary Jo) Johnson, Kurt (Joyce) Johnson, and Judy (Becky Mudd) Johnson; grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Wood, Mallory (Drew) Sestic, Justine (Rob) Kramer and Russell (Lisa) Johnson; eight great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Island City Assisted Living for their excellent care over the past two years.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. just prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Richard’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 the Charlotte Public Library for use in purchasing large print books. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gary Lee Copenhaver

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Funeral Services:

Gary Lee Copenhaver, 73, of Charlotte, currently living in Lake Park, Georgia, an avid outdoorsman, passed away on December 28, 2022. Gary was born December 9, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan to Gerald and Arlene (Parks) Copenhaver, although he was born 40 years too late, it is said he died right on time. He started work at Bracy’s Gulf Station in Charlotte, then began working at Oldsmobile (later General Motors). During this time, he enlisted in the Marines during Vietnam. After proudly serving his country, he returned home and worked for Oldsmobile until his retirement in 1998. While he had many hobbies, his favorites kept him outdoors as a master gardener, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, and dog trainer with the best trained hunting dogs. He also enjoyed sharing a good joke, genealogy (serving as his family’s historian), collecting stamps, coins, serving as a scout leader, along with many other hobbies.
Gary is survived by his children, Troy (Patricia) Copenhaver, Lenard (Jody Nail) Copenhaver, and Wendy (Dave Skidmore) Copenhaver; grandchildren Troy II (Raquel), Victoria (Zach), Austin, Katie, Laci, Amanda (Tim), Levi (Kaeleigh), Erica, Neva, Troy Jr., Megan, and Kassidy; along with seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Sue (Marty) Latchaw. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Neva in 1995; his parents; and his mother-in-law, Virginia Jones.
Friends are encouraged to support Gary’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Funeral services were Monday at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Gary’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 a Veteran’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard Vernon Gainey-Generou

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Funeral Services:

Rick left his life on earth in the presence of his loved ones on December 16, 2022, at the age of 52.  His life began on March 11, 1970.  He was born in Newberry Michigan.  His mother, Karen Gainey, did not raise him after he was nine months old.  He was raised by his great uncle “Pug” Vernon Generou, a single man who officially adopted Rick when he was 6 years old.  Rick often joked that he then became his own uncle.
Rick was very interested in books and reading at an early age.  He read Moby Dick and other classics when he was only six years old.   His love for reading remained with him throughout life.  He was also very industrious as a kid growing up in the UP, shoveling roof tops and driveways, cutting firewood and delivering the Grit newspaper.  Rick attended Newberry High School where he played football and graduated in 1988.  After his dad’s passing, Rick moved down state and worked doing asbestos abatement. From then, he worked for Horizon Cable, installing cable and doing cable mapping, which gave him opportunities to travel.  After that he worked for Haney Concrete pouring concrete.  For a time, he worked for Tyco Electronics. Then Rick moved on to working as a cook at Joes Gizzard City, where he had the opportunity to meet Guy Fieri from the Food Network when they were there to make their T.V. Show.  Rick loved to cook and was creative with a deep fryer making things like scotch eggs and deep-fried Twinkie’s. Rick also worked at the Eaton Pub as a bartender.  He had a great sense of humor and Rick loved to make people laugh.  He was very funny and even tried stand-up comedy.  He always loved music and learned to play the guitar with his best friend, John Steward many years ago.  He was in the band “Quitin Time” with his friends including John Steward.  Rick also worked at Meridian in Eaton Rapids and Kish Industries in Charlotte.  He later did small engine repairs privately.  He enjoyed rebuilding motor bikes and biking and remote-control cars. Rick especially loved children and had a way with them and wanted to impart knowledge and help them. Rick was an outdoorsy person and loved fishing and hunting for food as well as foraging. He also loved animals of all kinds and was able to make friends with them easily.  Rick is survived by his girlfriend, Brenda Moulton; his half-brother, Leonard Generou; several cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his dad, Vernon “Pug” Generou; his mother, Karen Gainey; his half-brother, Sam Maddox; and recently by his longtime friend, John Steward.  Rick was extremely generous and helped many people in their time of need and he shared what he had with others. He will be missed.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Richard Generou at the Eaton Pub and Grille on January 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. Memorial services will be held at McMillan Michigan Township Hall at noon on June 3, 2023. Contributions can be made in memory of Rick to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Richard Ralph Kenyon

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Funeral Services:

Richard Ralph Kenyon, 80, of Charlotte, MI passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Richard “Dick” was born May 31, 1942, in Glennie, Michigan, the son of William and Viola Minnie Martha (Moran) Kenyon. A few years after high school, Dick served in the United States Marine Corps as a radio telegraph operator. In June 1963, when he returned home on his first furlough, he married Nancy Marie Pakosz. They were married for 59 and a half years and raised three sons. Dick cherished time spent with his family and friends and enjoyed countless trips back to Glennie, MI, for family reunions, deer hunting and extended gatherings. He was a Diesel Mechanic for Penske Trucking, retiring after 28 years of service. A perfectionist at heart, Dick was always lending a helping hand and much needed advice on the family’s home and car projects. He was known to be meticulous in his work and enjoyed any challenge that was brought his way. He always seemed to have just what was needed to get the job done.
He is survived by his wife (Nancy Pakosz); three children Richard (Teresa Mauer), Roger (Lisa Laverty), Randy (Ondrea Job); five grandchildren Trevor (April Kammrath) Kenyon, Brittany Kenyon, Cameron (Lexie Nenortas) Kenyon, Lyle Kenyon, and Eli Kenyon. In addition, his siblings Delores (“Bake”) Papp, Don (Lois Krieg) Kenyon, Janet Walker, twin brother Robert (Catherine Sanborn) Kenyon with many wonderful nieces and nephews and countless lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Viola (Moran) Kenyon and siblings Russell, Max, and Melvin.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family will receive visitors from 1-2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2023. All are invited to stay for a Life Celebration service at 2:30 p.m. The memorial 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 Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Dennis J. Baker

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Funeral Services:

Dennis J. Baker, PhD, 79, passed unexpectedly on December 18, 2022, at his home in Olivet, Michigan.
Dennis was born June 3, 1943, and was raised in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.  Dennis received his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of North Dakota.  He taught chemistry for many years at Olivet College.  After retiring, he stayed in Olivet.  Dennis was always interested in the sciences.
Dennis is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Mike Bricker of Fort Collins, Colorado.  Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Francis, and Kathryn Baker, and by his little sister, Judy.
Dennis will be buried in the Olivet Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Frederick Carl Detering

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Funeral Services:

Frederick Carl Detering, 81, of Nashville, MI passed away on December 30, 2022. He was a Carpenter/Mechanic with Heart & Truss Engineering. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.

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Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr.

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Funeral Services:

Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr., 92, of Charlotte died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1930, in Dunkirk, IN, the son of Emerson and Ada (Bishop) Hogan. Emerson married Phyllis Lou Simmons on March 17, 1956. They were married for 64 years before her passing in 2020. He voluntarily enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country from 1951-1959 before his honorable discharge. Emerson worked as a Mold Maker for Indiana Glass in Dunkirk, IN before he was relocated to Owens Illinois in Charlotte, MI. He enjoyed his life, family, and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, tinkering on cars, gardening, and spending time with his grandkids.
Emerson is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Jim) McPherson of Montpelier, IN, Deb Hogan of Charlotte; son, Bill Hogan of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Della Gregory of Yorktown, IN. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis.
Hogan was a character and will be missed by many. His wishes were to be cremated and no services will be held at this time. A graveside service for Emerson and Phyllis will be held at a later date at the Gardens of Memory in Muncie, IN. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Harold Palmer Gray

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Funeral Services:

Harold Palmer Gray, 90, of Charlotte, a man greatly respected for his integrity and honor, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Born in Kawkawlin, MI on October 11, 1932, to Glen and Pearl (Jonas) Gray, Harold graduated from Eastern High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Lauralyn Puffer, in December of 1951. An excellent Tool and Die maker, he crafted his skill over the years as he worked for Oldsmobile, GM, Fisher Body, Demmer Tool & Die, Olofsson’s Machine Tools Inc., and Cameron Tool & Die. The Grays spent eight years as Managers of Tecumseh Woods Lutheran Church Camp in Tipton, MI. Team One Chevrolet was his most recent employer, retiring from there at the age of 80. A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 30 years, Harold spent lots of time there volunteering for different projects and enjoying time with his church family.
While Harold was a skilled tool and die maker, he was also adept at many other things and a “jack of all trades,” which was great since he always liked to be busy. He was very proud of his 1929 Oldsmobile 2-door sedan that he restored. Other activities that kept him busy included woodworking (making jewelry armoires for his girls and toy boxes for all his grandchildren), playing pool, working on plumbing and electrical, he loved to hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors and long bike rides. His sense of humor was very quiet, he had a lifelong affliction with paronomasia (go look it up).
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lauralyn; his daughters, Jan (Randy) Bruce, Sue (Richie) Johnson, both of Charlotte, and Amy (Stephen) Arneric’ of Leander, TX; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church in honor of Harold Gray. Memories on Harold may be shared on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Samantha Mary Thomas

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Funeral Services:

Samantha Mary Thomas, 44, of Charlotte, a caring and loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Sam was born July 11, 1978, in Lansing, the daughter of John Sheldon and Carol Lyn (Uchitel) Little. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1996 before enlisting in the U.S. Army as a chemical weapons specialist. Upon her return, she worked in various jobs, including two years at Hope Landing in elder care, and, most recently, one year at the Eaton Pub. She had a profound love of animals and was known to rescue many and find them homes. Above all, Sam loved her family.
Sam is survived by her daughter, Rylee Lynn; son, Connor Jaymes Thomas; her parents, John and Carol Little; andbrothers, John Little, Jr. and David Little.
Friends are encouraged to support Sam’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with visitation from 1-3:00 p.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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