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Floyd Lee Cole

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Funeral Services:

Floyd Lee Cole of Lake Placid, Florida, passed away suddenly on August 13, 2022 with his wife by his side at Fort Myers Hospital.
Floyd was born September 18, 1936 in Lansing, Michigan to Russell and Agnes Cole. Moving at an early age to Sunfield, Michigan, he attended Sunfield High School and gained many honors in various sports.
Lee was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the 1950’s on Aircraft Carrier USS Antietam (CVS-36), and later transferred to the Navy Reserves. Lee loved life, children and dogs, playing cards, and bowling. He enjoyed college football and lots of camping trips to the U.P., and deer hunting at Rose Lake with friends and family. Lee was so proud of his time with Special Olympics and his bowling team kids.
Lee retired from General Motors as a millwright in 1990. He moved to Florida and married Diane Beattie from Ontario, Canada. They traveled most of the US, eastern Canada, and the Maritime Provinces, as well as three trips to Alaska and a cruise through the Panama Canal in 2020, just before the COVID pandemic began.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Russell and Agnes Cole; brother, Raymond; sister, Jean; brother-in-law, Keith; niece, Paula; nephews, Matt and Mike; and step-granddaughter, Kirsten from Canada.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Diane; two sons, Stacey of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Randy of Lake Odessa, Michigan; daughter, Charity (Josh) Edgar of Dimondale, Michigan; grandsons, Cameron and Wyatt; granddaughters, Isabel, Abigail and Alaina; four stepsons, Frank Wabindato, Jason Wabindato (Rebecca), Stephen (Jayleen), and Andrew (Lois); stepdaughter, Corrie Flear; and step grandchildren: Taylor, Shiann, Madison, Allyssa, and Jason Jr. (JJ) of Potterville, and Logan (Courtney), Carley, and Tate of Canada.
Lee’s wishes were to be buried at sea, where he will leave from the Jacksonville, Florida Navy base. He will be buried with a full military burial. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date in Michigan.

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Brian Hicks

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Brian Richard Hicks of Charlotte passed away August 28, 2022, at the age of 62. He was born in Lansing on October 30, 1959, the son of Oral and Thelma (Parks) Hicks. Brian graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978. He worked as a landscaper for several years. Brian was an easy-going man who enjoyed being outdoors, biking, and road trips to Mackinaw. His 1979 Camaro was his pride and joy.
Brian is survived by his mother, Thelma of Dimondale; the mother of his son, Debbie Hicks of Eaton Rapids; son, Eric (Katie) Hicks of Lansing; brothers, Brent (Deb) Hicks of Charlotte, Leon (Judy) Hicks of Eaton Rapids, Daniel (Raquel) Hicks of Portage, David (Kathryn) Hicks of East Lansing; sisters, Brenda Parish of Lansing, Mary (Robert) Aguirre of Ft. Wayne, Debbie Hicks of Lansing, Karen (Kenton) Rawlinson of Holt, and Sharon Hicks of Lansing; grandchildren, John Hicks, Jaydin Hicks, Jaxson Hicks, and Brooke Mangold; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Oral, and stepfather, Richard.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation was held at 10 a.m. Interment was at 2 p.m. at the Dewitt Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Donations may be made to the Mills Funeral Home in care of Brian’s family. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com

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Valerie Peck

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Valerie Jean (Miller) Peck, 63, of Charlotte, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Valerie was born September 29, 1958, in Charlotte, the daughter of Dennis and Phyllis (Garnsey) Miller. She attended Olivet High School where she met the love of her life Harold Peck Jr. In 1978 Valerie and Harold got married, and together they raised two daughters. Valerie worked as a baker and cook most of her life. She was known for her cake decorating abilities. Valerie also enjoyed playing bingo, doing jigsaw puzzles, trips to the casino, bird watching, camping, playing board games, and spending time with her family.
Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Harold; daughters, Jessica (Jason) Garvie, and Jennifer (Chris) Broskey; grandchildren, Emily, and Andrew Broskey, Allison, and Aaron Garvie; mother, Phyllis Miller; siblings, Victoria (Ernest) Miller, Ronald Miller, Steven Miller, Linda (Wayne) Miller, and Jane Beck; and numerous extended family members and close friends. She was predeceased by her father, Dennis Miller; niece, Charity Garvie; nephews, Dennis Miller, and Nathan Miller.
Friends are encouraged to support Valerie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Valerie for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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John Clarence Evans Jr.

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John Clarence Evans, Jr., age 65, passed away due to leukemia on September 4, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in Eaton Rapids. He was born on November 21, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska to parents John Clarence Evans, Sr. and Sarah Marjorie (Cain) Evans.
He married Lavonna in 1985 and they shared 36 years together. He adored Lavonna and was the world’s best dad to his girls, Lynnsilee and Elise. His granddaughter, Nadia was the twinkle in his eye. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1973 and completed a degree in computer sciences at LCC. John started his career at Mobile TV in Lansing, MI, and then transitioned to Spartan Electronics in Jackson for over 20 years. He studied to become a Master CNE (one of only eight in the nation receiving this designation). He dedicated the rest of his career with Michigan State University as a Systems Administrator.
John was a very punny guy and his laugh was contagious to all around him. He was a wonderful friend to many. He shared a love for dad jokes, Astronomy, MSU, the Timeless series, good food, and his church, Thrive Church (formerly Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church).
John is survived by his wife, Lavonna Lee (Craig) Evans; his daughters, Lavonna Lynnsilee (Adrian) Alvera and Elise Evans; granddaughter Nadia Alvera; sisters, Sharon (Darren) Frye and Ruth (John) Slate; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and great aunts, Ruth Manion and Pearl Runyan, who were very dear to him.
The family would like to thank the caregivers on 5 West (Sparrow’s oncology floor), his MSU colleagues, Thrive Church, and extended family for all of their love and support for John.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, 1140 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the Evans family. The family was served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
A visitation was held last year on September 10, 2021, at Gorsline Runciman, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, 1709 East Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI. A celebration of John’s life was held last year on Grandparents Day, September 12, 2021, at the MSU Horticultural Gardens (attendees were invited to wear their MSU attire and share a private dad joke or pun with the family).
Note from the family: It has been brought to our attention that there are some community members who are still not aware of John’s passing. Please accept our sincere apologies for neglecting to share the obituary in our local paper at that time. Though it has been nearly a year, our loss still feels recent, and an empty place resides in our hearts.

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Nihl Charles Storey

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Funeral Services:

Nihl Charles Storey of Jackson, MI passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022, at the age of 87. Nihl was born on October 4, 1934, in Jackson, MI the son of Nihl and Virginia (Wilcox) Storey. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he excelled in sports and was named to his senior year (1953) Honorable Mention All-State Football Team. Nihl proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957 where he was honorably discharged as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He moved to California where he continued his education at Santa Rosa Junior College and San Jose City College. Nihl worked for IBM while in California and upon moving back to Michigan he owned and operated numerous businesses including, Storey’s Sports Land, Storey’s Tree and Chimney Services, Storey’s Cart and Fix, Storey’s Pre-Cast and Storey Stone Company. Nihl was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the American Legion, The Moose Lodge and the Free Masons. He enjoyed flying and built three of his own planes, building model aircrafts, reading, golfing, bowling and leather crafting.
Nihl is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Dempsey; and brother, James Storey.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Diane Storey; children, Debra (Brad) Ommodt, Pamela (Mike) Rooney, Nihl (Lana) Storey II, Teri May; grandchildren, Corrie (Brandon) Whitsell, Travis Ommodt, Dillon (Meghan) Ommodt, Christopher Rooney, Meghan (Thomas) Weller, Nihl Storey III, Jared (Kristen) Storey, Wyatt Storey, Roy Storey, Justin May, Jeremy May; great grandchildren, Jailyn Storey, Ryan, Erica, Adam Whitsell, Bernard, Maeve Weller, Ava Ommodt and numerous extended family and friends.
Per his wishes, he has been cremated and the family will hold a private going home celebration of his life at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Jackson County Animal Shelter in memory of Nihl. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Marie Ilene DeFord

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Marie Ilene DeFord of Eaton Rapids, MI and formerly of Lansing, MI passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 21, 2022, at the age of 88. Marie was born on September 21, 1933, in Lansing Michigan the daughter of William and Jessie (Evans) Gross. She was raised in Lansing where she graduated from Lansing Sexton High School class of 1951. Marie was the owner of Building Care Services out of Lansing where she did commercial cleaning for many large companies. She also worked briefly in real estate. Marie was a long-time member of Unity Church where she was involved in the Teddy Bear Project and a founding member of the Lighthouse Coalition with her late friend Theresa Hobbins. She loved gardening, painting ceramics, animals of all kinds and was an avid garage sale aficionado. Marie was known as “everyone’s mom” and was extremely generous, always looking for the perfect gift for a family member or friend.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
She is survived by her sons, Dane (Grace) DeFord, Jon (Shelly) DeFord; grandchildren, Derek (Melissa) DeFord, Monica (Adam) Shirey, Branden (Nicole) Cooper, Sonia Ybarra, Courtney (Blake) Weirauch, Christina Lopez, Steve Lopez, Jessica Lopez, Cortney Slusser, Kayla Slusser; 21 great grandchildren, three great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon immediately followed the service at Tompkins Township Hall in Rives Junction, MI. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Humane Society in memory of Marie. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Becky (Rebecca) Sue Jones LaRose

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Becky (Rebecca) Sue Jones LaRose, chef extraordinaire, lover of all things Halloween, Janis Joplin and classic rock, and tattoos, passed from this life on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
She was born April 26, 1981, the oldest of three siblings with parents Terry Jones and Wendy (Ten Eyck) Jones Allison; her brother, Daniel Jones, who passed away in 2012, and Benjamin Jones who she was a second mother to when he arrived. She was also the big Sissy to her much-loved twin sisters, Hannah and Olivia Jones, with her father and Susie (Loeffler) Jones. Her father, Terry Jones, predeceased Becky so she had loving arms to enter and her brother Dan to torture again! Listen for the rumbling!
Becky leaves behind three beautiful children: Mathias Stoecker, 21, of Charlotte, MI; Marah Jones, 17, of Lansing; and Malek LaRose, 14, of Mt. Morrice, MI. She married Brandon LaRose in 2009 and although they separated as a couple, they remained dear friends until the very end. She also leaves behind her parents, Wendy and Richard Allison, Jr., and Susie Jones, all of Lansing, MI, and her grandparents, Richard and Marjorie Gulliver of Eaton Rapids, now Grand Ledge. Also surviving are many loving aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews along with countless friends, and her beloved puppy, Chunk, who loved her unconditionally. To Becky, everyone she loved was family and family was everything to her. Her heart was gigantic.
She was a force of nature, that girl, a real spitfire. She was a true and loyal friend for life. She loved her babies fiercely and was a true Mama Bear. Becky was a true master of mischief, and was an awesome gift giver, tucking away an idea that is long forgotten by the person until a wonderful, funny gift appears. She was born in the wrong decade because she had a true hippy heart. She loved movie quotes and there wasn’t one you could catch her on, she was so good at it. She was a true character in orange crocs! There wasn’t one thing that she could not figure out and do. She was an amazing woman and will be so greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.
A memorial service will be held at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, MI, on September 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation an hour before. If you happen to have orange in your closet, please feel free to wear it! Tie dye welcome as always.
The family asks that you consider a donation to Glass House (Mid-Michigan Recovery Services) of Lansing, or the Greater Lansing Food Bank, which supplies food for the Glass House, in lieu of flowers.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”

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Robert Limauro

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Robert Anthony Limauro, 36, returned to the Lord, August 1, 2022, in Boerne, TX.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Robin (Labo) Limauro. He is survived by his father Michael Limauro, step mother Martha, brothers Jacob Bloomhuff (Taylor) and Lucas Limauro, sister Chloe Byington (Brent), nieces Aisley and Giavanna, and nephews Bronson and Brooks.
Rob graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 2004, and received his BA from Florida State University in 2008. After graduating college, he moved back to Michigan to be close to his family. Rob always had a love for Texas and moved to Conroe near Houston in 2019. He then moved to New Braunfels for work and then to Boerne, Texas. He enjoyed bowling and played in numerous leagues throughout his life. He loved God, humor, automobiles, NASCAR, Indy and Formula 1 racing, cats, golf, nature, Star Trek, politics, Texas BBQ, music, and singing.
Rob loved people, and many remember him for his energetic laugh and big smile. He had a friendly personality and cherished his life-long friendships. He was intelligent and funny. Rob had a big heart and a gentle soul. He will forever be remembered and dearly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held September 24, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home Gardens, 401 W. Seminary Street, Charlotte, MI 48813 at 12:00 noon.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Crosswalk Teen Center, 103 W. Lawrence, Charlotte, MI through www.crosswalkteencenter.org.
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 Robert’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).

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Elizabeth Fisher

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Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Fisher, 71, of Charlotte, a true American Patriot, died August 10, 2022. She was born November 29, 1950, in Battle Creek, MI to Harold and Rhoda (Woodland) Fisher. A graduate of Springfield High School, Betsy started her office career at Post Cereal, moved on to be Executive Secretary at GM Delco Electronics Detroit division and later became a homemaker, dedicating her time to being a mom and raising her two sons. An easy-going person, Betsy was a dog lover, a classic rock fan, and enjoyed going to DJ Bingo with the ability to name that tune in four notes. A big fan of the University of Michigan, she enjoyed watching college football, Hallmark Channel, and sharing evening quiz/game shows with family. Betsy adored and was adored by her grandson, and her family always enjoyed her witty one-liners and passionate advice. The gentle voice of “slow down and smell the roses” and the reassuring motherly response of “love you more” has gone to meet her Heavenly Father.
Betsy is survived by her sons, Matthew Bogusz, Brandon (Chellee) Bogusz; grandson, Blake Bogusz; siblings, Rhodie (James) Wiersma, Scott Fisher, and Carol Fisher; former husband, Michael Bogusz; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and close relatives. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any favorite veteran organization, homeless shelter, pregnancy center or animal welfare society as Betsy was always a true giver.
Friends are encouraged to support Betsy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Jennifer King

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Jennifer Rae King, a dedicated, loving mother and hardworking employee passed away on August 20, 2022. Jennifer was born on December 16, 1975, to Gerald Lynn and Sandy (Eaton) Archer. Jennifer’s smile lit up a room and set people at ease. In her youth Jennifer was a member of the Community Riders 4-H club taking part in various activities including riding her horse and barrel racing during the 4-H rodeo. Jennifer was a 1994 graduate of Olivet High School.
Jennifer loved spending time in the kitchen especially at Christmas which was her favorite holiday. She is known for her Christmas cookies and baking and decorating cakes. Her favorite cake may have been the wedding cake she baked for her son Jacob and his bride Salena. Highly respected by her coworkers at Consumers Energy, Jennifer worked as an exceptional customer service agent for many years and was a trainer for new employees at Consumers. Family was the central part of her life and she will be missed by each one, even her two cats.
Jennifer leaves behind her parents, Gerald (Sandy) Archer; children, Jacob (Salena) Emery, Jared Emery, and Hannah King. She was preceded in death by her brother, Andrew Archer and nephew, Seth Archer.
The family hosted a celebration of her life on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the Gift of Life or The Humane Society in her memory. Memories may be shared on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Jennifer’s funeral 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 Jennifer’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).

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