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Sheila May Gilpin

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Funeral Services:

Sheila May Gilpin passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, at the age of 84. She was born in Hastings, Michigan on December 22, 1937, the youngest of five children to Max and Leila (Wolfe) Gooch. She was a spunky child growing up, never afraid to catch wild animals, run barefoot through the neighborhood or jump off chicken coops. She, along with her sisters and brother, grew up in a loving and caring home. During her childhood, she and her family moved from Charlotte to Eaton Rapids, graduating from Eaton Rapids High School in 1956. After graduating, she met James (Jim) Gilpin and fell in love. She and Jim were married on February 15, 1958. They welcomed two children; a daughter, Toni and a son, Troy. In 1980, they completed the build on their very own home and moved in. Throughout the last 42 years, Sheila and Jim landscaped, tended, and cared for their seven-acre paradise. She loved her gardens, saving every sapling she ever came across. She was an avid rock hunter, adventurous traveler, and antique queen. She enjoyed painting and teaching others how. She was a rebel of sorts, even becoming one of the first women in the area to ride her very own motorcycle. Her nickname was “Yama-hama-mama.” She retired from the Eaton Rapids bus garage after 22 years. After her retirement, she devoted her time to her passions: gardening, decorating, and most importantly, her family. She spent as much time as she could with her four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson. Their “GG” held a special connection to each and every one of them. She was always there teaching them and encouraging them to blaze their own path through life. Her motto was, “Keep it simple- just like me.”
Sheila is survived by her husband of 64 years, James Gilpin; children, Toni Matthews of Eaton Rapids, Troy Gilpin of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren: Jessica Seguin of Eaton Rapids, Meagan (Randy) McLouth of Eaton Rapids, Nikolas Matthews of Eaton Rapids, Kelsey (Brandon) Matthews-Trosper of Eaton Rapids; ten great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; sisters, Mickey Schnepp of Lansing, Kay Love of Eaton Rapids; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce Elston; brother, Larry Gooch.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wildside Rehabilitation & Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.

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Richard Allen Dunning

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Richard “Rick” Allen Dunning of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the age of 77. He was born in Charlotte, MI, on June 29, 1945, the son of Fred and Maxine (Rogers) Steward. Rick graduated from Leslie High School. He worked for General Motors until he retired at the age of 48. Rick was a member of the Onondaga Sportsman Club.
While known as a quiet and humble man, Rick had a surprisingly mischievous side. His hobbies included playing practical jokes, losing his drone in the woods, making friends with Phil the pheasant, disagreeing with his friends at the sportsman club, scaring kids at Halloween, and starting but never finishing projects.
Rick is survived by the mother of his children, Gerri Brooks; daughters, Lee (Gregory) Prost of Troy, MI and Nikki (Ronald) Miller of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Mason (Claire) Miller, Allison Prost, Cassidy Miller, Robert Prost, and Julia Miller; great grandchildren, Zion Miller and Holland Miller; sisters, Sue Foster, Lori (Marty) Seling, Lynn Kita, and Marcy (Richard) Mentink. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Kate’s Kart, 10376 Leo Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.

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Gary Clarke

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Gary Lee Clarke of Springport, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the age of 80. Gary was born on March 12, 1942, in Brookfield Township the fourth of seven children born to Laurence and Velma (Harshey) Clarke. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Gary went to work for Cords Well Drilling right out of school and then to Williams Farm Machinery, Eaton Stamping, he worked for General Motors for 16 years, started Gary’s Small Engine Service in 1981 and currently owned and operated the Bargain Shack in Springport. Gary had a great love for his Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids for the past 21 years. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. Gary loved riding his gator on his property and made numerous trails where he could watch the wildlife around him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Allan (Marsha) Clarke, Dean (Linda) Clarke, Don (Joyce) Clarke, Marie (Carl) Florian and son-in-law, Jose Cantu III.
Surviving is his wife, Ruth (Wheeler) Clarke; daughters, Cheri Cantu, Suzi Clarke; grandchildren, Jose “Joey” Cantu, Jesus “Jesse” Cantu; brothers, Maynard (Kathy) Clarke, Maurice (Gloria Fleming) Clarke and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family will received friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in memory of Gary. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Larry Herman Weaver

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Larry Herman Weaver, 57 of Olivet, a kind-hearted soul that loved bartering and collecting, died November 28, 2022. Larry was born May 8, 1965, in Lansing to Amos and Arlene (Feyerabend) Weaver. Working in many different fields over the years, Larry worked construction, welding, landscaping, and drywall, working hard at every job he did with a great work ethic. Something that gave Larry great enjoyment was buying and selling, including bartering at thrift stores and taking home lots of stuff that he didn’t need. He also enjoyed scratch off lottery tickets and hunting. One of the favorite family stories is when Larry was so excited about deer hunting that he accidentally shot out the back window of his dad’s pickup truck with an “unloaded shotgun,” or at least Larry thought it was unloaded.
Larry is survived by his siblings, Tim (Cindy) Weaver, Karl (Sharan Jones) Weaver, Julie (John) Getts, Jeff (Shelly) Weaver, Chris (Mindy) Weaver, Lori Dumas, Andy Weaver, Wendy (Marc) Sinclair, and Kurt (Sherry Walters) Weaver; and uncle, Roy Weaver. He was predeceased by the love of his life, fiancé Paulette; his parents; brother, Mark Weaver; and sister-in-law, Pam Weaver.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com or attending a memorial gathering at the Eaton Area Senior Center on Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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James Tew

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James “Jim” Vincent Tew, 82 of Hopkins, Michigan, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, following a valiant fight against leukemia. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan on March 15, 1940, he was the son of the late Shirley Vincent and Opal Lucinda (Varin) Tew. Jim grew up in Bellevue, Michigan and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing all sports, especially baseball, both vocal and instrumental music, and hunting and fishing, which he pursued for many years. Jim took his basic training in San Antonio, Texas for the Air National Guard and fulfilled his six-year commitment during a more peaceful time. After the service, he went on to attend Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1966 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Primary employment commitments were at Engineering Castings Inc., Marshall, Michigan; Rockwell International, Allegan, Michigan; and Bosch Corporation, St. Joseph, Michigan. He retired in 2002. Jim married his true love, Bertha M. Bayha, on December 5, 1964, and together were blessed with three children which they both took great pride in raising. People always felt comfortable around Jim, probably because he had a wonderful knack of making them feel special and that what they said mattered. His quick wit and great sense of humor made him fun to be around and making things “fun” and helping others, especially family members, was a special gift he nurtured. Being creative, Jim created events like the “Tew Olympics” which was enjoyed by family and friends all summer. Even though he battled leukemia, Jim did all in his power to remain positive and live out his life with love and joy.
Also surviving are his children: James and Wendy Tew of Hopkins, Jennifer and Liam Salisbury of Plainwell, and Jonathan and Debra Tew of Hopkins; grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved so much and was proud of are: James, Jessica (Ridge), Jordan, Megan (Jeff), Kelsey (Joe), Allie, Anthony, Nathan, Joshua, Kamdyn, Graysen, Korrah, Rylynn and Theo; and his sister, Sharon Coltson.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Albert; sister, Ellen; and granddaughter, Emilee.
A Memorial Visitation for Jim will be held on December 27, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins United Methodist Hall on Maple Street in Hopkins. The family invites all to come and share your memories and stories of Jim. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

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Frances DeBar

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Frances Ruth Fletcher DeBar, known to family and friends as Fran or Frannie, passed away peacefully in her home in Lakeside, California on November 15, 2022 after several months of compassionate care from her oldest son Michael and Hospice. Fran is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Bernice Fletcher; sister, Donis (Monor); and brother, Douglas. She is survived by her sons, whom she loved unconditionally: Michael, Robin (Rob), William, and Baron; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fran was born in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1952. She loved God’s creatures, especially horses, and as a young girl she enjoyed caring for her own horse named Silver, who she called her best friend. In 1981, she moved to the San Diego area where she lived out her remaining years. There, she worked as a real estate receptionist until retiring in 2007. She was a huge fan of NASCAR and rooted on her favorite driver from the San Diego area, Jimmy Johnson.
Although there will not be a funeral service per her request, Fran will join her parents and siblings at their final resting place, Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. A celebration of her life will be planned for the spring of 2023 with details to be determined.

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Valdean Jaquette

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Funeral Services:

Valdean Delores Jaquette, age 89, of Charlotte passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. She was born February 14, 1933, in Charlotte the daughter of Dorr and Addie (Root) Parr. Valdean graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1950. On June 11, 1950, just a month after her graduation, she married Robert Jaquette. Valdean was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored each and every member of her family. Valdean was a magnificent cook and gracious hostess. She enjoyed entertaining and serving beautifully prepared meals to all of her guests. Her love of cooking was passed on to her family and is still creating lasting memories for many today. Valdean loved traveling with Robert and their many friends and her grandchildren were also beneficiaries of grandma and grandpa’s love of travel. One of their favorite places to visit was Pokagon State Park in Indiana. In later years she looked forward to her ladies’ card group gatherings where they played Hand and Foot. Valdean was a devoted Christian and was active in church her entire life.
Valdean is survived by her children: Deanne (Bruce) Davis of Charlotte, Sharon (Stephen) Arnold of Canadian Lakes, David Jaquette of Charlotte, Marlene (Larry) Linn of Decaturville, TN, Maria (Jack) Beam of Charlotte, John (Donna) Jaquette of Crandall, TX, Tim (Lisa) Jaquette of Bellevue; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; sister, Linda Brown; brother, Jerry (Eileen) Parr; sister-in-law, Ruth Perry; special friend, Sherri Wilbur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and sister, Shirley (Cecil) Hayter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 11 a.m. at City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial took place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Valdean’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To view Valdean’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Marguerite Burkhead

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Marguerite Louise (Green) Burkhead passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida on November 26, 2022. God blessed her with 88 years. Marguerite was born on July 16, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Fordyce and Edna (Schwan) Green. She spent her growing up years in Charlotte, Michigan, helping her Daddy in the family-owned grocery and meat market, “Green’s Market” on North Cochran Avenue. Marguerite attended Charlotte Public Schools, graduating with the class of ’52. After graduation, she attended college at Michigan State University. On June 16, 1956, Marguerite was joined in marriage to M Douglas Burkhead at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. After marrying into the Burkhead family, she then became a longtime partner and a supporter of operations and success of the Burkhead Funeral Home.
Marguerite was a very active lady around town! Even though she was busy raising a family, helping at the funeral home, and supporting her husband, Doug who was a longtime member of the Charlotte Fire Department, she still found time for others. Marguerite was a member of the GFWC, Charlotte Country Club, and Evening Belles. She served as president of the Nursery School, of Mobile Meals, and was extremely active in both. Marguerite was a very talented piano and organ player. She put those God-given talents to good use and blessed countless souls as she played uplifting hymns for many years at the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In later years, Doug and Marguerite moved away from Charlotte, relocating near Traverse City. Winters were spent in sunny and warm Fort Myers, Florida. Even though these were beautiful locations, their hometown always held a special place in her heart. Marguerite’s love and interest in Charlotte never waned and she would visit often with her friends and family back home. She always found a way to read the weekly County Journal from cover to cover to keep up on the latest news.
Many other things could be said about this amazing lady. She was a terrific seamstress and loved to sew. Marguerite was a gourmet cook in the fullest sense of the word. She was an avid gardener. She and Doug lived very full lives! Whether they were bowling, boating, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, or taking trips in their motorhome, they enjoyed doing those things together. Marguerite’s family was paramount to her. No one ever had to wonder whether or not Mom loved them. And while she will be deeply missed, knowing that she is home with the Lord is a tremendous comfort, even during this time of sorrow and grief.
Marguerite is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, M Douglas; daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother, Charley (Leann) Green of Charlotte; sister, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Marguerite’s life will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Minister Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. on Monday, prior to the Celebration of Life. Interment will take place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marguerite’s memory to the First Congregational Church UCC, 106 S. Bostwick St, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Marguerite’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Janis Clinkscale

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Janis Marie Clinkscale of Eaton Rapids passed away November 20, 2022, at the age of 80. She was born in Lansing, MI on January 4, 1942, the daughter of Max and Jeannetta (Luke) Shively. Janis worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Governor George Romney’s Secretary, and later was a passionate homemaker. She loved to garden and shared that love with her children. Janis was a generous woman, eager to share with all who had a need; “The only thing that matters is what you do for Jesus.” She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids.
Janis is survived by her children: Donna (Kevin) Rich of Charlotte, Laura (Steven) Frayre of Lansing, Trixie (John) Tanner of Eaton Rapids, Kendra (Robby) Axline of Lansing, Belinda Hoppes of San Antonio, and Michael Hoppes of San Antonio; stepsons, Karl (Doris) Hoppes of San Antonio and Edward Hoppes of Olivet; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ronna (Wade) Chipman of Ionia, Judith Hall of Okemos, and Susan (Bryan) Danby of Portland; and her beloved parrot, Daisy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Wiltse; parents; and foster brother, George Darling.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Visitation also took place Friday, December 2, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to Love a Child, PO Box 60063, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.

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Maude Drumm

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Maude Elaine Drumm, 99, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, surrounded by family. Maude was born April 9, 1923, in West Branch, Michigan, the daughter of Aloysius and Lila Mier (Wilcox). After graduating from West Branch High School and the onset of WWII, Maude moved to Detroit and worked in a factory facility producing various products to help to support the war efforts, our own “Maude the Riveter” as she called herself.
Following the war’s end, she moved back to West Branch working as a telephone operator. Her younger sister, Jean, introduced her to Leo Drumm of Bear Lake, a Michigan State Police trooper stationed at the West Branch Police Post. They met, fell in love and they married in 1948. They had two children in West Branch, then Leo was transferred and they moved to Romeo, Michigan. In 1966 Leo was transferred to Houghton Lake where they resided for 16 years. During that time Maude worked as full-time mother as well as part-time cashier at the Spartan Grocery store and at the Treasure Chest Gift Shop. In 1972 Leo retired from the Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post.
After retiring they spent almost every winter in Florida in the Fort Meyers area. They moved several more times in Michigan including Manistee, Bellaire, and lastly in Onekama. Leo passed away in 2010 after 62 years of marriage. Maude then settled in Charlotte near her family. Maude was an excellent cook and baker and delighted in cooking for family and friends. After Leo’s retirement they owned and operated the Gas Light Restaurant in Higgins Lake for several summers, until they both realized it was more work than they anticipated. She loved dancing and could keep up with the best of them in her younger days. Maude enjoyed sewing, needlework, knitting, and excelled at weaving pine needles into baskets and other items, a skill she learned in Florida. She won several awards for her work and some were featured in Spiegel’s catalogs and they were also sold in her nephews antique store in Charlevoix, where her baskets always sold out faster than she could make them. In later years after Leo passed away, she spent the winters with her sister Jean Hejduk in Kingman, Arizona, and also visited her son in California on a regular basis. Maude led an active busy life and was always on the go, she was kindhearted, soft spoken, easy going, and was liked by all who met her. She will be greatly missed.
Maude is survived by her sons, David (Cindy) Drumm, of Charlotte and Dale (Monique) Drumm of Los Gatos, California; five grandchildren, Davis (Amber) Drumm, Dustin Drumm, Brianna (Jase) Zappel, Kenton Drumm, and Tristan Drumm; 4 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Blake, and Kaden Drumm and Wilder Zappel; sister, Mary Jean Hejduk; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Leo Drumm; four brothers, Robert, Carl, Earl, and Beryle Mier; and sister, Ailene Hanson.
Friends are encouraged to support Maude’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Mass was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The service was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Maude’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 St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte or Elara Caring Hospice. The family will have a “Celebration of Life” for Maude this summer in West Branch, the details will be announced later. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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